Gospel News magazine features articles from new Christadelphian converts in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and elsewhere. Here are the articles for July - September 2007.

The Sinfulness of Man
Bro Emmanuel Maugente (Magunje, Zimbabwe)

What is sin? Sin is doing what we know is wrong. It also means leaving undone what is right (James 4:17).

There is a difference between temptation and sin. We must try to understand this clearly. It is not a sin to be tempted to do wrong. We know that Jesus himself was tempted (Matt 4:1-11). We sin only when we do not fight against temptation. Jealousy, hatred and pride can live in our thoughts before they are seen in our actions (Matt 15:19).
We can sin by our words. They can be untruthful, unkind, impure. We can speak disrespectfully of God’s house and laws. This is a prayer in the Bible which all Christians should pray: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalms 141:3). We can sin by our actions: stealing, gambling and cheating are sins which can be seen. These outward sins make the world dark and unhappy, yet the sins of thoughts and words are just as evil in God’s sight. We see, therefore, that sin can be inward or outward. Some people think they have sinned only when they have sinned outwardly. But actions begin with thoughts, the seed is there. Jesus showed that a man has already done wrong in his heart before he does wrong outwardly.

Sin is the most terrible thing in the world. It is the cause of all the unhappiness that men suffer. There are great world evils like war, hatred between nations, hunger and famine. There are evils like drunkenness and gambling. Yet all evils, both small and great, come from the sinfulness and selfishness of men.

Sin breaks the laws of God. The important thing for Christians to remember is that we know about sin because we know about God. It is God’s voice in our hearts that makes us conscious of sin. Sin comes between us and God. It breaks the link of fellowship with Him. This is why sin makes us suffer. This is why we say sin offends (or hurts) God (Isa 59:2). We can understand the words of David when he said “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in thy sight” (Ps 51:4).

God has set His law in our hearts. His law we call conscience, which warns us against wrong. It makes us glad when we have chosen the right. It makes us miserable and guilty when we have done wrong. A guilty conscience is a heavy burden. Many people carry this burden. Joseph’s brothers knew they had wronged him. When they met him in Egypt years afterwards, their consciences were still making them suffer. Judas had such a guilty conscience that he killed himself in despair. All of us can understand these feelings because we have all shared them. The Bible tells us clearly, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

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RULES FOR CHRIST'S FOLLOWERS. The rebukes for Christ’s followers embrace all aspects of life: the mutual relationships of husband and wife; of master and servant; of fathers and children (Eph 5:24-6:9). The duty of love to fellow man is one unsettled debt: but the love of neighbour springs out of love of God which is begotten in response to God’s love in Christ (Rom13:8). John Carter
South West Cameroon Bible School
26 TO 28 January 2007
Bro Umarou M Samuel (Limbe Ecclesia)

Theme: Abraham Father of the Faithful.
Brethren and Sisters in Cameroon, attended a three days Bible school at Limbe. The school began with a word of prayer, praying God to forgive the seed of faithful Abraham who have repented of their sins, through Christ, and have chosen to follow the footprints Father Abraham. Over 135 of us were schooled about Abraham, father of the faithful.
The Sessions
1 Abraham called to faith 5 Walking in the steps of faithful
2 Abraham believed in the Lord Abraham
3 The promise of Isaac 6 Coming out of Ur
4 Sacrifice of Isaac 7 Remaining separate in the Lord
The UK brethren urged us to uphold the examples of Abraham and try to flee temptation, unfaithfulness, drunkenness, idolatry, adultery, discord amongst one another and much other sinful behaviour that will deprive us of a place in the Kingdom.

Ur was a civilised city and had a Ziggurat to the moon god and many idols which the family of Abraham worshiped. When God asked Abraham to leave the comfort of the city, it was going to be a journey of faith, and he trusted in God to be his leader, not knowing where he was to go. The most essential thing was to separate himself from his family since they worshiped false gods. Ziggurats are huge mountain - like buildings made of bricks which seemed to reach up to heaven, see Gen 11: 2-4

There was a question-and-answer session; health matters; Sunday School teaching skills; how to do Bible study and elders and Sisters workshop, all handled by the UK visitors, as well as a Bible quiz.
It is always said that when one has repented and is baptised, the Angels rejoice. All were encouraged by the fraternal meeting to remain faithful and give glory to the Lord.

Rejoicing after the six baptisms from the Cameroon Blind and Handicapped School at Mbengwi during the visit of Martyn,Muriel and Tracy East.

Refugee Matters-
Update on Bro Abedi and Family
Sis Esther Worrell (Canada)

I had the pleasure of visiting Abedi, our refugee Brother, and his family during a visit to Guyana, South America.

He and family are comfortably accommodated in the village of Kilcoy in their own home, which has a fair sized vegetable garden attached to it, and an area for poultry rearing. They are able to sustain themselves with the produce of their garden, in addition to selling some to the people around them. Bro Abedi’s two eldest daughters, Rose and Dianne were baptized some months ago and assist with the Sunday School. They, along with the younger ones, are reportedly doing very well at school, much to the relief and satisfaction of Abedi.

Their meeting hosted the country's 36th annual Easter week-end Bible School, which was very well attended and enjoyed by all who went, including visiting Brethren from the USA and Canada. The family was very involved in the preparation and activities, and from all appearances thoroughly enjoyed it. Discussing this with his youngest daughter, about seven years old, she disclosed that he wished the school could go on until December!

A week later in the Georgetown ecclesia, on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th birthday of our beloved Sister Amy Washington, Abedi paid a very stirring tribute to this sister on behalf of the ecclesia in Kilcoy.
At my request, Abedi revealed some of the experiences of his life as a refugee, an extract of which, with his permission, I propose to share with Brethren and Sisters in order to provide some awareness of the suffering of our Brethren in the refugee camps.

The Power of the Gospel
Bro Robert Green (Canada)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’ “ (Rom. 1:16-17. Hab. 2:4)

This good news is about the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s purpose in him. Where believed, it is a good news message with power. Its power is in the content of this message that reveals the righteousness of God. This power inspires those who believe to actually begin to live the grace and truth that is the righteousness of God.
The Lord Jesus is the fullness, the perfect expression, of his Father’s grace and truth (John 1:14-17). This is truth in the larger sense of God’s character, His faithfulness to His word of promise, and His always being true to Who He is. In His grace and truth revealed in His Son, He condemns our sin, and yet forgives and empowers us who believe in His Son to begin to overcome our sin.

In his letters to the Galatians and to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul stresses the power of his inspired message about Christ and his cross. “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God . . .and the wisdom of God.” (I Cor. 1:17-31)

“Not with wisdom of words” should cause us to pause and ponder about our own preaching. Do we rely solely on rational argument and on our correct explanations of the Bible in contrast to error? Do we thus rob our teaching of the gospel of Christ of the power to change the hearts of our hearers and empower them to live for him? To avoid that, Paul says, “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (I Cor. 2:1-5). He sums up the essence of his Christ-centred message and its power, saying, “But we have the mind of Christ” (I Cor 2:16).

That the Apostle Paul expected the power of this message of the cross of Christ to change the lives of disciples is seen in his reproofs and warning in I Cor.4. These enthusiastic, but inexperienced disciples, all of them baptized within the previous three years, were glorying in themselves - in the diverse gifts of the holy spirit given to them and in their knowledge. They were puffed up (like strutting roosters) against each other (4:6-7; 5:2. 8:1). “I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power”, Paul writes, “for the kingdom of God is not in word but in power (I Cor. 4:18-19).

These striking words about the kingdom of God describe the moral power of the word of the kingdom and of its king. They remind us of the words of the Apostle in writing to the Romans on the controversy about eating meat from the market that had been dedicated to idols, “for the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the holy spirit” (Romans 14:17).

Paul’s words to the Corinthians about the kingdom of God have a similar meaning. When he came to Corinth again, Paul wanted to see, not how much they knew, nor how much more knowledgeable and gifted with spirit powers some were than others He wanted to see expressed and clearly evident in their attitude, words and deeds the power of the gospel. The purpose of the revelation of the grace of God that brings salvation, Paul tells Titus (and us), is to train us to live righteously in the present age, and to purify for Jesus Christ a people of his own, zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).

The Lord Jesus and his apostles clearly are confident that the gospel that they preached has the power to break the complete hold that sin (our pride and passions) has on us. As the Lord Jesus says, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32).

The chief of sinners, the Apostle Paul, who acknowledged that he was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent (violently arrogant) man, speaks humbly of the mercy he obtained. “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (I Tim.1:12-16). In Paul, Jesus Christ was showing his perfect patience as a pattern to those who believe on him for everlasting life.

The power of Jesus Christ’s grace and love toward him profoundly changed the Apostle Paul’s thinking and behavior. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). To Paul, the Lord’s loving giving of himself was done for him personally, as well as being the pattern of his patient loving of all those who believed in him.

Again, Paul writes, “For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus; that if one died for all then all died; and he died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and rose again” (II Cor. 5:13-15). The “word of His grace”, as Paul called the gospel he preached, has constraining power to move us to live for our Lord Jesus Christ. This word alone has the power to free us from our slavery to sin.

Everywhere--in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and in the Americas, men and women live in slavery to sin. Many people in those huge continents live under the illusion that they are free or that they can be given freedom to make decisions to do what they want to do. Yet, most people who have these precious freedoms are actually slaves to the desires of the flesh and the mind (Eph. 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-7).
The reality of sin and man’s slavery to it is all too evident in the great troubles that plague all peoples beyond any human remedy. The gospel of Christ alone can free people who respond to its message and choose to live under his rule from their hopeless bondage to sin. Only the future rule of the Lord Jesus Christ in the kingdom of God on earth will bring His righteousness and true peace to our wicked and violent world.

In Romans chs 3 and 4, the Apostle Paul shows how we are justified (counted righteous by God), as Abraham was, if we believe in His Son. God sent Christ Jesus to be, by his sacrifice, a mercy seat— a meeting place where we can find forgiveness of our sins from Him. For, in his conquering of sin, though tempted as we are, Jesus upheld God’s just condemning of man’s sin. In Jesus, God provides mercy, a basis for His forgiveness that is in harmony with His truth. Now, His forgiveness is extended to those who believe in Jesus (Heb. 2:24-18. Romans 3:21-30).

Forgiveness of our sin by God, the blessing experienced by David and Abraham on the basis of their faith (Rom 4), is meant to transform our hearts, minds, and lives. This blessing is for all families of the earth in Abraham’s seed, the gospel preached to Abraham. (Gal.3:6-9)

The Apostle writes in Romans 5, that this blessing of forgiveness totally changes our relationship with God. Guilt and fear are gone. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ and access to the power of His grace by our faith in His Son. Now we rejoice in hope of the glory of God, a hope giving meaning to our tribulations and power to endure and be trained by them.

These blessings of forgiveness and hope come from God showing His own love toward us in Christ’s dying for us. Based on that love, we now have confidence that we shall be saved through his life (Romans 5:1-11). This lovely chapter goes on to show how much more powerful in its work in us is the grace of God in Jesus Christ than the wilfully sinful mind we all have inherited from Adam.

However, there is a real danger that we can take God’s gracious gift to us in Christ for granted and just go on sinning, doing our own thing, relieved that we are now forgiven. We may still not really be living for our Lord. This the Apostle addresses powerfully in Romans 6:1-14.

Or, maybe we have changed a lot, but still are drawn to one favourite sin—worldly entertainment or gambling or liquor. ‘This weakness’, we may say, ‘the Lord will surely forgive.’ Paul shoots down this wrong, but attractive idea in Romans 6:15-23. Choosing to do a particular sin, strengthens the hold of sin on us. Our calling is to battle with every sin, with a constant, prayerful dependence on the Lord’s grace and help.

“But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and having been set free from sin have become slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18). The huge difference between our former slavery to sin and our becoming slaves to righteousness is this: Slavery to sin is inherent in our nature and made stronger in us as we obey it. Slavery to righteousness is a process learned by the devotion of our hearts, minds, and lives to the Lord Jesus. Only in such devotion can sin’s power in us gradually be overcome.

In Romans 7, the Apostle honestly describes his battle against sin in himself. We can all identify with that description. “Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God — through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Paul continues in ch 8, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit.”

Paul’s lovely words in Romans 8 emphasize our being in Christ Jesus, his spirit being in us, and our being led by the spirit. God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to put sin in the flesh to death. He did this so that the righteous requirement of the law (love of God and love of neighbour) might actually be fulfilled in us. He has destined us to be conformed to the image of His Son. As He delivered up His own Son for us all, “how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” “Yet in all these things (severe trials of our faith) we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” In this lies the power of the gospel.

The Apostle Paul writes to the Colossians about the “mystery” hidden from previous generations, but now made known to His saints. This mystery “is Christ in you, the hope of glory”. “So, naturally we proclaim Christ! We warn everyone we meet, and we teach everyone we can, all that we know about him, so that, if possible we may bring every man up to his full maturity in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:26-29). May we all grow into that maturity by daily and hourly tapping into the mighty power of the gospel of Christ so that it works in us.

Let us heed Peter’s urging to add key, practical qualities to our faith so that we “may not be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” and to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:2-8. 3:17-18).

Happy Guyanan Sunday School scholars being brought up “with the loving discipline the Lord himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice” (Eph 6:4 Living Bible Version).

Could You Build An Ecclesia
Like This One?

Volunteers wanted

Ten years ago in a remote village, in a country where there were no Christadelphians, Nzilamose contacted the Christadelphians from this country which seemed impossible to visit at the time. After four years of correspondence he was baptised and today a thriving ecclesia established. And this is a country still riddled with strife and hostilities. The instruction was doggedly persisted in with many difficulties by a Sister who learnt Esperanto in order to preach the Truth.

One cannot leave out the hand of Providence and the answers to many prayers which, together with the blessing of the Lord, has produced these results. Why, with the Lord’s blessing, could you not do likewise?

Kwilu Ecclesia, Congo.

The following is a paragraph, in Esperanto – but there are many more languages in which the Gospel needs to be preached.

Mi volas iom sciigas al vi koncerne nia Ecclezio: gi komencigis je la 1986, tiam mi ekis la studado de la Biblia lecionojn senditaj de la gefratoj Judy Holt kaj David Budden. Poste 22 leciojn de la C.B.M. mi studis “Apostolaj agojn”. Ni estis vere izolita mi kaj mia grandfrato Mbuenedio dum pluraj jarojn, nur korespondadon inter ni kaj fratino Judy Holt. Poste, si sendis al mi vojagobileton por min baptigi al Kameruna landon, bedaùrinde ke la vojago mi maltrafis gin pro la manko de la gastiga letero el de Kameruno.

The Truth in Congo
Bro Nzilamose Mayombe

With joy I greet you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Eternal God of Abraham allows me to write to you for the first time, therefore I am asking you to excuse the delay in replying to you of the arrival of the packets which you send me from time to time. Although I do not speak English I am able to understand some of the articles by reading the chapters and verses quoted.

I wish to tell you a little concerning our ecclesia: it began in 1986, then I commenced the study of the Esperanto Bible lessons sent to me by Sis. Judy Holt and Bro. David Budden. After 22 Lessons, I studied the ‘Acts of the Apostles’. We were truly isolated, living in a remote village with my brother. Mbuenedio. For many years there was only correspondence between Sis. Judy Holt and us. Afterwards, she sent me a travel ticket for me to go and get baptised in Cameroon. Regrettably I failed to make this journey because of the lack of a visa invite from Cameroon.

According to God’s will, in April 2002 Brethren Kankewa and Julias travelled from Cameroon to Kinshasa. Three of us from a remote village travelled to Kinshasa to be baptised. In 2003 the Brethren from Cameroon visited us again and three more were baptised. Again, in 2004, they visited and baptised a further three. In 2005 and 2006 they also visited and baptised one person each year. We do not know whether we shall have any baptisms this year.

Our ecclesial house is 8m. long and 5 m. wide. We provided the plot of land and received money from the UK for the building of the hall. At the meeting we have six young people who I am teaching by the French lessons sent by Sis. Josie Cottrell in England.
We long to have French books so that our Brothers and Sisters will be able to read them often and also French Bibles.

I am unable to write a letter in French, so I write in Esperanto. I enclose two ecclesial photos and hope they will encourage others to serve the Lord.

Photo: Preparing to make a joyful noise to the Lord in Congo

Western Fraternal, Ghana
Bro. Francis Odiko (Subri)

By the grace of the Almighty we held our fraternal at Moseaso from the 5th to the 8th of April. Our next fraternal will be at Subri from the 30th August to the 2nd of September, God willing.

Brethren and Sisters arrived on the 5th of April; there was no electricity as the level of the Akosombo dam was not high enough to generate it. Because of the lack of electricity we could not hold evening public preaching talks, so we had Bible discussion amongst ourselves in the dark. We yearn for the day when Christadelphians can own their own public address system, with a generator that will enable us to preach more effectively.

The theme for the fraternal was, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’.

First address: ‘What is the way?’ by Bro. Odiko. Second address: ‘The Truth – what is it?’ by Bro. Larbi. Third address: ‘Jesus is the life’ by Bro. Amashie. Fourth address: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life – what did Jesus mean?’ by Bro. Odiko.

Two people were interviewed for baptism and both gave a good confession of their faith in the Kingdom of God and the things concerning the Name of Jesus Christ; they were baptised in the river.

The exhortation was given by Bro. Larbi after which we said our farewells until we meet again.

As you know, we have put our hands to the plough of the gospel in this part of the vineyard. We have no alternative but to help to till the ground and prune the plants (which are our Brethren and Sisters) with singleness of mind and in all humility.

We pray that the Lord will open our minds to the Scriptures so that we can preach to the lost sheep.

Life here is normal, with some contentment and we all send their greetings to the Brethren and Sisters everywhere.

Brazil Report
Bro. Davion Sinclair (Kingston, Jamaica)

On April 3rd I met Bro. Alan Eyre at the Kingston airport in Jamaica where we had a brief discussion on the possibility of visiting other Brazilian Brothers and Sisters living outside Cuiaba, where I was heading. I then checked in for what would be a long flight, as I was going from Kingston via Panama then Sao Paulo and finally Cuiaba, Brazil, a total of eleven hours flying time. For nine hours we were flying over Brazil, mostly over the Amazon rain forest, which shows you just how big Brazil really is.

Upon reaching Cuiaba the next day, I took a taxi from the airport to the home of Bro. Roberto and Sis. Leila de Queiroz. The family was joyful, seeing that my visit once more brought good news, comfort and loving fellowship. I had a lengthy discussion with Bro. Roberto, after which I gave the ecclesia copies of Bible Basics both in English and Portuguese. Bro. Roberto was grateful to receive these books and assured me that their purpose would be beneficial to his Bible class and also to the language students leaving the John Thomas Education Centre (JTEC).

My stay was only for nine days, so I wanted to start our Bible campaign the next day after arriving. But that was not to be, as Bro. Roberto mentioned that it would not be feasible as the week prior to Easter was considered a holy week and Brazilians in Cuiaba tend to work extra hours and stay home, not wanting to visit other neighbours’ houses. So we rearranged our programme somewhat. The theme for our Bible campaign was ‘The Gospel, the true source of light’. We had regular discussions on the Bible and also about the development of the JTEC. Each day I would meet students pursuing courses in English at the JTEC with smiles and laughter stemming from these students. They demonstrated a mood of comfort and growth within the Christadelphians. We need to foster this growth spiritually and to be more supportive. We must continue to remember our Brothers and Sisters far away in order to bring good news and encouragement. Let us follow our Master and establish the gospel among all nations. When Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees, who largely rejected his message, he said, “You are not willing to come to me that you may have life” (John 5:40). Following the Master is an active, not a passive thing, and involves a commitment to deny our natural selves and to shoulder our cross each day as his disciples (see Matt. 16:24).

On each afternoon I would travel to another place with Roberto’s daughter, Kristiany, some 15 to 20 minutes from home where I would assist in teaching English to another batch of students. We issued leaflets about our campaign to the students and to neighbours as well. There was much interest in our message everywhere we went. Bro. Roberto and Sis. Leila’s daughter Kristiany de Queiroz, showed a passion for the gospel and at the moment is being instructed. At the end of the campaign she mentioned to me that she would like to be baptised soon as a Christadelphian. It would be encouraging for more Brothers and Sisters to make contact with the family in preparation for her baptism and also to prepare for further missionary work.

Above: a class at the JTEC
Below: Kristiany and Roberto in Bible discussion

‘Bible Basics’ in Libraries
Recently we have been able to place a number of the Vietnamese translation of Bible Basics in Vietnamese Libraries and have received several letters of appreciation. From Ho Chin Minh City for example “Bible basics will be treated professionally and will go into public service in the shortest time. It will be certainly welcomed by our readers”. This silent witness in libraries frequently results in requests for further information as witnessed by the following letter. We are happy to supply free copies (we have them in about 60 languages) to any who wish to help in this work.

“I have the Bible Basics book as a check out from my local library and of course the problem is, I can't keep it, nor write in it, or highlight things -- which help my study. Since I have been reading Bible Basics, my entire understanding has changed. I grew up Catholic but disregarded that ‘religion’ long ago through just study of my own (which they frown upon) -- and just recently (about 4 years ago actually) I spent 4 years in a Pentecostal church seeing things that I just couldn't grasp as completely right. I spent 1 year doing distance learning through a non-denomination seminary (actually more Baptist than anything though) -- and learned quite a bit.

However, I haven't attended church for the last probably 3 years and last Sunday, I took Bible Basics and my kids and I got out our Bibles and had our own little worship study session and it was so wonderful. I want to learn the truth -- I can't believe I have read so many Scriptures so wrong for so long. So please, send me a copy because I intend to use it to gain freedom! It has made my Bible a new and living book again. Thank you so much!”
Melissa Stewart

Why Do We Need To Repent?
Bro Wilberforce Wandera (Busia, Uganda)

The answer to this question is plain: man is naturally sinful and God is righteous. Man has to acknowledge his plight by believing wholeheartedly in the gospel of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, He must forsake his old way of life and follow the basic truth that scripture teaches. “The heart of man is deceitful above all things and is desperately wicked”(Jer 17:9). “From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, all evil things come from within and defile the man” (Mark 7:21-23). “Remember that Gentiles in the flesh are without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:11,12).

How then can we come to repentance? How can we have another mind? The answer is to allow the word of God to have free and welcome access to the mind we already have. The word of God is adapted to achieving a change of mind in the one who hears, understands and keeps the message.

Those three steps are vital. “Hearing” the word of God is more than merely reading it. Bible ‘hearing’ is listening humbly with the intention of being instructed. In the Old Testament it is often described as “listening” (the ear) as though one were listening to someone who has a message for them personally. Anyone who reads the Bible in this way will soon discover that the whole book is designed for the personal reader, the one who wants to know.

“Reading” the word of God means that a man must give himself, he must open the doors of his mind and let the refreshing word of God enter in. This is the secret behind repentance and conversion. This word is God’s root in the mind which will do its work without fail. Divine thoughts are imparted by the word of God and the humble reader will soon begin to think the thoughts of God. He will begin to have another mind.

*A righteous person sees the best in others.

*A self-righteous person condemns others.

God Foresees the Future and Controls It
Bro. Paul Chembe (Lusaka, Zambia)

God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways. What God has promised will come to pass according to His set purpose (Isaiah 55:8-11), because He is not a man that He should lie (Num. 23:19). Remember Brothers and Sisters, God sent Moses to lead His people Israel up out of the land of bondage. God assured them that He would watch over them (Psalm 34:7) to lead them into the promised land, the land flowing with milk and honey, the land of Canaan. God, who is faithful in all He does and promises, led them out. Before they crossed the Red Sea, the Israelites were engulfed with their enemies behind and the sea in front. Miraculously God made the way through the sea for His people to go free but the enemies were drowned (Ex. 14).

Despite all this, Israel had no faith in their God and remained stiff necked. God said that all those who witnessed His wonders and disbelieved would not enter over the promised land of Canaan (Num. 14:20-23), except Caleb and Joshua (Num. 14:6-9,24,38). We are spiritual Israel and all the things that happened to natural Israel happened as examples and warnings for us on who the fulfilment of the ages has come and let us not set our hearts on evil things so as not to be disqualified. Before our baptism we were in bondage to sin but God, through grace, has redeemed us from the curse of sin and promised us great and precious promises if we remain faithful. Just as God delivered and led Israel through the sea and the wilderness, making a way where there was no way so that His people could go free, He is also able to lead us in the wilderness journey of this life to that which is to come, even eternal life. Let us serve God wholeheartedly.

Villagers listening to the preaching at Bolero, Malawi. Bro Lukanga Nyomiro, expounding the Word and Sis Elpis Nyomiro who asks us to pray for her, for Jerusalem and world peace.

Holiness
Bro Mayende Erisania Sifuna (Busia, Uganda)

Holiness is keeping myself unspotted from the world. Holiness means separation: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty”, stresses the holiness of God (Isa 6:3). We should be imitators of God as his small children, (Eph 5:1). As the one who calls us is holy, so we should also be holy (1 Peter 1:15,16). We should be separate from those of the world because the Lord our God is holy (Levs 11:44; Rom 6:19-22; 2 Tim 1:9).

Holiness is an essential part of God, so it should be a fundamental concern of all those who try to be imitators of God. If we do this, we will be partakers of his holiness when we are granted His nature. God disciplines us so that we can share in His holiness like a father disciplines his children for a little while (Heb 12:9-10).

Through holiness we have a precious escape from the desires of worldly pleasures and lusts, because without holiness in this life, a believer cannot see the Lord. Indeed, we will not be able to actually see God and relate to Him on a personal level in the kingdom, if we have not demonstrated true holiness in our life time. Should we involve ourselves in worldly ambitions (1 Tim 6:10), they will take away from our time for service in Christ’s ecclesia, as it will if we spend our precious time in watching worldly activities instead of studying and living the word of God (2 Tim 2:15). We must be careful in our speech: God hates a froward mouth (Prov 8:13). We must control our temper when provoked because bad temper results in anger which the Lord hates (Prov 15:17).

Our minds must be kept clean to think holy thoughts. Therefore, we must keep ourselves away from strong desires which can affect judgment in life. If we are wronged in any way, we should take it in prayer to our Father in heaven, relying on His help and not getting angry. All this is living a holy life in Christ.

We must remember that God controls our life. When making decisions, we must always say “If the Lord will” (James 4:13,15). Therefore avoid things that stimulate evil thoughts and desires, like magazines and books which are evil. Bad films and filthy activities take away from a life of holiness in this world (Phi 4:8; Titus 2:12).

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Cor 7;1)

Has Man Pre-Eminence Over a Beast?
Bro F G Nkomelah (Lilongwe, Malawi)

Most people will argue that man definitely has pre-eminence over a beast, for when a man dies his soul goes to heaven whereas a beast does not have an alleged immortal soul and therefore does not die in the same way, they say. Before making up our minds on this point, let us turn to the word of God:

“For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth the beasts; even one thing befalleth them all: AS THE ONE DIETH, SO DIETH THE OTHER. Yea, they have all one breath, so that a man hath no pre-eminence above a beast; for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again” (Ecc 3:19,20).

Having stated the situation in very plain and straightforward terms, Solomon now repeats a question which must have been asked in his day: “Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?” (Ecc 3:21). Solomon does not answer his question for he has already given the answer in verse 20, when he said “ALL GO”. We know that none of us has the power to retain ‘the breath of life’. When God takes away the life-sustaining agency, man and beast both die. Solomon put it this way: “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecc 12:7). If the words “the spirit shall return unto God” mean that the supposed immortal soul goes to heaven, then, since all living creatures have the same ‘breath of life’ or ‘spirit’, the souls of beasts and all creeping things must go to heaven too, for it is written ‘ALL go to one place’ and, “Man hath no pre-eminence above a beast”.

However unpalatable this may be, it is at least in keeping with the curse put upon Adam, for he was told, “dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return” (Gen 3:19). It is also in keeping with what Paul said, “For as in Adam ALL DIE:” (1 Cor 15:22). It also agrees with the following testimony from the Bible:

“For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” (Psalm 6:5).
“Let me not be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon thee: Let the wicked be ashamed and let them be silent in THE GRAVE” (Psalm 31;17).
“What profit is there in my blood, when I GO DOWN TO THE PIT? Shall the DUST praise thee? Shall it declare thy truth?” (Psalm 30:9).
“O spare me, that I may recover strength before I go hence, and BE NO MORE” (Psalm 39:13).
“What man is he that liveth and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the grave?” (Psalm 89:48).
“The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence” (Psalm 115:17).
“While I live I will praise the Lord: I will sing praise unto my God while I have any being. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish” (Psalm 146:2-4).
“For the living know that they shall die but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward, for the memory of them is forgotten” (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might: for there is no work, nor device, not knowledge, nor wisdom, in the graves whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
“For the grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth” (Is 38:18).
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4).

The foregoing are a few of the very many passages that could be quoted to show that when a man dies, he goes to OBLIVION and not to another form of life. Yet the doctrine of the immortality of the soul is so ingrained in people that they tend to ignore such passages, without trying to show that they mean something else. Such people say that life is in the ‘soul’ without adducing any passage in scripture to prove it. On this point, the Bible says “For the life of the flesh is IN THE BLOOD” (Leviticus 17:11).

Many people may be disinclined to believe what we have said and quoted, because all the testimony so far has been taken from the Old Testament. We must nor forget, however, that whether we quote from the Old or the New Testament, it is all the WORD OF GOD. If we deny the truth of those passages, then we shall deny the truth which God has caused to be written. If we cannot believe what the Bible says, then we have the alternatives of telling God that He is wrong, or closing up the book altogether and taking no further notice of it. We must be fair to all opinions, so we shall now turn to the New Testament.
WHAT DID JESUS PREACH?
Jesus preached many things, but where the state of the dead was concerned, he preached THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD. In preaching this, he gave no suggestion or hint that the soul went to heaven at death. When Jesus came to the house where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived – for Lazarus was dead – Martha said “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day” John 11:24.
Jesus had just told her this (“Thy brother shall rise again” verse 23) but he made no mention of a soul which had gone to heaven, yet :Lazarus by that time had been dead for four days. If his soul had gone to heaven, surely Jesus would have done him a disfavour by bringing his soul back again to suffer all the tribulations of a mortal life. It was one of the major themes of Jesus’ teaching that he would raise the dead at the LAST DAY. In one particular chapter from John he is quoted as referring to it four times:

“Should raise it up again at the last day” John 6:39.
“I will raise him up at the last day” verse 40.
“I will raise him up at the last day” verse 44
“I will raise him up at the last day” verse 54.

The word ‘him’ is personal and refers to the believer. He is to be raised up. No matter how we may try to adjust those passages to fit the soul theory, we cannot escape the fact that the believer is to be raised up and the raising up is to be done at “the last day”. In no way whatsoever does it mean that the soul will be brought DOWN to be united with a raised body.

The Jafari Family, Mwanza Refugee Camp, Malawi

Answers to Students’ Questions:
By Bro Emmanuel Mphambo (Johannesburg, South Africa)

1. Since we are the descendants of Adam, why does the world have so many races (blacks, whites, coloureds etc)?

You are quite right to say we are all descended from Adam. The New Testament confirms this:
“From one man he (God) made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth, and he determined the times set for them and the exact places they should live” (Acts 17: 26). Notice that it was the Creator’s intention that the human race should inhabit the ‘whole earth’. Living and climatic conditions vary throughout the world and we know that white skins cannot cope being exposed for long in hot sun. Conversely, black skins cope extremely well with exposure to sun because their skins have a built-in protection. And we know that people with darker skins have inhabited the tropical areas of the world. People with light skins have inhabited the temperate areas, where the sunlight is much less intense and where cold winters are common.

God has not chosen to tell us how such a variety of races has come about, but my guess is that a wise Creator made human beings adaptable to their geographical environment. Once established in a certain area, then they would have children and descendants sharing common skin colours, bodily features etc. Until our own day, people did not move about much, once settled, and so there would be groups of similar people who multiplied and became a ‘race’.

2. Why do we call ‘Jesus of Nazareth’, when he was born in Bethlehem of Judea?

Yes, Jesus was born in Bethlehem because of the Roman census requiring everyone to go to register in their ancestral town. This caused Joseph to go to Bethlehem and Jesus to be born there – see Luke 2: 1 – 4. But Jesus grew up and lived in Nazareth which was the home town of Mary and Joseph - see Matthew 2: 23; Mark 1; 9; Luke 1; 26; 2;39, 51; 4; 16; John 1; 45, 46.

Matt 2: 23 makes the point that God had foretold, through His prophets that Jesus would be called ‘a Nazarene’. There is no place in the Old Testament that says that Messiah would be called a Nazarene. So what was the significance of Nazareth? Nazareth was a greatly despised town and so were its inhabitants (see John 1: 46 – perhaps equivalent to Cape Flats in SA today?). So although there is no mention of Nazareth in the OT, the prophet Isaiah says emphatically that the Messiah would be ‘despised and rejected of men’ (Is 53: 3).

3. Is this a myth or a fact that sex before marriage is a sin according to the Bible?

It is most emphatically a FACT that sex before marriage is a sin according to the Bible. In the Bible there is no such thing as casual sex – to God sex is serious. It is part of the package called ‘marriage’. To indulge in sex before marriage (fornication) or outside marriage (adultery) is a desecration of a God-made institution. In the OT seducing an unmarried girl necessitated marrying and never being able to divorce her – Deuteronomy 22: 28 & 29. Adultery was punishable by death of both the adulterer and adulteress (Leviticus 20: 10). The NT similarly condemns sex outside marriage – see 1 Cor
6: 9 – 11 and Heb 13: 4 among many such references.

4. Is there any law in the Bible that forbids women to go to church wearing trousers?

No, there is no law in the Bible which tells us what we should wear when going to worship God. The Apostle Paul in his first epistle to Timothy 2: 9, 10, says he wants women to “dress modestly with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God”. Peter in his first epistle - 1 Peter 3: 3 – says something similar, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewellery and fine clothes...but the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit”. What is considered modest and decent dress for women (and men) will vary from country to country. For instance, in Pakistan, it is considered modest for women to wear trousers/pants. In some Arab countries it is considered acceptable for men to wear - what we would call - a skirt. The NT writers are concerned that Christ’s disciples should not dress provocatively or indecently. and that they should do nothing to put people off believing the Gospel. Paul in his epistle to Titus makes three points in chapter 2. The behaviour of God’s children should be such that:
1) no-one will be able to malign the word of God – v.5
2) those who oppose believers may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about them – v.8
3) in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive – v.10.

Jochebed’s Incredible Active Faith
Sis Esther Worrell (Canada)

I have heard very little comments on Jochebed’s faith. In its quietness and simplicity, it demonstrated an amazing depth and sincerety that moved God himself, thereby bringing forth the most astounding results. It is indeed a tremendous example of what we could accomplish with very little resources of our own, if committed in prayer to Our Heavenly Father.

At the time the nation of Israel was going through the fires of affliction heaped upon them by one of the most heartless and cruel dictators in history. They were completely enveloped in hopelessness on a daily basis, because of the cruel edict of this tyrant that every new born baby boy must be cast into the river. How could they stand up to this monster, who was taking away their strength? It was at this time that Jochebed gave birth to her son. It should have been a time of rejoicing, but instead it was a time of distress, because she was flooded with expressions of fear, hopelessness and discouragement around her. She was a woman of faith because, unlike the others who only saw the power and strength of Pharaoh, she kept her focus on the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God Jacob, who had clearly demonstrated His almighty powers to them.

The Problem was, how could she prevail against this powerful ruler? What indeed could she do? where could she start, and how could she – a poor, insignificant woman, with little or no resources – overcome the edict of this dictator? She thought of the papyrus from which boats were made - barely what was available to her; she could make a sort of cradle with this, and seal it with pitch… Then what? Beside this, there was a blank wall, beyond which she could not see. Yes, even though Jochebed had her faith, the weakness of the flesh would have surfaced from time to time, when daily looking hopefully for a sign from God that her baby would be rescued, she saw nothing.

Her God was more powerful than the adversary, Pharaoh: This was her son, and she would do what she could to save him, even though what she had was woefully little, ridiculously inadequate, considering the crisis she faced. As the time drew near for her to make a decision, she worked with it – the bulrushes and the pitch - committing all to God. Finally, she prepared as best and as lovingly as she could, and committed the cradle of bulrushes containing her precious baby to the care of her Father. God, was certainly hearing the earnest prayers, and beholding the anguish of this desperate mother. Moreover, greatly touched by her simple act of faith, he was moved to “come down to deliver this baby”. Jochebed had done as much as she could with what she had, and had left the rest to Him.

In recognition of Jochebed’s simple act of faith, our Heavenly Father used her down-to-earth ingenuity - that insignificant cradle - to raise out of it one of the most renowned leaders in history, even the conqueror that would eventually defeat that very tyrant, who so cruelly oppressed his people, finally destroying him in the sight of all the nations around. This is indeed a powerful example for our benefit, on what we could accomplish when we place our focus and faith in our LORD, rather than dwelling on our own meager strength and ability.

Our Present Challenge: We are faced with a huge problem – that of our brethren who, through no fault of their own, have had to take refuge in refugee camps, because of cruel politics. We are aware of the undesirable living conditions of these places, and the defenselessness, hopelessness, and despair of their occupants. We, in this part of the world, only have to recall the horrid conditions of the shelters provided for the Katrina hurricane victims, to have an idea of the hardship and misery in which our brethren are living. Can we be comfortable living with this knowledge of the on-going suffering of our brethren, without making an effort to relieve them? Yes, I agree that it is a very complex situation as every one has noted, and I would go further to admit that it is beyond our capacity to handle it, humanly speaking. This is exactly the position that Jochebed faced. She did not, however, give in to the hopelessness of her limitation like the other people around her. She did what she could, with what she had, prayerfully, diligently, faithfully committing her efforts to the Almighty - and he did the rest. God does not leave us to struggle on our own.

When God commissioned Moses the daunting task of releasing his people from the clutches of Pharaoh, he told him, “Certainly I will be with thee;…” (Exodus 3: 12). When he summoned Cyrus, his anointed, to rebuild his house, he told him, “I will go before thee and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron” (Isaiah 45:2). It is the same God whom we serve to-day, and he will do the same for us if we commit this matter to Him, and start with what we have, for the sake of our brethren, who are his children too.

Like Jochebed, we can start with small steps and gradually develop this operation. God did not create the world in a day, neither did He deliver Israel in one day. He worked gradually, and we can follow his example. The important thing is to begin this operation with a plan and proceed in a diligent manner. We have many brethren who have management skills, and there are many who would be able to offer excellent ideas, We need a proactive, ongoing programme aimed directly at resettling those Brethren who are desirous of living independently on their own. Because this problem is the result of a chaotic world situation, its resolution should not be confined to one regional group, but should be the concern of the brotherhood worldwide. It is such a huge project that it requires the joint effort of all Christadelphian groups working together, and including other capable brethren, praying fervently to our Heavenly Father for His guidance and His power, as we cannot do it on our own. Even Cyrus, a king, could not do it on his own, and as God helped him, so He will help us, if we will put our shoulders to the task in an effort to bear the burdens that our refugee brethren are carrying. Ephesians 3: 20,21: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” Together, as we bear our brethren’s burden,

Scope for our Bible Schools
Bro Clive Drepaul (New York, USA)

We have attended Bible Schools in Guyana, the Caribbean and North America. Apart from the uplifting, edifying and enlightening talks, there are two other untaped aspects for which we should be thankful.

The first is the family care. Attendance at our schools ranges from babies to seniors, and provision is made to cater for everyone, spiritually and naturally. There are teen sessions advertised simultaneously with adult classes and the needs of the younger scholars are met at the schools.

There was an article reporting on the 2006 Guyana Bible School, entitled “Grandparents in Guyana.” We recall the mention of how a speaker’s wife did a commendable job with the children at the Georgetown ecclesial Hall. Likewise, this year at the Kilcoy venue Sis. Diana volunteered on the first day to keep the twenty-five children happy while the adults were instructed in “The Only Thing That Counts” by Bro. Ted Hodge and “The Truth of the Fourth Beast” by yours truly. Afterwards Sis. Christine took over the children, realizing that Sis. Diana as a young sister should be in the main hall with the adult classes. Sis. Diana was greatly relieved (25 children are not easy to control) and the manner of her bonding with Bro. Ted reminded me of Mary in Bethany. (One of the most enjoyable moments at North American Schools, we found, was Children’s Night and admiring the celebration of their week-long projects.)

The other aspect is outreach. With at least “100 lighthouses” (borrowing Bro. Nathan Badger’s analogy) at any school anywhere, what a wonderful opportunity is afforded to witness effectively. We recall one year at the Midwest Bible School a special lecture was given one evening by Bro. Jim Styles, after attendees had canvassed nearby.

In Guyana, a preaching campaign often integrates into the school. Four years ago at the Kilcoy venue Bro. Ken Sommerville and Bro. Duncan Kenzie (the teachers) functioned as evangelists in the evening, and many would recall how encouraging it was. This year, again at the same venue, there were Bro. Ted and myself continuing with the support of some Bible School participants. One rainy evening was particularly memorable as the neighborhood family invited us in and provided seating accommodation for the meeting to enjoy Bro. Ted’s class on “Mankind - Our Future.”

Our Schools are a vital part of our lifestyle. Let us maintain their excellent quality, and extend their scope if and whenever possible to the most vulnerable – the young and the unenlightened.

Comment: Readers’ views are welcome with any suggestions that may improve Bible Schools, especially in Mission areas. As well as not placing the burden of caring for the children on those that should really be attending the meeting, would it not be possible to arrange the catering so that Sisters are not involved with it so that they, too, can also benefit from the meetings? My personal view is that those in their teens should be attending the meetings. MH.

Personal Testimony
Bro. Scott Ketelsen (Vancouver Ecclesia, USA)

Now some time after my baptism and looking at myself, I find myself looking at something deep within me. I am discovering an "unhealthy fear of the Lord" within me. So afraid to do his will and do the right thing, to conform my life to His will and His standards while not allowing His love and grace to cover, and expecting others to conform to "MY" will or standards. An unacceptance of His gift if you will. To put it in a term, "legalism", too blind to see the freedom and liberty we have been given. I am being set free in this area and am experiencing a new joy and peace in my heart.

There must be certain things that are "yea” and “amen". If we just hold to the belief that "all truth is relative" then my truth is different than yours and no one can agree on anything. Yet, there are standards that we are expected to uphold. It may be different for each individual now as we are ALL in a different place in our growth and maturity in the things of God.

The world we live in is really no different than what it was back in Yahshua's day. All kinds of philosophy and ideas about things mudding up the waters, and mankind still trying to become gods
in the process. In my opinion our dilemma is still the same. It all points to latent fears and unbelief in God's word. We protect ourselves by hiding behind legalism and self-imposed
standards and try to force others to conform to our will. It is a vicious cycle that has perpetuated throughout the ages. The question is "are we going to believe the word of God or
not?" Just because we have experiences does not make the word of God null and void. Yes, we do not know everything about the word, yes we will not all come to the full understandings of things until the Kingdom comes. But one thing we do know for certain is that it is our responsibility to regard one another more than our selves, to love our neighbour as ourselves. Phil 4:7-8 7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things".

So, I am learning that ‘I am a sinner’ I do not deserve His mercy and grace, but He has given it to me anyway. I cannot please Him by my outward works, or justify my Christianity by not doing certain things or eating certain meats, or partaking of certain symbols or traditions. But, the slippery slope is always beckoning to us, and therefore we all have a conscience given by God to help us here. We all will be judged according to the law written on OUR (personal) hearts (Rom 2:14-16). There are standards and things we all must find and conform our lives to. It is not my responsibility to make anyone live according to my standard. The standard is the Word of God. The Law of love is Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever the higher standard, 1 Cor 13. If we have not love we have nothing. I cannot compromise the law in my heart (this is my conscience before my Judge) however, for the sake of another, to win another to salvation I can, (I am learning to) because my standard is not God's standard. The question is "are we willing to die to self for the sake of another?" In a sense, lay down our life for another? Yahshua came to lead sinners to repentance. He ate with tax collectors and sinners. The downtrodden, dirty filthy refuse of humanity He died for. All I know is that ‘my’ righteousness has not exceeded that of the Scribes and Pharisees. If Yahshua did these things, should we not do the same? He said "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" Matt 5:48 .

Yet I am sure He did not sit there amongst these wretched people and point the haughty finger of judgement, making himself to be better than them. But, we do know that He did not sin. He sat with sinners but did not do their deeds. He knew where the line was drawn in the sand, He did not cross it. The same should be for us. There are standards, there are doctrines on which we must be staunch. Truth is not relative, but that should not become the god we serve.