Youth Bible Hour

We are saved by grace, through faith, not by works. (Eph 2:8,9) No good works can bring us salvation. This is one major point of difference in the doctrines of Roman Catholicism and Protestant Christianity. Brother Richard Tiu, preacher of Gethemane BP Church, Cebu and lecturer at Gethsemane Bible Institute (Cebu), teaches about the errors of the Roman Catholic beliefs and practices, and explains how these are contrary to the teachings of the Bible.

In the continuation of this topic, the youth discuss with Pastor Koshy about the activities that youg people should and should not engage in when they are courting. He reiterates the purpose of courtship, and warns the youth about the dangers of participating in inappropriate activities during courtship. Knowing the purpose and intent of courtship will help a person make godly choices.

James, Jia Hui and Lemuel from Calvary Tengah B-P Church discuss with Pastor Koshy about the biblical view of courtship, which is different from the world’s definition of courtship and dating. Pastor Koshy states that Biblical courtship is where a man and woman, having sensed God directing them towards one another, work towards marriage. He adds that the purpose of courtship is marriage. How then should Christian youths go about seeking a life-partner? Pastor Koshy answers this and other questions.

Join Pastor Koshy as he speaks to two youth, Chloe Pawa and Clarissa Lim, about what God has taught them through their physical afflictions and trials. Listen to how God’s grace and glory has abounded in these young lives as they testify of God’s goodness in the midst of trials and testing of faith.

How can Christians live a life of obedience? Christians must learn to trust God, wait on Him, meditate on His Word, yield to the Holy Spirit and be willing to wait or walk away when the way before you is not clear. Obedience also means leaving the consequences to God and accepting God’s discipline with thanksgiving.

Obedience is the key to spiritual excellence. Without obedience, Christians miss the best virtues and experiences of Christian life. Pastor Koshy teaches the youth that obedience is the key to a blessed life with God, a secured life with God’s protection and guidance, a life of true Christian maturity, and a life of abundant fellowship with God.

The youth of Gethsemane BP Church chat with Preacher Joshua Yong, a Singaporean missionary to Kenya, about how God calls young people to serve in the mission field, and the joys and unique challenges in serving God in Kenya, Africa. Preacher Joshua shares his testimony of how God led him to study theology in Far Eastern Bible College Singapore and thereafter to serve in Kenya.

Rev Reggor Galarpe and Preacher Edsel Locot, missionaries in charge of Gethsemane BP Church missions in The Philippines, join this Q&A session on how youths can be involved in missions and global evangelism, in obedience to the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ, and also how God leads a person to serve in the mission field. The preachers share their experiences in the ministry and encourage the youth to actively participate in every gospel attempt.

In Matthew 28 Jesus promises His divine power to all who would obey the call for global evangelism. Rev Koshy tells the youth that this is an exciting thought, and an enormous promise, because we will be strengthened beyond our own abilities in the ministry of evangelism. God’s power gives us all we need to share the gospel. Through this discussion, the youth learn how they can be effective witnesses for Christ.

What is God’s will for children and youth in education? How can youth honour God in their studies? Pastor Koshy reminds us that certain kinds of education may not be pleasing to God. Secular studies can cause youth to pursue things against God’s will and purpose. In this discussion, Pastor Koshy gives guidelines to determining whether a youth’s studies and education honours God, and answers questions on practical issues such as choice of subjects and the impact of secular education on lives of Christian youth.

What is the role of a teenager in his or her family? What is God’s commandment regarding children’s obligations to their parents? Do children need to obey their parents only when they are young and not ‘grown up’, or must children obey their parents even after they become adults? Pastor Koshy teaches what it means for children to obey their parents “in the Lord” (Eph 6:1).

Having learnt the Biblical principles for Christian service, the youth ask Rev Koshy specific questions on the topic of Christian service, such as the areas that youth can serve in the church. The youth conclude that there are so many ways to serve and that they can do many things for God’s glory, if they have a submissive spirit. Rev Koshy also answers other questions like whether young people can take leadership in the church, and whether service is more important than doctrine.

What does it mean to “take up the cross” (Mk 8:34) in the service of God? Youth are encouraged by Rev Koshy to persevere and press on amidst trials and difficulties in service. They must be prepared to endure the persecutions and struggles of service as an obedient and good soldier of Christ. Rev Koshy also teaches the youth some valuable lessons about faithful service from the life of Apostle Paul.

What constitutes Christian service? Is it merely giving something unto the Lord? Rev Koshy challenges the youth to consider what Christian service really is and how it should be defined.

Rev Prabhudas Koshy teaches the youth that protracted prayers are extraordinary seasons of prayer, following our Lord Jesus Christ’s example. Pastor Koshy also shares some practical guidelines for spending an hour in protracted prayer.

A godly youth’s testimony includes making decisions on entertainments and activities, like whether he or she should go to the cinema, or whether alcohol drinking is acceptable. Rev Koshy explains what Christian freedom is, and whether it allows Christian youth to pursue entertainments of their choice.

In this discussion the youth gather to learn about the Scriptural guidelines to dressing and how godly young people should dress modestly, so that their testimony would reflect Christ, and not the world.

The youth continue with more questions for Rev Koshy on the topic of prayer, like “Can we pray for unbelievers and people of other religions? Can we pray with those of other denominations? Should we pray for our friends and relatives who constantly reject the Gospel? Is there a specific number of times that we should we pray in a day? Why then did the Bible record men of God praying certain number of times?”

This Q&A session with two youth from Gethsemane B-P Church and Rev Dr Prabudas Koshy addresses the answers to questions on the topic of prayer, such as “What are the different kinds of prayers?” and “How do we pray according to God’s will?” Rev Koshy teaches what supplications, intercessions, and importunate prayers are, and also the necessity of prayer.