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(Excerpts from Pastor’s sermon during the Graduation Service of GBI, Vizag, on 26th April 2025, based on 2 Timothy 2:19–26)

Introduction

The Holy Spirit often used vivid images in Scripture to reveal spiritual truths. In 2 Timothy 2:19-21, Paul describes the church as a “great house” filled with vessels of gold, silver, wood, and clay. These vessels represent believers – some useful and honourable, others not. Through this imagery, Paul calls us to purify ourselves, that we might become vessels fit for the Master’s service.

1. Church, A Great House with a Divine Foundation that is Unshakable (v. 19)

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (v. 19).

In the previous verses (vv. 16–18), Paul warned Timothy about false teachers whose heresies were capable of overthrowing the faith of some within the church. Yet, despite the spread of error and ungodliness, Paul declares with confidence, “Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure...” Amidst the chaos, the true church rests on an unchanging foundation laid by God Himself.

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul had already affirmed that “the house of God, which is the church of the living God”, is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). The church stands immovably upon the truths God has revealed in His Word. No matter how fiercely falsehood rages, God secures His people upon the solid ground of His truth. It is no surprise, then, that the church is pictured here as “a great house” (v. 20a).

Paul further emphasises this security by noting that the foundation of God has a seal — a mark of ownership and divine purpose: “The Lord knoweth them that are his.” Like a stone engraving on a grand building, God’s mark assures us that He knows and loves each true believer, and none will ever be lost. As Jesus prayed to the Father: “Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none” (John 18:9; cf. 17:12).

The seal also declares God’s purpose for His people: “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” God’s ownership is never passive; it leads to active sanctification. True believers will not abandon God to embrace sin—rather, they will continually depart from sin, as visible proof that they belong to Him.

2. Church, A Great House with Honourable and Dishonourable Vessels (v. 20)

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour” (v. 20).

Paul continues his household imagery of the church, describing it as a “great house” filled with different kinds of vessels. Some are crafted from precious metals like gold and silver; others are made from common materials like wood and clay. In any grand home, vessels of honour are displayed proudly, while vessels of dishonour — used for refuse or waste — are hidden away.

In the same way, within God’s great house, the church, there are faithful servants who bring honour to His name, and others who bring shame through unfaithfulness, laziness, cowardice, or discontent. We are called not merely to be part of the house, but to be vessels of honour — clean, useful, and ready for the Master’s service.

No institution on earth is greater in God’s sight than His church. Serving Him within it is both a high privilege and a sacred duty. To be a vessel of honour in the great house of God is not something to be taken lightly. It is a calling that demands our best, and rewards us with eternal significance.

3. Be Honourable Vessels Fit for the Master of the Great House (vv. 21-26)

Paul exhorts, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (v. 21). Every believer, especially those called to leadership (like Timothy), must cleanse himself from false doctrines and ungodly practices warned of earlier (vv. 16–18). Only by separating from sin and error can one become a vessel of honour, set apart and ready for the Master’s use.

The Lord uses only clean vessels. Talent, intelligence, or capability alone do not make one useful to God. The Lord requires purity of life. If we flee from sin and live for Him, we will become instruments that bring Him glory. Are you purging your life of sinful attitudes, worldly habits, and ungodly influences? If so, God will prepare you for every good work He has ordained for you to fulfil (cf. Ephesians 2:10).

Paul then gives three crucial instructions to maintain ourselves as honourable vessels:

Flee youthful lusts: “Flee also youthful lusts” (v. 22a). Youthful lusts include more than sexual sins; they also include pride, impatience, quarrelsomeness, ambition, and all kinds of selfish desires. God’s servant must actively flee these things.

Follow righteousness, faith, love and peace: “Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (v. 22b). It’s not enough to flee from sin. We must also pursue godly virtues, alongside others who “call on the Lord out of a pure heart”. Running from sin must be matched by running towards righteousness with all the people of God.

Avoid foolish arguments and cultivate gentleness: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (vv. 23-26).

The servant of the Lord must not be argumentative and quarrelsome, but be “gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves”. Our goal is not to win debates, but to restore souls. With patience and prayer, we labour, trusting that God may grant repentance and rescue those ensnared by the devil. In your teaching and interactions, ask yourself: “Am I striving to win arguments, or working to restore hearts?” “Is my conduct and message drawing others towards Christ, or pushing them further away?”

To be a vessel of honour in God’s great house, we must flee from what corrupts, pursue what is godly, and serve others with gentleness. Then only can we reflect Christ, to the glory of God.

In Thanksgiving for the 37th Anniversary of GBPC

Reggor B. Galarpe, Pastor of Gethsemane B-P Church, Cebu City, the Philippines

Dear Pastor, Board of Elders, Deacons, and our beloved brethren at Gethsemane B-P Church (Singapore),

On behalf of the brethren here in Gethsemane BPC, Cebu, please receive our warm greetings on the occasion of your 37th Anniversary!

Every church anniversary is a milestone. It is one special occasion where everyone can rejoice for all the Lord has done in and through the church. And no doubt, the Lord has done great and marvellous things for the work of the Gospel that stretches forth from you in Singapore to the regions beyond, through the various missions enterprises, and even through the Bible Witness Media Ministry – publications, web radio and television.

On the home front, by the grace and mercies of God, the church has flourished in almost every aspect of the ministry, especially in the faithful preaching and teaching of the Word, causing the Church to be firmly established in the faith. Praise the Lord for the life and labours of Pastor Koshy, and the team of committed preachers among you. Likewise for the Board of Elders, Deacons and all the full-time workers, who serve alongside with zeal and fervour. Thank you also, our beloved brethren, for your love for God and His people, as expressed in your service, prayers, and support.

On this joyous occasion, I would like to exhort you with these words from the apostle Paul: “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:5-7). 

May the Lord richly bless you and continue to prosper your labours, and enable you to do even greater things for His glory.

Donald dela Cruz, Pastor of Gethsemane B-P Church, Pangasinan, the Philippines

Greetings to Pastor, the BOE and the church on your 37th Anniversary! The Lord has entrusted Gethsemane BPC, Singapore, with many fruitful ministries. Praise the Lord for your willingness to carry the load of the mission churches according to the strength which the Lord has bestowed on you. In spite of your own burdens in Singapore, the church is always thinking of the welfare of the mission stations. Your untiring love and faithful service have encouraged us in GBPC, Pangasinan, to press on to declare the Gospel work in new frontiers. 

We are very thankful for your financial support and prayer support for GBPC, Pangasinan. We can focus on preaching the Gospel because of your great help. My family and I can move around to places to preach the Word and, at the same time, be charitable to needy brethren, because of your cheerful giving. Sometimes, we experience bodily tiredness, but your prayers and examples of untiring labour in the ministry help us press on to serve. May the Lord always provide holiness, strength, wisdom and compassion to Gethsemane BPC, Singapore. 

The people from the neighbourhood have consistently joined the worship service for over a month. They bring along their children and other relatives as well. We are planning to conduct a 2-day DVBS in May with the children coming mainly from this area. This ministry is more sustainable because of the parents who are also joining the worship service. May the Lord grant us the opportunity to extend the Gospel work to other neighbours.

The Lord is also pleased to open another “Home Visitation and Bible Study” group in Calasiao, Pangasinan. The participants are the new group of people coming from the area. We plan to meet in one house, and another four brethren will join. Our home visits are currently at Binday, Pozorrubio, Binalonan, Asingan, and Lobong. We are visiting them twice a month. 

Praise the Lord for the provision and help for us to attend the Combined Church Camp in Cebu, from April 30-May 2, 2025. 19 brethren from here will join the camp. Praise the Lord for the love gift from GBPC, Singapore, which will enable us to give all participants a 50% discount on camp fees. Praise the Lord that we can provide transportation allowance to our carpooling drivers through the gift as well.

Pr Jeremiah Sim

Gethsemane B-P Church’s 37th Anniversary Thanksgiving is a special moment for God’s people to commemorate, reflect, and give thanks (1 Samuel 12:24). This milestone is a heartfelt moment for me to recognise the way God has led, guided and used me to serve Him in this church, and to recollect God’s goodness and faithfulness in my life these many years. The Lord has taught me many spiritual and wonderful lessons through the fellowship of the saints and inspirational sermons by the preachers. Beside these, I thank God for the privilege to serve, worship, and be in prayer in the Lord’s house, week after week.  My joy is echoed by the psalmist in Psalm 100:1-5, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” 

My prayer is that our church will be like a strong tree planted by the river and always nurtured by our Lord Jesus Christ, the true Vine. May we the branches grow to be abundant with fruits and be prosperous in the continually widening work of God in Gethsemane. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Judy Chan 

By God’s providence, I became a member of Gethsemane B-P Church seven years ago, and since then, I have been continuously sanctified by the faithful preaching of God’s Word in the church. Initially, coming to church was painful because I often felt ‘broken’ after hearing the sermons as my sins were exposed. But God was merciful not to let me go my own wilful way, and I was reminded by the preaching that “whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” (Hebrews 12:6). As time went by, God was even pleased to use me to serve in the church! Praise the Lord for preserving the purity of His Word in the church! 

I am also grateful to the Lord for the godly counsel I’ve received from spiritually mature brothers and sisters in the church. They care for my soul, and the Lord used their counsel to help me to overcome my stubbornness and obey God’s will. The Lord will surely reward their labour! May the Lord also raise up more godly young men to be future leaders of the church, and help them to respond to His calling courageously!

Elder Mah Chin Kwang

God’s Word in Deut 32:7 declares, “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” God’s call to remember, consider, and ask of the old days was for a blessed, spiritual purpose. It is that God’s people down the ages, through the recollections of their fathers and leaders, may explain to and direct the younger generation to the Lord God Almighty as they recount God’s wondrous works. This we must do on this blessed occasion, and for always.

The blessedness of being involved in the conception, birth and growth of our church spanning four decades enables me to witness the constant gracious and mighty Hand of the Lord over our church. There are certainly many items for thanksgiving. I shall testify of one - the Lord’s answering a prayer of old. 

The prayer I made regularly was: “that our church would always stand squarely on the Word of God.” It was a personal but necessary prayer, as many controversies surround contemporary Christendom. I am convinced that the church that does not stand firmly on the Bible would, over time, drift away from the Lord. By His divine grace and providence, the Lord answered that prayer. He brought our Pastor in December 1990, who has served to this day. Notwithstanding the great need that our church faced, amidst much pains and tears, the Lord kept this church faithful to His Word, through the labours of His servant. Certainly, it is through the enabling grace of the Lord upon our Pastor that our church continues to take that stand. May we all rejoice, give thanks, and pray that the Lord will always give us such like-minded pastors and leaders. 

We rejoice in the Lord that our church is engaged in many ministries here in Singapore, in several other countries and beyond, as well as through the internet. However, more than this, it is the Lord’s faithfulness in blessing our small group by providing, sustaining and directing us that we ought to praise and thank Him for. All glory be unto His majestic Name!

Elder Lim Ah Sang

All praise be unto God for His goodness towards Gethsemane BP Church in all these 37 years! The fearless, strong, faithful and consistent preaching and teaching in this church against sin and worldliness must be treasured as the working grace of God. In addition, the timely providence of God for the many works He has entrusted to Gethsemane, as well as the weekly, well-attended prayer meeting (which at times involving fasting), is spiritual evidence of God’s presence in this God-honouring church. God be praised for working through us. May God keep us humble and continue to work in and through us for His glory.

In the last days, perilous times shall come, and they are here now. Are we not seeing some of the signs that indicate the imminence of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Matt 24)? What is our response to Jesus’ question in Luke 18:8b, “when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” May Gethsemaneans take to heart this question of the Lord. May none of us be found among those who fall away, or those whom Jesus will profess in the day of judgment: “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:23).

May God be gracious and merciful, keeping us true and faithful to Him. Let us persevere in His works with much love and prayer for one another, and with a pure heart, as we serve our Great God and King. To God be the glory.

Elder Low Boon Siang

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 136:1).

I thank God for Gethsemane BP Church, a Bible-believing church firmly grounded in sound doctrine. Since my conversion at 18, I have spent the past 23 years as a Christian here, experiencing His marvellous grace and goodness. Throughout these years, God has faithfully guided and preserved me through various seasons of life, including my time as a student, in the army, as a working adult, in marriage, in parenting, and as a church elder. Though there were many struggles and temptations, God has always been my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Secondly, I thank God for the faithful preaching in this church. Through our Pastor’s exhortation of the Word, I was often rebuked, corrected, and instructed in the way of the Lord. Although at times painful, these teachings were necessary for my spiritual growth, guiding me along the path of righteousness. I also thank God for the many godly examples in the church—young and old, single and married, parents and grandparents—who have demonstrated how Christians can live abundant lives in Christ. Their testimonies encourage me to walk faithfully and strive to be a godly example to the generations to come.

To all in Gethsemane BP Church, especially the youths and young adults, I urge you to cherish the Word of God, for it is your most trusted guide in life. Be consistently fed by God’s Word so that your ways align with His will, and you may live a God-honouring life that blesses others. As J.C. Ryle wisely said, “Happy is that man who possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and practice!”

As we commemorate 37 years of God’s faithfulness, may we press on in faith, trusting in His grace and serving Him with gladness. “Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him” (Deut 13:4).

Elder Ng Poh Kok

“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3).

Looking back fifteen years ago, the Lord drew my family to Himself, deepening our spiritual life to realise the hope and experience the favour He granted us. His divine providence has seen us through many trials and wonderful lessons in life. When we joined GBPC, we were warmly received into the fellowship of God’s people, and with that experience, we wanted others to feel the same too. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed, but God is able to help, and God is able to do more than we can think and do.

I thank the Lord for raising up a banner of truth, GBPC, in a time like this, to champion the cause of Christ and to make Him known in many countries. As we celebrate the 37th Anniversary of GBPC, may the love of God continue to transform the lives of many and make us channels of blessing to others. Let me bring to your remembrance a quotation from missionary C.T. Studd: “Only one life to live ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” 

Elder Francis Lee

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Ps 103:1-2). 

On this 37th Anniversary of Gethsemane B-P Church, I thank God for His bountiful blessings upon the church, which has grown from a small band of eight people (when our Pastor came here to serve in early 1991) to the present-day congregation of almost 400 members and regular worshippers. By the Lord’s grace, we have increased in numbers to be used by Him to bring the Gospel message near and far, from Singapore to many overseas countries. I also thank God for giving us faithful ministers of His Word – our Pastor and our faithful preachers – who have laboured tirelessly to teach us the Word of God. Praise God that our church has proclaimed and defended God’s Word faithfully for the past 37 years, as the pillar and ground of God’s Truth (1 Tim 3:15b). 

May we, in thankfulness for God’s blessings upon our church, respond by dedicating ourselves to do His will and abound in the work of the Lord. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom 12:1-2). Let us not be moulded by the world but be spiritually transformed, exercising our spiritual gifts (Rom 12:6-8) to serve the Lord with humility (Rom 12:3), with unity (Rom 12:4-5), with genuine love in truth (Rom 12:9-10), with diligence (Rom 12:11), and with hope, patience and prayer (Rom 12:12).

Pastor Prabhudas Koshy

Looking back, I marvel at the divine Hand that has been at work in my life and ministry, orchestrating events in ways I could never have foreseen. My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude to our faithful and merciful God.

I did not know that God, through the efforts of Elder Mah Chin Kwang and other brethren, had begun a small congregation that would later become my place of pastoral ministry. Yet, in His perfect timing, as soon as I completed my first four-year course in theological studies, the Lord led me to this very church—Gethsemane BPC—where He had prepared a field for me to labour in His name.

Here, in the loving fold of this congregation, God continued to pour out His blessings. He granted me a wife who has stood by my side, persevering in faith and devotion, as we together served Christ in His church. Through the years, He has blessed us with three children, each now married and blessed with children of their own. And by His grace, we, as a family, have been given the privilege to serve the Lord full-time in various ministries, both locally and overseas.

Yet, beyond our immediate family, we rejoice in the greater family God has given us in GBPC. This church has been a place where we have received the warmth of His love and care, where we have been edified in the truths of His Word, and where we have co-laboured with dear brethren for the salvation of more souls and the furtherance of His glorious Gospel.

As we reflect on God’s goodness, let us be encouraged by His promise in Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Our labour in the Lord is never in vain, and He is ever faithful to remember the sacrifices made for His name’s sake. To God be all the glory, honour, and praise. Amen.

As announced over the past few Sundays, our church’s ACM 2023 will be held today at 4p.m. in SingPost L5 Auditorium. The ACM documents have been uploaded to our church website for all the church members’ perusal. I urge all church members to be present, as this meeting is to be held, according to our church constitution, at least once annually to consider our congregation’s affairs.

How to Prepare for the ACM:

Pray for reverential and orderly conduct by all participants of the ACM, for the Bible instructs us concerning all church meetings, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). 

Please plan and make necessary arrangements to attend the ACM, and come to the venue 15-20 minutes early to sign in to enter the auditorium. This would help towards the counting of participants and the determining of the quorum to proceed with the meeting.

Let us pray for the Pastor and Elders (office bearers of the church), that the Spirit of God would empower them to conduct the meeting with wisdom, and present all reports of the past year as well as plans for the upcoming year faithfully and skilfully. 

If church members have any questions on the reports or plans, please submit the questions early for the office bearers to provide studied answers. 

Though ACM is a business / administrative church meeting, we must be mindful to do all things according to the counsels of God’s Word with great reverence and thanksgiving to God, who has blessed the church spiritually and physically. Let us all gather together with boundless praise for the Lord. “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). May our thoughts be about His goodness. Let every heart rejoice and give thanks unto the Lord. “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7). 

The church leaders and members must participate in the meeting with mutual love and respect. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). We must avoid all belligerent, fault-finding, slanderous, provocative, and quarrelsome attitudes. 

Let us not forget the biblical admonition that we should be “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). “A house divided cannot stand.”

Our recollection and evaluation of the past year’s ministries (local and overseas), as well as our awareness of the needs and burdens of the present and new ministries, must create within us a humble and ready spirit to serve the Lord faithfully and fervently in the coming year. May we renew our commitment, and consecrate ourselves to serve Him joyfully and enthusiastically.

May the Lord bless our gathering together. May we acknowledge and carry out our stewardship responsibilities faithfully, as we joyfully seek to serve our God out of hearts full of gratitude in thanksgiving for the indescribable gift given to us in His Son!

Biblical Guidelines for Orderly Worship

Paul has laid down much-needed principles for orderly worship services. Sadly, the Corinthian church had been conducting their worship services as they felt best - a kind of free, spontaneous worship service where anyone could sing a hymn, prophesy or speak in tongues. However, Paul sharply rebuked such a disorderly, chaotic conduct of worship and instructed the church with some guidelines. Paul insisted on orderliness and purpose in the church’s public gatherings, as attested to in 1 Corinthians 14:26-40.

Worship must not consist of free-for-all, spontaneous activities: The Corinthian church had not maintained order when they gathered for worship. Everyone did as he liked – hence, Paul asked, “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying” (v. 26). Our conduct should not distract other worshippers from truly worshipping the Lord in spirit and truth.

Worship services must be edifying: Everything done during public worship must be intended to bring about the building up of the church. Promoting spiritual growth and maturity of the church must be the chief concern of all in the worship services. Nothing should be done with personal promotion or prominence in view but with others’ edification. “Let all things be done unto edifying” (v.26b).

Worship services should not be haphazardly put together: Even if several people have the same spiritual gifts in a local church, Paul did not permit them to exercise their gifts simultaneously. Paul urged that each service element should not be haphazardly thrown together with no order, but with meticulous deliberateness so there will be no confusion (vv. 29-33). We are reminded that “God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” Disorganised services can distract the worshippers from fully focusing on God. Those who plan the worship services must deliberate on what they include and how they order them.

Worship services should be led by those in the church leadership: Women in the church are advised to submit to men of leadership and not to speak in public worship (vv. 34-38). The principle of prohibiting women from questioning their leadership applies to all the leadership realms of the church, especially regarding the worship service. Neither men nor women in the worship should challenge or disrupt the church leaders who lead the worship service. Public worship services and other church activities must be planned and led by church leaders, and all worshippers and members should respect and submit to their authority regarding the worship service.

Worship services should be Word-focused: In vv. 36-38, Paul emphasised the declaration of God’s revelation. Today, the divine revelation received through prophecy is complete and is given to us in the Bible (cf. 1 Cor. 13:9-10; Rev. 22:18-19). So, the declaration and practice of the Word in the church worship service are paramount to God-honouring worship service.

We commemorate the 21st Anniversary of our Chinese Service today. A combined Thanksgiving Service is held together with the 8:30am English Service for the praise of Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Shepherd of the church. 

What a joy it is to witness three elderly folks joining our church today, through the ministry of Gethsemane Chinese Service! They have come to know the Lord and find fellowship in the Chinese Service and the Seniors’ Ministry. 

Mdm Mak Yock Theng (82 yrs), to be baptised today, has been coming to our church and ministries with her husband, Mr Ng Weng San (member of our Chinese Service), for several years. They are the parents of Bro. David Ng (TGCM staff), who has been praying for their salvation and encouraging them to turn to Christ in faith. Likewise, Mr Tay Nga Nga (72 yrs) was brought to our church by his daughter (a non-Gethsemanean) who joins our church services occasionally. He has been regularly worshipping in the Chinese Service in recent years. Mr Yap Yam Hua (88 yrs), a Christian living alone, was introduced to us by his nephew. Having attended our church services for a few years, he has decided to transfer his membership to our church. 

Let us continue to pray for the Chinese Service and the labour of Pr Daniel Lim in preaching the Word for the spiritual nurture of all who attend this church ministry. We also pray for Elder Alan Choy, Dn Gan Chin Hwi and others who serve along with Pr Daniel. May the Lord purify and preserve all the brethren for His coming and for His eternal kingdom.

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Testimonies of Candidates of Transfer of Membership

Ho Xiu Ling

I’m a first-generation Christian. The Gospel seed had been sown in my heart since childhood when I attended a Methodist primary school. I heard the Gospel through the school’s chapel services and Christian fellowship in school. 

I started to attend church together with my siblings when my sister’s church friends reached out to us after my mother passed away when I was at the age of 12. Not too long after that, I accepted Christ in my life.

God has always been wonderful in my life. He is my comfort, strength and provider. I received baptism by faith when I was 15 years old. The Word of God has helped me to stay faithful and not stray away from it into worldly things.

Since I met my fiancé James 2 years ago, I started to attend the same church as him at Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church. I have grown more in faith over this period of time. Thank God for all the blessings in my life. To God be the glory!

James Voon

Though I was born into a non-Christian family, my parents decided to enrol me in mission schools since kindergarten. This was because of my quiet and reserved nature. My parents were hopeful that this would help me to open up to others. Thus, from kindergarten all the way to my secondary school, I was exposed to the Gospel. It was during one of the Bible study sessions in my primary school, that I was convicted of my sins, and I accepted Christ as my Saviour.

That was some 30 years ago. Through many years of ups and downs in my spiritual life, the Lord remains compassionate and faithful to me. I am now a regular worshipper at Gethsemane B-P Church, having started worshipping there almost 9 years ago. Because of the sound preaching at Gethsemane and the fellowship I received, I have decided to become a member of Gethsemane B-P Church.

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Ministry Updates from Cebu, the Philippines 

Pastor Reggor Galarpe (Gethsemane B-P Church, Cebu) has reported about the church and its related ministries. Here’s an excerpt from Pastor Reggor’s email. 

“We thank you and the Board of Elders for the half-month financial support received. It’s a big help for our families, which is especially timely since it’s school opening also for our children. Praise God! ... Praise God that GBI-Cebu’s new semester has begun on 7th August 2023, with the Day of Prayer and Registration. Thank God for the enrolment of 18 students – with 4 of them studying full time, namely Johnny Rey Ebin, Dave Taburada, Synoname Estacion and our dear brother, Julius del Rosario… Regarding our search for a prospective church building, we have scheduled a meeting and ocular survey (11th August) of a property introduced to us. It is situated some 19 km away from Cebu City… We will keep you posted on this. Please pray for God’s help and guidance… Lastly, our greetings to TGCM and the Gethsemane Chinese Service on their respective anniversaries!”

Hostility, quarrel, acrimony, threats, slander, and hurtful actions have wrecked many a church; and such stories have saddened us deeply. If we do not guard ourselves against sin and self-promoting ways, our congregation will be wrecked with dissension. Today, I would like to share with you, Scripture’s counsel on guarding ourselves against disunity and division. Let us also take heed to pray that “there be no divisions among [us]; but that [we] be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). 

Disharmony and disunity have existed in the church since New Testament times. The church in Corinth, for one, was most disreputable for its quarrels. 

Why Do People Quarrel?

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1). Quarrels have long been part of human society. The source of all fightings is man’s sinful heart. Man’s depraved, egoistic nature is the root of all discord and dispute. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). Man is predisposed to his personal desires and whims. Unless believers “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication” (Colossians 3:8), they would also be tempted to live for self-interest and self-glory, resulting in bitterness and acrimonious conduct. When two or more people are determined to pursue their own personal agendas, they will soon begin to fight.

Church and Quarrels

Sadly, uncharitable contentions do occur in the church. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it” (1 Corinthians 11:18; cf. 1:11) – the reason being that “ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). Here, Paul is not saying that believers were in a totally carnal state, but that the Corinthians had been behaving in a carnal or fleshly manner. When believers do not walk in the Spirit, they succumb to the impulses of the flesh. This is why believers are reminded: “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:16-17).

It is totally out of character for Christians to engage in quarrels and divisions within the church. It undermines the church’s testimony and effectiveness in the world. It gives an occasion for the devil and the world to scorn the church. It grieves the Lord; it discourages and demoralises His people. In Galatians 5:15, Christians are admonished: “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Quarrels fracture fellowship, rob Christians of their joy, weaken their effectiveness and dishonour the Lord. What a high price to pay for an ego trip!

Church and Unity

God has forbidden quarrels in the church. Instead, He encourages unity within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul admonished the feuding Corinthians: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

The first need of the Corinthian church was harmony among its people. It is also the need of many churches today. Note that this unity comes with proper judgment, being of “the same mind and … the same judgment”. Anything less is not true spiritual unity. Hypocritical unity that tolerates doctrinal errors and unholy living is not what is taught here. We are not simply to be in unity indiscriminately and avoid all conflicts, though people pursue ungodly doctrines and unscriptural living.

When congregants differ in doctrine or strongly disagree with the church leadership and policies, they cannot contribute to the spiritual unity of the church nor serve effectively. Of course, believers are not “carbon copies” of each other. They differ in disposition, temperament, skill and giftedness, but they should be of the same mind in Christian doctrine and living.

If any kind of difference or dispute occurs, it must be resolved according to the Scriptures. Church leaders, who are men of knowledge and spiritual maturity, must make it a point to prayerfully attend to those issues, and advise the church what “seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to [them]” (Acts 15:28). No arbitrary ruling should be made, but the Board of Elders must make their decision unanimously, and in accordance with God’s Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their godly counsel must then be humbly sought and obeyed, for Scripture commands believers to “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). Faithful believers then must be in complete harmony with their leaders to obey God’s will. When elders are one in the Spirit, the congregation should submit to the directions given to them by the elders.

Such unity would require much effort and prayer. But it is God’s way for His church to enjoy the sweet blessings of unity, as Paul said to the Philippians, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). Let us remember the psalmist’s praise of brotherly unity – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

Dear Gethsemaneans, let us always endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6), and make Paul’s prayer for the Roman church ours: “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:5-7).

Church “Without Murmurings and Disputings”

Philippians 2:14 exhorts, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings”. We are dissuaded from engaging in two evils, namely murmuring and disputing. Interestingly, the apostle is concerned that some may engage in spiritual activities with murmuring and disputing. In other words, they practise religion without sincerity and joy. When God-given duties are done with murmuring and a disgruntled spirit, such service will be unacceptable. So, all Christians must guard themselves against such evil conduct. Both of those sins must be abhorred and avoided if our services are to be effective and helpful.

Some murmur against God and His servants, like the Israelites in the wilderness when experiencing a time of scarcity. In Numbers 11, we read about them: “And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: but now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” (vv. 4-6; cf. Exodus 15:24; 16:7-9).

Others murmur because they are discontented with and envious of the godly men and women whom God uses (cf. Numbers 14:1-4; 16:41; Mark 14:5). There are also some others who murmur because of their unbelief and their bigoted desire to spread their sedition (cf. Luke 15:2; Jude 16).

The spirit of murmuring is perilous. The Word of God cautions us, “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10). Murmuring is often the result of envy, discontentment, bitterness, pride and unbelief. It results in many evil deeds, such as gossip, backbiting, slander, usurping of authority, defiance, sedition, dissension and schism. Murmuring is not just a dispute with man, but also with God! So, serve the Lord without any murmur or dispute.

In Second Corinthians, Paul records for our learning how the brethren in Macedonia were motivated by love to spend and be spent. This record has an interesting background. While Paul was making his way through Europe, he made some effort to collect money for the hurting believers in Jerusalem. When he reached Macedonia, he announced the need of the fellow Christians in Jerusalem. What adds to the significance of this whole episode is that Macedonia was already an economically depressed area. It would be like encouraging some of the mission churches in poorer areas of the Philippines to support those in Ethiopia. This would be a strange appeal today! (Please read slowly and carefully the following words of Paul. Don’t skip even a word!)

“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

From the above report of Paul about the Macedonian believers, we can learn some important lessons about how we should practise giving:

Sacrificially: Macedonians gave sacrificially because they were giving out of their own poverty and not out of wealth. Take note of Paul’s report of their financial state when they gave towards the need in Jerusalem – “in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” The Macedonian Christians did not even have enough to feed themselves, when they decided to put together whatever they could find in order to support the needy Jerusalem Church.

According to Paul, “beyond their power they were willing of themselves” to support the brethren. What else could this be but their sacrificial love for the need of the Jerusalem Church?

Generously: Have you noticed Paul’s words about the Macedonians that they “abounded unto the riches of their liberality”? The word, “abound” means “overflow”, and thus a reference to their availability to help and bless the needy. Theirs was not a stingy giving. They were not calculating, to say “Look, we are already poor, and moreover we have to give to our own church. So don’t expect us to make another big gift to Jerusalem.” There was not a penny-pinching man among them. On the contrary, they were liberal in their giving. How amazing!

Voluntarily: Though Paul announced the need of the Jerusalemites, he did not twist their arms behind their backs. Paul wrote: “I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” It seems that Paul was so stunned by their liberality that he was unwilling to take their exceedingly generous gift. So they resolved to persuade Paul to accept their gift. They were very happy that they could minister to the need of the saints.

A little later in the same letter, Paul encouraged this spirit of voluntary spontaneity in our giving: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Selflessly: When they gave, they were not giving to make a name for themselves. In fact, no name is mentioned in this passage. Paul did not even mention which of the Macedonian churches contributed to the need. A great proof of Christian giving is anonymity. Unselfish giving does not seek publicity, but prefer to remain anonymous. Jesus said, “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth” (Matthew 6:3).

Obediently: The final lesson we learn through the Macedonian churches is that giving is a matter of knowing God’s will and obeying it – “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” According to the Apostle Paul, such an unexpected contribution was the result of the Macedonians’ sensitivity and obedience towards God’s will. The reason why some people groan and moan when it comes to giving is that they are not keeping close to the Lord to know His will. When a need in the Lord’s work is announced, they argue against it and express their unhappiness over such a call even before they take time to consider the matter and pray about it. On the other hand, those who keep close to the Lord and constantly seek to know and do His will, will joyfully make contributions to God’s work. This is not only true in monetary gifts but also giving oneself in service.

We have much to thank God for – especially for the manifold blessings that we received during last week’s church camp (5-9 June 2023). The LORD’s goodness was abundantly evident in all aspects of the camp. We remember everyone who have laboured with sincerity and love for the smooth running of the camp (organising, logistics, music, chairing, preaching, etc.), for the safety and health of all the participants, and for the encouragement and edification of all through fellowship and acts of kindness. Above all, thank God for enabling His servants to teach God’s Word, so that our hearts may be renewed and revived to live a spiritually-minded, prayerful life of love and service in these end times – as we look forward to the coming of our Lord and Saviour.

Be Spiritually-Minded (A summary of the Camp 2023 theme messages)

While “the carnal mind is enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7a) and amounts to “death” (Rom. 8:6a), “to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6b). Those who live unashamedly according to their unregenerated, carnal self are in a state of spiritual death, which will culminate in eternal death or “second death” (Rev 21:8). All those who have sincerely turned to Christ in repentance and faith are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, that they may live as spiritually-minded people. 

Spiritual-mindedness comes through Spirit-given beliefs from the Bible. A spiritually-minded person acts on spiritual convictions that the Spirit gives according to His truths, which He has revealed in God’s Word. Such spiritual convictions stem not from personal feelings, thoughts, preferences, or opinions. Neither are they natural convictions resulting from external sources of people, occasions, or experiences. The source of our spiritual-mindedness is the Holy Spirit. “For 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). 

In every regenerated person, the Holy Spirit works to exert His spiritual principles. He instructs the saints and leads them according to His Word. “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). “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

Because all the regenerated people now still live in their sin-marred bodies, they will encounter “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Paul spoke of this great conflict he had within him in Romans 7:23 – “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” Here, “the law of my mind” that Paul mentioned is the spiritual or biblical principles of his mind as a Christian. But in the members of his body, he experienced a “law of sin”, or the carnal principle of the flesh that exerts its enslaving control. However, he says, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Like Paul, all genuine Christians can thank God for the enabling (and experience) of the Holy Spirit’s help to serve the Lord with spiritual-mindedness – though “the law of sin” works continually through our “flesh” or body.

Cultivating Spiritual-Mindedness

Our minds must therefore be carefully guarded against carnal influences and be guided according to biblical truths, in order to live a life pleasing to God as His spiritual people. Scripture cautions us in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Scripture instructs us to diligently keep and guard our heart / mind because “the issues of life” come out of it.

The following 15 biblical exhortations must be carefully observed so as to keep ourselves spiritually-minded:

1. Watch your mind and stop unscriptural activities of the mind [Prov. 22:5; 23:19; 28:26; Deut. 4:9; 1 Thess. 5:6; Mk. 14:38; Heb. 13:17], and call to mind God’s Word to repent of our sins [Mk. 14:72]; 
2. Depart from the vanity of mind and ways of the unregenerate people [Eph. 2:3; 4:17; Php. 3:18-19]; 
3. Avoid a doubtful mind [Lk. 12:29]; 
4. Have a ready mind to receive God’s Word [Acts 17:11]; 
5. Fill your mind with love for God [Matt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; Lk 10:27]; 
6. Embrace humility of mind in service to the Lord [Acts 20:19]; 
7. Adopt lowliness of mind in co-labouring for the Lord [Rom. 12:16; Php. 2:3; Col. 3:12-13]; 
8. Fight in your mind against the law of sin in you [Rom. 7:23-25; 8:5–7]; 
9. Yield your mind to the Holy Spirit [Rom 8:5-7]; 
10. Renew your minds according to His Word [Romans 12:2; Eph 4:23; Hebrews 8:10]; 
11. Have a biblically persuaded mind [Rom. 14:5]; 
12. Have oneness of mind (being same-minded, like-minded) with fellow believers in glorifying God and serving Him [Rom. 15:5-6; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; Php. 1:27; 2:2; 4:2; Philem. 14); 
13. Have the mind of the Lord [1 Cor 2:16; 1 Pet. 4:1; Php. 2:5]; 
14. Have a willing and ready mind to give / serve [2 Cor 8:9-12, 19; 9:2; 1 Pet. 5:2]; 
15. Hold fast to unshaken mind looking for Christ’s coming [2 Th 2:1-3; 1 Peter 1:13].

A Time to Give Thanks and Consecrate to Serve

Gethsemane B-P Church’s Annual Congregational Meeting (ACM) is required by the law of Singapore and our church constitution to “report on the spiritual and temporal conditions of the congregation and announce plans for the coming year” (Gethsemane B-P Church Constitution, 19.8). Though it is a business meeting, we must be mindful that we are essentially meeting to recollect and evaluate the business of the Lord’s church. As such, the ACM of the church must be conducted in a manner that is worthy of the Lord’s glory. The church leaders and members must participate in the meeting with love, humility, faithfulness and prayerfulness, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

We praise God for the unity and comradeship in Gethsemane, which has helped us to hold trouble-free congregational meetings over the past years. Let us once again prayerfully take heed to Paul’s admonition that we should be “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). “A house divided cannot stand.”

I would like to share two important biblical principles which Christians must maintain in their meetings. Please heed those essential principles, and let them guide our conduct in today’s ACM so that we may glorify Christ, the Head of the Church. 

Recollect & Give Thanks

The ACM should never be a platform for singing our own praise. “That no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Corinthians 1:29). Instead, it should be a time of much thanksgiving to the Lord, who has done great things for and through us. So, let us all gather together with boundless praise for the Lord. “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). May our thoughts be about His goodness. Let every heart rejoice and give thanks unto the Lord. 

When we thank God, we can neither ignore nor neglect those who sacrificially and joyfully serve the Lord in the different ministries of Gethsemane according to God’s will. We should commend them and thank God for them. Nonetheless, let no man seek his own glory but the glory of God. Let us humble ourselves before our great Saviour, as Paul did. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of” (1 Corinthians 9:16a). “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7).

The annual reports on the church’s activities, achievements and financial accounts should direct our hearts to praise His name. Let us “forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2b). Let us recall God’s protection, deliverance and provisions for every ministry and church member. Would God lament over us for our ungratefulness as He cried over the Israelites? “Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32). So, let our minds recollect the many helps and blessings that God has bestowed upon each one of us and upon the ministries of the church. 

Let there be no unthankful heart in the ACM! 

Renew & Consecrate

The ACM documents (minutes, reports, audited accounts, etc.) have been made available to all church members for their evaluation. The Board of Elders has advised the church members to read the ACM documents and submit their questions to the office holders early. If members have submitted questions, they would be answered during the ACM. 

We thank God that He has enabled the office bearers of the church to manage the church funds well for the glory of Christ and for the furtherance of the Gospel. By God’s grace, the BOE has faithfully managed the church funds for the worldwide Gospel dissemination and His servants’ support. 

Our recollection and evaluation of the past year’s ministries (local and overseas) must not cause us to be prideful or slothful. Instead, we must humbly renew our commitment and consecrate ourselves to serve the Lord faithfully and fervently in the coming year. 

We must render more labour to harvest souls here in Singapore and overseas. More consecration and generosity are needed to support all the existing and new ministries. We must not become weary or hesitant. Let us ask the Lord to increase our faith, resolve, courage and zeal for His work. As a congregation, let us arise in faith and consecrate ourselves to do His work according to His will. The Lord promises, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8).

What should be our response to the Lord’s call, guidance and promises as we evaluate the enormous work before us and the substantial financial provision our church would need?

Consecration! 

We should not be like the Israelites, who murmured against Moses, Joshua and Caleb upon hearing from the ten faithless spies who discouraged them from going into the Promised Land because of the giants who lived there. Though God’s providence brought them to the border of the Promised Land, and God’s servants relentlessly cheered them on to courageously go over the river Jordan to conquer the good land, they allowed their hearts to faint and fear. May none of God’s people in Gethsemane become a faithless coward in the face of this enormous challenge. 

What we need today is not fear but faith, not cowardice but consecration!

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope
And my will be lost in Thine.

Bible Witness TV, a web-TV ministry, is the latest effort of the Bible Witness Media Ministry of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore. God willing, this humble yet bold project will be available soon to all on the internet.

The idea of such a ministry was in our prayers and planning for almost two decades. The first step, which the Lord has enabled us to take, was the Bible Witness Literature Ministry in the year 2000, with the publishing of Bible Witness magazine. As we slowly built up our publications, we also endeavoured to make biblical resources available through various digital media (such as CDs and DVDs) and the internet (websites); hence we renamed the ministry as Bible Witness Media Ministry. In 2007, the Lord enabled us to begin Bible Witness Web Radio (BWWR), a 24/7 internet broadcast, which continues to this day. Realising the tremendous effectiveness of the internet, we exerted ourselves, with God’s grace empowering us, to build up our facilities. With the acquisition of Gethsemane Media Centre in 2019, a much-needed Audio-Video studio became a reality, and the work for BWTV began. Though many of our plans and efforts were severely disrupted by the COVID pandemic since March 2020, the Lord has enabled our church preachers, media staff, church choirs, and many of our congregants and friends to labour tirelessly to develop the content for BWTV. All glory be to God. 

Purposes of BWTV

The launching of BWTV is, firstly, for the spreading of the Gospel and sound biblical resources to all corners of the world. Indeed, our gracious Lord has opened another door before us to reach the world with His Word. May this effort help us to fulfil the honourable duty that the Lord has entrusted us in Romans 10:14-15 – “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Secondly, BWTV provides an avenue for many from the congregation of GBPC and like-minded churches to offer their services for the proclamation of Christ and His blessed truths. Through this ministry, our people render their God-given skills and abilities for sinners’ salvation and saints’ edification. Indeed, “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalm 68:11)!

Thirdly, BWTV offers a godly alternative at a time when secular media drowns the minds of our children and youths with ungodly and worldly content. BWTV programmes include special content for kids (songs, Bible lessons, Bible activities, etc.), as well as for youths and adults (doctrinal and practical lessons through discussions, Q&A segments, sermon snippets, devotions, prayer, singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, etc.).

Programming of BWTV

God willing, come 1st September 2022, BWTV will start on a small scale. There will be two channels – one for the kids, and another for youths and adults. These channels will provide new content every week. We hope to make most (if not all) of the content available on demand for repeated and delayed viewing. We hope in the Lord to increase the variety of categories as well as content in the coming months and years.

Viewing of BWTV

How can you access BWTV and benefit from its content? You can view BWTV either by accessing biblewitnesstv.com or on our church app, which can be downloaded from your app store (just search for “Gethsemane BPC”). You can watch BWTV daily as long as you can access internet via WiFi or mobile data services through your computers or internet TV, tablets, or mobile phones.

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Letter from Bogo & San Antonio

Dear Pastor Koshy, elders, deacons, preachers and brethren of Gethsemane B-P Church,

All glory and honour be unto the Lord our God and our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ! 

Truly, the Lord has been faithful and good to the two mission churches in Bogo and San Antonio. His grace and mercy have sustained the two churches for 14 years and 13 years respectively. All praise and glory be unto our ever gracious and merciful Saviour for His goodness and faithfulness upon the two mission churches. Since the founding of these two churches by our late brother, Pr Dominino, the Lord has done wondrous works and the truth of the Gospel has been preached. God’s works and words are indeed great blessings to His church and His people.

The Lord has hitherto sustained the church, that the brethren would be preserved. Although it is sad that there were some who had backslidden (whom we had not seen for quite some time already), nonetheless there are those whom the Lord preserves, and who have been joyfully worshipping with us and co-labouring in the work of the Lord. We have our own weaknesses, but God’s grace has strengthened us, that we may be overcomers. Praise be unto the Lord for His preachers and for His Word giving us instruction and reproof, that His people be preserved in the faith (cf. Psalm 124). The Lord be praised for the addition of new members to the two churches. Through the preaching of the Gospel and by His grace, these brethren have been brought to salvation, and have desired to be baptised and be members of the church. All glory be unto the Lord for His working in the hearts of these new brethren (1 affirmation of faith, 1 infant baptism, and 3 adult baptism). We thank God that one of the new members has manifested great desire to study God’s Word, and right now he is taking all the subjects offered by GBI Cebu.

Nevertheless, we had not been spared from difficulties and trials, especially in this time of crisis, but through them all, the Lord has sustained us. Through God’s Word, His people have been guided to continually trust and hope in Him. And the Lord has not failed, for He has provided jobs and work for some of the brethren. Likewise, we thank the Lord for having used you, our brethren from Gethsemane Church in Singapore, to show His love, care and provision for the brethren here in Bogo and San Antonio. Praise be unto the Lord for your untiring love, care and support for our brethren in both churches here. 

Thank you very much, Pastor Koshy, leaders and brethren of Gethsemane Church, for remembering us and for your support to us. Your prayers and generosity are very much appreciated, for which we constantly give thanks and praises unto the Lord. 

“Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth” (Psalm 105:3-5).

Sincerely in Christ,
Elder Eliezer Ortega