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“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). In the immediate context, Paul elaborated on his indebtedness to preach the Gospel to the Greeks and the barbarians, to the wise and the unwise. He also wrote about his longing to be in Rome to preach the Gospel there. Though the Gospel was then unpopular in those areas of the world, as it is today, Paul was not ashamed of it. 

To the wise of this world, the Gospel was foolishness, yet it was Paul’s joyous passion to preach it (cf. 1 Cor 1:23). He preached it with unashamed boldness. Paul was not embarrassed to suffer for the Gospel (2 Tim 1:8, 12; cf. 1 Cor 4:10-13; 9:12b).

The Gospel’s unpopularity has compelled many preachers to compromise its content and delivery. They try to make the Gospel inoffensive. However, such a Gospel is not the “gospel of God” (1:1) or the “gospel of Christ” (1:16; cf. 1:9), but the gospel of man, which cannot save sinners. Unlike many modern preachers, Paul was undeterred in proclaiming the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

In the rest of Romans 1:16, Paul explains to his readers the crucial truths about the Gospel – “for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The word “for” introduces the reason why he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, and the reason he gave was: “it is the power of God unto salvation” (v. 16b). The word “power” comes from the Greek word dunamis, from which we get the English word “dynamite”. It refers to the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. The power inherent in the Gospel is “the power of God”. 

Through the Gospel, God’s infinite power works to save sinners from the bondage of sin. The Gospel is the means by which God exerts His omnipotent power to quicken souls dead in trespasses and sins. It is God’s efficacious (or mighty) plan by which His power goes forth to save sinners who once may have resisted the Gospel. (Read Paul’s words in 1 Cor 1:18, 24-25).

The phrase, “it is the power of God”, implies that the Gospel is God’s plan, not man’s device. Furthermore, nothing can make the Gospel void from saving God’s elect. The phrase, “it is the power of God unto salvation”, guarantees that the Gospel has the power to grant complete deliverance from sin and hell. 

Salvation is offered to everyone who believes in the Gospel of Christ: “to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (v. 16c). Salvation is bestowed freely and fully on all who receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ by faith. The phrase, “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”, indicates that the Gospel came to the Jews before the Greeks, through Christ (Matt. 10:5-7) and through the apostles (Acts 3:26). The Gospel is not an exclusive message for either the Jews or the Gentiles; it is to be preached everywhere, that people from every nation and tribe may believe and be saved. Praise God that the Gospel has reached us and granted us salvation. And now, may it spread to others for their salvation, through each one of us who has already believed in the Gospel.

All Ways Lead to God

(A recent reflection from Bro. Seraph McGregor, a Bible teacher at GBI, India. Serving alongside him is his wife, Ribka, who supports the students’ well-being and prepares their meals.)

I grew up in a very pluralistic context, where people would talk much about religious harmony and unity in diversity. A commonly propagated notion was that all religions are but different paths that lead to the same God. At school, a teacher who would lead the morning prayers often taught us the same thing, citing the example of the structure of a particular temple, which has four entrances and this, according to him, could be equated to different religions; no matter which one of the four entrances you choose, you would enter into the same temple. Similarly, he said that there is but one God. No matter which religion you follow, it will ultimately lead you to Him. As a school-going boy, I admired this concept of pluralism. But when I became a Christian, I knew that I could not accept what I had been taught in school.

All Ways Lead to God

Pope Francis recently remarked, “All religions are paths to God.” Christians around the world are upset about it. But as I ponder the issue, I think I can agree with my music teacher and the Pope, but not in the sense that you are probably thinking right now. I am convinced biblically that you will have to meet God, no matter what way or religion you pursue. We are told in the sacred Scriptures: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). 

The Bible clearly tells us that when we die, we will have to face judgment. But who is going to judge us? Acts 17:31 says that it is Christ who will judge the world - “… he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained”. Jesus said that the Father has committed the judgment to Christ, the Son of man. God has appointed Christ to be the Saviour of all who trust in Him, and the Judge of all who reject Him. Yes, He will judge the living and the dead, those who believe and those who do not. Revelation 20:11–15 declares, “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it... And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Regardless of the way one has chosen to walk on, he shall one day find God at the end of that way as the Judge of all men! So, as the prophet Amos said, “…prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12)! 

The Blessed Way

But does the Lord Jesus disagree with what is being said here? Did He not say, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6)? Yes, He did, and that makes the whole difference. Jesus said no one comes to the Father, but by Him. 

Those who have come to appear before God through the blessed Way, Jesus, would find God to be their gracious heavenly Father and shall be received into His gracious and blissful presence. He shall be their God, and they shall be His people who were otherwise His enemies. Christ – and Christ alone – has made peace between us and God, and brought about the reconciliation of all things through His atoning death on the cross and His resurrection. This is the very message that we are called to preach: that Christ – and Christ alone – is the Author of our reconciliation with God. 

It is through Christ that we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15)! It is to them who believe in Jesus that He has given the “power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). It is through the only begotten Son of God alone that we can truly become the children of God.

Jesus asked, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26; cf. Mark 8:36; Luke 9:25). 

Jesus here used hyperbole, an exaggerated statement, to emphasise the value of man’s soul. Even if a man could somehow possess the whole world but failed to inherit the salvation of his soul, his ownership of the whole world would be worthless. No matter how wealthy he becomes, being mortal, man can only own them temporarily. At his death, he gains nothing from his earthly possessions. As far as his standing before God is concerned, his super-wealthy status has no value. By means of his wealth, he cannot purchase his redemption from eternal damnation in hell. His wealth cannot provide a worthy transaction for his redemption. 

If not for Christ’s blood shed on the cross, what can provide us with justification and freedom from guilt and damnation? If Christ had not laid down His life as an offering for sin, our souls would have been forever damned. As the apostle Peter wrote, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). To possess every precious thing in this world and yet be without Christ, is to be a pauper forever! Jesus said in Luke 12:21, “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” 

The riches, royalty and respect this life could offer cannot liberate us from eternal destituteness. The world and all its glories shall pass away (1 John 2:17). 2 Peter 3:10 says, “…the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” But each person’s soul will live forever – those who die in their sins shall live forever, tormented in the eternal fire of hell. But those who cast their trust in Jesus, the Redeemer, and forsake the world to follow Him shall have an eternity with God in heavenly joys and blessings. So why lose your soul’s eternal blessing for a few fleeting decades of self-indulgence in this life? 

How sad it is that most people are enamoured by worldly gain at the expense of the heavenly rewards. Dear reader, there is nothing below heaven so precious and noble as your souls, and therefore, do not forsake the eternal salvation of your souls for the transient glory of a perishing world. Will you not care for your soul more than the body? John Flavel, a puritan minister, wrote: 

“Two things a master commits to his servant’s care,” saith one: “the child and the child’s clothes.” It will be a poor excuse for the servant to say, at his master’s return, “Sir, here are all the child’s clothes, neat and clean, but the child is lost!” Much so with the account that many will give to God of their souls and bodies at the great day. “Lord, here is my body; I was very grateful for it; I neglected nothing that belonged to its content and welfare; but as for my soul, that is lost and cast away for ever. I took little care and thought about it.”

Remember: all you labour to gain for your body is transitory, and what you lose in your pursuit of material gain is eternal. So, abandon your fascination with this world and its riches for Christ’s sake, that you may gain eternal riches.

Anniversary Thanksgiving

Dear Pastor, Board of Elders, and Members of Gethsemane BPC-Singapore,

Greetings in the blessed Name of our Risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

It is with much joy and thanksgiving to the Lord that I greet all of you, on behalf of the church here in Cebu, Philippines: “Blessed 36th Anniversary!”

Praise and glory be to the Lord for the work He has accomplished, and is accomplishing, in each and every one of you – we are bound to give thanks unto Him. Under the leadership of Pastor Koshy, alongside the Board of Elders, and with the team of committed full-time workers, as well as the united support of the members, Gethsemane BPC (Singapore) has been extending the ministry of the Gospel far and wide. Yes, we rejoice in the Lord on the recent development and progress of the Gospel work in India, and in other parts of the world!

Likewise, we are greatly encouraged by how the ministries within the church have flourished from strength to strength for the edification of the saints, even the salvation of the lost. Truly, the Lord has done great things in your midst, and we rejoice together with you! 

In this joyous occasion whereby we also remember the glorious resurrection of our Lord, consider the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

All glory be to God!

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Reggor B. Galarpe
Gethsemane BPC (Cebu)

Selflessness and a sympathetic heart are key traits of every effective Christian in church ministries. The church comprises people of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, and with different levels of spiritual maturity. Paul instructs the Corinthian Christians in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 that they, like him, must be ever willing to accommodate the differences of others “for the gospel’s sake”, so that they might “gain them” for Christ!

Accommodation of Others

Paul was a Jew through and through, having had a prestigious Jewish education under the tutelage of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). If such was his Jewish heritage, why did Paul say, “unto the Jews I became as a Jew” (1 Cor 9:20a)? Here, Paul refers to the Jewish customs and practices which were rigidly and religiously practised by Jews, such as circumcision and other ceremonial and civil observances. Paul knew and taught that “in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature” (Galatians 6:15). Yet, at the early stage of the New Testament Church, when in the presence of a hostile Jewish crowd, Paul conceded to Timothy being circumcised (Acts 16:3). Later on, Paul shaved his head as part of his vow to attend the feast at Jerusalem (Acts 18:18). These are examples of Jewish customs that Paul was willing to accommodate, so that he may win the Jews’ acceptance and slowly teach them the better “law to Christ” (1 Cor 9:21). When ministering to the Gentiles (“them that are without law”), Paul did not coerce the Gentiles to circumcise and observe Jewish feasts, for the Gospel did not necessitate those observances. Hence, Paul opposed Peter, who compelled the Gentiles to live as the Jews (Galatians 2:14). We see a very careful and wise Paul who adapted to the various contexts, but never at the expense of the truth of the Gospel. In reaching out to others, Paul never compromised the Gospel and always displayed much care and concern to bring its truths to both Jews and Gentiles.

Affection for Others

Paul’s affectionate care is seen particularly in his treatment of the spiritually weak. He says, “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak” (1 Cor 9:22a). Paul neither encouraged believers’ lack of faith nor joined in their sinful acts. But when establishing young believers in the faith, Paul would abstain from certain foods, so they would not be stumbled (1 Cor 8:13). On other occasions, he exhorted believers to bear each other’s burdens and patiently restore the weak to the church’s fellowship (Gal 6:1-5). Every Bible-adhering Christian must not stand aloof to the struggles of fellow believers. For the sake of Christ and as an expression of the love we have first received, let us care for the weak and those who are afflicted. Christians must commit to being affectionate and accommodating of others. We must be vigilant against cultural or national pride, even spiritual pride, which would prevent us from going out of our comfort zones to minister, encourage and fellowship with others. 

 Remember, the purpose for Paul’s commitment was never to establish a name for himself, but for the name of Christ, “And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you” (1 Cor 9:23). 

A Youth Retreat for the Gospel’s Sake

Learning from Paul’s exhortation and example, the Gethsemane Youth Fellowship will organise a year-end retreat to Cebu and Bohol from 18 to 22 December 2023. We pray that all participants will be selfless, sympathetic, accommodating and affectionate as we strengthen our fellowship with brethren in the Visayas churches. As announced by Pastor last Sunday, the total retreat fee, including the group-booking airfare, is no small amount. Nonetheless, we trust and pray for God’s timely provisions, so that 80 brethren can participate in this trip to encourage our brethren in Cebu City, Bogo, San Antonio, Tagbilaran City, Anda and Candijay. The theme for this retreat is: “Prepare to Meet Thy God”, a phrase taken from Amos 4:12. Our prayer is that these messages will prepare our young people for the second coming of Christ. In the season of Christmas, the Gospel will be presented in remembrance of His first coming as our Saviour, and in preparation for His second coming as our Judge and King. Furthermore, the youth choir will be enlisted every evening to sing specially selected hymns at each location. Certainly, there will be much travelling by air, land and sea. Hence, we prayerfully commit the planning and preparations for the retreat, as well as the safety and protection of our participants, to our Sovereign God. 

I thank God for last week’s opportunity to visit Rev Reggor, Pr Edsel, their families and their congregations in Cebu and Bohol, respectively. Elder Low Boon Siang joined me on this recce trip from June 13-15. Though a short visit of three days, our trip was fruitful and fulfilling, for we met up with some whom we did not see for a long while, and with others whom we saw regularly in our Gethsemane Fellowships over Zoom during the Pandemic. Elder Low and I attended the prayer meetings in Cebu (Tuesday night) and Bohol (Wednesday night), and our fellowship with them was very sweet! We went there with a desire to encourage the brethren, and we went away being very much encouraged ourselves, having heard testimonies of the persevering faith of some amidst different setbacks in recent years. 

Borrowing the pen of Paul, we conclude with both thanksgiving and prayer – “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13).

This we do, for Christ’s sake, that others may be blessed, just as we have been blessed.
This we give, for the Gospel’s sake, that others may receive, just as we have received.
This we sing, for Christ’s sake, that others may be edified, just as we have been edified.
This we shared, for Christ’s sake, that others may be encouraged, just as others have shared with us.
This burden we bear, for Christ’s sake, that we may bear one another’s burden, just as others have borne our burdens.
This place we go, for the Gospel’s sake, that others may be saved or strengthened, just as we have been saved and likewise strengthened.

May the LORD use this retreat to unite us to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). To facilitate planning, I urge all to quickly sign up for the year-end youth retreat in the Philippines!

Christianity has spread all over the world because of men who have unashamedly gone forth to preach the Gospel everywhere. Hence, we can say that the history of the church is the history of valiant men of faith. Chief among those men is certainly the apostle Paul, who said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Be Not Ashamed!

Feelings of shame and fear are not helpful at all in the work of the Gospel. Those who are ashamed of the Gospel are a hindrance to the work of the Lord. Dear brethren, in these days we are witnessing an increasing aversion to the Gospel of Christ everywhere. Sadly, the unpopularity of the Gospel has compelled many Christians and preachers to compromise the content and delivery of the Gospel. They try to make the Gospel inoffensive. But such a gospel is not the Gospel of God (cf. Romans 1:1) or the Gospel of Christ (cf. Romans 1:9, 16), but the gospel of man, which cannot save sinners! 

What are your personal feelings concerning the Gospel? Would you say, “I am not ashamed”? Without a bold determination, we cannot make progress in the Gospel work – in the face of extreme ridicule and opposition. In the past, men and women suffered much to hand down to us the Gospel of salvation. Today, it is our duty to preach the Gospel. We cannot fail. So, let us not cower and falter in our duty to preach the Word of salvation. If the people in the church would fail to preach the Gospel, there will be none other to do it.

We who have received the salvific blessings of the Gospel have a great responsibility to declare it. We are entrusted with the Gospel, that it may be preached. Let our resolve be clear and well expressed, like Paul who said, “for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Gospel Has Power!

Our motivation to preach the Gospel in all circumstances is its power to save sinners. Paul said about the Gospel that “it is the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16b). The power of the Gospel is “the power of God”. Through the Gospel, the resources of God’s infinite power work to save sinners from the bondage of sin. The Gospel is the way through which God exerts His omnipotent power for the quickening of souls that are dead in trespasses and sins. It is the efficacious or mighty plan of God, by which His power goes forth to save, and by which all the obstacles to man’s redemption are taken away. 

In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul said, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” Again, he wrote in the same chapter in 1 Corinthians, “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (vv. 24-25).

The fact that the Gospel is the power of God implies some profound truths about the Gospel. Firstly, the Gospel is completely God’s plan, and not a device of man. Secondly, it is the perfect and effectual means to the salvation of sinners. Thirdly, the Gospel is mighty; hence it is called “power” – “the power of God”. The Gospel is not at all feeble or ineffectual, but it is “mighty … to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Corinthians 10:4b). It has shown its power to be applicable to every degree of sin and every combination of wickedness. Nothing can make the Gospel void from saving God’s elect. 

Gospel Saves!

The Gospel guarantees complete deliverance from sin and hell, for it is “unto salvation”. By the power of God in the Gospel, those who trust in it shall be saved to the uttermost (cf. Hebrew 7:25). The Gospel also offers salvation to everyone who believes – “to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16c). Salvation is offered to everyone who believes in the Gospel of Christ. Those who reject the Gospel will not be saved, for it is the only way of salvation. But salvation is conferred on all who receive it by faith. One’s racial or social background would not prevent one from being saved upon faith in Christ. Jews and Gentiles alike can receive salvation by faith in the Gospel of Christ.

The phrase “to the Jew first” does not suggest that Jews are better or that they have preference over the Greeks when it comes to salvation. It simply indicates that the Gospel came to the Jews before the Greeks, through the ministry of Jesus Christ (cf. Matthew 10:5-7) and the apostles (cf. Acts 3:26). “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:12-13).

So dear brethren, since the Gospel has the (divine) power to save sinners from eternal damnation, let us never, for a moment, be ashamed of the Gospel – but “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ … that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

Paul and Onesimus

“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels” (Philemon 1:10-12).

While the apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome for the preaching of the Gospel, he met Onesimus, who was not a Christian then. Though it is not stated how Onesimus met Paul, who was languishing in prison, Paul did state that he converted Onesimus to Christ while he was in chains – “…Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds” (v. 10). Onesimus was a runaway slave. His master, Philemon, was a wealthy man from Colossae who became a devout Christian (cf. Colossians 4:9). It seems likely from Paul’s statement in v. 18 that Onesimus took money or possessions from Philemon and fled - “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account” (v. 18). 

Onesimus escaped from Colossae to Rome (which had taken him a distance that was well over 2,100 km) with the hope of not being recognised and caught. He would have been hoping to hide himself in the multitudes that thronged that city. In the Roman world of Paul’s day, fugitive slaves would flee abroad to large cities and be absorbed into the workforce or attempt to disappear into the subculture of the cities or join groups of robbers. Somehow, Onesimus’ plight put him in contact with Paul, perhaps as a fellow prisoner. Paul took this providentially arranged opportunity to preach the Gospel of Christ to Onesimus, which led to his conversion.

Whenever God provides opportunities to preach the Gospel to those behind bars, we must not miss them. It was also our Lord Jesus’ mission to minister the Gospel to those who were locked up in their sins, crimes and troubles – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19; cf. Isaiah 61:1). 

As Charles Wesley expressed it in his magnificent hymn, “O For a Thousand Tongues”,

“He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free.”

Let us avail ourselves to the preaching of the Gospel to the prisoners, and those who are lost in addictions and the vicious cycle of sinful habits and their brutal consequences. Pray for The Gethsemane Care Ministry and Gethsemane Prison Ministry, and participate in them.  

Our Preachers and Prison Ministry

During the TGCM Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on Aug 9th, 2022, Pr Jeremiah Sim presented a report on Gethsemane Prison Ministry. The following is an extract from that report:

In the year 2010, some brethren of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church (GBPC) were moved in their hearts to reach out to the inmates of Changi Prison with the Gospel message. With the encouragement and support of GBPC’s leadership, our preachers, as well as some brethren from our church and our affiliated churches, endeavoured to bring the precious Gospel truth to the prisoners, praying that they would come to Jesus Christ for their salvation. 

While engaging in the prison ministry, we face tough challenges from (i) hardcore criminals who disrupt the classes with their loud conversations, argumentative questions, distracting conduct and gangsterism; (ii) professing Christians who are repeat offenders, having not fully given up their vices and crimes; and (iii) prisoners with personal issues (physical, mental, emotional problems), family issues, mutual disputes /conflicts, etc.

It is solely by God’s abundant grace which worketh in us that we are able to do this work for His glory. We earnestly thank the Lord for granting us the grace, strength, wisdom, patience and boldness, not only to face all the difficulties and challenges, but also to extend our hands with love and compassion to care for their souls.

Gethsemane Prison Ministry is an enormous opportunity to bring the Good News to the prisoners. We praise God for His grace upon us, as we minister and attend to them with much patience and love. We covet your earnest prayers for our prison ministry, particularly for those brethren who are entering the prison to minister the Gospel to the inmates. Pray also for more labourers to serve in this ministry.

Pr Jeremiah, Pr Daniel and Pr Kelvin make weekly visits to Changi Prison to minister the Word; and they are joined by several brethren from our church (Dn Ah Sang, Bro Kenneth, Bro Cayson, Bro David) and sister churches (Bro Samuel Goh, Pr William Goh, Bro Yong). We also thank God for two sisters from True Life B-P Church (Sis Joycelyn and Sis Katherine), who regularly visit the prison for women with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Welcoming ex-prisoners into our church

Scripture teaches the church to be always welcoming of those who come with sincere hearts of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus back to fellowship. Paul wrote, “whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels” (Philemon 1:12). The church today must continue to welcome prisoners who come to faith in Christ. Through the church, may they experience God’s restoring love and forgiveness. 

We thank God for the joy and privilege of receiving several ex-prisoners, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, to the membership and fellowship of our church. Some of them even serve in our church as full-time staff. 

It is also my personal joy that, on a few occasions, the Lord had given me the opportunity to minister His Word to ex-prisoners. One of them, whom I visited in Queenstown Prison (before its closure), came to our church upon his release and worshipped the Lord for a few Sundays. Not too long after that, he went back to the world, entangling himself in a life of sin. However, he was struck with a sudden health emergency. I was given an opportunity to minister to him. He did indicate his repentance and renewed his faith before I left his hospital bed. Soon after that, the same day, he passed away.

In 2016, the Lord enabled me to minister to another young man in Changi Prison. I thank the Lord that eventually he came to our church, and now he worships the Lord with his family in our church. There are others also from similar background who presently worship regularly with us. Let us welcome them and encourage them to grow in the wisdom of His Word. May every one of us rejoice that God has commissioned us to a great ministry of liberty and restoration.

A Report of Special Blessing of BWTV

Dear Pastor Koshy,

Last Saturday, I let the children in Anda and Candijay (two outstations of Gethsemane B-P Mission Church, Bohol) watch the Bible Witness Web TV. Praise God for the edifying spiritual songs and sound biblical teachings about the Bible. I praise God for enabling me to translate the lessons into Cebuano. The children had a fruitful time answering the activity sheets I printed out for them from biblewitnesstv.com. God willing, every Saturday, I will let the children watch the programme on Bible Witness TV. May the Lord help the children to learn and remember many precious lessons from the Bible. All glory to God. I’m sending you some photos of the children in Anda and Candijay.

—Pr Edsel Locot

Sermon Text: Galatians 6:17–18
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 20th February 2022

Sermon Text: Galatians 6:16
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 13th February 2022

Sermon Text: Galatians 6:14–16
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 6th February 2022

Sermon Text: Galatians 6:11–14
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 30th January 2022

Sermon Text: Galatians 6:10
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 23rd January 2022