Catholics do not worship statues—Lwanga OH! Really

Lwanga said Catholics use holy images to recall important people or situations. PHOTO by Juliet Lukwago

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” (Exodus 20:4)

http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/630374-catholics-do-not-worship-statues-lwanga.html

Publish Date: Apr 16, 2012

By Juliet Lukwago

The Archbishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has clarified that Catholics do not worship statues, but instead use them to reflect on their saintly life and behaviour.

He said Catholics use the holy images, paintings and other artistic devices to recall persons or things depicted.

“Just as it helps one to remember one’s mother or father by looking at her or his photograph; images also help Christians to recall saints by looking at their pictures or statues,” Lwanga said on Sunday.

The church leader was showing hundreds of followers parts of the remains of Sr. Faustina Krakow of Poland, the witness of the Devine Mercy which were brought from Poland by Rev Fr. Achiles Mayanja.

Fr. Mayanja, the administrator of Lubaga Cathedral, had just returned from a pilgrimage in Poland, the the home country of the late Sr. Faustina.

Lwanga declared Rubaga Cathedral Parish the home of the Divine Mercy in Kampala Archdiocese and urged believers to make an effort there and reflect on and venerate Jesus Christ.

The prelate was at Lubaga Cathedral during a holy mass to celebrate the day of Divine Mercy (Jesus Christ) on which he conveyed God’s great message through Sr. Faustina Kraków of Poland to the world.

The message was a revelation of the pattern of Christian perfection based on trust in God.

Faustina, who is now a saint, was born on August 25, 1905 in Gogowiec in Poland in a religious peasants’ poor family and she died at a tender age on December 5, 1938. She was the third of ten children.

Throughout her life, she reported a number of visions of Jesus Christ and conversations with Him, which she wrote about in her diary and was later published as a book diary titled Divine Mercy in My Soul.

Lwanga said the use of images of Christ and the saints in the Catholic faith is misunderstood by many. “It does not only show their lack of knowledge about the use of these items, but also ignorance of what the Bible says.”

“The people who accuse Catholics of adoring images should consult those who are knowledgeable in their respective religions before making such criticisms and other comments about the Catholic Church and other peoples’ religions,” he said.

He gave an example of a Ugandan woman singer who sarcastically sang a song titled Nsonyiwa Father , which according to Lwanga, belittles and despises the Catholic religion as far as the Sacrament of Penance, is concerned.

“Why do some people find pleasure and pride in despising other peoples’ religions?” Lwanga sounded firm.

The prelate stressed that images and pictures help Catholics to reflect on Jesus Christ Himself and his saints just as one would look at a picture of his or her beloved one or parent and vividly remember as if that person was still living

His justification was clear: “God has never banned the religious use of statues.”

The function was attended by hundreds of Christians from 54 parishes that form the Kampala Archdiocese.

—Kizito Michal George Library, April 16 2012

Mchungaji atamka dawa ya mashoga na wasagaji ni kuuawa!!

Mchungaji Charles L. Worley wa Providence Road Baptist Church, North Carolina, amezua gumzo baada ya video yake kusambaa mtandaoni akielezea jinsi ya kufanya kutatua tatizo la mashoga kwenye jamii…wawekwe kwenye uzio wa umeme waachwe mpaka kufa”

“Build a great, big, large fence — 150 or 100 mile long — put all the lesbians in there,” do the same thing for the queers and the homosexuals and have that fence electrified so they can’t get out…and you know what, in a few years, they’ll die out…do you know why? They can’t reproduce!”

Kweli hata kama hatupendi kuona mashoga na wasagaji wakiendelea na vitendo hivyo, Hii kauli ya mchungaji si sahihi kutumika. Dawa pekee ya kuuwa dhambi ni kumpokea Bwana Yesu Kristo. Article Here!

Utafiti wa kisayansi uliogundua sauti za wanadamu wanaoteseka kuzimu

Kikundi cha wanajiolojia watafiti

Katika makala haya, tutaangalia jinsi wanasayansi wa kawaida, tena ambao walikuwa hawaamini  kabisa kwamba kuna Mungu au shetani, katika utafiti wao ambao haukuwa na uhusiano wowote na masuala ya rohoni, walijikuta wanagundua mambo ambayo yaliwatia hofu hadi wengine kukimbia kazi. Waliweza kusikia waziwazi sauti za vilio vya mateso kutokea katikati ya dunia! Sauti hizo walizirekodi; na mwisho wa makala haya utaona anwani inayoweza kukupeleka kuzisikia sauti hizo za kutisha na kusikitisha mno, mno!!

Ni nani ambaye hajasikia habari za kwamba wanga huenda baharini, wakatupa mayai viza kisha malango yanafunguka nao wanashuka hadi kuzimu? Bila shaka habari hizi si ngeni masikioni mwa wengi wetu? Ni mambo ambayo ni rahisi kuaminika katika ulimwengu wa kawaida lakini unapoyaongelea kwa mtazamo wa Biblia, hapo watu wanaanza kukosa imani na kudhani kuwa si za kweli.

Makala haya yanatokana na habari ambayo iliandikwa katika gazeti la Ammennusatia la kule Finland katika toleo lake la Julai 1989.

       Sehemu ya gazeti

Kikundi kimoja cha wanajiologia (wana elimu ya miamba) wa Kirusi walikuwa katika mradi wa kutoboa tundu katika eneo la Kola, karibu na Murmansk; maili takriban 150 kaskazini mwa Duara la Aktiki, nchini Siberia. Watafiti hao waliweza kutoboa tundu ardhini lenye urefu wa kilometa 14.4 kwenda chini.

Dr Azzacov, ambaye alikuwa ndiye meneja wa mradi alisema kuwa wakati wa kutoboa, ghafla drili ilianza kuzunguka bila utaratibu, hali iliyoonyesha kwamba drili imefika kwenye sehemu iliyo na uwazi.

“Taarifa tunazokusanya ni za kushangaa sana, kiasi kwamba kwa kweli tumeingiwa na hofu maana hatujui kile tunachoweza kukikuta huko chini,” alisema Dr Azzacov. 

“Jambo la pili lililotushangaza lilikuwa ni kiwango cha joto tulichokigundua katikati ya dunia. Mahesabu yanaonyesha kuwa joto hilo lilikuwa takribani nyuzi 1,000 za Selsiasi,” aliongeza kusema Dr Azzacov. “Hii ni zaidi ya kile tulichotegemea. Inaonekana ni kama moto wa jehanamu unawaka kwa nguvu sana humo ndani, katikati ya dunia!”

“Ugunduzi wa mwisho ndio uliokuwa wa kushitua sana masikioni mwetu kiasi kwamba wanasayansi wana hofu kubwa ya kuendelea na mradi huu. Tulikuwa tukijaribu kusikiliza mjongeo wa dunia kila baada ya muda fulani kwa kutumia vinasasauti vya hali ya juu sana (supersensitive microphones), ambavyo tulikuwa tukivishusha hadi chini kupitia kwenye tundu tulilotoboa.”                                                                                 

Dr Azaccov anaendelea kueleza kwamba, “Kile tulichosikia, wanasayansi hawa ambao wamezoea tu kuamini mambo yanayoleta mantiki akilini, kiliwafanya kutetemeka kwa hofu kubwa mno!  Wakati mwingine hicho tulichokisikia kilisikika kwa sauti ya chini lakini kali ambayo mwanzoni tulidhani inatokana na vifaa vyetu.”                                                                                                                 

“Lakini baada ya kuvirekebisha, tulibaini kwamba zilikuwa ni sauti zilizotoka katikati ya dunia kabisa. Hatukuamini masikio yetu. Tulisikia sauti ya mwanadamu akipiga kelele kwa maumivu. Japokuwa sauti moja ilikuwa inasikika kwa uwazi zaidi, tuliweza kusikia kwa nyuma sauti za maelfu, na huenda mamilioni ya watu wakilia kwa mateso na maumivu.

“Baada ya ugunduzi huu wa kutisha, nusu ya wanasayansi waliachana na mradi huo kutokana na hofu. Ni matumaini yangu kuwa hicho kilichoko huko chini kitabia hukohuko,” aliongezea Dr Azzacov.

“Na kilichowamaliza kabisa nguvu hawa wanasayansi wa Kisovieti, mbali na hizo sauti walizozisikia, ilikuwa ni kutokea usiku uleule kwa gesi inayong’aa kutoka kwenye tundu lile walilokuwa wamelitoboa; na katikati yake alijitokeza kiumbe mwenye mabawa kama ya popo pamoja na maneno yaliyokuwa yameandikwa kwa Kirusi ‘Nimeshinda’.”

Baada ya mkasa huo, Dr Azzacove alisema, “Mimi kama mkomunisti, siamini juu ya mbingu au Biblia, lakini kama mwanasayansi, hivi sasa naamini juu ya kuwapo kwa kuzimu. Ni kweli tuliogopa sana kutokana na ugunduzi huo. Lakini tunajua fika kile tulichokiona na kukisikia. Tunaamini kabisa kuwa tulitoboa tundu kwenye lango la kuzimu yenyewe!”

MAELEZO YANGU MIMI JIMMY

Hili lilikuwa ni tukio ambalo liliwatokea watu ambao hawaamini kabisa habari ya Mungu. Wengi tunakumbuka kwamba kabla ya kusambaratika kwa Urusi ya zamani, ambayo ilikuwa ni dola kubwa ya umoja wa nchi za kisovieti, itikadi ya kisiasa ya dola hiyo ilikuwa ni ya kikomunisti ikiongozwa na falsafa za akina Marx, Lennin, Angels na Stalin.

Wao waliamini katika uyakinifu (materialism), yaani kwamba mwanadamu pamoja na ulimwengu wote ni kile tu kinachoonekana kwa macho au kuthibitika kisayansi. Suala la Mungu, shetani na chochote cha kiroho kwao kilikuwa ni uzushi. Na yeyote aliyejaribu kueneza itikadi za kidini, alishughulikiwa na dola ipasavya.

Karl Marx, kwa mfano , alisema, “Religion is an opium dose of the people.” – kwamba, “Dini ni dozi ya afyuni (dawa za kulevya) kwa watu.” Hii ikimaanisha kwamba dini ni kama ulevi wa kupumbaza akili za watu na kuwafanya wasiendelee.

Kwa hiyo, haingewekana kabisa wakomunisti hawa waanze kueleza mambo ya rohoni ambayo maishani mwao mwote, tangu wakiwa watoto, waliaminishwa kwamba hakuna Mungu wala shetani, kama anavyokiri Dr Azzacov mwenyewe kwenye maneno yake ya mwisho.

Sasa je, ugunduzi wao huo uliowajia bila kutegemea una uhusiano wowote na Biblia?

Biblia inasema kwamba Yesu amepewa heshima kubwa na Mungu: “… ili kwa jina la Yesu kila goti lipigwe, la vitu vya mbinguni, na vya duniani, na vya chini ya nchi.” (Wafilipi 2:10). Chini ya nchi hapa ni kuzimu!

Katika kuongelea kuhusu kupaa kwa Bwana Yesu, maandiko yanasema: “Basi neno hilo, Alipaa, maana yake nini kama siyo kusema kwamba yeye naye alishuka mpaka pande zilizo chini za nchi?” (Waefeso 4:10). Pande zilizo chini za nchi hapa ni kuzimu!

Je, Yesu alienda kufanya nini huko?

Biblia inasema kwamba Yesu alipoteswa: “… mwili wake akauawa, bali roho yake akahuishwa, ambayo kwa hiyo aliwaendea roho waliokaa kifungoni, akawahubiri.” (1 Petro 3:18-19). Yesu hakuhubiri tu duniani, bali kwa zile siku tatu alizokaa kaburini, alienda kuwahubiria wale wote waliokuwa wamekufa tangu Adamu hadi wakati huo Yeye alipokufa.Kifungoni hapa ni kuzimu!

Maandiko haya matatu (japo yapo na mengine), yanatuonyesha kwamba ni kweli chini ya dunia ndiko iliko sehemu inayoitwa kuzimu; ambayo ndiyo makao ya shetani na mapepo au majini; ambako watu wanaokufa katika dhambi wanaenda kuanza mateso wakisubiri siku ya mwisho wa ulimwengu.

HITIMISHO

Licha ya kwamba kuzimu kuna mateso makali yasiyoelezeka, lakini ukae ukijua kwamba kuzimu si jehanamu! Kuzimu ni makao ya shetani na majini wake leo; lakini jehanamu ni moto ambako mashetani au majini pamoja na watenda dhambi wote watatupwa na Bwana Yesu baada ya mwisho kabisa wa ulimwengu.

Biblia inasema hivi: Na yule Ibilisi, mwenye kuwadanganya, akatupwa katika ziwa la moto na kiberiti. (Ufunuo 20:10).

Pia imeandikwa: Mauti na kuzimu zikatupwa katika lile ziwa la moto. Hii ndiyo mauti ya pili, yaani hilo ziwa la moto. Na iwapo mtu yeyote hakuonekana ameandikwa kwenye kitabu cha uzima, alitupwa katika lile ziwa la moto. (Ufunuo 20:14-15).

Sasa, kama kuzimu tu kuna mateso yasiyoelezeka, je jehanamu itakuwa vipi?

Biblia inasema: Ni jambo la kutisha kuanguka katika mikono ya Mungu aliye hai. (Waebrania 10:31). Hii ni kwa sababu wanaoangukia mikononi mwa shetani wanaweza kupata fursa ya kuokolewa; lakini ukiangukia kwa Mungu mwenyewe, ni nani tena wa kukuokoa??

Ndugu unayesoma makala haya, pokea wokovu wa Bwana Yesu muda ungalipo, maana Biblia inasema “Wakati uliokubalika ni sasa” (si leo)! Nimeshasema mara kadhaa, dini haina wokovu; NI YESU PEKE YAKE ANAYEOKOA! Dini bila Wokovu wa Yesu ni maagizo tu ya wanadamu.

Habari za Dr Azzaccov na timu yake unaweza kuzisoma mwenye mtandaoni kwenyewww.diggsjourney.com. Hata hizo sauti za watu wanaoteseka kuzimu ambazo walizirekodi zimo humohumo; ni vizuri uzisikilize!!

Karibu kwenye makala nyingine kama Bwana Yesu atakuwa bado hajarudi.

–James Lue

Wachungaji na Mitindo ya Mavazi

Tulishawahi kujadili hapa http://strictlygospel.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/mchungaji-wa-kanisa-na-miradi/ kuhusu wachungaji wanaojihusisha na biashara tofauti na kazi waliyoitiwa. Hivi karibuni Mchungaji maarufu Ed Young amefungua label yake ya kuonesha ubunifu wa mavazi yake, kuhusu uchaguzi wa mashati ya kuvaa na jinsi ya kutengeneza kola. Pastor amepania kuona watu wanakuwa smart.

Mchungaji huyo amesema alipokuwa akizindua mtandao wake wa PastorFashion.com kwamba ni mahali wachungaji wanaweza kupata uzoefu wa jinsi ya kujiweka sawasawa. Alisema alipokuwa akizindua mtandao wake huo.

Kwa wanaojulikana kwa aina ya uvaaji wao ni pamoja na pastor Jamal Brynt kwa muonekano wake nadhifu akiwa anafundisha madhabahuni, kwetu Afrika Mashariki naamini wachungaji wapo siyo wa-congo peke yao wanaojua kupangilia mavazi.

Ni pamoja na Mwalimu Christopher Mwakasege.

Muimbaji wa nyimbo za Injili kuimba nyimbo za mapenzi?

Marvin Sapp ni muimbaji wa Injili anayependwa na kutokana na nyimbo zake zenye kumsifu Mungu album yake ya mwisho kufanya I WIN imemfanya awe na mafanikio na kuinuliwa zaidi. Lakini kwa sasa anaongea na vyombo vya habari kusema anataka kutoa nyimbo za mapenzi kuanzia.

Hivi hii imekaaje? nyimbo za mapenzi zina shida gani zikiimbwa na waimbaji wa injili? Nakumbuka muimbaji wa Injili aliwahi kuimba wimbo mzuri MAISHA YA NDOA kutoka kwenye album yake ya kwanza Jipe moyo. Sikiliza wimbo wa Flora Mbasha

Kwanini wewe ni Mkristo?

Nina maswali kwa wakristo wenzangu, kuna wengine wanajiita ni wakristo, lakini hawana majibu kwanini wao ni wakristo, katika kutembea tembea kwangu huko mitaani nimekutana na majibu yafuatayo.

1. Nilizaliwa ni mkristo,
2. Mimi ni mtu mzuri, nasali sana
3. Wazazi na ndugu zangu ni wakristo
4. Nimechaguliwa na Mungu
5. Kabila langu ni Mkristo
6. Watu wengi ni wakristo
7. Nimechaguliwa kumfuata Yesu
8. Dini ni nzuri kwa jamii
9. Siwezi kuondoka kwenye dini yangu
10. Namwamini Mungu mmoja

Je wewe, kwanini unajiita Mkristo?

Mambo ya bahati nasibu

Biblia imeandikaje?

Mithali 16:25 “Iko njia ionekanayo kuwa sawa machoni pa mtu; Lakini mwisho wake ni njia za mauti”

Siku zote kuna jinsi ya kujihusisha na dhambi au kusababisha dhambi katika dunia hii, kiasi kwamba ni ngumu kutambua kwamba unajiingiza maeneo hayo!!!

Tusome haka kakipande,

Mathayo 25:14 -30 “ Tena, Ufalme wa Mbinguni ni kama mtu anayetaka kusafiri, akawaita watumishi wake na kuweka mali yake kwenye uangalizi wao ili kuitunza na kuizalisha.  Mmoja akampa talanta tano mwingine talanta mbili na mwingine talanta moja, kila mmoja alipewa kwa kadiri ya uwezo wake. Kisha yeye akasafiri kwenda mbali. Yule aliyepewa talanta tano akaenda mara moja akafanya nazo biashara akapata talanta nyingine tano zaidi. Yule aliyepewa talanta mbili akafanya vivyo hivyo, akapata nyingine mbili zaidi. Lakini yule mtumishi aliyekuwa amepokea talanta moja,alikwenda akachimba shimo ardhini na kuificha ile fedha ya bwana wake. Baada ya muda mrefu yule bwana wa wale watumishi akarudi na kufanya hesabu nao. Yule mtumishi aliyepokea talanta 5 akaja, akaleta nyingine zaidi. Akasema, ‘Bwana uliweka kwenye uangalizi wangu talanta tano. Tazama, nimepata faida talanta 5 zaidi. Bwana wake akamwambia, ‘Umefanya vizuri sana, mtumishi mwema na mwaminifu. Umekuwa mwaminifu kwa vitu vichache, nitakuweka kuwa msimamizi wa vitu vingi. Njoo ushiriki katika furaha ya bwana wako. Yule mwenye talanta 2, naye akaja. Akasema, `Bwana, uliweka kwenye uangalizi wangu talanta 2. Tazama nimepata hapa faida ya talanta mbili zaidi.’ Bwana wake akajibu, Umefanya vizuri sana, mtumishi mwema na mwaminifu, umekuwa mwaminifu kwa vitu vichache, nitakuweka kuwa msimamizi wa vitu vingi. Njoo ushiriki katika furaha ya bwana wako. Kisha yule mtumishi aliyepokea talanta 1 akaja, akasema, ‘Bwana, nilijua kwamba wewe ni mtu mgumu, unayevuna mahali usipopanda na kukusanya mahali usipotawanya. Kwa hiyo niliogopa, nikaenda, nikaificha talanta yako ardhini. Tazama, hii hapa ile iliyo mali yako. Bwana wake akajibu, Wewe mtumishi mwovu na mvivu! Ulijua kwamba ninavuna mahali nisipopanda na kukusanya mahali nisipotawanya mbegu. Vema basi, ingekupasa kuweka fedha yangu kwa watoa riba, nirudipo, nichukue ile iliyo yangu na faida yake? Basi mnyang’anyeni hiyo talanta mkampe yule mwenye talanta kumi. Kwa maana kila mtu mwenye kitu ataongezewa, naye atakuwa navyo tele. Lakini kwa mtu yule asiye na kitu, hata kile alicho nacho atanyang’anywa Nanyi mtupeni huyo mtumishi asiyefaa nje, kwenye giza, mahali ambako kutakuwa na kilio na kusaga meno.

Kwa maneno hayo juu japokuwa Bwana Yesu alikuwa akizungumzia juu ya hukumu ya mwisho, kutengeneza mambo, mafundisho yake pia yanatufanya tuone jinsi gani anawasiliana nasi kwenye maisha yetu ya kila siku.

Kwenye karama (fedha) zilitolewa kwa watu watatu, watumwa wawili walitumia kutengeneza faida lakini Mtumwa “mbaya” na “mlegevu”  aliifukia au kuificha pesa yake, haikuzaa chochote kama alivyopewa ilirudi  vile vile, pongezi, malipo, walipewa wale wengine wawili baada ya watatu kuonekana hakufanyia kazi kile alichokuwa nacho!!

Hapa tunaona jinsi Bwana Yesu alivyo mtu wa faida, au kufanya kazi kwa bidii. Tunajifunza kutokaa tu na kusubiri vya bure bure, tunajifunza kuchagua mipango mizuri ya kutuingizia faida na mipangilio inayoeleweka. Faida siyo neno baya ila jinsi gani unaipata hiyo faida!! 

Wale watumwa wawili wametumia walichopewa na kufanya kazi yenye faida ambayo ilipokelewa vyema na bwana wao.Wewe tangu umeanza kucheza bahati nasibu umeongezewa ngapi? zaidi ya kujitabiria umaskini? hauna tofauti na yule mtumwa mwovu na mvivu!!

Wafilipi 4:19 ” Na Mungu wangu atawajazeni kila mnachohitaji kwa kadiri ya utajiri wake, katika Utukufu ndani ya Kristo Yesu“

Mwisho

Bahati nasibu ni kucheza kamari, Imani yako ijenge kwa Mungu sio kwa “kubahatisha” Mungu haitaji wewe ucheze sana bahati nasibu ili akubariki hayo mamilioni, na ndio maana siku akirudi kutuchukua hakuna cha bahati nasibu au mwenye kupata apate mwenye kukosa akose kuurithi uzima wa milele.

Tufanye kazi kwa bidii, kwa mipangilio mizuri yenye kutupa faida huku tukimsubiri Bwana atimize ahadi zake kwetu!!

 

Bwana katoa bali shetani katwaa!

Wadau embu tutafakari huu usemi mwingine tunaopenda kuutumia ambao tumeutoa katika maandiko lakini sijui kama tumeutafsiri ipasavyo na tunautumia kiusahihi. Akasema, Mimi nilitoka tumboni mwa mama yangu nili uchi, nami nitarudi tena huko uchi vilevile; BWANA alitoa, na BWANA ametwaa; jina la BWANA na libarikiwe. (AYU. 1:21 SUV).

Maneno haya ya Bwana ametoa, Bwana Ametwaa, libarikiwe Jina la Bwana aliyasema Ayubu baada ya kupoteza kila kitu. Swali langu kubwa kwanza je, Ayubu aliposema hivi alikuwa sahihi maana ukiisoma hiyo sura nzima utakuta ni shetani ndo alienda kusabababisha janga lote alilokutana nalo Ayubu la kupoteza watoto na mali. Sasa Ayubu kwa kutojua nini hasa kimetokea katika ulimwengu wa roho akasema Bwana Ametoa, Bwana Ametwaa libarikiwe Jina la Bwana. Napata shida kukubaliana na hili maana naona kama tafsiri ya haya maneno ya Ayubu inakinzana na maneno ya Bwana sehemu zingine katika maandiko.

Kwa sababu karama za Mungu hazina majuto, wala mwito wake. (RUM. 11:29 SUV).

Sasa kama karama au zawadi za Mungu na wito wake hauna majuto, kwa Ayubu alijutaje na kumnyanganya?

Ni kweli Bwana alitoa na Bwana akatwaa au ilikuwa tafsiri ya Ayubu ya hali aliyokuwa amepitia. Nikiangalia kwa makini mkasa mzima naona ni Bwana katoa bali shetani katwaa.

Andiko lingine ninaloona linakinzana na hilo ni hili lifuatalo:

Kila kutoa kuliko kwema, na kila kitolewacho kilicho kamili, hutoka juu, hushuka kwa Baba wa mianga; kwake hakuna kubadilika, wala kivuli cha kugeuka-geuka. (YAK. 1:17 SUV).

Hapa ninaona Mungu akitoa hageuki wala habadiliki. Ilikuwaje sasa kwa Ayubu akageuka kumyanganya na akambadilikia ghafla?

Je inawezekana ndo sababu kwanini baadaye Ayubu alikemewa na Mungu na kurekebishwa mtazamo? Yeye mwenyewe alikiri kuwa Mungu alikuwa anamsikiaga tu lakini baada ya jaribu akawa amemwona Mungu na baada ya kuelewa vizuri akarejeshewa mara mbili ya alivyonyanganywa na adui.

Sasa kama Ayubu alikuwa na shida ya tafsiri ya hali aliyokuwa anaipitia hata akasema Bwana Ametoa, Bwana ametwaa wakati kiukweliii ni Bwana Alitoa ila shetani alitwa sisi tunatumiaje hayo maneno mtu akifa kuwa Bwana alimtoa na Bwana amemtwaa!

Fikiria hapo mtoto mdogo anayepotelewa na baba yake au mama yake au wote wawili kwa ajali ya gari, kwa kuuawa na majambazi, kwa ugonjwa mbaya, kulogwa nk, kwenye msiba anasikia Mchungaji anasema Bwana Ametoa, Bwana Ametwaa, je ndani ya huyu mtoto haijengeki picha kuwa Mungu ni mkatili sana kumnyanganya wazazi wake wakati alikuwa anawahitaji sana. Mbona Mungu twamtwika hata vitu asivyohusika jamaani?

Embu tusaidiane wadau!

–Pastor Carlos Kirimbai

Kusomea kumtumikia Mungu!

Watu wanaoenda kusomea huduma mbali mbali za kanisa ni wengi. Kuna maoni ya wengine wanaona hakuna umuhimu wa kusomea uinjilisti, uchungaji au huduma za kanisa. Wengine wanaona kusoma ni muhimu sana hasa kutokana na jamii inayotuzunguka.

Na tumeona Mungu akiwatumia wengi ambao hawajaenda shule, katika historia amefanya hivyo na hata sasa bado anafanya. Pia kuna wengine wamesoma na bado Mungu amewatumia katika kazi yake.

Je, kipi ni muhimu kutokana na mtazamo wako!

The Difference Between Natural Talents and Spiritual Gifts

Those Christians Sure Talk Funny
In the many years before I was a Christian, I used to hear believers talk about their ‘spiritual gifts’. They would describe their ability to sing or teach or perform a certain task, and for the life of me, these abilities just sounded like ‘natural talents’. I came to the conclusion that those wacky Christians just had a language all their own and a strong desire to see everything as a gift from God when it could more easily be described in natural terms. Now that I’m a Christian myself, I’m beginning to realize that there are a number of abilities that have either emerged or blossomed in my own life. Were these just latent talents, or is there something to this ‘spiritual gifting’ stuff? Maybe it’s time to take a second look at the issue of ‘spiritual gifts’ and compare them to what we used to think of as ‘natural talents’.

It All Comes From God Anyway
Now, even before we start to look at the differences between ‘gifts’ and ‘talents’, we need to recognize that they all come from the same source. If we accept the premise that an all-powerful God is the creator of all matter and life, then it is reasonable to assume that abilities that ultimately emerge in our lives (even if we are quick to attribute them to genetics or environment), must ultimately come from the source of genetics and environment: the God who created everything in the first place! We can squabble over whether something is a talent or a gift, but we need to be careful, as thoughtful Christians, not to exchange the two words as if they had identical meaning. They don’t.

So What Are They?
Everyone has some sort of natural talent. You may not think that you are particularly talented, but if you take a closer look at yourself, you’ll discover that there is some ability that you possess that is stronger than all the rest. Sure, there may be someone out there who is better at that particular thing, but that’s not the point; you also have an increased ability in this area relative to your other abilities. Maybe you’re a better athlete than musician, or maybe you’re a better artist than mathematician. You know where you are talented and where you are not.

But how do you know if that ability you are considering is a ‘natural talent’ or a ‘spiritual gift’? Well, maybe we should start by looking at what the Bible has to say about spiritual gifts. Paul describes spiritual gifts in three places:

1 Corinthians 12:7-11
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

Romans 12:3-8
For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Ephesians 4:10-12
He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 

Now some Christians look at these verses and wonder if the ‘gift list’ described here is exhaustive. Are these the only abilities that are actually ‘spiritual gifts’? Are there any more? Well, considering the fact that Paul wrote these three letters to three different groups of believers and did not routinely repeat the same list of gifts, it’s probably safe to assume that there are additional spiritual gifts that are NOT listed here. So the question is, what are the differences between natural talents and spiritual gifts, and how might we recognize a spiritual gift when we see one?

There Are a Few Important Differences
Now I’m sure that there are a number of theologians who might disagree with each other when talking about talents and gifts, but there are a number of differences that seem obvious and clear. Let’s take a look at the major differences:

#1 Talents Are Inherited / Gifts Are Received
This is perhaps the biggest and most important difference. Natural talents are those abilities that are simply inherited from one’s parents and nurtured in the context of one’s family. We all know people who are talented and come from a long line of family members who share the same talent. If one member of such a family does NOT possess that talent, they typically will say something like, ‘I didn’t get the (insert talent here) gene”. Natural talents are just that: ‘natural’! They can be attributed to the natural genetic material that exists within all of us and is passed down from generation to generation. Spiritual gifts, on the other hand, come directly from the Spirit of God; that’s why they are called ‘gifts’ in the first place! The “Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.” Natural talents are imparted at our natural birth; spiritual gifts are given when we are born again.

#2 Talents Are Possessed by the Saved and Unsaved / Gifts Are Possessed by the Saved
Everyone, whether they are a believer or a non-believer, has some sort of talent, but only believers have spiritual gifts. The Spirit of God resides in each and every believer, and “God has allotted to each a measure of faith,” and an ability that transcends our natural talents. Because the Spirit of God is the source for spiritual gifts, we shouldn’t be surprised that those who have God’s Spirit residing in them (those who are saved), would have more than natural talent; believers also have gifts of the Spirit:

The Word of wisdom
The word of knowledge
Faith (extraordinary trust and surrender)
Gifts of healing
The effecting of miracles
Prophecy
The distinguishing of spirits
Tongues
The interpretation of tongues
Service
Teaching
Exhortation
Giving
Leadership
Mercy
Apostleship
Evangelism
Pastoral care

There are a number of spiritual gifts listed here that sound a lot like natural talents. After all, don’t you know a non-Christian who is a talented leader or teacher? Nonbelievers can be very talented in some of these areas without having been given a gift of the Spirit. But in addition to the gifts that sound like talents possessed by nonbelievers, there are others on the list that seem specific to the lives of believers. Believers have many natural talents, but in addition to these talents, they are also gifted by God.

#3 Talents Are Developed and Expected / Gifts Are Matured and Surprising
Let’s say you are a talented leader and you then become a Christian. If God decides to use you in some role of leadership, you just may find your talent is greatly multiplied when God also gives you the spiritual gift of leadership. You may now discover that your leadership skills are above and beyond anything you were capable of doing prior to being saved. God has a tendency to surprise us in this way. We can all develop our natural talents with hard work and perseverance; we practice and train and along the way we can achieve the expected results. Spiritual gifts, on the other hand, are increased as we mature in our relationship with God:

Ephesians 4:14-16
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

When we have been gifted by God to accomplish something, we should expect the unexpected. As we mature in our relationship with God, he will surprise us by gifting us beyond our natural talent.

#4 Talents Can Be Used Selfishly / Gifts Are Used to Serve God’s Purposes
The Bible clearly tells us that spiritual gifts are given to us for a specific reason. While we may find ourselves using our natural talent to serve our own selfish interests and desires, spiritual gifts have been given to us by God “for the common good” and to the glory of God; they are given to us so that we can give them back to God as we serve his purpose of building the family of believers. Spiritual gifts are given to us so that ALL of us can perform “the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ”. That’s why ALL of us are gifted in some way by God. We’re not supposed to sit and watch the pastor do the work, we are supposed to get out and utilize the gifts that God has given us.

Natural talents are the result of our genetic inheritance and the training that results from our family environment. They are possessed by both believers and non-believers, and they can be used to serve God or serve ourselves. Spiritual gifts are given to us by the Spirit of God once we have been saved. They blossom as we mature in our faith and they are used to glorify God as we serve others and build the family of God.

OK, Give Me An Example
Let’s take a look at an example from Old Testament that will help us understand the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. Moses gives us a glimpse of how God can use our talents, grow our gifts, and overcome our limitations. Let’s join the story of Moses in the Book of Exodus:

Exodus 2:11-15
Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brethren and looked on their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. So he looked this way and that, and when he saw there was no one around, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. And he went out the next day, and behold, two Hebrews were fighting with each other; and he said to the offender, “Why are you striking your companion?” But he said, “Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and said, “Surely the matter has become known.” When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well.

Moses clearly had a natural inclination to act aggressively (maybe even a bit impulsively) as he quickly intervened in this situation. He also demonstrated a natural desire for leadership and justice as he sought to right the wrong perpetrated against the Hebrew slave. But it’s also interesting to hear one of the Hebrews later accuse Moses of wanting to be a ‘prince or judge over’ them. Perhaps they saw that Moses’ wanted to use his natural talents to serve himself in some way (or maybe they’re just accusing him without justification). Whatever the case may be, we also get to see one of Moses’ natural limitations as he succumbs to his fears and his natural sense of self preservation, fleeing to the land of Midian. Once he is there, he gets a chance to meet and speak with God at the ‘burning bush’:

Exodus 3:7
And the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians…

Isn’t it interesting that God came to Moses and began the discussion in an area that was of interest to Moses? God began the conversation with Moses’ natural concern for justice? God knew Moses’ talent and inclination and he was going to use this talent (along with a few additional gifts!). Moses and God then began what I refer to as the “Talent/Gift Conversation”:

Exodus 3:10-11
“Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” 

God knew that Moses had the raw natural talent to get the job done and He alone also knew that He would give Moses the rest of the gifting required to complete the task. Unfortunately, Moses wasn’t privy to this information! So as God told Moses what he was going to do through him, Moses was probably measuring his own natural talent and finding himself a bit limited…

Exodus 4:1
Then Moses answered and said, “What if they will not believe me, or listen to what I say? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’”

God then reassured Moses by demonstrating some of the signs that he would also perform in front of Pharaoh. Moses was not all that reassured:

Exodus 4:10
Then Moses said to the LORD, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” 

There you have it. Moses told God, in no uncertain terms, that he simply didn’t have the natural talents required to do what God wanted to do. But God would have none of that. He simply responded by telling Moses that this was not a matter of natural talent; this was a matter of spiritual gifting:

Exodus 4:11-12
And the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? “Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” 

God told Moses that He would gift him with the ability to speak and articulate God’s message. God would give Moses the spiritual gifts of prophecy and leadership. But Moses still wasn’t convinced…

Exodus 4:13
But he said, “Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever Thou wilt.” Moses was still not convinced that God would give him an ability that he didn’t already possess. Moses knew his own natural talents, and he simply couldn’t imagine that God could give him a spiritual gift. That didn’t please God, who ultimately told Moses he could bring his brother to help him in Egypt:

Exodus 4:14-16
Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. And you are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and it shall come about that he shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be as God to him.” 

God told Moses that He could take Aaron along on the trip. Moses knew that Aaron had the natural talent of communication, but even at this point, Moses had to trust that God would give him spiritual gifts that he didn’t already have. This meeting at the bush marks an important moment in Moses’ life. There is no doubt that Moses may have heard about God from his father-in-law in Midian, but now Moses is a true believer. He’s met God and heard his voice. The Spirit of God now resides in Moses and his gifting is assured.

You probably know how the story turns out (if not, take a minute and read through the Book of Exodus from Chapter 4 to Chapter 14, you’ll be glad you did). Moses and Aaron returned to Egypt and ultimately confronted Pharaoh over and over again as they demonstrated the power of God through the plagues and miraculous events performed by God. As you read the narrative, watch how Aaron and Moses develop their gifts. Moses began by letting Aaron talk to the elders of Israel to tell them what would happen. Not only did Aaron do all the talking, Aaron also did all the miracle working.

Exodus 4:29-31
Then Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the sons of Israel; and Aaron spoke all the words which the LORD had spoken to Moses. He then performed the signs in the sight of the people. So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped. 

When things didn’t go well initially, Moses was filled with doubt. He questioned God several times in the early going and even continued to remind God that he simply didn’t have the talent needed to persuade Pharaoh. But God had already gifted Moses as a prophet, even if Moses wasn’t aware of this fact:

Exodus 7:1-2
Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall speak to Pharaoh that he let the sons of Israel go out of his land. 

Moses was 80 years old during all of this. He knew the talents he had possessed in those 80 years and never imagined that God would now give him a spiritual gift beyond his natural abilities. But that is exactly what God did. Moses did exactly as God commanded him and grew in confidence. Aaron did all the talking at first, but by the time Pharaoh was ready to let the Jews leave Egypt, Moses was the man in charge. He spoke fearlessly to Pharaoh toward the end; Moses seemed to be completely transformed. He was no longer the cowering man who tried to convince God to use someone else. His gifts had now been exposed and he was confident of his new abilities. Toward the end of the confrontation with Pharaoh, Moses was the man who was doing all the talking and all the miracle working. God was using Moses through the new gifts that he had given him:

Exodus 11:3
And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Furthermore, the man Moses himself was greatly esteemed in the land of Egypt, both in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people. 

Moses had matured into the man that God knew he was all along and was now comfortable with his spiritual gifts. From this point on, it was Moses who did all the talking and leading. When it was time to tell the Jews about the Passover, Moses addressed them on his own. In fact, Aaron’s role began to diminish as Moses grew in faith and in the confidence of his gifting. By the time that the Jews are allowed to leave Egypt, Moses was the singular voice of God. Finally, when the Jews were chased to the edge of the Red Sea and complained to Moses that they were about to die, Moses responded in the confidence made possible by his new gifting:

Exodus 14:13
But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.” 

Moses had been transformed. He probably knew he had some natural talents, but I bet he never imagined he would have the spiritual gifts necessary to do what he did.

That’s the Difference
The world around us is becoming more and more secular. As a result, nonbelievers are quick to reject the idea that spiritual gifts exist at all. When I was a child, I was part of a program that existed for those students who were academically advanced in one way or another. It was called the “Gifted Program”. Our classes were listed with a “G” following the title so that people would know that this particular class was more challenging than the ordinary course offerings. By the time that my own kids were in school, the title for this program had change. It was now called the “Academically Talented” Program. Classes were now labeled with “AT” following the title. Think about that shift for a minute, because it is an important one. It’s not just a matter of political correctness; it’s a fundamental shift toward naturalism. Our emerging culture is more and more inclined to deny the existence of God and as we shift in this direction, we should expect that people will see all personal abilities as simple natural talents that have resulted from genetics and environment (nature and nurture).

But as Christian, we ought to know the difference. We ought to know how talents and gifts work. We recognize that natural talents and predispositions are passed down to us and nurtured in our family. And we expect that we can improve our talents if we work hard and practice. But we also know that spiritual gifts come from a supernatural source; they surprise us. We find ourselves doing things that we never expected, or we find ourselves doing what we used to do with unexpected effectiveness. God is now with us, empowering us to do and be more than we ever thought we could do or be. We find ourselves engaged in His work instead of just our own, and our efforts are no longer all about us; they are all about Him. As Christians, we ought to know the difference between living as a ‘natural man’ and living as a ‘spiritual man’, and we ought to know the important difference between ‘natural talent’ and ‘spiritual giftedness’.

–Rev Jim Wallis

Freemasons ni wengi tu japo hawajijui!

Nywele bandia (mawigi, rasta) ni za wamasonia,  nguo zote za ajabu (vibode,vitop,nguo za kubana kwa jinsia zote) ni wamasonia, Haki za wanawake kutoka BEIJING ni wamasonia, Ala na vyombo vya miziki ni wamasonia na kunengua majukwaani na ndombolo za YESU ni wamasonia, Mitindo ya unyoaji nywele,uvaaji heleni na kusuka nywele kwa vijana pamoja na kuvaa mikufu kwa vijana wa kiume ni wamasonia, Mashoga, mamiss,”wachungaji wanawake” ni mipango ya wamasonia, Mahakama ya THE HAGUE pamoja na haki za binadama ambazo ni kinyume na sheri za mmiliki wa kila kitu (GOD) ni wamasonia kwa namna moja ama nyingine wanachama wa wamasonia ni wengi japo hawajijui.

–Mutta

Umuhimu wa kwaya kanisani

HISTORIA YA UIMBAJI NA MUZIKI

Uimbaji asili yake ni mbinguni (Eze 28:13-15). Tutakapofika mbinguni tutaendelea kumwimbia Bwana (Ufu 15:2-4; Ufu 5:9-10).
Hapa duniani nyimbo na muziki vilianza zamani sana baada ya kuumbwa kwa Adamu na Hawa “…na jina la nduguye  aliitwa Yubali; huyo ndiye baba yao wapigao kinubi na filimbi.”(Mwa 4:1-21).

UMUHIMU WA KWAYA KATIKA KANISA

Kwaya ni kikundi cha watu wanaoimba pamoja(na kupiga vyombo vya muziki). Kwaya ni kiungo muhimu katika Kanisa kinachofanya huduma ya uimbaji. Wapo wanakwaya wenye vipaji vya uimbaji, sauti za kuvutia na uwezo wa kutunga nyimbo  mpya. Kanisa ni mwili wa Kristo wenye viungo vingi; na kila kiungo kina kazi. Kiungo hiki (Kwaya) kikitimiza vizuri wajibu wake, Kanisa litahudumiwa (1 Pet 4:10-11).

Kwaya ni muhimu ndio maana hata katika Agano la Kale walikuwepo watu maalum waliowekwa kufanya huduma ya uimbaji (1Nya 6:31-32). Maneno ya nyimbo yana nguvu kubwa. Yanaweza kubadili hali ya huzuni kuwa ya furaha na moyo mgumu kuwa laini. Mtu mwenye udhaifu anaweza kusikia nguvu na uzima kwa nyimbo. Daudi alipopiga muziki roho mbaya ilimwacha Sauli (1 Sam 16:23).  Tunasoma pia kwamba siku moja Sauli aliingiwa na ghadhabu, chuki na kumwonea Daudi wivu baada ya kusikiliza maneno ya nyimbo (1 Sam 18:6-9).

Nyimbo tunazosikiliza (redioni, katika kanda,  nk) kama hazina maneno yenye maadili mazuri, mioyo yetu inaweza kuchafuliwa na kutufanya twende kinyume na mapenzi ya Mungu.

Nyimbo zinavuta nguvu na uwepo wa Mungu (2 Nya 20:21-22; 2 Fal 3:15-16). Paulo na Sila waliomba na kuimba nyimbo za kumsifu Mungu, hatimaye milango ya gereza ikafunguka (Mdo 16:25-26).

AINA ZA NYIMBO

Nyimbo nyingi zinaangukia katika makundi yafuatayo:

1. Nyimbo za mafundisho/maonyo (Kol 3:16).

2. Nyimbo za faraja

3. Nyimbo za mahubiri (Isa 48:20).

4. Nyimbo za sifa/shukurani/maombi

5. Zipo pia nyimbo za upuzi (Amo 6:5). Mungu hapendi nyimbo za upuzi.

Biblia inatuagiza kuimba “kwa akili”  yaani tuimbe huku tukiwa na ufahamu wa nyimbo tunazoimba (Zab 47:6-7; 1 Kor 14:15). Kwa sababu hiyo, wanakwaya wanapaswa pia kujua nyimbo wanazoimba zina maana gani au lengo lake ni nini. Zinahubiri au zinafariji? Zinajenga au zinabomoa? Vinginevyo wanaweza kujikuta wanaimba nyimbo za upuzi au zisizokuwa na maana.

Kama wewe mwenyewe huelewi yale unayoimba, unafikiri wale wanaosikiliza wimbo wako wataelewa? Sio rahisi.

MADA ZA NYIMBO
Wimbo unaweza kuwa na mada (topic) moja au zaidi. Lakini wimbo wenye mada moja ni mzuri zaidi. Kwanini?

1. Wimbo wenye mada moja mara nyingi unaanza kwa utangulizi, baadaye unaelezea mada yenyewe na kisha unatoa hitimisho, kwahiyo ni rahisi kukumbuka ujumbe wa wimbo huo.

2. Unakuwa na ufafanuzi wa kutosha. Beti 3 au 4 zinazungumzia mada moja tu kwa kuifafanua.

Mada ya wimbo inaweza kumlenga mtu mmoja au watu kadhaa:

• Waliobatizwa

• Mvulana na msichana waliotangazwa kwamba ni wachumba

• Maharusi – waliofunga ndoa (Zab 78:63) nk.

• Watu ambao hawajaokoka (wanaosikiliza mkutano wa Injili).

“KUMECHISHA”

Neno hilo linatumika kuelezea jinsi mtu alivyovaa mavazi yanayofanana rangi. Mtu anaweza kumwambia rafiki yake: “Aisee, leo umependeza! Umemechisha vizuri sana – kuanzia kichwani hadi miguuni!”

Wakati wa ibada, kwaya inaweza pia “kumechisha” nyimbo zake na mahubiri au tukio la siku hiyo. Kwa mfano, kama mada ya mahubiri ni “Faida za wokovu”, kwaya itafute wimbo unaozungumzia wokovu na kuuimba kabla au baada ya mahubiri. Wakati wa mkutano wa Injili, ili “kumechisha,” pambio kama hii inafaa kuimbwa” ”Akina baba njoni, akina mama, njoni, nanyi vijana njoni, mje muokolewe…”

Wimbo kama huu ufuatao haufai kuimbwa na kwaya wakati mwinjilisti anapokuwa amemaliza kuhubiri mkutano wa Injili: ”Sio kila mtu asemaye ameokoka, ataingia mbinguni. Siku ile watasema, ‘tulikuwa wahubiri’, watakataliwa.”

Siku moja mahali fulani kwaya ilikaribishwa iimbe wimbo ili kukamilisha mahubiri  ya siku hiyo. Mahubiri yalikuwa mazuri sana lakini bahati mbaya kwaya ile iliimba wimbo “usiomechi” na mahubiri yale: ”.. toa kwanza boriti katika jicho lako mwenyewe ndipo utoe kibanzi katika jicho la ndugu yako.” Tuimbe kwa akili na pia  “tumechishe”!

Ili kwaya iweze kila mara kufaulu kumechisha inahitaji kuwa na nyimbo nyingi, zenye mada mbalimbali. Ni vizuri kila somo katika Biblia liwe na wimbo wake. Yaani ziwepo nyimbo zinazozungumzia wokovu, utakatifu, amri za Mungu, neema, msamaha, ubatizo, ndoa, watoto, utumishi, uinjilisti, maombi nk, nk. Je, kwaya ya Kanisa lako ina nyimbo ngapi? Sulemani alikuwa na nyimbo zaidi ya 1000 (1 Fal 4:29-32).

JINSI YA KUPATA WIMBO/MADA MPYA

Watu wengi wanapenda vitu vipya. Kiatu kipya, gauni jipya, nyumba mpya, vyombo vipya nk. Vivyo hivyo watu wanapenda kusikia nyimbo mpya. Lakini je, ni rahisi kwaya au watunzi wa nyimbo kupata nyimbo mpya kila mara?

Mambo yafuatayo yanaweza kukusaidia kupata nyimbo au mada mpya.

1. Ukisikia sauti ya wimbo (melody) moyoni mwako fanya haraka kuirekodi kwenye kanda (kama una radio cassette na microphone) ili usisahau.

2. Soma Biblia, soma vitabu vya Neno la Mungu. Hudhuria vipindi vya mafundisho. Mada unazozipata zitungie nyimbo. Nyimbo zinazotungwa kwa njia hii ni nzuri kwa sababu zinalingana na Neno la Mungu.  Sio rahisi watu kuzikosoa kwamba haziendani na Biblia.

3. Unaposafiri, unapokuwa sokoni nk, sikiliza yale yanayosemwa, tazama yanayofanyika kisha uyatungie nyimbo (za maonyo, za ushauri nk) kulingana na Neno la Mungu.

4. Mwombe Mungu akupe wimbo mpya. Mungu anaweza yote.

Unapokosa maneno ya kuweka katika wimbo sio vizuri kujaziajazia tu maneno au sauti zisizo na maana ili wimbo uimbike!

UPIGAJI WA VYOMBO VYA MUZIKI

Maneno ya nyimbo yanavutia sana yanapoambatana na upigaji mzuri wa vyombo. Biblia inatuagiza tupige kwa ustadi (Zab 33:3). Kila inapowezekana tuwe tayari kujiunga na shule za muziki au kujifunza kwa wale wanaojua ili tuweze kupiga vyombo kwa ustadi. Siku hizi kwenye mtandao kuna masomo mengi ya muziki yanayotolewa bure kuhusu jinsi ya kupiga gitaa, kinanda, jinsi ya kusoma noti za muziki(notation) nk. Tuwe tayari kuyatafuta.

Biblia inasema tusiifuatishe namna ya dunia hii (Rum 12:2a). Hata katika uimbaji na upigaji wa vyombo hatuna haja ya kuifuatisha namna ya dunia hii. Haimpi Mungu utukufu ukisikia mtu anasema: “Kwaya hii imeimba wimbo unaofanana na wimbo wa yule msanii wa muziki kule Marekani (ambaye hajaokoka).” Tunaye Mungu anayeweza kutusaidia kupiga vyombo kwa ustadi. Tumtegemee.

Vyombo vya muziki vinasaidia kubeba ujumbe. Kwahiyo fundi mitambo wa Kwaya ni vizuri ahakikishe kwamba sauti za vyombo hazizidi zile za waimbaji. Vinginevyo watu watasikia tu vyombo na kukosa ujumbe.

MITINDO YA UIMBAJI

Kuna mitindo mbalimbali ya uimbaji. Wengine wanaimba huku wamesimama wima, wengine wanaimba huku wamekaa, na wengine wanaimba huku wakionesha ishara mbalimbali kwa mikono na miguu yao. Mitindo ya uimbaji ni mizuri iwapo tu inasaidia kufikisha ujumbe kwa wahusika. Huduma ya uimbaji sio “show.” Hatuimbi ili kuwaonesha wengine kwamba sisi tuna mitindo mizuri ya kuimba. Kwahiyo kwa mfano, kama wimbo una maneno yafuatayo: ”Dunia inaangamia. Watu hawamchi Mungu, asubuhi mpaka usiku watu wanakunywa pombe, wanafanya uzinzi, wanapigana. Tuwaombee wasiangamie…” sio vizuri kuuimba wimbo huo kwa mitindo ya shangwe na nyuso zilizojaa furaha. Sio vizuri kwa sababu sio jambo linalofurahisha kuona watu wanaangamia.

UTAKATIFU KATIKA UIMBAJI

Huduma ya uimbaji ni muhimu iendane na maisha ya utakatifu. Mizaha wakati wa mazoezi ya nyimbo haifai. Mizaha ni dhambi (Mit 26:19, 19:29; Zab 1:1).
Kuimba bila utakatifu ni kelele mbele za Bwana (Amo 5:12, 22-23).

Wanakwaya ni walimu. Wanalifundisha Kanisa. ”Basi wewe umfundishaye mwingine, je! hujifundishi mwenyewe? Wewe uhubiriye kwamba mtu asiibe, waiba mwenyewe? Wewe usemaye kwamba mtu asizini, wazini mwenyewe?…” (Rum 2:21-24).

UMUHIMU WA KUIOMBEA KWAYA

Ni muhimu kuiombea kwaya bila kukoma. Pasipo Mungu Kwaya haiwezi kufanya hayo tuliyojifunza katika somo hili (Yn 15:5). Kwahiyo basi tuwaombee viongozi wa kwaya, walimu wa kwaya, wapigaji wa vyombo nk. Tukemee roho ya kiburi na mafarakano isipate nafasi katika kwaya. Tuwaombee watunzi wa nyimbo, Bwana awape nyimbo mpya zenye ujumbe mzuri. Tuviombee vyombo vya kwaya visiharibike. Tuwaombee wanakwaya wawe na bidii ya kumtumikia Mungu kwa uimbaji (Rum 12:11).

—Mwl Christopher Frank

Tabasamu!

Tabasamu ni kitu muhimu sana katika maisha ya mwanadamu, maana husaidia kuficha mitazamo mingi ya watu.

¤ Tabasamu hukusaidia kunyamazisha maneno ya watu yaliyojaa uvumi na uongo.
¤ Pia Tabasamu husababisha afya nzuri mwilini mwako, mwandishi wa mithali anasema “Moyo uliochangamka ni dawa nzuri bali roho iliyopondeka huikausha mifupa (Mithal 17:22).
¤ Kutabasamu mara kwa mara kunakufanya kuishi kwa muda mrefu hapa duniani.
¤ Kutabasamu kutakufanya kuepukika na msongamano wa magonjwa mbalimbali na hivyo kuifanya afya yako kuwa salama.
¤ Kutabasamu kutakufanya uwe na mafanikio mengi.. Mfano. Utafanikiwa katika kazi zako, kupendwa na watu pamoja na kufanyika Baraka kila unapokanyaga, kuwa na amani wakati mwingi,
¤ Pia kupitia Tabasamu unaweza pata Mchumba, Scholarship, kazi nzuri n.k

¤¤¤ Hivyo basi ukutanapo na msongamano wa mawazo yenye kuhatarisha maisha yako jitahidi sana kukaa katika hali ya Kutabasamu. Maana Moyo wa furaha huchangamsha uso bali huzuni ya moyo roho hupondeka..

¤ Jitahidi sana kutabasamu unapokutana na watu mbalimbali.. Maana majibu mazuri ya mtu husababishwa na Tabasamu lake.

GOD BLESS YOU.

–Revocatus Kahigi

Je, unafahamu uzuri wa Mbinguni?

Mpendwa msomaji, kwanza pole sana na shughuli nyingi za kila siku. Ninajua kwamba muda wako ni mchache sana, kutokana na shughuli zako nyingi. Hata hivyo ninakuomba muda wako mfupi tu, ili tuzungumze juu ya jambo muhimu ambalo nimeona kwanba ni vema nikushirikishe. Je umekubali ombi langu? Natumaini umelikubali. Asante sana. Basi ninakusihi tufuatane pamoja katika mazungumzo haya.

Huenda utakuwa umewasikia watu wengi waliofiwa na ndugu, jamaa au marafiki zao wapendwa, wakisema, ”Mungu waweke mahali pema peponi“. Jambo hili linadhihirisha jinsi kila mmoja wetu anavyoamini kwamba kuna mahali pema peponi yaani mbinguni. Na tena inaonyesha jinsi sisi sote na jamaa zetu tunavyopenda kwenda huko. Je,wewe una shauku ya kwenda mahali pema peponi au mbinguni, baada ya kuiaga dunia hii? Najua wewe pia una shauku ya kwenda mbinguni siku moja. Hata hivyo, shauku yako itaongezeka zaidi utakapokuwa na ufahamu wa kutosha kuhusu uzuri wa mbinguni. Peponi au mbinguni, ni wapi na kukoje? Peponi au mbinguni, kuna uzuri usioweza kufananishwa. Tukifahamu jinsi mbinguni kulivyo kuzuri, kila mmoja wetu atazidi kuwa na shauku ya kufika huko siku moja. Tufuatane basi ili upate ufahamu wa kutosha kuhusu mbinguni au peponi.

Peponi au mbinguni ni wapi na kukoje? Mbinguni au peponi, ni juu sana, mbingu ya tatu. Biblia inasema katika 2 WAKORINTHO 12:2-4, ”Namjua mtu mmoja katika Kristo,…Mtu huyo alinyakuliwa juu mpaka mbingu ya tatu. Nami namjua mtu huyo,…ya kuwa alinyakuliwa mpaka Peponi…“ Mbingu ya tatu ni wapi? Mbingu ya kwanza, ni hii iliyo na mawingu yanayoleta mvua, na mawingu mengine. Ni anga hili lililo juu ambalo sehemu yake huonekana kwa macho ya kawaida. Ndege au eropleni zote zinazobeba abiria, huruka katika mbingu hii ya kwanza. Mbingu ya pili, ni mbingu iliyo mbali zaidi yenye sayari na nyota zote, Sayari zilizoko katika mbingu ya pili, ni pamoja na Zebaki, Zuhura, Mars, Mshtarii, Zaharii, Uranus, Neptune, na Pluto. Sayari nyingine ziko mbali sana. Kwa mfano, umbali wa dunia yetu kutoka kwenye jua ni maili 93 milioni (kilometa 148,800,000). Lakini umbali wa sayari ya pluto kutoka kwenye jua ni maili 3,666 milioni (karibu kilometa 5,900 milioni). Nyota ziko nyingi sana, zinakisiwa kufikia bilioni 400. Nyota ziko mbali sana na dunia yetu. Nyota iliyo karibu zaidi na dunia, iko karibu maili 26,000 bilioni (karibu kilometa 42,000 bilioni). Sasa basi, baada ya sayari zote hizi na nyota hizi, ndiyo tunafikambingu ya tatu. Mbingu ya tatu, au Peponi, kwa msingi huu ni kilometa mabilioni kutoka hapa duniani. Yesu Kristo alipopokelewa na wingu, na kupaa kwenda juu mbinguni ( MATENDO 1:9-11) alikwenda mbali sana kiasi hiki. Huko ndiko waliko watakatifu waliotutangulia.

Tupige hatua tena na kuangalia mambo mengine. Sasa je, mtu anapokufa, anasafirije kwenda mbinguni, mbali kiasi hiki? Hatupaswi kuogopa kifo, ikiwa tunaishi maisha yaliyo mbali na dhambi. Biblia inasema katika ZABURI 116:15, ”Ina thamani machoni pa Bwana, mauti ya wacha Mungu wako“. Kufa kwa watakatifu ni faida (WAFILIPI 1:21). Ni heri wafu wafao katika Bwana (UFUNUO WA YOHANA 14:13). Kufa kwa mtu anayeishi maisha yaliyo mbali na dhambi, ni mwanzo tu wa utukufu. Mtu anayeishi maisha yaliyo mbali na dhambi, anapokufa, roho yake humiminwa katika mwili mwingine wa roho unaoitwa mwili wa mbinguni, kama mafuta yaliyo katika chombo kibovu kinachovuja, yanavyoweza kumiminwa katika chombo kingine kilicho kizuri. Kufa, ni kumiminwa! Mtume Paulo aliyepata neema ya kuchukuliwa na kupelekwa mpaka mbingu ya tatu wakati wa uhai wake ( 2 WAKORITHO 12:2-4) ulipofika wakati wa kufariki kwake, alijua ni wakati mzuri wa kumiminwa. Kwa maneno yake, katika 2 TIMOTHEO 4:6, alisema, ”Kwa maana, mimi sasa namiminwa, na wakati wa kufariki kwangu umefika“.

Kuhusu miili ya mbinguni, Biblia inasema katika 1WAKORINTHO 15:40-41,44, ”Tenakuna miili ya mbinguni, na miili ya duniani, lakini fahari yake ile ya mbinguni ni mbali, na fahari yake ile ya duniani ni mbali. Kuna fahari moja ya jua, na fahari nyingine ya mwezi, na fahari nyingine ya nyota; maana iko tofauti ya fahari hata kati ya nyota na nyota…Ikiwa uko mwili wa asili, na wa roho pia uko“. Miili hii tuliyonayo ni mibaya sana. Ni kama vyombo vibovu. Fahari yake, yaani uzuri wa ile miili ya mbinguni ni zaidi sana kuliko miili tuliyo nayo. Miili ya mbinguni inang’aa mno na kupendeza sana. Mtakatifu anapokata roho, roho yake mara moja humiminwa katika mwili mzuri wa jinsi hii. Mtu akiwa katika mwili wa mbinguni, atapenda kujitazama wakati wote. Mwili huu hauna makovu wala ulema wala makunyanzi ya uzee! Baada ya mtu kuwa na mwili mzuri wa jinsi hii, huvikwa mavazi mazuri meupe sana yanayometameta sana. Weupe wa mavazi haya, ni weupe usio na mfano duniani (UFUNUO WA YOHANA 3:4-5;7:9; MARKO 9:2-3). Baada ya kuvikwa mavazi haya, mtu hufunguliwa mlango wa gari na malaika, na kuingizwa katika gari zuri sana lisilokuwa na mfano duniani. Yako mabilioni ya magari ya Mungu, yanayowasubiri watakatifu. Biblia inasema katika ZABURI 68:17, ”Magari ya Mungu ni ishirini elfu, maelfu maelfu“. Mtu huchukuliwa na malaika katika magari haya yanayoitwa magari ya moto, yanayoambatana na farasi wa moto na kuchukuliwa kwenda mbinguni kwa upepo wa kisulisuli (LUKA 16:22; 2 WAFALME 2:11).

Magari yanayoitwa magari ya kifahari yanayowabeba Marais na Wafalme duniani kama Mercedes Benz, BMW n.k.si kitu yanapolinganishwa na magari haya. Magari ya Mungu  hayatumii dizeli au petroli, bali huendeshwa na upepo wa kisulisuli, na huenda kasi sana. Kwa muda mfupi sana, mtu hufika mbinguni na kulakiwa na malaika wanaoimba nyimbo za shangwe. Hakuna mapokezi yoyote ya Rais au mfalme yeyote duniani, yanayolingana na mapokezi ya mtu anayeingia mbinguni, yanayofanywa na malaika.

Sasa tupige hatua nyingine. Mbinguni kwenyewe kukoje? Mbinguni ni nchi iliyo bora kuliko nchi yoyote duniani (WAEBRANIA 11:16). Waza juu ya nchi yoyote duniani inayowavutia watalii wengi kutokana na uzuri wake. Nchi hii siyo kitu ikilinganishwa na Peponi. Mbinguni ni kuzuri mno! Hakuna usiku wala mchana. Hakuna joto wala baridi. Jua au mwezi havitumiki kutoa mwangaza. Utukufu wa Mungu ndiyo nuru ya mbinguni (UFUNUO WA YOHANA 21:23-25). Neno ”Peponi“, linatokana na neno la Kiyunani, ”Paradeisos“, linalotafsiriwa pia, ”Paradiso“, na kwa tafsiri fasaha, lina maana ya ”bustani nzuri kubwa iliyojaa matunda mazuri“ na tena linamaanisha mahali palipojaa furaha na raha kuu isiyo na kifani (UFUNUO WA YOHANA 2:7; WAEBRANIA 4:1-11). Matunda ya miti iliyomo katika bustani hii isiyokuwa na mfano, ni pamoja na mti  wa uzima uzaao matunda aina kumi na mbili. Maisha mbinguni, ni pamoja na kula matunda haya katika bustani ya Mungu, na kupunga upepo wa raha kuu isiyo kifani, Paradiso (UFUNUO WA YOHANA 2:7; ).

Kipi cha ziada tena kuhusiana na mbinguni? Mbinguni, ni mji uliobuniwa na kujengwa na Mungu (WAEBRANIA 11:10-16). Miji yote ya dunia hii imebuniwa na kujengwa na wanadamu wenye upungufu wa ubunifu wa michoro, fedha, vifaa n.k. Mbinguni, ni mji uliobuniwa na Mbunifu Mkuu, Mungu mwenyewe mwenye uwezo wote. Hakuna mji kama huu duniani. Barabara zake siyo za lami, bali ni za dhahabu iliyo kama kioo kiangavu ambayo hakuna mfano wake duniani. Mtu anapotembea barabarani, hujiona kama katika kioo (UFUNUO WA YOHANA 21:21). Katika YOHANA 14:2, Yesu anasema, katika mji huu kuna ”makao“ mengi. Neno la kiyunani linalotafsiriwa hapa ni ”mone“, linalotafsiriwa katika kiingereza ”Mansion“, katika Biblia ya tafsiri ya King James Version. ”Mansion“, ni jumba kubwa la kifahari. Jumba la Meya wa Jiji la London, Uingereza (”Lord Mayor of London), linaitwa ”Mansion House“. Vivyo hivyo mbinguni, kuna makao mengi, au majumba mengi  ya kifahari. Kila mtu atakayeingia mbinguni, atapewa ”kao“, au ”jumba mojawapo la kifahari“, la kuishi. Kao lako linakusubiri! Majumba haya, hayakujengwa kwa tofali za sementi au udongo, bali kuta zake zimejengwa kwa madini ya aina nyingi. Biblia inasema katika UFUNUO WA YOHANA 21:18-20,  ”Na majenzi ya ule ukuta wake yalikuwayaspi, na mji ule ulikuwa wa dhahabu safi mfano wa kioo safi. Na misingi ya ukuta wa mji ilikuwa imepambwa kwa vito vya thamani vya kila namna. Msingi wa kwanza ulikuwa yaspi wa pili yakuti samawi; wa tatu kalkedoni; wa nne zumaridi; wa tano sardoniki; wa sita akiki; wa saba krisolith; wa nane zabarajadi; wa kenda (tisa) yakuti ya manjano; wa kumi krisopraso, wa kumi na moja hiakintho; wa kumi na mbili amethisto“.

Vito hivi au madini haya, yanafanya majumba ya mbinguni, yapendeze mno. Yaspi,ni madini yanayong’ara sana yenye rangi ya kijani iliyochanganyika na bluu. Yakuti samawi, ni mawe ya bluu, mazuri sana yenye ugumu unaofuatia madini ya almasi.Kalkedoni, ni aina ya madini mazuri sana yenye rangi aina nne  balimbali-nyekundu iliyochanganyika na njano, hudhurungi (brown) iliyochanganyika na nyeusi, bluu iliyochanganyika na nyeupe, na rangi ya maziwa. Zumaridi, ni madini yenye rangi ya damu. Krisolitho, ni madini yaliyo kama dhahabu, ila yana rangi aina ya kijani iliyochanganyika na njano, Zabarajadi, ni madini maangavu (yanayoona ndani), yenye  rangi ya bluu iliyochanganyika na kijani. Yakuti manjano, ni madini  mazuri yenye rangi ya njano na mchanganyiko wa kijani.Krisopraso, ni madini yenye rangi  tatu pamoja; njano, kijani, na bluu. Hiakintho, ni madini yenye rangi iliyochanganyika na njano. Amethisto, ni madini yenye rangi ya zambarau, yenye bluu na wekundu ndani yake.

Nini zaidi? Mwangaza wa mbinguni siyo kama wa duniani usio na rangi. Mwangaza wa mbinguni ni wa rangi ya yaspi yaani kijani iliyochanganyika na bluu (UFUNUO 21:11). Mavazi meupe ya wale walioko mbinguni, hubadilika  rangi mara kwa mara kutokana na rangi ya mwangaza na ya majengo hivyo kufanya watu wapendeze mno. Ndani ya makao ya mbinguni kuna fenicha za kifahari. Fenicha alizoagizwa Musa kuzitengeneza na kuziweka katika maskani, zilikuwa mfano tu wa fenicha za mbinguni(WAEBRANIA 8:5; KUTOKA 25:9-40). Chemchemi za maji na mito ya maji ya uzima inazunguka mji. Mbinguni kuna  kula na kunywa, hakuna mauti wala maumivu au taabu (LUKA 22:14-16, 29-30; UFUNUO 2:17; 21:4-5; 14:13). Kuna kuimba nyimbo za sifa, na vinanda (UFUNUO 14:2-3; 15:2-4). Ufahamu wetu utaongezeka (1WAKORINTHO 13:12). Kuna mengi zaidi yasiyotamkika katika lugha hii ya duniani (WAKORINTHO 12:4). Ni heri twende wenyewe kujionea. Tusikubali mume au mke kutuzuia kuingia mbinguni maana mbinguni hakuna kuoa au kuolewa (LUKA 20:34-36; MATHAYO 22:30).    

Ni sifa ipi ya kukuwezesha kuingia mbinguni? Ni utakatifu (WAEBRANIA 12:14). Ndani yake hakitaingia chochote kilicho kinyonge (UFUNUO 21:27). Kinyonge ni kipi? Ni yule anayetenda dhambi. Huyu ni mtu asiyefaa, Ni mnyonge! Je, wewe ni mtakatifu? Jibu ni la! Maisha yako yamejaa dhambi, pamoja na kusema una dini, hivyo wewe pia ni mnyonge, hufai kuingia mbinguni. Ukitubu leo dhambi zako zote kwa kumaanisha kuziacha, na kuifuata njia ya Yesu Kristo, ndipo utakapopata rehema ya kuingia mbinguni (MITHALI 28:13; YOHANA 14;6). Je, uko tayari kutubu sasa ili upate rehema hii? Najua uko tayari. Basi fuatisha sala hii ya toba kwa dhati kutoka moyoni,

”Mungu Baba, asante kwa ujumbe huu. Hakika mimi ni mnyonge, mwenye dhambi. Sistahili kuingia mbinguni. Natubu dhambi zangu zote kwa kumaanisha kuziacha. Kuanzia leo nataka niifuate njia ya Yesu Kristo.Bwana yesu, niwezeshe. Asante kwa kunisikia katika Jina la Yesu. Amen.“

Mpendwa msomaji umekubaliwa kuingia mbinguni. Ili uzidi kudumu katika utakatifu mpaka siku ya kuiaga dunia hii, hakikisha unahudhuria mafundisho katika Kanisa linalohubiri wokovu. MUNGU AKUBARIKI!!! 

Tunamuabudu Mungu yupi?

Hivi sisi wanadamu tunatambua njia ya kweli ipasayo kumuabudu Mungu aliyeziumba mbingu na nchi? Mimi nashindwa kupata jibu kamili kwani wasabato wanadai wako sahihi, Katoliki pia, Lutheran nao, na makanisa ya kilokole wanadai wengine hutumia nguvu za giza kuombea watu na viongozi kujitajirisha wenyewe.

Makanisa mengine wanaruhusu ushoga, waislamu nao ndo kabisaa na majini ndani ya misikiti, nabaki njia panda ni wokovu gani uliopo kwa mwanadamu na Mungu yupi huyo tunayemuabudu? Je ni heri nifanye Ibada ndani ya nyumba yangu na kutoa misaada kwa masikini na wasiojiweza na kutembelea watoto yatima? Niko njia panda naomba atakaye nijibu anipe evidence za Bible. Ahsante!

–Elifuraha Julius

Nilioa Muathirika wa HIV

Bwana Yesu asifiwe watumishi. kwanza naomba niwaombe radhi kwa kutokuweka jina langu hadharani kutokana na nafasi niliyonayo katika jamii. pili nimevutiwa sana na michango ya watumishi wa Mungu juu ya ndoa na talaka.

naomba nianze hivi, Haya ninayoyaandika hapa ni maisha yangu halisi. nilikutana na mke wangu miaka 10 iliyopita. wakati wa uchumba wetu sikuwahi kumgusa. wakati uchumba unaendelea tuliamua kwenda kupima H.I.V. bahati mbaya yeye alikutwa postive na mimi negative. kutokana na kuwa nilishamuhakikishia kumuoa na kutokana na IMANI yangu kuwa kubwa niliamua kumuoa. Wakati wa uchumba zilipatikana tetesi kwa ndugu zangu lakini niliamua kuwadanganya kwamba ni uongo. na kweli tulioana baada ya miaka minne. Baada ya mwaka ndani ya ndoa tulibahatika kupata mtoto. kwa sababu ailijifungua kwa operation kinga ya mwili ilishuka sana. Ndipo akaanza kuugua na hapo ndipo ndugu walipofahamu ukweli na ya kwamba niliwadanganya tokea mwanzo.

tulipopimwa mimi na mtoto tulionekana hakuna aliyeathirika. hapo kinga ya mke wangu CD4s zilishashuka mpaka chini ya 20. Ndipo akaanzishiwa ARV na kwa kweli yuko vizuri kwa sasa,ila shida yangu ilikuwa kwa sababu sikuweka imani kwenye ARV bali kwa Yesu Kristo niliona nisikutane nae tena mpaka Mungu aniambie kwa nini muujiza ulitendeka kwa mimi na mtoto lakini hakuamua kumponya mke wangu (kwenye mahusiano yetu ya kindoa hatukuwa tunatumia kinga kwa maana niliamini yeye ni Mzima katika Jina la Yesu.. Babu wa samunge alipoanza japokuwa mimi sikumuamini nilimwambia aende labda angekutana huko na Mungu.

Sasa kumbe wakati anaumwa si mnajua wapendwa maisha yetu ya kiafrica maneno mengi, sasa yeye kumbe akawa anaweka mambo moyoni na kujenga chuki kwa watu. Kwa bahati mbaya baada ya hali yake kuimarika uchumi wangu uliyumba sana. ilibidi niachie nyumba kubwa tuliyokuwa tumepanga na kuchukua nyumba ndogo kwa sababu familia yangu bado ni ndogo ili tuweze kuendana na uhalisia wa maisha. lakini yeye alikataa kuja nyumbani kwa sababu hakupenda kuishi katika nyumba hiyo ndogo tena yenye mkusanyiko wa wapangaji wengine(mwanzo tulikuwa tunaishi peke yetu). kwa hiyo akaamua kwenda kwa ndugu yake. Nilimshawishi mara sita lakini alikataa kuja mpaka nitafute nyumba ingine. Baada ya kuchoka nikaamua kuachana nae. kwa hiyo nikawashirikisha watu wakaribu na wakaona ni sawa.

Msaada ninaohitaji
1. Ndoa yangu na imani yangu vilikuwa sahihi?
2. Kwa matendo anayonifanyia mke wangu kumuacha ni sawa?
3. Kama sifanyi nae tendo la ndoa je hapo kuna ndoa?
4. Je? nikifanya nae tendo la ndoa imani yangu ni sahihi au namjaribu Mungu.
5. Kama uchumi wangu ukiimarika akija atanipenda kweli?
6. Kuna watu wanaamini kwamba ushirikina ulitumika kunifanya nimuoe akiwa HIV positive lakini mimi mpaka leo naamini nilikuwa timamu, hivi kama ni kweli alitumia ushirikina kulikuwa na ndoa hapo?

Watumishi samahani kwa kuwachosha na maelezo marefu lakini kwa kweli mchango wenu utanibariki sana. tunavyoendelea mbele nitajitambulisha kwa jina halisi.

Mungu awabariki sana.

–Chitu

Utatu Mtakatifu!

Mtu anaweza kumwamini Yesu Kristo pasipo kuamini UTATU MTAKATIFU? Utatu Mtakatifu ni nini?

Bishop Eddie Long Has Apologized To Those Whom He Have Offended!

________________________________________________________________

Bwana Yesu asifiwe, nimekuwa na maswali baada ya kusikiliza habari ya Askofu Eddie Long na kesi yake pia nikawaza kuhusu watumishi wengine ambao wanakumbwa na kashfa mbalimbali ziwe za kweli ama kusingiziwa, Je, Mungu akiyahesabu makosa yetu ni nani atakayesimama? Wote tunafanya dhambi.

Tunapoona wenzetu wanabezwa mitaani, na wale walioacha Imani ya Kristo na mafundisho ya uwongo tuungane pamoja kuwaombea na kumshukuru Mungu.

——————————————————————————————————

Bishop Eddie Long has apologized for last Sunday’s service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church that drew the ire of Jewish groups and religious scholars.

“The ceremony was not my suggestion, nor was it my intent, to participate in any ritual that is offensive in any manner to the Jewish community,” Long wrote in a letter sent Saturday to Bill Nigut, Southeast Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League.

Footage of the service, viewed more than 600,000 times on YouTube, showed Long being wrapped in a sacred Torah scroll and carried upon a throne.

“He’s a king. God has blessed him,” said Colorado Rabbi Ralph Messer before covering Long in a scroll “[that] may still have the dust of Auschwitz and Birkenau.” Messer referred to the Nazi extermination camps in Poland where millions of Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.

In his letter to the Anti-Defamation League, Long “[denounced] any action that depicts me as a king, for I am merely just a servant of the Lord.”

Nigut, who said he was “horrified” by the service, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday he appreciated the bishop’s apology.

“For the ADL it’s a real wake-up call that a lot of people do not understand our liturgies and practices,” Nigut said. “Guys like Messer are troubling to us because they appropriate real ritual or, in this case, make one up.”

Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, associate professor of Biblical studies at Interdenominational Theological Center, said the ceremony was “something I’ve never seen or read within the Judeo-Christian tradition.”

Meanwhile, leaders in the Messianic Judaism movement, which fuses evangelical Christian beliefs with elements of Jewish tradition, have sought to distance themselves from Messer.

A joint statement from the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations and the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America said, “Messer is not recognized by any major branch of Messianic Judaism and, under the standards of the UMJC and the MJAA, is not even considered part of our community, let alone a rabbi.

“He is operating entirely outside the mainstream Messianic Jewish community,” the statement reads.

On Sunday the New Birth service was played in its entirety for Messer’s congregation at Simchat Torah Beit Midrash in Parker, Colorado.

“You’d be incredibly, incredibly proud of your rabbi,” said Nicole Martin, a pastor at Simchat. “I’m so excited about what happened [at New Birth]. The spirit was so thick, so tangible.”

Messer’s sermon makes reference to recent troubles that have beset Long, sued in Sept. 2010 by four former church members who alleged he used his influence, trips, gifts and jobs to coerce them into sexual relationships. The suit was settled in May.

“God wants to get your focus,” said Messer, adding “crisis produces opportunity.”

“You have to go through a descent before an ascent,” he said.

In a statement released by New Birth on Thursday Messer contended his message “was about restoring a man and to encourage his walk in the Lord. It was not to make Bishop Eddie L. Long a king,” he said.

Imeandikwa…Yakobo 5:13-14

Marko 6:13 “Wakatoa pepo wengi, wakapaka ,afuta watu wengi waliokuwa wagonjwa, wakawapoza“

Yakobo 5:13 “Mtu wa Kwenu amepatikana na mabaya? Na aombe. Ana moyo wa kuchangamka? Na aimbe zaburi. Mtu wa kwenu amekuwa hawezi? na awaite wazee wa kanisa; nao wamwombee, na kumpaka mafuta kwa jina la Bwana, hata ikiwa amefanya dhambi, atasamehewa“

Bwana Yesu asifiwe, nimekuwa na swali hili muda mrefu kuhusu mafuta tunayopakwa kanisani. Napenda kujifunza zaidi katika hili kutokana na sura tajwa hapo juu. Inaonekana Yesu na wanafunzi wake waliwapaka wagonjwa  mafuta na katika Yakobo 5:14 imeeleza vizuri kwamba  ”Mtu wa kwenu amekuwa hawezi? na awaite wazee wa kanisa; nao wamwombee, na kumpaka mafuta kwa jina la Bwana, hata ikiwa amefanya dhambi, atasamehewa“

Sasa swali langu ni  Je, kama mafuta ni kwa ajili ya wagonjwa mbona ufunuo wa mafuta umekuwa kwa kasi? mtu yeyote anapakwa, na watumishi wengine wanauza mafuta haya ya upako?

Na katika Yakobo 5:13 kuhusu kuombewa, vipi kuhusu kuombewa kwa njia ya simu? kushika redio na Televisheni? Maana Imeandikwa. “Mtu kwenu amekuwa hawezi? na awaite wazee wa kanisa; nao wamwombee“

Mungu awabariki!

Chanzo Cha Matatizo ni shetani!

Mara nyingi watu hawajui kama ni Mungu au ni shetani anayesababisha mambo mabaya yatokee.Huwa wanasema sawa pengine Bwana anajaribu kunifundisha kitu fulani!

Ninakumbuka niliwahi kumsikiliza mwinjilisti mmoja miaka mingi iliyopita. alikuwa akihudumu kwenye hema moja kubwa yenye uwezo wa kuketisha watu 20,000 lakini alipoiweka hema yake ilipigwa na kimbunga (Tufani)  na kuangushwa chini.katika mkutano huo watu walitoa sadaka maalumu ili kumsaidia kupata hema nyingine alisema kitu kimoja kidogo tu ambacho kingeweza kuniangusha chini, SIJUI KAMA NI MUNGU AU NI SHETANI AMBAYE AMEIANGUSHA HEMA YANGU.

Mungu hana muda wa kuiangusha hema ya injili! Mungu anapenda kuyasimamisha, Mtu mmoja alisema Mungu alihusika.

Mungu wetu si Mungu wa Dunia hii  2 WAKORINTHO 4:3-4   Inamwita shetani mungu wa Dunia hii  na majanga yanayoipata Dunia siku za leo yanatokana na kuanguka kwa mwanadamu na laana iliyokuwa juu ya Dunia.

Na kwa sababu watu hawaelewi kitu hiki, Ndio maana wanamsingizia Mungu kwa mambo yanayotokea kama AJALI,GHARIKA,TUFANI,MATETEMEKO YA ARDHI, MAFURIKO, MAGONJWA NA VIFO.

Mungu hahusiki katika kuleta mambo haya, wala siye  anayeyaanzisha. Bwana Yesu alikemea mambo mabaya  kama haya ili kumbariki mwanadamu. Yesu alisimama kwenye merikebu na kukemea dhoruba akasema ” NYAMAZA KIMYA”  kama tunavyo soma  ktk Yohana 14:10 Mungu aliyekuwa ndani ya Yesu ndiye  aliyefanya kazi hiyo. Ikiwa ni Mungu aliyesababisha dhoruba basi angekuwa anajipinga kwa kuiamuru itulie.

Ndivyo ilivyokuwa katika uponyaji ambao Yesu alifanya … BABA ALIYE NDANI YANGU NDIYE ANAYEZITENDA KAZI HIZI. Uponyaji wote, miujiza yote kazi alizofanya Yesu ni Mungu aliyezifanya.

Ikiwa MUNGU ndiye mwanzilishi wa magonjwa na maumivu, halafu akaponyesha watu  kupitia Yesu, Basi ingeonyesha kama Mungu anapingana na nafsi yake.

Haiwezi kuwa hivyo kwa sababu YESU alisema   ” NA UFALME UKIFITINIKA JUU YA NAFSI YAKE, UFALME HUO HAUWEZI KUSIMAMA.  NA NYUMBA IKIFITINIKA   JUU YA NAFSI YAKE, NYUMBA HIYO HAIWEZI KUSIMAMA”   Marko 3:24-25

KUPAMBANUA CHANZO

Ni rahisi kugundua mambo yanatokea wapi. BWANA YESU Kristo mwenyewe alitofautisha kazi zake na kazi za shetani  YOHANA 10:10 “Mwivi haji ili aibe na kuchinja na kuharibu; mimi nalikuja ili wawe na uzima kisha wawe nao tele”

Katika tukio lingine  ambapo mwanafunzi mmoja alimwambia “UTUONYESHE BABA” YESU AKAJIBU ALIYENIONA MIMI AMEMUONA BABA”  Baba akaaye ndani yangu huzifanya kazi zake  YOHANA 14:9-10

Kama tukisikiliza Neno la Mungu litatusaidia kuondoa kabisa kuchanganyikiwa kunakosababishwa na kutoelewa ni wapi matatizo yanakotokea.

Wengi wetu, hata hivyo tunashidwa kusoma Neno la Mungu kwa undani kwa sababu tumegubikwa na mawazo ya kidini tuliyofundishwa tangu tulipokuwa watoto.  Tumesikia mambo yasiyotokana na maandiko yakihubiriwa na kusemwa katika maisha yetu yote .

Ukikubali kuingia katika Neno la Mungu mawazo yako yatanyooshwa. Fikiri kulingana na neno la Mungu linavyosema   hata kama ulifundishwa maana tofati ya neno hilo na watu wengine,  JIULIZE WEWE MWENYEWE JE NENO LA MUNGU LINASEMAJE.

Mf. mtu akipanda juu ya nyumba na kuvunjika mguu hawezi kusema ni Mungu aliyenisukuma nikaanguka chini au ni Mungu aliyenivunja mguu. HAPANA  Mungu aliweka sheria ya mvutano ktk Dunia  na mtu huyo alipovunjika akavuna matokeo yake.

Ni kweli kwamba Mungu ndiye aliyeweka nguvu ya uvutano. Lakini hakutarajia yule mtu avunjike mguu wake. Hakuwa anatarajia kuanguka kwake. Huyu mtu alianguka kwa bahati mbaya au kwa kutokujali!

Sasa wakati mambo fulani yanapotokea katika maisha kama vile MAGONJWA, MISIBA,nk na watu wakasema ”’ Mungu ndiye aliyefanya haya,  wanakosea . Si Mungu aliyesababisha. Yametendeka kwa sababu mwanadamu alitenda dhambi.

Siyo lazima iwe yule aliyepata matatizo hayo NDIYE ALIYETENDA DHAMBI.

LAKINI ADAMU ALITENDA DHAMBI—–NA KILA MWANADAMU AKARITHI MATOKEO MABAYA YA DHAMBI YAKE.

–Malkia Pamela

Mahusiano kwa vijana kuelekea ndoa!

Kumekuwa na theology nyingi sana kuhusu kuanzisha mahusiano, ambazo nyingi ni za uzoefu wa watu binafsi hasa wasiona MUNGU, au wale wanaofuata DINI tu. Nitajaribu kuzungumzia kwa kirefu zaidi kuanzisha mahusiano kwa vijana waliookoka kutakuwa na contents zifuatazo

- Mahusiano kwa vijana wasiookoka na athari zake
- Mahusiano kwa vijana waliookoka
- Maandalizi kabla ya uchumba au ndoa kwa vijana wa kike na wakiume,
- Hatua za mwanzo kabla ya uchumba
- Kupata mchumba toka kwa BWANA
- Dhana ya upendo
- Utaratibu wa kanisa katika hatua za uchumba, n.k

Lakini Kwa ufupi nielezee kuhusu mahusiano yasiyo na MUNGU.

1. *MAHUSIANO KWA VIJANA WASIOOKOKA NA ATHARI ZAKE:*

Vijana wengi ambao hawajaokoka huwa hawana hofu ya Mungu ndani yao, hivyo wanakuwa na maamuzi yoyote kuhusu kufanya dhambi, ikiwa ni pamoja na kufanya ngono pasipokupata hukumu ndani ya dhamiri zao, Sababu yake kubwa BIBILIA inasema kwamba dhamiri zao zimekufa kwani wamesha kuwa wafu japo watembea. Matakwa Yao wenyewe yasiyo na kujali kuwa hili ni kosa mbele za Mungu au si kosa ndio wanayafanya.

*KUFUATA MATAKWA YAO NA ATHARI ZAKE:***

*Uharibifu na magonjwa:*

Kuna uharibifu mkubwa ambao hujitokeza katika mahusiano ambayo hufuatwa na vijana wasio na hofu ya Mungu.

- Kupata mimba katika umri mdogo na kukatishwa masomo (wasichana)

- Kupata magonjwa ambayo hutokana na zinaa, kama vile (Ukimwi), n.k.

*Kukosa mwelekeo sahihi:*

- Pindi vijana wanapokatishwa masomo, hukosa mwelekeo sahihi wa maisha yao. Na hata baadaye wanapokuwa hawana elimu, huishia kujiingiza katika makundi mabaya.

- Kujiingiza katika (ukahaba) kwa kujiuza miili yao na hata kupata mahitaji yao (wasichana).

- Kujeruhiana baada ya kuchokana kimapenzi kwa kuachana bila taratibuKupata watoto wa mitaani

- Kuanzisha mahusiano mengine na msichana au mvulana mwingine hatakama hawajatarakiana. Na mengine mengi sana

- Kujiingiza katika makundi mabaya ya uvutaji bangi na utumiaji wa madawa ya kulevya na vitendo vya ujambazi na matokeo yake ni kifo.

1. *MAHUSIANO KWA VIJANA WALIOOKOKA*

*(Mungu ndiye Mhusika mkuu)*

Vijana wengi waliookoka, huishi maisha matakatifu ambayo humpendeza Mungu. Na pia hujiepusha kujiingiza katika vitendo vya kumchukiza Mungu Kama walivyo watu wa mataifa. Hasa pindi ambacho tamaa katika miili yao hazijaanza kuamshwa. Japo kuwa wengine wameokoka wakiwa katika umri mkubwa na waliishi isipositahili lakini wakiokoka YESU huingia ndani yao na kuzichukua zile kiu za dhambi zao.

* [Waefeso 4:22-24, inasema, Mvue kwa habari ya mwenendo wa kwanza utu wa zamani,unaoharibika kwa kuzifuata tama zenye kudanganya.(23) Na mfanywe wapya katika roho ya nia zenu. (24) Mkavae utu mpya,ulioumbwa kwa namna ya Mungu katika haki na utakatifu wa kweli.

* *Kuna mambo mengi ambayo kama vijana tuliookoka tunatakiwa kujiepusha

nayo, ili tusije tukaingia katika majaribu na kuangukia dhambini kingono.

i. *Simu za Mikononi*:

Simu za mikononi, ni jambo moja wapo ambalo linaweza kuchangia mabinti tukawa na uhusiano wa karibu sana na kijana wa kiume na matokeo yake kuvuka mipaka na kumsahau Mungu, mfano, tunaweza kujikuta tunatumiana message za kutaniana na baadaye ule utani ukaanza kuleta hisia tofauti baina yetu na baadaye tukaunda kitu, na tukaamua kufanya kweli.

* ii. **Matumizi ya mitandao ya internet.*

Hili ni janga kuu na ni kubwa sana, maana vijana wengi wamekuwa wakidanganyika kwa kuangalia picha ngono kwenye mitandao na video za ngono kwenye simu na casseti. Hivyo hili linatupasa kujiepusha Sana, ili lisitujengee akili dumavu(ukiangalia picha chafu hizo utaishia kwenye kujichua, na kujichua kunaharibu akili kwa asilimia 90%, EPUKA). pia Matumizi mabaya ya Facebook, na technology nyingine zinazokuwa kwa kasi kubwa kabisa kwa sasa.

iii. *Kwenda kuhudumu vijana wa jinsia tofauti mkiwa wawili: *

* *Tunaweza tukawa na ukaribu sana kama kaka na dada, na baadaye tukaanza kwenda kuhudumu/kushuhudia pamoja ,na itafikia hatua tutazoeana na hata kutaka kuwa na muda wa kukaa pamoja na kujifunza neno na hata kuomba pamoja, labda nyumbani kwa kijana wa kike au kijana wa kiume. Na matokeo yake tukaanza kuwa na hisia tofauti na kuona kuwa tunapendana na kuwa (tumeona maono) tutakuja kuoana, au binti akawa na hisia tofauti na kuhisi kuwa kijana wa kiume anampenda wakati sivyo. Na baadaye ikionekana kuwa yule kijana anachumbia mtu mwingine, yule binti ataumia sana na matokeo yake kuamua kuacha wokovu. Na pia tunapoenda kushuhudia inatakiwa kuwa watu watatu au zaidi ,akiwepo mmoja wa jinsia tofauti na wawili wa jinsi moja ni nzuri zaidi.Au wote tukawa jinsia moja.Hiyo inaleta ushuhuda mzuri kwa wale tutakao kuwa tunawashuhudia neno la Mungu, hawatakuwa na maswali mengi kuhusiana na sisi.Pia kukutana kwenye hotels/ hostel au mahali pa kificho kwa ajili ya kujadili huduma au appointment huku ukijua mtakuwa wawili, au kusafiri kikazi na mwanamke/mwanamme asiyeokoka au ameokoka na mkapanga HOTELI MOJA, hapo ni hatari sana.

* iv. **Binti kujiachia kwa mvulana kupita kawaida:

* *Binti aliyeokoka anatakiwa kutumia akili katika uhusiano wake na vijana wa kiume. Sawa kuwa na kaka mpendwa siyo mbaya ila inatakiwa ukaribu wetu usivuke mipaka [Mfano,utaona binti anamzoea sana kijana (kaka) na kufikia hatua kumtembelea kijana katika chumba chake anachokaa.Na hata kuanza kumsaidia kazi za ndani kama vile kudeki,kupika na hata kufua kwa kigezo cha (mpendwa).Huko ndiko binti kujiachia kwa mvulana.Kwa sababu unapoenda kwake na yeye anaishi peke yake unategemea nini? Na yeye ni mwanadamu kama wanadamu wengine anahisia kama wanaume wengine japo kuwa ameokoka, kufanya kwako hivyo hata kama ulikuwa hauna nia mbaya kutomuingiza majaribuni kijana huyo. Na matokeo yake yatakuwa mabaya na machukizo mbele za Mungu

(kuanguka dhambini kingono, tena mtaanza na kukumbatiana, then kubusiana baadae ulimini). Vyote hivyo havistahili kutajwa kwa watakatifu wa Bwana.

* v. **Uhuru wa kuchangamana na kutoka pamoja kaka na dada mkiwa wawili (outing):*

* *Tukiwa vijana tuliookoka,tunatakiwa kuangalia mambo ambayo yanaweza kutuangusha katika dhambi. Kitendo cha kutoka outing si kibaya (kama wapendwa) ila inatakawa kuwa zaidi ya watatu.Utaona kaka na dada wanatoka na kwenda, labda beach na si ajabu anaenda kwa nia nzuri tu ya kubadilishana mawazo na hata kupunga upepo ila ,shetani ni mjanja sana, pindi wakiwa ufukweni wanaweza kuwaona watu wakiwa na (wapenzi) wao. Labda wanashikana shikana na hata kula mate (romance). Na wao wakiwa kama wanadamu wenye hisia kama wanadamu wengine lazima ile hali wataiweka katika vichwa vyao. Na hata wakiwa wanaenda mara kwa mara na kuendelea kuiona ile hali,itafikia hatua watashawishika na kufanya hivyo kama wengine wafanyavyo, na matokeo yake ni kuangukia dhambini.

* vi. **Mahusiano ya kadi za Valentine kwa kaka na dada ni kinyume na mapenzi ya Mungu: *

* *Ni vijana wengi tuliookoka pindi ifikapo siku ya Valentine,tunajishughulisha kwa kununua kadi na maua na kupeana, kama kaka
na dada. Na bila kujua nini maana ya siku ya Valentine na ilitokana na nini.Inatakiwa kabla ya kufanya kitu tuangalie kwanza mwanzo wake ni nini? (Mf. Tunasherehekea Chrismas kwa sababu tunajua mwanzo wake ni nini, tunapeana kadi na hata zawadi pia ikibidi) lakini sherehe ya valentine inahusiana na Uzinzi, kama tukifuatilia mwanzo wake tutajua hilo.Vijana tuliookoka tunatakiwa kufanya mambo ambayo ni mapenzi ya Mungu si kuiga tu mambo ya dunia hii.Na matokeo yake kutumiana kadi na maua (kaka na dada), inakuja kuunda kitu tofauti kabisa katika akili zetu na mwisho wake ni kuangukia dhambini.

* vii. **Kujiepusha kuingia maeneo yasiyo husika:*

* * Sisi kama vijana tuliookoka inatakiwa tuangalie sehemu ambazo tunaingia, mf ,Utakuta kijana aliyeokoka anaingia Night clubs, Casino .n.k. Na sehemu kama hizo mara nyingi uasi mkubwa hutendeka na matokeo yake shetani anaweza kukushawishi na ukaangukia dhambini na kufwatisha uasi huo.Kwa hiyo sisi kama vijana tuliookoka tunatakiwa tuangalie sehemu za kuingia siyo kila sehemu ,sisi tunaingia.Na mwisho wake tunaweza kumtenda Mungu dhambi.

* viii. **Kuzoea kuingia kwenye vyumba vya Wasichana au Wavulana:*

* *Mazoea ya binti kuingia kwenye vyumba vya wavulana na kukaa kwenye kitanda cha mdada, si jambo jema na hata mvulana kuingia kwenye chumba cha binti si jambo jema na si heshima.Inatakiwa tuheshimiane sisi kwa sisi .Na si kwamba siyo heshima tu, bali tunaweza kujikuta tunaangukia dhambini kutokana na mazoea kama hayo.

* ix. **Kuwa na Boyfriend na Girlfriend, mara nyingi inapelekea vijana wengi dhambini:*

* *Kwa habari ya kuwa na Girlfriend au Boyfriend, ni kweli wakati bado hatujampokea Bwana Yesu kuwa Bwana na Mwokozi wa Maisha yetu,wengi wetu tulikuwa nao.Lakini inashangaza na kusikitisha na hata leo katika Kanisa la Kristo vijana tuna kuwa na tabia kama ya mwanzo ambayo tuliishazizika. Na matokeo makubwa ya kuwa na uhusiano huo, mwisho wake ni kuangukia dhambini. Kwa hiyo sisi kama vijana tumtumikie Mungu,wakati ukifika Bwana atafanya njia na atatupa waume na wake kutoka kwake. Na watakuwa baraka
katika maisha yetu.

Katika mahusiano yetu sisi kama vijana tuliookoka inatupasa kutunza ushuhuda wa Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo.

–Anthony Mwenda–

What is Mormonism? What Do Mormon’s Believe?

The Mormon religion (Mormonism), whose followers are known as Mormons and Latter Day Saints (LDS), was founded less than two hundred years ago by a man named Joseph Smith. He claimed to have received a personal visit from God the Father and Jesus Christ who told him that all churches and their creeds were an abomination. Joseph Smith then set out to begin a brand-new religion that claims to be the “only true church on earth.” The problem with Mormonism is that it contradicts, modifies, and expands on the Bible. Christians have no reason to believe that the Bible is not true and adequate. To truly believe in and trust God means to believe in His Word, and all Scripture is inspired by God, which means it comes from Him (2 Timothy 3:16).

Mormons believe that there are in fact four sources of divinely inspired words, not just one: 1) The Bible “as far as it is translated correctly.” Which verses are considered incorrectly translated is not always made clear. 2) The Book of Mormon, which was “translated” by Smith and published in 1830. Smith claimed it is the “most correct book” on earth and that a person can get closer to God by following its precepts “than by any other book.” 3) The Doctrine and Covenants, containing a collection of modern revelations regarding the “Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored.” 4) The Pearl of the Great Price, which is considered by Mormons to “clarify” doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and adds its own information about the earth’s creation.

Mormons believe the following about God: He has not always been the Supreme Being of the universe, but attained that status through righteous living and persistent effort. They believe God the Father has a “body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s.”Though abandoned by modern Mormon leaders, Brigham Young taught that Adam actually was God and the father of Jesus Christ. In contrast, Christians know this about God: there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6-8), He always has existed and always will exist (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17), and He was not created but is the Creator (Genesis 1; Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 37:16). He is perfect, and no one else is equal to Him (Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 40:25). God the Father is not a man, nor was He ever (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Hosea 11:9). He is Spirit (John 4:24), and Spirit is not made of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39).

Mormons believe that there are different levels or kingdoms in the afterlife: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness. Where mankind will end up depends on what they believe and do in this life. In contrast, the Bible tells us that after death, we go to heaven or hell based on whether or not we had faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. To be absent from our bodies means, as believers, we are with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Unbelievers are sent to hell or the place of the dead (Luke 16:22-23). When Jesus comes the second time, we will receive new bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-54). There will be a new heaven and new earth for believers (Revelation 21:1), and unbelievers will be thrown into an everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). There is no second chance for redemption after death (Hebrews 9:27).

Mormon leaders have taught that Jesus’ incarnation was the result of a physical relationship between God the Father and Mary. Mormons believe Jesus is a god, but that any human can also become a god. Mormonism teaches that salvation can be earned by a combination of faith and good works. Contrary to this, Christians historically have taught that no one can achieve the status of God—only He is holy (1 Samuel 2:2). We can only be made holy in God’s sight through faith in Him (1 Corinthians 1:2). Jesus is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16), is the only one ever to have lived a sinless, blameless life, and now has the highest place of honor in heaven (Hebrews 7:26). Jesus and God are one in essence, Jesus being the only One existing before physical birth (John 1:1-8; 8:56). Jesus gave Himself to us as a sacrifice, God raised Him from the dead, and one day everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:6-11). Jesus tells us it is impossible to get to heaven by our own works and that only by faith in Him is it possible (Matthew 19:26). We all deserve eternal punishment for our sins, but God’s infinite love and grace have allowed us a way out. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Clearly, there is only one way to receive salvation and that is to know God and His Son, Jesus (John 17:3). It is not done by works, but by faith (Romans 1:17; 3:28). We can receive this gift no matter who we are or what we have done (Romans 3:22). “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Although Mormons are usually friendly, loving, and kind people, they are deceived by a false religion that distorts the nature of God, the Person of Jesus Christ, and the means of salvation.

–imspeakingthetruth

Kazi ya manabii ni ipi?

Jamani hawa manabii wa Taifa wanashindwa hata kutuambia kuwa kuna janga la mafuriko tujiandae…….? Agabo katika Matendo ya Mitume alilionya Kanisa kuhusu Njaa itakayoshukia Jerusalem? Unabii wao uko kwa lipi hasa? Kwa nini wasikubali kuitwa Wachungaji tukajua moja?

–Orbi

Naomba maoni ya wasomaji!

Bwana Yesu asifiwe, naomba kupata maoni ya wasomaji. Mimi nimeokoka na nampenda Yesu niko safari ya kwenda mbinguni. Mimi ni mbunge mtarajiwa wa Urambo Mashariki kwa mwaka 2015 kupitia chama cha upinzani (Chama Cha Vijana). Katika jimbo la wapiga kura wangu, zao kuu la biashara ni Tumbaku. Nawaza nitaandaaje Ilani yangu ya uchaguzi kwa ngazi ya jimbo bila kuhusisha tumbaku. Na nikiipigia debe tumbaku nitakuwa namtenda dhambi Mungu wangu. Sitaki kukosa mbingu kwa ajili ya jambo hili. Je ungekuwa wewe unahisi ungefanya nini 2015?

–John Maganga