Gethsemane Bible Presbyterian Mission Churches - Bogo and San Antonio

Gethsemane Bible Presbyterian Mission Churches - Bogo and San Antonio A Reformed and Fundamental Church in the northern part of Cebu. We adhere to the Fundamentals of the Christian Faith.

We uphold the Bible to be inerrant, infallible, and perfectly preserved throughout the ages by the singular care and providence of God.

17/06/2026

Why Must We Remember the Way the Lord Has Led Us?

by Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy

Deuteronomy 8:2—“And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.”

As Israel stood at the border of the Promised Land, Moses instructed them not merely to anticipate future blessings but to remember past dealings of the LORD. Memory was to be a spiritual discipline. Before entering the abundance, they were to look back upon the wilderness.

The wilderness years were not accidental detours but divine appointments. Moses says, “The LORD thy God led thee”. The same God who redeemed Israel from Egypt also guided them through barren places. Their hardships, delays, hunger, and uncertainties were all under God’s sovereign hand. Believers today must likewise recognise that God’s providence governs not only seasons of prosperity but also seasons of trial (Romans 8:28).

God had holy purposes in those forty years: “to humble thee, and to prove thee”. Trials expose what comfort often conceals. Afflictions reveal whether our trust rests upon God or upon earthly securities. The Lord does not test His people because He lacks knowledge, but because He graciously exposes and refines what lies within our hearts (Psalm 139:23–24). The wilderness uncovers pride, self-reliance, unbelief, and disobedience, while also nurturing dependence, prayerfulness, and faith.

The question was whether Israel would “keep his commandments, or no”. Obedience remains the evidence of genuine faith. Therefore, remember your wilderness seasons. God cares far more about the condition of your heart than the comfort of your surroundings. Your current wilderness is not designed to destroy you, but to deeply root your dependence on Him. They were classrooms of grace. Your paths may be difficult, but your Guide is faithful. He will cultivate you in His blessed will, and He will never abandon you.

This is taken from the devotionals of Gethsemane BP Church Singapore written by Pastor Koshy.

Good morning brethren. A blessed day ahead of us.

Eld Eli

15/06/2026

Do You Rest in God’s Covenant Faithfulness?

by Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy

Deuteronomy 7:9—“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”

Israel was preparing to enter Canaan, a land filled with dangers, temptations, and powerful nations. In such uncertainty, Moses directed the people not to their own strength first, but to God’s unchanging character. Moses handed them an anchor for their souls.

The command begins with “Know therefore”, a call to Israel to a settled conviction, not uncertain opinion. This is not a casual awareness, but a deep, unshakeable certainty. Their confidence must rest upon who God is.

“The LORD thy God, he is God” affirms His uniqueness and sovereignty. Israel’s covenant relationship was not founded on lifeless idols, human promises, or military might, but upon the living and true God. Moses then describes Him as “the faithful God.” Human loyalty often wavers, but God remains steadfast: “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13). He is faithful today, tomorrow, and forever.

God “keepeth covenant and mercy”. His faithfulness is not a cold obligation but covenant love expressed in mercy. Yet the verse also reminds us that covenant blessings are experienced by those “that love him and keep his commandments”. Obedience does not earn God’s grace but demonstrates genuine love for Him (John 14:15). His faithfulness is inextricably linked to His covenant, stretching out to a “thousand generations”, a biblical hyperbole denoting infinity.

What a comfort to weary believers living in uncertain times to know that their God would remain faithful to them. Circumstances change, people disappoint, and earthly securities fail, but God remains faithful. Therefore, anchor your soul not in your consistency, but in His. The God who kept His promises to Israel remains the covenant-keeping God of His redeemed people today.

This is taken from the devotionals of Gethsemane BP Church Singapore written by Pastor Koshy.

Good morning brethren. A blessed day ahead of us.

Eld Eli

15/06/2026

Why Must We Acknowledge the One True God?

by Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy

Deuteronomy 6:4—“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD”

This verse, known as the Shema (from the Hebrew word “hear”), is the foundational confession of Jewish faith. In the plains of Moab, Moses declared to a generation preparing to enter Canaan, a land filled with idols and false gods. Before discussing obedience, worship, or family instruction, God first established this foundational truth: there is only one true God. Israel is called to an exclusive and wholehearted allegiance to the one true God.

The declaration begins with a command to “Hear”, which means more than merely listening. It calls for attentive, believing, and obedient reception of divine truth. God’s people must not merely know about God; they must respond to Him with wholehearted devotion. The phrase “The LORD our God” speaks of a covenant relationship. Jehovah was not a distant deity but the God who redeemed, guided, and preserved His people.

“The LORD… is one LORD” proclaims God’s uniqueness, unity, and exclusivity. Scripture repeatedly affirms this truth: “I am the LORD, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:5). There are not many paths to God or many equal deities. The one true God alone deserves worship, trust, and obedience. There is no rival to the LORD in worship, trust, or obedience.

This verse guards us against idolatry, divided loyalties, and worldly compromise. It also reminds believers to examine whether God truly occupies the throne of their hearts. In a world crowded with distractions and competing allegiances, this ancient call remains urgent: hear God, know Him personally, and worship Him exclusively. He is the one constant centre who holds all things together. Turn your gaze from the many distractions to the One who is everything. When the one true God rules the heart, life finds its proper order and peace.

This is taken from the devotionals of Gethsemane BP Church Singapore written by Pastor Koshy.

Good morning brethren. A blessed day ahead of us.

Eld Eli

14/06/2026

Lord’s Day Worship Service: 14 June 2026
Theme: The Illusion of the Empty Throne
Text: Esther 1:1-9

13/06/2026

Are You Captivated by the Holiness of God?

by Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy

Revelation 4:8—“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

Revelation 4 transports us from earthly struggles into the throne room of heaven: After the messages to the seven churches, John is given a vision of heaven, reminding suffering believers that God reigns supremely over all things.

The four living creatures resemble those seen in Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:2–3) and stand nearest the throne, continually worshipping God. Their six wings speak of readiness and service, while their many eyes signify watchfulness and awareness before the all-knowing God. Yet their chief activity is worship. “They rest not day and night”, declaring continually, “Holy, holy, holy”. The threefold repetition of “holy” magnifies God's absolute holiness. He is infinitely pure, separated from all sin, and glorious beyond human comprehension.

They also worship Him as “Lord God Almighty”, emphasising His sovereign power over creation and history. He is “which was, and is, and is to come”, the eternal God who transcends time and remains unchanged amidst a changing world.

This vision centres our hearts upon God’s character rather than our circumstances. When earthly troubles dominate our thoughts, heavenly worship reorders our perspective.

Believers should learn to set their thoughts and affection on heaven’s worship. Much of our anxiety grows when God becomes small in our minds, and earthly matters grow bigger and bigger. Reverent worship enlarges our view of Him. Let us therefore live with hearts captivated by God’s holiness, sovereignty, and eternal majesty, joining heaven’s anthem even now: “Holy, holy, holy”.

This is taken from the devotionals of Gethsemane BP Church Singapore written by Pastor Koshy.

Good morning brethren. Blessed Lord’s Day! Let us worship the Lord today.

Eld Eli

12/06/2026

Have You Left Your First Love?

by Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy

Revelation 2:5—“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

Here, Christ speaks to the church in Ephesus with both tenderness and solemn warning: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works”. The Ephesian church was doctrinally sound, diligent in labour, and steadfast against false teachers (Revelation 2:2–3). Yet despite these commendable qualities, according to v.4, they had left their “first love” (Revelation 2:4). Their outward orthodoxy remained, but their inward affection for Christ had cooled.

Christ’s remedy begins with remembrance: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen”. Spiritual decline often begins gradually and unnoticed. Believers must honestly recall former devotion, love, zeal, and delight in Christ. Reflection upon spiritual decline is not meant to produce despair but repentance.

Next comes the command: “repent”. Spiritual coldness is not merely weakness; it is sin requiring confession and turning. Repentance involves a deliberate change of heart that leads to renewed obedience. Christ then says, “do the first works”. Love for Christ is not merely emotional; it expresses itself through prayer, worship, obedience, service, and joyful devotion.

The warning is serious: “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place”. A church may preserve activity, tradition, and reputation, yet lose Christ’s blessing and testimony if repentance is neglected. Christ threatens to “remove thy candlestick”. A lampstand exists to reflect His light; without love, its witness is extinguished.

Believers and churches must examine themselves. Have routine and familiarity replaced love for Christ? Has service continued while affection faded? Christ does not merely desire correct doctrine or outward activity; He desires hearts that love Him supremely. Therefore, remember, repent, and return to Him before spiritual decline deepens.

This is taken from the devotionals of Gethsemane BP Church Singapore written by Pastor Koshy.

Good morning brethren. A blessed day ahead of us.

Eld Eli

12/06/2026

Prayer Meeting: 12 June 2026
Text: James 4:17

12/06/2026

Will You Be Faithful Unto Death?

by Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy

Revelation 2:10—“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

The Lord Jesus addresses the church at Smyrna with a message of urgent preparation. It was a small, impoverished flock faced with intense waves of Roman persecution and local hostility. Christ does not promise them an easy escape; rather, He explicitly warns them of impending imprisonment and a severe, yet divinely limited, period of “tribulation ten days”.

Christ’s solemn and comforting words to the suffering church in Smyrna are also recorded: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Unlike some churches addressed in Revelation, Smyrna received no rebuke. They were poor, afflicted, and persecuted, yet spiritually rich before God.

Christ also warned the church plainly about the reality of suffering: “the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried”. Behind earthly opposition stood a spiritual adversary seeking to intimidate and weaken believers. Yet Satan’s activity remained under God’s sovereign control. Even their “tribulation ten days” reveals that suffering would be measured, limited, and governed by divine purpose.

In times of suffering, our flesh naturally trembles before pain and fears the unknown. Yet, Christ commands, “Fear none of those things”. The Lord who foretold their affliction also promised His sustaining grace through it. We can face hardship with courage because our Saviour has already conquered death.

He does not demand that we be successful or prosperous in the eyes of the world, only that we remain “faithful unto death”. By fixing our gaze on the eternal prize, we are granted the enduring grace to withstand the sharpest trials, confident that our present suffering is brief compared to the weight of glory awaiting us.

Trials are not evidence of God’s abandonment. Sometimes the most faithful believers endure the greatest hardships. Christ does not promise immediate deliverance but enduring grace and eternal reward: “I will give thee a crown of life”. Suffering does not signify defeat, nor does earthly comfort measure success; the true mark of victorious Christianity is an unyielding faithfulness in the furnace of affliction.

This is taken from the devotionals of Gethsemane BP Church Singapore written by Pastor Koshy.

Good morning brethren. A blessed day ahead of us.

Eld Eli

10/06/2026

Have You Asked for Wisdom to Endure the Trials?

by Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy

James 1:5—“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

This promise appears in the context of trials and testing. After calling believers to endure hardships with joy (James 1:2–4), James anticipates a pressing need of all who are undergoing trials of life. It is wisdom. Trials often leave believers asking, “What should I do? How should I respond? What is God teaching me?”

For the scattered, suffering believers of the first century, navigating persecution required more than human cleverness; it demanded a heavenly perspective to understand how God uses affliction to produce endurance. Recognising that hardship often exposes our human weakness and limitations, James points the struggling soul to the ultimate source of help.

Biblical wisdom is more than knowledge or intelligence. It is the God-given ability to understand life from God’s perspective and apply His truth rightly. In seasons of suffering, believers often need wisdom more than immediate relief. God may not always remove trials quickly, but He promises wisdom for enduring them faithfully and joyfully.

Notice God’s gracious character in this verse. He “giveth to all men liberally.” God is not reluctant or stingy in granting wisdom to His children. Furthermore, He “upbraideth not.” He does not rebuke or shame believers for their weakness, ignorance, or repeated need. Earthly people may grow impatient when asked repeatedly for help, but our heavenly Father invites continual dependence.

During our trials, our human insufficiency will be met with divine sufficiency. Our inability is not a barrier to God’s blessing; it is often the pathway to it. God delights when His people acknowledge their need and seek His help.

When confusion, suffering, or difficult decisions arise, believers should first seek God rather than depend merely on human reasoning. The God who permits trials is also the God who generously provides wisdom for them.

This is taken from the devotionals of Gethsemane BP Church Singapore written by Pastor Koshy.

Good morning brethren. A blessed day ahead of us.

Eld Eli

10/06/2026

Can You Count Trials as Joy?

by Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy

James 1:2–3—“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

Writing to scattered Jewish Christians facing hardships, persecution, and uncertainty, James addresses suffering not as an exception to Christian life but as an expected reality. James does not minimise their suffering with empty words. Rather, he teaches them to endure their trials with patience.

The phrase “divers temptations” refers to various trials and tests. These believers were experiencing pressures from many directions: social rejection, poverty, persecution, and personal struggles. God uses these seasons of trials as a crucible to refine the believer.

For this reason, James commands them to “count it all joy”. This does not mean believers rejoice in pain itself, nor deny sorrow. Rather, Christian joy rests in knowing that God is sovereignly working through trials for spiritual good.

In verse 3, James emphasises the reason for our trials: “the trying of your faith worketh patience”. Trials expose whether faith is genuine and strengthen believers through endurance. Just as gold is refined through fire, faith matures through testing. God often uses difficulties to remove self-dependence and deepen trust in Him. Patience here speaks of steadfast endurance, a grace that enables believers to remain faithful under pressure.

These verses remind us that suffering in the believer’s life is purposeful, not random. God sanctifies His people through trials. As Scripture declares elsewhere, “tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3).

When trials come, believers should resist bitterness and despair. Instead, we should ask: What is God teaching me through this? Trials may shake our comforts, but they also strengthen our faith. The God who appoints trials also sustains His people through them.

This is taken from the devotionals of Gethsemane BP Church Singapore written by Pastor Koshy.

Good morning brethren. A blessed day ahead of us.

Eld Eli

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Bandolon Bldg. , P. Rodriguez Street
Bogo
6010

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