Recent Posts

Today, I would like to publish the gist of the sermon I preached last Tuesday, during the 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving of TGCM and prayer meeting, to benefit all the worshippers in our church. In Matthew 5:14-16, as Jesus addressed “his disciples (who) came unto him” (cf. Matt. 5:1), He declared–“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.”

This was Christ’s declaration concerning His dedicated followers that they are “the light of the world” (v. 14a). His point was that as He came to the world as the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5), His genuine followers will also act as His light in this world of darkness. Jesus came to give His light to those who “sat in darkness” and the “shadow of death” (cf. Matt 4:16; Luke 1:79). As the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:6–“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 

Christ, the eternal Light, illuminates us so that we may be His radiant “moons” in this dark world. Through those who have received His light, Christ desires to shine His Gospel light upon many more in this dark world. The apostle Paul echoes Christ’s will concerning all believers in Philippians 2:15-16a, “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; holding forth the word of life …”. Christians are not meant to be quiet, reserved and secluded. Rather, they must actively demonstrate their belief and dedication to Christ. 

Christians are to be like a city that is set on a hill and cannot be hidden. Just as a city on a hill cannot be concealed from people’s view, no Christian can hope to live unnoticed. In encouraging believers to be beacons of God’s glorious light in a world shrouded by sin, Jesus is also cautioning them against isolation that hinders God’s glory. Jesus further emphasises this truth by noting that no one lights a candle, only to hide it under a bushel. A lit candle serves no purpose if kept out of sight; it should be placed on a candlestick to illuminate and benefit everyone. It is senseless to hide away a lit candle. A hidden candle benefits no one. 

Every follower of Jesus must conduct himself in a manner observable to others, so that others may see it and praise God for it. Every life illuminated by Christ will inevitably bear the fruit of good works. The light of Christ shining through Christians will manifest as visible acts of kindness and compassion, honesty and righteousness, fairness and goodness.

Brethren, let the radiance of your Christian benevolence draw the world to God’s splendour. Our good works are not to win praise for ourselves, but to turn people’s hearts to our great God, who has made us His children so that we may be beacons of His salvation, goodness, grace, and glory.

Report from Pangasinan

Report by Rev. Donald dela Cruz

We are currently continuing the construction of the worship hall. We are nearing completion of the walls, which will then fully close up the worship hall. God’s provision is just on time, so we will not get wet as we worship during the coming rainy season. Praise the Lord for the love gifts we received from the Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore, and the brethren during the Missionary Conference 2024. The sum we received is enough to construct the wall. After the walls are finished, we do not need to transfer our things, as the workers are all from the company of Dn Kyt. May the Lord help the workers as they diligently build the hall. As the Lord provides, our next target will be the toilet facility, and the way side pavement (which will be useful during the rainy season when the surrounding area becomes muddy).

 The Church Session has appointed Dn Jumar as the Clerk and Dn Kyt as the Treasurer. Dn Jumar will also be in charge of the Youth Ministry, while Dn Kyt will lead the Children’s Ministry. Both ministries will be under my direct supervision. Thank God for their willingness to serve in these ministries.

The school year has opened yesterday. The group we are affiliated with for the School Missions went yesterday to meet with the principal of Mangaldan National High School, in order to confirm the schedule for teaching God’s Word on their campus. The school is the biggest secondary school in the town, with more than 8,000 students on its enrolment. 

 The Lord has helped us through amidst the recent two typhoons. Though there was persistent rain for 8 days, the Lord has preserved the brethren, and there was no flooding in our area. Providentially, the Lord also stopped the rain (temporarily) last Sunday so that the brethren could come for worship. All praise be unto the Lord!

In Romans 14:7-8, the apostle Paul reminded the Roman Christians of the powerful reality of every believer’s perspective about his life and its purpose. “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Living for Christ

Paul here laid out the fundamental truth that Christians ought not to live or die for themselves. Because we belong entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ, our commitment to God stretches far beyond just existing. It means surrendering our desires, choices, and even the timing of our death to God’s will.

Imagine life not as a solo journey but as a partnership with God. We’re not the captains charting our course; we’re instruments in His hands. Romans 14:7 emphasises this: “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” We can’t live life on “autopilot”, following societal expectations or our own whims. Every decision, from our careers to our relationships, should be guided by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s leadership.

This concept might seem radical at first. But consider the sacrifice Christ made for us. As 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Through His death on the cross, Jesus has redeemed us from sin and darkness. We are no longer our own; we are His possession, bought at a precious cost.

This idea of belonging to God extends beyond life and encompasses death as well. We don’t get to choose when our time of departure comes. That decision rests with Him. It’s a humbling thought, but it also brings peace. Our lives are in His capable hands, from the very first breath to the very last.

Unfortunately, the world shouts a different message. The constant focus on self-fulfilment and personal gain can easily cloud our judgment. But living for ourselves essentially means living for fleeting pleasures, worldly ambitions and, ultimately, emptiness! True fulfilment comes from living for Christ. This means denying our selfish desires, taking up the cross of obedience, and serving Him with all our heart, mind and soul.

Living for Christ isn’t about convenience; it’s about complete surrender. We recognise Him not just as our Saviour, but also as our Lord. This complete devotion means sacrificing our plans, and embracing His will, even when it’s difficult.

Living a life completely dedicated to God can seem daunting. There will be moments when our resolve is tested, with the allure of self-preservation whispering in our ears. But we shouldn’t let fear stand in our way. Let’s pray for the strength to overcome reluctance and to embrace God’s will. Let’s ask Him to equip us with the courage and wisdom to offer ourselves completely to Him.

One day, our loyalty to God will be questioned. Will we be able to boldly declare, “If I live, I live to the Lord. If I die, I die to the Lord. So, whether I live or die, I belong to the Lord” (cf. Romans 14:8)? Let’s live every day in a way that allows us to answer with a resounding “Yes!”

A Believer’s Purpose

We are not our own, but we belong to God. This profound truth is echoed in Romans 14:8- “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” This truth echoes throughout Scripture, just like Jeremiah’s comforting words in 32:38 – “They shall be my people, and I will be their God”. This is a divine covenant, which establishes a deep connection between God and believers, offering a sense of belonging, strength and solace.

For Christians, this relationship translates into a clear purpose: to live for Christ. Unlike the world’s focus on self-gratification, our lives should be dedicated to fulfilling God’s will. The world’s allurements often steer us towards fleeting pursuits with little eternal value. But as Christians, we must resist these pressures and choose a path that glorifies Christ.

The apostle Paul himself served as a powerful example. In Galatians 6:14, he declared, “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.” This statement signifies a complete severance from worldly pursuits. His sole purpose was living for Christ. 

Let us reflect on our own lives. Do our actions at work, school, or home bring honour to Christ’s name? Or do we succumb to worldly pressures and temptations?

This commitment to Christ extends beyond life. Paul expressed this beautifully in Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This unwavering devotion to God means even death becomes an opportunity to magnify Him. Paul considered death a “gain” because it leads to eternal union with Christ. This underscores the profound truth – for those who belong to God, death holds no fear; it opens the door to everlasting life with Him.

Therefore, it’s crucial to surrender to God’s will, both in life and death. We must reject the desire to control our own destinies; we must rather trust in His sovereignty. As Christians, we can find comfort in knowing that He determines our life’s course and even the manner of our passing.

Our journey with God doesn’t end with our earthly lives. We have the blessed opportunity to experience His power and glory, now and in eternity. May our desire and prayer be: “Let it be life or death, I shall live unto Him – nothing else.” We must resist the world’s pull that seeks to separate us from Christ. Let us prioritise Him above all other desires and expectations. Our lives, present and future, are solely for His glory.

“Look to yourselves,” says the apostle John, “that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward” (2 John 8). This is a call to vigilance in the light of the danger posed by the religious “deceiver” or “antichrist” that John mentioned in the previous verse. This verse begins with an imperative or command—“Look to yourselves”. It is a command to be constantly watchful. There is no room for complacency because false brethren or teachers will always attempt to seduce us into false beliefs and rebellious ways.

No church on earth is hazard-free. The deceivers would act as genuine believers and attempt to lure one into a stupor if he is not careful. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he offered similar concern and advice in 2 Corinthians 11:1–4, “Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” Like John, Paul was also concerned that those under his care would not be caught off guard by the deceivers in the church.

John further cautioned believers to be on their guard, “that we lose not those things which we have wrought”. John did not say, “that you lose not those things which you have wrought.” John wanted the elect lady and her children not to lose all the wonderful spiritual truths and realities that the elder (John himself) and his associates had worked to provide for them. John, the elder, had worked to make the truth of Christ known to them, so that they might know God and have eternal life. Having laboured in the elect lady’s and her children’s lives, John wanted to see the full fruit of that effort; he did not want them to lose what they had accomplished together.

Likewise, present-day churches that have inherited a rich biblical legacy of doctrine and practice should not waste the efforts of their spiritual fathers, who provided them with the heritage of biblical truths. What the spiritual fathers handed down to today’s church must be preserved at all costs. Men of God throughout history have preached, taught and defended the true Gospel, often at great cost (of time, effort, suffering of persecution, and even martyrdom)!

Every believer and every church must be vigilant and discerning because what is at stake is most vital. Turning aside and giving an ear to false teaching will result in tragic loss. The tragic consequences of their spiritual regression include failing to receive “a full reward”. Even though salvation is secure (see John 6:37-40; Romans 5:1; 8:1, 28-39; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:4), believers who stray from the right path may miss out on some of the spiritual rewards they could have earned by staying faithful. Similarly, the apostle Paul also said, “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind” (Colossians 2:18). To turn aside and give an ear to false teaching can only result in loss. To walk away and not continue with Christ proves you never received him in the first place. “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” (2 John 9).

Having strong religious beliefs is vital. Avoid being indifferent to the teachings of God’s Word. Carefully examine all teachings, holding on to what is true and rejecting falsehoods. Actively seek understanding through Scripture to solidify your faith. Maintain a strong spiritual life so that you may not be vulnerable to error. The best way to safeguard yourself is to focus on Christ. Some Christians start strong but lose momentum. Don’t let that be you! Pursue God’s truth and holiness, and fulfil your duties to receive the greatest reward: a triumphant entry into Christ’s eternal kingdom!

A Ministry & Study Report

This report would be presented from two perspectives: during the semester break (Nov-Dec 2023) and during the semester (Jan-May 2024) itself.

“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?” (Romans 10:14). With thanksgiving to God, I resumed my speaking engagements with our brothers in TGCM on Tuesday mornings. I also thank God for the privilege to teach children on the theme: “Be Strong in the LORD” during Daily Vacation Bible School (Nov 2023).

The LORD is good! He opened the door for me to lead a Bible Study in Reformative Training Centre (RTC) on Monday afternoons starting in December 2023. RTC houses young prisoners, but there are some adults who have been assigned there for work. As such, the Bible Study group consists of both youths and adults. It is my prayer that some young men might be saved to serve the LORD.

Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC) reopened on 2nd Jan 2024 with a day of prayer. The LORD is to be praised! He has helped me to maintain my Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 in the last semester. For this semester, I have registered 8 courses with a total of 14 credits. Admittedly, I experienced some difficulties in my studies, especially with the biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek. Trying to memorise vocabulary has been a constant struggle. But there is sufficient grace from the LORD. Furthermore, the LORD also helped me to be focused in my writing assignments, especially outlines for Homiletics. This in turn has helped me in my ministry in Gethsemane Young Adults’ Fellowship, where I have to come out with an overarching theme for every chapter in the Epistle of James. These are some of the spiritual blessings from my studies in FEBC.

Besides, I thank God that I was assigned to lead groups of three students on Wednesday afternoons to visit Mr. Mahadevan (a member of True Life BP Church) in All Saints Home (Hougang Centre). He was 96 years old and bedridden. As I visited him week after week, I did not hear him complaining about his afflictions; he was always looking forward to receiving visitors and thankful to the LORD. On two occasions, his prayer request was to go home peacefully to the LORD. This prayer was answered on 7th May 2024. The faith of Uncle Devan (as he was affectionally called) has demonstrated to me one spiritual truth: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This is a spiritual blessing outside of my studies in FEBC.

Another thing that I thank the LORD for was the retreat organised by FEBC in Mersing, where I got to hear the thesis presentations by various graduates. May the LORD lead me to a thesis topic of His will that I could write for the edification of His saints!

Now, to update on the two Muslim converts of my Bible Study class in prison. One of them was denied permission to continue in the class. Please remember him in prayer, that he would persevere in the faith and not be stumbled. As for the other brother, he is currently placed on a half-way house scheme. I am hoping to bring him for our worship service. God willing, one day he would become our member, just like Vijayandran.

Finally, I am thankful to the LORD for seeing me through another semester (Jan-May 2024). “It is of the LORD’s mercies that [I am] not consumed, because his compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22).

Our growth in God’s Word is about deepening our understanding and application of the Bible in our lives. It’s not a sudden experience but a consistent, continuous process of learning and transformation. In 1 Peter 2:1-2, “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

Prerequisites for Our Growth in the Word

Abstinence from sin is the first prerequisite for our growth in the Word. In verse 1, Peter exhorts us to lay aside sins. If we were to grow in the Word, sins should not be allowed to remain in our lives.

Five categories of sins hinder one’s growth in the Word. Interestingly, all the five groups of sins mentioned here refer to how we relate to others. The sins mentioned here are those which offend others. However, it does not mean that other kinds of sin do not affect spiritual growth. If we do not eradicate offences against fellow brethren, they will hinder our spiritual growth.

Let us understand the nature of these sins that hinder our growth. First, “all malice”. The word “malice” denotes “a spirit of ill will with a desire to get even”. A child of God should not entertain thoughts of retaliation. Second, “all guile”. The original Greek term used for “guile” has the idea of ‘deceit’. Christians should never knowingly engage in any deceitful business or practices. Third, “hypocrisies”. It is all about pretence. Our natural tendency is to paint a perfect picture of ourselves and the worst possible picture of the one we got into trouble with. Let us not “cover up” but confess what we really are before the Lord. Fourth, “envies”. It is an unwarranted desire for something that belongs to someone else. It unconsciously creates a feeling of jealousy towards or resentment against the owner. Envy and jealousy are like two sides of a leaf. Instead, believers must rejoice in one another’s progress. Fifth, “evil speakings”. Christians must guard their mouth from uttering words with evil motives and purposes. Evil communications can significantly curtail Christian growth. These five sets of sins are hindrances to one’s spiritual growth and are also marks of spiritual immaturity. Abstinence from these sins will draw us to one another and God.

According to Peter, the next prerequisite for spiritual growth is a strong desire for the sincere milk of God’s Word (v. 2). The path to spiritual maturity isn’t paved with indifference. The very next step, as crucial as the first, is an insatiable hunger for God’s Word. Imagine a newborn baby, mewling and rooting, being driven by an instinctive need for milk. That’s the kind of yearning a Christian should have for Scripture. It’s not a casual glance or a bored skim, but a deep, primal desire.

Growing Christians’ cravings for God’s Word and a distaste for sin go hand in hand. As you immerse yourself in the truth, your desires begin to shift. The things that once held allure start to seem hollow compared to the richness of God’s promises. It’s a natural progression – the more you fill yourself with light, the less darkness has room to linger. Similarly, souls that don’t crave for sin will crave for the Word. Remember, “Sin kisses but kills.” “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” Let God’s Word increase, and sin vanish from our hearts.

Process of Our Growth in the Word

1 Peter 2:2-3 states, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 

The strong desire for God’s Word must be met with the provision of ‘sincere milk of the Word’. The word ‘sincere’ means ‘unadulterated’ or ‘pure’. Believers must feed on the pure teaching of God’s Word to grow well. The source of pure spiritual milk for believers is the Word of God and not people’s experiences, traditions, cultures, or philosophies. 

We must be concerned with the kind of materials our young believers read, especially with the plethora of so-called Christian websites, videos, podcasts and books so easily available everywhere. New Christians must be helped with sound teaching of the Word to know God’s will correctly and adequately.

If we lack regular intake of the ‘sincere milk’ of God’s Word, we will have severe problems with our spiritual growth. Do you have a regular intake of good spiritual food? Peter insists that all truly born-again individuals will pursue God’s Word. They will have a deep, continuous longing for the Word of truth.

We must daily read the Bible and meditate upon it to attain good spiritual growth. Psalm 1:2-3 says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” 

We must not forsake the assembly of the saints, where the Bible is expounded faithfully. Listen attentively to the Sunday sermons and apply them in your lives. Participate in its Sunday School and other Bible Studies. Reading sound Christian periodicals is also a good means of receiving the sincere milk of the Word.

Think about it: how can you possibly grow if you’re not actively feeding yourself? The ‘sincere milk’ of God’s Word is nourishment for the soul. It strengthens your faith, guides your steps, and brings you closer to God. Just as a baby wouldn’t thrive on empty air, a Christian soul can’t flourish without the sustenance of Scripture.

Peter’s exhortation to spiritual growth ends with a brief discussion of what motivates a person to grow spiritually. He puts it as “if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (v. 3). Those who have had the initial taste of God’s grace and goodness through the Gospel of salvation can grow and receive a more excellent knowledge of His grace. Peter’s emphasis in v. 3 is that growth will never occur without first having the experience of God’s grace. The grace of God in Christians’ hearts is a motivation to lay aside sins and to desire the pure teaching of God’s Word. Those who have no desire to put aside their sins and learn God’s Word have not tasted the Lord’s grace of salvation. Charles Spurgeon said, “He that doth not hear the Word of God to his renovation, shall hear it to his condemnation.” All genuine children of God esteem God’s Word more than their necessary food!

GBI-Vizag Update

Dear Pastor Koshy,

We thank God for His help in finishing another semester of learning from God’s Word in GBI (Vizag). This semester, we had 12 students taking various subjects. Four were residential students (two from Shillong and two from Odisha). They took classes from the Kotapadu campus. Thank God for the provision of good internet connectivity that we’ve got through a special leased line from a service provider. Online classes offered by GBI and FEBC went on smoothly at the Kotapadu campus. Nonetheless, as the lease of the campus is going to expire by the end of next year, we are praying for God’s guidance and provision for a permanent campus for GBI. 

Students in the city also came regularly for classes, except on some days when we had painting works being carried out at the city campus. Thank God for some renovation work done recently by the building owner. In addition to the online classes, Bro Seraph and I taught four subjects during in-person classes. I would like to thank you for taking two live classes every week (Homiletics and 1 Corinthians). I am also thankful for the opportunity for some students to enrol in the Greek language class taught by Pr Cornelius Koshy.

Three students (Shyam Kishore, Pastor John and Adab) have finished their studies and graduated on 2nd May 2024. Thank you for visiting us and sharing God’s Word at the graduation service. Through the preaching from the Third Epistle of John, based on the life of Gaius, we were indeed reminded of the importance of faithful service to God and fellow believers.

On behalf of the staff and students here, I like to extend our gratitude for the generous support for the ministries in Vizag. Because of the support from Gethsemane Church and the Malayalam Fellowship, we can provide teaching to students free of cost, including provision of accommodation for students. May God continue to bless the outreach efforts of Gethsemane in various parts of the world. We look forward to joining you all for the upcoming missionary conference in June.

In Christ,
Pastor Sujith Samuel

Romans 1-11 lay the groundwork for the Christian faith, explaining God’s plan for salvation and sanctified lives. Then in Romans 12:1-2, we are urged to express these truths in our daily actions: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (v. 1).

Because of God’s Mercies

We note that the exhortation to live a renewed life is given with a reminder of divine mercy towards Christians – “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God”. This highlights God’s immense compassion towards us, even though we don’t deserve it (2 Corinthians 1:3). Realising God’s boundless mercies motivates us to live a life for Him. It’s God’s grace and mercy that renew us for His service. Resolutions and decisions are good and necessary, but they are not enough to live unto God! His mercies are essential for living a life consecrated to God.

Living a Consecrated Life

Paul encourages us to consecrate or offer our bodies to God completely. The first aspect of our consecration of the body is that we “present” our bodies as “a living sacrifice” to God. The word “present” in Greek (paristemi) denotes placing a person or thing ready for one’s disposal. We must present ourselves ready to be used by God. Our desires for our bodies, whether in appearance or use, should be for the Lord’s glory and His holy will. Anytime we allow our bodies to be used by any man or for anything outside of God’s will, we are offering our bodies for unholy purposes! We must fight against our bodily desires and passions. Consecration requires us to stand with God.

The metaphor “living sacrifice” instructs us that we should devote our entire lives to serving God. In the Old Testament, when the Jews sacrificed animals to God, they would slaughter the animal and lay it on the altar. Similarly, we are on the altar of God’s service, but not as a dead animal! Christ died for us, so that we may live in Him and live in active service unto God.

We are to also consecrate our bodies in a “holy and acceptable” way unto God. Our bodies must never be used for anything unacceptable to God, as our bodies belong to God. It means living a modest life that is not conformed to the world. Our bodies should not be used for activities that are displeasing to God, but to honour Him. For example, we should not use our bodies to commit sins, and to enjoy and promote a carnal and materialistic lifestyle, which is forbidden in the Scriptures. Instead, we should use our bodies in obedience to His Word to honour Him, to help and edify others, and to spread the Gospel. Consecrating our bodies to God means living a modest and holy life, and presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. It is, after all, our “reasonable service”. Whenever we yield our bodies to anything that is not acceptable to God, we become unreasonable before God. 

Living with a Renewed Mind

In verse 2, Paul draws our attention to another aspect of consecration: the need to offer our mind to God. The mind is where all our thoughts originate, and where our passions are controlled or let loose. If our mind is not offered up to the Lord, it will be misled to follow the evil present in this world. So, verse 2 admonishes us: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 

There are two facets of offering our minds to God. The first one mentioned is that we must not be “conformed to this world”. The Greek word for “conformed” means fashioning oneself according to something. So, we are advised here that we should not fashion ourselves after this world. The world’s standards and values are often opposed to God’s will. Ephesians 2:2 reminds us that the world belongs to Satan, who seeks to promote sinful lifestyles and rebellion against authority – “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”. As Christians, we cannot behave like the world. We need to be different from worldly people (unbelievers), and our difference is the evidence of God’s love and power that saved us from our sins. John 15:19 says, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” Remember, friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).

Secondly, we are also to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s]”. The Bible uses the metaphor of transformation to describe this process of renewing our minds. The process of transformation can be likened to a caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly. A real change must be seen in our lives, and that change can only be worked out by the renewing of our minds. The Greek word translated as “renew” means a complete change for the better. This spiritual transformation of our minds happens when we yield to God’s Word to work on our minds through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through listening to and meditating on God’s Word, we learn to reject the patterns of worldly thoughts (which are displeasing to God) and to think according to the will of God, that we may live a life pleasing to Him. We are thus renewed and transformed!

A renewed mind is a mind that is set on God’s will and not the world’s. The ultimate outcome of a renewed life is: the ability to discern and embrace what is truly good, pleasing, and perfect according to God’s will. Let us seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance through prayer, and rely on His power to be renewed daily. May we show the world that we are changed by the truth and grace of God.

What is the greatest advantage or profit a man can have in his life? The most common answers would be: “great wealth”, “material comfort”, “fame and prestige”, “great power”, “excellent education”, etc. Certainly, no one can deny that there are real advantages in this earthly life if one has such worldly gains.

The Bible instructs Christians not to be sluggish but to work hard to earn their bread (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Industrious Christians are also taught to be generous (Romans 12:13; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 6:18). While the Bible encourages us to pray for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3), it also promises that God would provide all the needs of those who seek His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Nonetheless, Jesus sternly warned everyone who thinks that worldly gain is all that matters and who would even neglect the care of his soul to secure an affluent earthly life, “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:25). By “the world”, Jesus meant all the pleasures, riches and honour that this world presents to man. If there is a man who possesses all the earthly glories but fails to care for the salvation of his own soul, he is, according to Jesus, a terrible loser because he let his soul be a castaway in hell. All his material achievements will not contribute anything at all to purchase a safe eternal destiny for him.

A man of worldly affluence may astonish his observers, winning for himself their admiration and praise. However, within him is a weary soul, crushed by the wrath of God against his sin and unbelief. So a man who lives just for worldly achievements has an awfully impoverished soul. All his wealth and stature are utterly powerless to save his soul and help him secure eternal peace.

God’s Word has long declared, “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever)” (Psalm 49:6-8). Likewise, Proverbs 11:4 states, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath.” This is why Jesus said in Matthew 16:26, “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?” Material wealth cannot purchase the redemption of one’s soul. All the wealth in the world will not be sufficient to redeem a man’s immortal soul.

Worse still, trusting in worldly possessions will lead to eternal peril. “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall” (Proverbs 11:28). One’s confidence in his wealth will keep him from believing and submitting to the Lord. This was graphically illustrated by the example of a rich young ruler who came to Christ seeking eternal life and yet refused to submit to His command to follow Him after selling all his possessions and giving them to the poor (Matthew 19:16-22). When he went away sorrowful, Jesus said, “That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23-24).

Besides, worldly gain accumulated through unrighteous and selfish means will provoke God to wrath. James, the apostle, forewarns, “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days” (James 5:1-3). Man’s fascination with the worldly gain will make him a real loser of his soul to hell.

The danger of loving material prosperity is clearly and strongly cautioned against in God’s Word: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). Why would one covet after something that would afflict him with excruciating pain? Worldly pursuit can bring horrifying anguish upon a man’s soul because of his departure from the faith, resulting in remorse and guilt; painful recollections of his folly and the dread of the future wrath of God.

Just prior to the warning of the unprofitability of the world, Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:23–24). These words of Jesus make it plain that there can be no spiritual progress if one is unwilling to make the sacrifices required by the Lord. A genuine Christian must always be willing to give up any earthly pursuit that would impede his desire to follow Christ.

Worldly affluence provides no guarantee of spiritual prosperity. Too often, especially when one is indulging in material gain and pleasure, it is a sign of his spiritual poverty. Jesus said, “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

What then is the real profitability of being preoccupied with worldly glory? Nothing at all. No one who wants his soul to be saved and be spiritually empowered and enriched should ever make worldly achievements his priority. The world’s wealth cannot secure spiritual wealth and joy. To be totally occupied with the world’s prosperity is to become spiritually bankrupt. One’s unrestrained pursuit of earthly gain will leave his soul utterly famished. Great wealth is certainly no great gain.

John Flavel (1627–1691), an English Presbyterian pastor, puritan and author, offered an excellent illustration of the unprofitability of worldly preoccupation. He 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 on that 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.’”

Let no one be fooled into thinking highly of this material world and its glory, and fail to care for the salvation and nurture of his soul. The world is full of corruption and seduction that endanger our souls. Its glory is both unreliable and fading. Hence, let us not love the world (1 John 2:15). Take heed of the words of the prophet Jeremiah, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

It is not uncommon that Christians feel troubled about their struggle to fulfil their Christian calling to live a holy and God-pleasing life. Are you also feeling inadequate and helpless to be a faithful and fruitful Christian? Do you think Christian life and ministry surpass your human abilities and powers? Do the challenges and goals of Christian life and ministry appear daunting before you?

Feelings of inadequacy, resulting in doubt and anxiety, are typical of everyone who cherishes a genuine desire to do the will of God and please Him. Such was the apostle Paul’s concern. That great hero of faith made repeated assertions about his insufficiency. He asked in 2 Corinthians 2:16b, “And who is sufficient for these things?” He also wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God”.

Paul’s sense of his personal insufficiency was an all-pervasive view of his life. When he said, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves” (cf. 2 Cor. 4:7), he was attesting to his total inability in the matters of Christian life and ministry. Brethren, there is no greater folly than to think that we possess the power to attain supreme spiritual heights within ourselves. Wise is the man who readily acknowledges – “O, how little is my sufficiency!” 

“But our sufficiency,” says Paul, “is of God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5b). So, the answer to the question, “Who is sufficient for these things?”, is all who trust in God, who is our sufficiency. In God, we have all sufficiency. In Him is all the wisdom, all the thoughts, all the love, all the power, and all the conquering energy which every devoted and serving Christian needs. His own inadequacy and lack of human resources turned Paul into an empty vessel that is to be filled with divine power and goodness for the blessed ministry of the Gospel. Paul did not rely on his natural abilities to accomplish his ministry. Instead, he ministered, trusting in divine empowerment. So, he wrote, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor. 2:4).

That our sufficiency should be of God is infinitely better than if it were of ourselves, for then our sufficiency cannot be questioned, doubted, interrupted, or depleted. If we had to bear all the burdens and challenges, we would soon be undone. But now, we are like a child who travels with his father, and his father pays for everything. Like a child who draws all his needs from his father’s constant provision, we must draw upon the inexhaustible resources of God so that we may be well-furnished to fulfil all our Christian responsibilities and duties. 

We can now expect to live a peaceful and princely life; our heavenly Father will provide for us from His all-sufficiency. Our sufficiency is of God; let us practically enjoy this truth. Like Paul, let us also learn to live by drawing on the Lord’s ever-sufficient grace. Consider Paul’s testimony in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 

“We are poor, leaking vessels,” Charles Spurgeon wrote, “and the only way for us to keep full is to put our pitcher under the perpetual flow of His boundless grace. Then, despite its leakage, the cup will always be full to the brim.” Our sufficiency is of God! When it comes to God’s work, such as evangelism, we know we have no power to reach souls and save them. One might cry, “I feel it is a work too hard for me. I do not feel I’m able to win a soul.” Let him also continue to remember the truth that “our sufficiency is of God.”

Brethren, if God sends us, He will go with us to help us accomplish His work. When God calls a man to preach and gives him a message to deliver, He will also prepare the ears and hearts to hear and believe the message. He, who has called us, is able to fulfil the work He has begun in us (Phil 1:6). O, how blessed are those words for every servant of Christ working for His dear name: “Our sufficiency is of God!”

Thanksgiving Testimony of Salvation

(William Lee’s testimony of God’s gracious work in the salvation of his mother, Mdm Kong Mok Kum, before calling her home on 19 Jan 2024.)

When my mother was hospitalised in July 2020, she told me she wanted to have a Christian funeral service when she died. I explained to her that before a minister can conduct a Christian funeral for her, she must first accept Jesus as her Saviour. I also told her it would be a burial and not a cremation. She understood, agreed and accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She reaffirmed her faith when Pastor Koshy and Pr Daniel Lim visited her in the hospital, and she was baptised on 1 Aug 2020.

Over the next three years, she grew spiritually from faith to faith. When told she had cancer in September 2023, it did not devastate her because her faith was strong, and she knew that this was the beginning of a journey towards her eternal home in Heaven. She knew she must persevere through the suffering of pain as her body grew weaker physically. But God has been merciful to grant her grace to endure and hope to look towards the day when she closes her eyes for the last time on this earth and enters Heaven with joy unspeakable, beholding Jesus Christ, who loved and saved her. Revelation 21:4 says, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

She has gone to a place that the Lord Jesus has prepared for her (John 14:3), where there will be no more darkness, suffering, pain and death. Up in Heaven, she shall join my father, and all who like them have accepted Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord, and have gone ahead much earlier to glorify Him in ceaseless praise.

Psalm 73:28 - “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” 

The psalmist testifies that “it is good for me to draw near to God”. Drawing near to God is a pleasant and profitable experience for all God’s children. Psalm 65:4 says, “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.”

If it is good to draw near to God, we should hate all things that distract or prevent us from drawing near to Him. Let us not put any value on those things that hinder our coming to the LORD. They must be refused, no matter how attractive they may appear.

Let us always observe what is so plainly commended to us by the psalmist — “to draw near to God”. Since the LORD has forgiven our sins and reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, we can now come nigh unto Him. Hebrews 10:19 says we can have “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus”. Whoever would come to the holy presence of God through Jesus the Saviour will never be rejected.

Let us put our trust in the LORD God, having the assurance that He will not reject us but will receive us to Himself and hear us when we call on Him. We can have absolute confidence that God will accept us. Hebrews 11:6 affirms that “he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

As he drew near to God, the psalmist further desired to declare all of God’s works. He said, “that I may declare all thy works”. In other places of the Book of Psalms, we see similar sentiments of God’s servants. For instance, Psalm 66:16, “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.” Again, Psalm 71:17 says, “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.”

As we worship today, may our souls draw nigh unto God with faith and consecration to His glory. Let nothing steal away our hearts from our utmost worship to the Lord. Let us also speak with one another concerning all that the Lord has done for us, so that we may mutually strengthen our faith and aid one another in our walk with the Lord.

A Report from Pr Kelvin Lim

Dear Pastor,

Greetings in our Lord Jesus’ blessed and holy name.

Time flies! Thanks to the LORD for seeing me through my third semester (Jul-Nov 2023) in FEBC. The LORD is good! He has helped me to improve my Grade Point Average (GPA) last semester. I registered for 8 courses with a total of 13 credits as required for a full-time student. Colossians 3:14 – “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” – was my theme verse for the semester. 

I am thankful to the LORD for many spiritual lessons learned within and without the walls of FEBC. One memorable lesson would be the provision of the LORD! He had provided the necessary funds for me to join Rev Clement in a Holy Land study pilgrimage in July 2023, just before the college reopened. Not only this, but other needs as well. For example, Pr Cornelius graciously agreed to cover my preaching duties in The Gethsemane Care Ministry (TGCM) on Tuesday mornings during the semester. Furthermore, concerning my family, the LORD has provided our every need! He alone is my Provider. “For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone” (Psalm 86:10).

FEBC organised a Gospel rally on 1st September 2023, with Rev Clement as the speaker and Rev Zhu as the interpreter. This event was live-streamed, and I thank God for two newcomers for the event, one of whom has been attending True Life BP Church. The LORD has taught me precious lessons from the preparation to the execution of the event. I thank God for the charity shown among the committee brethren, which helped to bring the event to pass!

My difficulties faced during the semester were the Hebrew and Greek languages courses. There were some occasions in the Hebrew class when the quiz was either a fail or pass. Thank the Lord for His grace is ever sufficient to sustain me in the class. As for the Greek class, the LORD gave me strength to read aloud His inspired words. The translations of the texts and discussions thereof in class has helped me to see the richness of God’s Word. The LORD has subsequently given two opportunities for me to preach with this knowledge of Greek. I expounded on the word “life” from John 5:24 in the Chinese service, and on the word “thank” from Philippians 1:3 in the evening service.

The LORD has blessed my prison ministry. There are some Muslims in my Bible study class. God willing, in the coming year, there might be Muslim converts coming to worship the LORD with us in church. Two of them have professed Christ publicly. They have been approved by the Prison authority to attend the weekly Bible study and Chapel service. One of them has indicated to me his desire to go through water baptism. Praise the LORD! This is the work of God alone. 

May the LORD continue to guide me in serving Him both in the college and the church for His glory!

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:18).

Are you surprised by the title of this article? Corrupt communication is one of the maladies that wreck the peace and progress of many biblical churches in recent days. However, it is not a new phenomenon. It is an age-old problem. The apostle Paul was subjected to awful defamation by several unprincipled groups in the early churches (cf. 2 Cor. 10:10). Even our Lord Jesus Christ was not spared by the evilness of vile men who presented themselves as pious.

These days, our church has been the target of vile, flagrant accusations. These accusers, who generally magnify themselves as pious men with special knowledge of “GBPC’s sin”, have been whispering here and there! They are looking for partners for their gossip mill within our church, so they can cause division within us. May God protect us from their venomous words! 

Let us heed the divine counsel and refuse to be corrupt communicators. “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another… Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:25, 29).

No Corrupt Communication!

Ephesians 4:29a – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth”.

This is a prohibition against bad speech. The Greek word for “corrupt” denotes that which is putrid, rotten, and hence corrupting, defiling and injurious. Jesus said in Matthew 15:18, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”

Corrupt communication includes many kinds of bad speech, such as bad language, vulgar and profane exclamations, foolish talking, filthy conversation, unprofitable remarks, profane oaths, lies, false witnessing, angry utterances, provocative words, demeaning statements, hurtful words, curses, threatening, abusive language, ridicule, gossips, slandering, false accusations, proud and arrogant expressions, boasting, flattery, misleading advice, false teaching, unwholesome and filthy songs, etc.

Corrupt communication can easily occur; it is a common malady, even in churches and among Christians. Not only do new Christians fall prey to it, even believers who are well advanced in sanctification have been overtaken by the sin of evil communication. We must always be watchful against falling into this unsavoury conduct. Since our bad speech is an expression of our defiled thoughts and feelings, we must strive to cleanse our hearts and minds constantly, and to keep them from being defiled again.

It is also important that we avoid the company of men and women who engage in evil communication. Those who spend time communing with people who are unguarded in their speech will soon be like them. Those who read unwholesome material or entertain themselves with profane shows will easily learn their bad language and mannerisms. 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

Godly men will be cautious of what they say. They will pray to God to help them guard their speech. If we learn to control our tongue, we can avoid many embarrassing situations. We can also avoid many quarrels, as well as the poisoning and even severing of friendships. Let us make David’s prayer in Psalm 19:14 ours as well: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Only That Which is Good for Edification!

Ephesians 4:29b - “but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Immediately after prohibiting corrupt communication, Paul encourages good speech. He advises Christians to see that their words are well-chosen, to the extent that they edify others. The conversation of Christians should be honourable and beneficial, so that it edifies, rather than harms or destroys others.

Speech is a special gift from God. We must use it as His Word directs us. Here, we are exhorted to use it for edifying one another. The Greek word that Paul used for “edifying” (oikodómēsis) denotes the act of building a house. In Paul’s epistles, it is used to indicate spiritual nurture or advancement.

We must, through our speech, seek to build one another up. We must speak so as to do good to others. By relating our testimony of salvation and sharing the Gospel of Christ with the unsaved, we can point some souls to Christ our Saviour. Through friendly discussions, we can impart God’s truths to the young or less mature in faith, that they may grow in the knowledge of God’s Word. We can comfort those who are weary and sad with God’s promises. We can prevent some from going astray by providing timely and wise advice. We can correct and restore those who have erred in their ways by admonishing them in love.

There is a great need for us to engage in godly conversation that will bring edification to one another. Merely refraining from corrupt speech is not good enough. Great spiritual disaster will come upon our church, friends and family members, if we choose not to speak when there is a need to do so. Where there is a lack of godly conversation, the unhindered growth of spiritual maladies will take root and fester.

We must speak with wisdom and grace to impart spiritual blessings and protection to others. May our words provide spiritual benefits. As Paul said, we must strive to “minister grace unto the hearers”. Proverbs 25:11 tells us, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Appropriate words spoken at the right time in the best manner are beautiful and precious, indeed. Let us remember that our words have power, either for good or evil. Let us, therefore, speak in such a way that will build up our hearers, and not tear them down.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Sobriety and vigilance are crucial to living a victorious Christian life. The Greek word for “sober” (nēphō) means being temperate or abstinent, especially with respect to wine. It is an antonym for the state of mind caused by drunkenness and is used more broadly to refer to spiritual and moral sobriety, a clear-thinking and self-controlled mental state that is free from confusion and unbridled passions. The Greek word for “vigilance” (grēgoreō) refers to alertness and watchfulness. When used together, these words exhort Christians to live with self-control and constant awareness against snares and temptations of sin.

At no time should we be heedless or unguarded. Our minds must always stand on guard against the most minute and unobservable encroachment of sin. Even that which appears to be harmless can lead us to great spiritual and moral perils. Not surprisingly, it has been said that “the enemy that is least feared is usually the soonest felt.”

How often we have heard Christian men regretfully say,  “Oh,  I fell  in an unguarded moment; the temptation came so suddenly!” But why were they off their guard? Is it not because they had lived carelessly and wantonly? We  must not indiscriminately accept every invitation given  to us. We must carefully analyse every overture made to us, whether it would undermine our commitment to our Saviour and  Lord.

Our vigilance must be comprehensive. Let none be too cocksure that he will not be overtaken by certain kinds of temptation. While we resist one form of evil, let us not forget that there are other subtle temptations in the world. While we watch against external forces that are bent on destroying our walk with God, let us also be on guard against internal passions that are equally perilous. If we are not vigilant, though we may watch against fleshly lusts, we may still give room (knowingly or unwittingly) in our hearts for pride, self-righteousness, and the like.

All such allurements of sin originate in our chief adversary, Satan. He is like a mighty, ferocious lion at our door, waiting to pounce on us and devour us. Let us not carelessly open the door of our heart. Satan, like a lion, would pounce on his prey, unseen and unsuspected. He is not only powerful and ferocious, he is also very crafty. So, be on your guard!

Testimony of Abishek, a GBI (India) Student

My name is Kambam Abhishek Raju. I was born into a Hindu family in Andhra Pradesh. My parents did not have children for the first seven years of their marriage. So, they frequently visited Hindu temples and prayed to many gods and goddesses for children. They also sought medical help, but to no avail. They lost hope of having children. Relatives of my father looked down on my mom. It was rather common in our society that childless women were insulted by people. My parents were very troubled. A pastor who visited them shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and also assured my parents that the Lord will hear their prayer. Then onwards, they started attending church regularly. They trusted the Lord Jesus, and eventually took an oath in prayer to dedicate the first son to the full-time ministry if God would give them children. Soon after, my mother conceived and gave birth to me. The Lord also blessed my parents with three more baby girls. These gracious blessings strengthened their faith. A few years later, several relatives from both sides of my parents came to believe in Christ. I underwent baptism while I was studying in 10th standard. However, we were part of the ‘Oneness Pentecostal’ denomination, which denied the Trinity.

Upon completion of my studies, due to family financial problems, I went to work for two years as a Sales Executive in Maruti Suzuki (an automobile company). My parents started to strongly urge me to go for theological studies and prepare for the ministry. After much prayer and consideration, I became convinced that the Lord wanted me to resign from my job to go for theological studies. With the guidance and help of my friend Teja, who was already part of a Presbyterian church, I joined the Presbyterian Theological Seminary (PTS) in Dehradun, India. There, I started to gain a proper understanding of the biblical truths, which strengthened my faith. When I was in my 2nd year of studies in PTS, I was convicted of the truth of the Trinity. I talked to the faculty about my conviction, and I asked them to baptise me in the name of the Triune God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. While I was in my final seminary year, I was ‘finally’ baptised in the name of the Triune God in Good Shepherd Church, which is closely affiliated with the seminary and where I had been worshipping for three years.

After completing my theological studies, I went to the pastor of my home church to explain to him the doctrine of the Trinity. But he didn’t listen to me, so I stopped attending that church. Now, I am working to plant a Reformed church in my hometown Kakinada to share the biblical Gospel with my own people. I have a heavy burden towards my hometown people, so I am currently working among them.

I didn’t receive any personal call through dreams or prophecies to be a pastor, but by reading the Bible regularly and spending much time in prayer, I recognised God’s calling in my life. God also kept the burden in my heart to share the Gospel with people who don’t know Christ, and to take care of the souls of those who believe in Him. Some of my friends and faculty members of PTS recognised my gifts, and encouraged me to work towards being a pastor. In this way, I have confirmed my calling as a pastor.

In the process, one of my faculty members, Dr Vijay Tagore (who works as a New Testament professor in PTS), gave me the contact number of Rev. Sujith Samuel to work along with the Bible-Presbyterian Church. And after talking with Rev. Sujith, I felt it is a good opportunity to work with this church to be involved in God’s ministry. So I have, as a first step, committed myself to learning in GBI. I thank God for this opportunity.