Luke's Gospel - Chapter 1

By Paul George

This is what Luke, the beloved physician, a close friend of Apostle Paul has to say about the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. Luke was not eyewitness of the events he records in this letter to Theophilus. Luke, told Theophilus many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. These would include, but not be restricted to, the other three gospel accounts. Luke has not written because others have failed to do so, but because other accounts have not included things he feels are essential. Luke's intent is the presenting of a carefully arranged sequence of events, something that cannot be claimed by other gospel accounts. Furthermore, Luke, as a historian, deals with the earliest events in the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The last words of the last book of the Old Testament read:

"Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse" (Malachi 4:5-6 NASB).

Malachi prophesied in Judah almost one hundred years after Judah returned from captivity in Babylon. When the captives first returned from captivity they were filled with enthusiasm. They began rebuilding the city of Jerusalem and the temple and restoring their system of worship. However, their enthusiasm began to lessen in intensity and they began questioning the love of God, offering defective animals for sacrifices, and withholding their tithes and offerings.  The purpose of Malachi's message is to call the Chosen people of God, Israel, back to a true worship of God.

Following the death of Malachi there was no inspired prophet in Israel. Although there was no inspired prophet in Israel, God was preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. Wake sleeping nation and church, just as He did over two thousand years ago God, through political events is preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. When the fullness of time has come the Bridegroom will appear in the sky and call His bride to meet Him and take her to the Father's house. How will this happen; just as it happened nearly two thousand years ago. Suddenly, without advance notice and in a way no one will know it is happening, until it is too late.

God has a way of fulfilling His plan for the course of history and His plan for humanity, although it is in plain sight and all humanity can see what He is doing, only those who are being led by the Holy Spirit realize something good and beyond all expectation is about to happen. What is amazing, God always uses those who are the nobodies according to those who consider themselves the high and mighty. Example, consider who God used to break the silence that has existed from the throne of God for four hundred years.

Turn in your Bible to the Gospel of Luke chapter one beginning with verse five.

Note how God, through Luke makes it known when the silence was broken; when did it happen; in the days of Herod the king of Judea. Herod was not ordained by God to be the king of Judea, he was appointed by the Emperor of Rome. When God broke the silence that existed between heaven and earth two thousand plus years ago Satan's man was ruling over the chosen people of God. This is one of those incidents when God will permit the god and prince of this wicked world to put his man in both the highest position in government and also in the religious community.

Note who was given the privilege of burning incense in the temple; Zacharias, however, although he did not know it he was going to be given a great privilege and honor than that of burning incense in the temple.

Something we need to note about Zacharias. This great privilege and honor that will be given to Zacharias was not according to man but God. The reason why Zacharias is burning the incense in the temple is it was according to the appointed order of his division and the custom of the priestly office. Note also how Zacharias was chosen to burn the incense in the temple; it was by lot. It was not the choice his peers would have made. Zacharias and Elizabeth were, as far as Judaism was concerned, lacked the social or economic standing.  Zacharias and Elizabeth were elderly and without children. Being without children was considered a judgment of God, for some sin committed. This fact would have influenced the decision of the Jews in determining who would be given the privilege and honor of burning the incense in the temple. It was the sovereign decision of God that Zacharias would burn the incense in the temple.

Have you ever taken notice of how God always acts in a way that no man, group or organization can claim they initiated the fulfillment of prophecy. God will use the acts of men, groups, organizations to initiate the fulfillment of prophecy, but it is always God acting in the fullness of time.

The second thing we want to note is the lifestyle of Zacharias and Elizabeth that enabled them to find favor with God, and qualify them to be the parents of the forerunner of the Messiah. Zacharias and Elizabeth were both descendants of Aaron (Luke 1:5). More important than their physical lineage; they were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord (Luke 1:6). Their lives were lived in obedience to the Law of Moses. This would not have been perfect obedience, but an obedience that met the requirements of Judaism.

On the day Zacharias was to burn incense in the temple he went into the holy place, where he was to burn the incense and the angel Gabriel appeared. Gabriel's first words were words of comfort (Luke 1:13). Gabriel assured Zacharias he had nothing to fear, for his prayer had been heard, and Elizabeth would bear him a son. Gabriel told Zacharias, his son would be filled with the Holy Spirit while in his mother's womb, and will cause many Israelites to repent, in preparation for Messiah's arrival. Gabriel told Zacharias he was to name his son John. Gabriel also told Zacharias, John would be great in the sight of the Lord, and was not to drink wine or liquor (Luke 1:15).

You would think Zacharias would be jumping for joy and praising the Lord. Instead, sounds like some Christians today, he asks for a sign. If asking for a sign to verify what the Lord has said He will do isn't a sign of a lack of faith, I don't know what is. In spite of Zacharias' godliness, his obedience to the Law, and his lifetime of ministry, his faith was weak when it came to believing such a marvelous promise. There in the temple, offering incense, Zacharias asks Gabriel, a messenger that has come directly from the throne of God to prove to him what Gabriel said was the truth. Gabriel seems somewhat agitated by Zacharias' request (Luke 1:19). Regardless, Zacharias was given a sign. Gabriel told Zacharias, he would be unable to speak until the day John would be born (Luke 1:20).

When people who profess to be followers of Christ begin asking for a sign they better be careful; the sign may not be what they are expecting. When the Lord wants us to have a sign in order to strengthen our faith He will give us one without us asking for sign, note Gabriel gave Mary a sign when he revealed to her she would conceive and bear a Son (Luke 1:36). The angel that announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds gave them a sign (Luke 2:12). The sign was not that the baby would be wrapped in swaddling cloths but that he would be lying in a manger. 

The task that Zacharias was to perform was one that should have been accomplished in a relatively brief period. The longer the delay in his return, the greater the concern of the crowd assembled outside became. They may have wondered if Zacharias had been struck dead by God, just as Nadab and Abihu had been. When Zacharias did emerge, the people waited for him to pronounce a blessing, as he would have customarily done. It must have taken a while for the people to realize that Zacharias was unable to speak because he had seen a vision in the temple.

Zacharias went home, and in the course of time, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. After becoming pregnant, Elizabeth remained in seclusion for five months. Luke does not tell us why Elizabeth kept herself in seclusion for five months. All the explanations for this seclusion are mere speculation.

The lesson taught in Luke's account of the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist is, first, the birth of John, his life, and ministry is part of God's redemptive plan and purpose for history. While Zacharias and Elizabeth would have been given no attention by secular historians, they are significant to Luke because they played an important role in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the significant statements in the first chapter of Luke's gospel is "in the sight of the Lord." Elizabeth and Zacharias were "righteous in the sight of God" (1:6). John would be "great in the sight of the Lord" (1:15).

When it comes down to the final analysis of our lives, it does not matter what men think of us, of our significance, of our contribution to the building of the kingdom of God, to mankind, of our greatness, of our goodness; all that matters is what God thinks of us. Each man, woman, and child, the Bible tells us, will stand before God and be judged by Him. The purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to reveal God's righteousness to us, and to offer that righteousness in place of our sin and rebellion. It was to offer us salvation and eternal life, in place of condemnation and eternal separation from God.

Where do you stand with God, my friend? Does God view you as "righteous," as He did Zacharias and Elizabeth? Does He view you as "great," as He did John? When all is said and done, God's approval or God's rejection is the only thing in life, in history, that matters. Jesus Christ came to the earth so that we could receive the approval of God. We receive God's approval by accepting the righteousness of Jesus Christ in place of our unworthiness and sin. I pray that you have found favor with God, through faith in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. That is what the Gospel of Luke is all about.

Two thousand plus years ago the silence was broken between the last words of the prophets and the first coming of Christ. There was no prophet from God in the land. There was a form of godliness. Suddenly, the silence was broken, and the announcement of the coming of the forerunner of the Messiah was sent to a priest in the holies of holy. We are living in a period of "silence," but God's promises pertaining to Christ's second coming are just as certain as those in which the godly took comfort and found hope two thousand years ago.

Some great morning the silence will once again be broken, the trumpet shall sound, the Lord will descend, and those who are looking for His coming will be caught up to meet Him in the air; are you ready for that great day?

 

Retired Pastor, Church of the Nazarene

 

Author of web site Exploring God's Word

 

http://www.thewordofgodonline.net

 

New American Standard Bible

 

King James Version

 

The World English Bible

 

Sermons and Bible studies preached and taught by author

 

Source: http://www.faithwriters.com

 

 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAY ON WINE OR ALCOHOL INTAKE

By Hosea Elias Lobie

So much has been said about the intake of beer/any alcoholic drink, with some saying it is a sin while others disputing such claims saying the Bible did say, ‘drink but do not get drunk.’ And with the festive season around the corner, many of us have made budgets for such drinks but it’s my sincere hope that you will revisit you budget and plans after reading the following.

I present my argument from the Biblical point of view and leave it all to each one of you to judge and make a decision but you must realize that such a decision you are to make has effects both now and in eternity.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5: 17-18).

The foregoing verse reminds me of John the Baptist. The Angel Gabriel directed Zechariah that John was not to take or taste any fermented drink and the reason for John not to take any alcoholic drink was that he was to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

…He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. (Luke 1: 15)

This, again, takes me to the promise of Jesus himself that He will send us the Holy Spirit and the Spirit shall dwell in us hence filled by it and thus the directive that was given to Zechariah about John –on wine –the same, directive, applies to us, unless you tell me you do not have/want the Holy Spirit, then, in place of the Holy Spirit put in alcohol but behold the kingdom of heaven is not yours. 

Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks. (Isaiah 5: 11 and 22)

What do you think about these (above) words from God Himself through Isaiah?

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxiety of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap (Luke 21: 34)

What about your opinion on the above statement by Jesus Himself?

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6: 9-10).

The choice is yours…….

Stay Blessed..

CHRISTIANITY AND THE TAKING OF MEDICINE __Part 1

By Hosea Elias Lobie

Am very much pleased to spare this time and write, again, to you brethren on the above topic which made headlines in our media houses last year. Some of you wrote me asking which is which, 

• ‘Is it wrong for a Christian to receive medical treatment?’

• ‘Why should Christians receive medical treatment when Christ is their healer?’

• ‘Isn’t receiving medical treatment doubting the healing power of Christ? And better still, isn’t receiving medical treatment believing in medicine, hence, somehow- like worshiping another god, which, in this case is medicine?’

Well, I have to say there is nothing, and absolutely nothing wrong with Christians taking in medicine or receiving medical treatment but there are factors to consider when receiving medical treatment because not all medical treatments are Biblically right. 

Biblically it can not be backed that Christians ought not to take in medicine but rather it can be proved beyond reasonable doubt that Christians can receive medical treatment. Receiving medical treatment is not, in anyway, doubting the healing power of God or worshiping another god as some faith groupings claim but rather it’s utilizing the available resources (knowledge inclusive) that He has given us. Many are the examples in the Bible where the available, earthly, resources were used to heal the sick, and that symbolized/illustrated the making of medicine for treatment.

One famous example is that of Christ Jesus:

...Having said this, he spat on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the pool of Siloam. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (John 9: 1-7)

And as well, one clear example is that of King Hezekiah’s illness; Prophet Isaiah made for him (Hezekiah) herbs for treatment and yet God said ‘I will heal you.’ Thus God’s healing can be through the very natural things He created. Isaiah treated Hezekiah with poultice of figs and God healed him, so applies nowadays, the doctors treat and God heals.

... Hezekiah became ill ...prophet Isaiah ... went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: ...you are going to die; ...Hezekiah ...prayed to the Lord. ... the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: “Go back and tell Hezekiah, ...“I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.” ...Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered. (2 Kings 20: 1-7)

However, it must be made crystal clear that it is not all kinds of medical treatments that God allows. For instance, medical treatments from hospitals or such medicines produced by scientific knowledge (e.g. Panado, Novida SP, etc) are not wrong for a Christian to take in, and as well, such medicines, as direct, from trees/herbs are not wrong for a Christian to use or take in. But it’s in how and from where the later (Medicines direct from trees/herbs) are got that becomes a problem with Christianity. God is against witchcraft hence against witchdoctors, thus if such medicines are got from witchdoctors, then, that’s becomes Idol worshiping because they (witchdoctors) call upon the gods of their ancestors to make such medicines and treat you.

Let no one be found among you..., who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. (Deut. 18: 10-11)

To be continued...

Stay Blessed........

Information for new Christians

Free Information for new Christians

1. Know and understand who you are in Christ right this minute.
     You are no longer an outsider or a sinner. You are now a child of the living God! You are really a new creature in Christ.

John 9: (Jesus gave us access to God)
31.	We know that God does not listen to sinners; but if any one is God-fearing and a worshipper of Him and does His will, He (Jesus) listens to him.

Ephesians : 2 (Ampl.)
4.	But God! So rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,
5.	Even when we were dead [slain] by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ. - He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life which He quickened Him. [For] it is by grace - by His favor and mercy which you did not deserve - that you are saved ( delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation ).
6.	And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together - giving us joint seating with Him - in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One.
7.	He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
8.	For it is by grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves - of your own doing, it came not through your own striving - but it is the gift of God;
9.	Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demand], lest any man should boast. - It is not the result of what any one can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.

Ephesians 3: (KJV)
15.	Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named (Jesus),
16.	That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17.	That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye (you), being rooted and ground in love,
18.	May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breath, and length, and depth, and height;
19.	And to know the love of Christ, which passeth (passes) knowledge, that ye (you) might be filled with all the fulness of God. (also Luke : 4: 18-19, John 16: 23 - 28)

God is the Good guy and the Devil is the bad guy.

John 10:
10.	The thief (Satan) comes only in order that he may steal and may kill and may destroy. I (Jesus) came that they (you) may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance -to the full, till it overflows.
11.	I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd risks and lays down his (own) life for the sheep (you).

John 14: (Jesus gives us Wisdom)
26.	But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall - will remind you of, bring to your remembrance - everything I have told you. (also John 8:12; 15: 26-27; 16: 7-16, James 1: 5 - 7)

Romans 8: (Jesus helps us to pray) (Ampl.)
26.	So too the (Holy) Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance (praying in tongues).
27.	And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the (Holy) Spirit - what His intent is - because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will.
28.	We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor], all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Read more...  Sourced from:  http://www.applesaucekids.com

A.E.I.O.U.

A.E.I.O.U.what does a vow mean to you?

There is a real difference between how a secular man views life, and how Christians views life. Christians view life as a vow to God. Man views life as it is without God, Vows are nothing but meaningless words. And God says you can not really live life without God. 

Vowel "a voice speech sound characterized by generalized friction of the air passing in a continuous stream through the pharynx and opened mouth, with relatively no narrowing or other obstruction of the speech organs."

VOW " a solemn promise or pledge; especially, one made to God, dedicating oneself to act, service, or way of life."

These are very important words. Are not the words we say more then just a collection of letters. Are not the vows we make eternal! Lets look at our vows. 

Man's VOW
A stands for "All". All for me.
E stands for "Eternity". Eternity can wait.
I stands for "I". I am all there is.
O stands for "OTHERS". Others are unimportant.
U stands for "YOU". You are the only God. 

God's VOW
A stands for "ALL". All I have is yours (this is good News).
E stands for "ETERNITY". Eternity is yours for the asking.
I stands for "I". I have paid the price.
O stands for "OTHERS". All others are invited to come also.
U stands for "YOU". You just need to accept Jesus. 

Your VOW
A stands for "ALL". All of the things of this world are unimportant.
E stands for "ETERNITY". There is nothing more important than Eternity.
I stands for "I". I can't enter heaven alone. I must know Jesus.
O stands for "OTHERS". The love of God has to flow through you to others.
U stands for "YOU". You have to make a decision. 

Romans 10:
8. But what does it say? The Word is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is,
    the Word - the message- of faith, which we preach.
9. Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your
    heart believe (adhere to, trust in and rely on the truth) that God raised him from the dead,
    you will be saved.
10. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in and relies on Christ) and so
      is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses -
      declares openly and speaks out freely his faith - and confirms (his) salvation. 

What does it mean to be saved? It means that in your heart you know, that you know, that you know, that Christ is alive and He wants to live in you. But that all starts with believing and confessing that Christ is real and inviting Him into your life. Please pray with me now. Confessing Christ with your mouth. 

Heavenly Father, I pray that you would forgive me of my sins and I forgive all those who have sinned against me. Father I open my heart and invite Jesus into my life, and turn my life over to Him in Love. Fill me with your Spirit, lead and guide me in the path that your would have me to take in Jesus name I pray amen. 

 For those of you who have really prayed this prayer with your heart, Christ says you are a new creature, all of your old sins are wiped away, all things are new in Christ! Congratulations! Now you need to start praying that God will show you a Good church to go to, so be receptive to the leading of your heart, not your mind, and go to church.
And remember, Jesus loves you!
 

Notes from the author: This lesson was written and distributed by: Apple Sauce Kids on the Internet at http://applesaucekids.com. or we can be E-mailed at aplsauce@applesaucekids.com  Please feel free to use this lesson: copy, teach, translate into other languages, place on the Internet and electronic Bulletin Boards, and distribute for non profit personal ministry reasons, as often as you wish. Yes, you can copy this lesson and use it on your web site, but please leave these "Notes from the author" with the lesson. Freely you have received this lesson, and freely you should give it to someone else.    (written 8/20/95, revised 6/26/02)

PRAYER __Part one

By Hosea Elias Lobie

Did you know that it is easy and natural to pray and that every day is a good day if you pray?
All of us long to connect with someone who can identify with our circumstances and share in our day-to-day life. ‘Prayer’ is just that personal experience and intimate connection with our loving Father.

Prayer is communicating to God or talking with God and it’s our direct line with heavens. God wants us to communicate to Him like a person-to-person phone call.
To many people Prayer seems complicated but it is simply talking to God. Each one of us should know today that it is easy and natural to Pray. You don’t need to go and learn some theological jargon for you to be effective in prayer, No!!! Not at all!!!

In your very simple words start talking to God, tell Him anything, ask Him anything and give thanks to Him.
The secret of prayer is to find the process that will most effectively open your mind humbly to God. Any method through which you can stimulate the power of God to flow into your mind is legitimate and usable.

Praying is like talking to your best and trusted friend. You can agree with me that it is easy to talk to someone when you know they love you unconditionally.
You, often, do not need to kneel to offer your prayers but, for example, say to God as a close associate, “What will I do about this, Lord?” or “Give me a fresh insight on this, Lord.” Prayerise your mind and so Prayerise your activities.

But this does not mean kneeling down is wrong, No! Not at all!!! In fact, kneeling down in prayer symbolizes your acknowledgement that God is Superior and, again, it shows your Reverence for God and to some extent Worship.

I, Hosea Elias Lobie, when I discovered the importance of Prayer and that when I pray, am dealing with the most tremendous power in the world, I can positively say that I have not had a bad or upsetting day since that time.

The amazing thing is that my days actually haven’t been any smoother or any freer from petty annoyances than they ever were nor has temptations distanced themselves from me, but they just don’t seem to have the power to upset me anymore. Every night I begin my prayers by listing all things for which am grateful, little things that happened during the day which added to the happiness of my day. I know that this habit has geared my mind to pick out the nice things and forget the unpleasant ones.

There are endless resources offering techniques on how to pray. Jesus provides a response as the way to achieve that communication with the Father.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptations, but deliver us from evil;
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Summarization of the Lord’s Prayer......
To be continued...

This message was sent by Hosea Elias Lobie on Facebook on 1^st February 2011. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name!

MULUNGU ATATE

2.0. ZOYENERA KUDZIWA:

 Chikhalidwe cha Mulungu

 Kodi Mulungu ndi ndani?

 Ukulu wa Mulungu

 Chilengedwe

 Chimene ife tiri pamaso pa Mulungu

 Kukhulupirira Mulungu

2.1. MULUNGU ATATE.

Mulungu ndi chikondi ndipo ndi Mlengi wa zonse. Iye alibe malire. Ndi chinthu chovuta kwambiri kuti tifotokoze maonekedwe ake a Mulungu. Iye alibe chiyambi ndipo alibe mathero; amafikira dziko lonse lapansi. Ngakhale kuti Iye amakhala Kumwamba, mphamvu zake zimaonekera Kumwamba ndi dziko lonse lapansi. Ife tonse tidalengedwa ndi mphamvu zake (Yobu 11:7, Yesaya 66:1, Masalimo 139, 47:8, Genesisi 1).

2.2. CHIKHALIDWE CHA MULUNGU.

2.2.1. Woyera:

Mulungu ndiye mwini chiyero. Iye amakhala m’chiyero nthawi zonse ndipo chiyero chake chimaonekera kwa ana ake amene amachita chifuniro chake. Onse okhulupirira Mulungu magawana chiyero chake mwa Mzimu Woyera (1 Samuele 2:2, Levitiko 19:2, 2 Mbiri 20:21, Masalimo 29:2, Mateyu 5:48, 19:16-19, Aroma 11:22, 15:16, Aheberi 12:10,14, 1 Petro 1:16, Chivumbulutso 15:4).

2.1.2. Wolungama:

Mulungu sakondwera ndi machimo. Iye sakhala mu uchimo. Anthu onse omutsatira Iye akuyenera kuyenda m’chilungamo chake nthawi zonse ndi kudana nacho chinyengo chiri chonse (Yobu 34:12, Masalimo 7:9, 1 Akorinto 6:9-10, Aheberi 1:8-9, 12:4, 1 Yohane 3:7-9, Chivumbulutso 16:5, 19:2).

2.1.3. Wachikondi ndi chifundo:

Mulungu ndiye chikondi ndipo chikondicho chimayambira kwa Iye. Mwa chikondi chake anatipatsa Mwana wake kutifera pamtanda kuti tipeze chipulumutso. Iye amatichotsera mantha athu onse kuti tionane naye maso ndi maso kudzera m’Mau ake. Chifukwa cha ichi, palibe chotilekanitsa ife ndi Iye ngati tikhala mwa Iye nthawi zonse (Levitiko 19:18, Masalimo 69:16, Maliro 3:22-23, Luka 10:27, Yohane 3:16, Aroma 8:37-39, 1 Akorinto 13:4-7, Agalatiya 5:14, Aheberi 4:16).

2.1.4. Wokhulupirika ndi choonadi:

Mulungu ndi wokhulupirika nthawi zonse. Mulungu amakwaniritsa zonse zimene walonjeza popanda chokaikitsa. Iye sali ngati munthu amene kukhulupirika kwake nkokaikitsa nthawi zonse. Mulungu amakonda munthu wokhulupirika m'zochita zake ndipo amapereka madalitso ake kwa munthu wotere (Yesaya 25:1, Chivumbulutso 3:14, 19:11, Aroma 3:4, Yohane 17:3, Aheberi 10:23, 11:11, 1 Atesolonika 5:23-24, 2 Timoteo 1:12, 1 Akorinto 10:13, Masalimo 31:23, 101:6, Mateyu 25:21).

2.3. Wopereka:

Mulungu mwa chikondi chake amatipatsa ife zinthu zosiyanasiyana kuti zitithandize pamoyo wathu monga:

 Malemba onse a m’Baibulo

 Mwana wake Yesu Kristu

 Mzimu wake Woyera

 Chikhululukiro cha machimo

 Chisomo chake kwa odzichepetsa pamaso pake

 Mpumulo kwa onse olema ndi othodwa

 Nzeru zakuya za uzimu kwa ana ake

 Kupambana koposa padziko lapansi kudzera mwa Kristu

 Kuthekera koposa mu utumiki wake

 Chakudya pamoyo wathu

 Mphamvu zolamulira m’chilungamo chake. Tikhale nao mtima wothandiza anzathu mosanyinyirika ndi mopanda tsankho (Masalimo 136:25, Daniele 2:37, 2:23, Yohane 3:16, Aroma 5:5, 6:23, 8:32, 2 Timoteo 2:25, 1 Petro 4:11, 5:5, Yakobo 1:5, 4:6, 1 Akorinto 15:57, Mateyu 11:28, Luka 11:13, 1 Atesolonika 4:8, Aefeso 3:7, Deuteronomo 8:18).

2.4. UKULU WA MULUNGU.

2.4.1. Amadziwa zonse:

Nzeru za Mulungu nzodabwitsa ndipo nzovuta kuzidziwa ndi kuzimvetsa. Iye amadziwa china chiri chonse pamoyo wathu (Aroma 6:27, Yobu 9:4, 1 Samuele 2:3, Masalimo 139:4-6, Aroma 11:33, Yakobo 3:14-17, 1:5-7, Akolose 1:9, 2:2-3, 3:16, Aefeso 1:17, 1 Akorinto 3:18-20). Nzeru ndi zochita za Mulungu ndi:

 Zopanda chinyengo

 Zimabweretsa mtendere ndi chimvano

 Ziribe ukali ndi ululu

 Zachifundo ndipo zimatiululira chikondi chake osati chilamulo ai

 Ziribe kukondera kwina kuli konse

 Ziribe umadyera mphotho.

2.4.2. Amapezeka pena pali ponse:

Mulungu amapezeka pali ponse ndipo ndi chifukwa chake tikamapemphera timakhala ndi chikhulupiriro kuti zonse zimene tikupempha, zimveka kwa Iye. Palibe amene angathe kubisala kapena kuzemba pamaso pa Mulungu. Ngakhale Iye amapezeka pali ponse, sizikutanthauza kuti amapezekanso mu zinthu zonse ai. Mu zinthu monga izi, Iye sapezekamo:

 Mafano kapena kupembedza Mdierekezi (Yesaya 2:8-11, 20-21, Chivumbulutso 9:20)

 Kupembedza chilengedwe kapena zolengedwa zina (Aroma 1:25).

 Kupembedza Angelo (Akolose 2:18, Chivumbulutso 22:8-9).

 Kupembedza mizimu ya anthu akufa (Levitiko 20:6, Deuteronomo 18:9-11, Yesaya 8:19).

2.4.3. Wamphamvu zonse:

 Iye ndiye Mlengi wa kumwamba ndi dziko (Genesisi 1).

 Mwa Iye, zinthu zonse zidalengedwa ndipo zidakhazikika (Akolose 1:17).

 Mphamvu zake nzochuluka (Yobu 9:4).

 Zinthu zonse ndi zotheka ndi Mulungu (Mateyu 19:26, Yeremia 32:17, 27, 1 Akorinto 1:25, Yoele 3:10, 2 Akorinto 12:10, Aheberi 11:34).

2.4.4. Wamuyaya:

Mulungu alibe malire ndipo adzakhala mpaka muyaya. Iye ndi Woyamba ndi Wotsiriza. Iye adali, ali ndipo adzakhala mpaka nthawi zosatha (Yesaya 43:10, Yohane 3:15-16, Aroma 6:23, 1 Yohane 5:11-13, 20, 2 Timoteo 1:12, Masalimo 90:1-2, Chivumbulutso 22:1-8).

2.4.5. Samasintha:

Mulungu ali yemweyo nthawi zonse kotero chikondi chake nchosathanso. Nkoyenera kumkhulupirira ndi kumudalira nthawi zonse (1 Akorinto 15:51-53, Aheberi 13:8, Yakobo 1:17, 1 Yohane 3:2).

2.5. CHILENGEDWE.

2.5.1. Tsiku Loyamba:

Patsiku loyamba Mulungu adalenga kumwamba ndi dziko lapansi. Dziko lapansi lidali lopanda maonekedwe eni eni ndiponso losakonzeka. M’dima udali utaphimba nyanja yaikulu ponse ponse ndipo Mzimu wa Mulungu unkayendayenda pamwamba pa madziwo. Mulungu adalamula kuti kuyere ndipo kudatero ndipo kuyerako ndiko masana ndi m’dima ndiwo usiku. Kudali madzulo ndiponso m’mawa pa tsiku loyamba.

2.5.2. Tsiku Lachiwiri:

Mulungu adalekanitsa madzi kuti akhale pa malo awiri olekana. Adalenga cholekanitsa madzi ndipo dzina lake ndilo thambo.

2.5.3. Tsiku Lachitatu:

Mulungu adaika madzi pamalo amodzi kuti mtunda uoneke. Mtundawo ndilo dziko lapansi. Madzi osonkhanitsidwa pamodzi aja ndiwo nyanja. Panthaka padamera zomera zobala njere ndi mitengo yobala zipatso zanjere monga mwa mtundu wake. Padziko padamera zipatso za mitundu yonse.

2.5.4. Tsiku Lachinai:

Mulungu adalenga kuthambo kuti kukhale miyuni iwiri ikulu ikulu kulekanitsa usana ndi usiku. Iyo, idali zizindikiro za nyengo, masiku ndi zaka. Muuni waukulu wowala masana adautcha dzina lake dzuwa ndipo wowala usiku Mwezi. Iye adalenganso nyenyezi za kuthambo.

2.5.5. Tsiku Lachisanu:

M’nyanja mudali zamoyo zambirimbiri komanso mbalame zouluka mlengalenga. M’nyanja mudali nsomba zazikulu pamodzi ndi zolengedwa zina zokhala m’madzi ndiponso mbalame ndi zouluka zina za mitundu mitundu.

2.5.6. Tsiku Lachisanu ndi chimodzi:

Padali mitundu yonse ya zamoyo monga zoweta, zokwawa, ndi nyama zakuthengo potsata mitundu yake. Mulungu adalenga munthu m’chifanizo chake kuti alamulire zolengedwa zonse.

2.5.7. Tsiku Lachisanu ndi chiwiri:

Mulungu adamaliza kulenga zinthu zonse ndipo adapuma. Iye adalidalitsa tsiku limeneli, naliyeretsa chifukwa patsikuli adapuma atatsiriza kulenga zinthu zonse.

2.6. CHIMENE IFE TIRI PAMASO PA MULUNGU.

 Ndife olengedwa ake a Mulungu (Masalimo 139:14-16).

 Ndife ake eni eni a Mulungu (1 Akorinto 6:19-20).

 Ndife oitanidwa kuti timpembedze Mulungu (Chivumbulutso 4:11).

2.7. CHISANKHO CHATHU.

Yesu Kristu adati: “Kondani Mulungu wanu ndi mtima wanu wonse, ndi nzeru zanu zonse ndi mphamvu zanu zonse“(Mateyu 22:37). Munthu adalengedwa kuti atumikire ndi kukonda Mulungu nthawi zonse. Baibulo limatiuza za Yoswa amene adali mtsogoleri wa Aisraeli. Iyeyu adali munthu wamphamvu pa utumiki wake ndipo adatsogolera Aisraeli ndi kupambana nkhondo zimene ankamenyana ndi adani awo. Yoswa adauza Aisraeli kuti adzisankhire okha womtumikira koma iye ndi banja lake adasankha kutumikira Mulungu ngakhale zinthu zitavuta bwanji (Yoswa 24:15). Lero lino chisankho chimenechi chikubwera kwa ife. Kodi timdzamtumikira Mulungu kapena zochita zathu zikutilekanitsa ife kuyandikana naye Atate wathu.


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