TOPIC NO.2>> JE UKIOKOKA UNAJITENGA NA ULIMWENGU??

SHALOM!

NATUMAI UKO SALAMA,LEO TENA KUNA MAADA RAHISI TU HAPA,KAMA UNAWIWA NAOMBA UJADILI KWA MISINGI YA BIBILIA NA NENO LA MUNGU TU

KUNA MAMBO AMBAYO HUWACHANGANYA WENGI WA WAPENDWA,NI MAGUMU KUYASEMEA KWA HARAKA HARAKA BILA KUWA NA MISINGU THABITI!

JE DHAMBI NI NINI?
MACHUKIZO JE?
JE UKIWA NA TAALUMA YAKO KWA MFANO MHASIBU UKIFANYA KAZI KAMPUNI YA BIA NI DHAMBI?

AU WEWE NI MJENZI,UKIPATA TENDA YA KUJENGA ITAKUWA DHAMBI?

AU LABDA WEWE NI MTALAAMU WA KOMPYUTA NA IT,JE UKIITWA KUWATENGENEZEA SITE NA BAADHI YA VITENDEA KAZI UTAKWENDA?

JE UKIINGIA KULA BAA INAKUWAJE?

JE UKIWA MTANGAZAJI WA MEDIA YA KIDUNIA NA WADHAMINI WA KIPINDI CHAKO NI POMBE AU SIGARA,JE UTAACHA KAZI?

NA KWA MFANO UKIPATA SHIDA KAMA MAFURIKO VILE,TETEMEKO AU KUUNGULIWA NYUMBA MOTO, NA MARA WAKAJA TBL KUTOA MISAADA KWA WAHANGA NA WEWE UKIWEPO,JE UTAKATAA AU ITAKUWA DHAMBI UKIPOKEA?

WEWE UNAONAJE?

SOMO LA WIKENDI......SABABU ZA KUFELI NA KUSHINDWA

SABABU ZA KUFELI NA KUSHINDWA

(FACTORS OF FAILURE)

Kwanini watu wa Mungu wanafeli au wanashindwa au wanakwama?

Hili ni swali la muhimu sana ambalo linaweza kuwa kama funguo ya dhahadu katika mlango wa mafanikio a maisha yetu. Kama tukilifungua swali hili vizuri, tutaweza kupata majibu ya matatizo mengi katika maisha yetu sisi watoto wa Mungu. Kulingana na ukweli (Neno la Mungu – Biblia) sisi wana wa Mungu ni “washindi” na zaidi ya washindi, katika mambo yote (Warumi 8:37;   1Wakorintho 15:57).

Kulingana na Ukweli wa Neno la Mungu, watu wa Mungu tumeshabarikiwa na kukabidhiwa vitu vyote tunavyohitaji kwa ajili ya maisha yetu yote ya mwilini na rohoni (Efe 1:3; 2Pet 13-4). Kama ni ushindi juu ya dhambi na dunia, uwezo huo tumeshapewa na Bwana. Mtu wa Mungu akikumbwa na tamaa za dunia hii, ina maana kwamba, yeye mwenyewe ameruhusu au amekubali kumtii shetani kuliko Mungu (Wagalatia 1:3-4; 1Yohana 2:15-17). Kama ni ushindi dhidi ya nguvu za giza, mapepo na wachawi; Mungu amekwishatupa uwezo huo wa kuwashinda watenda kazi wote wa ibilisi shetani (Wakolosai 1:13; Luka 10:19)

Kama ni ushindi katika afya, tumepewa na tumeponywa tangu damu ya Yesu ilipomwagika msalabani kwa ajili yetu, na kwa kupigwa kwake sisi tulikwishaponywa tayari (1Petro 2:24; Mathayo 8:17). Kama ni jambo la uchimu na utajiri, watu wa Mungu tulkwishafanywa matajiri na Kristo, kwa kifo chake. Yeye alichukua umaskini wetu akatupa utajiri wake (2Wakorintho 8:9; 2Wakorintho 9:11). Kama ni suala la akili an hekima, watu wa Mungu tumekwishapewa uwezo mkubwa wa kiakili na fikra, kwa Roho Mtakatifu wa Mungu anayeishi ndani yetu. Sisi wana wa Mungu tuna akili na ufahamu wa kiungu. (Isaya 11:2; Zaburi 111:10; Matendo 6:8-10; 2Timotheo 2:7)

Kama ni baraka katika mikono yetu, tumekwishapewa na Mungu kwa ajili ya shughuli zetu (Kumbukumbu 28:1-8; Zaburi 1:1-3) Kama ni ulinzi juu yetu na nyumba zetu na mali zetu, Bwana amekwisha waagiza malaika zake watuzunguke kwa panga za moto, farasi, magari ya moto (kufanya ukuta mzito wa moto) kutuzunguka (Zaburi 34:7; 2Wafalme 6:15-17; Zaburi 121:1-8; Zaburi 91;1-11-12).

SABABU ZA KUFELI NA KUSHINDWA

Kila kitu ambacho watu wa Mungu tunachohitaji katika maisha yetu yote ya mwilini an rohoni, tumekwisha kupewa na Baba yetu aliye mbinguni, ili tuweze kuishi maisha ya ushindi katika kila eneo linalotuhusu au linalotuzunguka. Kama ukweli ndio huu basi, kwanini watu wa Mungu wengine wana maisha ya kushindwa na kufeli? Kwanini watu wa Mungu wengine wanaishi maisha ya kuhangaika na kukosa? Ni lazima kuna sababu.

1            KUTOKUJUA

Mungu anasema watu wangu wanaangamia (wanateseka na kuhangaika) kwasababu ya kukosa maarifa (ufahamu na ujuzi wa mambo niliyokwisha watendea) … japo wana bidii nyingi lakini wana bidii bila maarifa (wanapoteza nguvu nyingi katika maisha) (Hosea 4:6;  Warumi 10:2) Ndio maana Paulo alikuwa anawakazania sana wanafunzi wake ili wapate Roho ya hekima na ufunuo, ili wapate “Kujua“ mambo tuliyokwisha kupewa na Mungu kupitia Yesu Kristo. Alimwambia Timotheo hivi, yafahamu sana mambo haya… (2Tim 2:7).

Ndugu yangu, mambo usiyoyajua, hutaweza kuyapata; hayatatendeka maishani mwako. Kujua ndio mwanzo, ndio ufunguo wa kuyafungulia ili yaweze kuja kwako. ndio maana tunaambiwa Neno la Kristo likae kwa wingi katika mioyo yetu, kwa hekima yote … kuyajua maandiko matakatifu kunatuhekimisha ili tupate ufahamu wa haki zet na baraka zetu (Wakolosai 3:16; 2Timotheo 3:15-17) Ukitaka ufahamu na ujuzi, soma kwa bidii Neno la Mungu. Pata maarifa.

2            KUONA VIBAYA

Kutokujua kunasababisha kuona vibaya. mtu asiyejijua kuwa yeye ni shujaa, atajiona dhaifu. asiyejijua kuwa yeye ni mzima, ayajiona mgonjwa. asiyejijua kuwa yeye ni mbarikiwa, atajiona ni maskini. Soma vizuri habari ya wana wa Israeli kitabu cha Hesabu sura ya 13 na 14 yote, utaona jinsi wana wa Isreali walijiona wao ni kama panzi mbele ya wenyeji wa Kaanani. Hii ni kwasababu hawakujua vizuri na kwa uhalisi, uwezo wa Mungu aliye pamoja nao, japo waliyaona matendo yake ya ajabu. kutokujua kunasababisha kuona vibaya.

Hii ndio sababu iliyomfanya Mtume Paulo atuombea Wakristo tupate kufunguliwa katika macho yetu ya ndani, ili tuweze kuona vizuri, mambo ya rohoni. tukiona vizuri, tutapata ufahamu sahihi wa jinsi tulivo rohoni na jinsi tunavyotakiwa kuwa katika mwili (Waefeso 1:15-19).

Gideon alikuwa anajiona yeye ni dhaifu na muoga lakini Mungu akimuangalia anamuona yeye ni shujaa, na ndio maana Mungu alimwita “ewe shujaa” japo kuwa yeye Gideoni alikuwa katika maficho kwa hofu ya maadui. Soma vizuri habari hii katika (Waamuzi 6:11-14) Bwana akamwambia “enenda kwa nguvu zako”. Maana yake ni kwamba, kumbe Gideoni alikuwa na nguvu za kutosha ndani yake, lakini hakujua! Kutokujua kunaweza kukunyima kusonga mbele. kutokujua kulimfanya ajione mnyonge mbele ya maadui wao. Mungu akusaidie kujiona sawa sawa na yeye anavyokuona na sio kama unavyojiona wewe

Kama utatumia mwanga wa manjano ndani ya nyumba yako, vitu vyote vitaonekana ni vya manjano. Kama ukitumia mwanga mwekundu, vitu vitaonekana ni vyekundu. Vivyo hivyo katika dunia, Yesu anasema kwamba yeye ndiye nuru (mwanga) wa ulimwengu (Yohana 1:7-9) Tukimtumia yeye kuangalia mambo yetu, yataonekana vizuri kuliko tunavyoyaona sasa. Yesu ni Neno (Yohana 1:1-4; Ufunuo 19:11-13). Tumia Neno la Mungu (mwanga bora na halisi) kutazamia maisha yako, utayaona kama Mungu anavyoyaona na si kama wewe unavyoyaona. Kwa Neno la Mungu, Hutajiona mgonjwa bali mzima; hutajiona maskini, bali tajiri; hutajiona dhaifu bali hodari. soma sana Neno la Mungu ubadilishe unavyojiona. Kuona sawa sawa kutakuokoa na jambo lifuatalo.

3            KUWAZA VIBAYA

Kutokujua kunasababisha kutokuona sawa sawa; na kutokuona vizuri kunasababisha kutokuwaza sawa sawa. Kwa lugha rahisi, Kuwaza vibaya ni matokeo ya kuona vibaya. na mtu wa Mungu akitawaliwa na mawazo mabaya juu yake, anasababisha nguvu za Mungu zisifanye kazi juu yake na hiyo inaletakushindwa kimaisha kwa watoto wa Mungu wengi. Sikiliza, mawazo ni daraja lililo katika ya ulimwengu wa roho na ulimwengu wa mwili.

Ndio maana mtu anaweza kusafiri mbali sana kimawazo tu wakati mwili wake upo hapo hapo mlipo. mawazo yakihama, mtu anaweza asiwe anasikia unachosema wala asione unachodhani anaona japo macho yake yako wazi kabisa. Hii ni kwasababu, mawazo yake yamehama; mtu huyo hayupo hapo kimawazo, bali yupo sehemu nyingine kabisa japo mwili wake upo hapo hapo mlipo. Mawazo ni daraja la mambo ya rohoni na mambo ya mwilini.

Mawazo hutawala mambo ya mwili.

Kwa mfano; mtu anayetembea katika barabara ndefu yenye maduka mengi na vitu vingi, bila kuchoka hata kama ni kilometa 5, kwasababu macho yake yanaangalia vitu vingi na mawazo yake yanaona vingi (yako busy). Lakini mtu huyo huyo anapotembea katika barabara nyingine ya urefu ule ule, isiyo na maduka pamoja na vitu vingi vya kutazama, mtu huyo huyo atasikia kuchoka na ataiona safari ile imekuwa ndefu sana kuliko ile ya mwanzo. Tofauti yake ni kwamba, katika safari ya pili, mawazo ya mtu huyo hayakushughulishwa sana kwakuwa macho yake hayakuwa na mambo mengi ya mazuri ya kuvutia kutazamwa; na hali hiyo imesababisha mtu huyo, kujisikia kuchoka katika mwili. Hii inathibitisha kwamba, mawazo hutawala mwili.

Mfano mwingine; mtu aliyebanwa na haja ndogo barabarani, akiangalia kushoto na kulia, akakosa mahali penye choo, mwili wake hutulia. lakini kadri mtu huyu anavyokaribia nyumbani au mahali popote penye choo, mwili wake huanza fujo za kutaka kuachilia ile haja iliyobanwa kwa muda mrefu. kadri mawazo yanavyotambua kwamba hapo karibu kuna choo, ndivyo mwili unavyokosa nguvu ya kuendelea kujibana. mtu huyo akikimbilia chooni na kumbe akakuta kuna mtu chooni, mwili wake, kwa mara nyingine, hukubali kujibana mpaka nafasi ipatikane. Hiyo inaonyesha kuwa, mawazo hutawala mwili.

Mfano mwingine; watu wawili walipigana sokoni. Mmoja akampiga mwenzake kichwa katika upaji wa uso wake. Yule aliyepigwa, alipasuka katika upaji wa uso wake na damu nyingi ikamtoka. Fikiri mwenyewe; upaji wa uso wa mtu wa kwanza umeupasua upaji wa uso wa mtu wa pili, lakini upaji wa uso wa mtu wa kwanza haukupasuka, bali ulivimba tu kidogo. Unadhani tofauti yake ni nini? Jibu: Ni kwasababu, mawazo ya mtu wa kwanza, yalijua tunakwenda kumpiga mtu wa pili kwa kichwa;

kwahiyo, nyama za mwili wa mtu wa kwanza zilikuwa zimeshaandaliwa kwa mawazo ya huyo mtu wa kwanza; lakini mawazo ya mtu wa pili, hayakujua kuwa kuna kichwa kinakuja kutupiga, hivyo nyama za mwili wa mtu wa pili zilikuwa hazijaandaliwa kupokea kipigo; na ndio maana upaji wa mtu wa pili ukapasuliwa na upaji wa mtu wa kwanza. Hii inathibitisha kwamba, mawazo hutawala mwili.

Kwahiyo mtu wa Mungu, Biblia inaposema tugeuzwe fikra zetu, ina maana kubwa sana. Kwasababu, fikra zako zikiwaza vibaya, uasababisha mambo yako ya mwilini kwenda vibaya, hata kama wewe ni mwombaji. Lazima ujifunze kuwaza sawa sawa kama Neno linavyosema kuhusu wewe. Mkumbuke Gideoni, alikuwa anajiona dhaifu na ndio maana alikuwa dhaifu na maisha yake yakawa ya kitumwa. Lakini Mungu alipomwambia kwamba yeye ni hodari na shujaa, Gideoni akageuza fikra zake, akajiona shujaa (kama Mungu alivyokuwa anajiona na sio kama yeye alivyokuwa anajiona mwanzoni).

Mungu hakuwa na haja ya kumpa Gideoni nguvu kutoka mbinguni, balin mawazo mazuri ya ushindi yalitosha kumpa Gideoni nguvu za ajabu. kwa lugha nyingine, mawazo mazuri ya kishujaa, yalifungulia nguvu za Mungu zilizokuwa ndani yakena Gideoni, akaweza kuwaongoza Waisraeli katika ushindi mkuu dhidi ya adui zao. Tena kitu cha kushangaza, askari 300 tu wa Israeli waliwapiga maadui waliokuwa zaidi ya elfu 30.  (Soma vizuri habari hii katika kitabu cha Waamuzi sura ya 6 na 7).

Kwahiyo, ukujiona dhaifu, utasababisha udhaifu katika maisha yako. Ukijiona maskini au huwezi, utasababisha balaa, nuksi, mikosi, kushindwa na ufukara katika maisha yako au katika biashara yako au shamba lako au mifugo yako. Badilisha unavyojiona, utajikuta unabadilisha unavyojiwazia. Tumia Neno la Mungu kugeuza fikra zako na kuzifanya mpya, kuanzia sasa. Kulingana na Biblia, wewe ni shujaa na si dhaifu (Waefeso 6:10); wewe ni mzima na si mgonjwa (2Petro 2:24); wewe ni tajiri na si maskini (2Wakorintho 8:9); wewe ni huru na si mfungwa katika nguvu za giza (Wakolosai 1:13).

Tumia Neno la Mungu kugeuza fikra zako na kuzifanya mpya, kuanzia sasa. Badilisha unavyojiona, utajikuta unabadilisha unavyojiwazia. Ukijiwazia mawazo mazuri ya ushindi na mafanikio, ndivyo utakavyosababisha katika mwili wako, kwasababu mawazo hutawala mwili.

Ndio maana Neno la Mungu linasema; fikra zetu zigeuzwe na kufanywa upya kwa Neno la Mungu (Warumi 12:2; Waefeso 4:17-23-24). Hii inatokana na kanuni ya kwamba, mawazo ya nguvu ya kutawala mambo ya mwili. Ndio maana mtu wa Mungu inakupasa uwe na mawazo safi. Mungu Baba yako mwenyewe anakuwazia mawazo mazuri ya matumaini (Yeremia 29:11) Nakushauri ujifunze kujiwazia mawazo mazuri.

Usijione tena duni au dhaifu au mtu wa kushindwa au mtu wa kuugua au sio mzuri. Hapana, jione tofauti; jione mzuri, jione unaweza, jione una nguvu za kushinda, jione hodari na shujaa, jione kuwa wewe ni mzima hata kama hali ya afya yako ya mwili si nzuri, jione tofauti. Jione wewe uko huru hata kama huwa unajijua unasumbuliwa na nguvu za giza. Badilika! Jione tofauti. Jione wewe ni tajiri, mtu wa mafanikio. Mawazo ni ufunguo! Ukijiona vizuri (kama Mungu anavyokuona na si kama wewe unavyojiona) utapona katika tatizo linalofuata.

4            KUONGEA VIBAYA

Kama tulivyoona, ufahamu husababisha kuona; na kuona husababisha kuwaza; na mawazo husababisha maneno. Ukiona vibaya, utawaza vibaya; na ukiwaza vibaya utaongea vibaya. kuna nguvu ya ajabu sana katika maneno yetu. maneno ya nguvu ya kuumba. Biblia inasema ulimwengu uliumbwa kwa Neno la Mungu (Waebrania 11:3) Mungu aliumba vitu kwa kusema tu. Na kwakuwa Mungu ametushirikisha tabia ya uungu (Zaburi 82:6; Yohana 10:34; 2Petro 1:3-4) Kwahivyo basi, maneno yako yana nguvu ya kuumba. Hivyo, uwe mwangalifu unaongea nini au unajitamkia nini.

 

Chanzo cha nguvu ya maneno.

Nguvu ya maneno inatoka wapi? Maneno ni malighafi ambayo hutumiwa na Roho Mtakatifu au na roho wachafu (mapepo). Biblia inasema kwamba, kila andiko lenye pumzi ya Mungu (Roho) huwa Neno zuri la kufundishia na kuadabisha maisha ya watu. (2Timotheo 3:16-17) … na Neno la Mungu li hai na lina nguvu (Waebr 4:12) Hii ina maana kwamba;

                                     Andiko  +  Roho  =  Neno (Uhai na Nguvu)

                                            (2Kor 3:6)     (Mwa 2:7)    (Ebr 4:12)

Kwahiyo, Neno likivikwa “roho” linakuwa hai na linaweza kwenda kutenda kazi fulani. Ndio maana Mungu alisema kwasababu Neno langu ni Roho (yaani limevikwa au limejazwa Roho Mtakatifu), hivyo basi … Neno langu li hai, tena lina nguvu … na litokalo katika kinywa changu, halitarudi mpaka limeyatimiza mambo niliyolituma kufanya (Yohana 6:63; Waebrania 4:12; Isaya 55:10-11).

Hii ina maana kwamba, Neno la Mungu hupewa uhai na nguvu kutoka katika Roho Mtakatifu aliyelivika hilo Neno. Kwahiyo, unapojibariki kwa maneno mazuri, Roho Mtakatifu huja kulivika uhai na nguvu hilo neno lililotoka katika kinywa chako, ili liwe hai na liweze kukutimizia kile ulichotamka (ulicholituma kufanya). Kwa mfano; siku moja Bwana Yesu aliulaani mti na baada ya masaa kama 8 hivi, ule mti ulikufa! (Marko 11:12-14; 20-23) Tunaona Yesu hakutumia shoka au msumeno kuuua ule mti, bali alitumia maneno yake tu na ule mti ukafa.

Yesu alituma neno tu na Roho Mtakatifu akavamia lile neno na kulipa nguvu na uhai, hata likaweza kutenda kile ambacho Yesu amelituma kufanya; yaani kuua. Kuna nguvu ya ajabu sana katika maneno, kwasababu ya roho zinazoweza kuvamia hayo maneno na kuyafanya hai na yenye nguvu. Ndio maana Biblia inasema mtu hushibishwa maneno ya kinywa chake na mauti na ulimi huwa katika uwezo wa ulimi; na wote waupendao, watakula matunda yake. (Mithali 18:20-21). Hivyo basi, ukitamka maneno mabaya, Roho Mtakatifu hawezi kuja kulipa hilo neno lako uhai na nguvu; kwasababu Mungu habariki udhaifu au laana (negative words). Mungu anabariki maneno ya baraka tu (positive words).

Kwahiyo; ukijitamkia maneno ya mabaya ya udhaifu, laana, balaa na kushindwa, mapepo wachafu huja na kuvamia hayo maneno na kuyapa uhai na nguvu, na yatafanya kazi maishani mwako kukushibisha ulichotamka kwa ulimi wako mwenyewe. Umetegwa kwa maneno ya kinywa chako na umekamatwa kwa maneno ya midomo yako (Mithali 6:2).

Watu wengi hawajui kwanini Yesu alimtaka Petro akiri kwa  kinywa chake, tena mara tatu, kwamba anampenda Yesu (Yohana 20:1-19). Jiulize, jibu la kwanza la Petro, halikumtosha Bwana Yesu? Yesu hakuridhika? Kumbuka kwamba, Petro aliwahi kumkana Bwana Yesu kwa kinywa chake, tena mara tatu, ya kwamba yeye Petro hamjui Yesu. Hayo maneno ya Petro yalianza kuzaa matunda. Tunamuona Petro, baada ya kifo cha Yesu, Petro alianza kupata mawazo ya kuziridia nyavu zake za uvuvi wa samaki, kazi ambayo Yesu alishamwachisha.

Hayo yalikuwa matunda ya maneno yake; kwa lungha ya leo, tungesema Petro alikuwa anaacha wokovu!  Ndio maana ilimbidi Yesu kumfuata Petro na ndugu wanafunzi wengine, kule baharini. Na alipowapata, Yesu akaanza kumtamkisha Petro mara tatu ili kumsaidia Petro aweze kufuta maneno yake mabaya ya laana. Maneno ya kinywa chako yana nguvu ya kusababisha kile unachosema kitokee katika ulimwengu wa mwili, kwasababu kuna roho zinazowinda maneno ili zivae hayo maneno ya kuyaleta mwilini. Hivyo uwe mwangalifu unatamka nini. Ukitamka laana, pepo wachafu watakusaidia na utapokea laana. Lakini ukitamka baraka, Roho Mtakatifu pamoja na malaika (Waebrania 1:14) watakusaidia, na utapokea baraka, ushindi na mafanikio.

Ikikulazimu kutamka maneno ya udhaifu, usiyaache yananing’inia hivyo hivyo, mapepo yatakushibisha; bali hakikisha unayafuta kwa maneno mengine mazuri ya naraka na ushindi. Kwa mfano; Umetoka kwenye mtihani mgumu sana, watu wakikuuliza habari za mtihani, unaweza kuwajibu kwa ushindi tu kwamba ‘mtihani ulikuwa mzuri tu’ ingawamoyoni unajua mambo yalikuwa magumu. Lakini ikikulazimu, wee sema tu kwamba ‘mtihani kwakweli ulikuwa mgumu sana, lakini Mungu atanipigania’. Hapo utakuwa umeshafuta ule udhaifu kama Petro.

Kama unaumwa na hali bado si nzuri, unaweza kusema ‘namshukuru Mungu ninaendelea vizuri’ japo wewe binafsi unajua hali bado ni ngumu. Huo ushindi na uzima unaoukiri, utakuwa malighafi kwa Roho Mtakatifu, kukuletea uzima wako katika mwili. Lakini ikikulazimu, wee sema tu hali ‘hali yangu bado lakini Mungu ataniponya’. Hapo utakuwa umefuta ule udhaifu ulioutamka. Hili tunajifunza kwa Bwana Yesu mwenye; alisema udhaifu lakini hakuacha maneno yake dhaifu yananing’inia, bali aliyafuta kwa kutamka maneno mengi ya baraka na ushindi kwa nyuma yake.

Kwa mfano; Yesu aliwahi kusema “ulimwenguni mnayo dhiki (hili si neno zuri. lakini kahuishia hapo, bali alifuta udhaifu/kushindwa kwa neno la ushindi, akasema) lakini jipeni moyo, mimi nimeushinda ulimwengu (yaani; alikuwa anatuambia kwamba, kama yeye ameshinda, na sisi tutashinda tu) Yohana 16:33. Pia aliwahi kusema “mwana wa Adam atauwawa (halafu akafuta kwa kusema) lakini siku ya tatu atafufuka (Marko 16:21).  Ndio Mungu anasema “aliye dhaifu na aseme mimi ni hodari” (Joel 3:10). Kwahiyo; kama unataka kubadilisha hiyo hali uliyonayo, usiseme jinsi hali ilivyo, bali tamka vile unavyotaka hali yako iwe katika mwili.

Tumia nguvu ya maneno yako, hata kama hali si ya kutia moyo sana, lakini usiseme wewe ni dhaifu, bali  sema ‘mimi ni hodari katika jina la Yesu’ (Yoel 3:10); usiseme wewe ni mgonjwa, sema ‘mimi ni mzima katika jina la Yesu’ (1Petro 2:24); usiseme wewe ni maskini, bali sema ‘mimi ni tajiri katika jina la Yesu’ (2Wakorintho 8:9); usiseme kwamba hutaweza, bali kiri kwamba ‘mimi ninayaweza yote katika Kristo anitiaye nguvu’ (Wafilipi 4:19). Hivyo ndivyo watu wa imani tunavyoshinda na zaidi ya kushinda katika dunia hii hii mbovu. Kwwahiyo umegundua kwamba, watu wa Mungu wengi wanafeli na kushindwa kimaisha kwasababu ya maneno yao wenyewe.

5            KUOMBA VIBAYA

Jambo jingine linalosababisha watu wa Mungu ambao ni wabarikiwa lakini wanaishi maisha ya shida na taabu ni suala zima la kutokuomba ipasavyo au kuomba vibaya. Katika sura ya tatu na sura ya nne, nimeongelea sana juu ya watu wa Mungu kutokuwa waombaji. Katika pointi hii, siongelei kutokuomba, bali naongelea kuomba vibaya. Kwahiyo utagundua kwamba, baadhi ya watu w Mungu, wana bidii sana katika kuomba lakini bado hawapokei yale wanayoyaomba, kwasababu wanaomba vibaya. Mungu anailalamikia hii hali kwa kusema kwamba, mnaomba lakini hampati, kwasababu mnaomba vibaya (Yakobo 4:3).

Mtume Paulo pia anasema watu wa Mungu wanabidii sanakatika mabo ya Mungu lakini si katika maarifa (Warumi 10:2; Hosea 4:6). Maana yake ni kwamba; watu wa Mungu wanavuja jasho sana lakini matunda wanayoambulia ni kidogo. Yesu naye anasema ninawashangaa, mbona mnavyohangaikia maisha, kula na kunywa na kuvaa, kama mataifa wasi na Mungu (Mathayo 6:31-32)

Maana yake ni kwamba, wana wa Mungu hatutakiwi kuhangaika na kuhenyeka duniani kwa ajili ya maisha na mahitaji yake kama mataifa, bali tunatakiwa kupata msaada wa Mungu katika kila eneo la maisha yetu, kwasababu sisi ni wa thamani kuliko maua na ndege na yeye Mungu ndiye anayetuhudumia sisi (kama anavyowahudumia ndege na maua). Maneno haya hayamaanishi tusiende kulima na kufuga au kusomana kufanya kazi; haimaanishi tusiende kufanya biashara, NO! Maana yake sio hiyo, bali alikuwa na maana hii; twende tukafanya kazi kwasababu kufanya kazi ni agizo la Mungu;

Lakini, katika kafanya kazi kwetu, tuudhihirishie ulimwengu kuwa, sisi wana wa Mungu, tuna msaada wa Mungu katika kila tunachofanya. Kama Mungu anakusaidia katika kila unachofanya, hautakiwi kuhangaika na kuhenyeka. Msaada wa Mungu unakusaidia kupata mahitaji yako yote katikati ya dunia hii mbovu iliyoharibika. Lakini ukiangalia maisha ya baadhi ya watoto wa Mungu, ni ya kuhangaika na kuhenyeka kama vile hatuna Mungu. Hali hiyo haitutofautishi na mataifa wasiomjua Mungu. Mungu anataka iwepo tofauti kati ye watoto wa Mungu na watoto wa shetani (1Yohana 3:10; Kutoka 11:7; Kutoka 8:23; Kutoka 9:4)

Kwahiyo, Mungu anatamani kuona watoto wake tunarithi baraka zote alizotuwekea katika ulimwengu wa roho. Mungu anatamani sana kuona damu ya Yesu imemwagika kwa thamani yake, kwamba watoto wake tumepata vyote ambavyo damu ya yesu ilitununua navyo. Lakini sivyo ililivyo; na moja ya sababu ni kwamba, watu wa Mungu wanabidii sana katika mambo ya Mungu lakini si katika maarifa (Warumi 10:2; Hosea 4:6). Maana yake ni kwamba; watu wa Mungu wanavuja jasho sana lakini matunda wanayoambulia ni kidogo. Katika pointi hii, siongelei kutokuomba, bali naongelea kuomba vibaya.

Kwahiyo utagundua kwamba, baadhi ya watu wa Mungu, wana bidii sana katika kuomba, kwenye mikesha wapo, kwenye kufunga swaumu, wapo; lakini bado hawapokei yale wanayoyaomba. Hii ni kwasababu wanaomba vibaya. Mungu anailalamikia hii hali kwa watoto wake kwa kusema; mnaomba lakini hampati, kwasababu mnaomba vibaya (Yakobo 4:3).

Tunakosea wapi katika kuomba?

a)   Kuomba Mambo manyonge (Isaya 41:21)

     Isaya 43:26, Zaburi 2:7-8,  2Wakorintho 9:6, Wagalatia 6:7

b)   Kuomba Pasipo uhakika (imani) (Yakobo 1:5-7)

Waebrnia 11:1, 6,   Waebrania 10:38

c)    Kuomba nje ya mapenzi ya Mungu  (1Yohana 5:14-15) < Kitu / Muda / Mahali >

Mathayo 26:36-44, Warumi 8:26-27;  Waefeso 6:18,    Yuda 1:10

d)   Kuomba kwa kukatisha (1Wathes 5:17)

(1) Luka 18:1-7,  (2) Yakobo 5:17-18  (1Waflme 18:41-44), (3) Wagalt 1:6 / 4:19

(Wakolosai 4:2,   Waefes 6:18)

e)   Kuomba kwa msimu  (Walawi 6:12-13)

Luka 10:1, 9, 17;  Mathayo 17:14-16-21; 1Wafalme 20:19-22

Mfano; Mathayo 26:36-46 Linganisha na Matendo 2:43-47, 42 / 3:1- 4:1-13-18-20-31 

f)    Kuomba bila kumpinga shetani  (Yakobo 4:7)

Ufunuo 5:8-10, Ufunuo 1:5-6,  1Pet 2:9

Mwanzo 1:26-28,  Zaburi 8:4-8, 1Yoh 4:13,17,

Mathayo 28:18;  Luka 10:19, Yeremia 1:10/ 51:20

Waefes 6:12-13, 10-11;   Joshua 1:3, 6-9, 5.

g)    Kumpinga shetani wakati una vitu vyake (Yohana 14:33)

Yakobo 4:3-7;  Marko 11:25-26;  Mathyo 6:14-15;  Isaya 59:1-2;  Yohana 9:31.

HERE IS THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF TEACHER MGISA MTEBE!!!

The Founder and Leader

Brother Mgisa Mtebe is a husband to Victoria Justine Rimisho, and a father of two beautiful  girls Shekinah and her  baby sister Shivvone. He was born second, in 1975 by Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Usuili Mtebe as the only male child of four, having three lovely sisters, Neema, Eliwanzita and Upendo. Dr. Wilson Mtebe (a lecturer at Mzumbe University) is originally from Ukerewe, an island in the lake Victoria in the northern region of  Tanzania. Mrs. Usuili Ntenga, is originally from Iramba-Singida, a central region in Tanzania. The nuclear family has for long, being based in Morogoro, Tanzania.

Professional Background

Mgisa is primarily a teacher by profession but now working with the Church as an Economist, after graduating his Bachelor Degree from Mzumbe University (2007) in Economic Planning and Project Management. His career-ministry is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Ministry Calling

Brother Mgisa was divinely called by God into the teaching ministry in the very early days of his life, when he was just 17 years young. Though he was brought up in a Christian home of Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Usuili Mtebe, Mgisa met Jesus’ as his personal Lord and Saviour, on a Wednesday evening, on August the 5th, 1992, in a small Sengerema town, when he was doing his secondary education in Mwanza Region. Mgisa respectifully honors the ministry of Pastor Joshua Wawa, who was by then, a Mathematics Teacher at Sengerema Secondary School, as the spiritual father who laid a good foundation of salvation and ministry in his life. He also honors God for the teaching ministry of Teacher Christopher Mwakasege, as the person whom God has used to powerfully to install a divine understanding of the word of God and strengthen the calling of God his life.

The Beginning

After 5 years of passing through different pastoral ministries of various powerful and anointed men of God, Mgisa was noticed to have a very special spiritual gift and teaching ministry, in his life. Everybody around him was somehow touched by this special gift of revelational knowledge of God’s word. He gradually began to be a blessing to his fellow students and teachers. Eventually, he found himself as a leader of the Tanzania Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF-UKWATA) from the school level to the national level. In the year 2000, he was choosen the President of the inter-denominational organization, at national level.

Mgisa acknowledges the students’ ministry as experience that birthed the beginning of God’s divine call, that introduced him into the ministry for the body of Christ, the Church. It was at that point, when the Church in Tanzania, discovered the divine spiritual gift invested by God in this young man. Since then, Mgisa has been ministering the word of God in different Churches, Conferences, Seminars, Schools and Colleges, Universities all around the whole country.

His books, tapes, CDs and DVDs have blessed and changed many lives within and outside the country. ‘Christ Rabbon Ministry’ is an Anointed Ministry of a Teacher or The Ministry of an Anointed Teacher. This Inter-denominational Christian Ministry, serves God with the Purpose of equipping and empowering the people of God, with revelational knowledge of the word of God. “For the world shall be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of God, as the water covers the sea” (Habakuki 2:14). Glory be to God the most high, who works within them, to fulfill His divine purpose!

EVENTS

Each year, Teacher Mgisa travels around the country, throughout the year, sharing the good news of the Gospel and making an impact in the lives of millions of people. His itinerary not only includes conventions and tours but also ministering as a guest speaker at many churches in Tanzania.
This allows him the opportunity to share the Word of God with pastors and congregations in their home churches. With his dynamic teaching style and practical approach to evangelizing, Teacher Mgisa has successfully ministered to millions over the years on topics that range from Christian family and biblical prosperity to building faith and character development. He is truly making a mark that cannot be erased, so be sure to join him at a meeting near you!

STATEMENT OF FAITH

When God called Teacher Mgisa to Ministry, He gave him this word, “Go ye unto the world, and make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; and teaching them to do all what l have taught you. And behold, I am with you, till the end of the world.” (Mathew 28:18-20)

The entire leadership of Christ Rabbon Ministries is committed without reservation to this Statement of Faith:

1. We believe that the sixty-six books of Holy Scripture as originally given are in their entirety the Word of God verbally inspired and wholly without error in all that they declare and, therefore, are the supreme and final authority of faith and life.

2. We believe in the Holy Trinity of; God-Father, God-Son, and the Holy Spirit.

3. We believe the vicarious substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross made atonement for the sin of the world, efficient for all who repent and believe.

4. We believe in the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which insures the resurrection of all believers who have received God’s gift of eternal life.

5. We believe that the Holy Spirit thus indwells all who receive Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord.
And Holy Spirit is responsible for the quickening from death into life and for the continuing of the work of sanctification in the believer.

6. We believe that all believers are called to be in the world but separate from it.

7. We believe that Christians are called to witness for Christ, to preach the gospel to all nations, and to study the Bible personally through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit until each one is matured into the preordained purpose of God for him.

YOU CAN CONTACT HIM;  

Christ Rabbon Ministries

P.O.Box 14484

Dar Es Salaam,Tanzania

Tel: +255 713 497 654

Email: info@mgisamtebe.org

www.mgisamtebe.org

AMKA UPIGE KURA KWA MWANAMUZIKI BORA WA INJILI!!

Tanzania Christian Bloggers Network

Presents

Amka Campaign

Amka Campaign, ni Kampeni maalumu ya kuwashawishi watanzania wawapigie kura wanamuziki wa injili nchini ili kuibuka washimdi katika TUZO ZA MUZIKI WA INJILI BARANI AFRIKA.(AGMA). Lengo hasa la Amka Campaing ni kuzidi kuutangaza Muziki wa Injili kutoka Tanzania kwa bara zima la Afrika na Dunia kwa ujumla.

Kwa muda sasa watanzania wamekuwa hawajui lolote kuhusu namna ya kushiriki katika tuzo hizo ingawa wanapenda. Toka tuzo za Muziki wa injili Barani Afrika zilipoanza mwamko kwa watanzania kushiriki umekuwa mdogo, na hii ni kutokana na sintofahamu kwa wadau wa muziki huo kuanzia kwa

1.Wanamuziki wenyewe
2.Mameneja wa wanamuziki hao
3.Waandishi wa habari na Kanisa kwa ujumla.

Hivyo basi Kuanzia tarehe 21st April 2012 mpaka 21May 201 ni muda wa kupendekeza washiriki na tumebakiwa na takribani wiki moja tu ya kupendekeza, ili kupendekeza unatakiwa

a)Uandike kategori ambayo unataka mwanamuziki wa injili kutoka Tanzania aingie
b)Jina la mwanamuziki mwenyewe kisha utume jina hilo na
c)kazi yake aliyofanya kwa mwaka 2011 April -2012April na
d)sababu ya kumchagua kwenda

nominations@africagospelawards​.com

Mfano
 Category: BEST ARTIST OF THE YEAR EAST AFRICA
I do nominate : Christina shusho from Tanzania
Song:Thamani ya wokovu wangu
Reason:Her songs has restores many souls to the Kingdom of GOD

Kisha unatuma kupitia email tajwa hapo juu
Vipengele(categories) ambavyo unatakiwa kuchagua mtanzania wa kutuwakilisha ni pamoja na

1. GROUP/CHOIR OF THE YEAR
2. MALE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
3. FEMALE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
4. BEST ARTISTE OF THE YEAR EAST AFRICA
5. EVENT OF THE YEAR

Kwa kufanya hivyo utakuwa umemuwezesha mwanamuziki wa injili kutoka nchini kuingia kwenye Nomination pull ya Tuzo hizo.Tuzo hizo zinatarajiwa kufanyika tarehe 7th July 2012 jijini London nchini Uingereza, wakati zoezi la kupiga kura baada ya nomination list kutoka litaanza tarehe 1May-30june 2012.
.

Umoja wa mabloggers wa kikristo nchini unaamini kuwa, watanzania kwa pamoja kwa namna moja au nyingine tunaweza kuutangaza muziki wa Injili kutoka Tanzania.

Ili kuweza kupata undani wa tuzo hizo unaweza tembelea www.agma.co.uk

......KARIBU UJADILI KWA KADIRI UWEZAVYO NA UJUAVYO!!!

TOPIC No.1# JE KUNA MTAKATIFU DUNIANI?

Imekuwa ni jambo la kubishaniwa sana hapa duniani miongoni wa wakristo na watu wengine wa kawaida!

Wapo wanaosema haiwezekani watu waitwe watakatifu kwa mfano. Papa au wale wote waliotunukiwa utakatifu huo?

Wengine bado wanajiuliza Je utakatifu ni shahada mpaka watu wajadiliane na kumtunuku mwingine?

Na Je hawa wanaojiita WAMEOKOKA je hawa ndio watakatifu?

Unawezaje kuwa mtakatifu na bado ukatenda dhambi?

Na Mbona Biblia imesema.....WATAKATIFU WALIO DUNIANI NDIO NINAOPENDEZWA NAO!

na mahali pengine imesema...IWENI WATAKATIFU KAMA MUNGU WENU ALIVYO MTAKATIFU!!!

Sijaweka vifungu vya Biblia maksudi nikikutaka wewe ujibu kwa kutumia Biblia takatifu!

Tunatamani tukusikie Je wewe unasemaje?

1.JE WEWE NI MTAKATIFU/MDHAMBI AU HUJIJUI?

2.UNASEMAJE KUHUSU UWEPO WA WATAKATIFU DUNIANI?

 3.UNAELEWA NINI KUHUSU UTAKATIFU?

START WORSHIPING BY MEDITATING THESE DOGMATIC TRUTH ABOUT YOUR GOD!!!

I WISH IF I COULD ELABORATE MY KING,BUT HE IS INDESCRIBABLY

WELL HERE I HAVE JUST TRIED!!

HE IS MY KING!!

ENRICH "YOUR UNDERSTANDING CAPACITY BY DOING BIBLE SURVEYING!!"

Shalom all my readers!

I am glad we all fine and we keep pacing for higher marks in building the Kingdom of God!

Bible is sole book that contains summary of everything that a a person need to know from the creation of this world to its end, it is referred as micro-library  for it has many books!

Many written in formations in the Bible are written in a summary form, that is why you need to understand first the environment, history and life realities of those times in scriptures, moreover you need Holly Spirit to understand everything well!

The Bible is among very complicated books if you try to read it as a story book but very interesting if you read it as it suppose to be red!

I wish now you take your time and read this very careful what i call BIBLE SurveySURVeY, so that when you will be reading any portion of scriptures you will quickly understand what it suppose to mean!

Many Christians are lacking basic knowledge of the Bible that is why they minder in churches and ministries finding what are always within themselves.

I TOOK THIS SUBJECT JUST AS HOW IT WAS PRESENTED TO

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SEMINAR ( DTS 2010)

TOPIC:BIBLE SURVEY

By Joan Wanjiru, TAFES TANZANIA

Introduction.

What is Bible Survey?

Why the Bible Survey?

Facts about the Bible

A brief overview of the entire the bible.

Old testament Survey.

New testament Survey.

Conclusion.

INTRODUCTION

One of the biggest mistake we have been making is taking the literal meaning of statements, writings or words without finding out why or to who or when was it/were they written or said. No wonder the saying goes like “Never judge a book by its cover”

In an attempt to bring out the harmony of the bible and understand the bible more clearly I have found out the only way is through studying the arrangement of events as they happened, depicting the major themes and connecting all these to the ultimate purpose of God which is redemption.

In this lesson I have tried to prepare the major events and the themes as they happened in a summarised way. What we would say arrange by date modified in computer language or biologically a microscopic view and in geography a panoramic view of the bible.

WHAT IS BIBLE SURVEY?

SURVEY- Look carefully and thoroughly at. Examine and record the area and features of (an area of land) so as to construct a map, plan, or description.

CHRONOLOGICAL (adjective of chronology)- The study of records to establish the dates of past events. The arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence.

1. This is a representation of the events, author and the dates of the books of the bible as they happened following one another.
2. A chronological arrangement of the Bible.

WHY BIBLE SURVEY

1. Helps us get a mastery of the factual content of the bible.
2. Enables us recognise the unity of the bible, noting the relationships of the various books to one another and to the bible as a whole. (How the bible has been interwoven and the outstanding harmony of each book).
3. Through it we are able to see the Lord Jesus in all the scriptures and portray his centrality.
4. Helps every Christian have a clear understanding of the bible, the history of redemption and the connections of God’s plan on the mankind as outline from Genesis through Revelation.

FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE

1. Contains 66 books 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
2. Was written by over 40 authors at a period of 1600 years.
3. Breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
4. It’s a story of redemption and main theme is salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ.
5. It is the travellers map, pilot’s compass, soldier’s sword and Christian’s character.

2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE BIBLE.

1. Creation and the fall of man.[Genesis]
2. Early human ends but Noah finds favour.[Genesis]
3. The chosen family, Hebrew race founded.[Genesis, Job]
4. The Hebrews becomes a nation.
5. Hebrews becomes slaves in Egypt.
6. Moses delivers them, walks in the wilderness, and wanders for 40years.[Exodus,Leviticus,Numbers and Deuteronomy].
7. Joshua leads them into conquering and settling in Canaan.[Joshua]
8. Judges arise.[Judges and Ruth]
9. Theo centric rule[Samuel]
10. Monarchical rule-United and Divided Kingdom[Kings, Chronicles,Jeremiah,Isaiah]
11. The captivity-Assyria and Babylon[Esther, Daniel and Ezekiel]
12. Return and Restoration [Ezra,Nehemiah,Zechariah, Haggai and Malachi].
13. The Silence-400 years of Intertestamental silence.
14. Birth, growth, ministry, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ [Gospels].
15. The church age-birth, growth and persecution [Acts and all the epistles].
16. The consummation [Revelation].

OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE SURVEY

EVENTS, THEME AND REFLECTIONS

This will comprise of only the major events and the themes depicted in a summarised way since there are so many of them if one used the analytical approach.

Below are the eight major events that took place in the Old Testament in line with the books they were found and their connectivity.

1. CREATION AND FALL-(Genesis)

The book of Genesis is the book of all beginnings except God who has no beginnings. In a summary it’s the beginning of

• Universe…. 1
• Human race….1 & 2
• Sin in the World….3
• Promise of Redemption….3
• Family life….4
• Man and civilisation….4-9
• Nations of the World….10&11
• Hebrew Race….12-50

One of the key events is the story of the fall of Adam and Eve, sin entering in the world and man becoming a sinner by nature.

We also see the promise of redemption beginning here in (Gen3:15)

The spread of sin is also evident and at some point God regrets why He made man but Noah was found righteous and survives the flood by faith.

Ref: Sin is punishable but Grace is sufficient to those by faith who believe and obey God. Adam and Eve are sent out of Eden, Cain is punished, Noah finds favour and by faith builds the ark and urges people to get into it too.

2. THE PATRIARCHS (Genesis 12-50, Job)

Job is believed to one of the earliest patriarch hence among the first book to be written.

Others are Abraham who by faith is called from known to unknown and his obedience is reckoned as righteousness. Often referred to as the father of faith, at a very advanced age God fulfils His promise by giving them a son Isaac.

Isaac, Jacob "Israel” and Joseph makes the lineage from which God formed the nation.

Reflection: God’s promises can never be broken and by faith we wait for their fulfilment. Abraham not only was he made righteous by faith but received God’s promise at an extra ordinary moment of his life.

3. EXODUS

(Exodus, Leviticus [law of worship, service}], Numbers {wilderness and wanderings} and Deuteronomy {repeated law})

This is coverage of the history of God’s people-Bondage, Deliverance, Judgements, Passover, Red sea, Law, Tabernacle and Priesthood.

The Passover marks the climax of God’s continuous work of redemption. God makes a covenant relationship at Mount Sinai. It’s interesting how God’s own people kept forgetting his deliverance and would complain till God had to wipe out the whole generation that left Egypt.

Reflection: The past that is not dealt with becomes bondage. Paul tells Corinthians that if anyone is in Christ He is a New Creation the Old is one. It took 40years….to get Egypt out of the Israelites mind and hearts.

3. THE CONQUEST [Joshua]

Joshua is the book of conquest or the battlefield of the Canaan heritage. The children of Israelites led by Joshua conquered Jericho, Ai while learning several hard lessons of obedience and total dependence on God.

The first half of Joshua 1-13 describes the seven year conquest of the land, and the second half gives details of division and settlement of the land.

God leads Israel into the Promised Land as he had told their fore fathers in Genesis victoriously. Having conquered and defeated thirty one kings they learn that God’s victory comes not in the mighty armies or numbers but obedience and faith.

Reflection: Our victory depends not in reinforcement but dependence on God, ability to discern the signs of time and total obedience.

3. THE JUDGES [Judges, Ruth and 1 Samuel 1-9]

Judges were military leaders who rose at the time of need to save and restore the children of Israel from oppression. They were also administrative.

The books cover a period after the death of Joshua till the rise of Saul. During this period the Israelites had no earthly king God was their King.

Its interesting during this time the Israelites life was a cyclic-

(Sin-slavery-supplication-salvation-silence- sin).

Cycles of their life

• Sin – they disobeyed God by worshipping idols
• Slavery – God would send a foreign army to punish them
• Supplication – then they would cry to God for mercy
• Salvation – God would hear them and send them a deliverer.
• Silence-Rest and peace.

NB: The book of Ruth was written in the times of the Judges having come from Moabites.

Samuel was the last judge of Israel and the first prophet.

Below is a table showing the Judges of Israel.

Name	Tribe	Identification	Enemy	Years of oppression	Years of peace	Ref:
1.Othniel	Judah	Nephew of Caleb	Mesopotamians ( king Chushan)	8	40	3:9-11
2.Ehud	Benjamin	Left-handed assassin	Moabites (king Eglon)	18	80	3:12-30
3.Shamgar	Naphtali	Used ox goad	Philistines	?	?	3:31
4.Deborah	Ephraim	Only woman judge	Canaanites (King Jabin)	20	40	4:4 -5:31
5.Gideon	Manasseh	Of obscure family Sought a sign	Midianites	7	40	6:11-8:35
6.Tola	Issachar				23	10:1-2
7.Jair	Gilead	30 sons 30cities			22	10:3-5
8.Jephthah	Gilead	Made a rash vow	Ammonites	18	6	11:1-!2:7
9.Ibsan	Bethlehem	30 sons 30 daughters			7	12:8-10
10.Elon	Zebulun				10	12:11-12
11.Abdon	Ephraem				8	12:13-15
12.Samson	Dan	Nazarite	Philistines	40	20	132-16:31

• Reflection: What cycles can our lives be defined by? Are we temporal Christians? Only by the grace of God and total dependence can we be sure of victory after victory anything else becomes wanting.

6. THE MONARCHY {1and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles}

Before the Israelites got an earthly king God (theoretical) was their king but they eventually demanded one and so came Saul, David and Solomon among others .each of them ruled for 40 years giving the first three kings these titles-Disobedient Saul, Repentant David and Pleasure Seeking Solomon. During these three regimes the Kingdom was united.

Samuel was the bridge between the judges and the kings.

Reflection: God calls and ordains leaders He promises to be with them to the end but He expects us as leaders to obey Him to the end. The greatest challenges of leadership today are fame, pleasure, money among other. How are we prepared to tackle these challenges?

7. THE DIVIDED KINGDOM

The kingdom became divided into two after the reign of Solomon.

The Northern Kingdom under the leadership of Jeroboam

Composed of10 tribes at Samaria, Lasted for 224 years (945-721), Had 19 rulers who were unrighteous. They did not return from captivity and the temple was destroyed.

The Southern Kingdom under the leadership of Rehoboam who were 2 tribes at Jerusalem.

Lasted for 359 years (945-586), Had 8 righteous rulers and 12 unrighteous one. They returned from captivity in three groups.

Below is a list of kings in the both kingdoms

NORTHERN KINGDOM- ISRAEL				SOUTHERN KINGDOM- JUDAH
KING	TRAIT	Years of reign	REF: 1Kings	KING	TRAIT	Years of reign	REF: 1 Kings
Jeroboam 1	Bad	22	12:19	Rehoboam	Bad	17	12:1
Nadab	Bad	2	15:25	Abijah	Bad	3	15:1
Baasha	Bad	24	15:27	Asa	Good	41	15:9
Elah	Bad	2	16:8	Jehoshaphat	Good	25	22:41
Zimri	Bad	7 days	16:9	Jehoram	Bad	8	22:50
Omri	Bad	12	1617	Ahaziah	Bad	1	2Kings 8:24
Ahab	Bad	22	16:29	Athaliah			11:1
Ahaziah	Bad	2	22:40	Jehoash(Joash)	Good	40	11:4
Jehoram	Bad	12	2Kings 3:1	Amaziah	Good	29	14:1
Jehu	Bad	28	9:2	Uzziah (Azariah)	Good	52	15:1
Jehoahaz	Bad	17	13:1	Jotham	Good	16	15:32
Jehoash(Joash)	Bad	16	2King 13:10	Ahaz	Bad	16	15:38
Jeroboam 2	Bad	41	2King 14:16	Hezekiah	Good	29	18:1
Zacharia	Bad	6mth	2King 14:29	Manasseh	Bad	55	21:1
Shallum	Bad	1mth	2King 15:10	Amon	Bad	2	21:19
Menahem	Bad	10	2King 15:14	Josiah	Good	31	22:1
Pekahiah	Bad	2	2King 15:10	Jehoahaz	Bad	3mnth	23:31
Pekah	Bad	20	2King 15:25	Jehoiakim	Bad	11	23:36
Hoshea	Bad	9	2King 15:30	Jehoiachin	Bad	3mnth	24:6
Assyrian Captivity				Zedekiah	Bad	11	24:17
				Babylonian Captivity

During this time many prophets prophesied as listed below. They are referred to as Pre-Exilic Prophets

Prophet(s)	Kings reigning at the time of the prophecy
Isaiah/Micah	Uzziah,Jothan,Ahaz,Hezekiah
Jeremiah	Josiah,Jehoahaz,Jehoiakim,Zedekiah,Jehoiachin
Hosea	Jeroboam 2,Hoshea
Joel	Joash,Uzziah
Amos	Uzziah
Obadiah	Not known
Jonah	Jeroboam 2
Nahum	Jeroboam 2
Zephaniah	Manasseh.

The prophets that mainly prophesied in-

• ISRAEL-Amos,Hosea,Jonah,Nahum,Nineveh,Obadiah

• Judah-Joel,Isaiah,Micah,Zephaniah,Jeremiah and Habakkuk

Lamentation was written at this time too.

NB-The main two purposes of prophets was to forth tell and foretelling.

7B.THE EXILE

Having been warned by God about their disobedience the Israelites were finally taken to captivity as a punishment for disobedience.

The Northern Kingdom was taken up by the Assyrian in 724 BC.

The Southern Kingdom was taken up by the Babylonians 587 BC.

The books of Esther (Babylon), Daniel (Babylon) and Ezekiel were written in exile. The prophets foretold of the restoration hope and judgement on the kings who had taken them captive.

Reflection: It is also interesting to realise the power of GOD being manifested in the book of Esther despite the fact that His Name has not been mentioned at all. Faith without action is dead Paul says so. A challenge to us “Is the Lord we profess and confess made manifest in and through our lives more and more?”

8. RESTORATION

Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi are the prophets and their books were written after exile. Also referred to as Post Exilic prophets.

Nehemiah and Ezra were written at this time too.

The Jews returned from Babylonian captivity in three main groups as follows

1. 1^st group led by Zerrubabel who concentrated on the rebuilding of the temple.
2. 2^nd group led by Ezra concentrated on the restoration/rebuilding of the law.
3. 3^rd group led by Nehemiah, he concentrated on the rebuilding of the wall.

N: B The northern kingdom never returned from captivity.

Reflection: The Lord has always been labouring to restore mankind to Himself every time he fell of and actually the words in Lamentation says that his mercy and steadfast love endures forever and forever. Though we should not keep on sinning because the grace of God has been made available.

• The Book of Psalms is a collection of Journals written by Israelites at different times as early as times of Moses.
• Proverbs and Ecclesiastes were written by King Solomon during his reign.

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.

1) Birth, growth, ministry, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ [Gospels].

2) The church age-birth, growth and persecution of the church as the gospel was being spread. [Acts and all the epistles].

3) The consummation [Revelation].

EVENTS, THEME AND REFLECTIONS

This will comprise of only the major events and the themes depicted in a summarised way since there are so many of them if one used the analytical approach.

The New Testament can be divided into three major parts as we shall closely look at.

1. Birth, Growth, Ministry, Crucifixion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.

- All these accounts are well recorded in the four Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

They narrate the same story but differently- they are testimonies/reports of eye

Witness and not just biographies.

- Mark, Matthew and John are synoptic gospels.

Synoptic means relating to or denoting the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke

which describe events from a similar point of view as contrasted with that of John.

The table below shows the dates the gospels were written their main theme about Christ and the audience.

	Mathew	Mark	Luke	John
Date (Earliest)	AD 58	AD 55	AD 60	AD 80
Place	Syria a Antioch	Rome	Rome/Grace	Ephesus
Audience	Jews	Roman	Greek	Universal
Theme	Messiah - King	Servant-leader	Perfect man	Son of God

- Matthew narrates the story of the birth of Jesus from Joseph’s view while Luke through Mary’s eye.

- John goes way far beyond and shares into His past existence and His eternity (In the Beginning was…)

- Mark though being the earliest book goes directly into sharing Christ’s public ministry with his forerunner John the Baptist.

Jesus is described to have been born in lowliness but was worshipped since his birth by the wise men. His life with his parents is only shared once when he was left behind in the temple by Luke in 2:41-51.

Jesus grows in wisdom, stature and in favour with men and God. All through he kept his humble character and a hard-line on sinful habits and rituals as well as dining with sinners, rebuking boldly, and teaching even on Sabbath.

1. At some point we see Jesus being tempted despite being God though he overcame clearly described by Matthew.
2. Luke also points out his first public appearance as he reads a section of Isaiah on the temple. His ministry involved Preaching, Teaching, Healing, and Performing Miracles among others.
3. His human nature is also not left un mentioned (weeping and being hungry).

Jesus disclosed to his disciples about his suffering, his death and victory over it and keeps reminding them of the future of the gospel and their role too. He promises them of a helper after he leaves whom John has explained so well.

The triumphal entry in Jerusalem climax theological and political controversy about who he was.

• Jesus knew that the hour had come and his spent his find hour of liberty with the twelve over a Passover meal.
• Trial – Pontius Pilate wanted to please the Jews and release Jesus at the same time.
• Crucifixion was a horrible form of execution. It was shameful to the Romans and only reserved it for slaves and worst criminals.
• Consider the seven words of the cross.
• A significant thing happens at the cross where one of the thieves believes in him and is justified right there and then. (Reminds me of how Jesus kept telling them the purpose and the cost of the cross in this walk).
• Resurrection and his ascension gave the final and concrete evidence of the authenticity and completeness of the work of Christ on the cross.

Reflection: Jesus became a man though God endured pain, shame, rejection, died on the cross to reconcile us back to the father. He also called the twelve, discipled them and assigned them the task of spreading this gospel. How far have we gone into fulfilling this great commission? Are we discipling them into Christ likeness?

2. The church age-birth, growth and persecution of the church as the gospel was being spread. [Acts and all the epistles].

1. The Acts of the Apostles shows -

 Birth of the church in Jerusalem,2-5

 Beginning of persecution(first martyr Stephen),6-9

 Spread of Christianity to the gentiles,9-12

 First missionary journey- Paul and Barnabas,13-15

 Second Missionary journey-Paul and Silas,16-18

 Third Missionary Journey-Ephesus,18-20

 A prisoner in Jerusalem,Caeserea and Rome 20-28

- The disciples waited for 10 days for the promise of the Holy Spirit to be fulfilled as John had written and Joel had prophesied.

- The effect of the Holy Spirit is boldness, Spread of the gospel and the birth of church. Peter the fearful, denier, doubter and shaky is too bold to be quiet again.

- All the apostles goes out to share the gospel, the first Christians are named in Antioch.

- Stephen becomes the first Christian Martyr having been stoned. All the apostles are also martyred except John. Before their death they are beaten, imprisoned though the fire was too much to be quenched.

2. Paul the church persecutor gets an encounter with the Lord and His life is wholly transformed .He marks another beginning of great work of the spread of the gospel especially to the gentiles. He makes three major missionary journeys to

1) Antioch – Cyprus – Pisidia – Lystra

2) Antioch – Troas – Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Jerusalem

3) Like the second one but passing through Ephesus and he ended in Jerusalem.

3. The Epistles which are divided into three parts are as a result of the works of the apostles in different places, different times and different themes. Below is brief overview of what they contain-

The Church Epistles

1. Righteousness of God well explained in the book of Romans.
2. The Corinthian City received two letters from Paul.
3. First Corinthians which addressed divisions on leadership
4. Second Corinthians highlights on-nature of Christian ministry
5. Though Titus falls in the category of Pastoral Epistles this is the period when it was written.
6. Gentile Church in Galatia. The letter mainly condemned false teaching. Sometimes referred to as the fighting letter.
7. Letter to the Thessalonians in Paul’s second missionary journey. Major highlights were an encouragement to Holy living and the second coming of the Lord Jesus.
8. Letters from the Prison in Rome are to Ephesians,Phillipians and Colossians

- The Ephesians were reminded what the church is, how she should live and the enemies she is fighting hence the weapon of warfare.

- The letter to Philippians can be traced in Acts 16 written to Greek and few Romans and Jews. Philippians, a thank you letter to the Philippians for the gift they had sent to him. Outlined contentment in Christ at His unwavering provision(4:13,19).Featured who provides joy and happiness(4:4-18,2:2,3:1)

- Colossians majored in outlining the doctrine of Christ and Holy life in Him.

Pastoral Epistles (Leadership letter)

1. 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are Paul’s mentoring letter to his sons in faith.
2. Titus outlines-Qualifications for church officials and Regulation for Christian behaviour.

General Epistles

1. Philemon a short letter was written together with Colossians in prison. A brief model of courtesy, discretion and loving concern for the forgiveness of Onesimus.
2. Hebrews focuses on three areas of Christ –The superiority of Christ’s person [over angels, prophets and over Moses](1:1-4:13),The superiority of Christ’s work[priesthood, covenant and sanctuary and sacrifice](4:14-10:18) and the superiority of Christian’s walk of faith[assurance, endurance and exhortation](10:19-13:25).
3. A simple title of the book of James is Faith.
4. Letter to the suffering Christians as depicted in 1^st Peter focusing on external opposition. Second Peter addresses Christian response to internal opposition like false teachings.
5. The three letters by Apostle John tackled-Fellowship with God (1^st 1and 2 John) and dealing with false teaching through abiding in God’s commandments (2^nd).
6. Jude has again addressed the challenge of false teachings, describing their characteristics and the defense against them from believers.

Reflection: The power of the Holy Spirit is so evident and brings transformation in cities after cities through the spread of the Gospel. We see the apostles serving with boldness to the point of death and they never gave up. The Lord calls us, empowers us, gives us grace to endure till He has accomplished his plan in our lives and of the people he is sending us to.

3. The consummation [Revelation].

Revelation; the book of consummation. Reveals the divine programme of redemption. Focuses on things already seen, which are and which will take place.

 The lord who has conquered, seven churches.

 The judge and tribulation, second coming, millennium the wedding and eternal state.

It shows us the new creation, Perfection, New life, the final judgement of Satan and wedding with lamb of the church.

Reflection: After all is said and done we shall finally enter into our final reunion and rest but only if our names will be in the book of life. The devil will finally be judged, death will be powerless foerver.The question is how prepared are we for His second coming? Will we part of the reunion? Challenge: Check ups regularly.

Four Biblical realities (Framework of biblical revelation)

• Creation – God’s creation – reality of good.
• Fall – man’s sin and disobedience – reality of evil.
• Redemption – the fact of Jesus Christ and the new community- reality of the new.
• Consummation – Christ coming again and the new creation.- reality of the perfect.

Conclusion.

(Final Truths)

1. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
2. Psa 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
3. Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; Psa 19:8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

References:

1. A paper on Bible Survey 2006 written by Amani Kyala(unpublished).
2. Survey of the Old Testament written by Alfred Martin.
3. Jensen I.L., Jensen’s Survey of The Old Testament, Chicago: Moody Press, 1985.
4. The New open bible king James Version
5. The compact Survey of the Bible by John Bal chin.
6. Introduction to the Old and New Testament manual by the Presbyterian College.
7. Understanding the Bible by John Stott.

I AM SURE YOU HAVE LEARNED AND DISCOVERED NEW THINGS THAT YOU HAVE NEVER KNEW THEM BEFORE!

NOW I ALLOW YOU TO READ AGAIN AND AGAIN AND SHARE WITH OTHERS THE GOOD NEWS!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY,AMEN!!