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

Dalili za Kuwa Mwanafunzi wa Kristo........

HATA imekuwa, mtu akiwa ndani ya Kristo amekuwa kiumbe kipya;  ya kale yamepita; tazama!  yamekuwa mapya.”  2 Kor. 5:17. Pengine mtu hawezi kutaja siku wala mahali hasa alipoongoka kuwa mfuasi wa Kristo;  lakini kukosa kufanya hivyo si kama kusema kwamba yule hakuongoka kweli.   Kristo alimwambia Nikodemo, “Upepo huvuma upendako, na sauti yake waisikia, lakini hujui unakotoka wala unakokwenda;  kadhalika na hali yake kila mtu aliyezaliwa kwa Roho.”  Yoh. 3:8.Upepo  hauwezi kuonekana, lakini twasikia na kuona matendo yake;  na vilevile Roho wa Mungu anajulikana kwa namna ya matendo yake mioyoni mwa wanadamu.

Uwezo wake, usioonekana na macho ya kibinadamu, huanzisha maisha mapya moyoni; humwumba kuwa mpya kwa mfano wa Mungu.  Ijapokuwa kazi ya Roho ni ya kimya kimya na haionekani kwa macho, matokeo yake huonekana waziwazi.  Kama Roho Mtakatifu ameutengeneza moyo wa mtu kuwa mpya, jambo hilo litaonekana katika maisha yake. Ingawa sisi wenyewe hatuwezi kufanya lolote katika kuigeuza mioyo yetu, wala kujiweka wenyewe katika hali ya kupatana na Mungu;  ingawa haifai kabisa kujitegemea wenyewe au matendo yetu yaliyo mema;  maisha yetu yatadhihirisha kama tunayo neema ya Mungu mioyoni mwetu,Badiliko litaonekana katika tabia zetu, mazoea yetu, na shughuli zetu tunazozifanya.

Tofauti dhahiri na thabiti itaonekana kati ya maisha yetu yalivyokuwa zamani na vile yalivyo sasa.  Tabia ya mtu fulani hujulikana si kwa matendo mema au mabaya ya siku moja moja tu, ila kwa mwelekeo  wa matendo yake na maneno yake, na mazoea yake ya siku zote. Kweli yawezekana kwamba kuna watu ambao mienendo yao ni myema machoni pa wenzao, bila kuongoka moyo kwa njia ya Kristo.  Kupenda kusifiwa na kuwa viongozi kati ya wengine, kwaweza kuwafanya waonekane kuwa ni wenye adabu.  Kujistahi nafsi zetu kunaweza kutufanya tuyaepuke matendo mabaya ya nje.  Moyo wenye  uchoyo waweza kutenda matendo ya ukarimu.  Ikiwa ni hivyo, twawezaje kuyakinisha kama tumekuwa upande wa Kristo, au sivyo? Ni nani anayeutawala moyo?  Fikara zetu ni juu ya nani? Tumezoea kuongea juu ya nani?  Ni nani ambaye tunampenda kuliko wote na kumtumikia kwa nguvu zetu zote?

Kama sisi tu watu wa Kristo, basi, fikara zetu zi pamoja naye, na fikara zetu tamu sana zi juu yake.  Tunajitoa kwake pamoja na vyote tulivyo navyo.  Twatamani kufanana naye, kuwa na Roho wake mioyoni, kufanya mapenzi yake na  kumpendeza katika mambo yote. Wale wanaokuwa viumbe vipya katika Kristo Yesu watazaa matunda ya Roho, yaani, “upendo, furaha, amani, uvumilivu, utu wema, fadhili, uaminifu, upole, kiasi.”   Gal. 5;22,23.  Hawatafuata tena tamaa zao za zamani, bali watamwamini Mwana wa Mungu na kufuata nyayo zake;  tabia yake itaonekana katika maisha yao, nao watajitakasa kama yeye alivyo mtakatifu.  Mambo waliyochukizwa nayo zamani, sasa watayapenda;  na vile walivyovipenda zamani, sasa watachukizwa navyo.  Wenye kiburi na wenye kujidai watageuka na kuwa wapole na wanyenyekevu.  Watu wa ovyo na wale wanaojivuna watakuwa watu wa maana na wasio kimbelembele.  Walevi wataacha ulevi wao, na waasherati na wazinzi watageuka na kuwa na maisha yaliyo safi.

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

Spiritual Darkness.

This is a time of spiritual darkness in the churches of the world. Ignorance of divine things has hidden God and the truth from view. The forces of evil are gathering in strength. Satan flatters his coworkers that he will do a work that will captivate the world. While partial inactivity has come upon the church, Satan and his hosts are intensely active. The professed Christian churches are not converting the world; for they are themselves corrupted with selfishness and pride, and need to feel the converting power of God in their midst before they can lead others to a purer or higher standard.—Testimonies for the Church 9:65. ChS 55.2

In our day, as of old, the vital truths of God’s word are set aside for human theories and speculations. Many professed ministers of the gospel do not accept the whole Bible as the inspired word. One wise man rejects one portion; another questions another part. They set up their judgment as superior to the Word; and the Scripture which they do teach rests upon their own authority. Its divine authenticity is destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity are sown broadcast; for the people become confused, and know not what to believe. There are many beliefs that the mind has no right to entertain.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 39. ChS 55.3

Wickedness is reaching a height never before attained, and yet many ministers of the gospel are crying, “Peace and safety.” But God’s faithful messengers are to go steadily forward with their work. Clothed with the panoply of heaven, they are to advance fearlessly and victoriously, never ceasing their warfare until every soul within their reach shall have received the message of truth for this time.—The Acts of the Apostles, 220. ChS 55.4
There is a cause for alarm in the condition of the religious world today. God’s mercy has been trifled with. The multitude make void the law of Jehovah, “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Infidelity prevails in many of the churches in our land; not infidelity in its broadest sense,—an open denial of the Bible,—but an infidelity that is robed in the garb of Christianity, while it is undermining faith in the Bible as a revelation from God. Fervent devotion and vital piety have given place to hollow formalism. As the result, apostasy and sensualism prevail. Christ declared, “As it was in the days of Lot, ... even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” The daily record of passing events testifies to the fulfillment of His words. The world is fast becoming ripe for destruction. Soon the judgments of God are to be poured out, and sin and sinners are to be consumed.

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

KILE ANACHOTAKA MUNGU

Wakati huu Mungu anataka kile kile alichotaka kwa watakatifu wale wawili kule Edeni utii kamili kwa matakwa yake. Sheria yake [Amri Kumi] inaendelea kuwa ni ile ile kwa vizazi vyote. Kanuni [kipimo] kuu ya haki iliyotolewa katika Agano la Kale haijapunguzwa katika Agano Jipya. Si kazi ya Injili kupunguza nguvu ya madai ya Sheria takatifu ya Mungu [Amri Kumi] ila kuwainua wanadamu juu ili wawe mahali wanapoweza kuzishika amri zake [kumi]. Imani katika Kristo inayomwokoa mwanadamu si kama vile inavyohubiriwa na wengi. "Amini, amini," ndicho kilio chao; "mwamini tu Kristo, nawe utaokoka. Hayo ndiyo yote unayopaswa kufanya." Wakati imani ya kweli inamtegemea Kristo kabisa kwa wokovu, itamwongoza [yule aliye nayo] kwenye utii kamili kwa Sheria ya Mungu [Amri Kumi]. Imani inadhihirishwa kwa matendo.

Tena, yule mtume Yohana anatangaza, akisema, "Yeye asemaye, Nimemjua [Nimeokoka], wala hazishiki amri zake [kumi], ni mwongo, wala kweli haimo ndani yake" (1 Yohana 2:4). Si salama kutegemea hisia [kujisikia moyoni] au misisimko; mambo hayo ni viongozi wasioweza kutegemewa. Sheria ya Mungu [Amri Kumi] ndiyo kanuni ya utakatifu peke yake.

 Ni kwa njia ya Sheria hiyo [Amri Kumi] tabia ya mtu itapimwa. Kama mtu ye yote anayeulizia wokovu angeuliza swali hili, "Nifanye nini ili niurithi uzima wa milele?" waalimu wa siku hizi wanaofundisha utakaso wangejibu hivi, "Amini tu kwamba Yesu anakuokoa." Lakini Yesu alipoulizwa swali hilo alimwambia, "Imeandikwa nini katika torati? Wasomaje? Yule aliyeuliza swali hilo akamjibu, akisema, "Mpende Bwana Mungu wako kwa moyo wako wote,... na jirani yako kama nafsi yako," Yesu akamwambia, "Umejibu vema; fanya hivi nawe utaishi" (Luka 10:25-29).Utakaso wa kweli utashuhudiwa kwa heshima ile anayoionyesha mtu kwa bidii na kwa uaminifu wake kwa amri zote [kumi] za Mungu, kwa uangalifu wake katika kuikuza kila talanta aliyopewa, kwa maongezi yake yenye busara, na kwa kuonyesha katika kila tendo analotenda upole ule wa Kristo.