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A testimony by Ricky and Stella Yang of God’s saving grace working through their witnessing! 

“Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, Lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.
Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.”

These words from the hymn echoed in my head as we witnessed, with solemnity and rejoicing, the ordination of one of the preachers at the conclusion of our church’s 7th Missionary Conference on 14 June 2024. The passion for souls and the testimonies from the missionaries to preach Christ even amid oppression and in custody, did not deter or distract them from the call to preach and win some to Christ; they spoke of how these things reminded us of the greater urgency and burden to rescue the perishing and care for the dying, and be truly Proclaimers of Faith “Under Fire” – which was the theme of the Missionary Conference. 

On 17 June 2024, shortly after our return from the Missionary Conference, we received a call that one of our relatives, Mr Louis Lee, was taken to hospital and was in critical condition. With the Missionary Conference messages still freshly imprinted and warmly glowing in our hearts, we visited Mr Lee at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Though Mr Lee was intubated and in discomfort, he was lucid and was able to respond in short breaths and nods. We praise and thank God for the timely treatment he received and, more so, for the timely reminder of the urgency to rescue the perishing and care for the dying. We shared the Gospel message with him and pointed him to Jesus, who is mighty to save. By God’s amazing mercy and grace, Mr Lee readily said, “Amen”, and acknowledged his faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and expressed his readiness for baptism in the presence of his wife, Ailene. We immediately informed Pastor Koshy and he, together with Sis Carolyn and Eld Mah, visited Mr Lee and reaffirmed his faith that evening. It was such a relief to see Mr Lee’s condition stabilised and such a joy to see how his heart has been prepared by the working of the Holy Spirit, especially through times like this, to turn to Jesus Christ. All praise and thanks to God for saving Mr Lee, and for his confession of his faith in Jesus Christ through his baptism at the hospital. 

In our subsequent visits to Mr Lee, initially at the hospital and later at the nursing home, we prayed with him and regularly reminded him of the day he trusted Jesus Christ for salvation. We also learned during these visits of Mr Lee’s deep concern for his daughter, Marilene, who had Stage 4 cancer in her intestines and had been receiving treatments. Mr Lee repeatedly requested that we reach out to Marilene, and we said we would try. We also encouraged him to pray for the salvation of both his wife Ailene and his daughter Marilene.

We attempted to reach Marilene, and the opportunity came when we were informed that she was hospitalised recently in early February 2025. The Lord again reminded us of the call to rescue the perishing. We were so happy to receive a warm and hearty welcome from Marilene when we visited her at the hospital on 22 February. Though in pain and discomfort, Marilene was open to sharing with us the issues and concerns in her heart as she pondered over the uncertainty concerning which treatment option she should take for her cancer. We offered to pray for God’s direction and peace as she considered the options. At the same time, we asked if she would be open to us sharing the Gospel of peace and salvation. Again, through God’s amazing mercy and grace, she readily responded and said she had been considering doing Bible study with her neighbour. Praise the Lord for His perfect working and timing – her heart and soul have been prepared. Clearly and affirmatively, Marilene prayed with us, and confessed her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! 

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom 10:9). What a joy and assurance it was when she also readily expressed her desire for baptism, and encouraged her mother, Ailene, to come to Christ, too!

Marilene’s condition took a sudden turn on 24 February when there was a rupture in her intestine, causing excruciating pain and intense discomfort. Her condition suddenly became critical, and necessitated an emergency surgery that evening. All praise and thanks to God for seeing her safely through her surgery, which thus resolved the burden of the treatment options that were weighing on her heart.

This also impressed upon us the urgency of arranging for her baptism. We arranged for Pastor Koshy and Elder Mah to visit Marilene at the Intensive Care Unit on 25 February, the day after her surgery. Though drowsy in the morning, she was alert and responsive when Pastor and Eld Mah visited that evening. Though the plan was to affirm Marilene’s faith in Jesus Christ and conduct her baptism, what a happy day and double joy it was when Ailene also opened her heart to the Gospel’s call and expressed her desire for salvation in Jesus Christ and baptism. All glory be to God for His redeeming grace through the precious blood of Jesus Christ! Mother and daughter were baptised in Marilene’s hospital that evening.

“O happy day that fixed my choice, On Thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice And tell its raptures all abroad.
 Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray, And live rejoicing every day;
Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away!”

Salvation is indeed of the Lord. Through His marvellous and providential working and perfect time, salvation has been brought to Louis, Ailene and Marilene in these trying times and on beds of afflictions. Please continue to pray for the Lee household, that the joy of the Lord and the sufficiency of His grace may be their strength through this trying season and in their growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

All glory and praise to God! May the Lord be pleased to use us to “rescue the perishing”, “care for the dying”, and “tell them of Jesus the mighty to save”.

This year’s church camp (2nd–6th June 2025) will have two series of messages. Rev. Mark Kim (Principal of Bible College of East Africa) will preach the first series on “Churches & Missions”. I will preach the second series on the theme: “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Seduction”.

Rev. & Mrs Kim have been serving the Lord for 35 years in East Africa. They serve in BCEA Nairobi, Kenya, providing theological and practical training for individuals engaged in Gospel ministry. The Nairobi campus is home to a vibrant church, community outreach initiatives, and a kindergarten programme. In 2006, BCEA expanded to Tanzania to train men and women for Christian ministry, and in 2017, a campus was established in Rwanda. It will be a special joy to hear Rev. Kim sharing precious biblical lessons that God has taught him in the mission fields of Africa. May the Lord use His servant to illumine us to shine even more brilliantly for His glory. 

An extreme shift in the cultural and spiritual landscapes has occurred in recent years. This phenomenon reflects a growing departure from Biblical truth, luring many into a web of deception. We are witnessing the rising seduction of the last days, as prophesied in the Scriptures – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). 

The rising seduction of the last days poses a significant threat to the church, individual believers, and their families. We must analyse and understand these increasing deceptions and how they occur, so that we may guard ourselves against these perils.

The perilous traits of the last days, described in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, paint a picture of a society characterised by moral decay, self-centredness, and a departure from Biblical values – “… in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”.

In the light of the Biblical depiction of the last days, we perceive more ominous signs of deception – (1) an increase in false teachings, (2) distortion of the Gospel message, (3) religious pluralism, (4) moral decline and acceptance of sin, (5) spiritual complacency, (6) cultural pressure to conform, (7) persecution of true believers, and more.

We can no longer ignore the warnings of last days’ deceptions, as the signs of our times increasingly align with Biblical prophecies. They have infiltrated both the secular and religious spheres. No church shall be spared from their influence. Many are already swayed by their enticing messages within the church and worldwide. Christians must recognise such subtle invasion and resist these deceptive influences!

With Biblical warnings echoing through the ages, we must anchor ourselves in God’s Word, be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and be steadfast in our commitment to live by the Biblical counsels. Only by doing so can we withstand the tides of deception and uphold the faith, ensuring that we remain faithful amidst the challenges of these perilous times.

Amidst a world that increasingly embraces the seduction of the last days, we need to be equipped with the insights the Bible provides to safeguard believers living in these perilous times. Let us prepare for this year’s church camp with prayer and enthusiasm, to learn to “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Seduction”.

Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Seduction

This year’s church camp (2nd–6th June 2025) will have two series of messages. Rev. Mark Kim (Principal of Bible College of East Africa) will preach the first series on “Churches & Missions”. I will preach the second series on the theme: “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Seduction”.

Rev. & Mrs Kim have been serving the Lord for 35 years in East Africa. They serve in BCEA Nairobi, Kenya, providing theological and practical training for individuals engaged in Gospel ministry. The Nairobi campus is home to a vibrant church, community outreach initiatives, and a kindergarten programme. In 2006, BCEA expanded to Tanzania to train men and women for Christian ministry, and in 2017, a campus was established in Rwanda. It will be a special joy to hear Rev. Kim sharing precious biblical lessons that God has taught him in the mission fields of Africa. May the Lord use His servant to illumine us to shine even more brilliantly for His glory. 

An extreme shift in the cultural and spiritual landscapes has occurred in recent years. This phenomenon reflects a growing departure from Biblical truth, luring many into a web of deception. We are witnessing the rising seduction of the last days, as prophesied in the Scriptures – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). 

The rising seduction of the last days poses a significant threat to the church, individual believers, and their families. We must analyse and understand these increasing deceptions and how they occur, so that we may guard ourselves against these perils.

The perilous traits of the last days, described in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, paint a picture of a society characterised by moral decay, self-centredness, and a departure from Biblical values – “… in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”.

In the light of the Biblical depiction of the last days, we perceive more ominous signs of deception – (1) an increase in false teachings, (2) distortion of the Gospel message, (3) religious pluralism, (4) moral decline and acceptance of sin, (5) spiritual complacency, (6) cultural pressure to conform, (7) persecution of true believers, and more.

We can no longer ignore the warnings of last days’ deceptions, as the signs of our times increasingly align with Biblical prophecies. They have infiltrated both the secular and religious spheres. No church shall be spared from their influence. Many are already swayed by their enticing messages within the church and worldwide. Christians must recognise such subtle invasion and resist these deceptive influences!

With Biblical warnings echoing through the ages, we must anchor ourselves in God’s Word, be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and be steadfast in our commitment to live by the Biblical counsels. Only by doing so can we withstand the tides of deception and uphold the faith, ensuring that we remain faithful amidst the challenges of these perilous times.

Amidst a world that increasingly embraces the seduction of the last days, we need to be equipped with the insights the Bible provides to safeguard believers living in these perilous times. Let us prepare for this year’s church camp with prayer and enthusiasm, to learn to “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Seduction”.

Envision a church that has lost sight of its fundamental purpose, that is, to spread the Gospel and bring Christ to the lost. Its physical structure may be grand, but its pews are vacant. The cause? It has veered from its mission; as a result, it is weakening and fading, with its “light” being unable to guide the lost.

For a church to truly flourish, the proclamation of Christ must be its very heartbeat. This responsibility does not rest solely on the pastors and preachers, but on every single member. We are all called to be active participants in the mission of soul-winning, a task entrusted to us by Jesus, the Head of the church. As Jesus Himself declared, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He then passed on this mission to His disciples and, by extension, to us, saying, “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21b). Therefore, every committed church member, in obedience to his Saviour, must prioritise this soul-winning mission assigned by Christ.

The mission of the church, a divine mandate, is to preach the Gospel of Christ for the salvation of sinners and for their integration into the church for spiritual growth. A church that neglects this Gospel mission not only loses its purpose, but also faces the imminent threat of decline and eventual dissolution. Preaching Christ is not just important, it is vital for any church that aspires for true biblical growth. It is a mission that requires the active participation of all members in the church’s soul-winning efforts.

The apostle Paul stands as a shining example in the work of the Gospel. He shared with Timothy his dedication to being a soul-winner for the Lord: “Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10). Paul further urged Timothy, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). Let us be inspired by his dedication, and strive to follow in his footsteps.

Evangelism should be the foremost purpose of the local church, and is a fundamental reason for its existence. God’s current work is centred on the local church, and His eternal concern has always been to reach out with love to a lost world through the good news of eternal life. Consequently, evangelism must top the list of any church’s ministry. Leaders and members alike must engage in evangelism, not as an optional activity but as a command. Jesus proclaimed, “…ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This is not a suggestion but a call to action – a command from our Saviour.

Evangelism is more than a system or a programme; it involves personal engagement in the lives of others to help them understand and believe in Christ for salvation. It includes the message itself, and the demeanour and conduct of the messenger. Scripture instructs, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27a). Furthermore, believers are to be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life…” (Philippians 2:15-16a).

Despite much discussion about evangelism, active participation remains low. Churches often invest significant time and effort into various plans and programmes, yet evangelism is frequently neglected. Understanding evangelism starts with two principles. First, the local church is central to God’s plan for ministry in this age, making biblical evangelism a core focus of the church’s mission. Second, church leaders are responsible for training and equipping members for ministry and leadership, emphasising the church’s duty to prepare its congregation for Gospel work (cf. Ephesians 4).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 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! …So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:13-17).

This passage underscores the critical nature of preaching and the necessity of spreading the Gospel. It emphasises that the beauty of those who share the message of Christ is in the transformative power that their words carry, bringing peace and salvation to those who hear and believe. Thus, the church must embrace its evangelistic mission with fervour and dedication, ensuring that the light of the Gospel reaches every corner of the world.

A church committed to evangelism brings its leaders and fellow Christians immense joy. An evangelistic church ultimately glorifies the Lord. Paul commended the church in Thessalonica, saying, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; … For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, 8).

Beloved, our initial enthusiasm for spreading the Gospel must not fade. We must remain committed to evangelism, undeterred by difficulties or lethargy. How wonderful it would be for our church to receive a commendation like the one Paul gave to the Thessalonian church!

Let us all strive to be prepared for evangelism in our church. I encourage you, dear reader, to wholeheartedly dedicate yourself to becoming a joyful soul-winner for our glorious Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

James 5:19-20 exhorts us, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” 

This passage urgently compels us to understand the gravity of guiding an erring one into the path of true faith and righteousness. It starts with James urging us not to shy away from correcting a brother or sister who has strayed. He says, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him”. He emphasises the importance of gentle yet courageous intervention to bring such an erring one back from “the error of his way”. This isn’t about judgment or condemnation; it’s about love and concern for that person’s spiritual well-being.

The consequence of neglecting this responsibility is starkly presented in the verse. James warns that the erring believer faces “death”. This death is twofold – physical and spiritual. Spiritual death, often referred to as the “second death”, represents the eternal separation from God that awaits those who remain unrepentant in their sins. In the church, there can be those who have never been saved. Even though they are enthusiastic about doctrines and the Christian way of life, they do not seek Christ and His righteousness. They secretly entertain unbelief and sins in their hearts. 

2 Peter 2:20 speaks of them – “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” This passage highlights the dire consequence of continuing in sin, especially for those who have received knowledge of God’s will. The severity of the punishment aligns with the level of understanding and responsibility. Jesus also warned in Luke 12:47 that those who know God’s Word and yet deliberately walk away from it will be punished more – “And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.” This is a powerful reminder to respond swiftly with repentance and correction whenever we encounter sin.

James encourages us with a compelling reason to act to restore those who wander away from the Lord. An incredible reward is associated with restoring a brother or sister. James declares, “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” The act of saving a soul from death isn’t just about rescuing someone from physical harm; it’s about saving him from eternal separation from God and eternal torment in hell! The joy of leading someone back to Christ, His truth, and the path of righteousness, is immeasurable.

Furthermore, James mentions that the restoration of a sinner is tantamount to “hid[ing] a multitude of sins”. James is echoing Proverbs 10:12, which doesn’t imply covering up sin or ignoring the issue. True love requires bringing the sin to light and urging the person towards repentance. “Hiding” signifies God’s love, forgiveness and cleansing power, which become available to the repentant sinner through Christ’s sacrifice.

In conclusion, James 5:20 compels us to take responsibility for our fellow believers. When we see someone straying, we must reach out in love and firmness, not to condemn but to guide him back to God. This act of restoration not only saves them from potential spiritual and physical death, but also brings joy to us and to heaven itself. Let us all be instruments of love and correction, actively participating in restoring our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Remembering Mrs Ivy Tow

(This is Rev. Reggor Galarpe’s recollection of Mrs Tow, published in the Sunday weekly of Gethsemane BPC, Cebu).

Some of you may have met Mrs Ivy Tow in person during the 2nd Missionary Conference that was held here in Cebu City, way back in 2007 when her late husband Rev. Timothy Tow (our principal in FEBC) came for Rev. Ephrem’s and my ordination to the pastoral ministry.

It was just last week that I learned of her condition through Pastor Koshy’s message via WhatsApp: “Good morning! Mrs Tow is critically ill in hospital with advanced lung cancer. Though she has not suffered any pain or serious troubles, she is now suffering from breathlessness. Remember her in your prayers that the Lord mercifully strengthen her and finally guide her home.”

On that same day, I wrote an email to Dr Jeffrey Khoo (FEBC principal and son-in-law): “… I learned from Pastor Koshy about Mrs Tow’s condition. The church here in Cebu is upholding her in prayer. The Lord is merciful and gracious! Likewise, praying for comfort upon the family, especially for you, May Ann and May Lynn. May the Lord sustain Mrs Tow according to His will!” To which a quick reply came: “Thanks Reggor. Just visited her. She is weak, but finding peace in the Lord. God bless!” Then early Saturday morning, I got a message in my email, which I think was sent to all FEBC alumni, informing us that our dearly beloved matron was called home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Friday evening.

All of a sudden, I thought about Mrs Tow – her life and labour in the Bible College, and her love and care for the students. I remembered those several occasions long after my studies, when I dropped by FEBC for a visit (whenever I came to Singapore); invariably those visits would surely include seeing Mrs Tow at the kitchen. I further recalled in one Missionary Conference held in 2017 in Kuching, East Malaysia, when Mrs Tow spared some time to have fellowship with us – Filipino alumni of FEBC. I was with Eld. Richard, Eld. Eli, Pr Edsel, and Pastor Donald (together with his wife Sis. Se Jin and son Jesher), and several others. We had a great time with her, especially when she started to ask everyone about the ministry and our respective families. Thanks be unto God for the wonderful memories!

In reply to the email received, I managed to write a short message to Mrs Tow’s granddaughters – May Ann and May Lynn – through Dr Khoo’s email:

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). On behalf of Gethsemane BPC, Cebu City, the Philippines, our sincere condolences. We are praying for the Lord’s comfort and strength to be upon you in this most difficult time.”

Like the rest of the FEBC alumni, I do have fond memories of Mrs Tow – not only was she our college matron, she was also a mentor and a mother to everyone. “...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).

Matthew 4:19-20: “And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” 

These were the words of Jesus to His first disciples, Peter and Andrew. They were brothers. Previously, according to John 1:35-42, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, who pointed him to Jesus. Andrew then brought his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus and followed Him. They also abode with Him. We do not know how long they were with Jesus. It appears that they returned to their fishing profession. So, they had some knowledge of Jesus because they abode with Him and had conversations with Him.

Peter and Andrew returned to their town and continued engaging in their trade. They were casting a net to catch fish in the Sea of Galilee when Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. Seeing Peter and Andrew, Jesus called them and said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

It was not a call to follow a human teacher but the Son of God, so that He may teach, train and use them for the purpose of His Gospel ministry. He was not calling them to make them better fishermen of the Sea of Galilee. His plan for them was far greater – to be “fishers of men”. They were no more to be fishermen of the sea, but to win souls of sinful men by casting the Gospel-net over all the earth, wherever the Lord would lead them. Jesus individually selected them, and urged them to become part of His ministry of winning people to Himself. 

When going forth as “fishers of men”, they would never be alone. The Lord would be ahead of them because He said, “Follow me”. Jesus would always lead them. He would be their Guide and Teacher. He would be their Example to follow. He would be their Friend and Companion. If they would obey His command to follow Him, His promise to them was that He would “make (them) fishers of men”. 

Andrew and Peter immediately responded to Christ’s call obediently. “And they straightway left their nets and followed him” (v. 20). As disciples, Peter and Andrew’s commitment to follow Christ was an act of faith. We must neither vacillate nor delay when we commit to Christ because we understand His call. God’s kingdom still needs dedicated workers. 

Dear friends, the Lord still calls Christians to work with Him to win people for Christ. If the Lord speaks in your heart through the Bible passages you read or messages you listen to, do not hesitate to follow Him and do His work. He will certainly use you for His glory, and for the salvation and edification of many.

Testimony of Kynsai Kupar, a GBI India Student

I was born and raised in a Christian family. At the age of 12, I went to study in Sohra. Two months after arriving there, my father passed away. I studied in Sohra until the 10th grade. However, during my 9th grade year, I began experimenting with alcohol. It was more about having fun with friends than anything else.

After completing my studies in Sohra, I went to Shillong for higher secondary education. It was during these years that I fell deeper into substance abuse and all sorts of intoxication.

My understanding of the Christian faith was shallow. I would pray and read the Bible occasionally, but only because I was raised as a Christian. I wasn’t a regular churchgoer. By 2017, I was acting more like an atheist. I skipped classes and used my tuition fees to buy alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other substances. I lied to my mother, telling her I needed money for school projects when I used it for drugs. I lived according to my own desires, rebelling against any restrictions. Because I lived with relatives, I started coming home late at night and spending my nights drinking with friends in bars and at parties. I even went to music festivals with DJs, just to drink and party.

One Sunday, August 5th, 2018, a friend invited me to church with him. I declined, but promised to go the following Sunday. On August 12th, 2018, I went with him to a youth fellowship service. It was on that day that I heard the Gospel preached. The Holy Spirit powerfully convicted me, revealing my sinfulness, condemned state, and need for Christ.

I turned from my sins and repented, putting my faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross. My life was transformed. The Lord enabled me to leave my old life. I gradually distanced myself from my old friends.

Before, I loved dancing to DJ music. But after God saved me on August 12th, 2018, all that desire and those habits died. On August 15th, there were DJs performing at Ward’s Lake, and I actually went there with the intention of enjoying the music and dancing. However, it all seemed bland. I no longer had any interest in those things.

Now, I read the Bible regularly and love attending church. I have a strong desire to grow in my faith. When I look back on my past, I see God’s incredible mercy. If not for His grace, I would still be lost in my sin and condemned for eternity. God, in His love, sought me out and saved me, a sinner. Now, I have hope in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:11a—“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony”.

Satan and his hosts of demons have, according to previous verses of this chapter, been trying to destroy Israel and Christ and all the believers on earth. Satanic destruction has been unleashed against believers throughout the ages and will reach its climax against the saints of the Great Tribulation. He will try to destroy and slaughter all of the believing people.

However, Satan will be defeated. Notice what our text says: “they overcame him”. Believers will overcome all satanic opposition and persecution. How would they overcome Satan and his demonic hosts? According to our text, their overcoming of Satan and his demons was not by rebuke, incantations, bindings of demons or exorcism.

They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14 describes the Tribulation saints as “they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb”. Because of Christ’s blood shed for their redemption, no accusation would stand. No accusation against the suffering saints of the Great Tribulation would stand before the throne of God. In fact,  no accusation against any believer of any age would stand. It is not that they possess some personal power of their own, but rather that “God hath set forth (Christ) to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:25). As Paul said, “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:6-7; cf. Colossians 1:14). All of the accusations against us fall on deaf ears because we have been saved by the blood of the Lamb, even our Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:12, 14).

What’s more, the believers also overcame Satan “by the word of their testimony”. In a world filled with demonic treachery and opposition, their testimony never wavered. They remained faithful regardless of all the threatening situations brought against them by the fury of Satan. They were unflinching and unwavering in the face of hostility. Their witness was clear and steadfast. Truly, Christians do not surrender. As “overcomers”, they go forth bearing Christ’s testimony, even in times of satanic hostility.

Testimony of a New GBI (India) Student

Kynsai Kupar Thabah (from Meghalaya)

I was born and brought up in a Christian family. At the age of 12, I went to study in Sohra, and after two months of my stay there, my father passed away. I studied in Sohra up to my 10th standard. But when I was in my 9th standard, I started to have a taste of alcohol. This venture was more of an experience of fun with my friends. After I completed my studies in Sohra, I went to Shillong to continue with my higher secondary education. It was during those years that I started getting into substance abuse and all sorts of intoxication. 

At that point in life, I just had a mere understanding of the Christian faith. I would pray, and I would read the Bible at times, but I did all of these because I was taught to do so as a so-called Christian. Also, I was never a regular churchgoer. In the year 2017, I was living a life of an atheist. I would be absent from tuition and use the tuition fees to buy alcohol, ganja, tobacco and the like. I would lie to my mother, telling her that I needed money for school projects, but I used the money she gave me to buy these substances. I lived life to my own wishes and walked in my own freedom. I lived a wayward life, and I could never truly obey my mother. Because I stayed with my relatives, I came home late at night. The nights were spent drinking alcohol with my friends, going to bars and parties. I would go to festivals where DJs would be performing, so that I could drink alcohol and enjoy partying. 

It was on a particular Sunday (5th August 2018) when a friend called me up to invite me to attend a church service with him. But I declined his invitation, postponing that to the following Sunday. When the 12th of August arrived, we went to a fellowship meeting. It was a church service organised out of a request by the youths. It was on that particular day that I heard the preaching of the Gospel. At that very moment, there was a strong conviction of the Holy Spirit which made me understand that I am a sinner, condemned and guilty, and a hopeless person without Christ.

I turned away from my sins and repented, trusting in Christ and His finished work. There was a transformation in my life. I saw that God enabled me to leave my old life. I started staying away from my friends whom I was close to all along. I used to love dancing to the DJ’s beats, but after God saved me on the 12th of August 2018, all of those old desires and habits died. On 15th August 2018, there were several DJs performing at nearby Ward’s Lake, and though I went there (still with some intention of enjoying and dancing), all of the music played became bland to me. There was no love for such things anymore. 

I started reading the Bible and started to love going to church. There was also a desire to grow in the Word of God. When I look back at my life and the years which have passed, I see the mercy of God. If it was not for His mercy, I would have died in my sins and would be damned for eternity. I realise that God has sought and found me, even if I had run away from Him. God, by His grace, saved a sinner like me, and I have hope in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

In Thanksgiving Commemoration of 34th Anniversary of GBPC

Dear brethren, today we worship the LORD with hearts full of gratitude and praise for our salvation and our fellowship in the church, which He has graciously bestowed upon us. God’s gracious guidance and blessings have enabled Gethsemane to grow strong and stay united hitherto, for the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Singapore and in several other countries. Let us “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4).

An appropriate response that would reflect our sincere appreciation for His salvation and strengthening to serve Him would be to dedicate ourselves to do His will concerning us in the days ahead. We particularly want to recall and meditate on His plan for His people revealed in His desire concerning His children in Philippians 2:15 – “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

Herein is God’s expectation of how His children ought to be in this world of sin and violence. There must be a marked difference in their conduct from that of the unregenerate people of this world. Christians ought to shine as lights in this dark world. That would be possible if and only if they are what the Spirit of God urges them to be in today’s text.

First and foremost, as sons of God, Christians ought to be “blameless”. The original Greek word for “blameless” (amemptoi) carries the idea of “above reproach”. All God’s children must know that it is our Father’s will that we live a life that is not marred by accusations of misconduct. We must not allow any occasion to be charged with wrongdoing. This is not to say that we will not be falsely accused of wrongdoing. But rather we must not be insincere professors of our Christian faith. We Christians must be like Paul, who said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1).

Secondly, as sons of God, Christians are encouraged to be “harmless”. The original Greek word for “harmless” (akéraios) appears only one more time in the New Testament, in Matthew 10:16 – “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” The idea denoted by the word seems to be “without guile”. Christians are exhorted here to bear an untainted testimony.

A person who is truly justified by faith will surely pursue a sanctified life. The evidence of a sanctified life is expected in all God’s children. How could those who live unsanctified lives be truly said to be “sons of God”? Those who have become the sons of God by faith will have a desire to live a holy life, and will constantly seek to lay aside every sin that does easily beset them. God’s children will not become sinless immediately, but they, being guided by His Spirit and truth, will endeavour to please their Father by walking in holiness and bearing a good testimony.

A commitment to live a holy life is necessary, for all children of God are exhorted to be “without rebuke”. To be “without rebuke” is to live without giving any cause for complaints against oneself. Oh, how careful every child of God ought to be in this world, which is full of temptations and provocations! So, be watchful and be prayerful to bear a good testimony at all times.

Therefore, Christians are not to merge with the world in such a way that nothing about their faith and commitment is discernible to others. Such an idea of the Christian life is totally unbiblical. In fact, genuine Christians, being committed to a “blameless and harmless” life, will find themselves at odds with the rest of the society that is lost in their sins and unbelief.

According to the Scriptures, the world is “crooked and perverse”. Moses had used similar words to describe Israel who had gone astray - “They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation” (Deuteronomy 32:5). The Scriptural description of the world we live in is grim and sobering. It cautions Christians that the world’s sentiments and aspirations are perverted in the sight of God.

Hence, Christians cannot be an unobtrusive or harmonious part of the world by being similar in appearance or behaviour. To blend in with the world, in God’s sight, is to be dark as the world. He expects us to be quite the opposite. He exhorts us to shine as lights in this dark world.

In the Bible, “light” symbolises the Gospel of salvation, truth, holiness, wisdom, joy, and everything pleasant and bright in the sight of God. So, Christians are appointed by God as lights to declare and demonstrate to the world His character and purposes by all that they say and do. This has been underscored by the Lord Jesus. He said to all who followed Him, “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).

When we shine as lights in this dark world, we don’t become isolationists. The Bible does not teach us to live a hermit’s life by moving out of society. Rather, we are instructed to engage with others, not by following after their ways, but by showing them the light of Christ and His truths via our words and deeds. The designated place for light is the darkness where it is needed. Let us live in our societies as God’s luminaries to guide those who grope in sin’s darkness unto His salvation, joy, wisdom and peace.