Gospel News — Mar-May 2012

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Count others more significant than ourselves (Phil 2:3).

We must be those who mourn. We must have sensitive of the needs of others. In our lives, let each of us look not to our own interests but also the interests of others (Phil 2:4). 1 John 3:18 tells us not to love with words or tongue but with actions and truth.

We must be meek. This means we must have a submissive, teachable spirit. Let our manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ so that we may stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel (Phil 1:27).

Those who hunger and thirst. We must have a passion for God. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of His glory, Him we proclaim, warning every one with all wisdom that we may present every one mature in Christ (Col 1:27,28). For God is not willing that any should perish, but, that all should be brought to repentance and be saved.

As followers of Christ, we must have a forgiving heart. Jesus answered Peter that we must forgive others seventy times seven. In other words as long as a brother asks for forgiveness, we must forgive. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (Matt 6:12,13).

We must be pure in heart. This means we must by all means avoid things which lead us to sin. Our hearts must be as pure as white robes.

We must be peacemakers. This to us means we must have a reconciling attitude in our daily lives. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. The Bible tells us that whosoever believes in God shall be given the right to be called the child of the living God. John 6:38

tells us that Jesus came down from heaven not to do his own will but the will of Him who sent him.

We, as brothers and sisters in Christ, are a chosen generation, we are a chosen people. Let us continue to do God's will until the establishment of the kingdom. It will not be long. Sooner or later our Lord Jesus Christ will return to the earth. "Behold, I am standing at the door and knock. If anyone opens the door and hears my voice, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me" (Rev 3:20). May God keep us all safe until Christ returns and through His mercy may He grant us all places in the kingdom.

The Joy of Singing

Bro Uka Egwu (Ohafia, Nigeria)

One of the most beautiful gifts God has given to mankind is the ability to sing. The cadence of several parts blending harmoniously is more than enthralling; it has brought joy and comfort to many weary and fainting hearts. Man is not alone in his enjoyment of singing; God delights to hear His people lifting their voices to Him in praise and adoration."Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teach and encourage one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord" (Col 3:16). Many people can be blessed when the message of the song promotes the word of Christ and is sung with the desire to exalt God. Our hearts stir when we sing "We would see Jesus! For the shadows lengthen", and are blessed anew by the great sacrifice Christ made". Our hearts swell with adoration and praise as we sing, "All Hail the power of Jesus' name". Think of the impetus we receive to live a more holy life when we sing, "Blessed are they who listen not to evil counsel". These songs stir our feelings but their messages promote spiritual growth.