Dear brethren,
I look forward to our gathering together for the Watchnight Service. Come prepared to praise God at the Watchnight Service. To keep your testimony within the 5-10 minute limit, jot down your key points beforehand in a clear and concise manner. This will help you share effectively, and ensure everyone has an opportunity to testify. To encourage you to do the same, I publish the following article.
The Bible consistently encourages believers to approach God with thanksgiving. Psalm 92:1 proclaims, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High”. Similarly, Psalm 75:1 echoes this sentiment: “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”
However, it’s not just about feeling thankful; it’s about actively giving thanks to God. Many may feel grateful, but expressing thanks to God is what the Bible exhorts us to do. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to offer thanks in all circumstances – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” The Greek phrase, “in every thing”, implies a comprehensive scope, leaving no room for exceptions. This means giving thanks to the Lord in every situation life presents. We must express gratitude to the Lord in both positive and negative life experiences, knowing that it can change our perspective and bring us closer to Him.
Even in difficult situations like accidents, failures, or illnesses, we can find reasons to give thanks, trusting in God’s sovereignty and ability to use all circumstances for His glory. Romans 8:28 reminds us that all events work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. While individual events may not be inherently good, they contribute to a greater beneficial outcome in God’s plan.
As believers, we should maintain faith and trust in God’s sovereignty, recognising that everything in this world is arranged to benefit us according to His purpose. We should not be bitter or ashamed of our circumstances. Instead, we should rejoice that God is present and working in our lives. Let us shift our focus from worldly possessions to God’s redemptive work, recognising that all things ultimately lead to His glory.
In 2 Corinthians 4:15, we are reminded that “all things are for [our] sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” Let us be mindful to thank God in everything, trusting in His provision and relying on His strength, even amid trials and tribulations. He never forsakes us in our ordeals, and will use us for His glory.
Report by Juffrey Balicao
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).
The LORD and our God blessed this year’s YAF-YF Combined Retreat, held at the Waterfront Hotel in Kuching, East Malaysia, on the theme: “Living by the Spirit”. The retreat was attended by 108 brethren from both Singapore and Kuching, including adults, young adults, youths, and children. Over three days, the Lord preserved and strengthened the participants to feast and be nurtured from God’s Word, and to have a blessed time of fellowship during breaks and the game session. Additionally, God enabled all the speakers, namely Pastor Koshy, Pr Samson and Pr Cornelius, to expound God’s Word through 7 theme messages.
Upon arrival in Kuching, the participants visited the Kuching mission church station, and then proceeded to the retreat venue. This marked the commencement of studying God’s Word.
The 1st theme message was preached by Pr Cornelius, on the topic: “The Person and Personality of the Holy Spirit”. In explaining the relationship of the Holy Spirit to the Father and to the Son, Pr Cornelius emphasised that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, is sent by the Son, yet is co-equal with God. In expounding the reasons for the doctrine of the Personality of the Holy Spirit, he highlighted that the Holy Spirit has the attributes of personality, such as intellect / wisdom (1 Cor 2:10), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), will / volitional capacity (Acts 13:2; 1 Cor 12:11). The actions of the Holy Spirit are further mentioned, which are to guide (John 16:13; Romans 8:14), to teach (John 14:26), to testify (John 16:26; Rom 8:16), to convict of sin (John 16:8), to intercede, to restrain (Acts 16:7), to sanctify (1 Peter 1:2), to equip in service (1 Cor 12:7), to call for special service (Acts 13:2), and to assure us of salvation (2 Cor 1:21-22; Gal 4:6). Moreover, the Holy Spirit can be obeyed (Acts 10:18-24), mistreated / abused (Acts 5:3), quenched (1 Thes 5:22), grieved / angered (Eph 4:30; Heb 10:29), blasphemed (Matt 12:31). Pr Cornelius concluded the 1st theme message with the right response to the Holy Spirit. As believers, we must know how the Spirit works, and worship Him accordingly; we must live by the Spirit and submit ourselves to His leading.
To end the first day, Pr Samson delivered the 2nd theme message on “The Works of the Holy Spirit”. He highlighted the first four works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. They are the work of regeneration or quickening (Eph 2:5; 2 Cor 3:6), work of baptism by the Holy Spirit, work of the sealing of the Holy Spirit in assurance of the final redemption (Eph 1:13; 4:30), and work of indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19; 2 Tim 1:14).
On the second day, Pr Samson continued with the 3rd theme message, where he elaborated on five more works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. They are the work of adoption of the Holy Spirit (John 1:12; Rom 9:25-26), work of filling of the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:19-20) which speaks of the outcome of the Holy Spirit’s filling (desire to serve / minister, joyful singing, a thankful heart, and mutual submission), work of empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:41-47), work of equipping / perfecting of the Holy Spirit (Heb 13:21; 2 Cor 13:11), and work of bestowment of spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:1; 14:1, 12; Eph 4:11-12). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit intercedes for the believers (Rom 8:26), guides the church and believers (Rom 8:14), enables the believers (Acts 13:2), and comforts the believers (2 Cor 7:13; John 15:26). Truly, every genuine believer of Christ has the Holy Spirit, who is working in him mightily.
The 4th theme message (by Pr Cornelius) focused on “The Fruit of the Holy Spirit”. He firstly explained the two opposing forces which war in a believer’s life, i.e. the Holy Spirit and the flesh. The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) opposes the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Thus as Christians, we are responsible to obey the Spirit’s working in us, so that the Spirit’s fruit is preserved, increased, and strengthened. A healthy Christian life is one that bears fruit, whereas a life driven by the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. Though the fruit of the Spirit is to be distinguished from the gift of the Spirit, both ought never to be absent in a believer’s life. Without the fruit of the Spirit, the gift of the Spirit is thwarted and poorly applied. The participants were encouraged to have a greater devotion to God which will result in a fruitful character. Devotion to God includes fearing Him, loving Him and leaving sin (Eph. 4:22-24). In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul listed nine godly qualities or traits, which believers cannot pick and choose but are commanded to bear them all. Is it overwhelming for a believer to bear these nine listed qualities? It is only by the divine dimension that we can be kept from becoming frustrated and defeated in our desire to exemplify all these godly traits in our lives. The manifestation of the Spirit’s fruit in us is progressive and is never finished until we are perfected by God. Even in the areas where we have grown, there is always a need for further growth.
After being nourished by the Word of God, participants enjoyed a delightful time of fun and fellowship during the game session. The game masters guided them through the planned activities. We thank God for keeping everyone safe.
The evening meeting featured the 5th theme message, delivered by Pastor Koshy on “Living by the Spirit”, based on Romans 8:1-14. This session was intended for a “Gospel Night”, with seven visitors in attendance. We thank God for guiding the Kuching brethren to invite these individuals to hear the Gospel preached. Pastor Koshy began his sermon by underscoring humanity’s depravity due to its sinful nature—dead in sins, condemned, alienated from God, and devoid of peace with Him. He then highlighted the love of God, who sent His only begotten Son in the likeness of man to bear our sins on the cross, and grant eternal life to all who believe. He then directed the congregation to Romans 8, emphasising several key points: there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (v. 1); the carnal mind is sinful and leads to death (v. 6); the carnal mind is hostile towards God (v. 7); and Spirit-led believers are marked as the children of God (v.14).
On the last day of the retreat, Pastor Koshy continued with the 6th and 7th theme messages, preaching from Romans 8:1-14, under the topic “Living by the Spirit”. He expounded on the two opposing forces in a believer’s life—the Spirit and the flesh. The flesh, representing the sinful nature of man, corrupts the believer’s thoughts and inclines him to be carnally minded, which leads to death (Rom 8:6a). In contrast, the Holy Spirit liberates the believer from all sins, and takes permanent residence within him. Indeed, “to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom 8:6b).
The Holy Spirit leads the believer to desire, intend, and passionately love and serve Christ. Thus, the life of a genuine believer must be Spirit-led and Spirit-minded. Pastor Koshy reiterated that every genuine believer possesses the Holy Spirit, is quickened, freed from the bondage of sin, and is continually reminded of God’s Word and promises. He concluded his preaching by expounding on Galatians 5:17, which speaks of the flesh lusting against the Spirit. He warned participants that the flesh will persist in its efforts until one succumbs to its desires. Therefore, he encouraged everyone to continually fight against the flesh with the help of the Holy Spirit, and to walk in His leading. As a parting exhortation, he reminded all, “Yours is the call to become more than conquerors (cf. Rom 8:37).”
Finally, thank God for enabling the YAF-YF Retreat committee, led by Eld Low Boon Siang, to execute all the planning with unity of heart and humble spirit. Thank God for strengthening and giving good voices to the brethren who presented song items, and safe journey for all the participants. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).
Marcus Chui
I thank the Lord for the privilege of attending this year’s Combined YAF-YF Retreat on the theme: “Living by the Spirit”. It was a spiritually refreshing and edifying time, and I am deeply grateful to learn more about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and for the opportunity to fellowship with church brethren.
The retreat gave me a greater understanding of how the Holy Spirit works and how to worship Him rightly. One key takeaway is the reminder of Jude 20: “building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost”. I learned that worshipping the Holy Spirit is not just about acknowledging His presence, but also about yielding to Him in prayer and living in the Spirit. Through intentional prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit, we can grow spiritually and align our lives more closely with God’s will.
Another significant takeaway is the teaching on the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit. Regeneration is entirely an act of God, whereby the Holy Spirit makes an elect sinner spiritually alive so that he can respond to God’s divine call of salvation. John 3:8 – “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit” – beautifully illustrates that man is passive in this work of regeneration, and it is entirely by God’s grace that we are quickened to new life. I am humbled by this truth, and thankful for the Spirit’s transformative power in my life.
A third important lesson is the perpetual conflict between the flesh and the Spirit – a sobering reminder that our carnal tendencies are at war with the Spirit within us. Observing the nature of young children illustrates this truth—they display natural, carnal inclinations that reflect the fallen condition we all share (cf. Rom 5:12). Truly, “they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). This verse challenged me to reflect deeply on what dominates my thoughts and to examine whether I am carnally or spiritually minded. I resolved to devote my life to being spiritually minded, as it leads to “life and peace” (Rom 8:6b), in contrast to “enmity against God” (Rom 8:7) that results from a carnal mindset.
Finally, I thank God for enabling Pastor Koshy, Pr Samson and Pr Cornelius to faithfully expound His Word during the retreat. The 7 theme messages were spiritually enriching and convicting, helping me identify areas where I need to grow. I pray that God would grant me the grace and strength to walk in the Spirit daily. I desire to experience more of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23)—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance—so that I may be a godly testimony before the sight of God and my fellow men. May He continue to transform my life for His glory. Amen.
Joan Cheah
Praise the Lord for the retreat on the theme: “Living by the Spirit”. There were lots of spiritual lessons learnt, helping to ground us in God’s Word continually. One such lesson is that spiritual mindedness is “life and peace”, and involves fleeing carnality, which is “enmity against God” (Romans 8:6-7).
Another lesson is this: Not to grieve the Spirit is not to be engrossed with the world, but to be filled with thoughts after God. In this manner, we may bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Bearing the fruit is a mark of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which helps us to do everything to the glory of God. I am grateful to God for the works of the Holy Spirit, that I may have a regenerated mind and experience being born again (cf. John 3:3).
I thank God for real godly examples amongst us. I am particularly encouraged by many, both young and old, who displayed diligence and joy despite various challenges. Thank God for the labour of Pastor, elders, preachers, and the organising committee. I can see the Spirit’s leading through much love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance that have been displayed by them. Praise God also for the heartening spiritual acts of witnessing by brethren to the several visitors whom God had moved to come to hear the Gospel.
Besides being spiritually well fed through the exhortations, I also appreciate the physical aspects of the retreat. Much thought was given to the details, such as games, special snacks, and provision of umbrellas to shelter us from rain in boarding the bus.
May God grant me a continually thankful spirit, like the psalmist – “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion” (Psalm 111:1-4).
Samuel Teo
I thank God for the opportunity to attend the GYAF-GYF Combined Retreat this year, held in Kuching. Thank God for the time of learning His Word on the topic, “Living by the Spirit”, and for the sweet fellowship with the brethren. I also thank God for the opportunity to have invited some of my friends over to the retreat. One of them, whom I am planning to share the Gospel with, came to listen to the Gospel message preached by Pastor Koshy on Thursday night.
The key takeaways of the retreat’s 7 theme messages are as follows:
Our Christian faith will manifest in good works. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Moreover, “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Being regenerated by the Holy Spirit, we ought to be led by the Holy Spirit, living in submission and obedience to the Spirit, in order to bear the fruit of the Spirit. A healthy Christian life must be fruitful! Without the fruit of the Spirit, the gift of the Spirit will be thwarted and poorly applied.
May we live our lives fruitful to the Lord until He comes again!