Modern Reformer
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  • My Blog
    • Helping in Turkana
    • Iceland overview
    • Day 1 in Iceland
    • Photos from the Amsterdam Trip
    • Trip of a Lifetime
    • Our Journey
    • This World Stinks
    • The Elements Shall Melt
    • False Prophets- - AMEN!
    • Death of the Church
    • Who was the last prophet sent by God?
    • Write the Vision
    • Fast Food Christians
    • Jesus Wept
    • The Demise of the Protestant
    • Considering Memorial Day
    • Judas
    • The Downfall of a Civilization
    • Divine Business
    • A Futuristic Short Story
  • Questions
    • Prophecy >
      • What is the point of the "Great Tribulation" if all of the Christians will be raptured?
      • How Do We Prepare for the Great Tribulation?
      • Many preachers say Jesus is coming soon, while there are no clear signs of it. Is it a scare tactic to make people do what they want?
      • Is it true that the Bible says that no one goes to heaven until Jesus comes back?
      • What does the Bible say about Jesus' Second Coming?
      • When does the 2nd Resurrection Take Place?
      • How will Jehovah God save Israel when he brings all nations against it ?
      • When the kingdom of God is established, in what manner ( physically or ?? ) will everybody who obeys Jehovah God will become like Adam ( they will no longer be males and females but all males ) ??
      • Spiritually, What are we on the verge of?
      • When did the 70 years desolation spoken by Jeremiah begin?
      • What is meant by Rome being called the Antichrist?
      • In the book of Daniel 11:21-24, is the despicable man that is mentioned here was Antiochus Epiphanes IV?
      • What is the difference between the Babylonia that were mentioned in the Old Testament and the Babylonia that was mentioned in the book of Revelation?
      • What are the comparison of the verses Ps 83:1-8,Ez 38:7-16, Zech 14:2-3,and Rev 20:8-9--are they the same in meaning?
      • Of that Day and that Hour
      • How Will Jesus' Second Coming Happen?
      • Will the End Times Battle Be Fought With Weapons
      • Biblically speaking what will the world be like after Armageddon?
      • End Times and Sodom and Gomorrah?
      • At which trumpet will Michael and his angels boot Satan and his angels from heaven to earth?
      • When does/did Jesus Christ's reign as King of God's Kingdom start?
      • Is the Beast in Revelation the Antichrist?
      • Jesus Would Return as He Left?
      • What do you think Jesus meant that if God had not shortened those days, no flesh would survive?
      • What are You Looking Forward To?
      • Is This the Beginning of the Apocalypse?
      • What does Jesus Mean When He Says This?
      • Evidence of the Signs of the Times?
      • What will the Kingdom Accomplish?
      • How Will the Scoffers Feel when Jesus Comes?
      • What is the Significance of the Word "Presence."
      • Why Does My Mom Say We are in the Last Day?
      • What Exactly do People Think the Apocalypse is?
    • Doctrine >
      • Can a person worthy of Heaven be OK with others going to Hell?
      • Can the theory of "being born a sinner" and the theory of "age of accountability" exist at the same time? How and why?
      • According to the Bible, why is everyone born a sinner?
      • Do those don't hear about Jesus go to hell?
      • How is Christ the Wisdom of God?
      • Why does the Soul of the Dead Sinner need to be Oppressed?
      • What did Jesus mean when He said: The Way, the Truth, the Life?
      • Is the Fire of Hell Literal? Why?
      • Did Jesus Redeem Everyone? Is Everyone Saved?
      • If a baby or infant died ....he'll become an angel?
      • What is Biblical Faith?
      • Do You Believe in Hell?
      • Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism, which is more important?
      • Question on Death, Sleep, Resurrection?
      • What is the soul?
      • The Rapture
      • Is John the Baptist going to heaven?
    • General Questions >
      • How can the Gospel transform individuals and the society today?
      • Why are dogs not allowed in heaven according to the Bible?
      • Question about Islam and Christianity
      • Is a Person Who Hasn't Heard About Christianity a Sinner...?
      • Are Saints in Heaven Free...?
      • Question on John the Baptist
      • Thief on the Cross Question
      • Does the Bible has a mention about the secret societies like...?
      • Is the Garden of Eden still on earth (hidden from mankind ) ?
      • Does the Bible prove all other religions false?
      • Why do Muslims hate Jews ?
      • What do you think of the Interpretation of Gen. 2:17?
      • Did God Hate Esau from the Womb?
      • What is your opinion of the theological terms kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God?
      • ​Please can you explain Colossians 2:14-17, where it's says "do not let anyone judge you"?
      • What do you mean by Regeneration..?
      • Is it literally mean that Turkey is the seat of Satan?
      • I'm a Christian but I don't like to go to church...I pray and read my bible in the house....what the bible teaches about fellowship?
      • Abraham the father of Isaac and Ismael...he was Jew or Hebrew..?
      • I'm a believer. I pray that I might win in lottery,sweepstakes, casino...I won....is this a sin?
      • Please Explain Romans 10:9,10
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What is the Purpose of Satan?
      • Why would God do this? And then punish Israel for it?
      • Is the Roman Catholic Church a true church established by Jesus Christ?
      • What is Heaven Like?
      • How long (on average) does it take one to join your religion?
      • Is a judge performing his duties in a courtroom violating Jesus' command, "Do not judge"?
      • How is it that even the demons "knew Him to be the Christ." How did they know?
      • Who is Jesus claiming to be in John 8:24 and what does it mean to "die in your sins"?
      • Does the Bride of Christ have to die first?
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What about Holidays?
      • What is a Biblical Family?
      • How do We Treat Family Members Who Say They are Christians but Don't Acts Like It?
      • What is the Second Death?
      • Question on the Parable of the Two Sons
      • Christ came that we would have life abundantly correct?
      • Who is the Son of Perdition?
      • What are your thoughts on Psalm 137:9?
      • What is the difference between the DOOR in Rev 3:8 and the DOOR in Rev 3:20 ?
      • Out of the Seven Churches in Revelation, which would you say is the closet to your church?
      • What is the main message in the book of Amos, what value does it hold for today’s modern society?
      • Gospel of Thomas question:
      • Question on Tithing
      • Are some people never going to be resurrected from the dead?
      • Does God Love Unconditionally?
      • What Percentage of the Bible Do You Have to Know?
      • Do you keep the Sabbath?
      • Why was Man Excluded Because No Wedding Garment?
      • It is the Day of Atonement...Will you offer a prayer & agree in prayer for their salvation?
      • Did Noah Keep Bees in the Ark?
      • As the Pope's 9-letter surname, Bergoglio, has the word GOG bang in the middle of it, I wonder if biblical?
      • Who is Peter talking about in 1 Peter 4:18?
      • What is the purpose of pigs?
      • Please explain how the meek inherit the earth?
      • Do You Know the Names of Jesus' Two Sheepfolds?
      • Is Jesus in His Human Body in Heaven?
  • Meditations of Joy
    • Overcoming Lack of Confidence to Connect and ‘Fit In’ Part 1
    • All Things in the Name of Jesus
    • The Treasured Life
    • Afflicted in Faithfulness
    • Making All Things New
    • Instinctive Trust
    • #721 Extracting the Precious from the Worthless
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism and Conflict Part 2
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism Part 1
    • Facing Change and the Unknown in Confidence
    • Glorify Thy Name in us, O LORD
    • Remembering Who We Are
    • Deliverance through Overwhelm
    • Finding Stability
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited)
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father Part 2
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father
    • The Expanse of Jesus Prayer
    • The Reality of the Joy Set Before Him
    • The Determination To Do His Will
    • Choosing the Will of the Father
    • He Sustains the Weary with a Word
    • I am willing
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40.27-31 my own Part 2
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40:27-31 my own
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 5
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 4
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 3
    • #698 Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1 A Dear Brother wrote out the main things he was learning in the past year. As I read them I realized that that the Lord was teaching me along similar lines. First he shared: 1. “God’s
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times Part 2Blog
    • Humble Yourself Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times
    • Thriving in the house of God
    • Living the Divine Dimensions of Their Love
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 2
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 1
    • Dealing with ‘What If’ Part 1
    • Abiding in Their Love
    • Serving by Night
    • Serving By Night
    • Tenacious Love Part 2
    • Tenacious Love Part 1
    • Reverence for God is an Access to Wisdom and Confidence
    • The Practice of Praise
    • Separate the Precious from the Worthless
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 2
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 1
    • #676 Only One Thing is Necessary
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 2
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 1
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 2 In the Care of the Shepherd
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 1 in the Hands of the Potter
    • The Choice to Rejoice
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 3
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 2
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 1
    • Courage to Go Forward
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 3
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 1
    • The Holy Ground of Challenge
    • What We Remember, What We Forget
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 3
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 2
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 1
    • Paul’s focus in Prison: Part 6b Resurrection power Beyond Our Comprehension
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: In Awe of His Resurrection Power Part 6aBlog
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: Part 5a Never give up praying for one another!
    • Paul's focus in Prison: Part 4 Guarded!
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 3 Going forward with Passion
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 2
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison Part 1
    • LIVING Hope and Joy
    • Arms Wide Open
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited from 2017)
    • “Yet Thou art Holy”
    • Resolutely Going Forward
    • Passover Love
    • Praying for a Word to Give the Weary
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 2
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 1Blog
    • A Night Journey to Peace Part 2
    • A Night Journey to Peace
    • Trusting His Choices
    • Peace Amid the Storm
    • Love is Patient
    • Proving His Name to His Glory
    • Watching in Hope
    • Glorifying His Name Begins with the Realm of Thought
    • "Father Glorify Thy Name"--Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 3 (A roadblock to be aware of)
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 2 (Practical application)
    • Father, Glorify Thy Name
    • Finding His Joy
    • The Blessing of Over-and-Over-Testings
    • Redefining Our Perception of Rejection
    • The Source of all Encouragement
    • Casting our Care and Leaving it There
    • Setting our Face Like Flint
    • Accepting God’s Will for our Beloved Brethren
    • Our Home in Every Challenge: Seeing Beyond the Illusion
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Sure Proof of His Divine Provision
    • Some Lessons from David in Absalam's Rebellion and Unresolved Conflict
    • His Glory: Permission to Prune
    • His Glory: A Call to Re-focus
    • Trade in the Old Thinking for a New Song!
    • A Practical Look at the Armor of God
    • Resting in His Provision
    • His Perspective from the Heights, Borne on the Wings of the Eagle
    • What Would Jesus THINK?
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 2
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 1
    • The Joy of His Love Empowering us to Love Part 2
    • The Joy of Overcoming Irritation: Divine Love Empowering us to Love Part 1
    • The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Sending Portions!
    • Finding Joy Part 2b: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Eat and Drink!
    • Finding Joy Part 2a: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength
    • Finding Joy: The Joy Set Before Us Part 1
    • The Refuge of His Wise and Loving Power
    • Facing the Challenge in the Beauty of Holiness
    • Facing the Challenge with Praise, Prayer and Perspective
    • Enthroning Him upon our Praise
    • Yet You Are Holy
    • Yet You are Holy
    • Another Look at “Arise, Let us go hence”
    • “My Peace” When We Feel Alone
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 5
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 4
    • My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 3
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 2
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 1
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze of Love Part 2
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze
    • Trusting Enough to Get Out of the Boat
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting His Provision in the Process Part 2
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting that what He allows is GOOD.
    • He Knows What We Need, a Call to Praise Amid the Unknown!
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • The Creative Deliverance That Surrounds Us
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 4
    • #547 How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 3
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 2
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 1
    • Our Prayerful Song in the Midst of Whatever Happens
    • #543 What Brings Us Peace No Matter What Happens
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking Part 2
    • He Restores my Soul
    • “Look up and Let Go”
    • Nothing Shall Offend
    • Moment by Moment Deliverance from Fear
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance Part 2
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst Every Circumstance
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’ Part 2
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’
    • Run through the Open Door
    • Dwelling in ONE Master
    • Dwelling in His Shadow and Watching from the Wings
    • Dwelling in the Obedience of Christ
    • Overcoming Some Old Habits of Thought
    • Setting our Minds for Surrender Each Morning
    • Some of Peters Advice for Relationships in these Last Days
    • What Helps us to Accept Every Experience
    • His Leading through the Valley
    • Being His Valiant Warrior
    • Our Valiant Warrior
    • Living Deep-rooted Attachment in Christ
    • Keep on Sowing!
    • Surely the LORD is in the place
    • Red Sea Advice Part 4 The Red Sea Response
    • Red Sea Advice Part 3 The Red Sea Reaction
    • Red Sea Advice Part 2
    • Red Sea Advice Part 1
    • A Call to Peace
    • But Then on The Third Day
    • He Endured the Cross Part 3 Psalm 22 NIV
    • He Endured the Cross Psalm 22 Part 2
    • He Endured the Cross Part 1
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 3
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 2
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 1
    • The Yoke that Gives Us Rest
    • Proper Use of limitation, A Call For Balance
    • Another Lesson in Making Room for Their Surpassing Power Through the Proper Use of our Limitations
    • The Posture of Waiting and Trust that Allows Him To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power 2
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • WE will get through this!
    • Delight to do His will
    • I Know the Plans I Have for You
    • But for a Moment
    • Wake me up, Lord
    • We are a Team!
    • When we feel alone
    • The One Next Step
    • Trusting the Love that Stabilizes Us Through Every Storm
    • Triumph Over Appearance
    • The Joy of His Abundance
    • Express Gratitude
    • Numbering our Days
    • Expressions of His Love
    • The Breadth of His Provision
    • His Faithfulness Behind Every Challenge
    • He Stands at the Door of our Hearts
    • Your Tender Mercies Give Me Life
    • The Craftsmanship of His Workmanship in us
    • With You Wherever You Go
    • Listening to His Voice Amid the Physical Challenge of Shingles
    • A Refuge Better than People Pleasing
    • My Prayer in the Morning
    • They Will Not Prevail
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • How To Be a Refuge Like Him
    • A Very Present Help in Trouble
    • How to be a Refuge Like Him
    • Humble Yourselves Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • On Which Side Will We Dwell?
    • The Light That Shines on Our Challenges
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 6
    • Plow My Thoughts
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 5
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 4
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 3
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 2
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts
    • Stand in Awe in the Midst of Depression
    • Patient Waiting in the Face of Challenge
    • Our Expectation and Refuge in the Face of Fear
    • His Way of Escape
    • Healing the Root of Fear pt 2
    • Healing the Root of Fear
    • Weeding Day
    • Another Aspect of Wash Day!
    • Wash Day!
    • The Cup of Blessing Which We Bless
    • Our Abba Father
    • Accepting the Gift and Passing it On
    • Accepting the Gift of His Training
    • Open Our Eyes to See
    • The Breath of Forgiveness Part 2
    • The Breath of Forgiveness
    • Living Each Moment for Him
    • Diamonds in the Night
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 7
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 6
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 2
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 1
    • Faithful in the Hour Part 1
    • Delight in His Delight
    • The Beauty of Brokenness Surrendered to Him
    • How to Never Give up Part 2
    • How to Never Give UP part 1
    • Whatever We Do Part 2
    • Whatever We Do
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Tested by the Word of God
    • Waiting on the LORD
    • My Dad Road Sign
    • The Amazing Privilege of Being Coached by the Most High God
    • Casting Both Circles of Care Upon Him
    • The Heart of Deliverance
    • Say Amen!
    • Amen
    • Trusting Where He Leads
    • Made Strong to Listen
    • This is Who I AM
    • The Mindset of Deliverance
    • Strongholds
    • Your Love Has Conquered My Resistance
    • Our Stability Amid These Times and Seasons of Change
    • Precious in the Sight part 2
    • Precious in the Sight of the Lord
    • His Battle
    • Looking to Him
    • Proving Him Holy
    • Rejoice in the Road
    • The Divine Ectetera
    • Waking up to Hope in God in the Present Moment
    • Hiding His Word in Our Heart
    • The Power of Acceptance
    • The Power of Listening From His Love
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight (In Relationships)
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight Part 2
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight
    • The Past and Present Reality of Deliverance
    • Willing To Trust
    • Quieting the Noise So We Can Hear His Knock and Receive Feasting in Place of Empty Snacking
    • An Olive Tree in the House of God
    • Our Choice at Break of Day
    • From Accusation to Acclamation
    • The Pure Joy of What Is
    • Arise and Eat
    • Power Over the Pit
    • His Altar (The Dimensions of Love)
    • Living The Dimensions of Love
    • The Dimensions of Love
    • All My Springs are in You
    • Crucified with Christ--A Prayer
    • Psalm 22 on the Cross to the Ninth Hour
    • The Mind of Christ Revealed on the Cross Part 2
    • The Mind of Christ as Revealed on the Cross Part 1
    • Stop and Savor His View
    • The Final Hymn
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 3
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 2
    • Keeping the Power of the Father and the Son part 1
    • Father Glorify Thy Name
    • She Has Done What She Could
    • The Megaphone of God
    • Teach me to be an influence that honors You
    • Fill Me with Your Willingness and Skill
    • The Greatest Reality Amid any Overwelm
    • Seeing Something New
    • Trusting Him Anew
    • The Power of the Yoke of Jesus
    • How to be Humble
    • Building Faith to Prepare for Any Collision
    • Opening the Door of our Language to God
    • Safe in His Compassions
    • Who He Is in Every Experience
    • Continual Praise
    • Beside Still Waters
    • Faith and Hope in the Midst of Challenge
    • The Beauty of Flaw Wrapped in Perfection Revisited
    • Empowering Love
    • Discovering the Hidden Treasure
    • Thoroughly Known
    • Very Present Help
    • Not by Might
    • Under His Wings I Trust
    • Aiming at Eternity
    • What to Forget, What to Remember
    • Ready to Turn My Life Around for God
    • Triumph Over Circumstances--Don't Kill the Messenger
    • Waterlogged and Triumphant
    • Escape from Stress When We Don't Understand
    • Escape from Stress, Equipped with Hinds Feet
    • Surely the Lord is in the Place
    • Escape from Stress When We Fail part 2
    • Escaping from Stress When We Fail part 1
    • Escape From Stress When We don't Understand
    • From Stress to Peace Part 1
    • Step by Step Escape from Stress
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • Overcoming Illusion
    • The Blessing of Overwelm
    • Jesus is the Door
    • In Perfect Faithfulness
    • The Space to Choose
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • The Voice of our Risen Lord
    • Passover Perspectives: A Night of Watching
    • Passover Perspectives: The Protection of the Father in the Midst of the Cross
    • Passover Perspectives: The Deliverance that will Never Be Forgotten
    • Passover Perspectives: No Fear
    • Passover Perspective: The Far Reaching Power of His Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives: Living Unleavened
    • Passover Perspectives: Eating on the Run
    • Passover Perspectives: The Fires that Proved Him Faithful
    • Passover Perspectives: The Power of his Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives Exodus 12: The Keeping of the Lamb
    • Passover Perspectives: A collective celebration
    • Passover Perspectives: A New Beginning
    • A Prayer for God's Glory
    • Road Sign
    • The Beauty of Perfection
    • Every Hour
    • What will we put in the Relationship Box?
    • Discovering His Everlasting Love
    • His Timing and Strength in Every Phase of Life
    • Trusting Him in Every Valley
    • Trusting the One Who Pours the Cup
    • Smallest Beginning, Greatest Gift
    • Thoroughly Known, Thoroughly Pursued
    • Red Sea Rule #10
    • Red Sea Rule #9
    • Agreeing with God
    • Red Sear Rule #8
    • Red Sea Rule #7
    • Red Sea Rule #6
    • Red Sea Rule #5
    • Red Sea Rule 3 & 4
    • Red Sea Rules #2
    • Red Sea Rules--part 1
    • What Great Honor
    • What do you see?
    • The Power of a Living Faith
    • Awe for God in the Face of Fear
    • No Trial Will Ever Be Too Severe
    • The Work of the Gardener and the Architect
    • Wisdom Out of the Whirlwind
    • Hold On
    • Dwelling in Hope: The power of what we expect and believe
    • Conflict as a Call to Loving Action
    • Trusting His Infinite Wisdom
    • Emotion Management through The Power of Discretion
    • Do Not Delay; The Golden Moments Fly
    • Delight in the Lord
    • Loving New Part 2
    • Loving New
    • To Change the Paradigm
    • My Yoke is Easy, My Burden is Light
    • The Way of Escape
    • Equipped to Face Whatever Comes
    • Time to Trust part 3
    • Time to Trust part 2
    • A Time to Trust
    • Words of Wisdom
    • Wake Up New and See the Bigger Picture
    • Weeping and Finding
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • His Seamless Garment
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • Compelled by Love
    • Test of the Dream Part 3B
    • Test of the Dream --Part 3
    • Test of the Dream --Part 2
    • The Test of the Dream
    • The Love of God in Christ--part 2
    • The Love of God in Christ
    • Shedding Light on Discouragement
    • No More Re-Runs and No more Previews
    • No More Re-Runs
    • Triumph of Trust
    • With You Always, Day by Day
    • Triumph over Temptation
    • Step by Step
    • The Lord, My Confidence --part 2
    • The Lord, My Confidence--part 1
    • Seeking the Face of God and Christ
    • My Always Faithful God
    • The Answer to Overwhelm
    • Every Knee Shall Bow
    • Free to Experience the Intentions of God
    • Finding Bread at Midnight
    • Faithful Wounds
    • Battlefield Strategies
    • Take Time to Be Kind
    • Oh Magnify the Lord with Me by the Power of Thanksgiving
    • What do You Expect?
    • Unlikely Battlefield Strategies Part 2
    • The Miracle of Acceptance
    • Crisis Control
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • The Power of Pure Choice in Christ
    • Let the King of Glory In!
    • Whose Wall Do I Trust?
    • The Power of Thanksgiving
    • The Postures of Possiblities
    • If You Trust Me Let Go
    • Barefoot!
    • Holy Ground: Accepting the Mission
    • Holy ground: Facing the Fire
    • After the Battle
    • Accessable
    • Surrender in Awe and Wait in Joy
    • The Strength of our Spiritual Root System
    • Space to Trust
    • Full of Sap Part 3
    • Full of Sap Part 2
    • Full of Sap
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 3
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 2
    • Mind of Mature Persistance
    • Expect the Unexpected
    • Hearing Through the Ears of Jesus
    • Our Memorial Legacy: Keeping the Feast
    • Our Memorial Legacy
    • The Heart of the Father
    • The Cattle on a Thousand Hills
    • Patient with Process
    • He is Risen! Continue to Seek
    • Never Out-Numbered--Never Give Up!
    • Never Out-Numbered
    • Gathering Forces No Match For the Lord of the Harvest
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice – A Testimony
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice on the Cross
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 8
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 7
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 6
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 5
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 4
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SURA YA TANO

SURA YA TANO
 
HOJA ZA UKRISTO WA KWELI
Ubora wa Imani Halisi ya Kikristo, Ushahidi wa Asili Yake Takatifu
 
 
Wacha nikaende kando kidogo na mpango wa hatua amabao nimekuwa nikifuatilia kuonyesha viwango kadhaa vya Ukristo ambavyo napata kuwa ni sehemu ya uzuri wa imani halisi. Ukristo wa kidesturi hauna manufaa hizi, na wale walio Wakristo wa kidesturi hawana hata wazo duni la kile ninachonuia kusema. Ingawa ninatelekeza mpango wangu wa hapo awali, natumai kwamba utakapoelewa kile nakaribia kueleza, utaona jinsi haya makala yanavyohusisha yote nimekwishaandika mpaka sasa.

            Ni kweli kwamba hata uchunguzi wa haraka haraka wa imani ya Kikristo unaonyesha mambo ya ajabu ambayo Mungu amefanya ili kuonyesha upendo wake. Lakini tunapochukua muda na juhudi za kuchunguza kwa makini maajabu ya imani ya kweli, tunaona hata zaidi uzuri wa mfumo huo. Hebu na nirejelee somo la mlango wa mwisho kwa dakika ili kuonyesha kile ninachozungumzia. Hapo tuliona jinsi mafundisho ya msingi ya Biblia na ushawishi ambao mambo hayo yako nayo katika maisha yetu yalivyo katika maelewano kamili hivi kwamba mtazamo wa kawaida wa imani hushindwa kushikilia.

            Labda sihitaji kutaja, lakini nitataja, kwamba uwiano huo mkamilifu upo kati ya mambo mbalimbali ya imani ya kweli ya kibiblia. Uwiano huanza na ukweli wa msingi wa asili yetu ya binadamu iliyoanguka, uhusiano wa kupatanishwa na Mungu ambao kazi ya Kristo juu ya msalaba hutupa, na urejesho na mabadiliko ya utu wetu wa ndani kwa uwepo na matendo ya Roho Mtakatifu. Yote tatu hayo ni sehemu ya moja inayodumu katika umoja na kuheshimiana.

            Jinsi hii ilivyo kweli na misingi ya imani, pia ndivyo ilivyo na mafundisho yote yaliyo mbele kuhusu imani ya Kikristo. Yote yanaenda pamoja katika uwiano wa ajabu ambao unaunda msingi wa maisha ya maana, wakati wa sasa na katika wakati ujao.
            Matendo na kufikiri zaidi kunaosisitizwa katika Biblia kama lengo la maisha ya kiroho ni heshima na kumpenda Mungu; upendo, wema, na upole, kwa wanadamu wenzetu; zingatio sahihi kuhusu mali na matukio ya maisha haya ikilinganishwa na vitu vya milele; na tabia njema ya kujikana nafsi na unyenyekevu.

            Tayari nimeelezea uhusiano kati ya mitazamo na moyo wetu kwa Mungu na jinsi hii kuathiri mitazamo na tabia zetu kwa watu wengine. Hasa, unapochunguza kwa karibu jinsi baadhi ya viwango vya tabia yako hufanya kazi pamoja ili kukuza na kuimarishana moja kwa mwingine, hauna lingine ila kufikia hitimisho kwamba zipo na zinafanya kazi katika uwiano kamili. Hii inaweza kutambuliwa kutokana na kile ambacho tayari kimeandikwa, lakini ningependa kutazama kwa haraka uhusiano huu. Kwa mfano, unapochunguza vitendo vya wema na unyenyekevu, utaona kwamba msingi kamili ambao kwao tabia hizi hutokea ni fadhila ya kujikana nafsi na kiasi katika kufurahia mali yako.

            Sababu kuu inayofanya watu wasiweze kuwasiliana pamoja ni kwamba wengi wao wamejawa na kiburi na hali ya kupotosha ya kujiona u muhimu. Hii huwasababisha kuhitaji wengine wawaone jinsi wanavyojiona wenyewe na huelekeza kwa tathmini isiyo ya kweli ya thamani ya mali na heshima ya kidunia. Mienendo hii husababisha mashindano ya kutisha kati ya waume na wake ili kuimiliki. Ncha mbaya ya mtu mmoja husuguana nay a yule mwingine na kujenga mkuarusano ambao utavuruga utulivu baina ya mtu na mwingine na pia kuvuruga amani.

            Kristo anapokuwa kazini katika maisha yetu, yeye hulainisha ncha hizi mbaya. Badala ya kukuarusana mmoja kwa mwingine, tunafanya kazi pamoja kama mashine iliyotiwa mafuta vyema kwenye viungo. Huu unapokuwa sivyo, tunapaswa kushangaa kama tunaona Ukristo wa kidesturi badala ya imani ya kweli. Wakristo wa kidesturi wanaweza wanaweza kusema kuwa kunahitajika upendo na ukarimu, lakini utumwa wao wa kiburi na kujiona muhimu huwaongoza kutokana na kutekeleza maadili haya na kuwaongoza katika kutafuta mafanikio ya kibinafsi na ya kitaaluma.

            Wengine wamepata muonekano wa nje ambao huwawezesha kufuata malengo haya wakati wa kudumisha wema, lakini wanakosa upendo wowote wa kweli katika mioyo yao. Wakati shinikizo ni juu, hata kama ni kwa njia ya tamaa au mng’ang’ano wa kibinafsi, rangi yao ya kweli itaonekana. Hata wanaweza kuwa wanajua kuficha ukatili wao, lakini kwa ndani wanatokota. Hasira yao inaweza kulipuka dakika yoyote iwapo watashindwa kujizuia. Hii inaonekana kuwa ni kweli hasa kwa wale ambao wameinuliwa na mafanikio ya jamii yetu au kwa udanganyifu. Wamejifunza jinsi ya kuweka sura ya utu wema na heshima wanapofuatilia maslahi yao wenyewe ya ubinafsi. Ni kama watu wamekaa kwenye meza ya karata. Wanaweza kuonyesha mtazamo mzuri kwa wengine kwenye meza, lakini ndani yao wanatarajia wengine watapoteza ili wapate kushinda. Ni namna ya kujifanya unaokuacha ukiwatamani wake kwa waume wa madaraja ya kazi ambao kamwe hawakuwa na nafasi ya kujifunza kile kinachojulikana kama tabia na ambao wanakuruhusu kujua hasa kilicho akilini mwao.

            Imani halisi haina haja na kufunika uso na fadhila bandia. Inahitaji ukweli katika utu wa ndani. Mtu wa Imani husimama mbele ya Yule anayechunguza mioyo yetu (ona Zaburi 139:1-4). Muumini wa kweli hujaribu kuishi katika mazingira ya wema naye anafanya kila juhudi kukwepa tendo lolote au wazo lolote ambalo litachafua au kuharibu usafi wake. Hii ndiyo sababu kujiweka katika nafasi ambapo tunashindana kuinuka juu ya wengine inaweza kuwa na madhara makubwa sana kwetu. Ni vigumu kumpenda mtu kwa dhati wakati juhudi zako zote ni kuinuka juu zaidi yake.

            Maagizo ya Biblia yanayotuagiza kuweka mali na heshima katika mahala pao kamili yanasaidia kutuweka huru ili kupenda. Yanatuwezesha kuwajali kikamilifu wale ambao wamekuwa na fanaka zaidi kulingana na viwango vya ulimwengu, hata ijapowalikwisha jaribu kutuzuia tusifanikiwe na sisi. Tunapo weka “mawazo yetu kwa vitu vilivyo juu” ( Kol. 3:2) hatuna sababu ya kuona wivu au kuwa wakali na ambao malengo yao yapo kwenye mali na umarufu wa kilimwengu.

            Maagizo ya imani halisi ya kutozingatia sana jinsi watu wanavyotuona vile vile yanatuweka huru kuwapenda hata na wale walipotuvamia ama kudunisha hadhi yetu. Kipimo bora ya uhalisia wa imani yetu ni jinsi tunavyo jibu wale wanaotuvamia na kututenda ni kana kwamba wako zaidi yetu. Unyenyekevu wa kweli hushughulikia mambo kama hayo kwa neema. Tusipowalipiza kisasi wanaotukosea, tunafungua mlango wa mapatano kati yetu na wakosefu wetu.

            Ni fadhila nyingine ya imani halisi kwamba fanaka ya kimaadili inachukuliwa kuwa wa thamani zaidi ya masomo. Hivyo yahitajika kuwa waumini watafute zaidi kufaulu kimaadili kuliko maarifa. Sasa hii ni kinyume na wale wanojulikana kama madhehebu ya kimafumbo yanaoelekeza wafuasi wao kwa kile kinachojulikana kama maarifa ya ndani ambayo huwa ndiyo chanzo cha wokovu wao.

Unapotazama mengi ya dini kubwa ulimweni, kama vile Uhindu au Uislamu, utapata matabaka tofauti au viwango vya maendeleo kulingana na kiasi cha taarifa ambayo mtu anayo. Ni wazi kwamba hii inaweka wale walio katika matabaka ya chini, ambao wanaweza kuwa na uwezo wa kusoma, katika hasara kubwa. Wengi hawawezi kamwe kufanya maendeleo zaidi katika mifumo hii. Baadhi ya wanafalsafa wa kale hata wanawezatetea kwamba kudumisha watu katika jinga ni kwa manufaa ya jamii. Hii inaashiria kwamba wengi wa wanadamu ni kizazi duni kulingana na wasomi wa juu, wenye elimu zaidi. Ukristo wa kweli unafanya kazi kwa njia halisi. Sio tu injili inayolenga kwa wanadamu wote, bali pia ina sehemu maalum miongoni mwa maskini. Ilikuwa hata sifa na Yesu kama "habari njema kuhubiriwa kwa maskini" (Luka 7:22).

            Mkazo ambao Ukristo wa kweli unaweka juu ya upendeleo wa fadhila za kimaadili juu ya mafanikio ya kimasomo ina thamani ambayo inapita namna ambavyo wema unaofaa malengo ya imani. Ni lengo ambalo kwalo tuna uwezo wa kufaulu vyema. Sio sisi sote tuna uwezo wa kufikia ukuu kimasomo, lakini sote tunaweza kufanya vyema zaidi katika kutafuta wema. Wale ambao wameshafanya kupata elimu kuwa shauku yao ya kawaida ndiyo wa kwanza kutambua kwamba mafanikio yao yamekuwa ya wastani tu kwa bora. Hata kama watu hawa sio wazi bayana, bado tutapata ushahidi wa ukweli huu wenyewe. Ni miongoni mwa safu zao kwamba tunapata mifano mbalimbali ya udhaifu, maono duni na tabia ya kufanya makosa. Waadilifu zaidi  na wasomi zaidi ni wale wanaotambua ubatili wa fahari yoyote katika hekima ya mwanadamu. Kwa kawaida ni wasomi wa bandia ambao wanacheza mchezo huo na kujificha nyuma ya taswira hii bandia.

            Hali haiwi hivi katika harakati za kutafuta uadilifu. Wanadamu waliumbwa kwa mfano wa Mungu. Ingawa tumeanguka na sura hio imeshaharibika, bado kuna sehemu ya sura ya Muumba katika kila binadamu. Ni sehemu ya maumbile yetu ambayo inaweza badilishwa tena ikafanane na Kristo (ona Efe. 2). Kwa sababu ya Kristo tuna njia zilizopo, sio tu kusamehewa, bali pia kusafishwa na kufanywa upya katika hali yetu ya ndani. Kwa uwepo wa Kristo ndani kwa njia ya Roho Mtakatifu, tumeendelea kuwa na uwezo wa kujitahidi kupata maendeleo halisi katika juhudi zetu za kuishi maisha ya kweli ya Kikristo. Tunapochukua fursa ambayo Mungu ametoa ili kukabiliana na harakati hii, tunaweza kuwa na imani kwamba atatusaidia kufaulu.

            Nimeshajua wanaume na wanawake ambao walikuwa na mifano ya maisha ya ukweli huu. Acha niwaambie kuhusu rafiki mmoja ambaye alikuwa mfano mkubwa kwangu katika eneo hili. 1 Hakuishi maisha marefu, lakini ilikuwa ni moja iliyojaa kazi kubwa. Alifanya dunia mahali pazuri kupitia maisha yake. Mfano wake ni motisha kwa wote waliomjua kuwa ana bidii katika kutafuta maisha kama hayo yake. Natumai hudhani kwamba navichukua hivyo vipawa vingine Mungu ametupa au matokeo ya juhudi za kibinadamu katika maeneo hayo mengine kijuu juu tu. Lakini katika uaminifu wote, inapolinganishwa na ile taswira kuu na utukufu wa Mungu, sifa ya mafanikio ya kibinadamu yote ni kama sifa zile tunazompa siafu kwa ajili ya mzigo ule anaoweza kubeba ikilinganishwa na uzito wa mwili wake. Kazi kama hiyo inaweza kuonekana kuwa ya kushangaza, lakini haina athari kubwa kwa ulimwengu ambamo tunaishi. Hiyo ndiyo ubatili yetu. Mafanikio yetu binafsi inapewa thamani ya juu sana kupita kiasi. Hivi sivyo hali katika kutafuta heshima yetu ya kweli.

            Pia ningependa kutaja kwamba sijaribu kutoa ushahidi wa ukweli wa imani ya Kikristo. Wengine walio na sifa nyingi kuniliko tayari wameshafanya vya kupendeza katika kazi hiyo. Waandishi kama vile William Paley wanastahili sana shukrani kwa jinsi walivyochukua ushahidi kwa niaba ya imani ya Kikristo kuonyesha kwa ustadi mkubwa namna ilivyo ya maana sana.2 Nikishasema hivi, ningependa kutaja mojawapo ya vitambulisho vya imani hio kinacho nivutia kwa njia fulani. Hii ndiyo njia ambayo mito mingi ya msaada huja pamoja ili kuunda kisa. Idadi kubwa ya waandishi wameandika aina na aina ya ushahidi ambao unaunga mkono madai ya Kristo na Ukristo. Wamechunguza ushahidi kutoka kwa unabii, kutoka kwa miujiza, kutoka kwa tabia ya Kristo, kutoka kwa asili na ubora wa maagizo ya vitendo vya imani na kutoka kwa njia ya ajabu mafundisho ya imani yanayoichochea vitendo vya imani. Wengine wamechunguza kwa makini ushahidi wa ndani wa Biblia wenyewe, pamoja na ushahidi wa awali wa ukweli wa imani katika maisha ya wale ambao walitangaza.

            Kuna mistari mingi ya hoja ambayo imekuwa toleo katika kutetea imani. Wingi wa ushahidi hufanya hoja dhidi ya Ukristo kuonekana kuwa isiyo na maana. Kwa hiyo, mistari mingi tofauti ya ushahidi, yote yenye nguvu, inayokuja pamoja ili kuimarisha uaminifu wa Ukristo, hauwezi kuelezewa isipokuwa kwa mantiki ya ukweli wake. Siamini kuwa unaweza kuchunguza mfumo mwingine wa dini ulimwenguni kwa wingi wa mbinu na kupata ulinganifu na uwazi unaopata katika Ukristo wa kweli.
 
Vidokezo
1. Wilberforce pengine anazungumzia rafiki yake Matthew Babayo, ambaye hivi karibuni alifariki.
2. William Paley alikuwa ni mtetezi mzuri wa Ukristo katika siku hizo za Wilberforce.
 
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