Letters to Young Lovers

Marriage a foretaste of Heaven

Section one.........

The warmth of true friendship and the love that binds the hearts of husband and wife are a
foretaste of heaven. God has ordained that there should be perfect love and perfect harmony between those who enter into the marriage relation.
Let bride and bridegroom in the presence of the heavenly universe pledge themselves to love
one another as God has ordained they should.In Heavenly Places, 202.

A Foretaste of Heaven
Man was not made to dwell in solitude; he was to be a social being. Without companionship the beautiful scenes and delightful employments of Eden would have failed to yield perfect happiness. Even communion with angels could not have satisfied his desire for sympathy and companionship. There was none of the same nature to love and to be loved.

God himself gave Adam a companion. He provided “an help meet for him”a helper corresponding to him one who was fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in love and sympathy. Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she was not to control him as the head, nor to be trampled under his feet as an inferior, but to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him. A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second self, showing the close union and the affectionate attachment that should exist in this relation. “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it.” Ephesians 5:29. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one.” God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the
universe. “ Marriage is honorable”

(Hebrews 13:4); it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that,
after the Fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise. When the divine principles
are recognized and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and happiness of the race, it provides for man’s social needs, it elevates the physical, the intellectual,
and the moral nature. as the Creator joined the hands of the holy pair [Adam and Eve] in wedlock, saying, A man shall “leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one” (Genesis 2:24), He enunciated for all the children of Adam.

That which the Eternal Father Himself had pronounced good was the law of highest blessing

and development for man.”

It is written...........!

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman,
and went to make war with the remnant of
her seed, which keep the commandments of
God, and have the testimony of Jesus.”
—Revelation 12:17

Kujifunza Kuomba Maombi ya Kweli

SEHEMU YA TATU.

Tunapomwendea Mungu kumwomba rehema zake na mbaraka wake, ingetupasa kuwa na roho ya upendo ndani ya mioyo yetu wenyewe. Twawezaje kuomba hivi, “Utusamehe deni zetu, kama sisi nasi tuwasamehevyo wadeni wetu,” wakati sisi katika roho zetu tungali hatujakubali kuwasamehe wengine. Tukitumaini kujibiwa maombi yetu, sharti tuwe na roho ya kuwasamehe wengine kwa njia ile ile, na kwa kiwango kile kile, kama sisi tunavyotarajia kusamehewa.

Kudumu katika maombi ni sharti jingine lililowekwa ili tupate kupokea.Yatupasa kuomba sikuzote, kama tunataka kukua katika imani na katika uzoefu wa maisha yetu. “Katika kusali, mkidumu,” “dumuni sana katika kuomba, mkikesha katika kuomba huku na shukrani.” Rum. 12:12; Kol. 4:2. Petro awausia Wakristo, “Iweni na akili, mkeshe katika sala.” 1 Petro 4:7. Mtume Paulo awaagiza hivi, “Katika kila neno kwa kusali na kuomba, pamoja na kushukuru, haja zenu na zijulikane kwa Mungu.” Flp.4:6. Na Yuda pia asema, “Ninyi, wapenzi, mkijijenga juu ya imani yenu iliyo takatifu
sana, na kuomba katika Roho Mtakatifu, jilindeni katika upendo wa Mungu.” Yuda 20,21. Kuomba bila kukoma ni muungano wa mtu na Mungu usioweza kuvunjika, kiasi kwamba uhai toka kwa Mungu unabubujika na kuingia katika maisha yetu; na kutoka katika maisha yetu usafi wa maisha na utakatifu hububujika na kumrudia Mungu.

Umuhimu upo wa kufanya bidii katika kuomba; usikubali kitu cho chote kikuzuie kuomba fanya kila jitihada kuacha wazi mawasiliano kati ya roho yako na Yesu tafuta kila nafasi kwenda mahali ambapo watu huzoea kuomba wale wanaotaka kushirikiana na Mungu kweli kweli wataonekana kila mara kwenye mkutano wa maombi; watakuwa waaminifu katika kufanya wajibu wao, tena watakuwa na bidii na shauku katika kujipatia manufaa yote wawezayo kupata. Watatumia vizuri kila nafasi wapatayo ili kujiweka mahali wawezapo kupokea mionzi ya nuru kutoka mbinguni.

Sharti tuombe pamoja na watu wa nyumbani; na zaidi ya yote tusiwe wavivu katika kuomba faraghani peke yetu; maana kufanya hivyo ndiyo asili ya uzima wa roho zetu. Ni vigumu kabisa kusitawi kiroho wakati maombi yanapuuzwa. Maombi pamoja na watu wa nyumbani na yale ya watu wengi katika ibada hayatoshi. Hebu mahali pale pa faragha moyo wako na ufunguliwe wazi ili upate kuchunguzwa na jicho lake Mungu.
Maombi ya faragha ya mtu akiwa peke yake yanapaswa kusikilizwa tu na Mungu asikiaye maombi. Hakuna sikio lo lote lenye udadisi linalopaswa kupokea mzigo wa dua kama hizo. Katika maombi hayo ya siri mtu hasumbuliwi na mivuto inayomzunguka, hasumbuliwi na misisimko yo yote. Kwa utulivu, lakini kwa dhati, moyo wake unamtafuta Mungu. Mvuto utokao kwake yeye aonaye sirini, ambaye sikio lake li wazi kusikiliza maombi yatokayo moyoni, utakuwa mtamu na wa kudumu. Kwa imani tulivu, ya kawaida, mtu huyo anaongea na Mungu, na kujikusanyia mionzi ya nuru itokayo kwa Mungu inayomtia nguvu na kumtegemeza katika mapambano yake na Shetani. Mungu ni mnara wa nguvu zetu. Omba katika chumba chako cha siri; na unapokwenda kufanya kazi zako za kila siku, umwinulie Mungu moyo wako mara kwa mara. Hivyo ndivyo Henoko alivyopata kutembea pamoja na Mungu. Maombi hayo ya kimya kimya hupanda juu kama uvumba wa thamani kwenda mbele ya kiti cha neema. Shetani hawezi kamwe kumshinda yule ambaye moyo wake humtegemea Mungu hivyo.

Hakuna wakati wala mahali pasipofaa kumwomba Mungu. Hakuna kinachoweza kutuzuia tusimwinulie mioyo yetu tukiwa na roho ya maombi ya dhati. Tukiwa katika makundi ya watu mitaani, katikati ya shughuli zetu za kazi, tunaweza kupeleka dua zetu kwa Mungu, na kumwomba atupe uongozi wake, kama alivyoifanya Nehemia alipotoa ombi lake mbele ya Mfalme Artashasta. Chumba cha siri cha mawasiliano kinaweza kupatikana po pote tulipo. Mlango wa moyo wetu ungefunguliwa wazi daima, na mwaliko wetu ungepanda juu ili Yesu aje na kukaa ndani ya moyo wetu kama mgeni atokaye mbinguni.

Kujifunza Kuomba Maombi ya Kweli

SEHEMU YA PILI.

Giza la Shetani huwafunika wale wanaoacha kuomba. Majaribu ya adui huyo anayonong’ona masikioni mwao huwashawishi wafanye dhambi; na hayo yote ni kwa sababu wao hawazitumii haki zote alizowapa Mungu katika mpango wa mbinguni wa maombi aliowawekea. Kwa nini wana na binti zake Mungu ni wazito sana kuomba,
wakati maombi ni ufunguo katika mkono wa imani uifunguao ghala ya mbinguni, ambamo zimewekwa hazina za msaada na mibaraka isiyo na mwisho ya Mungu mwenye uweza wote? Tusipoomba bila kukoma na kukesha kwa bidii, tutakuwa katika hatari ya kutojali na kukengeuka kutoka katika njia ile ya haki. Adui hutafuta daima kuzuia njia iendayo kwenye kiti cha rehema, ili kwa maombi ya dhati na imani tusiweze kupokea neema na nguvu ya kutusaidia kuyapinga majaribu.

Kuna masharti fulani ambayo yakitimizwa Mungu anaweza kutazamiwa kusikia na kujibu maombi yetu. La kwanza katika hayo ni kwamba sisi tutambue kwamba tunahitaji msaada wake. Yeye ameahidi, amesema, “Nitamimina maji juu yake aliye na kiu, na vijito vya maji juu ya mahali pakavu.” Isa. 44:3. Wale walio na njaa na kiu ya haki, wanaomtamani sana Mungu, wawe na hakika kwamba watashibishwa.
Ni lazima moyo ufunguliwe kupokea mvuto wa Roho, vinginevyo, mbaraka wa Mungu hauwezi
kupokewa. Haja yetu kuu kwa yenyewe ndiyo hoja yetu, nayo inatuombea sisi kwa ufasaha kabisa. Lakini sisi hatuna budi kumtafuta Bwana ili apate kutufanyia mambo hayo. Asema, “Ombeni, nanyi mtapewa.” Mathayo 7:7. Tena “Yeye asiyemwachilia Mwana wake mwenyewe, bali alimtoa kwa ajili yetu sisi sote, atakosaje kutukirimia na mambo yote pamoja naye.” Warumi 8:32. Kama tunawaza maovu mioyoni mwetu, kama tunaing’ang’ania dhambi yoyote tuijuayo, Bwana hatatusikia; lakini sala ya mtu yule aliyetubu, na kupondeka moyo wake, inakubaliwa daima. Makosa yote tunayoyajua yanaposahihishwa, tunaweza kusadiki ya kwamba Mungu atazijibu dua zetu. Wema wetu wenyewe hauwezi kamwe kutupatia sifa za kupewa upendeleo wa Mungu; ni ustahilifu wa Yesu utakaotuokoa sisi, ni damu yake ndiyo itakayotutakasa; hata hivyo tunayo kazi ya kufanya katika
kuyatimiza masharti ya kukubaliwa naye.

Sharti jingine la maombi yanayopata ushindi ni kuwa na imani. “Pasipo imani haiwezekani kumpendeza (Mungu): kwa maana mtu amwendeaye Mungu lazima aamini kwamba yeye yuko, na kwamba huwapa thawabu wale wamtafutao.” Ebr. 11:6. Yesu aliwaambia wanafunzi wake, “Yoyote myaombayo mkisali, aminini ya kwamba mnayapokea, nayo yatakuwa yenu.” Marko 11:24. Je, twayasadiki maneno yake?
Ahadi hiyo ni pana, tena haina mipaka, na yule aliyeahidi ni mwaminifu. Tusipopokea mambo yale yale tuliyoyaomba kwa wakati ule ule tuombao, bado yatupasa kuamini kwamba Bwana wetu anatusikia, na ya kwamba atajibu maombi yetu. Sisi tunakosea mno, wala hatuoni mbali, hata wakati mwingine tunaomba mambo ambayo yasingekuwa mbaraka kwetu, na Baba yetu aliye mbinguni kwa upendo wake anajibu maombi yetu kwa kutupa kile ambacho kitakuwa kwa manufaa yetu ya kiwango cha juu kabisa yaani, kile ambacho sisi tungekitamani kama macho yetu yangetiwa nuru na
Mungu na tungeweza kuyaona mambo yote kama yalivyo hasa.

Maombi yetu yanapoonekana kana kwamba hayajibiwi, hatuna budi kuishikilia sana ahadi hiyo; kwa maana wakati wa kujibu utakuja hakika, nasi tutapokea mbaraka ule tunaouhitaji sana. Lakini kudai kwamba maombi yetu sikuzote yatajibiwa kwa njia ile ile hasa na ya kwamba tutapewa kitu kile kile hasa tunachokitamani ni ufidhuli. Mungu ni mwenye hekima mno hawezi kufanya kosa, tena ni mwema mno hawezi kuwanyima kitu chochote kilicho chema hao waendao kwa ukamilifu. Basi usiogope kumtegemea yeye, hata kama huoni jibu la mara moja kwa maombi yako. Tegemea ahadi yake hii ya kweli,“Ombeni, nanyi mtapewa.”

Tukishawishiwa na mashaka yetu na hofu zetu, au tukijaribu kupata ufumbuzi kwa kila kitu tusichoweza kukiona waziwazi, kabla hatujawa na imani, matatizo yetu yatazidi kuongezeka na kuwa makubwa zaidi. Lakini tukimwendea Mungu, huku tukijiona kuwa hatuna uwezo kabisa, tena tumekuwa watu wanaotegemea kusaidiwa naye, kama vile tulivyo hasa, kisha kwa unyenyekevu na imani inayomtegemea tunamjulisha, yeye ambaye maarifa yake hayana mipaka, mambo yale tunayotaka, yeye aonaye kila kitu alichokiumba, tena atawalaye vyote kwa mapenzi yake na neno lake, ndipo ataweza, tena atakisikiliza kilio chetu, na kuiangaza nuru yake mioyoni mwetu.
Kwa njia ya maombi yanayotolewa kwa moyo mnyofu tunaunganishwa na mawazo ya Mungu. Huenda tusione ushahidi wo wote wa kustaajabisha wakati uso wa Mkombozi wetu unapoinama chini na kutuangalia kwa huruma na upendo; lakini jambo hilo ndivyo lilivyo hasa. Huenda tusisikie mguso wake unaoonekana kwa macho, lakini mkono wake u juu yetu kuonyesha upendo na huruma yake inayoumia pamoja nasi.

Kujifunza Kuomba Maombi ya Kweli

SEHEMU YA KWANZA

MUNGU huzungumza nasi kupitia katika viumbe vyake vya asili na mafunuo yake, kupitia katika maongozi yake, na kwa njia ya Roho wake. Lakini njia hizo hazitoshi; sisi pia tunahitaji kumfungulia mioyo yetu. Ili tupate uzima wa kiroho na nguvu yake, hatuna budi kuongea na Baba yetu aliye mbinguni. Mawazo yetu yanaweza kuvutwa kwake; tunaweza kuzitafakari kazi zake, rehema zake, baraka zake; lakini hayo, kwa maana yake kamili, si kuongea naye. Ili tuweze kuongea na Mungu, ni sharti tuwe na mambo fulani ya kumwambia hasa kuhusu maisha yetu tunayoishi.Katika kuomba tunamfunulia Mungu mioyo yetu na kuongea naye kama tunavyoongea na rafiki wa kweli. Si lazima kufanya hivyo ili kumjulisha Mungu hali yetu ilivyo, bali kuongea naye kunatuwezesha kumpokea mioyoni mwetu.

Maombi hayamlazimishi Mungu kushuka kwetu, bali ni sisi ambao tunainuliwa mpaka kufika
kwake. Yesu alipokuwapo hapa duniani, aliwafundisha wanafunzi wake kusali. Aliwaagiza waweke mahitaji yao ya kila siku mbele za Mungu, na kumtwika mizigo yao yote. Na ahadi ile aliyowapa kwamba dua zao zingesikilizwa ni ahadi iliyotolewa kwetu pia. Yesu mwenyewe, alipokaa na wanadamu, aliomba mara nyingi.
Mwokozi wetu alishiriki katika shida zetu na udhaifu wetu; hivyo akawa mhitaji na mwombaji, akimwomba Baba yake ili apate nguvu mpya za kufanya kazi yake na kuwa tayari kupambana na kazi na majaribu yatakayompata. Yeye ndiye mfano wetu katika mambo yote. Ni ndugu yetu ashirikiye udhaifu wetu, “alijaribiwa sawasawa na sisi katika mambo yote;” lakini kwa sababu alikuwa hana dhambi, aliyaepuka maovu nafsini mwake; alistahimili mapambano na maumivu makali moyoni mwake katika dunia hii yenye dhambi. Ubinadamu wake ulifanya maombi kuwa ya lazima kwake na haki yake.

Alipata faraja na furaha katika kuongea na Baba yake. Na iwapo Mwokozi huyo wa wanadamu, Mwana wa Mungu, aliona kwamba anahitaji kuomba, je! sisi, tulio wanadamu dhaifu wenye dhambi, tusingeona kwamba ni jambo la lazima zaidi kwetu kuomba bila kukoma. Baba yetu aliye mbinguni anangojea kutumwagia baraka zake juu yetu kwa utimilifu. Ni fursa yetu kunywa maji mengi kwenye chemchemi ya pendo lake.
Ni jambo la kushangaza jinsi gani ya kwamba sisi tunaomba kidogo mno! Mungu yu tayari, tena
anapenda kusikiliza maombi ya kweli ya mtoto wake aliye duni kabisa, walakini sisi kwa upande wetu hatuna moyo sana wa kumwambia Mungu haja zetu. Hivi malaika wa mbinguni wanafikirije kuhusu wanadamu maskini wasio na msaada wo wote, ambao wanakabiliwa na majaribu, wakati moyo wa Mungu uliojaa upendo usio na kikomo unapowaonea shauku nyingi sana, akiwa tayari kuwapa zaidi ya yale waombayo au kufikiria, na bado maombi yao ni kidogo sana, tena wana imani ndogo kabisa? Malaika wanapenda kusujudu mbele zake Mungu; wanapenda kuwa karibu naye. Wanaona kwamba maongezi yao na Mungu ni upeo wa furaha yao; lakini watoto wa dunia hii,
wanaohitaji msaada mwingi mno ambao ni Mungu pekee awezaye kuwapa, wanaonekana
kana kwamba wametosheka kutembea bila ya kuwa na nuru ya Roho wake, yaani, ushirika wa kuwako kwake.

Giza la Shetani huwafunika wale wanaoacha kuomba. Majaribu ya adui huyo anayonong’ona masikioni mwao huwashawishi wafanye dhambi; na hayo yote ni kwa sababu wao hawazitumii haki zote alizowapa Mungu katika mpango wa mbinguni wa maombi aliowawekea. Kwa nini wana na binti zake Mungu ni wazito sana kuomba, wakati maombi ni ufunguo katika mkono wa imani uifunguao ghala ya mbinguni, ambamo zimewekwa hazina za msaada na mibaraka isiyo na mwisho ya Mungu mwenye uweza wote? Tusipoomba bila kukoma na kukesha kwa bidii, tutakuwa katika hatari ya kutojali na kukengeuka kutoka katika njia ile ya haki. Adui hutafuta daima kuzuia njia iendayo kwenye kiti cha rehema, ili kwa maombi ya dhati na imani tusiweze kupokea
neema na nguvu ya kutusaidia kuyapinga majaribu.

KUMJUA MUNGU

SOMO LA TATU.

Tusifungue kabisa Biblia na kuyasoma maneno yake bila kuomba. Kabla ya kuzifungua kurasa zake ingetupasa kuomba ufahamu kutoka kwa Roho Mtakatifu, naye atatupa. Nathanaeli alipomwendea Yesu, Mwokozi alisema, “Tazama, Mwisraeli kweli kweli, hamna hila ndani yake.” Nathanaeli akamwambia, “Umepataje kunitambua?”Yesu akajibu, akamwambia, “Kabla Filipo hajakuita, ulipokuwapo chini ya mtini, nilikuona.” Yoh. 1:47,48. Na Yesu atatuona sisi mahali pa siri pa sala, ikiwa tutamwomba ili tupate kuelimishwa na kuyajua yaliyo ya kweli.

Malaika watokao kwenye ulimwengu ule wa nuru watakuwa pamoja na wale ambao kwa unyenyekevu wa moyo wanatafuta uongozi wa Mungu. Roho Mtakatifu humwinua na kumtukuza Mwokozi. Ni kazi yake kutuonyesha Kristo, na hali yake jinsi ilivyo yenye haki na usafi, na kutudhihirishia habari za wokovu mkuu tupatao kwake. Yesu alisema, “Atatwaa katika yaliyo yangu, na kuwapasha habari.” Yohana 16:14. Roho wa kweli ndiye mwalimu pekee awezaye kutujulisha
barabara ile kweli ya Mungu. Ni dhahiri kwamba Mungu huwaona wanadamu kuwa wa thamani kubwa, kwa kuwa alimtoa Mwanawe afe kwa ajili yao, tena amemweka Roho
wake kuwa mwalimu na kiongozi wa wanadamu daima.
               

Nataka nimjue Yesu,
Na nizidi kumfahamu;
Nijue pendo lake tu,
Wokovu wake kamili.

Nataka nione Yesu,
Na nizidi kusikia
Anenapo kitabuni,
Kujidhihirisha kwangu.

Nataka tena zaidi,
Daima kupambanua
Mapenzi yake, nifanye
Yale yanayompendeza.

Nataka nikae naye,
Kwa mazungumzo matamu.
Nizidi kuwaonyesha
Wengine wokovu wake.

Zaidi, zaidi,
Nimfahamu Yesu,
Nijue upendo wake,
Wokovu wake kamili.

KUMJUA MUNGU

SOMO LA PILI.
                                                             

Jambo kuu la ukombozi ni moja ambalo malaika wanatamani kulichungulia; litakuwa ndiyo sayansi na wimbo wa waliokombolewa milele hata milele. Je, si jambo lifaalo kufikiriwa sana na kuchunguzwa nasi katika siku hizi? Rehema isiyo na kikomo na upendo wa Yesu, kafara iliyotolewa kwa ajili yetu, mambo hayo hututaka sisi tuyatafakari kwa makini na kwa uzito wake.

Tungeongelea sana juu ya tabia ya Mpendwa Mkombozi na Mwombezi wetu. Tungetafakari sana juu ya utume wake yeye aliyekuja kuwaokoa watu wake kutoka katika dhambi zao. Tukitafakari hivyo juu ya mambo makuu ya mbinguni, imani yetu na upendo wetu vitakua na kuwa na nguvu nyingi zaidi, na maombi yetu yatazidi kukubalika na Mungu, kwa sababu yatakuwa yamechanganyika na imani na upendo kwa wingi zaidi. Yatatolewa kwa akili na kwa dhati. Na tunapowaza mambo matakatifu, imani yetu itaongezeka kwake, na upendo wetu pia, tena kwa ajili hiyo maombi yetu yatazidi kukubaliwa na Mungu. Kuwa na imani na

Yesu kutazidi kuongezeka daima, pamoja na uzoefu hai wa maisha ya kila siku unaoutegemea uweza wake wa “kuwaokoa kabisa wale wote wamjiao Mungu kwa yeye.” Waeb. 7:25. Na tunapotafakari juu ya ukamilifu alio nao Mwokozi, tutatamani kugeuzwa tabia zetu kabisa, na kufanywa upya kufanana naye katika usafi wake. Patakuwa na njaa na kiu ya roho ya kutaka kufanana naye yule tumpendaye sana. Kadiri tunavyozidi kumfikiria zaidi Kristo, ndivyo kadiri tutakavyozidi kuongea habari zake kwa wengine na kumwakilisha ulimwenguni.
Biblia haikuandikwa kwa ajili ya wataalamu wa Biblia peke yao; kinyume chake, ilitayarishwa kwa ajili ya watu wa kawaida. Kweli zile kuu ambazo ni za lazima kwa wokovu zimeelezwa waziwazi kama nuru ya adhuhuri; wala hakuna mtu ye yote awezaye kukosa kuzielewa na kupotea njia isipokuwa ni wale wanaofuata maoni yao wenyewe badala ya mapenzi ya Mungu yaliyofunuliwa wazi.

Tusikubali kupokea ushuhuda wa mtu ye yote juu ya kile Maandiko yafundishacho, ila tujifunze sisi wenyewe maneno hayo ya Mungu. Tukiwaruhusu wengine kufikiri mambo ya Biblia kwa niaba yetu, tutakuwa na nguvu kama ya kiwete na uwezo uliopungua sana nguvu yake. Nguvu bora za akili zetu zinaweza kudumaa mno kwa kukosa mazoezi ya kufikiri juu ya mambo makuu yanayofaa kutafakariwa kiasi cha kuweza kupoteza uwezo wake wa kuelewa maana zenye kina za Neno la Mungu.
Ubongo wetu utapanuka ukitumika kuchunguza uhusiano uliopo kati ya masomo ya Biblia, Maandiko yakilinganishwa na Maandiko, na mambo ya kiroho yakilinganishwa
na mambo ya kiroho.Hakuna njia nyingine iliyokusudiwa kuitia akili nguvu nyingi zaidi kama ile ya
kujifunza na kuyachunguza Maandiko. Hakuna kitabu kingine kilicho na uwezo mkubwa mno wa kuyakuza mawazo yetu, kuzipa nguvu fahamu za ubongo wetu, kama zilivyo hizo kweli pana, ziadilishazo, za Biblia. Kama wanadamu wangejifunza na kulichunguza Neno la Mungu kama inavyostahili, wangekuwa na maarifa mengi na tabia bora, na kuwa na kusudi thabiti ambalo katika nyakati hizi ni shida mno kuliona.
Lakini kuna manufaa kidogo tu yanayopatikana kwa kusoma Maandiko kwa haraka. Mmoja anaweza kuisoma Biblia yote, lakini bado ashindwe kutambua uzuri wake, wala kuelewa maana yake yenye kina iliyojificha. Kujifunza kifungu kimoja cha maneno mpaka maana yake imekuwa dhahiri, na uhusiano wake na mpango wa wokovu unaeleweka wazi, kuna manufaa mengi sana kuliko kuzisoma sura nyingi kwa juu juu tu bila ya kuwa na kusudi lo lote dhahiri wala kupata mafundisho yo yote yanayojenga.

Biblia yako iwe karibu nawe kila mara. Kila upatapo nafasi, isome; jifunze mafungu yake kwa moyo. Hata wakati utembeapo mitaani, waweza kusoma fungu fulani, na kwa njia hiyo kulikaza mawazoni mwako.Hatuwezi kupata hekima bila kujitahidi kwa dhati na kujifunza kwa moyo wa maombi. Baadhi ya sehemu za Maandiko maana yake imekuwa dhahiri kabisa; lakini kuna sehemu nyingine ambazo maana yake si rahisi kufahamika mara moja. Maandiko yanapaswa kulinganishwa na Maandiko mengine. Lazima pawe na utafiti wa makini na kutafakari kwa moyo wa maombi. Na kujifunza kama huko kutapata malipo maradufu. Kama vile mchimba madini anavyogundua mabamba ya mawe ya madini ya thamani yaliyojificha chini ya uso wa nchi, ndivyo yule anayestahimili kulichunguza Neno la Mungu, kama hazina iliyositirika, azionavyo kweli za thamani kuu mno, ambazo zimefichwa asiweze kuziona mtafutaji mzembe. Maneno hayo ya uvuvio, tukiyatafakari mioyoni mwetu, yatakuwa kama vijito vitiririkavyo kutoka katika chemchemi ya uzima.

KUMJUA MUNGU

SOMO LA KWANZA.

Kwa njia nyingi Mungu anajaribu kutujulisha tabia yake, ili tupate kumjua na kushirikiana naye. Viumbe vya asili huongea na akili zetu pasipo kukoma. Moyo unaofunguliwa wazi utaguswa na upendo na utukufu wa Mungu kama unavyoonekana katika matendo yake na katika kazi za mikono yake. Sikio lisikilizalo laweza kusikia na kuelewa ujumbe wa Mungu kupitia katika vitu hivyo vya asili. Mashamba ya kijani kibichi, miti mirefu sana, chipukizi na maua, wingu lipitalo, mvua inyeshayo, kijito kibubujikacho, utukufu wa huko mbinguni, huongea na mioyo yetu, na kutualika sisi ili tufahamiane na yeye aliyeviumba hivyo vyote.
Mwokozi wetu aliyafungamanisha, pamoja na vitu hivyo vya asili, mafundisho yake ya thamani. Miti, ndege, maua ya mabondeni, vilima, maziwa, na mbingu zinazopendeza, pamoja na matukio na mazingira ya maisha yetu ya kila siku, yote yalifungamanishwa na maneno yake ya kweli, ili mafundisho yake yapate kukumbukwa kwa njia hiyo, hata katikati ya shughuli nyingi za maisha ya taabu ya mwanadamu.

Mungu angependa watoto wake wapendezwe na kazi zake, na kufurahia uzuri wa kawaida, uliofichika, ambao kwa huo ameipamba nyumba yetu ya kidunia. Yeye ni mpenzi wa vitu vizuri, na kupita hivyo vyote ambavyo kwa nje hupendeza na kuvutia, yeye anaipenda tabia nzuri; angependa sisi tukuze usafi wa maisha na kuwa na maisha ya kawaida tu, yaani tabia zilizofichika kama zile za maua.Kama tutasikiliza tu, basi, viumbe vilivyoumbwa na Mungu vitatufundisha mafundisho ya thamani juu ya utii na kumtegemea yeye. Kuanzia na nyota ambazo zinafuata njia zao zisizo na alama katika anga za juu na kizazi kwa kizazi zinafuata njia yao ziliyowekewa, mpaka chini kwenye atomu ndogo kabisa, viumbe vya asili huyatii mapenzi ya Muumbaji. Tena Mungu hukitunza na kukilisha kila kitu alichokiumba.
Yule anayeyashikilia malimwengu yasiyohesabika katika eneo kubwa sana, wakati uo huo anajali mahitaji ya shomoro mdogo wa kikahawia aimbaye wimbo wake mdogo pasipo hofu.Wanadamu wanapoondoka asubuhi kwenda kazini, na wakati waombapo; wakati wanapokwenda kulala usiku; na wakati wanapoamka asubuhi; tajiri anapofanya karamu katika jumba lake, au maskini anapowakusanya watoto wake kukizunguka chakula chao kidogo, kila mmoja huangaliwa kwa huruma na upendo na Baba yetu aliye mbinguni.Hakuna chozi limtokalo mtu ambalo Mungu halioni. Hakuna tabasamu yo yote asiyoiona. Kama tungesadiki hivyo kabisa, mahangaiko yote yasiyofaa yangeondolewa mioyoni mwetu. Maisha yetu yasingejazwa na kukata tamaa mno kama yalivyo sasa; kwa sababu kila kitu, kiwe kikubwa au kidogo, kingeachwa mikononi mwake Mungu,
ambaye hachanganyikiwi kuona ongezeko kubwa la masumbufu yetu, wala halemewi na mizigo yake. Hapo ndipo tungeweza kuifurahia amani mioyoni mwetu ambayo kwa wengi kwa muda mrefu imekuwa kitu kigeni.

Akili yako inapoufurahia uzuri uvutiao wa dunia hii, hebu fikiria ulimwengu ule ujao, ambao haujui kamwe waa la dhambi wala kifo; ambao ndani yake uso wa maumbile hautakuwa na kivuli cha laana tena. Hebu mawazo yako na yapige picha na kuyaona makao ya waliookolewa, kisha kumbuka kwamba yatakuwa na utukufu mwingi sana kuliko mawazo yako makali sana yawezavyo kuiona picha ile. Katika zawadi mbalimbali alizotupa katika maumbile tunaona tu nuru hafifu mno ya utukufu wake. Imeandikwa, “Mambo ambayo jicho halikuyaona wala sikio halikuyasikia, wala
hayakuingia katika moyo wa mwanadamu, mambo ambayo Mungu aliwaandalia
wampendao.” 1 Kor. 2:9.
Mtunga mashairi pamoja na mwanasayansi anayeshughulika na viumbe vya asili wanayo mambo mengi ya kusema juu ya maumbile, lakini ni Mkristo anayeufurahia uzuri wa dunia hii kwa shukrani kubwa mno, kwa sababu anatambua kazi ya mikono ya Baba yake, na kuuona upendo wake katika ua na kichaka na mti. Hakuna mtu ye yote awezaye kutambua kwa ukamilifu umuhimu wa kuwapo kilima na bonde, mto na bahari, ambaye havioni vitu hivyo kuwa ni ufunuo wa upendo wa Mungu alio nao kwa mwanadamu.

Mungu husema nasi katika matendo yake na uongozi wake, tena katika mvuto wa Roho wake mioyoni mwetu. Katika mambo yanayotokea kwetu, na katika mazingira yetu, katika mabadiliko yanayotokea kila siku pande zote, twaweza kupata mafundisho ya thamani, kama mioyo yetu imekuwa wazi kuyatambua mafundisho hayo. Mtunga Zaburi, akifuatilia matendo na uongozi wa Mungu, asema hivi, “Nchi imejaa fadhili za Bwana.” “Aliye na hekima na ayaangalie hayo, na wazitafakari fadhili za Bwana.” Zaburi 33:5; 107:43. Mungu husema nasi katika Neno lake. Humo imefunuliwa dhahiri sana tabia yake, jinsi anavyowatendea wanadamu, na kazi yake kubwa ya ukombozi. Humo zimesimuliwa habari za wazee wakuu na manabii na watakatifu wengine wa zamani. Walikuwa ni watu wenye “tabia moja na sisi.” Yakobo 5:17. Tunaona jinsi walivyopambana na mambo ya kukatisha tamaa kama yale tuliyo nayo sisi, jinsi walivyoanguka majaribuni kama sisi tulivyoanguka; hata hivyo walijitia moyo tena, wakashinda kwa neema ya Mungu; na sisi tukiwaangalia, tunatiwa moyo katika jitihada yetu ya kupata haki. Tunaposoma habari za mambo makuu waliyoyapitia katika maisha yao, habari za nuru na upendo na baraka waliyofurahiwa nayo, na habari za kazi waliyoifanya kwa neema ya Mungu, ndipo roho ile iliyowaongoza wao inawasha mwako mtakatifu na tamaa mioyoni mwetu, na kutupa hamu ya kufanana nao katika tabia – kuwa
kama wao katika kutembea na Mungu.
Yesu alisema hivi kuhusu Maandiko ya Agano la Kale - na je! si zaidi sana kwamba yale ya Jipya ni ya kweli - “hayo ndiyo yanayonishuhudia,” yaani, yanamshuhudia Mkombozi wetu, ambaye ndani yake matumaini yetu ya uzima wa milele yamewekwa. Yoh. 5:39. Naam, Biblia nzima inasimulia habari za Kristo. Tangu habari za mwanzo juu ya kuumbwa kwa ulimwengu, - kwa kuwa “pasipo yeye hakikufanyika chochote kilichofanyika,” Yoh. 1:3, mpaka ahadi ya mwisho, “Tazama, naja upesi,” Ufu. 22:12, twasoma juu ya matendo yake, tena twaisikiliza sauti yake. Kama unataka
kumjua Mwokozi, jifunze Maandiko Matakatifu. Ujaze moyo wako wote maneno ya Mungu. Hayo ndiyo maji ya uzima, yanakata kiu yako. Hayo ndiyo mkate wa uzima utokao mbinguni. Yesu asema, “Msipoula mwili wake Mwana wa Adamu na kuinywa damu yake, hamna uzima ndani yenu.” Akazidi kueleza maana yake hivi: “Maneno hayo niliyowaambia ni roho, tena ni uzima.” Yoh.
6:53,63. Miili yetu imejengwa kutokana na chakula tulacho na kinywaji tunywacho; na
kama ilivyo katika vitu vya asili, ndivyo ilivyo katika mambo ya kiroho: ni kile tunachokitafakari sana kitakachotupa afya na nguvu katika tabia yetu ya kiroho.

KAZI NA MAISHA.................

SOMO LA TATU

Kanisa lake Kristo ni njia aliyoiweka Mungu kwa ajili ya wokovu wa wanadamu. Kazi yake ni kueneza Injili duniani kote. Na wajibu huo umewekwa juu ya Wakristo wote. Kila mmoja, kulingana na kiwango cha talanta yake na nafasi nzuri anayopewa, anapaswa kutimiza agizo hilo la Mwokozi. Upendo wa Kristo, uliofunuliwa kwetu, unatufanya sisi kuwa wadeni kwa wote wasiomjua. Mungu ametupa nuru, si kwa ajili yetu wenyewe, bali kwa ajili ya kuiangaza juu yao. Wafuasi wa Kristo kama wangeamka na kufanya wajibu wao, kungekuwako na watu elfu wa kuhubiri Injili mahali palipo na mhubiri mmoja tu sasa katika nchi za kipagani.
Na wale ambao wasingeweza kujiingiza wenyewe kufanya kazi hiyo bado wangeweza kuisaidia kwa kutoa fedha zao, kuiunga mkono, na kwa maombi yao. Tena pangekuwa na juhudi kubwa zaidi katika kazi ya kuongoa roho katika nchi za Kikristo. Hatuna haja ya kwenda katika nchi za kipagani au hata kuondoka na kwenda nje ya mduara mdogo wa nyumba zetu, kama kazi yetu ipo pale, ili kuweza kumtumikia Kristo. Tunaweza kufanya kazi hiyo katika mduara wa nyumbani mwetu, katika kanisa,
miongoni mwa wale tunaoshirikiana nao, na miongoni mwa wale tunaofanya nao kazi au
biashara.

Sehemu kubwa sana ya maisha ya Mwokozi wetu hapa duniani ilitumika kwa kufanya kazi ngumu katika kiwanda cha seremala kule Nazareti. Malaika wahudumuo waliandamana naye huyo Bwana wa uzima alipotembea pamoja na wakulima wadogo na vibarua, bila ya kutambulikana wala kupewa heshima. Kwa uaminifu alikuwa akitimiza utume wake alipokuwa akifanya kazi yake ile duni sawasawa na wakati ule alipowaponya wagonjwa au kutembea juu ya mawimbi ya Galilaya yenye kurushwa huku na huku kwa dhoruba. Kwa hiyo, katika kazi zetu duni kabisa na vyeo vyetu vya chini kabisa katika maisha yetu tunaweza kutembea na kufanya kazi pamoja na Yesu.
Mtume Paulo asema, “Kila mtu na akae katika hali iyo hiyo aliyoitwa mbele za Mungu.” 1 Kor. 7:24. Mfanya biashara anaweza kufanya kazi yake kwa namna ambavyo anaweza kumtukuza Mungu kwa uaminifu wake. Kama yeye ni mfuasi wa kweli wa Kristo, basi, ataonyesha dini yake katika kila kitu afanyacho, na kuwadhihirishia watu roho ya Kristo. Fundi mitambo anaweza kuwa mwakilishi mwenye bidii na mwaminifu wa yule aliyefanya kazi ya sulubu katika hali duni ya maisha kati ya
vilima vya Galilaya. Kila mtu anayelitaja jina lake Kristo angefanya kazi kwa namna ambayo wengine, wakiyaona matendo yake mema, wavutwe na wamtukuze Muumbaji na Mkombozi wao.

Wengi wametoa udhuru ili wasivitumie vipawa vyao katika kumtumikia Kristo kwa sababu wengine wanavyo vipawa bora sana na hali yao ni nzuri sana. Wazo limeenea kote kwamba ni wale tu walio na talanta za pekee ndio wanatakiwa kutumia uwezo wao katika kumtumikia Mungu. Imekuja kuelewekwa na wengi kwamba talanta zinatolewa kwa kundi fulani tu lililopendelewa, na kuwaacha wengine, ambao, kwa kweli, hawatakiwi kushiriki katika kazi hizo ngumu au katika thawabu zake. Lakini haijaelezwa hivyo katika mfano huu. Bwana wa nyumba alipowaita watumishi wake,
alimpa kazi “kila mtu kwa kadiri ya uwezo wake.” Mt. 25:15. Tukiwa na moyo wa upendo tunaweza kufanya kazi duni kabisa za maisha “kama kwa Bwana.” Kol. 3:23. Upendo wa Mungu ukiwamo moyoni, utaonekana katika maisha yetu. Harufu nzuri ya Kristo itatuzunguka pande zote, na mvuto wetu utawainua watu na kuwaletea furaha.
Haikupasi kungojea matukio makubwa au kutarajia kuwa na uwezo wa ajabu kabla hujaenda kufanya kazi ya Mungu. Huna haja ya kuwaza ulimwengu utakuonaje wewe. Kama maisha yako ya kila siku yanashuhudia usafi wa maisha yako na unyofu wa imani yako, na wengine wameamini kwamba unataka kuwanufaisha wao, basi, juhudi zako hazitapotea kamwe. Wafuasi wa Yesu walio duni na maskini kabisa wanaweza kuwa mbaraka kwa wengine. Huenda wao wasitambue kwamba wanafanya jema lo lote maalumu, lakini kwa mvuto wao usiotambulikana wanaweza kuanzisha mawimbi ya mibaraka yatakayozidi kupanuka na kuwa na kina kirefu, na matokeo yake yenye mibaraka huenda wasiweze kamwe kuyajua mpaka siku ile ya mwisho ya kupewa thawabu zao. Wao
hawajisikii au hawajui kwamba wanafanya kitu cho chote kikubwa. Hawatakiwi kujichosha wenyewe kwa kuingiwa na wasiwasi juu ya mafanikio. Wao wanapaswa tu kusonga mbele kimya kimya, wakifanya kwa uaminifu kazi ile ambayo Mungu amewapa kufanya, na maisha yao hayatakuwa bure. Roho zao zitakuwa zikikua zaidi na zaidi na kufanana na Kristo; wao ni watenda kazi pamoja na Kristo katika maisha haya, na kwa njia hiyo wanajitayarisha kwa kazi ile ya juu zaidi na furaha isiyokuwa na huzuni ya maisha yale yajayo.

KAZI NA MAISHA ..............

SOMO LA PILI

Tukijitahidi hivyo kusaidia wengine, sisi pia tutabarikiwa. Hili lilikuwa ndilo kusudi la Mungu alipotupa sisi sehemu ya kufanya katika mpango wake wa ukombozi. Amewapa wanadamu fursa ya kuwa washirika wa tabia ya uungu, nao, kwa upande wao, wanapaswa kuitawanya mibaraka hiyo kwa wanadamu wenzao. Hiyo ni heshima ya juu kabisa, hiyo ni furaha ipitayo zote, ambayo inawezekana kwa Mungu kuwapa wanadamu. Wale wanaoshiriki hivyo katika kazi hiyo ya upendo wanaletwa karibu sana na Muumbaji wao.
Mungu angaliweza kuwapa malaika wa mbinguni ujumbe wa Injili, pamoja na kazi yote ya kutoa huduma ya upendo kwa wanadamu. Angaliweza kuzitumia njia nyingine katika kulitimiza kusudi lake. Lakini katika upendo wake usio na kikomo alichagua kutufanya sisi kuwa watenda kazi pamoja naye, yaani, pamoja na Kristo na malaika zake, ili tupate kushiriki katika mbaraka na furaha hiyo, na kutiwa moyo kiroho, mambo ambayo ni matokeo ya huduma hiyo isiyo na ubinafsi. Tunakuwa na moyo ule ule wa huruma aliokuwa nao Kristo tunaposhiriki mateso yake. Kila tendo la kujinyima kwa manufaa ya wengine huimarisha roho ya ukarimu katika moyo wa mtoaji, na kumfanya afungamane kwa karibu zaidi na Mkombozi wa ulimwengu, ambaye “alikuwa tajiri, lakini kwa ajili yenu akawa maskini, ili kwamba ninyi mpate kuwa matajiri kwa umaskini wake.” 2 Kor. 8:9, Na ni wakati ule tu tunapolitimiza kusudi la Mungu la kutuumba sisi, ndipo maisha yanaweza kuwa mbaraka kwetu.

Endapo utafanya kazi kama Kristo alivyokusudia wafuasi wake wafanye, na kuongoa roho za watu kwa ajili yake, utaona haja ya kuwa na uzoefu wa maisha wenye kina zaidi na ujuzi mkubwa zaidi katika mambo ya Mungu, tena utaona njaa na kiu ya kuitafuta haki yake. Utamsihi sana Mungu, na imani yako itaimarishwa, na nafsi yako itakunywa maji mengi katika kisima cha wokovu. Kupambana na upinzani na maonjo kutakufanya uikimbilie Biblia na maombi. Utakua katika neema na katika kumjua Kristo, nawe utakuwa na uzoefu wa thamani.
Roho ya kuwatumikia wengine bila ya kuwa na ubinafsi inaifanya tabia iwe na kina, thabiti, tena iwe na upendo wa Kristo, inaleta amani na furaha kwa yule aliye nayo. Hamu ya kupata mambo yaliyo bora huongezeka. Hakuna nafasi kwa uvivu, wala uchoyo. Wale wanaojizoeza hivyo kutumia hisani zao za Kikristo watakua kiroho, tena watakuwa na nguvu katika kufanya kazi ya Mungu. Watakuwa na utambuzi safi wa kiroho, na imani thabiti inayozidi kukua, na uwezo ulioongezeka katika maombi yao. Roho wa Mungu, anapoigusa mioyo yao, anataka pawe na amani takatifu moyoni, kama
jibu la mguso huo wa Mungu. Wale wanaoutumia muda wao wote kutenda kazi hiyo bila
ya kuwa na ubinafsi kwa ajili ya manufaa ya wengine wanafanya kazi ya kuziokoa roho zao wenyewe kwa hakika kabisa.

Njia pekee ya kukua katika neema ni ile ya kufanya kazi ile ile aliyotuagiza Kristo kuifanya  pasipo kujifikiria wenyewe, kwa uwezo wetu wote, kuwasaidia na kuwaletea furaha wale wanaohitaji msaada wetu tuwezao kuwapa. Nguvu zinakuja kwa kufanya mazoezi; kujishughulisha ndilo sharti hasa la kuwa na uzima. Wale wanaojitahidi kudumisha maisha yao ya Kikristo kwa kupokea mibaraka inayowajia kwa njia ya neema pasipo kujishughulisha, wala kufanya kazi yo yote kwa ajili ya Kristo, wanajaribu tu kuishi kwa kuendelea kula bila kufanya kazi. Na katika ulimwengu wa
kiroho kama ilivyo katika ulimwengu wa asili, matokeo yake sikuzote ni uharibifu na
uozo. Mtu ambaye angekataa kufanya mazoezi ya viungo vyake angepoteza uwezo wote wa kuvitumia baada ya muda mfupi. Hivyo Mkristo ambaye hazitumii nguvu zake alizopewa na Mungu siyo tu kwamba anashindwa kukua katika Kristo, bali anapoteza
nguvu alizokuwa nazo tayari.

KAZI NA MAISHA........

SOMO LA KWANZA

MUNGU ndiye asili ya uhai na mwanga na furaha kwa malimwengu yote. Kama mionzi ya nuru kutoka juani, kama vijito vya maji kutoka kwenye chemchemi hai, baraka zinamiminika kutoka kwake kwenda kwa viumbe vyake vyote. Na kila mahali ambapo uhai wa Mungu umo ndani ya mioyo ya wanadamu, utabubujika kuwa upendo na mbaraka kwa wengine.
Ilikuwa ni furaha ya Mwokozi wetu kuwainua na kuwakomboa wanadamu walioanguka dhambini. Kwa ajili hiyo hakuyahesabu maisha yake kuwa ni kitu cha thamani kwake, lakini “aliustahimili msalaba na kuidharau aibu.” Ebr. 12:2. Kwa ajili hiyo malaika wanashughulika daima katika kazi ya kuwaletea wengine furaha. Hiyo ndiyo furaha yao. Ile ambayo watu wale wajipendao binafsi wangeiona kuwa ni kazi ya kuwavunjia heshima, yaani, kuwahudumia wale walio na hali mbaya na ambao kwa kila hali ni duni kwa tabia na hadhi zao, ndiyo kazi waifanyayo malaika wasio na dhambi.Roho aliyo nayo Kristo ya upendo unaojitoa mhanga ndiyo roho iliyoenea kule mbinguni,
na ndiyo msingi hasa wa furaha kuu iliyoko kule. Hiyo ndiyo roho watakayokuwa nayo
wafuasi wake Kristo, ndiyo kazi watakayofanya.

Upendo wa Kristo ukiwamo moyoni, kama manukato yenye harufu nzuri, hauwezi kufichika. Mvuto wake mtakatifu utawagusa wote tunaokutana nao. Roho ya Kristo ikiwamo moyoni ni kama chemchemi jangwani, inayobubujika na kuwaburudisha wengi, na kuwafanya wale walio tayari kuangamia kutamani kunywa maji ya uzima. Kuwa na upendo kwa Yesu kutadhihirika kwa njia ya kuwa na tamaa ya kutenda kama alivyotenda yeye, kwa madhumuni ya kuwaletea furaha na kuwatia moyo wanadamu. Kutaleta upendo, upole, na huruma kwa viumbe vyote vya Baba yetu aliye mbinguni anayevitunza.
Maisha ya Mwokozi wetu alipokuwa hapa duniani hayakuwa maisha ya raha, wala ya kujishughulikia mwenyewe tu, lakini daima alijitahidi kufanya kazi kwa bidii, bila kuchoka kwa ajili ya wokovu wa wanadamu waliopotea. Tangu kuzaliwa kwake mpaka kusulibiwa kwake pale Kalwari, alifuata njia ya kujinyima, wala hakutaka aachiliwe asifanye kazi za sulubu, safari zenye kumletea maumivu, na shughuli kwa watu zinazochosha mno na kazi za kawaida. Alisema, “Kama vile Mwana wa Adamu asivyokuja kutumikiwa, bali kutumika, na kutoa nafsi yake iwe fidia ya wengi.”
Mathayo 20:28. Hilo lilikuwa ndilo lengo moja kuu la maisha yake. Mambo mengine yote yalichukua nafasi ya pili na kulisaidia lengo hilo. Kilikuwa ni chakula na kinywaji chake kufanya mapenzi ya Mungu na kuimaliza kazi yake (Yoh. 4:34). Nafsi na umimi havikuwa na nafasi katika kazi yake.

Kwa hiyo wale wanaoshiriki neema ya Kristo watakuwa tayari kujinyima sana, ili wengine aliowafia wapate karama hiyo. Watafanya kila wawezalo kuifanya dunia hii iwe mahali pazuri kwa ajili ya kukaa kwao hapa. Roho hii ni matokeo ya hakika ya kukua kiroho kwa mtu yule aliyeongoka kweli kweli. Mara tu anapokuja kwa Kristo, ndani yake hujitokeza shauku ya kuwajulisha wengine jinsi alivyomwona Yesu kuwa rafiki wa thamani sana kwake; kweli ile iokoayo na kutakasa haiwezi kufungiwa moyoni mwake. Kama tumevikwa haki ya Kristo, na kujazwa furaha ya Roho wake akaaye ndani yetu hatutaweza kunyamaza. Kama tumeonja na kuona kwamba Bwana ni mwema, tutakuwa na jambo fulani la kusimulia. Kama Filipo alivyomwona Mwokozi, tutawaalika wengine
kuja mbele yake. Tutajitahidi kuweka mbele yao mambo ya kuvutia pamoja na mambo yale ya kweli ya ulimwengu ule ujao ili waje kwa Kristo. Tutakuwa na shauku kubwa kuifuata njia ile aliyokwenda Yesu. Tutatamani kwa dhati sana kwamba wale watuzungukao waweze kumwona “Mwana-Kondoo wa Mungu, aichukuaye dhambi ya ulimwengu.” Yoh. 1:29

KUKUA KATIKA KRISTO

Jinsi Yesu alivyokuwa kwa wanafunzi wake katika mambo yote, ndivyo
anavyotaka kuwa kwa watoto wake leo; kwa maana katika sala yake ile ya mwisho,
akiwa na kikundi kidogo cha wanafunzi wake kilichokusanyika pale na kumzunguka,
alisema, “Wala si hao tu ninaowaombea; lakini na wale watakaoniamini kwa sababu ya
neno lao.” Yoh. 17:20.
Yesu alituombea sisi, tena aliomba kwamba tupate kuwa umoja naye, kama yeye alivyo umoja na Baba yake. Ni muungano ulioje huo! Kumhusu yeye mwenyewe Mwokozi alisema, “Mwana hawezi kutenda neno mwenyewe, ila lile ambalo amwona Baba analitenda.” “Baba akaaye ndani yangu huzifanya kazi zake.” Yoh. 5:19; 14:10. Basi kama Kristo anakaa ndani ya mioyo yetu, atafanya kazi ndani yetu “kutaka kwenu na kutenda kwenu, kwa kulitimiza kusudi lake jema.” Wafilipi 2:13. Tutafanya kama alivyofanya yeye; tutakuwa na nia ile ile. Na hivyo, tukiendelea kumpenda na kukaa
ndani yake, tuta“kua hata tumfikie yeye katika yote, yeye aliye kichwa, ndiye Kristo.” Efe. 4:15.

Furaha gani na ushiriki,
Nikimtegemea Yesu tu!
Baraka gani, tena amani,
Nikimtegemea Yesu tu!
Tegemea,

Salama bila hatari;
Tegemea,
Tegemea Mwokozi Yesu.

Nitaiweza njia nyembamba,
Nikimtegemea Yesu tu;
Njia ‘tazidi kuwa rahisi,
Nikimtegemea Yesu tu.

Sina sababu ya kuogopa,
Nikimtegemea Yesu tu;
Atakuwa karibu daima,
Nikimtegemea Yesu tu.

(Nyimbo za Kristo, Na. 43)

MWISHO WA SOMO LA KUKUA KATIKA KRISTO BARIKIWA NA MASOMO MENGINE YATAKAYO FUATA.

KUKUA KATIKA KRISTO

SOMO LA TATU.

Kama mtu anajifikiria nafsi yake tu, roho yake hugeuka na kutoka kwa Kristo ambaye ni uwezo na uzima wake. Kwa hiyo ni juhudi ya Shetani ya kudumu kuyageuzia mbali na Mwokozi mawazo ya mtu, kwa njia hiyo kumzuia kuungana na kushirikiana na Kristo. Anasa za dunia, masumbufu ya maisha haya na mashaka na huzuni, makosa ya wengine, au makosa na upungufu wako mwenyewe - kwa mojawapo au yote hayo Shetani atayaelekeza mawazo ili kuyapotosha (Tazama Mathayo 14:30). Usidanganywe na hila zake. Wengi wanaotaka kufanya yapasayo na kujitoa maisha yao kwa Mungu,
mara nyingi huvutwa na Shetani kufikiri sana juu ya makosa yao na udhaifu wao wenyewe, na hivyo kwa kuwatenga mbali na Kristo anatumainia kuwashinda.
Tusifikirie nafsi zetu sana, na kuhangaika na kuogopa iwapo kweli tutaokolewa. Mambo hayo yote
huugeuzia mbali moyo kutoka kwa Kristo aliye Asili ya nguvu zetu. Weka roho yako mkononi mwa Mungu kama amana, na umtumainie yeye. Mazungumzo yako na fikara zako ziwe juu ya Yesu. Nafsi yako na ifichwe ndani yake. Tupilia mbali mashaka yako yote; ziondolee mbali hofu zako. Sema kama alivyosema mtume Paulo:“Nimesulibiwa pamoja na Kristo; lakini ni hai; wala si mimi tena, bali Kristo yu hai ndani yangu; na uhai nilio nao sasa katika mwili, ninao katika imani ya Mwana wa Mungu, ambaye alinipenda akajitoa nafsi yake kwa ajili yangu. Gal. 2:20. Tulia ndani ya Mungu. Yeye aweza kukilinda kile ulichokiweka amana kwake. Kama unajiweka mkononi mwake,
atakuwezesha upate kushinda, na zaidi ya kushinda, kwa yeye aliyekupenda. Soma Warumi 8:37.
Kristo alipoutwaa mwili wa kibinadamu, aliwafungia kwake wanadamu kwa

kifungo cha upendo wake kisichoweza kuvunjwa na uwezo wo wote, isipokuwa kwa chaguo la mwanadamu huyo mwenyewe. Shetani atajitahidi daima kutuletea vishawishi vyake ili kukivunjilia mbali kifungo hicho - yaani, kutufanya tuchague wenyewe kujitenga mbali na Kristo. Hapo ndipo tunapohitaji kuwa macho, kujitahidi, na kuomba ili tusishawishiwe na jambo lo lote kuchagua kutawaliwa na bwana mwingine; kwa maana sikuzote sisi tunao uhuru kufanya hivyo. Lakini hebu na tumkazie Kristo macho yetu, naye atatulinda. Tukimtazama Yesu, tutakuwa salama. Hakuna awezaye
kutupokonya katika mkono wake. Tukimwangalia Yesu daima, “tunabadilishwa tufanane na mfano uo huo, toka utukufu hata utukufu, kama vile kwa utukufu utokao kwa Bwana aliye Roho.” 2 Kor. 3:18.Hivyo ndivyo wanafunzi wake wa zamani walivyopata kufanana na Mwokozi wao waliyempenda. Wanafunzi wale walipoyasikia maneno ya Yesu, walijisikia kuwa wanamhitaji. Walimtafuta, wakamwona, na kumfuata. Walikuwa pamoja naye nyumbani, mezani, chumbani, na mashambani. Walikuwa pamoja naye kama wanafunzi wa shule wanavyokuwa pamoja na mwalimu wao, wakipokea kila siku mafundisho ya ile kweli takatifu kutoka kinywani mwake. Walimtegemea kama watumishi wanavyomtegemea bwana wao, ili wapate kujua wajibu wao.

Wanafunzi wale walikuwa ni wanadamu wenye “tabia moja na sisi.” Yak. 5:17. Walikuwa na pambano lile lile dhidi ya dhambi kama sisi. Waliihitaji neema ile ile ili wapate kuishi maisha matakatifu. Hata na Yohana, mwanafunzi mpendwa wa Yesu, aliyefanana naye kwa ukamilifu kuliko wale wengine, hakuzaliwa akiwa na tabia nzuri. Alikuwa si mtu aliyependa tu kuwa kimbelembele na kutaka heshima, bali alipoumizwa alikuwa mwenye harara na chuki moyoni mwake. Lakini tabia ya Yule Mtakatifu ilipofunuliwa kwake, aliona mapungufu yake mwenyewe, naye akanyenyekea kutokana na ujuzi ule alioupata. Aliona nguvu na uvumilivu, uwezo na huruma, utukufu na upole katika maisha ya kila siku ya yule Mwana wa Mungu, mambo hayo yaliujaza moyo wake na sifa na upendo. Siku kwa siku moyo wake ulizidi kuvutwa kwa Yesu Kristo. Mpaka akajisahau nafsi
yake mwenyewe kutokana na upendo aliokuwa nao kwa Bwana wake, tabia yake ya harara na kutaka makuu ikashindwa chini ya uwezo wa Kristo ubadilishao tabia.
Uwezo wa Roho Mtakatifu ufanyao tabia ya mtu kuwa mpya uliufanya moyo wake kuwa mpya. Nguvu ya upendo wake Kristo ilifanya badiliko kamili la tabia yake. Hayo ndiyo matokeo ya hakika kwa mtu ye yote anayeunganika na Yesu. Kristo akaapo moyoni, tabia yote hubadilika kabisa. Roho wake Kristo, upendo wake, huulainisha moyo, na kuitawala nafsi ya mtu, na kuyainua juu mawazo yake na tamaa zake kuelekea kwa Mungu na mambo ya mbinguni. Yesu alipopaa kwenda mbinguni, wafuasi wake bado walikuwa na hisia ya kuwapo kwake. Kulikuwa ni kuwapo kwake kimwili, akiwa amejaa upendo na nuru.
Yesu, Mwokozi, aliyekuwa ametembea na kuongea na kuomba pamoja nao, aliyekuwa amesema maneno yenye tumaini na faraja mioyoni mwao, wakati ujumbe huo wa amani
ulipokuwa bado unatoka kinywani mwake, alikuwa amechukuliwa kwenda juu mbinguni, na sauti hii ya maneno yake ilikuwa imekuja kwao tena, wakati lile wingu la malaika lilipompokea – “Tazama, mimi nipo pamoja nanyi sikuzote, hata ukamilifu wa dahari.” Mathayo 28:20. Alikuwa amepaa kwenda mbinguni akiwa na mwili wa kibinadamu. Walijua kwamba yuko mbele ya kiti cha enzi cha Mungu, akiwa bado ni Rafiki yao na Mwokozi wao; na kwamba huruma yake ilikuwa haijabadilika; na kwamba yeye bado alikuwa amejifungamanisha na wanadamu wanaoteseka. Alikuwa akionyesha mbele za Baba yake sifa za damu yake ya thamani, akimwonyesha mikono yake na miguu yake
iliyojeruhiwa, kukumbuka gharama aliyokuwa amelipa kwa ajili ya watu wake waliokombolewa. Walijua kwamba alikuwa amepaa kwenda mbinguni kuwaandalia mahali, na ya kwamba atakuja tena, na kuwachukua kwenda nao kwake. Walipokutana, baada ya kupaa kwake, walikuwa na hamu ya kupeleka maombi yao kwa Baba kwa jina la Yesu. Kwa kicho kikuu waliinamisha vichwa vyao chini
walipoomba, wakarudia kusema ahadi yake hii, “Mkimwomba Baba neno lo lote atawapa
kwa jina langu. Hata sasa hamkuomba neno kwa jina langu, ombeni, nanyi mtapata; furaha yenu iwe timilifu.” Yoh. 16:23,24. Waliunyosha mkono wao wa imani juu zaidi na juu zaidi, wakiwa na hoja hii yenye nguvu, “Kristo ndiye aliyekufa; naam, na zaidi yahayo, amefufuka katika wafu, naye yuko mkono wa kuume wa Mungu; tena ndiye anayetuombea.” Warumi 8:34. Na siku ya Pentekoste wakapata kujazwa Roho Mtakatifu, yule Mfariji ambaye Kristo alisema juu yake, “Naye atakuwa ndani yenu.” Naye alikuwa ameongeza kusema, “Yawafaa ninyi mimi niondoke; kwa maana mimi
nisipoondoka, huyo Msaidizi hatakuja kwenu; bali mimi nikienda zangu, nitampeleka kwenu.” Yoh. 14:17; 16:7. Tangu siku hiyo, kwa njia ya Roho Mtakatifu, Kristo hukaa mioyoni mwa watu wake sikuzote. Muungano wao pamoja naye ulikuwa wa karibu sana kuliko wakati alipokuwa pamoja nao kimwili. Nuru, na upendo, na uweza wa Kristo akaaye ndani yao uliangaza nje kupitia kwao, hata watu walipowatazama “wakastaajabu, wakatambua ya kwamba walikuwa pamoja na Yesu.” Matendo 4:13.

KUKUA KATIKA KRISTO

SOMO LA PILI.

Yesu hufundisha jambo lile lile asemapo, “Kaeni ndani yangu, nami ndani yenu Kama vile tawi lisivyoweza kuzaa peke yake, lisipokaa ndani ya mzabibu, kadhalika nanyi, msipokaa ndani yangu…. Maana pasipo mimi ninyi hamwezi kufanya neno lolote.” Yoh. 15:4,5.
Wewe unamtegemea Kristo ili kuishi maisha matakatifu sawasawa na tawi linavyofungamana na mti wenyewe ili lipate kukua na kuzaa matunda. Pasipo yeye huna uzima. Huna nguvu ya kuyapinga majaribu au ya kukuwezesha kukua katika neema na utakatifu. Ukikaa ndani yake, waweza kusitawi. Ukipata uzima kutoka kwake huwezi kunyauka wala kukosa kuzaa matunda. Utakuwa kama mti uliopandwa kando ya mito yenye maji.

Wengi hudhani kwamba ni wajibu wao kufanya sehemu ya kazi ile wenyewe wamemtumainia Kristo kwa msamaha wa dhambi zao, lakini sasa wanaona ya kwamba kwa juhudi zao wenyewe wanaweza kuishi maisha yaliyo safi. Lakini kila juhudi ya aina hiyo ni lazima ishindwe. Yesu asema, “Pasipo mimi ninyi hamwezi kufanya neno lolote.” Kukua kwetu katika neema, furaha yetu, kuwa na manufaa kwetu kwa wengine  mambo hayo yote hutegemea muungano wetu na Kristo. Ni kwa njia ya kuongea naye, kila siku, kila saa tunapaswa kukua katika neema.
Yeye siye tu mwenye kuianzisha imani yetu, bali ndiye mwenye kuitimiza. Kristo ndiye wa kwanza na wa mwisho na wa sikuzote. Anakuwa pamoja nasi, si mwanzo tu na mwisho wa njia yetu, bali katika kila hatua tunayotembea katika njia hiyo. Daudi asema, “Nimemweka Bwana mbele yangu
daima, kwa kuwa yuko kuumeni kwangu, sitaondoshwa.” Zaburi 16:8. Pengine unauliza, “Nawezaje kukaa ndani ya Kristo?” Kama ulivyompokea moyoni mara ya kwanza. “Kama mlivyompokea Kristo Yesu, Bwana, enendeni vivyo hivyo katika yeye.” “Mwenye haki ataishi kwa imani.” Kol. 2:6; Ebr. 10:38. Ulijitoa kwa Mungu kuwa mtu wake kabisa, kumtumikia na kumtii, tena ulimpokea Kristo kama Mwokozi wako.

Wewe mwenyewe hukuweza kujiondolea dhambi zako, wala kuugeuza moyo wako; lakini ulipokuwa umejitoa kuwa wa Mungu, ndipo uliposadiki kwamba Mungu ndiye aliyekutendea haya yote kwa ajili ya Kristo. Kwa njia ya imani ulikuwa wake Kristo; na kwa imani hiyo utazidi kukua ndani yake - kwa kujitoa na kumpokea. Yakupasa kutoa vyote kwake - moyo wako, nia yako, na utumishi wako - jitoe kwake ili upate kuyatii matakwa yake yote; tena yakupasa kupokea vyote – Kristo, utimilifu wa
baraka zote, ili akae moyoni mwako, awe nguvu zako, haki yako, na msaidizi wako
daima - ili akupe nguvu za kukuwezesha kumtii.
Jitoe kwake Mungu kila asubuhi, kabla hujafanya kitu cho chote. Omba hivi: “Bwana wangu, unichukue, niwe wako kamili. Mipango yangu yote naiweka miguuni pako. Unitumie leo katika kazi yako. Ukae nami, ili kazi yangu yote itendeke katika wewe.” Hili ndilo jambo lipaswalo kufanywa kila siku. Kila asubuhi ujitoe kuwa wa Mungu kwa siku ile. Weka mipango yako yote mbele yake, ili kuifanya au kutoifanya kama atakavyokuonyesha. Hivyo ndivyo siku kwa siku waweza kuendelea kuyakabidhi maisha yako mkononi mwa Mungu, na maisha yako yatafanana zaidi na zaidi na maisha
yake Kristo.

Maisha ndani ya Kristo ni maisha ya raha mustarehe. Huenda pasiwepo na hisia ya furaha kuu moyoni mwako, lakini patakuwa na matumaini yenye utulivu unaodumu. Matumaini yako hayamo ndani yako mwenyewe; yamo ndani ya Kristo. Udhaifu wako unaunganishwa na nguvu zake, kutojua kwako huunganishwa na hekima yake, unyonge wako unaunganishwa na uwezo wake udumuo daima. Hivyo haifai kuiangalia nafsi yako mwenyewe, kuyaacha mawazo yako kuwaza juu ya nafsi yako; bali mwangalie Kristo tu.
Fikiri sana juu ya upendo wake, juu ya uzuri na utimilifu wa tabia yake. Kristo alivyojinyima, Kristo alivyojidhili, Kristo alivyokuwa na maisha safi na matakatifu,Kristo katika upendo wake usio na kifani, hayo ndiyo mambo yafaayo kufikiriwa moyoni. Ni kwa njia ya kumpenda yeye, kumwiga matendo yake na tabia yake, kumtegemea kabisa, ndipo utaweza kugeuka kabisa na kufanana naye.
Yesu asema, “Kaeni ndani yangu.” Maneno haya yanatupa wazo la kukaa mustarehe na kuwa imara, na kuwa na matumaini. Asema tena, “Njoni kwangu,… nami nitawapumzisha.” Mathayo 11:28. Maneno haya ya Mtunga Zaburi yanaeleza wazo lilo hilo: “Ukae kimya mbele za Bwana, nawe umngojee kwa saburi.” Zab. 37:7. Naye Isaya anatuhakikishia hivi: “Nguvu zenu zitakuwa katika kutulia na kutumaini.” Isaya 30:15. Kustarehe huku hakupatikani kwa kukaa bure katika hali ya kutofanya kazi; maana katika mwaliko wa Mwokozi ahadi ya kupata raha imefungamana na wito wa kufanya kazi. “Jitieni nira yangu,… nanyi mtapata raha.” Mathayo 11:29. Yule anayemtegemea
Kristo kabisa atakuwa mtu mwenye moyo na juhudi nyingi kabisa katika kumtumikia
Mungu.

Kukua Katika Kristo

Somo la kwanza 

KULE kuongoka moyo ambako kunatufanya tupate kuwa watoto wa Mungu, kumenenwa katika Biblia kama ni kuzaliwa. Tena kumelinganishwa na kuota kwa mbegu njema zilizopandwa na mkulima. Vivyo hivyo wale ambao wameongoka moyo na kuanza kumfuata Kristo ni kama “watoto wachanga,” (1 Petro 2:2), tena lazima wakue hata wawe kama watu wazima katika Kristo Yesu. Au kama mbegu njema zilizopandwa shambani zinavyokua, nao wanapaswa kukua na kutoa matunda mema ya kiroho.

Isaya asema hivi juu yao, “Wapate kuitwa miti ya haki, iliyopandwa na Bwana, ili atukuzwe.”
Isa. 61:3. Hivyo kutoka katika viumbe vya asili hutolewa vielelezo ili vipate kutusaidia sisi kuzielewa vizuri zaidi zile kweli za ajabu za maisha ya kiroho. Akili zote na ustadi wote wa mwanadamu haviwezi kamwe kukipa uhai kitu chochote kilicho kidogo sana katika maumbile.

Ni kwa uhai ule tu alioutoa Mungu mwenyewe mmea au mnyama anaweza kuishi. Hivyo ni kwa njia tu ya uhai utokao kwa Mungu maisha ya kiroho hupatikana ndani ya mioyo ya wanadamu. Mtu “asipozaliwa mara ya pili” hawezi kushiriki uzima ule ambao Kristo alikuja kutupa sisi. Yoh. 3:3,5.
Kama ilivyo katika kupata uzima, ndivyo ilivyo katika kuendelea kukua. Ni Mungu anayelifanya chipukizi lichanue na ua ligeuke na kuwa tunda. Ni kwa uwezo wake mbegu inakua, “kwanza jani, tena suke, kisha ngano pevu katika suke.” Marko 4:28.

Naye Hosea nabii anasema kuhusu Israeli ya kwamba “atachanua maua kama nyinyoro.” “Watafufuka kama ngano, na kuchanua maua kama mzabibu.” Hosea 14:5,7. Na Yesu anatuagiza anasema, “Yatafakarini maua jinsi yameavyo.” Luka 12:27. Mimea na maua havikui kwa kujitunza na kuhangaika na kujitahidi vyenyewe, bali kwa kuvipokea vile anavyotoa Mungu ili kuendesha uzima wao. Mtoto, kwa kuhangaika kwake au kwa nguvu zake mwenyewe, hawezi kuongeza urefu wake. Na wewe pia, kwa kuhangaika kwako na juhudi zako mwenyewe, huwezi kuendelea kukua katika mambo ya kiroho. Mmea au mtoto hukua katika mazingira yake kwa kupokea vile vinavyoweza kusaidia kuendesha uzima wake,hewa, mwanga wa jua, na chakula. Jinsi vitu hivyo
vya asili vinavyofaa kwa uhai wa mnyama na mmea, ndivyo Kristo alivyo kwa wale wanaomtumaini. Yeye kwao ndiye “nuru ya milele,” “ni jua na ngao.” Isa. 60:19; Zab. 84:11. Atakuwa “kama umande kwa Israeli.” “Atashuka kama mvua juu ya majani yaliyokatwa.” Hosea 14:5; Zab. 72:6. Yeye ndiye maji ya uzima, “mkate wa Mungu ushukao kutoka mbinguni na kuupa ulimwengu uzima.” Yoh. 4:14; 6:33,35.Katika ile zawadi ya Mwanawe isiyo na kifani, Mungu aliizungushia dunia yote hewa ya neema yake ambayo ni halisi kama hewa inayoizunguka dunia.

Wale wote wanaochagua kuvuta hewa hii iletayo uzima wataishi, na kukua hadi kufikia kimo cha
wanaume na wanawake katika Kristo Yesu. Kama ua linavyolielekea jua, ili mionzi inayong’aa iweze kusaidia katika kuukamilisha uzuri wake na umbile lake linganifu, ndivyo itupasavyo sisi kuligeukia Jua la Haki, ili nuru ya Mbinguni ipate kung’aa juu yetu, ili tabia yetu iweze kukua na
kufanana na ile ya Kristo.

The Great Commission

After the death of Christ the disciples were well-nigh overcome by discouragement. Their Master had been rejected, condemned, and crucified. The priests and rulers had declared scornfully, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.” Matthew 27:42. The sun of the disciples’ hope had set, and night settled down upon their hearts. Often they repeated the words, “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.” Luke 24:21. Lonely and sick at heart, they remembered His words, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 23:31. AA 25.1

Jesus had several times attempted to open the future to His disciples, but they had not cared to think about what He said. Because of this His death had come to them as a surprise; and afterward, as they reviewed the past and saw the result of their unbelief, they were filled with sorrow. When Christ was crucified, they did not believe that He would rise. He had stated plainly that He was to rise on the third day, but they were perplexed to know what He meant. This lack of comprehension left them at the time of His death in utter hopelessness. They were bitterly disappointed. Their faith did not penetrate beyond the shadow that Satan had cast athwart their horizon. All seemed vague and mysterious to them. If they had believed the Saviour’s words, how much sorrow they might have been spared! AA 25.2 Crushed by despondency, grief, and despair, the disciples met together in the upper chamber, and closed and fastened the doors, fearing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might be theirs. It was here that the Saviour, after His resurrection, appeared to them. AA 26.1

For forty days Christ remained on the earth, preparing the disciples for the work before them and explaining that which heretofore they had been unable to comprehend. He spoke of the prophecies concerning His advent, His rejection by the Jews, and His death, showing that every specification of these prophecies had been fulfilled. He told them that they were to regard this fulfillment of prophecy as an assurance of the power that would attend them in their future labors. “Then opened He their understanding,” we read, “that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” And He added, “Ye are witnesses of these things.” Luke 24:45-48. AA 26.2
During these days that Christ spent with His disciples, they gained a new experience. As they heard their beloved Master explaining the Scriptures in the light of all that had happened, their faith in Him was fully established. They reached the place where they could say, “I know whom I have believed.” 2 Timothy 1:12. They began to realize the nature and extent of their work, to see that they were to proclaim to the world the truths entrusted to them. The events of Christ’s life, His death and resurrection, the prophecies pointing to these events, the mysteries of the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus for the remission of sins—to all these things they had been witnesses, and they were to make them known to the world. They were to proclaim the gospel of peace and salvation through repentance and the power of the Saviour. AA 27.1

Before ascending to heaven, Christ gave His disciples their commission. He told them that they were to be the executors of the will in which He bequeathed to the world the treasures of eternal life. You have been witnesses of My life of sacrifice in behalf of the world, He said to them. You have seen My labors for Israel. And although My people would not come to Me that they might have life, although priests and rulers have done unto Me as they listed, although they have rejected Me, they shall have still another opportunity of accepting the Son of God. You have seen that all who come to Me confessing their sins, I freely receive. Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. To you, My disciples, I commit this message of mercy. It is to be given to both Jews and Gentiles—to Israel, first, and then to all nations, tongues, and peoples. All who believe are to be gathered into one church. AA 27.2
The gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christ’s kingdom. The disciples were to work earnestly for souls, giving to all the invitation of mercy. They were not to wait for the people to come to them; they were to go to the people with their message. AA 28.1
The disciples were to carry their work forward in Christ’s name. Their every word and act was to fasten attention on His name, as possessing that vital power by which sinners may be saved. Their faith was to center in Him who is the source of mercy and power. In His name they were to present their petitions to the Father, and they would receive answer. They were to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christ’s name was to be their watchword, their badge of distinction, their bond of union, the authority for their course of action, and the source of their success. Nothing was to be recognized in His kingdom that did not bear His name and superscription. AA 28.2

When Christ said to the disciples, Go forth in My name to gather into the church all who believe, He plainly set before them the necessity of maintaining simplicity. The less ostentation and show, the greater would be their influence for good. The disciples were to speak with the same simplicity with which Christ had spoken. They were to impress upon their hearers the lessons He had taught them. AA 28.3
Christ did not tell His disciples that their work would be easy. He showed them the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against them. They would have to fight “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. But they would not be left to fight alone. He assured them that He would be with them; and that if they would go forth in faith, they should move under the shield of Omnipotence. He bade them be brave and strong; for One mightier than angels would be in their ranks—the General of the armies of heaven. He made full provision for the prosecution of their work and took upon Himself the responsibility of its success. So long as they obeyed His word, and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. Go to all nations, He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe and be assured that My presence will be with you even there. Labor in faith and confidence; for the time will never come when I will forsake you. I will be with you always, helping you to perform your duty, guiding, comforting, sanctifying, sustaining you, giving you success in speaking words that shall draw the attention of others to heaven. AA 29.1

Christ’s sacrifice in behalf of man was full and complete. The condition of the atonement had been fulfilled. The work for which He had come to this world had been accomplished. He had won the kingdom. He had wrested it from Satan and had become heir of all things. He was on His way to the throne of God, to be honored by the heavenly host. Clothed with boundless authority, He gave His disciples their commission, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end.” Matthew 28:19, 20. AA 29.2
Just before leaving His disciples, Christ once more plainly stated the nature of His kingdom. He recalled to their remembrance things He had previously told them regarding it. He declared that it was not His purpose to establish in this world a temporal kingdom. He was not appointed to reign as an earthly monarch on David’s throne. When the disciples asked Him, “Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” He answered, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.” Acts 1:6, 7. It was not necessary for them to see farther into the future than the revelations He had made enabled them to see. Their work was to proclaim the gospel message. AA 30.1

Christ’s visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but a new endowment of power was to be theirs. The Holy Spirit was to be given them in its fullness, sealing them for their work. “Behold,” the Saviour said, “I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49. “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:5, 8. AA 30.2
The Saviour knew that no argument, however logical, would melt hard hearts or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness. He knew that His disciples must receive the heavenly endowment; that the gospel would be effective only as it was proclaimed by hearts made warm and lips made eloquent by a living knowledge of Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. The work committed to the disciples would require great efficiency; for the tide of evil ran deep and strong against them. A vigilant, determined leader was in command of the forces of darkness, and the followers of Christ could battle for the right only through the help that God, by His Spirit, would give them. AA 31.1

Christ told His disciples that they were to begin their work at Jerusalem. That city had been the scene of His amazing sacrifice for the human race. There, clad in the garb of humanity, He had walked and talked with men, and few had discerned how near heaven came to earth. There He had been condemned and crucified. In Jerusalem were many who secretly believed Jesus of Nazareth to be the Messiah, and many who had been deceived by priests and rulers. To these the gospel must be proclaimed. They were to be called to repentance. The wonderful truth that through Christ alone could remission of sins be obtained, was to be made plain. And it was while all Jerusalem was stirred by the thrilling events of the past few weeks, that the preaching of the disciples would make the deepest impression. AA 31.2
During His ministry, Jesus had kept constantly before the disciples the fact that they were to be one with Him in His work for the recovery of the world from the slavery of sin. When He sent forth the Twelve and afterward the Seventy, to proclaim the kingdom of God, He was teaching them their duty to impart to others what He had made known to them. In all His work He was training them for individual labor, to be extended as their numbers increased, and eventually to reach to the uttermost parts of the earth. The last lesson He gave His followers was that they held in trust for the world the glad tidings of salvation. AA 32.1 When the time came for Christ to ascend to His Father, He led the disciples out as far as Bethany. Here He paused, and they gathered about Him. With hands outstretched in blessing, as if in assurance of His protecting care, He slowly ascended from among them. “It came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” Luke 24:51. AA 32.2

While the disciples were gazing upward to catch the last glimpse of their ascending Lord, He was received into the rejoicing ranks of heavenly angels. As these angels escorted Him to the courts above, they sang in triumph, “Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord, to Him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens.... Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, and His strength is in the heavens.” Psalm 68:32-34, margin. AA 32.3 The disciples were still looking earnestly toward heaven when, “behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10, 11. AA 33.1
The promise of Christ’s second coming was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of His disciples. The same Jesus whom they had seen ascending into heaven, would come again, to take to Himself those who here below give themselves to His service. The same voice that had said to them, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end,” would bid them welcome to His presence in the heavenly kingdom. AA 33.2

As in the typical service the high priest laid aside his pontifical robes and officiated in the white linen dress of an ordinary priest; so Christ laid aside His royal robes and garbed Himself with humanity and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. As the high priest, after performing his service in the holy of holies, came forth to the waiting congregation in his pontifical robes; so Christ will come the second time, clothed in garments of whitest white, “so as no fuller on earth can white them.” Mark 9:3. He will come in His own glory, and in the glory of His Father, and all the angelic host will escort Him on His way. AA 33.3 Thus will be fulfilled Christ’s promise to His disciples, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3. Those who have loved Him and waited for Him, He will crown with glory and honor and immortality. The righteous dead will come forth from their graves, and those who are alive will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air. They will hear the voice of Jesus, sweeter than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, saying to them, Your warfare is accomplished. “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34. AA 34.1
Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord’s return. AA 34.2

Jesus’ Ministry Begins with a Party

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. John 2:1-11. CSA 10.1

Jesus did not begin His ministry by some great work before the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. At a household gathering in a little Galilean village His power was put forth to add to the joy of a wedding feast. Thus He showed His sympathy with men, and His desire to minister to their happiness.... CSA 10.2

There was to be a marriage at Cana, a little town not far from Nazareth; the parties were relatives of Joseph and Mary; and Jesus, knowing of this family gathering, went to Cana, and with His disciples was invited to the feast.... CSA 10.3Again He met His mother, from whom He had for some time been separated. Mary had heard of the manifestation at the Jordan, at His baptism. The tidings had been carried to Nazareth, and had brought to her mind afresh the scenes that for so many years had been hidden in her heart. 16 CSA 10.4
From the day when she heard the angel’s announcement in the home at Nazareth Mary had treasured every evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. His sweet, unselfish life assured her that He could be no other than the Sent of God. Yet there came to her also doubts and disappointments, and she had longed for the time when His glory should be revealed. Death had separated her from Joseph, who had shared her knowledge of the mystery of the birth of Jesus. Now there was no one to whom she could confide her hopes and fears. The past two months had been very sorrowful.... CSA 10.5
At the marriage feast she meets Him, the same tender, dutiful son. Yet He is not the same. His countenance is changed. It bears the traces of His conflict in the wilderness, and a new expression of dignity and power gives evidence of His heavenly mission. With Him is a group of young men, whose eyes follow Him with reverence, and who call Him Master. These companions recount to Mary what they have seen and heard at the baptism and elsewhere. They conclude by declaring, “We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write.” John 1:45. 17 CSA 10.6

As the guests assemble, many seem to be preoccupied with some topic of absorbing interest. A suppressed excitement pervades the company. Little groups converse together in eager but quiet tones, and wondering glances are turned upon the Son of Mary. As Mary had heard the disciples’ testimony in regard to Jesus, she had been gladdened with the assurance that her long cherished hopes were not in vain. Yet she would have been more than human if there had not mingled with this holy joy a trace of the fond mother’s natural pride. As she saw the many glances bent upon Jesus, she longed to have Him prove to the company that He was really the Honored of God. She hoped there might be opportunity for Him to work a miracle before them. CSA 10.7
It was the custom of the times for marriage festivities to continue several days. On this occasion, before the feast ended it was found that the supply of wine had failed. This discovery caused much perplexity and regret. It was unusual to dispense with wine on festive occasions, and its absence would seem to indicate a want of hospitality. As a relative of the parties, Mary had assisted in the arrangements for the feast, and she now spoke to Jesus, saying, “They have no wine.” These words were a suggestion that He might supply their need. But Jesus answered, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.” 18 CSA 11.1
In saying to Mary that His hour had not yet come, Jesus was replying to her unspoken thought,—to the expectation she cherished in common with her people.... CSA 11.2
But though Mary had not a right conception of Christ’s mission, she trusted Him implicitly. To this faith Jesus responded. It was to honor Mary’s trust, and to strengthen the faith of His disciples, that the first miracle was performed. 19 CSA 11.3
Beside the doorway stood six large stone water jars, and Jesus bade the servants fill these with water. It was done. Then as the wine was wanted for immediate use, He said, “Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast.” Instead of the water with which the vessels had been filled, there flowed forth wine. Neither the ruler of the feast nor the guests generally were aware that the supply of wine had failed. Upon tasting that which the servants brought, the ruler found it superior to any he had ever before drunk, and very different from that served at the beginning of the feast. Turning to the bridegroom, he said, “Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” 20 CSA 11.4
As men set forth the best wine first, then afterward that which is worse, so does the world with its gifts.... But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply.... CSA 11.5
The gift of Christ to the marriage feast was a symbol. The water represented baptism into His death; the wine, the shedding of His blood for the sins of the world.... CSA 11.6
At the first feast He attended with His disciples, Jesus gave them the cup that symbolized His work for their salvation. At the last supper He gave it again, in the institution of that sacred rite by which His death was to be shown forth “till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11:26

Kumwamini Mungu na Kukubaliwa Naye

WAKATI dhamiri yako inapokuwa imeamshwa na Roho Mtakatifu, unaona kwa kiasi fulani ubaya wa dhambi, uwezo wake, hatia yake, na jinsi iletavyo taabu, nawe unaiangalia na kuichukia kabisa.  Unaona kwamba dhambi imekutenga mbali na Mungu, kwamba wewe u mfungwa chini ya mamlaka ya dhambi.  Kadiri unavyokazana kuikwepa, ndivyo kadiri unavyotambua kwamba wewe huna nguvu kabisa.  Makusudi yako si safi;  moyo wako ni mchafu.  Unaona kwamba maisha yako yamejazwa na uchoyo na dhambi.  Unatamani sana kusamehewa, kuwekwa huru.  Kupatana na Mungu, na kufanana naye   -  je!  waweza kufanya nini ili uwe katika hali hiyo?Ni amani unayohitaji yaani, msamaha wa Mbingu na amani na upendo moyoni mwako.

Hali hii haiwezi kununuliwa kwa fedha, haipatikani kwa kutumia akili, hekima haiwezi kuipata;  kamwe huwezi kutumaini, kwa juhudi yako mwenyewe, kuipata. Lakini Mungu anakupa wewe kama zawadi, “bila fedha na bila thamani.”  Isa. 55:1, ni yako tu kama wewe utanyosha mkono wako na kuishikilia sana.  Bwana asema, “Dhambi zenu zijapokuwa nyekundu sana, zitakuwa nyeupe kama theluji;  zijapokuwa nyekundu kama bendera, zitakuwa kama sufu.”  Isaya 1:18. “Nami nitawapa ninyi moyo mpya, nami nitatia roho mpya ndani yenu.”  Eze. 36:26. Umekwisha kuziungama  dhambi zako,  na kuziweka  mbali na  moyo wako. Umeamua kujitoa mwenyewe kwa Mungu.Basi nenda kwake, na kumwomba akusafishe dhambi zako zote, akupe moyo mpya.  Kisha amini kwamba anafanya hivyo  kwa kuwa ndivyo alivyoahidi.

Hili ndilo fundisho alilolifundisha Yesu alipokuwa hapa duniani, ya kwamba zawadi anayotuahidi Mungu kutupa, ni lazima sisi tuamini kwamba tumeipokea, nayo itakuwa yetu.Yesu aliwaponya watu maradhi yao walipouamini uwezo wake.Aliwasaidia katika mambo waliyoweza kuyaona kwa macho ya kimwili, ili wapate kumtumaini juu ya mambo wasiyoweza kuyaona, yaani, wapate kusadiki uwezo wake katika kuwasamehe dhambi zao. Hivi ndivyo alivyoeleza wazi katika kumponya yule mgonjwa aliyepooza:  “Lakini mpate kujua ya kwamba Mwana wa Adamu anayo amri duniani ya kusamehe dhambi, (amwambia yule mwenye kupooza), Ondoka, ujitwike kitanda chako, uende nyumbani  kwako.”  Mathayo 9:6.  Pia Yohana, mwinjilisti, akiongea juu ya miujiza yake Kristo, asema hivi:  “Lakini hizi zimeandikwa ili mpate kuamini ya kwamba Yesu ndiye Kristo, Mwana wa Mungu;  na kwa kuamini mwe na uzima kwa jina lake.”  Yoh. 20:31.

Kutokana na  habari za kawaida tuzipatazo katika Biblia kuhusu jinsi Yesu alivyowaponya wagonjwa, twaweza kujifunza kitu fulani juu ya kumwamini yeye kwa ajili ya msamaha wa dhambi zetu.  Hebu na tukigeukie kisa kile cha mgonjwa aliyepooza pale Bethzatha. Alikuwa hoi  kwa ugonjwa tangu miaka thelathini na minane asiweze kwenda kwa miguu. Lakini alimwamuru, alisema, “Simama, jitwike godoro lako, uende.”  Yoh. 5:8.  Yule mgonjwa angaliweza kusema:  “Bwana, kama utaniponya nitafanya usemayo.”  Lakini sivyo.  Aliliamini neno la Kristo, aliamini kwamba amepona, akajitahidi  mara moja;  akakaza  nia yake ya kwenda, naye akaenda kweli. Alifanya kama Yesu alivyosema, Mungu naye akampa nguvu, mgonjwa akapona.

A Warning Against Hypocrisy.......

This chapter is based on Acts 4:32-37 to 5:11.
       

As the disciples proclaimed the truths of the gospel in Jerusalem, God bore witness to their word, and a multitude believed. Many of these early believers were immediately cut off from family and friends by the zealous bigotry of the Jews, and it was necessary to provide them with food and shelter. AA 70.1The record declares, “Neither was there any among them that lacked,” and it tells how the need was filled. Those among the believers who had money and possessions cheerfully sacrificed them to meet the emergency. Selling their houses or their lands, they brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet, “and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” AA 70.2 This liberality on the part of the believers was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit. The converts to the gospel were “of one heart and of one soul.” One common interest controlled them—the success of the mission entrusted to them; and covetousness had no place in their lives. Their love for their brethren and the cause they had espoused, was greater than their love of money and possessions. Their works testified that they accounted the souls of men of higher value than earthly wealth. AA 70.3

Thus it will ever be when the Spirit of God takes possession of the life. Those whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ, will follow the example of Him who for our sake became poor, that through His poverty we might be made rich. Money, time, influence—all the gifts they have received from God’s hand, they will value only as a means of advancing the work of the gospel. Thus it was in the early church; and when in the church of today it is seen that by the power of the Spirit the members have taken their affections from the things of the world, and that they are willing to make sacrifices in order that their fellow men may hear the gospel, the truths proclaimed will have a powerful influence upon the hearers. AA 71.1 In sharp contrast to the example of benevolence shown by the believers, was the conduct of Ananias and Sapphira, whose experience, traced by the pen of Inspiration, has left a dark stain upon the history of the early church. With others, these professed disciples had shared the privilege of hearing the gospel preached by the apostles. They had been present with other believers when, after the apostles had prayed, “the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” Acts 4:31. Deep conviction had rested upon all present, and under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Ananias and Sapphira had made a pledge to give to the Lord the proceeds from the sale of certain property. AA 71.2

Afterward, Ananias and Sapphira grieved the Holy Spirit by yielding to feelings of covetousness. They began to regret their promise and soon lost the sweet influence of the blessing that had warmed their hearts with a desire to do large things in behalf of the cause of Christ. They thought they had been too hasty, that they ought to reconsider their decision. They talked the matter over, and decided not to fulfill their pledge. They saw, however, that those who parted with their possessions to supply the needs of their poorer brethren, were held in high esteem among the believers; and ashamed to have their brethren know that their selfish souls grudged that which they had solemnly dedicated to God, they deliberately decided to sell their property and pretend to give all the proceeds into the general fund, but really to keep a large share for themselves. Thus they would secure their living from the common store and at the same time gain the high esteem of their brethren. AA 72.1But God hates hypocrisy and falsehood. Ananias and Sapphira practiced fraud in their dealing with God; they lied to the Holy Spirit, and their sin was visited with swift and terrible judgment. When Ananias came with his offering, Peter said: “Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” AA 72.2
“Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.” AA 73.1
“Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?” Peter asked. No undue influence had been brought to bear upon Ananias to compel him to sacrifice his possessions to the general good. He had acted from choice. But in attempting to deceive the disciples, he had lied to the Almighty. AA 73.2

“It was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.” AA 73.3

Infinite Wisdom saw that this signal manifestation of the wrath of God was necessary to guard the young church from becoming demoralized. Their numbers were rapidly increasing. The church would have been endangered if, in the rapid increase of converts, men and women had been added who, while professing to serve God, were worshiping mammon. This judgment testified that men cannot deceive God, that He detects the hidden sin of the heart, and that He will not be mocked. It was designed as a warning to the church, to lead them to avoid pretense and hypocrisy, and to beware of robbing God. AA 73.4
Not to the early church only, but to all future generations, this example of God’s hatred of covetousness, fraud, and hypocrisy, was given as a danger-signal. It was covetousness that Ananias and Sapphira had first cherished. The desire to retain for themselves a part of that which they had promised to the Lord, led them into fraud and hypocrisy. AA 74.1
God has made the proclamation of the gospel dependent upon the labors and the gifts of His people. Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the Lord’s work. Of the means entrusted to man, God claims a certain portion,—the tenth. He leaves all free to say whether or not they will give more than this. But when the heart is stirred by the influence of the Holy Spirit, and a vow is made to give a certain amount, the one who vows has no longer any right to the consecrated portion. Promises of this kind made to men would be looked upon as binding; are those not more binding that are made to God? Are promises tried in the court of conscience less binding than written agreements of men? AA 74.2

When divine light is shining into the heart with unusual clearness and power, habitual selfishness relaxes its grasp and there is a disposition to give to the cause of God. But none need think that they will be allowed to fulfill the promises then made, without a protest on the part of Satan. He is not pleased to see the Redeemer’s kingdom on earth built up. He suggests that the pledge made was too much, that it may cripple them in their efforts to acquire property or gratify the desires of their families. AA 74.3
It is God who blesses men with property, and He does this that they may be able to give toward the advancement of His cause. He sends the sunshine and the rain. He causes vegetation to flourish. He gives health and the ability to acquire means. All our blessings come from His bountiful hand. In turn, He would have men and women show their gratitude by returning Him a portion in tithes and offerings—in thank offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass offerings. Should means flow into the treasury in accordance with this divinely appointed plan,—a tenth of all the increase, and liberal offerings,—there would be an abundance for the advancement of the Lord’s work. AA 75.1
But the hearts of men become hardened through selfishness, and, like Ananias and Sapphira, they are tempted to withhold part of the price, while pretending to fulfill God’s requirements. Many spend money lavishly in self-gratification. Men and women consult their pleasure and gratify their taste, while they bring to God, almost unwillingly, a stinted offering. They forget that God will one day demand a strict account of how His goods have been used, and that He will no more accept the pittance they hand into the treasury than He accepted the offering of Ananias and Sapphira. AA 75.2

From the stern punishment meted out to those perjurers, God would have us learn also how deep is His hatred and contempt for all hypocrisy and deception. In pretending that they had given all, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, and, as a result, they lost this life and the life that is to come. The same God who punished them, today condemns all falsehood. Lying lips are an abomination to Him. He declares that into the Holy City “there shall in no wise enter ... anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie.” Revelation 21:27. Let truth telling be held with no loose hand or uncertain grasp. Let it become a part of the life. Playing fast and loose with truth, and dissembling to suit one’s own selfish plans, means shipwreck of faith. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” Ephesians 6:14. He who utters untruths sells his soul in a cheap market. His falsehoods may seem to serve in emergencies; he may thus seem to make business advancement that he could not gain by fair dealing; but he finally reaches the place where he can trust no one. Himself a falsifier, he has no confidence in the word of others. AA 75.3

In the case of Ananias and Sapphira, the sin of fraud against God was speedily punished. The same sin was often repeated in the after history of the church and is committed by many in our time. But though it may not be attended by the visible manifestation of God’s displeasure, it is no less heinous in His sight now than in the apostles’ time. The warning has been given; God has clearly manifested His abhorrence of this sin; and all who give themselves up to hypocrisy and covetousness may be sure that they are destroying their own souls.