Gospel News — Jun-Aug 2012

the future with an accuracy that would be alarming if we were to meet it anywhere else. All this is in keeping with the Bible's claim to be the word of God.

The Bible has only one author. God used many writers, but His message has a `wholeness' about it. It harmonizes. It fits together. The sixty-six books of the Bible are divided into two sections. The first is called `The Old Testament' covering thirty nine books, while the second section is called `The New Testament' covering twenty-seven books. The word `testament' means covenant or solemn undertaking. Each testament shows the way in which God's mercy was being shown to people.

The Old Testament is the record of God's mercy to the nation of Israel. It describes the covenants – promises - God made to them. The New Testament is concerned with developing God's mercy to all. It is very important to read the Bible every day in order to know God, and to understand and do what He wants in order to please Him. What a blessing to read God's love letter "Just for me".

Bro John Kasanda with his grandchildren, January 2012

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"When I Am Afraid, I Will Trust in You" (Psalm 56:3)

Bro Joseph Zishechi (Mhangura, Zimbabwe)

Today we are facing different types of challenge but we are to trust God and will be conquerors. This world is a sinful world. Many things are happening: wars, hunger, floods, earthquakes, accidents and evil works such as killing and raping. As Christians fear not these, but put faith and trust in God and He will protect us. "Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame" (Isaiah 54:4). Today's Christians fail to stand firm on their Christian ministries because of fear. We give in to fear, because of little faith.

We, must fear God only, the Creator of everything and the foundation of our knowledge. You who are afraid of your enemies should remember, "With God we shall gain the victory and he will trample down our enemies" (Psalm 108:13). If it is the fear of hunger, He provides food for those who fear him (Psalm 111:5).

We, like Jonah, may divert our routes because of fear, but as God turned Jonah to the right destination; so it could happen to us. Moses was afraid of Pharaoh and his people (Exodus 4:10-13), but God encouraged and strengthened him, for He was with him. Finally, brothers and sisters, no matter who you are facing different types of challenge, stand firm and put your faith and trust in God who knows everything. So fear not the world and the `powers of darkness' but fear only the Mighty God (Revelation 14:7).