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.”

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.

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

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.

How to Handle Doubts and Confusion.........

 

Many, especially those who are young in the Christian life, are at times troubled with the suggestions of skepticism. There are in the Bible many things which they cannot explain, or even understand, and Satan employs these to shake their faith in the Scriptures as a revelation from God. They ask, “How shall I know the right way? If the Bible is indeed the word of God, how can I be freed from these doubts and perplexities?” CSA 45.1
God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith. CSA 46.1
It is impossible for finite minds fully to comprehend the character or the works of the Infinite One. To the keenest intellect, the most highly educated mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in mystery. “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?” Job 11:7, 8.... CSA 46.2

The Word of God, like the character of its divine Author, presents mysteries that can never be fully comprehended by finite beings. The entrance of sin into the world, the incarnation of Christ, regeneration, the resurrection, and many other subjects presented in the Bible, are mysteries too deep for the human mind to explain, or even fully to comprehend. But we have no reason to doubt God’s Word because we cannot understand the mysteries of His providence. In the natural world we are constantly surrounded with mysteries that we cannot fathom. The very humblest forms of life present a problem that the wisest of philosophers is powerless to explain. Everywhere are wonders beyond our ken. Should we then be surprised to find that in the spiritual world also there are mysteries that we cannot fathom? ... CSA 46.3

The difficulties of Scripture have been urged by skeptics as an argument against the Bible; but so far from this, they constitute a strong evidence of its divine inspiration. If it contained no account of God but that which we could easily comprehend; if His greatness and majesty could be grasped by finite minds, then the Bible would not bear the unmistakable credentials of divine authority. The very grandeur and mystery of the themes presented should inspire faith in it as the Word of God

A Powerful Christian Witness...

Best Missionaries Come From Christian Homes

Missionaries for the Master are best prepared for work abroad in the Christian household, where God is feared, where God is loved, where God is worshiped, where faithfulness has become second nature, where haphazard, careless inattention to home duties is not permitted, where quiet communion with God is looked upon as essential to the faithful performance of daily duties.1 AH 35.1

Home duties should be performed with the consciousness that if they are done in the right spirit, they give an experience that will enable us to work for Christ in the most permanent and thorough manner. Oh, what might not a living Christian do in missionary lines by performing faithfully the daily duties, cheerfully lifting the cross, not neglecting any work, however disagreeable to the natural feelings! 2 AH 35.2

Our work for Christ is to begin with the family, in the home.... There is no missionary field more important than this.... AH 35.3

By many this home field has been shamefully neglected, and it is time that divine resources and remedies were presented, that this state of evil may be corrected.3 AH 35.4
The highest duty that devolves upon youth is in their own homes, blessing father and mother, brothers and sisters, by affection and true interest. Here they can show self-denial and self-forgetfulness in caring and doing for others.... What an influence a sister may have over brothers! If she is right, she may determine the character of her brothers. Her prayers, her gentleness, and her affection may do much in a household.3 AH 35.5
In the home those who have received Christ are to show what grace has done for them. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” A conscious authority pervades the true believer in Christ, that makes its influence felt throughout the home. This is favorable for the perfection of the characters of all in the home

Steps to Christ

There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God’s word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times