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 TATU
KUELEWA UKRISTO WA KIDESTURI


SURA YA TATU
KUELEWA UKRISTO WA KIDESTURI


   Fikira Mbovu kuhusu Yesu Kristo na Roho Mtakatifu, Maoni machache juu ya mwingiliano wa Mihemko na Imani
Sehemu ya Kwanza: Ukweli muhimu wa Ukristo Halisi
 
Kuna ukweli fulani muhimu juu ya Yesu Kristo na Roho Mtakatifu, ambao Biblia inafundisha, na kihistoria Kanisa lilikubali. Ni pamoja na:
 
 1. Mungu aliupenda ulimwengu hata akamtuma mwana wake wa pekee, Yesu Kristo, ili atukomboe.
 2. Yesu Kristo aliacha utukufu wa Baba kwa hiari na kuwa mtu.
3. Yesu alidharauliwa na wengi. Alikataliwa na alipata dhiki na huzuni.
4. Yesu aliteseka kwa ajili ya dhambi yetu.
 5. Yesu alikwenda msalabani na kuchukua dhambi zetu ili kwa kifo chake tuweze kupata uzima wa milele tunapotubu dhambi zetu na kukubali yale ambayo ametufanyia.
6. Yesu alifufuka kutoka kwa wafu na akapaa mbinguni ambapo sasa yuko mbele ya Baba akitutetea.
 7. Kwa sababu ya kile Yesu alifanya, sasa tunaweza kuja mbele za Mungu kwa ujasiri na kupata msaada tunayohitaji wakati tunapokuwa na shida.
8. Mungu huwapa thawabu ya Roho Mtakatifu wale wanaoingia katika uhusiano na Yesu Kristo.
9. Ni uwepo wa Roho Mtakatifu maishani mwetu ndio hutufanya sisi Wakristo wa kweli.
10.Ushawishi na shughuli za Roho Mtakatifu maishani mwetu zinafanya kazi kutubadilisha na kutufanya tuwe watu ambao Mungu alikusudia tuwe.
11. Waumini wa kweli watafufuliwa kutoka kwa wafu na kuishi milele mbele za Mungu.
 
Hizi ndizo kweli za kimsingi za imani ya Kikristo. Tutazichukua jinsi zilivyopeanwa. Karibu kila mtu anayeenda kanisani amesikia mambo haya mara kwa mara. Lakini, hiyo haimaanishi kuwa wale wanaojua mambo haya kwa kichwa wanaelewa kwa undani umuhimu wao au wanapata ushawishi wao unaobadilisha katika maisha yao. Jibu linalofaa kwa ukweli huu litakuwa jambo la kufurahisha sana, unyenyekevu wa kweli, kuchukia dhambi, tumaini nyenyekevu, imani thabiti, furaha ya kimbingu, upendo wa dhati na shukrani isiyokoma!
 
Lakini hapa ndipo tunapata shida na uzoefu wa wale ambao wanashikilia Ukristo wa kidesturi. Ni kasoro ambayo ni kama saratani ambayo huanza bila kutambulika na mwishowe huenea na kuharibu mwili mzima. Ni mpaka watu wafahamu kuwa ni wagonjwa ndipo wanatambua kumbe wanahitaji daktari. Iwapo hawatakubali kwamba hali yao ya kiroho ni ya kukata tamaa, basi hawataweza kuelewa thamani isiyo na kipimo ya kile Yesu Kristo amefanya au kukiitikia ipasavyo. Maisha yao yamejawa, jinsi Yesu alivyosema, na shughuli na ubatili wa maisha haya.
 
Tabia hizi ni ngumu kugundua kwa wale ambao wanashikilia sana Ukristo wao wa kidesturi. Iwapo wataka kujua ni jinsi gani waume hawa na wake hawa wanavyozingatia Kristo, basi washirikishe katika mjadala na ukaelekeza mjadala huo kwenye mambo ya imani. Utapata nini? Mara nyingi utapata imani isiyo wazi. Kwa hili ninamaanisha kwamba utapata majibu na maoni ambayo hayafahamiki kabisa.
 
Wakristo wa kidesturi kwa kawaida wanaweza zungumza juu ya dini au kanisa, lakini ni nadra sana kuwasikia wakitaja jina la Yesu au kusema juu ya kifo chake msalabani au ufufuko wake. Unapoileta mada hiyo, utagundua kwamba hawajisikii nao na wala hawataki kuzungumzia jambo hilo linalofurahisha mioyo ya wale wote walio na imani ya kweli. Watazungumza juu ya maagizo ya maadili na tabia chanya katika mafumbo tu lakini sio kama zinavyohusiana sana na Yesu. Ni kana kwamba kile Yesu alikuwa amekifanya kwa wanadamu na ukweli kwamba ilifanywa mahsusi kwa ajili yao hakiingii katika fikira zao.
 

Ni heri yetu kwamba ukweli huu wa ajabu umeandikwa kwa ajili yetu. Tunakariri kweli hizi katika mikutano yetu, hata ijapo hatusikii chochote kuzihusu kutoka kwenye madhabahu. Sasa, mambo haya ya ajabu yanawezaje kuchukuliwa kama aina fulani tu za historia za tangu jadi zisizo na athari yoyote kwa wakati wa sasa? Je! Zinawezaje kusemwa kwa mhemko mdogo wa namna hii? Tunayasikia bila kujali na kuyaitikia shingo upande. Twaondoka Kanisani na hatuyafikirii tena hadi ifikapo Jumapili ijayo. Neno "vuguvugu," lililotolewa na Yesu mwenyewe, linaelezea vizuri imani hii mbovu. Natumai hufikirii kuwa nakua mkali sana au mkosoaji. Kwa mara tena, kumbuka, hapa ninaongea juu ya wale wanaodai kuwa ni Wakristo! Lakini je! Mambo haya, yaliyo ya thamani sana kwa Mungu hivi, yachukuliwe kibaridi kiasi hii?
 
Hivyo basi, maana ya kumpenda Mungu ni nini? Upendo wa kweli ni shauku! "Upendo baridi" na shukrani isiyotoka moyoni "ni utata. Tunapompenda mtu, huwa tunapenda kusimulia juu yake. Na mazungumzo kama hayo mara nyingi huwa na misisimko. Huwa tunataka kuwa karibu yao. Na raha yetu mara kwa mara huwa ni kuwashughulikia. Huwa tunapenda kuwaonyesha jinsi tunavyohisi. Na kutajwa kwa majina yao tu mioyo yetu hupiga na nyuso zetu hung’aa.
 
 Kwa njia hio hio, imani halisi huitikia kazi ya Yesu Kristo. Lakini kuzingatia vitu hivi kihafifu inatufanya tuhoji ikiwa mtu huyo ana uelevu kamili. Wakati imani ni dhaifu, au ya kawaida, matendo ya imani hayawezi kutarajiwa kuwa yenye nguvu sana. Ni mfumo wa imani ambao hauwezi kuathiri namna mtu huyo anavyoishi.
 
 Na kama hio sio mbaya ya kutosha, basi hali huwa mbaya zaidi inapokuja kwa Roho Mtakatifu. Wakristo wa kidesturi labda hawaelewi kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu katika maisha ya mwumini. Kwa kuwa hawajitahidi kufanikiwa katika maisha yao ya kiroho au kujaribu kuwa na tabia zinazofaa wafuasi wa Kristo, hawana ujuzi, kwa kutokuweza kwao, wa kuwawezesha kupata vitu kama hivyo bila msaada wa Roho Mtakatifu. Jinsi ilivyo, hawachukui fursa ya nidhamu hitajika kila wakati ili kuweka kazi ya Roho hai katika maisha yao. Uelevu wao wa ukweli huu unayumbayumba na umechanganyikiwa kiasi cha kwamba inaweza kusemwa hawaamini kabisa Roho Mtakatifu.
 
Kuna wale wanaopendekeza kwamba wakati wowote unapoona shauku ya kweli ya kiroho, unapata pia unafiki na udanganyifu. Wengine wanaweza hata kusema kuwa mazungumzo juu ya kumpenda Yesu ni dalili ya akili inayougua. Wanashikilia kwamba dini la kweli ni lenye usawa na thabiti, bali sio swala la hisia au shauku. Watasema kwamba mihemko huigwa na haziaminika.
 
Pingamizi halisi dhidi yasisitizo kuhusu Roho Mtakatifu litainua suala la dhihirisho bandia ya tukio la kiroho na unyanyapaa ambao vitendo kama hivyo vimezalisha. Wale wanaotoa pingamizi hilo huongea juu ya wanafiki na wanahabiti na kusema kwamba madai kama hayo na simulizi zilizotiwa chuvi kawaida huzunguka. Watasema kwamba mkazo wowote kulingana na kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu huondoa jukumu la kibinafsi na husababisha uvivu. Kwa sababu hio, wao hutetea kuzingatia yale ambayo ni "thabiti" na "ya vitendo" zaidi. Kukuza fadhila za kimaadili ndio lengo la dini yao, mbadala na kujitolea kwa Yesu Kristo jinsi ipasavyo.
 
Katika hali ya ajabu zaidi , hoja hii inazidi kuashiria kuwa ule uhalifu wa Mashambulio, upelelezi, na ushindi na unyanyapaa uliofanywa kwa wenyeji wa nchi, yote hayo yalifanywa na wale ambao walikuwa na shauku kupindukia katika utendaji wao wa Ukristo. Hii ni kutokuelewa vizuri imani halisi. Na hii inalinganisha bidii na imani halisi. Imani ya kweli daima huambatana na bidii inayofaa. Lakini bidii mara nyingi inawezakosa uelevu wowote sahihi wa imani halisi. Matokeo ya bidii kama hii mara nyingi huhesabiwa haki kwa jina la Ukristo, lakini kwa kweli haina uhusiano wowote na kumwamini Yesu Kristo.
 
Ukweli ni kwamba wale ambao wanafuata mafundisho ya Kristo kwa karibu sana ndio wa kwanza kukubali kwamba Ukristo umekuwa wa kulaumiwa zaidi kwa mambo haya. Ila, sio wafuasi waminifu wa Kristo ndio wanaofanya hivyo, bali ni wale ambao wameipotosha Biblia ili iwe sawa na dhana zao potovu, ambazo zinasababisha vitendo hivi. Watu wanaomfuata Kristo kwa uaminifu pia ni wa kwanza kukiri kwamba mafundisho juu ya, na shughuli za Roho Mtakatifu zimetumika kuhalalisha baadhi ya vitendo vya kushangaza zaidi katika historia ya Ukristo.
 
Lazima tukumbuke kwamba karibu kila itikadi inaweza kupotoshwa na kutumiwa vibaya kusababishia uma shida au kuhalalisha tabia isiyo ya kawaida. Hakuna kitu cha hatari kuliko hii. Kile ambacho kimekusudiwa kukuza wema na kudhibiti uovu pia kinaweza geuka na kuwa chombo cha kuendeleza kile kiliokusudiwa kuzuiliwa. Historia imejaa mifano ya jinsi fadhila kama vile uhuru au uzalendo ulipotoshwa ulipotengwa na imani ya kweli na yenye afya. Wapotovu katika kila kizazi na kazi wameipotosha kila kitu wanachoweza ili kupata wanachotaka. Je! Mbona tutarajie kwamba baadhi ya wale walio Kanisani hawatakuwa na kosa hilo?
 
Katika hali ambazo kuzidi kumekuwa ndio desturi ya dini, tunahitaji kuchunguza zaidi mambo ya kimsingi yanayosababisha tabia zinazoonekana kuchipuka. Mtu aliyeelimika anawezaona imani ya wasio na elimu kwa njia fulani kuwa inamuudhi. Lakini iwapo angechukua muda wa kumjua huyo mwumini asiye na elimu, bila shaka anaweza gundua usafi wa moyo unaomdhililisha.  Mara nyingi utakachopata ndani ya wale wanaojitoa kwa kazi za Roho Mtakatifu moyoni mwa wanadamu, ni upendo wa Kristo, juhudi za dhati katika huduma Yake, busara, upole, ujasiri na utulivu. Tabia kama hizo hazihitaji hoja ya kuzitetea.
 
                   Sehemu ya Pili: Mihemko na Imani
 
Kwa kuzingatia hayo hapo juu, basi ni nini jukumu la hisia katika imani halisi? Ikiwa uhusiano wetu na Yesu Kristo unajumuisha mwitikio wa kihemko, je! Hiyo inamaanisha kuwa tumeacha fikira zenye busara? Wakosoaji wa mihemko katika imani lazima waamini kuwa mihemko daima haina maana katika dini, au kwamba imani sio mahali ambapo mihemko inapaswa kutawala. Kwa hakika hawaweziamini kwamba hisia ni kitu kisicho na maana. Na kwa kuwa wasomi wanaoelewa jinsi akili hufanya kazi wanajua mambo haya hayawi hivi, hivyo basi yaonekana inatubidi kuangalia uwezekano kwamba ni katika mambo ya kidini- na haswa katika uhusiano na Yesu Kristo-ndio mhemko haipo.

Yaonekana kwamba wazo kwamba “dini sio mahali pa mhemko” limeenea katika utamaduni wetu leo. Na pia inaaminika kuwa hisia ambazo hazizuiliwi kikamilifu husababisha kuvuka mipaka kiimani. Baina ya sababu za fikra za aina hii ni kwamba mwitikio mzuri wa kihemko kwa imani, ambao ni mchangamfu na wa upendo, umekoma kuwapo na umebadilishwa na ule ambao kwa kawaida ni suala la kichwa na sio la moyo. Kwa kweli mojawapo ya shida hizi ni kutokuelewa jukumu la hisia nzuri katika imani. Ni kama kwa mfano, tumeambiwa tunahitaji kukata moja ya miguu yetu pasina kufikira mara ya pili juu ya njia nyinginezo. Natumai utaniwia radhi zaidi, kwa kuwa hili ni suala ambalo halijashughulikiwa vya kutosha.
 
Wake kwa waume wote wana hisia. Ndio sehemu kubwa ya maisha yetu hio. Hivyo basi mbona hisia isiweze kuwa na kazi katika imani yetu? Bila shaka Mungu ametuumba na uwezo huo ili uweze kutimiza jukumu lake katika imani yetu.
 
Tunachofaa kufanya na hisia zetu imekuwa mada ya wanafalsafa katika vizazi vyote. Na linaonekana wazo hilo la kifalsafa limepata nadharia mbili kuhusu swala hili. Kwa upande mmoja, kuna mifumo hiyo ya falsafa ambayo inajaribu kuunda sheria kudhibiti hisia ili isije ikakosa kudhibitika. Kwa upande mwingine, ni mifumo ambayo inatetea kuweka hisia hadi kufa kabisa, yaani, kuiangamiza kabisa! Hii ni sawa na kuangamiza kabisa kabila yote ya watu uliowashinda vitani na kuwatawala, na kisha kuita kile umefanya amani. Kama mwanahistoria wa zamani ambaye pia ni mwanafalsafa, Tacitus alivyoona:
 

Kupora, kuchinja, kuiba, vitu hivyo vinatia ufalme jina mbaya: wao hufanya ukiwa halafu wanauita amani.1    
 
 Imani halisi haitaji kushughulikia suala hilo kwa njia hizo mbili. Ni wale tu walio na imani kama hii ndio wanaelewa kwamba sehemu mojawapo ya uzuri wa Ukristo ni kwamba unajumuisha hali zote za ubinadamu wa kweli, huleta unyenyekevu unaofaa na utegemezi ili mwanadamu mzima, kwa kutumia nguvu zake zote, abadilishwe na nguvu za Mungu ili aweze kutumika kikamilifu kwa huduma na utukufu wa Mungu. Mungu anataka mioyo yetu na akili zetu. Yesu alisema kwamba tunapaswa kumpenda Mungu kwa mioyo yetu yote (tazama Math. 22:37). Kwa kweli hata usomaji wa kawaida wa Biblia unaonyesha wake kwa waume ambao uhusiano wao na Mungu ulitawaliwa na hisia kwa njia kuu. Ikiwa unatilia shaka ninachosema, soma biblia! Mungu angependa uhusiano yetu naye uwe wa upendo, mchangamufu, laini na wa bidii. Yeye huchukia uvuguvugu; jambo ambalo wachungaji wa sasa wanalitetea.
 
 Ibada ya kweli huungana na kutumia mihemko. Muziki, kuimba, kusifu na kufurahi- yote yanahitaji mihemko ili yawa ya kweli. Kwa kweli ndivyo ilivyokuwa na watu katika Biblia. Walikuwa wachangamfu, wenye bidii na wenye upendo. Walipoingia katika ibada, mioyo yao ilionekana kutiwa moto na unyakuzi. Unaposoma maisha ya mtume Paulo ni vigumu sana kukosa kuona kiwango cha mhemko aliyohusha katika yote aliyofanya na yote aliyoandika. Soma Zaburi. Daudi alikuwa mtu ambaye alipata mhemko mkubwa katika imani yake. Alijua urefu na alijua vina. Kumbuka kwamba yeye anaitwa "mtu wa moyo wa Mungu mwenyewe" (Matendo 13:22). Hata taswira ambayo tumepewa ya maisha mbinguni imejawa na mwitikio mkubwa wa kihemko.
 

Hii sio kusema kwamba mwitikio ya kihemko ni kipimo cha imani halisi. Hilo kwa kinyume pia linaweza kuwa kosa. Muigizaji yeyote mzuri anaweza fikia kiwango chochote cha mhemko. Hali ya hasira ya mtu binafsi pia inaweza tawala kwa upana namna hisia zinavyoshikamana na imani yetu. Hisia vile vile ni lazima zitathminiwe kulingana na yale yanayozichochea.
 
Njia moja ya kuchunguza hisia halali katika imani ni kuangalia kile kilichochochea mhemko huo. Mzungumzaji mzuri anaweza sababisha umati wa watu kulia, na hata kupagawisha umati wa Wakristo. Lakini hisia ya namna hii Mungu hapendi. Wakati hisia ndio mwitikio wa ukweli au wa ufahamu uliowazi wa asili ya Mungu na wema wake kwetu, basi hisia ni muhimu na inafaa.
 
Labda swali muhimu zaidi katika kutathmini mhemko wa kidini ni ikiwa mhemko ndio mwisho au chanzo cha motisha ya kuweka imani katika matendo. Njia zinginezo za tathmini zinaweza husika, lakini mwenendo unaozalishwa na mihemko yetu unaweza kutathminiwa kwa njia iliowazi.
 
Upendo wa kweli sio mwitikio tu wa kihemko. Upendo wa kweli hudhihirika katika vitendo vya fadhili, ukarimu, na vitendo hivyo ambavyo ni vya manufaa kubwa kwa kile kilichopendwa. Kwa hivyo, kama Yesu alivyosema, "Yeyote aliye na amri zangu na kuzitii, yeye ndiye ananipenda." (Jojhn14: 21). Je! Twaendelea je? Hili ndilo jaribio la kweli la thamani ya mhemko.
 
Ninakubali kuwa mwitikio wa kihemko hupatikana katika viwango tofauti kwa watu tofauti. Bila shaka hali ya hasira ya mtu hujukumika hapa. Mtu mchangamufu na mwingi wa afya katika maisha yake ya kawaida kwa ujumla atakuwa sawa katika imani yake vile vile. Hiyo ni, isipokuwa tabia ya kawaida ikandamizwe kufikia vigezo fulani vilivyowekwa kwa lazima. Kwa upande mwingine, mtu ambaye huwa baridi na asiye na mihemko katika maisha ya kila siku hawezi kutarajiwa kuwa na imani iliyojawa na hisia.
 
 Mhemko huchukua jukumu kubwa sio tu katika imani, lakini ni lazima pia idhibitiwe ili tusijeruhusu hisia kutuongoza kwa matendo yanayoathiri ukuaji wetu katika imani halisi. Kama vile Paulo, mwanashairi Ovid alikiri:
 
Ninaona wema na ninaikubali, lakini nafuata uovu.2
 
Ni jinsi gani ilivyo kweli kwa wale wanaotafuta kufuata Kristo. Twapata ndani yetu tamaa zinazotuvutia mbali na Yesu. Twatenda kinyume na yale Mungu alisema ni kwa manufaa yetu. Vigezo vyote ambavyo vinapaswa kutudhibiti kwa njia hizo zinaonekana kusitirika huku hamu hafifu tu inapochukua nafasi kuu mioyoni mwetu.
 
Mihemko inaweza kutupotosha kwa urahisi kiasi cha kwamba badala yake tunaanza kujaribu kuyachukua na kuyashirikisha katika hamu yetu ya maisha ya kiungu. Tuseme kwa mfano, kwamba mwana wetu alikaribia kuanza safari hatari, lakini pia ni safari ambayo akiikamilisha itakuwa wa manufaa kubwa sana kwake. Tuseme pia tunajua kwamba mwana wetu huyu anazorasilimali hitajika kukamilisha safari hii. Na pia vile vile tunafahamu wazi kwamba anazo tabia fulani ambazo bila shaka zitasababisha shida katika biashara hii. Basi tunawezafanya nini?
 
Nadhani tungejaribu kuzidisha uelevu wa mwana wetu huyu kuhusu umuhimu wa jambo hili katika maisha yake. Tunaweza pia kumuonya juu ya matokeo ya kuanzisha safari hii bila kuikamilisha. Tungetaka kumsaidia kuelewa matokeo hii kwa uwazi iwezekanavyo na kumsaidia kujenga azimio la kufaulu, kwa njia yoyote ile. Tungemtia moyo kujua hatari atakayokumbana nao na pia kujua kuwa rasilimali anazoziwekeza katika kazi hiyo zinauwezo wa kushinda hatari hio. Tunaweza kumfundisha kwamba wakati anahisi kukata tamaa, wakati inaonekana kana kwamba hana chochote cha ziada kuongezea, anahitaji kulenga macho yake kwenye mstari wa kumalizia na ile tuzo inayongojea juhudi zake. Ni aina hii ya mtazamo na maono ndiyo huingia kwenye hifadhi ya uwezo usiotumika wa mtu mchanga.
 
Sasa tumia kanuni hiyo hiyo kwa maisha yako ya kiroho. Pamoja na dosari zetu zote na udhaifu wetu, tumeitwa kwenye safari yenye umuhimu mkubwa. Popote kando yetu tunakumbushwa hatari ya kupuuza kazi hii kubwa. Tunajua mambo haya, lakini tunahitaji zaidi ya maarifa tu ili kuipa kazi yetu kile kinachohitajika. Tunahitaji motisha inayotokana na ushawishi wa kihemko kufanya kile kinachohitajika kufanywa. Hatufanyi kile tunachojua tunapaswa kufanya. Hatufanyi hata kile tunachohitaji kufanya. Bali tunafanya kile ambacho tumetiwa motisha vya kutosha ili kufanya. Mhemko unaweza kutupea msukumo wa ziada wa kutuwezesha kupiga hatua.
 
Tunajua kuwa Yesu ni mwana wa Mungu. Kwa hakika maarifa kama haya peke yanatosha kutufanya tuishi maisha matakatifu. Tunajua Yesu ndiye Mwokozi wa ulimwengu. Je! Mateso yake kwa niaba yetu hayatoshi kutuondolea kitu chochote kinachotuzuia kujitoa kwake kwa moyo wetu wote? Itaonekana bado. Lakini ikiwa imani yetu imetufikisha mahali ambapo tumepata upendo wa kweli kwa Yesu, na ikiwa ufahamu wetu juu ya kifo chake msalabani umeingia kwenye akili zetu na kuingia mioyoni mwetu ili tuweze kupata shukrani ya kweli, basi tutapata fungu mpya la rasilimali kutuchochea kumfuata na kumtii na kumtegemea Yesu. Je! Miitikio hii kwa Yesu sio sawa? Jibu lisilowezekana litakuwa kutokuwa na hisia zozote kuhusu upendo na huruma ya Mungu na neema.
 
Wengine wanaweza kusema kwamba kuwa na hisia hizi katika uhusiano na kiumbe kisichoonekana haina maana. Hata Horace alisema:
Kinachoingia akilini
    kupitia
masikio kinachochea akili kwa kiwango kidogo kuliko kile kinacholetwa mbele ya macho.3
                  
       Lakini ugumu haufanyi ukweli kutowezekana. Hata hisia zetu za kidunia huwa haziitikii, kila mara, vigezo fulani vilivyowekwa. Mara nyingi twahuzunika kwa kifo cha mmoja wetu kuliko watu wengineo waliochinjwa kote ulimwenguni. Hii sio busara. Au fikiria jinsi hisia zinavyochangamkia simulizi katika riwaya ambayo tunajua kuwa ni mwigo tu, ilhali vita halisi vinapotokea kwa hakika, haviwezi kuamsha hisia zetu kabisa. Uhusiano kati ya mhemuko na kile kinachochochea mhemko huo ni ngumu kubashiri.
 
Lazima kuwe na njia nyingine ya kuchochea hisia zetu kumhusu Yesu na mafundisho yake kuliko kuunganika naye kiasili, au katika undugu au kuwa na fahari ya kumsikia Yeye akiongea katika ulimwengu wa kiasili. Je! Kuona na kugusa na kusikia na vyombo vinginevyo vya mawasiliano na ulimwengu wa kiasili ndio vyanzo pekee vinavyounda hisia zinazohitajika kuhamasisha maisha yetu ya kiroho? Jibu ni hapana! Imani halisi ina mpangilio tofauti kabisa ya mienendo ambayo hufanya uwezekano wa kukabili yasioonekana.
 
Yesu sio dhana ingine ya mbali ya kufikiriwa tu. Yeye ni mtu. Hayuko mahali pengine "huko nje". Yupo.  Ni pazia nyembamba tu ndio linalotutenganisha na Yeye. Kile kinachozuia macho yetu haibadilishi ukweli kwamba Yeye yuko hapa. Labda hatuwezi kumwona, lakini hiyo haituzuii kujua kwamba Yuko. Imani halisi ina njia nyingine za kuwasiliana. Tunaweza kujua kuwa Yeye anatujali sisi na ni baba. Na ingawa hatumwoni kimwili, tunaamini kwamba siku inakuja hivi karibuni ambapo tutamwona. Jinsi Paulo alivyosema;
 
Sasa tunaona kwa kioo, gizani; lakini kisha uso kwa uso; wakati wa sasa nafahamu kwa sehemu; lakini hatimaye nitajua kama vile nami pia ninajulikana (1 Kor 13:12, KJV).
 
Ni aina tofauti ya kujua tunapata hapa, lakini ni asili ya kujua ambapo hisia zote zinazotokana na mgusano kimwili katika uhusiano wa kawaida; hisia hizo vile vile zinawezekana pia kupatikana katika ulimwengu wa kiroho kupitia kumjua Kristo, aliyetolewa na Baba. Hizi hisia kali zinaweza kutusaidia kudumisha bidii yetu katika kutafuta maisha ya kiroho. Tunayo rasilimali ambayo ni kubwa zaidi kuliko uthibitisho wa hisia. Roho Mtakatifu amekuja kuishi ndani yetu. Ni kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu kufanya mambo haya kupatikana katika maisha yetu. Roho ndiye msaidizi wetu. Kutojiweza kwetu ndio rasilimali yetu kuu; inaumba unyenyekevu inayolingana na neema ya Mungu ifanyayo kazi ndani yetu.
 
Kanuni hii ya kiroho haijulikani kati ya Wakristo wa kiduesturi ambao wanaelewa kidogo tu juu ya Roho Mtakatifu au jinsi Roho Mtakatifu anavyofanya kazi katika maisha yetu. Haiwezekani kufika mahali ambapo unatambua hitaji lako la Roho Mtakatifu na utegemevu wako kwa kazi Yake ukiwa umeunda ngome salama ya udini ambao unawezakuutawala kikamilifu kwa uwezo wako mwenyewe. Ukweli wa kuwezeshwa na roho ya Mungu haijulikani kwa Wakristo wa kidesturi, ila kwa njia ya elimu tu, kwa vile hawajawahi pitia hayo. Kwa kuwa hawataki kuchukua fursa ya njia ya hali halisi ya kiroho, hawana uzoefu unaotokana na njia hizo. Hii haikuwa imani ya waandishi wa maandiko. Kwao, upendo wa Yesu ulikuwa ni ukweli wa kila wakati na nguvu za Roho Mtakatifu ziliwawezesha kuishi maisha ya uhalisi ulimwenguni.
 
Sehemu ya Tatu: Fikira Mbovu Kuhusu Roho Mtakatifu
Kile tumegusa katika sehemu hio iliyotangulia ni maoni mbovu kuhusu Roho Mtakatifu inayoshikiliwa na wengi wa wanaojiita Wakristo. Ukosefu huu wa uelevu unaweza kuhusishwa kwa kiwango kikubwa na ukweli kwamba Ukristo wa kidesturi hautokani na ukweli wa Kibiblia. Unatokana na mfumo wa kidini ulioundwa na Wakristo wa kawaida, kwa manufaa yao wenyewe. Biblia inafundisha kuwa hatuna nguvu zetu wenyewe zilizondani yetu. Yesu alisema, "…maana pasipo mimi ninyi hamwezi fanya lolote" (Yohana 15: 5). Ni wazi, kuna mengi tunaweza kufanya kando na Yesu. Ila kile tunachofanya kando na yeye hakihusiki kabisa na hali halisi ya ufalme wa Mungu.
 
Maisha ya ukweli wa kiroho yanahitaji ushawishi wa Roho Mtakatifu. Kristo aliyefufuka aliwaambia wanafunzi wake, "mtapokea nguvu Roho Mtakatifu atakapowajia" (Matendo 1:8). Ni kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu kuangaza uelevu wetu, kutakasa akili zetu, na kufanya kazi katika maisha yetu kutusaidia kuwa mfano wa Kristo.
 
Roho Mtakatifu huunda imani halisi. Hufanya kazi katika maisha yetu kutusaidia kuelewa mahitaji yetu; Vile vile hutuhukumu moyoni kuhusu dhambi zetu; Pia Roho Mtakatifu hutusaidia kuelewa Yesu ni nani na amefanya nini. Wengine watasema Roho Mtakatifu hutuwezesha kumgeukia Kristo na kutubu. Huitikia toba yetu kwa kutuwezesha kuamini, na baada ya kufanya imani iwezekane, huingia katika utu wa mwanadamu na kusababisha uwepo ili Kristo akae ndani yetu. Roho Mtakatifu huleta yote ambayo Baba aliamuru, na yote ambayo Mwana alitimiza, katika uzoefu wetu. Haiwezekani kuwa na imani halisi pasipo utendaji wa Roho Mtakatifu. Jinsi Paulo alivyosema, "Mtu akiwa hana Roho, yeye si wa Kristo" (Warumi 8: 9).
 
Biblia ni wazi kuhusu vitu hivi kiasi cha kwamba utafikiria kuwa haiwezekani kujiita Mkristo na ukatae ukweli huu. Historia na uzoefu zinaonyesha kuwa hii ni hali ya kweli ya kiroho. Liturujia ya Kikanisa inathibitisha hilo.
 
Sehemu ya Nne: Fikira Mbovu Kuhusu Kukubalika na Mungu
 
Hivyo basi tumepata nini? Kwanza, Wakristo wengi wa kidesturi wanauelevu ndogo juu ya kile ambacho Biblia hufundisha kuhusu utendaji wa Roho Mtakatifu, thawabu hii ya ajabu ambayo huja kwa ajili ya kile alichotenda Kristo, na ndio ishara ya kwanza kwamba kuna jambo fulani limetokea katika maisha yetu. Pili, wengi wa waume kwa wake wawa hawa, hushikilia hisia vuguvugu kwa Yesu kwa sababu ya kutoelewa yale Biblia inafundisha kuhusu hali halisi ya mioyo yao. Je! Ni nini chanzo cha fikira hii mbovu?
 
Tunapochunguza kwa makini misingi ya mawazo ambayo imesababisha dhana hizi potofu, ninaamini tutapata kwamba mizizi ya shida hii iko kwa fikira mbovu kuhusu kile kinachohitajika kwetu kuishi katika uhusiano wa kukubalika na Mungu. Mara nyingi tutaona kwamba Wakristo wa kawaida (natumia neno hili kwa maana yake ya kawaida) wanashikilia maoni ya juu sana na hatari kuhusu mada hii. Inaonekana kuwa haieleweki, hasa unapozingatia garama kubwa aliyolipa Kristo kwa ajili ya dhambi zetu, kwamba wengine bado wanaweza kudhani kwamba kwa ujumla kanuni fulani ya rehema, au hata mbaya zaidi, kwamba kupimwa kwa matendo yetu mema dhidi ya mabaya ni sababu za kutosha kuwezesha ubinadamu ulioanguka kupata haki ya kuingia katika uhusiano mwema na Mungu.
 
Je! Yatosha kujihesabu mtu mwema iwapo haujafanya uhalifu wowote katika jamii? Au hata kufikiria kwamba ijapo mtu anaweza kukiuka maagizo ya Mungu, huwa si kila mara, na kwa kawaida yake, yeye hudanganywa kufanya hivyo? Mtu anapofikiria kwa njia hii, haiwezekani kwamba kujitathmini kwake kwa matendo mema au mabaya kutatokea vyema. Mtu kama huyo hakatai uwepo wa Yesu. Kwa kweli yeye daima hutumia jina Lake katika sala na kujitahidi kudhihirisha kwa kiwango fulani kufuata kile anachoamini kuwa tabia ya Kikristo. Lakini mtu huyo ataonekana kuwa haelewi kwamba ukombozi katika Kristo unahusu nini.
 
 Wengine huenda zaidi kidogo katika mawazo yao. Wana maoni fulani kuwa ni yale ambayo Kristo amefanya ndiyo hutufanya kukubalika kwa Mungu. Lakini maoni yao hayahusishi kujitolea, au hata jukumu lolote la kibinafsi. Ni kana kwamba kifo cha Yesu kilibadilisha asili ya ulimwengu wa maadili na sasa Mungu amelegeza msimamo zaidi anavyokabiliana na dhambi. Wanafikiria kwamba iwapo hawatatenda dhambi sana, na waishi tu maisha mazuri, watafika mbinguni.
 
Najua kuna hatari ya kusema kile kinachoendelea moyoni mwa mtu mwingine. Ninajua pia kuwa ujanja wa lugha unaweza kuunda kutokuelewana. Lakini kwa wale wanaoelewa mafundisho ya Biblia juu ya masomo haya, sio ngumu kubaini kuwa mara nyingi hata wale wanaotumia lugha nyinginezo sahihi hawategemei kazi ya ukombozi ya Kristo au neema ya Mungu kama vile wanavyotegemea juhudi zao wenyewe kufikia maoni yao wenyewe kuhusu kinachohitajika ili kuishi katika uhusiano sahihi na Mungu. Umakinifu wao ni juu ya mafanikio yao wenyewe, sio kwa Yesu Kristo na dhabihu yake.
 
Tukiwa na fikira kama hii, ni vigumu kabisa kuona upungufu wa juhudi zetu wenyewe au ukosefu wa uwezekano wa kutimiza kikamilifu wajibu wa neno la Mungu. Tunajiumbia udanganyifu ambao utatuzuia kukubali ukosaji wetu wenyewe na hali yetu ya kutojiweza. Hatujatambua kwamba hatujiwezi pasina Mungu. FIKIRA HII MBOVU YOTE NI MATOKEO YA KUSHIKILIA DHANA POTOVU KUHUSU KANUNI ZA KIMSINGI ZA KIKRISTO.4
 
Ukristo wa kweli ndio njia ya wake kwa waume waliopotoka zaidi kuingia katika uhusiano sahihi na Mungu kwa msingi wa ukweli kwamba "wakati tulipokuwa bado wenye dhambi, Kristo alikufa kwa ajili yetu" (Rom 5: 8, KJV). Wamechanganyisha matokeo ya kuwa sawa na Mungu na mbinu ya kuwa sawa Naye. Ni mara tu tunapokuja chini ya msalaba na mikono iliyowazi na kulilia rehema na neema ya Mungu, na kuzaliwa upya kupitia ujazo wa Roho Mtakatifu, ndipo tunaweza hata kuanza kuishi maisha ambayo Mungu anatuitia. Wengine wanaonekana kudhani kuwa Kristo amewawezesha kuwa na haki mbele ya Mungu kwa sababu kifo chake kwa njia moja au nyingine kimewapunguzia vigezo vya Mungu hadi kwa kiwango cha utendaji wao. Na Katika kuchanganyikiwa kwao, watawaambia wengine kuwa eti huu ndio ujumbe wa injili.
 
Matokeo ya kosa kama hili la kimsingi ni wazi. Wale ambao wanafanya kazi chini ya mfumo huu watashindwa kufikia hali yao ya kweli. Watakosa shukurani kwa yote ambayo Kristo amefanya na anaendelea kufanya ili wapatanishwe na Mungu. Ni kama wameweka mpango na Mungu kwa njia hii; "Nitafanya sehemu yangu na kisha Unanikubali." Wanapokutana na wale ambao wanaona hawastahili upendo wa Mungu kuwaliko, ujumbe wao ni moja ya mabadiliko ya tabia ili kuwa Mkristo. Hawawezi kuwasilisha ujumbe wa biblia kwa usahihi kwamba kinachohitajika ni kujiachilia kabisa kwa yale ambayo Kristo amefanya kwa niaba yao ili kuwatwalia msamaha na uzima.
 
Nina matumaini kuwa iwapo nitaendelea kujirudia rudia juu ya suala hili, itakuwa rahisi kwako kuelewa ninachomaanisha. Hili ni jambo la moyoni. Mungu huona moyo wako na anajua unapomtumaini akusamehe. Kufikia sasa natumai unaona jinsi fikra potofu za nyakati zetu zimefanya watu wasimpende yesu ipasavyo na wasijali kuhusu kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu, na ambazo zinaangaziwa na Ukristo wa kidesturi katika taifa letu la leo. Yaonekana kuwa ni maelezo yanayojidhihirisha yenyewe kuhusu hali ya mambo. Ikiwa tutapata nguvu ambazo kanisa la kimitume lilifurahiya, lazima, kama mtume Paulo, tuwe na tabia, "Nami sitajivunia ila msalabani wa Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo" (Wagalatia 6:14).
 
Natumai hautakosea kile ninachosema hapa. Nina hakika kuwa siku ambayo tutasimama mbele ya Kristo, tutagundua kwamba kuna wengine ambao wanaelewa mambo haya na kuyathibitisha lakini ambao maisha yao haionyeshi ushahidi wowote kwamba Kristo ameibadilisha. Imani ya kweli daima huthibitishwa na maisha yaliyobadilishwa. Kwa hakika hii ndio Kristo alimaanisha aliponena juu ya wale wanaochukua jina Lake na bado siku ya mwisho watasikia maneno haya ya kutisha: "Siwajui. Ondokeni kwangu enyi watendao maovu. (Math.7: 23).
 
Wakati ukweli huu wote unapojengeka, tunaona kinachohitajika kwetu: utegemezi kamili wa upatanisho wa Kristo na uwezo wa kuishi maisha yanayompendeza Yeye, yanayowezeshwa kwa kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu maishani mwetu; kujisalimisha kwake Kristo, sio tu kama Mwokozi, bali pia kama Bwana wa maisha yetu; azimio la kujifunza kutoka kwa Biblia na kuishi maisha ya utiifu kwa amri za Kristo.
 
Natumai sijaifanya hii kuwa wa kutatanisha zaidi. Sikuanza kuandika mambo haya kwa njia iliokusudiwa wote wapatekuelewa. Lakini cha mno ni: Hali halisi ya moyo wako ni gani? Kwa wanyenyekevu wa moyo, kumtumainia Kristo kikamilifu kwa haya yote sio shida. Bali kwa wale ambao mioyo yao imefunikwa na kiburi pamoja na ujuaji wao, vitu kama hivyo vinaweza kuonekana kuwa vya upumbavu. Kwa kweli, hivyo ndivyo alivyosema Paulo. Hekima ya Mungu inadhaniwa kuwa upumbavu kwa mawazo duni ya wanadamu. Wenye moyo rahisi hawawezi zuiliwa katika kuelewa mambo haya kwa kupotoshwa na tamaa au uzuri na uvuto wa ulimwengu huu. Hawawezi kupotoshwa na shughuli na raha za maisha kirahisi. Wanaouwezo zaidi wa kumwitikia Kristo kwa unyenyekevu, toba na uaminifu. Labda hawataweza kuingia zaidi katika mijadala kuhusu asili ya mihemko, lakini wanaweza kuhisi upendo kwa familia zao, marafiki na nchi yao.
 
Kuna wale ambao pia wanashikilia kwamba hata ingawa kifo cha Kristo na utendaji wa Roho Mtakatifu inapaswa kuchukuliwa kama vyombo vya kimsingi vya imani yetu, lakini ni zaidi ya uelevu wetu hivi kwamba tunapaswa kuelekeza mawazo yetu kwa mambo hayo ambayo tunaweza kuelewa vyema. Yaani wanamaanisha mafundisho ya injili kwa vitendo na kwa maadili. Hoja yao inaonyesha kwamba ni mambo haya ya utendeti ndiyo tunayoweza kujua na kwa hivyo ndiyo tunapaswa kuzingatia katika umakinifu wetu. Wanapunguza injili kuwa mfumo tu wa maadili na wanapunguza umuhimu wa siri za Biblia. Bila shaka wameshikilia kile Milton aliita:
 
Ubatili mtupu, na falsafa potovu!
 
Kwa wale wanaojaribu kupunguza imani kwa mfumo wa maadili, tunawajibu kwa maneno haya ya Yesu: "Kazi ya Mungu ni hii: kumwamini yule aliyemtuma" (Yohana 6:29). Hoja dhidi ya imani halisi ni ngumu sana na pia bado ni rahisi kwa sawia, inashangaza jinsi mtu anaweza shikilia misimamo kama hio. Wengine wanaweza kusema kwamba hatupaswi kuchukua muda wetu mwingi kuzingatia mambo ya mbinguni ambayo hata hayana manufaa katika maisha halisi. Ama kweli hiyo haikuwa mtazamo wa mitume katika Agano Jipya. Watu hawa waliwahimiza wasikilizaji wao kila wakati kuhudhuria mafundisho ya imani. Soma nyaraka. Angalia ni mara ngapi mafundisho fulani ya imani yanasemwa na kufanywa kiini cha uandishi. Pia angalia namna mambo ya asili ya maadili na tabia mara nyingi yanaunganishwa na mafundisho haya kama matokeo ya imani. Unapoona utangulizi wa muundo huu katika barua, lazima utafikia hitimisho kwamba Ukristo unaodhihirishwa na wengi ni dini isiyo ya maandiko.6
 
Wacha tuyalete haya sasa katika maisha yetu wenyewe. Je! Tumejiweka kikamilifu katika neema ya Mungu na kazi ya Kristo? Je! Tunazingatia hizi kuwa ndizo chanzo pekee cha tumaini maishani? Je! Tunazidi kumpenda Bwana na kutumia fursa zote zinazotolewa na Yeye kukuza upendo wetu? Nadhani tunapaswa kusujudu kwa unyenyekevu mbele ya kiti cha enzi cha Mungu katika maombi na kutafuta msamaha na neema tuliyopewa na Yesu. Nadhani tunapaswa kumwuliza Mungu kuunda ndani yetu roho ya toba ya kweli na imani isiyogawanyika katika Yesu Kristo. Nadhani tunapaswa kujitahidi kila wakati katika vitu hivi kiasi cha kwamba haturidhiki mpaka tumpende kikamilifu. Nadhani tunapaswa kuomba kwamba tutajawa na furaha na amani na tumaini kupitia kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu maishani mwetu. Nadhani tunapaswa kusoma Biblia kwa bidii ili upendo wetu uwe na mizizi na mantiki. Tunapotafakari juu ya shauku ya Bwana na tunapomwabudu katika sala na sifa, tunapaswa kujaribu kukuza uwepo wa Yesu daima.
 
Haina maana kuwa na jina Mkristo bila kushikamana na Kristo. Yesu sio hirizi ya kichawi ya kuvaliwa kama kipande cha vito vya mapambo tunachofikiri kitatupea bahati nzuri. Yeye ni Bwana. Jina lake litaandikwa mioyoni mwetu kwa njia yenye nguvu kiasi cha kwamba itatusababisha tuwe na amani Yake na sifa zilizojaa moyoni.
 
 
 
 
 
Vidokezo
1. Tacitus, Agricola, bk. 30
2. Ovid, Metamorphoses, bk. Mistari 7 20-21.
3. Horace, Ars Poetica, mistari 180-181
4. Wilberforce anaweka sentensi hii kwa herufi kubwa.
5. John Milton, Paradise Waliopotea, bk. 2, mstari 565.
6. Wilberforce anasisitiza neno "lisilo la Kimaandiko."
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