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Sermon Text: Genesis 17:7
Speaker: Rev. Sujith Samuel
Date: 1st June 2025

Sermon Text: Matthew 11:28–30
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 27th April 2025

Sermon Text: Hebrews 7:24–25
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 20th April 2025

Sermon Text: Hebrews 9:11–15
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 18th April 2025 (Good Friday)

Sermon Text: Hebrews 5:7–9
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 13th April 2025

Sermon Text: Philippians 1:23
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 6th April 2025

Christ’s coming to this world about 2000 years ago is declared in John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

This verse presents one of the most awe-inspiring truths of the Christian faith: the Incarnation of Christ. In these few words, the apostle John encapsulates the mystery and majesty of the birth of Jesus Christ, even God becoming Man. The eternal Word, who has existed with God and is God (John 1:1), took on human flesh and lived among humanity (v. 14). This is not merely a theological concept, but the foundational reality of our salvation.

The opening phrase, “And the Word was made flesh” declares a staggering truth: God Himself became fully human. The term “flesh” emphasises Christ’s full humanity—He experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, sorrow. Yet, He did not cease to be fully divine in becoming flesh. The Incarnation is not the story of a man becoming God, but of God taking on human nature! Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, stepped into time and space, to be born and to live as a human while retaining His divine essence. The phrase, “the Word was made flesh”, declares to us that Jesus, who is fully God, took upon Himself full humanity.

The phrase, “dwelt among us”, reveals the apostle John’s and his contemporaries’ familiarity with Christ’s coming as a man. The Greek Word (skēnoō) for “dwelt” literally means “to pitch a tent” or “to tabernacle”. To the apostles, His presence was not distant or abstract; it was tangible, real, and life-changing!

John then declares, “we beheld his glory”. The disciples and those who encountered Christ saw His divine majesty displayed through His words, miracles, and, ultimately, His sacrificial death and resurrection. This glory was not just a reflection of God, but the very glory of “the only begotten of the Father”, a title underscoring Christ’s unique and eternal relationship with the Father.

Furthermore, Christ came, being “full of grace and truth”. Grace speaks of God’s unmerited favour towards sinful humanity, while truth emphasises the reliability and faithfulness of Christ’s words and actions. In Christ, grace and truth are perfectly united, offering us forgiveness and guidance.

The wonder of the Incarnation is beautifully captured in Charles Wesley’s hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”:

“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail th’ incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.”

What an astounding reality! God became one of us so that He might redeem us. The Incarnation is not merely a doctrine to understand, but a truth to marvel at and a Saviour to worship. Let us behold His glory, receive His grace, and walk in His truth.

Testimonies of New Members

Nathan Resuma

“And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

I have been brought to Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church (GBPC) by my parents at a very young age. And by God’s gracious calling, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour at the age of seven. I thank God for leading my parents to Gethsemane, and for saving me at a young age, that I may be part of this church. I thank God for Pastor Koshy, the preachers and GCM teachers, who expounded God’s Word faithfully. I praise the Lord for the leadership of Gethsemane BPC (Pastor and the elders), the deacons and members, who serve in humility and utmost faithfulness. 

Looking back, I see God’s mighty hand working in my life, for it was by His providence that my parents came to Gethsemane BPC so that they could raise me and my siblings in the fear of the LORD. Growing up in Gethsemane is truly a blessing, and has a significant effect on my spiritual growth. Here, I have many opportunities to learn valuable lessons and spiritual truths through the faithful preaching of God’s Word by Pastor and the preachers – in fellowship meetings (GCM, GYF, GMF, GFF), seminars and special church gatherings (such as missionary conference, church camp, Bible Witness retreat), GBI classes, Tuesday night prayer meetings, Sunday worship services, and even the recently concluded catechism class that helped me to revise and understand clearly the doctrines of the church. 

It is my earnest prayer and desire to grow in wisdom and understanding of God’s Word, and apply the truths that I’ve learned in my life. I also thank God for spiritually mature brethren who helped, corrected and rebuked me so that I may continually walk in His ways. May the Lord continue to help me to obey His Word, serve Him in Gethsemane, and enable me to follow after His will and purposes.

Bertha Leong

I first learnt about Jesus in my Catholic primary school, through participation in mass and catechism classes. My family also started following my grandmother to a charismatic church. I enjoyed the many Bible stories taught in the kids’ classes, though I questioned some of their practices. Eventually, our family moved to a Baptist church, which led me to read the KJV instead of NIV Bible. Here’s where I discovered the difference between certain words used along with certain omissions. 

Though I attended church regularly, I realised I was not actively seeking God then. During my first three months in JC, I met a very dear friend who brought me to Calvary Pandan BPC. That was when I started attending the Sunset Gospel Hour and eventually the Sunday morning service, where I gained a lot of Bible knowledge. Subsequently, during the Covid season, I started watching various churches’ webcasts, and eventually decided to visit Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church. I’ve really enjoyed the messages preached here, especially the “how do we apply” aspect in relation to the “what we have learnt” part. Looking forward to God’s continuous leading, I hope to grow closer to Him and bear a good Christian testimony to the people He has put in my life.

Jored Ballega

Psalm 40:2 – “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”

I thank God for saving me through His grace and the finished work of Jesus Christ. As Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Despite being lost in sin and utterly undeserving of His favour, God has chosen to love me unconditionally. His mercy redeemed me from destruction, forgave my sins, and granted me a new life in Christ.

There was a time when I felt the weight of my sinfulness, and was overwhelmed by God’s abundant love. I realised that no effort of my own could ever save me—only Christ’s sacrifice could secure my salvation. This revelation of the Gospel transformed my heart and life forever. Truly, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This truth fills me with hope, peace, and the assurance of eternal life.

As I journey with God, I am thankful for how He continually affirms my faith through His Word and His work in my life. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” God has placed within me a profound hunger to know Him more, and I find immense joy in studying Scripture, hearing faithful preaching, and applying Biblical truths to my daily life. Through opportunities like the catechism class, I have gained a deeper understanding of sound doctrine, which strengthened my convictions. These teachings have helped me grasp essential truths, such as salvation, discipleship, and the need to guard against false doctrines. They have equipped me to stand firm in my faith, defend the Gospel with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), and live as a faithful witness to Christ.

Although I still encounter struggles, uncertainties, and moments of weakness, God remains my steadfast Guide, strengthening me day by day. As Hebrews 11:1 exhorts, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” With this assurance, I press on, finding joy in God’s unchanging faithfulness and His continued work in my life.

I praise God for leading me to Gethsemane B-P Church, where I have been spiritually nourished, guided, and nurtured under the faithful leadership of Pastor Koshy, the elders, and preachers. I am grateful for the abundant ministries that have helped my spiritual growth—Lord’s Day worship, prayer meeting, Children’s Bible Study programmes, Youth Fellowship, GBI Online Bible studies, Church camps and retreats, etc. Being part of this church has blessed me with godly examples, Christian fellowship, and encouragement to grow in holiness and walk in righteousness.

As I prepare to join the church as a member, I recognise this as both a great privilege and a solemn responsibility. My prayer is rooted in Colossians 1:10—“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God”. I seek to be a vessel of honour, sanctified, and prepared for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21), devoted to serving Him and His people.

May God grant me the grace to remain steadfast in the faith, unwavering in His truth, and committed to living for His glory. To Him alone be all praise and honour. Amen.

During his recent visit to Singapore, the Pope made a statement that has been widely reported: “All religions are paths to God.” He added, “I will use an analogy, they are like different languages that express the divine.”¹ This view, however, stands in stark contrast to our Christian belief. 

As followers of Christ, we recognise no authority beyond what Christ Himself and the Holy Scriptures, the Word of God, have revealed to us. 

Salvation to Come to God is Only through Jesus

Let’s listen to Jesus’ words on how to be saved and come to God. (To stress the importance, the relevant portions are underscored.)

• “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:7-11).
• “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6)

As shown in the statements above, Jesus has clearly emphasised that He is the only path to God, the embodiment of truth, and the Giver of eternal life. For further evidence of Jesus’ insistence that He is the Saviour whom God sent for sinners to come to Him, please refer to the following Scripture passages: Matthew 1:21; 11:27-30; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 5:32; 19:10; John 3:16; 5:36-47; 6:35-39; 11:25-26.

Now, let us hear the emphatic declarations of Christ’s apostles, as recorded in the New Testament, that reiterated Christ is the only Saviour whom God had prepared for sinners:

• Peter declared, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
• “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:34-43).
• Paul declared, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
• “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:3-4).
• “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:14-15).
• John proclaimed, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:11-12).

Condemnation to Those who Reject Christ, the God-Appointed Saviour

Now consider Jesus’ warning of eternal damnation for all who reject Him as the One whom God the Father has sent to this earth to save sinners and to provide the way to heaven:

• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18).
• “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).
• “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:22-24). 

The apostles also warned that those who deny Christ will not come to the Father but perish forever:

• “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1). 
• “Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also” (1 John 2:23). 
•  “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:10-12).
• “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).

Receive Not Those Who Reject Christ as the Only Way to God

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).

¹ https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/september/documents/20240913-singapore-giovani.html

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).

Against the backdrop of the Judaizers who distracted some in the churches in Galatia from Christ’s perfect and powerful Gospel of salvation, and misled them to put their confidence in their own achievements in keeping the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, Paul testified by declaring: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Here, he told the Galatians how ludicrous it was for him to boast about anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The false teachers of Judaism gloried in their legalism and in their success in turning some Galatians from the Gospel of Christ to follow their insistence on practising Jewish ceremonies. He rebuked this erroneous, conceited thinking in the previous verse – “For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh” (Gal. 6:13). Paul had understood that without God’s grace that provided Christ to be his Redeemer and Justifier, he would have remained as a condemned sinner (cf. Romans 3:27-28). 

Paul truly knew he had nothing to glory in himself or in his achievements. Rather, Paul’s glorying was only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was not speaking of the cross as a piece of wood or an ornament of precious metal. Neither was he exalting the cruelty and suffering symbolised by the cross. He was speaking of the cross of Christ, on which He bore our sins and died to pay the price of our redemption, so that we may be reconciled to God. There is no other means of salvation but Christ’s death on the cross. Hebrews 10:12 says, “But this man (Jesus), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God”. 

Paul also testified to the effect of rejoicing and glorying in Christ’s cross—“by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” In view of all that Christ has achieved for him through His death on the cross, the “world” (with all its sinful pleasures, earthly treasures, and honours) has been “crucified” or put to death, and is no longer fascinating for Paul to pursue. The world has no more charm for Paul. Christ alone is his passion and pursuit on this earth. As the hymn, “All for Jesus”, teaches us to sing:

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus, I’ve lost sight of all beside,
So enchained my spirit’s vision, Looking at the Crucified:
All for Jesus! all for Jesus! Looking at the Crucified;
All for Jesus! all for Jesus! Looking at the Crucified.

Regarding Christ, in relation to his life, John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). John’s ultimate principle of life and ministry is recorded in this verse. To him, growth in Christ meant giving up everything about himself for Christ’s glory.

John acknowledged that the advancement of Christ’s glory is essential because God planned for Christ, the Messiah, to supersede the ministry of John. John was only a herald of Christ. His duty was to prepare the people’s hearts for the coming of Christ as the Redeemer. The man of the hour was not John, but Christ. That is why John said, “He must increase”. John was committed to that divine plan. He had no intention to hinder the progress of Christ’s ministry. His only desire was that Christ would be magnified.

Growing in Christ is only possible when one allows Christ to have pre-eminence in his life. There must be increasing influence and direction from Christ in one’s life, so that he may grow in Christ. Such an overwhelming supremacy of Christ means increasingly submitting to His glory and will. 

John also knew that if he did not diminish for Christ’s sake, it would be impossible for him to be instrumental in Christ’s advancement. His contraction was the natural outcome of his commitment to Christ’s increase. His heart was burning with the passion for the glory of Christ, and he gladly “melted away” from the scene like a candle, as Christ came upon the scene. He achieved it by introducing Christ to the world. John’s duty and desires were perfectly fulfilled when people moved away from him and gathered around Christ. He felt no regret that his popularity was diminishing. His character was here put to the proof. He gladly accepted his contraction because his most cherished desire – advancing Christ’s glory – was being steadily accomplished. Christ’s popularity, so far from exciting John to jealousy, filled him with holy peace and happiness.

Therefore, if we sincerely desire to grow in Christ, let us be mindful that we must be willing to place all that pertain to our self-gain under the pre-eminence of Christ. All who desire to glorify the Lord must be unselfish in their Christian life. If any of us is inflamed with personal ambition, he is a fake disciple / preacher / Christian. “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (2 Cor. 10:17). Let us pray that our lives will be hidden in His glory, and that all may see His glory through us.

Testimonies of New Members (I)

Jerry Moh

My journey of faith began when I was in upper primary school as my uncle signed me up for a children’s camp at his church for two consecutive years. That was when I learned about Christianity and how to pray. The following year, I started attending Sunday service with my father.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). God has been my strength, especially when I left home for the first time at the age of 17 for my A-Level studies. In a city where I knew no one, I thank God for the Christian friends I met who supported and encouraged me to join their church services and fellowship meetings. I started reading the Bible consistently every day, though I’m ashamed to say it was not in depth. Thank God who gives me simple faith. It was in 2016 when I was convicted to receive baptism at a Methodist church in my hometown. Over the years, I thank God for His preservation, sustaining my faith and enabling me to worship Him when I was again away from home for further studies. God is truly my “fortress”, guiding me through different challenges in life.

By God’s providence, I first encountered Gethsemane BPC when I was invited to join a pastoral visitation during my visit to Singapore. As I was looking for a church after moving to Singapore in July 2022, I was encouraged to join Gethsemane BPC. I thank God for the faithful preaching by God’s servants in this church. During the fellowship meetings, I appreciate that there is always time allocated to Bible preaching, as I can be taught God’s Word by those with strong biblical knowledge.

I’m thankful for the teaching of God’s Word by Pastor Koshy and the preachers of GBPC, and for all the labourers of this church. Besides the ministry of God’s Word through the worship services, I thank God also for various ministry programmes like Bible Witness TV, GBI, etc.

I am a sinner saved by grace, not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in Ephesians 2. I praise God for His many blessings upon me. Glory to God the most High! I pray that I’ll continue to cling to Christ and grow spiritually in this church.

Lim Cuiwen

I came from a non-Christian background, and had the chance to hear about the Gospel when I was invited by my senior to a charismatic church during one Christmas. However, I could not fathom what Jesus had done for us, and how we were all dead in sin and therefore needed Someone to save us. This eventually led me to leave the church. 

In the earlier months of 2023, I experienced a lot of trials in my life which left me in turmoil. My friend then invited me to True life BP Church to hear the preaching of God’s Word. At first, it was hard for me to comprehend the Bible verses, but I thank God for the charity of the people who patiently explained the doctrine to me. Shortly after, I accepted Christ into my heart and truly believed that His blood has redeemed us from eternal death. Subsequently, I attended Gethsemane BP Church, through a friend in Gethsemane. I was profoundly moved by the sermon, which was based on solid Biblical teaching, and by the church’s unwavering dedication to upholding God’s Word and glorifying God. I realise we are all sinners who have fallen short of the glory of God. It is only by grace through faith in Christ, that we are saved. 

I would like to share a verse that reminds me how God got me through those trying times – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). May I constantly be reminded of the need to walk right with God first, and to have my requests in line with God’s will, not mine.

(More testimonies next week)