Gospel News — Jun-Aug 2012

May Christ's return be soon because it will bring about God's kingdom. I pray that through God's mercies we will find a place in His kingdom, so let us remain faithful to His words in the Bible with love up to the end. As Jesus himself says: "Behold I am standing at the door and knock" (Rev 3:20). May he find us ready for his return like sheep without blemish.

God Has Mercy on Whom He Wills

Bro Isaac Kapa (Tongaren, Kenya)

When I was doing our daily bible reading, I came to understand that religious concepts are like soups – some are thick and some are clear. There are indeed `thick' concepts in the Bible, mysteries, subtleties and complexities that challenge even the most accomplished mind. For example, "God has mercy on one whom he wills and whom he wills he hardens" (Romans 9:18). Yet, in the same volume, there apears the simplicity of the clear affirmation, "God is love" (1 John 4:6).

My suggestion is that "in the same meadow, the ox may lick up grass, the bird may pick up seeds, and a man finds a pearl". So in one and the same scripture are varieties to be found for all sorts of conditions in them: "the lamb may wade, and the elephant swim, the children may be fed with milk, and meat may be had for stronger men".

All the treasures of wisdom are found in God's book `THE BIBLE'. Ocean depths that can stir the most sophisticated mind, and shallow areas that can be negotiated by any simple, honest soul. Why hesitate? "All scripture .... is profitable" (2 Timothy 3:16). Jump in!

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See You Later (1 Thes 4:13)

Bro Isaac Kapa (Tongaren, Kenya)

My grandfather refused to say `Good bye'. He felt the word was too final. So when we travelled away after family visits, his farewell ritual was always the same: standing in front of his house, he would wave and call out `So long'.

As believers, many never say, `Good bye' to the ones we love, as long as we all retain our trust in Jesus as our Saviour. The Bible promises that we will see them again. The apostle Paul said that we should not "sorrow as others who have no hope" because when Jesus returns believers who have died will rise from their graves to gather with the believers who are still alive to meet the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). We have confidence that one day on earth there will be no more death, no sorrow not crying (Revelation 21:4).

It is in that wonderful place that "we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Christadelphians have the hope of an eternal reunion with Christ and their loved ones who have passed away. That is why Paul exhorted us to "comfort one another with these words". Today encourage someone with the hope that allows us to say `So long' instead of `Good bye'.

At death, God's people don't say `Good bye' but `We'll see you later'.

Our Vocation and Responsibility

Bro David Yelulani (Banket, Zimbabwe)

Today there is much energy, time, talent and even lives being given for many different causes. Many individuals and groups have dedicated their lives to the preservation of nature and wild life. Feeding the hungry masses has