Gethsemane Bible - Presbyterian Church, Cebu City, Philippines

05/06/2026

Friday Evening Fellowship (06/05/26)

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04/06/2026

THEREFORE GET WISDOM

Proverbs 4:7; “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

When Solomon was crowned king after his father David died, God asked him what his singular wish was. Solomon didn’t ask for riches, wealth or power. Instead, he asked for wisdom – to know right from wrong. (1 Kings 3:5-13). He was already wise in making that request!

So wise was Solomon that the Queen of Sheba came to see him and she concluded that because he was wise, “Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom” (1 Kings 10:8; 4:29-34).

What is wisdom? The word for “wisdom” in the Old Testament is used to refer to skills and abilities. Exodus 28:3 speaks about the skills and wisdom of the tailors who sewed Aaron’s priestly garments. Exodus 31:6; 35:31, 35, speaks of the skills and wisdom of the people who built the tabernacle (36:1 work in the sanctuary). While anyone can build a tabernacle (tent or dwelling place), not anyone can build the Tabernacle!

Jeremiah 10:12 speaks about how God established the world by His wisdom; “He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.” He created it by His power, but He exercised that power in wisdom. That is why after each day, He proclaimed His creation “good” and after 6 days, He proclaimed it “very good.” His power and wisdom created good things!

We read in Proverbs that wisdom is the skill of applying knowledge. It teaches us the difference between great understanding and folly. Proverbs 14:29; “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” Proverbs 10:32 teaches us to control our words, “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” Proverbs 25:17; Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.” It teaches us to discern and discipline ourselves in mingling with other people that we be not guilty of “meddling” with their life. Truly, these verses speak of wisdom!

That wisdom is the principal thing, consider Ecclesiastes 7:12; “For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” While the world no doubt would prefer money, riches and wealth; wisdom is far better and greater than all riches. It is the great treasure that we must pursue after, which begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7; 9:10).

“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16)

Maayong Buntag sa Tanan! – Pastor

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04/06/2026

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04/06/2026

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03/06/2026

SEPARATED UNTO THE GOSPEL

Romans 1:1; “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God”

In the opening verse of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, we read of how he introduced himself as “a servant of Jesus Christ,” “called to be an apostle,” and “separated unto the gospel.”

We may be familiar with him as a “servant” and “called” but how about “separated?” Yes, separated unto the gospel!

To be “separated” means “set apart;” to be “marked out;” “designated;” and to be “distinguished” from among many for a particular purpose!

We read of Paul in his letter to the Galatians; “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen…” (Gal. 1:15-16). Paul realized of how the Lord has chosen him and separated him for the gospel! We read of this in Acts 9:15, “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:” Paul would then confirm such calling from the Lord in Romans 11:13; “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” (see also Rom. 15:15-16).

In Acts 13:2-3, we read; “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Notice how the Holy Spirit impressed upon the church giving them instructions to “separate” Barnabas and Saul (later Paul) as they were “called” and thereafter, were “sent.” Again, for the work of the gospel!

There’s more to it! To be separated unto the gospel also means that you are sanctified. Meaning, there must be a “separation from” that is, from your former condition and conversation (old self, old ways, old religion, the world and sin!) before you can be “separated unto” the gospel of God! The apostle Paul was separated from his old Jewish religion when he was separated unto the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:13-16). As we often hear it, “from being the great persecutor, he became the great preacher and apostle!”

Like the Apostle Paul, realize that every true believer is “chosen;” “called;” and yes, “separated!” We are chosen unto salvation; called to be servants of the Lord, and separated unto the gospel.

May we, like the Apostle Paul pursue God’s plan and purpose for our lives with much passion and zeal!

Maayong Buntag sa Tanan! – Pastor

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03/06/2026

Wednesday Prayer Meeting (06/03/26)

Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

02/06/2026

ALWAYS LABOURING FERVENTLY IN PRAYER

Colossians 4:12; “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

As has been the manner of the Apostle Paul’s writing, we often find him taking time to mention brothers and sisters in the faith, especially at the closing part of his letter.

Here in Colossians, we find Paul doing the same as he mentioned of Tychichus (v.7); Onesimus (v.9); Aristarchus and Marcus (v.10); Jesus called Justus (v.11). Then coming to v.12, we have Epaphras!

Earlier in Colossians 1:7 we read; “As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ.” Notice how Paul described him as “dear fellowservant” and “a faithful minister of Christ.” In today’s verse, we learn more distinguishing character of Epaphras in the area of his prayer life when Paul described him as “always labouring fervently for you in prayers…”

“Always labouring” – Ephaphras was a good example of Paul’s admonition; “Continue in prayer…” (Col. 4:2). “Always labouring” speaks of consistency even commitment. Meaning, Epaphras did not pray only when he feels like it; nor did he pray only when he was told to pray; or when other believers prayed. He did not pray occasionally nor intermittently; rather, he is always in prayer!

“Always labouring fervently” – The N.T. word translated “labouring fervently” means agonizing – the same word used when our Lord was praying in Gethsemane in Luke 22:44; “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” We get the impression that prayer is a serious business for Epaphras! “Labouring fervently” also means “striving” as athletes giving their best to their sports. It also means “fighting” as in “fight a good fight of faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

“Always labouring fervently for you in prayers” – We may be able to strive in prayer for our own needs or those of our loved ones but I wonder if we put in the same effort in praying for others. Epaphras “laboured fervently” for the saints in Colosse and in Laodicea and Heirapolis (v.13). No doubt he mentioned some of them by name in prayer. For Epaphras, prayer is a personal commitment!

“That ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” – Epaphras’ one desire was for the believers to mature and be established in the faith. He was concerned that these Christians know and do the will of God. He wanted them to be involved not just in part but in all the will of God. He also wanted them to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

As we think of this prayer, we ought to be praying the same petition today – that we seek to know the will of God and do the will of God, not only for ourselves but for others also!

Maayong Buntag sa Tanan! – Pastor

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02/06/2026

0531_Lord's Day Service
Gethsemane BPC-Bogo

01/06/2026

WAIT ON THE LORD

Psalms 27:14; “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

One thing that many people would not be comfortable doing is WAIT. Yes, many people are not good in this area, whether it’s waiting for someone like in a meeting or an appointment; or waiting for something like waiting for your turn to be served in business transactions, waiting for good opportunities to come; or simply waiting for the so-called “right timing.”

More often than not, we find ourselves too eager or excited that we just could not wait any longer. On the other hand, there are times that we end up frustrated and disappointed due to the fact that the person we’ve been waiting did not come; the things we’re expecting did not materialize; and what we have been longing and hoping for has failed.

The psalmist David in Psalm 27, shares his own personal testimony of how blessed he was to wait upon the Lord and at the same time, encourages us if not instructing us to do the same as we read in today’s verse; “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

As we think of the word “wait” it brings about the picture of longing, looking forward with much expectation; patiently hoping, of “standing still” in much anticipation.

In order for us to understand and really appreciate the essence of waiting upon the Lord, let us consider various passages of Scripture where we find the word “wait” in relation to various aspects of our lives –

1. Salvation – We look to the Lord for deliverance. Psalms 62:1; “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.” Genesis 49:18; “I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.” Though in these verses, it pertains primarily to physical deliverance!

2. Provision – Confidence in the Lord to provide. Psalms 104:27-28; “These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.” Psalms 145:14-15; “The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.”

3. Instruction – Acknowledging the Lord’s leading and guidance. Psalms 25:4-5; “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” Psalms 37:7; “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” (see also v.9 and 34)

4. Strengthening – Reliance upon the Lord for strength and endurance. Isaiah 40:31; “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

5. Seeking after God – Much expectation for the Lord to bless. Lamentations 3:25; “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.”

Considering these verses, realize that to “wait on the Lord” is to acknowledge our dependence upon God. As finite creatures there is nothing much that we can do that we are to be dependent upon God that is of infinite riches, wisdom, and strength.

Maayong Buntag sa Tanan! – Pastor

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01/06/2026

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