MAKALA

MANENO YA MOYO WANGU NA MAWAZO YANGU YAPATE KIBALI MACHONI PAKO EE BABA AMENI

WATHESALONIKE 4:13-18

Ndugu zangu,

Somo nililo lichagua ni barua ya kwanza ya Mtume Paulo kwa Wathesalonike. Kitabu(BARUA) hii inaandikwa huko Korinto, na Mtume Paulo anaandika baada  ya kuwepo huko. Kitabu hiki kimeandikwa kati ya mwaka 50 Baada ya Kristo(AD).Hivyo kimeandikwa takribani miaka 20 hivi baada ya kupaa kwa Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo. Kitabu hiki kinaandikwa mara baada ya Paulo na Sila  kutoka gerezani kule Philipi.

Mji huu wa Thesalonike kwa wakati ule ulikuwa maarufu na mashuhuri; kwani ulikuwa na shughuli za kibiashara[commecially] na kisiasa(politically).Paulo analenga kuwahubiria Wayahudi habari za Yesu ambaye aliteswa, kafa, akafufuka kutoka kwa wafu. Anamuelezea na kumtambulisha Yesu kwao kama Masihi waliyemtazamia kuja.

Hivyo nawaeleza kinaga ubaga(wazi wazi) kuwa Yesu ndiye masihi [mpakwa mafuta] aliyetazamiwa kuja (The Promised Messiah).Habari hii au ujumbe huu uliwafanya baadhi ya Wayahudi kuwa waamini yaani Wakristo. Baada ya kuyaona  hayo, wale wasioamini (wasio Wakristo) wakaanza kuyapinga mafundisho na kupinga imani hiyo. Walifanya hivyo masokoni na kufanya maandamano sehemu mbalimbali. Barua hii inaanza kwa kuwataja watu watatu ambao ndiyo wanaaminika wamechangia sana kuufanya ukristo uenee duniani. Ina mtaja Paulo mwenyewe Silvanusi na Timotheo hawa walikuwa wasaidizi wake ambao alisafiri nao. Timotheo kama kijana mdogo kabisa aliungana na Paulo kabla ya kuanza  safari ya Thesalonike.

Barua hii inaandikwa kwa Kanisa la Thesalonike. Hawa walikuwa waamini waaminifu.Walijitoa katika kazi na kubakia waaminifu katika imani. Somo tulilosoma nimelipa wazo kuu linalosema Ufufuo/Ufufuko wa wafu. TUMAINI KWA WAAMINIO

Ndugu zangu, (AVA NI VANDUGHU VANGU). ARONGORA [ametangulia]. Amekwenda Mbinguni (ATONGA HEIVUNDE) . Yupo na Yesu (ENA NE YESU). Sisi tujiandae (USI TUKUANDAE) Poleni.

Tupo hapa kwasababu mwenzetu ametwaliwa. Wapare na wimbo IKAA NAMI –Kaa nami ni usiku sasa –namba 227. Kama ilivyokuwa kwa wenzetu wakati wa Agano la Kale- hawakuelewa nini  kinaendelea baada ya kufa lakini jibu sisi wa Agano Jipya tumelipata kupitia yesu hasa tukiona ukiri ambao Martha anaufanya katika yohana 11:24.

Yesu anafanyika njia ya uzima wa milele na ana haki kama kiongozi wetu atakaye tuita siku ile ya mwisho. Sisi [waamini] kifo ni njia ya sisi kuungana na Yesu. Kifo ni kulala, kama ambayo tunaona mwenzetu akiwa amelala. Neno cemetery[kaburi] Koimetrioni (Sleeping Place). Ndugu zangu hata  sisi kila siku hufa na kufufuka (tunapo lala usiku na asubuhi tunaamka).

Ndugu zangu roho zetu (soul)] huwa hai tu na kuishi daima tuone katika mfano wa Tajiri na Lazaro katika Injili ya Luka 16:19-31. Kufa ni faida tu, ni kuungana na Yesu. Wafu waaminifu hufurahi daima Marko 10:30 na wasioamini huishia katika mateso Marko 9:48, Rumi 14:11. Leo hapa si kwamba tunatakiwa tusiuzunike la tulie tukiwa na matumaini richa ya ukweli kwamba hata Yesu alilia (Yohana 11;35-44).

Tunalia kwasababu rafiki yetu,mume, baba, babu, kaka, rafiki  na jamaa yetu ameondoka.

Tunahuzunika kwasababu tunaona muda wa kuondoka kwake ulikuwa bado. Tunahuzunika kwasababu ameondoka muda ambao familia inamuhitaji sana. Tunapohuzunika lakini bado tunaambiwa tuwe na matumaini. Yesu yupo tu, na hata katika hili anajua jibu lake, Yesu ni Rafiki Yetu tu 259.

Familia/ watoto tuone namna baba alivyosimama katika imani. Sehemu pekee ya kupata faraja ya kweli ni kwa Yesu tu. (Tuje Kanisani). Yesu yupo tuna katika hili ametutazama tutaweka Tumaini letu wapi. Mama usiogope Yesu yupo naye ni baba wa wajane,atakupa faraja ya kweli.

Ndugu zangu mwenzetu alijiandaa sana, ninakumbuka ilikuwa Jumamosi aliomba wimbo maalum toka Kwaya Kuu naomba muimbe(Nilisema mzee ameaga leo). Sisi sote ni marehemu watarajiwa na tumekwisha muombea mmoja wetu atakayefuata baada ya leo.

Maisha tunayoishi ni mafupi sana hebu tumpe Yesu nafasi katika maisha yetu. Ni kweli tupo bize na kazi na shughuli mbalimbali, tutenge muda wa ibada. Kifo kipo na ufufuo upo na hukumu ipo je mimi na wewe tutakuwa wapi watakapo itwa wote? Tujiandae kufa kama ilivy tunapoanza kazi inatakiwa kuanza kujiandaa kustaafu basi hata kufa unapaswa kujiandaa. Leo hii kujiandaa kufa ni kuwa na mapatano sahihi na Yesu.

Tuache ushabiki usio na msingi ni kweli leo utapewa fedha uharibu kura, au umchague mtu fulani je baada ya pale nini kitaendelea.Watanzania wenzangu  sisi ndiyo  wakuibadilisha nchi hii. Tutaweza kuleta mabadiliko kwa njia ya kupiga kura. Tupige kura tukiwa na hofu ya Mungu na hali tukimuogopa Mungu katika boksi la kura.

Kama upo hapa bado hujajua ufanyeje ili uwe wa nafasi ya watakao furahi na Yesu siku ile ya mwisho milango ya Makanisa upo wazi. Marehemu alichagua wimbo  wa  Kwaya Kuu -10/01/2015. Familia tujipange kusaidia familia hii. Mwenzetu ametuachia changamoto, mema ya kumwenzi na kuheshimu jitihada zake ni sisi kusaidia familia yake.

Yesu Kristo yupo na anatuona majirani na marafiki ahsanteni sana kwakuonyesha upendo wenu toka mzee huyu alipokuwa  anaumwa, Mama mjane Mungu  akubariki sana. Lakini  ili tukaonane na ndugu yetu na kuendelea kufurahi naye kule mbimbuni ni lazima Kristo achukue nafasi katika maisha yetu na hii itakuwa  furaha kubwa sana kwa mwenzetu  kutuona sisi tupo mahali ambapo yeye yupo.

Mungu atubariki sote Amen.

TUNAOKOLEWA KWA NEEMA TU.

MAOMBOLEZO 3:19-24

Ndugu zangu,

Tafakari ya kichwa cha wiki tulichopewa leo ni mojawapo ya  mafundisho ya msingi ya Dr. Martin Luther. Daktari Martin Luther anatoa mkazo wa masomo yake na kuweka msingi wa mafundisho yake kwa kuamini kuwa mwanadamu(Mkristo) anaokolewa kwa njia ya Neno la Mungu(Solar Scriptura), Neema Tu(Solar Gratia) Imani Tu (Solar Fides).

Hivyo leo tuepewa na waandaaji wa Kalenda ya Kanisa la Kiinjili la Kilutheri kutafakari juu ya “Kuokolewa kwa Neema” YAANI SOLA GRATIA.

Kitabu hiki ni cha maombolezo ya Yeremiah. Neno maombolezo (Lamentation-sufferings). Kinaandikwa miaka ya 587 Baada ya Kristo (BC). Kinaandikwa na Yeremia kulingana na ushahidi unaopatikana katika 2Nyakati 35:25.

 Mpaka kufikia karne ya 18 bado hakukuwa  na ubishani wowote uliotolewa wa mwandishi wa kitabu hiki. Kitabu hiki kinaandikwa mahususi kwa watumizi ya hekaluni kwa nyakati maalum.Hivyo kilikuwa ni kimoja ya vitabu vitano [5] ambavyo vinaandikwa kwa majira maalum.

1. Ruth [Rutu] Feast of gathering
2. Song of Solomon [Wimbo ulio Bora] Passover
3. Ecclesiastes [Nyakati] Feast of Tabernacle
4. Lamentation [maombolezo] At the anniversary of the destruction of the temple in 587 BC.
5. Ester [Esta] Feast of Purin.

Kinaandikwa mahususi kwa Taifa la Yuda, mara baada ya kifo cha Mfalme Yosia, kwani taifa liliingia katika matatizo mbalimbali mojawapo ikiwa ni kutokuwa na utengamano (instability).

Tunaona utawala ukiingia matatizoni na watu wanaokwenda huko Babeli yaani Iraq ya leo.

Kitabu hiki kinaleta jumbe mbili nazo ni Mateso [suffering]-Individual, Collective. Namna ya kupambana na mateso yajapo kwetu. Hivyo kinatueleza namna ya kupambana na mateso na kuyapeleka kwa mungu kwa njia ya maombi.

 Umuhimu wa mateso (The purpose of suffering). -Kuturudisha kwa Mungu kutufanya sisi    turudi katika imani (3:21) na kuwa tayari. Kutufanya tubadili mawazo na mtazamo,kuona kuwa huruma na uwezo wa Mungu upo na haushindwi. Baraka za Mungu zipo siku zote kila asubuhi Yesu anabisha hodi. Hivyo tunatakiwa kufungua mlango kila saa, Yesu yupo nasi daima na tuone changamoto tunazokutana nazo kuwa zipo ili kutujengea imani.

 Kutokata tama, hata vita iweje wewe songa mbele (don’t give up the fight even the fight is tough you just look forward). Changamoto hubadilika lakini Mungu habadiliki. Kuwa na imani na uhakika kwa Mungu kutatufanya sisi kuwa tayari kwa lolote litakalokuja kwetu.

Huruma na Neema za Mungu zipo daima.

 

MAMBO MACHACHE YANAYOWEZA KUONGEZA THAMANI KWENYE MAAMUZI YAKO YA KILA SIKU MAISHA YAKO BINAFSI

1. Punguza Muda wa Kuhudhuria Matukio Mbalimbali

Kizazi chetu ni Event Oriented yaani usipokuwa mwana matukio unaonekana wa namna yako.Hakikisha unajenga tabia ya kupunguza Muda wa kuhudhuria matukio mbali mbali si lazima kila tukio uhudhurie.Hakikisha unakuwa personal reflection time kuhusu mambo yanayokuzunguka maishani mwako.Je utahudhuria matukio mangapi,Matukio pia hayaishi uliyakuta na utayacha lakini maisha yetu yana ukomo na yamejengwa katika vipindi maalumu.Ni muhimu kujenga utaratibu wa kureflect mambo yako Binafsi.Haimaanishi uwe mchoyo bali tumia ufahamu na uelewe wa namna ya kuchagua uhudhuriaji wa matukio. Je kila tukio unalohudhuria lina faida kwako?Je kila tukio lina value gani kwenye maisha yako binafsi? Unaweza ukawa na idadi kubwa ya matukio kila siku lakini yasiwe yanaongeza thamani ya maisha yako wewe binafsi. Tambua ulikuja pekee yako na utaondoka pekee yako hakuna atakayebeba mzigo wako.

2. Punguza Lundo la Marafiki/Makundi

Huwezi kuwa na urafiki ya kila mtu na huwezi kuwa na ukaribu na kila mtu.Unaweza ukaongea na kila mtu na kuishi na kila mtu lakini haikujengei mtu huyo kuwa rafiki yako.URAFIKI ni Zaidi ya Salamu na Kujua umeamkaje na kulalaje. Iwapo mtu hana Personal Intimacy Relationship huyo sio rafiki ni mtu kama watu wengine tu. Tofauti huyu unaongea naye na hao wengine haujapata fursa ya kuongea nao. Chagua watu wachache wanaokufahamu vizuri Huku ukianza na watu wa familia yako then wengine wafwate ndio uwashirikishe maisha yako na maamuzi yako. Usipende kila mtu ajue jinsi ulivyo kila wakati.

3. Tafuta Muda wa Kuongea na Watu Waliokuzidi Umri

Jaribu kutafuta watu ambao wamekuzidi umri karibia mara mbili yako kwa Maana Nyingine Inaweza kuwa Babu/Bibi yako au mtu mwingine mwenye Busara. Muulize hadithi za maisha haswa aliposhinda na aliposhindwa na kwanini? Nyakati.zinaweza badilika na teknolojia inakua lakini Kanuni za Msingi za maisha huwa hazibadiki. BUSARA NA HEKIMA HUDUMU KWA MUDA MREFU LAKINI FEDHA NA MALI HUJA NA KUONDOKA.Usitumie Muda mwingi kufikiria pesa while kuna Zana nyingine muhimu kwenye maisha ambazo zinaweza kukuvusha.

Unaweza ukawa umesoma sana na unajua mengi lakini tambua life will handing us over the same fate.Epuka ujuaji mwingi,hekima husikiliza na elimu hupiga makelele.

4. Jenga Tabia ya Kupenda, Kusamehe na Kuwaamini Wengine

Tunaweza tusiwe tunaongea lugha moja wala kufanya kitu aina moja kwa wakati mmoja lakini Upendo ndio kitu kinachuunganisha kwa Pamoja.Unaweza ukakataa kumsaidia mtu leo lakini kesho ukamhitajia unaweza ukamuona mtu hana thamani kwako leo lakini kunawakati kile alichonacho kinaweza kukusaidia

Hakikisha unajenga tabia ya kusamehe na kuwaamini wengine.Epuka kujenga hoja kwenye matukio ya kusikika.Unaposikia jambo mtatufe muhusika halisi msikilize kile atakachokwambia kiamini haijalishi mazingira yanaruhusu au la .Iwapo.si ukweli kwa wakati wake utagundua usilazimishe kusikia kile unachokipenda wewe. Hii itakujengea kupunguza chuki kwa wengine na kuwasikiza bila jeuri wala kiburi.

5. Dhibiti Mihemko na Hisia Zako Kadri Siku Zinavyoongezeka

Ili uwe mtendaji mzuri na mwenye maamuzi bora imekupasa kujifunza kuzibiti mihemko. Njia nzuri ya kudhibiti mihemko kama mkristo ni maombi na mifungo ya muda mrefu iliyojengwa kwenye msingi wa neno la Mungu. Hii itakupa muda mzuri wa kumsikiliza Roho Mtakatifu nini anakuelekeza cha kufanya na sababu utakuwa tayari na uwezo wa kudhibiti mihemko na maamuzi ya hisia utatekeleza kile anachokwambia na kitakuwa na faida kwako.

6. Punguza Shughuli (Activities) na Ubusy

Mara nyingi tumekuwa na shughuli nyingi ingawa si vibaya ambazo huenda nyingine hazina ulazima. Mara nyingi watu ambao hawana muda binafsi wa utulivu huwaga wana hasira za hapa na pale lakini wanakuwa na Maamuzi ya Muda ambayo huwa hayatatui tatizo la kudumu.Ondoa shighuli ambazo hazina ulazima na ikiwezekana nyingine zikatae,wewe ni mtu mmoja huwezi kufanya kila kitu waachie wengine.Iwapo unaona una vyeo vyingi punguza wachie wengine maana mwisho wa siku unaweza kuwa kituko achia wengine wafanye kwa ufanisi zaidi ili uweze kujenga muda binafsi wa kuwa na reflection ya maisha yako.

7. Epuka Kufanya Maamuzi Yatokanayo na Mitandao ya Kijamii (Facebook, Twitter, Google, Whatsapp etc) Pamoja na Social Media (T.V, Radio etc)

Kizazi chetu tumekuwa na tunashindwa kufanya maamuzi mengi yalio mazuri sababu hatuna Muda binafsi wa utulivu sababu utakuta muda mwingi tunaiamini mitandao ya kijamii na vyombo vya habari kuliko tunavyojiamini wenyewe bila kujua Vyombo vya Habari na Mitandao hio iko kimaslahi zaidi iwe moja kwa moja au isiwe ..Hata iwapo wewe binafsi utaharibikiwa au kufanikiwa wao haiwahusu sana so ni muda muafaka wa kuhakikisha unakuwa na muda wa kuchuja na kuangalia yale yaliopo kwako binafsi bila kuangalia ushawishi kutoka kwenye Mitandao ya Kijamii au Vyombo vya habari ingawa ni muhimu kusikiliza lakini visiwe ndio muamuzi wako wa mwisho.Pia Epuka kupelekea matatizo yako mengi na changamoto zako kwenye Social Media na social Networks ili kupata public sympathy na suluhisho la kile unachopitia.Hii itakusaidia kuepuka pressure kwenye maamuzi yako mengi.

TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK

BEFORE SAYING YES I DO

Congratulations, you've found Mr. or Ms. Right, fell in love and now the Big Day is right around the corner. If you're planning to say "I do" soon, save yourself some arguments later by talking about your money now.
More important than the cake, flowers or even the invitations is preparing for your financial future together. Make a date to sit down, discuss your goals and expectations and come up with a plan for an effective merger of your financial lives. It may not sound romantic, but considering that quarreling over money is one of the biggest causes of marital discord, a money talk may be just what Cupid ordered.
"Financial dates are a great way for couples to set priorities, build trust and increase marital bliss," says Jennifer Openshaw, chief executive of FamilyFN, a Los Angeles company that provides financial advice. "Probably the biggest mistake couples make is not talking about money. It's really about setting aside time so you can both plan for your hopes and dreams."

1. Where would you like to be in five or ten years?

This question is the best way to start a money conversation, says Openshaw. For example, does one of you want to go back to school, start your own business or own a vacation home? And if you plan to raise a family, how many children and when? Would you both continue working, or would one spouse want to quit and stay home with the kids? Discussing your hopes and dreams together will help you set priorities and identify savings goals.

2. What are our assets and liabilities?

Before you can create an effective strategy to reach your goals, each person should fill out a net worth worksheet, detailing his or her assets and liabilities. Once you know where you stand right now, it's much easier to move forward. If you'd like to consult a professional to help with your financial planning.
And if you haven't discussed it already, now may also be a good time to bring up a prenup. A prenuptial agreement spells out how assets will be distributed in the event of a divorce. With about one-third of first marriages and half of second marriages ending in divorce, it makes sense to protect your financial interests.
Prenups aren't just for the super-rich. If either of you owns a home or has investments, owns a business, plans to support the other through school, or you have children from a previous marriage, you probably need a prenup.
Make sure you broach the subject with your partner as soon as possible. It may not be the most romantic discussion, but better now than bringing it up the night before the wedding

3. Should we keep our finances separate or combine them?

Some couples relish the unity and trust that joint accounts foster, while others prefer more freedom and autonomy by maintaining separate accounts. Or you can have both — some couples set up a joint account for household expenses, to which both people contribute based on their income while keeping separate accounts for personal spending.
The key is to find a system that works for you. Make sure you consider your individual money styles. If you are a saver and your partner is a spender, for example, you might find managing an all-purpose joint account too nerve wracking and opt for a combo approach or separate accounts entirely.

4. What about our investments?

Whether or not you choose to combine your investment accounts is, again, entirely up to you. (Note: You cannot open joint IRAs or 401(k)s, though you can change beneficiary information.) Nevertheless, it's important to view your portfolios as a whole to make sure you aren't overlapping. If you both hold shares of the same stock, for example, you could be placing yourselves at risk should anything happen to the company. Check for overlap in your mutual funds using Morningstar's free Instant X-Ray.

5. How will we handle daily spending decisions?

One of the first tasks newlyweds should tackle is creating a budget. Sit down together and plot out how much you expect to spend on groceries, clothes, eating out and other household expenses.
"Budget" doesn't have to be a four-letter word — think of it as a means to reaching your goals. You should also take this time to discuss other spending issues, such as how much each of you can spend without consulting the other. You probably don't want to discuss every $5 purchase, but you don't want to come home from work and unexpectedly find a new Mercedes in the driveway, either.

6. Who will be responsible for paying the bills and preparing the taxes?

In my house, I'm the chief financial officer. My husband and I both contribute to cover the bills, but I'm the one who physically writes the checks, rebalances the portfolios and hashes out the taxes. I'm more organized than him, so the task naturally fell to me, though you might find splitting the duties works well in your relationship.
Our arrangement doesn't mean I leave my husband in the dark, though. We have a date every month to go over the budget, review our saving strategies and progress, and discuss upcoming expenses, such as vacations and big-ticket purchases.
Paying your bills electronically is a great way to reduce the burden of this task. Or, you might consider using software, such as Quicken, or Web sites, such as Mint, to organize and track your finances.
No matter who ends up handling the bills in your marriage, make sure each partner knows where to find all the different account information, including Web sites, passwords and bill due dates in case anything should happen and the other person needs to take over the responsibilities.

7. What is your tolerance for financial risk?

One of the biggest culprits in marital money fights is a mismatch of risk tolerance, says Jonathan Rich, author of The Couple's Guide to Love and Money. "A lot of life's most important decisions involve weighing risks," Rich says. From investing strategies to career moves, if one of you prefers to take bigger risks in hope of bigger rewards while the other is content to play it safe, you could each end up resenting the other for his or her carelessness or for holding you back, says Rich.
If you're on different ends of the risk spectrum, don't even try changing your spouse's point of view — it won't happen. Instead, try to compromise on financial strategies that both of you can stomach.
But when it comes to applying for joint financing — say, you plan to buy a house together — lenders will consider both your histories. It's better to know ahead of time of any potential problems than to receive the shocking news in the mortgage lender's office that you're stuck with a higher interest rate, don't qualify for as much money as you'd planned or that you're being turned down for the loan entirely.

10. How will we tackle existing debt?

Make a pact to pay off your debts. Start with the balances that carry the highest interest rates. You may choose to work individually or collectively to pay off debts you accrued before the wedding, but don't add each others names to your obligations. The commingled debt would be nearly impossible to untangle should you ever divorce, and if one of you were to default, the other would be left holding the bag.

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:9–10.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

It’s not the only sin mentioned, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now.

At this moment in history, contrary to the other sins listed here, homosexuality is celebrated by our larger society with pioneering excitement. It’s seen as a good thing, as the new hallmark of progress.

To be sure, the masses increasingly make no bones about sin in general. Innumerable people are idolaters, not to mention those who are sexually immoral, or who commit adultery, or who steal and are greedy and get wasted and revile neighbors and swindle others.

It happens all the time. And each of these unrepentant sins are the same in the sense of God’s judgment.

They all deserve his wrath. And we’re constantly reminded that “such were some of you” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Concerning Popular Opinion

But as far as I know, none of those sins are applauded so aggressively by whole groups of people who advocate for their normalcy.

Sexual immorality is no longer the tip of the spear for the progressive push. Adultery is still frowned upon by many. Accusations of greed will still smear a candidate’s political campaign.

Thievery is still not openly embraced, and there are no official initiatives saying it’s OK to go steal things that don’t belong to you. There’s no such thing as a drunk agenda yet.

Most aren’t proud to choose a beverage over stability, and there aren’t any petitions that the government should abolish the driving restrictions of inebriated individuals. Reviling others still isn’t seen as the best way to win friends and influence people. Swindling, especially on a corporate level, usually gets someone thrown into jail. In fact, the infrastructure of the American economy depends upon, in some measure, our shared disdain for conniving scammers.

Perhaps excepting fornication, these sins are still seen in a pretty negative light.

But not homosexual practice, not by those who are now speaking loudest and holding positions of prominence.

According to the emerging consensus, homosexuality is different.

What to Be Against

As Christians, we believe with deepest sincerity that the embrace of homosexual practice, along with other sins, keeps people out of the kingdom of God.
And if our society celebrates it, we can’t both be caring and not say anything. Too much is at stake.
This means it is an oversimplification to say that Christians—or conservative evangelicals—are simply against homosexuality. We are against any sin that restrains people from everlasting joy in God, and homosexual practice just gets all the press because, at this cultural moment, it’s the main sin that is so freshly endorsed in our context by the powers that be.
Let’s hope that if there’s some new cultural agenda promoting thievery—one that says it’s now our right to take whatever we want from others by whatever means—that Christians will speak out against it.
The issue is sin. That’s what we’re against.
And that’s what should make our voice so unique when we speak into this debate.
Some would like to see this whole issue of homosexuality divided into two camps: those who celebrate it and those who hate it. Both of these groups exist in our society.
There are the growing numbers, under great societal pressure, who praise homosexuality. We might call them the left.
And there are people who hate homosexuality, with the most bigoted rationale and apart from any Christian concern. We might call them the right.

Those Glorious Words

The current debate is plagued by this binary lens. Those on the left try to lump everyone who disagrees with them into that right side. If you don’t support, you hate. Meanwhile, those on the right see compromise and spinelessness in anyone who doesn’t get red-faced and militant. If you don’t hate, you support.
But true followers of Christ will walk neither path. We have something to say that no one else is saying, or can say.
Distancing ourselves from both the left and the right, we don’t celebrate homosexual practice, we acknowledge God’s clear revealed word that it is sin; and we don’t hate those who embrace homosexuality, we love them enough to not just collapse under the societal pressure.
We speak the truth in love into this confusion, saying, simultaneously, “That’s wrong,” and, “I love you.”
We’re not the left; we say, this is wrong. And we’re not the right; we say, you’re loved.
We speak good news, with those sweetest, deepest, most glorious words of the cross—the same words that God spoke to us—“You’re wrong, and you’re loved.”
God tells us we’re wrong, that the wages of sin is death, that unrepentant rebellion means judgment, that our rescue required the cursed death of his Son (Romans 3:23; John 3:36; Galatians 3:13).
And God tells us we’re loved, that even while we were sinners, Jesus died for us, that while we were unrighteous, Jesus suffered in our place, that though we were destined for wrath, Jesus welcomes us into glory (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:1–7).

Where the Gospel Shines

You’re wrong and you’re loved—that’s the unique voice of the Christian. That’s what we say, speaking from our own experience.
As Tim Keller so well puts it, “We’re far worse than we ever imagined, and far more loved than we could ever dream.”
That’s our message in this debate, when society’s elites despise us, when pop songs vilify us, when no one else has the resources to say anything outside of two extremes, we have this incomparable opportunity to let the gospel shine, to reach out in grace: You’re wrong and you’re loved. We get to say this.
That’s why homosexuality is not like other sins.

 NDOA YA KIKRISTO 

 

Ndoa ni muungano wa hiyari kati ya mwanaume na mwanamke unakubalika kiutamaduni na kidini ambao unatariwa kudumu.

Kuna majaribu maandalizi ya ndoa , katika nchi zetu za Afrika na hii hailengi ndoa hii tu hapana ni pamoja hata kwa zile zisizo za  ndoa za Kikristo." Ni kweli wengine hujawa na tamaa lakini hawajui wanahitaji nini?

Kwetu sisi Wakristo katika  maandalizi  ya ndoa lazima kumchagua  Kristo kuwa katikati ya maisha yenu , kwa hivyo Yesu huwa ni ingini au  nguvu ya kuendesha gari katika ndoa yao,maisha yao na uhusiano wao

Hivyo ni lazima tutambue kuwa :-

Hakuna mtu anataka kuoa vibaya. Lakini maandalizi yetuya ndoa si ya kulazimisha, ni si  ya kujaribu .

Maandalizi ndoa mara nyingi huonekana kama ni ya  kutaabisha  na kitu ambacho lazima kifanyike katika ndo ni kuhakikisha Wazazi wanaridhia ninyi kuoana(taratibu za kule nyumbani) .

Maandalizi ya ndoa yanaweza kuwa wakati kushinda kuanzisha  Kanisa na  Yesu Kristo kuwa kiongozi wenu.

Ndoa yenu bila Yesu kuwepo katikakati yenu haitokuwa na mafanikio. Ili  neema ya Mungu iwe pamoja nanyi ni lazima kuwa na makubaliano ya wazi kabisa.

Ni lazima mpendane kwa upendo wa Mungu  na kila mmoja awe tayari kumchukulia mwenzake. Ndoa ni zawadi toka kwa Mungu na ndoa ni Upendo. Leo mnaungana na mnakwenda kuanzisha familia yenu Mungu pekee na Kristo pekee na ni ninyi pekee mnaweza amua muishije.

Dunia imegeuka sana, msiogope kupeana zamu ya kupika au kuwajibika pale mmoja wenu anapokuwa anatakiwa kufanya jambo ambalo litakiwa na mafanikio kwenu.Ni kweli  ndoa bila Yesu haiwezekani.

Ni najua mmejiandaa kwa muda mrefu sana hasa mlipokuwa katika urafiki, uchumba na leo mmesogea madhabahuni kwa Bwana.

Muwe na muda wa kukaa na kupanga.wengine hupanga mwanzoni mwa mwaka na wengine mwishoni mwa mwaka, muwe na muda wa kuzungumza.

Kanisa lipo kwa ajili yenu, mkiona inashindikana  kuzungumza jipeni muda na mtapata jibu, Yesu awe nanyi siku zote.

Pangeni pia idadi ya watoto mnafikiri mnataka kuzaa, na mkubaliane vizuri kabisa. Pokeeni kila ambacho Mungu atawapa. Msigawane watoto.

Yesu ambaye ni Kanisa si hakimu wa mwisho wa ndoa ,Yeye ni mpatanishi . 

Ndoa nyingi mno huvunjika kwa  pale mmoja anaposema yuko bize, tafuteni muda wa faragha ambao kila mmoja wenu atafurahia ndoa.

"Kuna idadi kubwa ya watu , mamilioni ya mamilioni ya watu wanaoishi katika maumivu ya kina kila siku , kwa sababu ya kuvunjika kwa familia. 

Kanisa halitaki ninyi muwe miongoni mwa wao. Sisi tunawaombea muishi maisha yenye furaha, amnai, kuchukuliana na kupendana. Ili watu wengine waige na kufuata mfano wa ndoa yenu.

Mungu awabariki sana, tunawatakia maisha mema na Mungu awabariki sana

K.K.K.T-DIRA MAHUBIRI KANISA KUU IRINGA MJINI -23/02/2013

TUPAMBANE KUONDOA UKATILI      LUKA 13:10-17

Kitabu cha Luka kimeandikwa na Dkt. Luka ambaye alikuwa ni Daktari (Physician) Wakolosai 4:14 .Yeye kwa asili alikuwa na Mgiriki na ni mmoja wa watu wa mataifa (Gentile) aliyeandika Injili. Luka anaandika kitabu  hiki kati ya mwaka 60-63 Baada ya Kristo (AD). Kinaandikwa kwa mataifa (Gentiles) na mlengwa mkuu akiwa ni Theophilus. Mwinjilisti Luka anaandika kitabu hiki ili mataifa wajue habari za Yesu. Anafanikiwa kuandika kitabu hiki kwani alikuwa rafiki wa karibu wa Paulo na alifanya utafiti ikiwa ni pamoja na kufanya mahojiano na Wanafunzi wa Yesu. Pia ni Luka huyuhuyu aliyeandika kitabu cha Matendo ya Mitume.

Habari tuliyoisoma leo si ngeni sana kwetu na tumeisikia na kuhubiriwa mara nyingi.Ni moja ya matukipo ya watu kutolewa mapepo na Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo 1. Sinagogi la Karpenaunu Luka 4:31-37 Siku ya Sabato pia, 2.  Pwani  ya  Galaliya Luka 8:26-36, 3. Yule mwenye pepo Bubu  Luka 11:14-16, 4.Yule mwenye Kifafa  Luka 9:37-42 Ndipo tunakutana na tukio la leo . Leo Yesu anakutana na mkasa huu hali akiwa anahubiri katika Sinagogi.

1.Sinagogi ni  nyumba ya jamii ya wayahudi inayotumika hasa kuabudia..  Neno Sinagogi linatokana na neno la Kigiriki “Sinagoge” likimaanisha  “Mkutano” hali katika lugha ya Kiebrania ni  Beitknesset yaani  nyumba ya mkutano. Yesu anamuona huyu mama  akiwa na huzuni  kwa sababu ya ulemavu wake. Lakini Yesu anachukua hatua ya kumponya na hivyo kupelekea ujumbe huu kuwa mpya kwetu  hasa ikizingatiwa kuwa tunaongozwa na kichwa cha somo cha wiki hii kinachosema “TUPAMBANE KUONDOA UKATILI”.

2.Ukatili ni jambo lolote analofanyiwa mtu isivyostahili-uonevu, dhuluma ya haki, vitendo visivyo vya kiungwana. Habari hii ni muendelezo wa kazi alizoanza kuzifanya Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo, kama sehemu ya matengenezo.

Leo hapa Yesu anachukuwa hatua nzito hali akijua nini kitatokea kwani kwa taratibu na desturi  za  Kiyahudi huduma za maombezi na uponyaji kwa Wayahudi zilitolewa siku sita na ile ya saba hazikutolewa. Na hii ni toka enzi hizo, KUTOKA  20.9 “ SIKU SITA FANYA KAZI, UTENDE MAMBO YAKO YOTE...”

Lakini Yesu anamponya huyu mama siku ya Sabato. Mama huyu ameugua kwa muda mrefu takribani miaka nane(8) .–African Bible Commentary by 70 African Scholars. Alikuwa ni mremavu  na hakuweza kabisa kusimama. Je wewe umeugua kwa muda gani? Inawezekana huyu mama kwa maumivu na adha alizokuwa akizipata alishindwa hata kubashiri ni lini huduma ya maombezi ilitolewa ndiyo hata sisi inawezekana huko mitaani tunawaona watu wanaokutana na adha kama za huyu mama lakini tumeshindwa kuwaleta au kutoa taarifa zao eti kwasababu ya taratibu tulizojiwekea.

Ndugu zangu inawezekana watu kama huyu mama wapo na sisi tumeshiriki kuwaona wakiugua na kupata shida lakini tumekaa kimya.Tumekuwa na moyo mgumu kama wa huyu Kuhani(Kiongozi wa Sinagogi).

Leo hii wapo wanaonyanyaswa kwa matatizo mbalimbali ambayo sisi kama wafuasi wa Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo tumeshindwa kuwasaidia au kusaidiana.

1. Wapo walionyang’anywa mali baada ya  waume zao kufa
2. Watoto yatima wananyanyaswa kwa kutopewa haki zao
3. Wapo wanaowanyayasa watumishi wao wa ndani kwa kuwatenga na kuwanyima hata mishahara yao. Wengi husema si unakula chakula….?mshahara unataka kuufanyia nini..?

Picha halisi ya Ukristo haionekani kwetu na hata huko mtaani tumeonekana ni wa tofauti sana; na hata hapa leo tumekuja lakini tukitoka kwenye geti  hapo nje tunakuwa watofauti kabisa. Tumeshiriki kuwa watu wa kupigilia misumari ya mwisho kwa  kutoa kauli za mwisho. Kila mmoja wetu hapa anajambo la kulifanya ili kuondoa ukatili.Inawezekana mtu fulani anapata shida baada ya wewe kupigilia msumari wa maneno makali na ya uchochezi. Tumekuwa watu wa kufifisha ndoto za watu. Abba Gold wameimba I have a Dream (Dream Comes True).

Tumeshuhudia katika mji wetu wa Iringa watu wakitupa vichanga ambao yawezekana wangekuja kutusaidia na kuleta mabadiliko katika jamii yetu. Na tumeshuhudia mauaji na ukatwaji wa viungo vya ya Albino dhambi ambayo hata shetani atakuja kusema tuna msingizia. Damu hii  inayomwagwa itakuja kutuhukumu na ndo sababu tumeishia kulalamika ugumu wa maisha . Ubakaji nao umechukuwa nafasi baba anamrudi mwanae huu wote ni Ukatili ambao mimi na wewe tunapaswa kutoka na kupambana nao. Wengi tumeshindwa kuwafichua watu hawa kwa kuogopa na kulinda mahusiano kitu ambacho mbele za Mungu ni dhambi. Tunawahitaji wengi sana (wajane, yatima)huko tunakoishi na wengine hawakupaswa kuwa hivyo na sisi tulishindwa kuwasemeana kuwatetea  pindi wawapo katika mabaraza na hata wajapo katika maeneo yetu ya kazi au biashara kwa hiyo kwa kushindwa kuwasemea.na kuwatetea   tumeshiriki kufanya ukatili.

Kuna watu wengi tumewazuia na sisi kuwa kama vizuizi(kiwingu lugha za mtaani) wasipate huduma ikiwa ni pamoja na kumuona Yesu kwa njia ya huduma mbalimbali. Najuwa kuwa ukatili ni neno kubwa sana lakini kwetu sisi kuzuia huduma za Kanisa kwa watu eti kwasababu ya taratibu fulani kutofikiwa huo ni ukatili pia. Jambo kubwa ni kutoa huduma kwanza ndipo mazungumzo yaendelee. Mimi nilibatizwa na Mzee Vahaye bila ya yeye kuwa tayari nisingebatizwa na leo pengine nisinge kuwa Mchungaji. Hata Yesu anatoa huduma na baadaye anatatua mgogoro kati yake na Wakuu wa Makuhani.

Yesu yupo hapa leo yupo tayari kutuhudumuia hivyo tunapaswa kusogea miguuni mwake. Tunaina wimbo namba 233 “MUNGU YUPO HAPA” Inawezekana kabisa maisha tunayoishi ni zao la  ukatili na wengine  mume/mke uliyenaye au unayeishi naye  si wako wewe umesababisha familia yake ikose huduma(haki za kimsingi za kimaisha) hivyo wewe pia unafanya ukatili.Ipo siku kila mmoja wetu atakuwa mbele ya haki. Mwimbaji mmoja anaimba “Just Call My name I will be There”-mariah Carey.

Wapendwa ni hakika na kweli kila mmoja wetu ameshiriki kufanya ukatili au amefanyiwa ukatili. Leo hapa kila mmoja wetu angeweza kusema ni kwa namna gani amefanyiwa ukatili au amefanya ukatili, wengine tumeshiriki kupigilia msumari wa mwisho katika maamuzi yaliyopelekea wengine kunyanyasika na kupoteza haki zao ikiwa ni pamoja na kusimamiswa au hata kufukuzwa kazi.

Tulipokuwa watoto tulicheza michezo ile ya kitoto, alipatikana Baba na Mama na kisha watoto. Ilitokea rafiki yetu mmoja alipenda sana kuwa Baba kila tulikuwa tunacheza. Alionesha dhahiri picha ya maisha ya nyumbani kwao. Baba alikuwa katili sana siwezi endelea lakini matendo yote mabaya ambayo  baba alikuwa akiyafanya pale nyumbani hasa aliyomfanyia mama aliyaweka wazi. Na watoto waliigiza namna akina dada na kaka wanavyowafanyia. Ndiyo ilivyo picha kamili aliyonayo Yesu juu yetu, Sisi tunaonekana ni wema sana lakini kumbe ni wamoja wa makatili sana.  Huko ofisini kwetu watu wanatuogopa, tukifika tu amani inatoweka, nyumbani watoto wanakimbilia chumbani mara wasikiapo unagonga mlango. Ndugu zangu tupo hapa wengine wenye roho kama ya huyu Kuhani, ni watu wa kuuliza maswali, pindi anapojitokeza mtu anayeweza kutoa msaada tumekuwa tunahoji. Hebu tuache roho ya kwanini. Leo hii kumekuwa na aina nyingi sana za ukatili katika jamii zetu na Taifa letu kama vile:-

1. Ukatili wa Kijinsia
2. Ukatili wa watoto
3. Ukatili wa kimwili-vipigo,kuchoma moto, matumizi ya siraha,kuvuta nywele, shambulio la viungo na kunyimwa chakula.
4. Ukatili wa Kisaikolojia- matusi kwa njia ya maneno au ishara yenye lengo la kudhalilisha, maneno ya kufedhehesha,kufanyiwa dhihaka, kutishia na kufanya fujo, kudharaulisha hadharani, kutishia kutoa siri na vitisho vya kutekelezeka.
5. Ukatili wa Kiuchumi –kuwepo kwa ubaguzi katika fursa za kiuchumi kwa mali kumilikiwa na mtu mmoja(yaani baba au mama)bila kumshirikisha mwingine.
6. Ukatili wa Kitamaduni-ndoa za kushurutisha, ndoa za utoto,kutakasa wajane kwa kuwakabidhi kwa wanaume wengine kuwaingilia kwa madai kuwa wanawaondolea mikosi, ukeketaji na  kurithi wajane.

Ndugu zangu haya yote yapo kwasababu Yesu hajachukua nafasi katika maisha yetu. Hebu tumpe nafasi Yesu Kristo ili atuweke huru na kututakasa.

Hata ukatili huu wa mauaji ya viongozi wa dini na uchomwaji wa makanisa na mali mbalimbali za Makanisa huu ni ukatili mkubwa sana. Ndugu zangu bila Yesu sidhani kama kwa akili za kibinadamu inavumilika. Nikinukuu  maneno ya Askifu Lebulu amesema “SISI SIYO WAPUMBAVU NA KWAMBA HATUWEZI KUFANYA CHOCHOTE ... TUNAVUTWA TU NA HURUMA YA MWENYEZI MUNGU TUKAE KIMYA. KATIKA MAZINGIRA YA KAWAIDA HAKUNA HATA MMOJA WETU AMBAYE ATAFURAHI MAUAJI HAYA ISIPOKUWA SHETANI NA MAWAKALA WAKE”. -Nipashe Ijumaa 22-02-2013 Hata mwanzilishi wetu Dkt. Martin Luther alivumilia mateso wakati wa Matengenezo hivyo hata sisi tunapaswa kuvumilia zaidi. Na tuzidi kuonesha Upendo wa ajabu ili roho zao zizidi kuwaka moto.

Yesu  alikubali kufa pale Msalabani kwa ajili yangu mimi na wewe, na sasa tupo katika wakati wa Kwaresma hivyo hebu tushiriki na Yesu katika mateso na kifo kwa kutenda matendo ya huruma (Kuwajali wenye shida na wahitaji). Ndugu zangu matendo mema ni zawadi ya Ukristo hata katika wakati mgumu ambao ukristo unapita hebu huyu Yesu achukuwe nafasi. Katika Waraka wa Mtume Paulo kwa Waefeso 6.12 anasema KUSHINDANA KWETU SISI SI JUU YA DAMU NA NYAMA, BALI NI JUU FALME NA MAMLAKA JUU YA WAKUU WA GIZA HILI ,JUU YA MAJESHI YA PEPO WABAYA KATIKA ULIMWENGU WA ROHO. Hebu tuchukuwe nafasi ya kujihoji namna na jinsi gani tumeonesha upendo kwa wengine. Waimbaji maarufu waliwahi kuimba wimbo maaalum kwa ajili ya Hait( USA FOR AFRICA), Je sisi wa leo tunataka kuimba wimbo gani ambao tunafikiri Bwana wetu yesu Kristo atausikia? Hebu na tutoke twende sasa  tukawainue wale wote wanao onewa na  kukosa haki.

Tukumbuke pia “DARKNESS CANOT DRIVE OUT DARKNESS; ONLY LIGHT CAN DO THAT. HATE CANNOT DRIVE OUR  HATE,ONLY LOVE CAN DO THAT” GIZA  HALIWEZI KUONDOSHA  GIZA BALI MWANGA UNAWEZA KUFANYA HIVYO, CHUKI HAIWEZI  KUONDOSHA CHUKI BALI UPENDO WAWEZA KUONDOSHA CHUKI.( Martin Luther King Jr 1929-1968) na Mwimbaji maarufu aliyepata kutokea hapa dunia Robert Nesta Marley( Bob Marley) aliimba kwa kusema ONE LOVE”-akimaanisha kuwa tunapaswa kuishi kwa umoja, usshirikiano na upendo wad hat ambao kwetu sisi Wakristo ni UPENDO WA AGAPE - 1WAKORITHO 13:1-8 nahii ndiyo Amri Kuu aliyotupa Bwana wetu Yesu  Kristo. Mwimbaji wa wimbo namba 301 “ANASEMA MUNGU NI PENDO APENDA WATU”.  MUNGU NA ATUBARIKI AMENI. NI UJUMBE WA BWANA HALELUYA…

TAMKO RASMI LA MAASKOFU AMBALO LIMETOLEWA WAKATI WA KUSHEREHEKEA 

SIKUKUU YA CHRISTMAS DESEMBA 25, 2012

“ATUKUZWE MUNGU JUU MBINGUNI, NA DUNIANI IWE AMANI KWA WATU ALIOWARIDHIA” 

Utangulizi
Katika Mkutano Mkuu wa Nne wa Jukwaa la Wakristo Tanzania, Tanzania Christian Forum – TCF, uliofanyika katika Kituo cha Mikutano na Mafunzo cha Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania (TEC) Kurasini jijini Dar es Salaam, tarehe 6 Desemba, 2012; Wajumbe walitafakari kwa undani juu ya kuzorota kwa mahusiano baina ya Dini mbili za Ukristo na Uislamu nchini Tanzania, pamoja na kutathmini juu ya wajibu wa Kanisa na Utume wake wa Kinabii kwa taifa letu.

Jukwaa la Wakristo Tanzania (TCF) linajumuisha taasisi kuu za Umoja wa Makanisa nchini kama ifuatavyo;-
Jumuiya ya Kikristo Tanzania - CCT
Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania - TEC
Jumuiya ya Makanisa ya Kipentekoste Tanzania - PCT
Kanisa la Waadventisti Wasabato – SDA (observers)

Tafakari
Tafakari yetu ilianza kwa kujiuliza yafuatayo:

1. Ni mwenendo gani uliotusibu hivi karibuni kusababisha kukutana kwetu hapa?
Vikundi vya kihalifu vikiongozwa chini ya mwavuli wa waamini wa Kiislamu vimekuwa vikishambulia kwa ukali na kikatili sana imani, mali, majengo na makanisa ya Wakristo kwa jeuri na kujiamini.

2. Kwa mwenendo huo ni kitu gani kilicho hatarini?
Vitendo na mienendo yote ya namna hiyo inahujumu sana Amani, Mapatano na Uelewano kati ya watu wote nchini mwetu. Tunaelewa kwamba ni waamini wachache tu wenye kutenda maovu hayo, lakini mienendo ya kikatili ya namna hii huchochea shari miongoni mwa walengwa wa ukatili husika na kutaka kulipiza kisasi hata kusababisha uvunjifu wa amani.

3. Ni athari gani kwa nchi, katika muda ujao, iwapo mienendo hiyo haitadhibitiwa na kukomeshwa kabisa?

Katika nyakati zetu hizi, tunashuhudia fadhaa na migogoro mingi ya kijamii. Kuna hasira kubwa ya chinichini inayotokana na kasoro nyingi za kiutendaji katika mihimili mikuu ya uongozi na utando mkubwa wa ufukara wa kutupwa kwa wananchi wengi usio na matumaini ya kumalizika hivi karibuni. Hatari ya hali hii ni dhahiri kwamba makundi nyemelezi (kisiasa, kiuchumi na kidini), kwa kutumia vikundi halifu vilivyo katika hali ya ufukara na migogoro, yatavielekeza kimapambano na kiharakati kutetea kijeuri ajenda hasimu za wale walio madarakani au washindani wao kwa maslahi ya wanyemelezi. Hali tunayoelezea sio ya kufikirika kwani ndiyo inayotokea huko nchini Nigeria, Kenya na nchi za Afrika ya Kaskazini hivi sasa. Tanzania haina kinga ya kipekee kuiepusha kukumbwa na maovu ya namna hiyo bila utaratibu na vyombo thabiti kuhimili mienendo hasi kama hii. Kutokana na matukio na kauli zinazotolewa na watu mbalimbali hapa nchini, inawezekana tayari wanyemelezi wako kazini wakiongoza vikundi kusukuma ajenda za kutekeleza maslahi yao.

4. Masuala yanayotakiwa kufafanuliwa na kudhibitiwa na Dola mapema ili yasiendelee kupotoshwa:
• Hali ya mahusiano kuzorota pamoja na kashfa dhidi ya Kanisa.
Huu ni wakati wa kukubali kwamba misingi ya Haki, Amani na Upendo katika Taifa letu imetikiswa kwa kiwango kikubwa. Uchochezi, kashfa, matusi na uchokozi wa wazi na makusudi unaofanywa na baadhi ya waamini wa dini ya Kiislamu, ukiendeshwa na kuenezwa kupitia vyombo vyao vya habari vya kidini (redio na magazeti) mihadhara, kanda za video, CD, DVD, vipeperushi, makongamano, machapisho mbalimbali na kauli za wazi za viongozi wa siasa na hata viongozi wa dini husika (ushahidi wa mambo yote haya tunao) pasipo Serikali kuchukua hatua yeyote huku bali imekuwa ikibakia kimya tu. Ukimya huu unatoa taswira ya Serikali kuunga mkono chokochoko hizi. Jambo hili linavyoendelea kuachwa hivi hivi linaashiria hatari kubwa ya kimahusiano siku zijazo.
• Hadhi ya Baba wa Taifa kuhifadhiwa.
Huyu ni kiongozi aliyetoa maisha yake kwa ajili ya ustawi wa nchi yetu akitetea Watanzania wote bila ubaguzi wowote, akiimarisha umoja wa Kitaifa, amani na upendo kwa watu wote. Kashfa, kejeli na habari za uongo dhidi yake ni kukipotosha kizazi hiki na hata vizazi vijavyo kwa kuondoa moja ya alama muhimu ambazo kiongozi huyo alisimamia kwa ajili ya umoja wa kitaifa.
• “Memorandum of Understanding” (M.o.U) ya mwaka 1992, kwa ajili ya huduma za kijamii zitolewazo na Makanisa kwa Watanzania wote, ikiwa ni pamoja na huduma za hospitali, vituo vya afya na zahanati na shule mbalimbali zinazoendeshwa na Makanisa nchini kote. Ni vema ikaeleweka wazi kwamba makubaliano hayo (M.o.U) yalikuwa ni kati ya Makanisa ya Tanzania na Makanisa ya nchini Ujerumani ambapo Serikali ya Tanzania ilihusishwa tu, kwa vile raia wake ndio wangenufaika na misaada hiyo ambayo nchi ya Ujerumani ingeitoa kupitia Makanisa hayo. Kanisa limeendelea kujishughulisha na huduma hizi kwa jamii hata kabla ya uhuru na baada ya uhuru pasipo ubaguzi. Ikibidi ni vema kuondoa hali hii, ya Kanisa kuendelea kutukanwa, chuki na kukashifiwa viongozi wake kutokana na huduma hizi kwa jamii yote. Jukwaa la Wakristo Tanzania tunaitaka Serikali itoe tamko la ufafanuzi juu ya M.o.U hiyo, maana yake, makusudi yake na manufaa yake kwa Watanzania wote.
• Hujuma ya kuchomwa Makanisa na mali za Kanisa, ni tukio la uvamizi na uchokozi wa wazi, ulioyakuta makanisa yetu na waamini wake wakiwa hawana habari na bila maandalizi yoyote. Ni muhimu kuanzia sasa, Wakristo wote wakae macho na wawe waangalifu zaidi.
• Dhana ya kuwa Tanzania inaendeshwa kwa mfumo Kristo ni potofu na potevu.
Maneno hayo ni ushahidi wa uwepo wa ajenda za waamini wenye imani kali na waliojiandaa kwa mapambano maovu kutetea dhana potovu kinzani na misingi ya demokrasia na haki za binadamu kama ilivyotangazwa na Umoja wa Mataifa na kuridhiwa na Serikali yetu. Jukwaa la Wakristo nchini tunakanusha wazi wazi na kueleza bayana kuwa, nchi hii haiongozwi kwa mfumo Kristo!. Kwa watu walio makini hakuna kificho kuwa viongozi wote waandamizi wa ngazi ya juu Serikalini awamu ya sasa, asilimia 90 ni Waislamu (Rais wa Nchi na Amiri Jeshi Mkuu, Makamu wa Rais, Mkuu wa Usalama wa Taifa, Jaji Mkuu, Mkuu wa Jeshi la Polisi). Kwa mantiki hiyo haiingii akilini kueleza watu kuwa nchi hii inaendeshwa kwa mfumo Kristo! Kwa upande wa Zanzibar asilimia 100 ya viongozi ngazi za juu Serikalini ni Waislamu, na sio kweli kwamba Zanzibar hakuna Wakristo wenye sifa za kuongoza. Kisha, hata uwakilishi wa Tume ya Mabadiliko ya Katiba, theluthi mbili ya wajumbe wake ni Waislamu. Tunayo mifano mingine mingi iliyo wazi, na hii ni baadhi tu. Watanzania wanapaswa kuelewa wazi kuwa, nchi hii inaongozwa kwa misingi ya Utawala wa Kisheria na sio vinginevyo.
• Matumizi hasi ya Vyombo vya Habari vya Kidini:
Vyombo vya habari vya kidini vinatumiwa na viongozi wa dini ya Kiislam kuukashifu Ukristo na kuwachochea Waislamu hadharani kupitia vyombo hivyo wakiwataka wawaue Maaskofu na Wachungaji, iwe kwa siri au hadharani. Japo Serikali imesikia kashfa na uchochezi huo hatarishi, imendelea kukaa kimya, na kuwaacha wachochezi hao wakiendelea kuhatarisha amani bila kuwadhibiti. Jambo hili linatia mashaka makubwa juu ya umakini wa Dola kuhusu usalama wa wananchi nchini mwao. Imani kali za namna hii huchochea vitendo viovu vya uasi na hujuma sio tu dhidi ya waamini na viongozi wa dini fulani, bali hata na kwa Serikali na viongozi waliopo madarakani, endapo waamini wa dini fulani katika taifa kama Tanzania lililo na waamini wa dini nyingi tofauti, hawataheshimu na kutendeana kiungwana baina yao na wale wasio wa dini na mapokeo yao. Hali hii inapelekea kujiuliza kama je,huu ni wakati mwafaka kwa kila raia au kiongozi wa dini kujilinda yeye mwenyewe na waamini wake dhidi ya wenye imani kali?
• Matukio yanayosababisha hasira na kutenda maovu:
Tumejionea matukio kadhaa ambayo kwayo vikundi vya watu wenye hasira vilisababisha hujuma na uharibifu mkubwa wa mali za watu wengine. Hivyo ni viashiria tosha vya uchovu na unyonge mkubwa katika jamii yetu, ambamo jambo dogo tu na hata la kupuuzwa, likitendwa na afikiriwaye kuwa hasimu wa watu fulani, wahalifu hujipatia fursa ya kuonesha hasira yao kwa vitendo vya hujuma na shari, wakiharibu hata kuteketeza mali na nyenzo za maisha ya jamii. Suala hili lataka uchambuzi yakinifu na wa kiroho ili kupata majibu na maelezo sahihi na wala sio kwa kutumia nguvu za ziada za kijeshi au kwa majibu mepesi ya kisiasa. Hili ni suala lihusulo tunu na maadili ya jamii yote ya Watanzania katika ujumla wao. Kila mmoja wetu ni mhusika na sote tukitakiwa kuwajibikiana katika ujenzi wa amani iletayo mapatano na uelewano kati yetu.

Mapendekezo:
Kutokana na muono wetu huo tunapendekeza yafuatayo:
• Tabia na mienendo ya kukashifiana ikomeshwe kabisa na badala yake tujengeane heshima/staha tukizingatia utu wa kila mmoja katika utofauti wetu.
• Tumwendee Mungu wetu na kumwomba atuongoze sote kufuata utashi wake tukitafuta huruma yake iliyo sheheni upendo wake mkuu, ili atujalie umoja wa kuishi pamoja kwa amani nchini mwetu.
• Tunaitaka Serikali yetu na vyombo vyake vya usalama, sheria na amani kutenda mara moja na bila kuchelewa, katika nyakati ambazo vikundi halifu kisiasa au kidini vinapoanza uchochezi ili kupambanisha wanajamii. Tabia ya kuachia uchochezi wa kidini kuendelea pasipo hatua mathubuti kuchukuliwa na Dola ni udhaifu mkubwa wa uongozi na uwajibikaji. Ikithibitika kwamba uharibifu uliofanywa ulitokana na kikundi mahususi chini ya uongozi wa dini au chama cha kisiasa au asasi isiyo ya kiserikali, basi taasisi husika iwajibishwe na kulipa fidia kwa uharibifu uliofanywa.
• Lianzishwe Baraza mahsusi lililo huru lisiloegemea chama chochote cha kisiasa wala dini yoyote na litamkwe na kuwezeshwa kikatiba likiwa na dhumuni kuu la kuilinda na kuiongoza Serikali kuto fungamana na dini yoyote na kuhakikisha kwamba dira na dhana ya utu katika mfumo wa uchumi wenye kujali maslahi ya wote havipotoshwi. Baraza hilo liwe na uwezo wa kuvichunguza vyombo vya sheria na usalama itokeapo matatizo makubwa yaashiriayo uvunjifu wa haki na kuteteresha usalama wa nchi.
• Na sisi viongozi wa dini za Kikristo, Kiislam, Kihindu na nyinginezo tuwajibike katika kufundisha, na katika majiundo ya waamini wetu, hasa vijana, ili kuwajengea uelewa na utashi wa kuvumiliana kwa upendo. Katika kushuhudia na kuadhimisha imani na ibada zetu sote tutambue , tulinde na kukuza maadili, tunu na desturi za imani za watu wengine wanazo ziheshimu na kuzitukuza. Vikundi vya imani kali na pambanishi kwa kutumia kashfa potoshaji sharti vidhibitiwe kwa weledi mkubwa wa viongozi wa dini husika wakisaidiana na usalama wa taifa. Stahamala [kustahimiliana] ni fadhila inayopaswa kufundishwa na kupenyezwa katika mifumo ya uongozi na maisha ya jamii na ihifadhiwe kwa kufuatiliwa kwa karibu sana.
Hitimisho:
Kwa sasa Kanisa liko katika vita vya Kiroho, hivyo ni vyema Waamini wote wakakumbuka kuwa, katika mapambano kama hayo Mungu mwenyewe, Mwenye enzi yote ndiye mlinzi wa watu wake na Kanisa lake.
JIBU LITAPATIKANA TU, KWA NJIA YA SALA, KUFUNGA NA MAOMBI!

Hivyo siku ya Jumanne tarehe 25 Desemba 2012, inatangazwa rasmi nchini kote kuwa siku ya sala na maombi kwa Wakristo wote na Makanisa yote nchini, pamoja na watu wote wenye mapenzi mema, kuomba kwa imani, amani katika nchi yetu, na kumkabidhi Mungu ashughulikie mipango yoyote iliyopo, ya wazi na ya kisirisiri ya kutaka kuondoa amani ya taifa hili na kuyashambulia Makanisa nchini Tanzania ishindwe na kuanguka pamoja na wale wote walio nyuma ya mipango hiyo.

1. Askofu Bruno Ngonyani (TEC) - Mwenyekiti
2. Askofu Dkt. Israel Mwakyolile (CCT) - Mjumbe (Mwenyekiti Mwenza)
3. Askofu Daniel Aweti (PCT) - Mjumbe (Mwenyekiti Mwenza)
4. Askofu Oscar Mnung’a (CCT) - Mjumbe
5. Askofu Elisa Buberwa (CCT) - Mjumbe
6. Askofu Stephen Mang’ana (CCT) - Mjumbe
7. Askofu Dkt. Peter Kitula (CCT) - Mjumbe
8. Askofu Alinikisa Felick Cheyo (CCT) - Mjumbe
9. Askofu Christopher Ndege (CCT) - Mjumbe
10. Askofu Michael Hafidh (CCT) - Mjumbe
11. Askofu Charles Salala (CCT) - Mjumbe
12. Askofu Dismus Mofulu (CCT) - Mjumbe
13. Mchg. Conrad Nguvumali (CCT) - Mjumbe
14. Mchg. Ernest Sumisumi (CCT) - Mjumbe
15. Mchg. William Kopwe (CCT) - Mjumbe
16. Askofu Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi (TEC) - Mjumbe
17. Askofu Paul Ruzoka (TEC) - Mjumbe
18. Askofu Norbert Mtega (TEC) - Mjumbe
19. Askofu Severine Niwemugizi (TEC) - Mjumbe
20. Askofu Michael Msonganzila (TEC) - Mjumbe
21. Askofu Castorl Msemwa (TEC) - Mjumbe
22. Askofu Eusebius Nzigilwa (TEC) - Mjumbe
23. Askofu Renatus Nkwande (TEC) - Mjumbe
24. Askofu Bruno Ngonyani (TEC) - Mjumbe
25. Fr. Antony Makunde (TEC) - Mjumbe
26. Fr. Sieggried Rusimbya (TEC) - Mjumbe
27. Fr. Ubaldus Kidavuri (TEC) - Mjumbe
28. Askofu Dkt. Paul Shemsanga (PCT) - Mjumbe
29. Askofu Ability Samas Emmanuel (PCT) - Mjumbe
30. Askofu Nkumbu Nazareth Mwalyego (PCT) Mjumbe
31. Askofu Batholomew Sheggah (PCT) - Mjumbe
32. Askofu Dkt. Mgullu Kilimba (PCT) - Mjumbe
33. Askofu Renatus Tondogosso (PCT) - Mjumbe
34. Askofu Emmanuel Mhina (PCT) - Mjumbe
35. Askofu O.S. Sissy (PCT) - Mjumbe
36. Askofu Jackson Kabuga (PCT) - Mjumbe

Mkuu K.K.K.T-Askofu Dkt. Alex G. Malasusa  akiwa na  Askofu Dkt. Israel P. Mwakyolile

KANISA LA KIINJILI LA KILUTHERI TANZANIA-DAYOSISI YA IRINGA

WASILISHO LA SOMO JUU YA UBATIZO

KATIKA IBADA YA ASUBUHI OFISI KUU 18-01-2013

UBATIZO

Neno Ubatizo linatokana na neno la Kigiriki βαπτίζω (baptizo, maana yake nazamisha majini, naosha, lakini pia nanawa).

Ubatizo ni sakramenti ya kwanza ya Ukristo. Unaitwa "mlango wa sakramenti", kwa sababu ni lazima kuupokea kabla ya kupokea nyingine yoyote, hasa ekaristi yaani  Mkate na Divai.

Ubatizo si maji matupu tu bali  ni maji yatumikayo kwa amri ya Mungu na yaliyounganika na neno lake

Ukiwa na  lengo la kumzika mtu  ili afufuke pamoja na Yesu Kristo katika uzima mpya.

Maana ya pili na ya tatu zinadokeza lengo la kumtakasa mtu kutoka dhambi zake

Ibada zinazotumia maji zinapatikana katika dini nyingi, kutokana na kitu hicho kumaanisha wazi uzima na usafi.

KWANINI UBATIZO HUFANYIKA KWA MAJI

1.  Kwa kuwa ndiyo ishara ya usafi na ya uhai unaotupatia kwa uwezo wa Roho Mtakatifu. “Nami nitawanyunyizia maji safi, nanyi mtakuwa safi; nitawatakaseni na uchafu wenu wote, na vinyago vyenu vyote. Nami nitawapa ninyi moyo mpya, nami nitatia roho mpya ndani yenu” (Ez 36:26-27). “Kisha akanionyesha mto wa maji ya uzima, wenye kung’aa kama bilauri, ukitoka katika kiti cha enzi cha Mungu, na cha Mwanakondoo” (Ufu 22:1).

2. Tujuwe na kutubu kila siku  kusudi yule Adam wa kale akaaye ndani yetu ateswe,afe pamoja na dhambi zote na tamaa mbaya mle moyoni, naye aendelee mbele ya Mungu katika haki na utakaso pasipo mwisho (Tumwabudu Mungu Wetu toleo 2012).

UBATIZO UPI UNAOFAA WA MAJI MACHACHE AU MENGI?

Ubatizo ulitegemea mazingira ya mahali unapofanyika , hivyo hutegemea mazingira zaidi na si vinginevyo. Na hii inadhihirika tangu  tangu mwanzo wa Kanisa. Kutokana na umuhimu wa Sakramenti hiyo Yesu ametuagiza twende kubatiza watu duniani kote. Kitabu cha Matendo ya Mitume kinaonyesha waamini walivyotekeleza agizo hilo katika mazingira mbalimbali, sio tu yalipopatikana maji mengi. Hivyo Paulo alipokuwa ndani ya nyumba “akasimama akabatizwa” (Mdo 9:18). Kumbe Yohane Mbatizaji hakusogea mbali na mto Yordani, akisubiri watu wamuendee kutoka maeneo yote ya nchi ile kame. “Alikuwa akibatiza huko Ainoni, karibu na Salimu, kwa sababu huko kulikuwa na maji tele” (Yoh 3:23).

Yesu pia aliruhusu watu  waliopona kwenda  kufanya taratibu za  Sheria ya Musa (Yoh 9:6,7

MASHARTI KABLA MTU KUBATIZWA:

   1.  Mwenye kubatizwa lazima awe amemwamini Yesu kristo kama mwokozi na
   2.  Lazima abatizwaye afahamu umuhimu wa ubatizo huo. Kama mtu ana mtambua Yesu Kristo kama mwokozi wake na ana ufahamu juu ya maana halisi ya ubatizo wa kikristo, kama njia ya heshima ya kudhihirisha wazi wazi imani yake juu ya kristo, akitaka kubatizwa hakuna pingamizi yoyote. Kulingana na Biblia, ubatizo wa kikristo ni muhimu kwa sababu ni hatua ya heshima- kudhihirisha waziwazi imani yako juu ya kristo na kuwajibika kwako kumfuata yeye kwa kujitambulisha naye katika kufa kwake, kuzikwa na kufufuka.

KAZI YA UBATIZO

Unaondoa Makosa

Unatuondoa katika kufa  na katika nguvu ya shetani

Unawatolea uzima wa milelele watu wote wanaoamini ( aaminiye na kubatizwa ataokoka, asiye amini atahukumiwa)

Ushahidi wa nje wa yale yaliyotendeka ndani ya maisha ya mwenye kuamini.

UBATIZO WA YOHANA

Yohana Mbatizaji alipotikisa Wayahudi wenzake kwa kuhubiri toba kandokando ya Mto Yordani aliwadai wapokee "ubatizo wa maji" kama ishara ya kuongoka na ya kuwa tayari kumpokea Masiya ajaye, atakayebatiza "kwa Roho Mtakatifu na moto" (Math 3:11).

Ubatizo uliotolewa na Yohana Mbatizaji haukuwa sakramenti, kwa sababu yeye alikuwa mtangulizi tu wa Yesu, mwanzilishi wa sakramenti zote. “Kweli mimi nawabatiza kwa maji kwa ajili ya toba; bali yeye ajaye nyuma yangu ana nguvu kuliko mimi, wala sistahili hata kuvichukua viatu vyake; yeye atawabatiza kwa Roho Mtakatifu na kwa moto” (Math 3:11). Paulo aliuliza watu, “‘Mlibatizwa kwa ubatizo gani?’ Wakasema, ‘Kwa ubatizo wa Yohana’. Paulo akasema, ‘Yohana alibatiza kwa ubatizo wa toba, akiwaambia watu wamwamini yeye atakayekuja nyuma yake, yaani, Yesu’. Waliposikia haya wakabatizwa kwa jina la Bwana Yesu” (Mdo 19:3-5).

Tofauti kubwa kati ya ubatizo wa Yohana na ule wa Yesu ni kwamba sakramenti inategemea imani kwa Kristo na kutushirikisha kifo na ufufuko wake. “Maana ninyi nyote mliobatizwa katika Kristo mmemvaa Kristo” (Gal 3:27). Ndivyo inavyoondolea dhambi zote na kuingiza katika uzima wa Utatu Mtakatifu. Kwa sababu hiyo Yesu aliagiza tubatize “kwa jina la Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu” (Math 28:19). Maneno hayo ndiyo muhimu zaidi katika sakramenti hiyo. Maji peke yake, hasa yakiwa mengi, yanaweza kuosha mwili, lakini si roho. Kumbe ubatizo unaotuokoa “siyo kuwekea mbali uchafu wa mwili, bali jibu la dhamiri safi mbele za Mungu” (1Pet 3:21).

UBATIZO ALIOPEWA YESU

Yesu alibatizwa na Yohana akiwa na umri wa miaka 30 hivi akithibitisha ubora wa kazi ya mtangulizi wake na utayari wa kubeba dhambi za ulimwengukama mwanakondoo wa sadaka ya upatanisho.Hapo Roho Mtakatifu alimshukia kwa sura ya njiwa na Mungu Baba alimshuhudia kuwa ndiye Mwana wake mpendwa, aliyempendeza kwa utiifu wake (Mk 1:11).

UBATIZO ULIOTOLEWA NA YESU SOMO LETU LA LEO

Injili ya Yohana inashuhudia kwamba Yesu pia alianza kubatiza, tena watu wengi kuliko Yohana, ingawa kwa njia ya wanafunzi wake (Yoh 3:22; 4:1-2).

Hasa ni baada ya kufufuka kwamba aliwaagiza wakabatize mataifa yote: "Nimepewa mamlaka yote mbinguni na duniani. Basi, enendeni, mkawafanye mataifa yote kuwa wanafunzi, mkiwabatiza kwa jina la Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu" (Math 28:19).

UBATIZO WA WATOTO WACHANGA

Kadiri ya madhehebu mengi, watoto wachanga wanaweza kubatizwa kwa sababu

A.Hawakatai neema ya Mungu. Wanafunzi wa Yesu walipotaka kuwazuia wasiletwe kwake “alichukizwa sana, akawaambia, ‘Waacheni watoto wadogo waje kwangu, msiwazuie; kwa maana watoto kama hawa ufalme wa Mungu ni wao. Amin, nawaambieni: Yeyote asiyeukubali ufalme wa Mungu kama mtoto mdogo hatauingia kabisa” (Mk 10:14-15). Yeremia aliambiwa, “Kabla hujatoka tumboni, nalikutakasa; nimekuweka kuwa nabii wa mataifa” (Yer 1:5). Yohane Mbatizaji alitabiriwa “atajazwa Roho Mtakatifu hata tangu tumboni mwa mamaye”

(Lk 1:15).

B. Tendo la  Mungu anayependa kuwatendea watoto pia, kwa njia hiyo tunawaweka katika milki  ya Mungu wasibaki katika milki ya wazazi tu. (Johannes Triebel; Kukiri Imani Mafafanuzi ya Mafundisho ya Ungamo la Augsburg 69-70)

Ingawa watoto wachanga hawawezi kuelewa kinachofanyika, Mungu anaweza kuwamiminia rohoni mwanga wa imani. “Vinywani mwa watoto wachanga na wanyonyao umeiweka misingi ya nguvu” (Zab 8:2). “Elisabeti aliposikia kule kuamkia kwake Mariamu, kitoto kichanga kikaruka ndani ya tumbo lake... kwa shangwe” (Lk 1:41,44). “Nakushukuru, Baba, Bwana wa mbingu na nchi, kwa kuwa mambo haya uliwaficha wenye hekima na akili, ukawafunulia watoto wachanga. Naam, Baba, kwa kuwa ndivyo ilivyopendeza mbele zako” (Math 11:25-26).

Hata watu wazima hawawezi kuelewa sakramenti kwa dhati, kwa kuwa zote ni mafumbo yanayotuzidi. Basi, kama Petro alipooshwa miguu, tumuachie Bwana atufanyie kazi anavyojua yeye. “Nifanyalo wewe hujui sasa; lakini utalifahamu baadaye” (Yoh 13:7). Kisha kuoshwa tuzidi kuchimba mafumbo hayo kwa mwanga wa Neno na wa Roho Mtakatifu. “Je, mmeelewa na hayo niliyowatendea?... Kwa kuwa nimewapa kielelezo; ili kama mimi nilivyowatendea, nanyi mtende vivyo” (Yoh 13:12,15).

Kumbe, imani ya watu wazima inaweza kufaidisha watoto kama wengine pia. Walimletea Yesu “mtu mwenye kupooza, anachukuliwa na watu wanne... Yesu, alipoiona imani yao, akamwambia yule mwenye kupooza, ‘Mwanangu, umesamehewa dhambi zako” (Mk 2:5). Kwa ubatizo watoto wanaunganishwa naye na kuanza kuponywa madonda ya dhambi ya asili. “Tazama, mimi naliumbwa kati hali ya uovu, mama yangu alinichukua mimba hatiani” (Zab 51:5). “Ikiwa kwa kukosa mtu mmoja mauti ilitawala kwa sababu ya yule mmoja, zaidi sana wao wapokeao wingi wa neema, na kile kipawa cha haki, watatawala katika uzima kwa yule mmoja, Yesu Kristo” (Rom 5:19).

Ubatizo wa watoto wachanga unafanyika tangu mwanzo, usipingwe na yeyote kwa miaka elfu na zaidi. Ni kwamba Wayahudi walipokea watoto katika dini yao kwa kuwatahiri siku ya nane baada ya kuzaliwa. “Hata zilipotimia siku nane za kumtahiri, aliitwa jina lake Yesu” (Lk 2:21). Watu wa mataifa walipoongokea dini hiyo, walioshwa na kutahiriwa pamoja na watoto wao. Mitume pia walipokea katika Kanisa familia nzima, si wazazi tu. Walibatizwa “yeye na nyumba yake”, “yeye na watu wake wote” (Mdo 16:15,33); “watu wa nyumbani mwa Stefana” (1Kor 1:16)
IMEANDALIWA NA MCHG. KURWA 

VITABU REJEA

•  JOHANNES TRIEBEL; KUKIRI IMANI MAFAFANUZI YA MAFUNDISHO YA UNGAMO   LA AUGSBURG  1981,199.
•   KATEKISIMO NDOGO YA DR. MARTIN LUTHER 1962-1993
•   TUMWABUDU MUNGU WETU  TOLEO LA 2012
•   CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION  THE LEARNING BIBLE  PAGE 1874

KONGAMANO LA VIJANA KKKT

DAYOSISI YA IRINGA 

JIMBO LA KASKAZINI -USHARIKA WA 

KIHESA 29-06-2013

NAFASI YA KIJANA KATIKA KANISA.

Kanisa ni nini? siyo jengo bali ni wale waliomo ndani yake. Maana yake ya asili toka neno la Kiyunani ni ekklesia “kusanyiko”  "walioitwa" kama maneno katika msalaba ambao huwa ninauvaa. Neno Kanisa Iimo katika Biblia, Matendo ya mitume 17:24 "Mungu aliyeufanya ulimwengu na vitu vyote vilivyomo yeye kwa kuwa ni Bwana wa mbingu na nchi, hakai katika hekalu zilizojengwa kwa mikono."

Kanisa ni watu wanao amini Waefeso 2:21 "Katika yeye jengo lote linaungamanishwa vema na kukua hata liwe hekalu takatifu katika bwana." 1Wakorintho 3:16 "Hamjui ya kuwa ninyi mmekuwa hekalu la Mungu na yakuwa Roho wa Mungu anakaa ndani yenu?.

Kazi ya kanisa ni ipi? Kanisa linaeneza ijili  2 Timotheo 4:2 "Lihubiri neno uwe tayari wakati ufaao na wakati usiokufaa karipia kemea na kuonya kwa uvumilivu wote na mafundisho."

Kanisa limepewa maagizo na Mungu Waefeso 4:12 "Kwa kusudi kuwakamilisha watakatifu hata kazi ya huduma itendeke hata mwili wa Kristo ujengwe."

Kila mshiriki ana jukumu maalum 1 Wakorintho 12:13, "Kwa maana katika Roho mmoja sisi sote tulibatizwa kuwa mwili mmoja kwamba tu wayahudi au kwamba tu wayunani ikawa tu watumwa au ukawa tu huru nasi tulinyweshwa Roho mmoja."

Wakristo tu wafariji wenzetu Waebrania 10:25 "Wala tusiache kukusanyika pamoja kama ilivyo desturi ya wengine; bali tuonyane na kuzidi kufanya hivyo kwa kadiri muonavyo siku ile kuwa inakaribia.

Hivyo naenda kusema kuwa ndiyo sababu siku zote nikijitazama kama kijana humuona Mungu kuwa ni wa ajabu kuniumba hata mimi na kunifanya kuwa Mchungaji. Hivyo hukubaliana na nyimbo na waimbaji hawa ambao wamewahi sema kupitia nyimbo zao kuwa

a.            “Mungu wetu ndiye Boma”- Tumwabudu Mungu Wetu 302 na Dr. Martin Luther

Mungu ndiye ngao yetu na siraha yetu shetani akija kwetu tukiwa naye daima tutashinda na maadui zetu (shida,adha na changamoto za maisha yetu  yote). Tumtazame yeye kama Dr. Martin Luther alivyosema katika maneno ya wimbo wake huu. Anaimba wakati akiwa katikati ya mapambano na sisi tuimbe tunapopita katika hali mbalimbali katika maisha yetu.

b.            “Mungu ni Mwaminifu”. -Solomon Mkubwa

Mungu hatotuacha daima yeye hutunza maagano(makubaliano yetu nay eye) hivyo hata sisi tulivyo hapa anatujua na anaendelea kutunza uaminifu wake kwetu hivyo na sisi tusimame kwake tu, tumtazame yeye pekee.

c.            “Liseme kwani ni jambo usilolijua”- Sarah K

 kwani ni hakika hatuna tunalolijua katika maisha yetu ni yeye (Yesu) anatuwezesha ,ametuwezesha na ataendelea kutuwezesha.

d.            “I will be There, Just Call My name”. -Michael Jackson&Mariah Carey

Ipo siku tutaitwa kwenda Mbinguni na kila mmoja wetu ataitwa kwa jina lake; hivyo tujiandae.

e.            “Heri Kumjua Yesu Bwana”.  Tumwabudu Mungu Wetu 175 na F.J Crosby

Ni Yesu pekee atatuwezesha na kutuvusha na hata sasa anajua tulikotoka,tulipo na tuendako.

f.             “Msingi wa Kanisa Ndiye Yesu Bwana”. Tumwabudu Mungu Wetu 268 na samuel Stone

Kama tulivyoimba siku ile ya Kipaimara hebu tuendele kumtazama yesu kama msingi wa Kanisa na ndiyo njia pekee ya kutuvusha vijana, njooni tumtumikie kadili ya nafasi tunazojali. Tusiogope huku ni kuzuri tu hakuna shida yoyote.

LEO HII NAKUONA KIJANA MWENZANGU KAMA:-

1. MSHARIKA MKAMILIFU ALIYEPO NA AJAYE

2. KIONGOZI WA KANISA-MZEE WA KANISA-MTUMISHI WA MUNGU KADA MBALIMBALI

3. MLEZI WA FAMILIA   AJAYE NA ALIYEPO (wajibu wako pale nyumbani kwa sasa).

4. MZAZI AJAYE – (unayoyafanya sasa nawe utafanyiwa na m/watoto wako).
5. MTETEZI WA WANYONGE (Haki za wanyonge na wanaonyanyaswa kuto kaa kimya kwani Dr. Martin Luther alisema utawajibika kwa yale uliyoyasema na usiyoyasema lakini ulipaswa kuyasema na umekaa kimya.)

6. MWANA MAENDELEO ( Jiandae kuajili au kuleta mabadiliko katika eneo ambalo Mungu atakupa/amekupa).

A.    “Mkumbuke Muumba wako siku za ujana wako kabla hazijaja siku zilizo mbaya…” (Mhubiri12:1)

B.    “Nimewaandikia ninyi vijana, kwa sababu mna nguvu, na neno la Mungu  linakaa ndani  yenu, nanyi mmemshinda yule mwovu”.

             (I Yohana 2:14b).

C.   “Na nimwibie mpenzi wangu wimbo wa mpenzi wangu katika habari za shamba lake la mzabibu. Mpenzi wangu alikuwa na shamba la mizabibu,kilimani penye kuzaa sana;akafanya handaki kulizunguka pande zote, akatwaa mawe yake,akapanda ndani yake mzabibu ulio mzuri, akajenga mnara katikati yake, akachimba shinikizo ndani yake;akatumaini ya kuwa utazaa zabibu, nao ukazaa zabibu-mwitu. Na sasa, enyi wenyeji wa yerusalem, namyi watu wa Yuda amueni, nawasihi mkato, kati ya mimi na shamba  langu la mizabibu….”(Isaya 5:1-7). 

UELEWA JUU YA UJANA NA KIJANA

1.     Ujana ni hatua ambayo mtu anaipitia baada ya utoto au ni kipindi cha kati cha makuzi ya mtu kabla ya utu uzima na hatimae uzee

2.    Ujana huanza mara baada ya mtu kubadilika kimaubile na huanzia miaka kumi na mbili wengine hadi kumi na tano ambapo mtu huanza kuwa na hisia za kimwili na kutamani sana kuwa na uhuru wake katika maamuzi. Mabadiliko haya huchochea au hupelekea hisia mbalimbali za kimwili na mabadiliko ya jumla ya tabia

3.    Ujana ni majira yanayopita katika makuzi ya mwanadu, ukifanikiwa kuwa mzee ni lazima ulipita katika kipindi hiki au daraja hili la ujana, kwa hiyo kama bado uko katika dara hili ni muhimu kujipanga ili usije ukajilaumu mbele ya safari

ZINGATIA HII

“Huwezi kuyajali maisha yako kama hujui thamani yake, huwezi kujua thamani ya maisha yako kama hujajitambua kwa Neno la Mungu, huwezi kuwa na maisha ya mafanikio kama maamuzi yako hayatengenezi mafanikio, ufahamu sahihi juu ya maisha yako ndio msingi wa kujitambua kwako, yaani kuijua Kweli ili hiyo Kweli ikuweke huru na ndipo utakapokuwa huru kweli kweli, kumbuka hata usipoamua maisha yako yataendelea kama kawaida. Zaidi ya hayo kama hujui wewe ni nani huwezi kujua thamani yako, kama hujui thamani yako lazima utaishi chini ya kiwango cha maisha unayotakiwa kuishi”.

UTAIJUAJE NAFASI YAKO KAMA KIJANA

Nafasi yako kama Kijana ni wajibu wako, umuhimu ulionao kwako na kwa jamii kwa ujumla wake pamoja na familia yako. Lazima ujue nafasi yako katika maeneo yafuatayo:

• Kwako binafsi,

• Katika familia yako,

• Kwa Kanisa lako,

• Kwa jamii yako

• kwa mkoa wako,

• kwa Taifa lako na

• kwa Ufalme wa Mungu.

Safari ya kujua nafasi yako katika maeneo yako hayo  hayo hapo juu  inaanzia katika eneo moja tu ambalo ni KUJITAMBUA

KUJITAMBUA NI NINI

“Kujitambua ni hali ya kuwa na ufahamu au uelewa (kujua) wa kutosha juu ya maisha yako kwa ujumla pamoja na mazingira yanayokuzunguka na hivyo kukufanya uishi maisha yanayofanana au kulingana na kusudi la Mungu kwako, uishi katika ubora wa maisha yanayolingana na kiwango cha ufahamu ulionao au kiwango cha kujitambua kwako kutegemeana na nguvu ya taarifa unazopata.

HIVYO BASI KIJANA ANATAKIWA  KUJUA KUWA:-

1. Kujitambua ni hatua ya muhimu katika maisha ya mtu yoyote duniani kama anataka kuishi kwa Furaha na matumaini na kufikia malengo yake

2. Kujitambua ni matokeo ya kupata ufahamu sahihi juu eneo fulani utakaokusaidia kufanya maamuzi sahihi katika eneo husika ili uweze kufanikiwa

3. Ufahamu au maarifa unapatikana kwa kutafuta, kuchunguza na kudadisi taarifa mbalimbali kwani si kila namna ya kujitambua ni sahihi kwa kijana

4. Matokeo ya ufahamu ulionao yatafanana na ubora wa maisha unayoishi kwa kiwango cha kuathiri maamuzi yako ya kila siku

5. Kiwango cha matokeo ya kujitambua kitafanana na ubora wa taarifa ulizozipata

6. Udhihirisho wa maisha ya kujitambau ni hatua ya juu kabisa ya kuthibitisha kwamba kweli umejitambua.

KUJITAMBUA NI LAZIMA KWANI:-

1. Ni lazima ujitambue, upate ufahamu sahihi juu ya maisha yako pamoja na mambo yote na jamii inayokuzunguka

2. Ni muhimu ujue wajibu ulionao kwako wewe mwenyewe kama mtu binafsi juu ya maisha yako

3. Kuna haja ya kujua kuwa wewe ni sehemu ya familia yako na lazima ujue wajibu wako kwa wazazi na familia kwa ujumla

4. Ni lazima ujifunze kuwa mzalendo wa taifa lako sawa na jinsi ambavyo Mungu anataka, fahamu kuwa umeunganishwa na ardhi ya Tanzania kwa mafanikio yako, Mungu akikwambia nenda nje ya nchi nenda lakini usifikiri mafanikio hayako Tanzania

5. Kijana anatakiwa ajitambue, ajielewe yeye ni nani na ana kusudi gani katika maisha yake

6. Unatakiwa kupata uelewa wa kutosha juu ya kipindi cha ujana na umuhimu wake ukiwa bado Kijana ili ujue namna ya kuzingatia na kujipanga kwa hapo baadae

7. Kuelewa changamoto zilizopo katika kipindi cha ujana na namna ya kuzishinda kuna uhusiano na namna unavyojitambua ukiwa bado kijana

8. Kujenga shauku, nia na kiu kwa kijana ili aweze kuishi maisha yenye mwelekeo na aweze kutimiza maono yake akiwasaidia na wengine kumjua Mungu na maisha yake kwa ujumla wake

9. Kuwekeza uthamani na nguvu ya kipindi cha ujana kwa mtazamo wa Ufalme wa Mungu.

Imeandaliwa na

Mchg Kurwa Sadataley- Mratibu wa Idara

 Habari na Mawasiliano KKKT-DIRA

Seven Ways to Have a Happy Marriage

Text: Mark 10:6-9; Ephesians 4:18-33.

To identify, memories and apply 7 Basic Keys for a strong and happy marriage and secure children.
A preacher, before marrying a couple, once said, "I'd rather have a funeral than a wedding. When you bury someone it stays done." He was a deeply concerned man. He had seen so many marriage break-ups. He asked, "Are these people committed to make it work - no matter what?"
Note: Divorce has reached epidemic stages in the US and Australia. It has happened during our lifetime, for example:
In 1900 - 1 in 100 marriages ended in divorce.
In 1960 - 14 in 100 marriages ended in divorce.
In 1987 - 40-50 in 100 marriages ended in divorce.
Divorce has tripled since 1900.
In an article, Too Many Divorces, Too Soon, noted anthropologist, Margaret Mead, showed how selfishness and growing irresponsibility destroys half of all marriages - and many of the children they produce. Writing in the February 1974 Redbook magazine, she said: In our generation divorce has become a part of the American way of life......We no longer deeply believe that two people who have made the choice to marry should necessarily try to weather the storms that shake any vital, intimate relationship. Instead, more and more, our answer to a difficulty in marriage is: try it again with someone else.  All too often the motivation for changing marriage partners in such circumstances is the hope of finding someone who will please me - do things my way - meet my standards. If both husband and wife have this selfish, immature "me-first" attitude, someone is certain to be sadly disappointed.

The arrival of a child often triggers the crisis. Immature young couples who have not really learned how to give themselves to "living for the other" cannot cope with the pressure a baby creates. Margaret Mead writes:  Unprepared for parenthood, two young people who have become very close may see the new baby as an interloper. Or, if they are already restless, the baby may become just one more obstacle to pleasure and freedom. The mother is permanently stuck at home. The father is almost equally confined-or goes out alone.
There is no money now for pleasure and almost nowhere the young couple can go for amusement with the baby. Then our current relief that a speedy divorce is the way out of the dilemma begins to take effect . . . each accuses the other of things they both fear and long for. These being freedom from responsibility, a chance to get away, longing for better opportunities in life and a way out of their unhealthy situation.  Couples who separate end up with deep hurts. When there are children (and there are millions), they suffer the most. In addition to the millions who actually separate, many couples share a house and children but do not actually have a real home and marriage. Children from such families suffer in many of the same ways that children do whose parents actually separate. All these tragedies do not have to happen they can be prevented.

Learning and applying seven basic concepts will enable any couple to build a happy, stable and secure home - a home which cannot be destroyed. These concepts are:
1. The Bible is God's rulebook and instruction manual for marriage.
2. Marriage is a permanent, unbreakable union.
3. Marriage cannot be a 50-50 proposition. Each partner must fulfill his or her own responsibilities 100% whether the partner does or not.
4. Both the husband and wife must recognize they have distinctive personal needs which can be truly satisfied without guilt only in the marriage relationship.
5. At the same time both partners must be committed to recognizing and meeting their partner's needs which while different from their own are just as real and deeply felt.
6. All differences must be resolved God's way.
7. Recognize that a stable marriage must be based on trust and that a person can be trusted only as he or she is willing to trust another completely.
Let us look at and apply these seven concepts in order to have good marriages ourselves, be able to teach others and prevent problems for them.

1. FOLLOW GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS IN THE BIBLE.
God thought up and instituted marriage. Marriages fail when people try to live together by their own rules rather than by God's rules. The tragic results are:
a) Homes break up.
b) Lives get shattered
c) Loyalties of children become divided.
d) Children get bruises that hurt all their lives.
e) Dreams of the bride and groom become nightmares.
All because a couple ignore the Bible.
When a family regularly attend church together, the divorce rate is 1 in 50 (2%).
When both partners have received Christ as Saviour and Lord, and faithfully follow God's guidelines for life and marriage, the divorce rate is 1 in 1525. Therefore, a Godly Christian has a 700 times better chance of success in marriage than has an unbeliever. WHY?
Because, by following God's instructions in the Bible, we can succeed;
by ignoring God's way, tragedy results.

For success in any area in life, read and follow the instructions.
Therefore, to improve your chances 700-fold:
1. Receive Christ as Saviour now.
2. Get baptized, testifying that your old life and way of doing things died with Christ and is finished, and that you have been raised to a new way of life to do things God's way.
3. Commit yourself personally to doing right.
4. Read your Bible and pray every day with your partner and family.
5. Be active in and attend every service in a Christ-centered, Bible-believing church, WHETHER IT IS CONVENIENT OR NOT. You will hear God's principles for living explained. You will be challenged to apply them.
6. Look for opportunities to serve the Lord together - this makes you others-centered. Stable marriages are successful marriages.

2. REAFFIRM YOUR MARRIAGE AS A PERMANENT COMMITMENT and AN UNBREAKABLE UNION.
In the marriage vows, you promised "for better or worse . . . till death do us part". This is Bible-based. Today, people see this merely as a ritual, but God says, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder". Matthew 19:6. Because people take their commitment very lightly, many marriages break up for immature and silly reasons. Then the unresolved problems, hurts and conflicts from the first marriage often prevent a second marriage from being really successful. God wants to bless your marriage and use you to bless each other, your children and others.

To give stability to your marriage and security to your spouse, commit yourself now to stay married forever, no matter what. Then, tell the children of this commitment if old enough to understand, as it will give them security when they see their friends parents divorcing. It will also build their foundations in the attitude that their marriage is forever as well.

3. MARRIAGE IS NOT A 50/50 PROPOSITION.
(Each partner must fulfill his/her responsibilities 100%, whether the other does or not!)
Vows, if seriously taken, can keep a marriage together, but vows will not build a happy home. A home which is both secure and happy must be built on a real understanding of what makes a marriage successful.  The slogan "marriage is a 50-50 proposition" is heard frequently. It sounds logical. However, the logic behind it can destroy many marriages. The basis of a 50-50 marriage is. "If you will do your part, I will do mine." It leads to tragedy because there are times in every marriage when someone fails. In a 50-50 marriage, this causes the other partner to step back and refuse to do his 50%. Then the battle rages. The 50-50 marriage is not God's way. The husband and wife who start marriage on a 50-50 basis will always be checking to see if the partner is fulfilling his or her 50%. When one partner falls short, bitterness results in the other. The partner who feels cheated will withhold some of his 50% in an attempt to even the score. Things get worse. Even 90%-10% marriages will not work. The partner who is willing to give 90% will have a tendency to check to see if the partner is really fulfilling his or her 10%.  God's way in marriage is 100%-100%. Each partner is expected to give his or her 100% even if the other partner fails completely. If only one partner in the marriage faithfully gives his 100%, the home cannot be destroyed. God uses right actions and attitudes of the faithful one to straighten out and restore the failing partner. God's instructions for the 100%-100% marriage are found in Ephesians 5:18-33. Both husband and wife have different instructions and responsibilities assigned to them.

Wife:
a) Submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (Note that it does not add "if he does right and fulfils his responsibilities".)
1. A wife should not nag, complain, lecture or teach her husband. She will win him to Christ by her behavior. I Peter 3:1. When a man fails to be what he should be in marriage, God deals with him. Too often, the man does not hear the Lord or feel the Lord's pressure because he hears his wife too much and feels her pressure too much.


Husband:
a) Head of the home. This does not mean that the wife is inferior, as seen from I Corinthians 11:3, "The head of Christ is God". Being under authority is not a position of inferiority. Jesus is God and is equal with the Father in all ways, yet in coming to earth as a man and dying for us, He submitted Himself to His father in all things.
(Note: in submitting to His Father, He did not become inferior. He did all things because His Father wanted it, and He loved His father. Submission is not a mark of inferiority.)
b) Love your wife enough to die for her. God, after telling wives to submit, severely limits the man's right to do anything that he pleases. God takes away man's right to use his authority irresponsible by telling him, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." Christ loves us as in Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Seeing Christ's love transform our hearts and brings us to love Him, so too a husband's patient, long-suffering love will finally win the wife's heart and change her behavior. Christ does not cleanse and perfect us by beating on us. He uses His Word. God has no 50/50 marriage arrangements. Each partner is called upon to fulfill his/her own 100%, even if the other does nothing. God is not calling us to a life-long martyrdom, but will use these qualities to change the partner.

1. Be filled with the Spirit and not be drunk with wine (Eph. 5:18). As we are constantly filled with God's power and love, we can be the husband and wife He calls us to be.
What if we have not been giving 100%?
1. Confess failings to the Lord in detail.
2. Ask your spouse for forgiveness for failing to be the kind of mate that God wants.
3. Start submitting sweetly and lovingly.

4. RECOGNIZE THAT EACH HAS DISTINCTIVE PERSONAL NEEDS.
These needs can be truly satisfied without guilt only in the marriage relationship, i.e.. meet each other's needs; if you do not, then the security and stability of the home will be endangered. Both husband and wife have different but real needs.

What is one big reason for marriage break-ups here?
A: When someone else outside the marriage begins to meet the emotional needs of the other. When this happens, the spouse is drawn almost irresistibly to the outsider. Then comes divorce.
Many fine people get caught in this trap without realizing why. They do not understand that the strong attraction they feel for someone other than their partner is just the result of the other person's meeting an emotional need which should be fulfilled by the marriage partner. When two people are meeting one another's basic emotional needs there is a strong and growing desire for a complete physical relationship. Recognizing our basic emotional need and seeing that it can be fulfilled without guilt only within the marriage relationship is vital protection against tragedy.

What are these basic emotional needs of the husband and wife?
A: In Ephesians 5:33, God tells husbands and wives how to meet their partners' needs. "Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, and the wife see that she reverence her husband."

What does a wife need?
A: a) Love.
b) To hear that she is loved.
c) To receive regular evidence and reassurance of her husband's love, eg the thrill of little gifts, remembering important dates and events, and tokens of love.
d) Security, protection, home maintenance, etc.

What does a husband need?
A: a) To be respected and reverenced.
b) To know that his wife really thinks that he is the greatest.
c) To be assured of her respect, especially when he fails in some way.
d) To know that his wife is dependent on him, just as the church is dependent on Christ. When the husband and wife do not recognize and work to meet the needs of their partners, grave dangers result. For example, a man who on the job is competent in accomplishing his assignments, and is polite, courteous and appreciative of the help of others, will find a woman (especially if she works for him) respecting him. Because the woman is meeting his need for respect, he will be drawn to her. He will start desiring to meet her needs.

Soon he will compare the respect of the woman on the job with the nagging of his wife. The woman at the office or in the plant does not know that he does not take out the garbage and leaves his dirty socks or underwear on the bathroom floor. The woman on the job will not point out his failings (particularly if he is her boss) as his wife does. The woman on the job is in danger also. She does not realize that this very competent, appreciative man at work has all the shortcomings of her own husband. In the casual relationship at work (or wherever) these two people do not have to share unpaid bills, sick children, the need for a new washer, a second car, etc. Without realizing it, soon they find themselves meeting one another's basic needs.  The man at work will be supplying the attention and kindness the woman needs. She will be giving the man the respect that he desires. Where two people are meeting these very basic needs for love and respect, the desire for a complete physical relationship becomes overpowering. Soon there is another broken marriage.
It is happening all the time.
Recognizing your own basic need for reverence and respect (the men) or love and attention (the woman) is an important safeguard against slipping into a relationship where these needs are met outside of marriage.

5. MAKE IT YOUR LIFE'S GOAL TO MEET YOUR PARTNER'S NEEDS.
These needs are just as real and deeply felt as yours. Husbands cannot know from their own experience how much wives need to be loved. They cannot really understand how wives need regular assurance and evidence of that love. Wives, from their own experience, cannot comprehend how their husbands need reverence and respect.
The only way a husband or wife will ever come to realize that their partner has a real and deeply felt need, is to recognize his or her own personal needs.
The Husband. By seeing and admitting how much he needs respect and reverence from his wife, the husband is then able and prepared to understand that his wife also has a real, but deeply felt need.
The Wife. The only way a wife can really experience, feel or share the great need her husband has to be reverenced and respected, is to recognize her own deep hunger for love and the assurance of it.
When they see their own need, they are prepared to realize that a partner's need, while different, is just as deep and real.

Recognizing our own emotional needs and seeing that our partner also has needs which are just as real and deeply felt as ours, will bring us a willingness to give ourselves to meeting the needs of our partner. As we do so, God will see to it that the partner begins to meet our needs.

The key to blessings in marriage is: Make it your life's goal to meet the needs of your partner.

In doing so, you will see your own needs met by God. "Give, and it shall be given unto you." Luke 6:38.

This verse reminds people of money, but the principle goes much deeper than money. God implies that we will get much more than we give. This principle applies in every area of life:
If we give LOVE........................... we will get LOVE.
If we give HELP............................ we will get HELP.
If we give ENCOURAGEMENT... we will get ENCOURAGEMENT.
If we give FORGIVENESS............ we will get FORGIVENESS.
If we give A SMILE...................... we will get A SMILE.
If we give HATE........................... we will get HATE.
Therefore, when we give ourselves to meeting the needs of others, we will find others meeting our needs. This is especially true in marriage, and also true in Christian work, soul winning and disciple-making. Therefore, when both partners satisfy the other's needs, they become more and more important to each other, every part of the relationship blossoms and becomes fruitful. Problems which brought division will now bring husband and wife closer together. The physical relationship in marriage becomes completely fulfilling, and once other basic needs are met, then a life-long commitment can be made to satisfy the other's longings.

6. RESOLVE DIFFERENCES GOD'S WAY.
God's Word forbids divorce and remarriage. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." Matthew 5:31, 32.

Eight Downward Steps Toward Divorce:
1. Long before a man or woman "puts away" his or her partner in divorce, there is always a "putting away" of the person from real companionship, communication and oneness.
2. When a real closeness and union in marriage is broken, they are forced into a subtle form of adultery. This means that they seek to have their needs for companionship, meaningful conversation, oneness, attention and respect fulfilled by someone other than their marriage partner. This is "adultery" - diluting of marriage. Adultery has a broader meaning than just illicit sex outside marriage. God described Israel's worship of false gods and seeking help from them as adultery.
Adultery (in a broad sense) = seeking to have one's needs met and fulfilled other than through the God-ordained channels method.
Therefore if a man "puts away" his wife from real oneness with himself and she seeks a substitute in soap operas, books, materialism, a job, or other things, he has forced her into a form of adultery. This type of "adultery" always precedes the actual illicit physical union outside marriage.
Such "putting away"..... the breaking of real oneness and communication in marriage ..... results from unresolved differences, unhealed hurts and unforgiving offences. Often the differences are very small. If they are not resolved, however, they will destroy real communication and oneness in marriage. The couple may continue sharing a house, smiling at one another, and having a physical relationship (although it will not really satisfy). However, the real union is ended.
Because some hurt has not been healed, one partner "puts away" the other from the very centre of his life and existence. The "putting away" may be done when the expectations of one partner are dashed again and again.
3. To avoid further hurts, the offended partner withdraws and erects a wall of protection to keep from being hurt again.
4. The hurt person may seek to "get even". This hurts, offends or irritates the other person.
5. He or she then erects a barrier or wall also.
6. Even if divorce does not result (and it does not, in many cases), the marriage relationship becomes a stiff, cold, formal one, without real life, love or meaningful communication.
7. The partner's no longer meet one another's needs.
7. Adultery (physical or emotional) results, as empty people seek fulfillment outside marriage.

What is the solution to this problem?
God recognized the danger. It can happen in marriage or in any relationship between people. In two places in the Gospel of Matthew, the Lord Jesus gives procedures and assigns responsibilities through which all wrongs and hurts can be healed. In Matthew 18:15 the Lord says:
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."

Going to the person who has offended with a proper attitude is the key to seeing the difference resolved. No matter what someone else has done, we have no right to get angry, irritated, or upset. The proper way to approach a person who has offended is to go quietly and say "I need to ask your forgiveness. I got very upset with you because of . . . . . . . . . . . It was wrong for me to react in this way. Will you forgive me?" In ninety-nine cases out of one hundred, the other person will grant forgiveness and also seek forgiveness for his or her own wrongdoing. The offender may or may not acknowledge his own wrongdoing immediately. Therefore, give the Lord time to work on him, once you have confessed your own wrong attitudes or reactions.

Taking the blame in this way, without looking at the wrongs of the other party, is God's way of reconciliation. The Lord Jesus, in seeking to restore fellowship between God and man, took upon Himself everything which separated us from God. He took all of man's sin and shame and guilt. Once He took our sin, we were made free to come back to Him. Our union with Him was renewed. He is to be our pattern. In Ephesians 4:32 we are told to forgive one another as He forgives us. The Bible says:
"And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you?"

How did the Lord forgive?
Christ has done no wrong. Yet he took all of our guilt and blame and shame and punishment. For this reason we were freed to be one with Him again. We should be willing to do the same for others . . and particularly for our marriage partner. When we truly forgive, we must put ourselves in the place where we can be hurt again. This is what the Lord Jesus commanded in the Sermon on the Mount. He said that instead of getting even (an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth) we should turn the other cheek (expose ourselves to getting hurt again).

We have the same obligation when we realize that someone (including our husband or wife) feels wronged by us.

God says that if we realize (or sense) that we have offended someone we should go and get it settled. The surest way to settle any difference is by using God's way of reconciliation. If we ask God, He will show us our fault.

Once forgiveness is granted, the foundation is laid for restoring communication and an openness in marriage. Without it, little differences and hurts erect high walls between two people who are supposed to be one. In effect, one or both partners "puts away" the other. Even if no divorce results (immediately or long-term), one of two things happen. The home may become an 'armed camp' or, where there are few 'open battles', the relationship becomes a distant, formal one without the real oneness and blessings which marriage should produce.

To avoid this tragedy, marriage partners should really commit themselves to resolving differences in God's way, rather than just "getting over them".

7. TRUST ONE ANOTHER COMPLETELY.
A stable marriage must be based on trust. A person can be trusted as he or she can trust the other completely. There must be trust to forgive. There must be trust to go on when the other person has failed.

The alternatives to trust are (a) jealousy, (b) suspicion, or (c) protective walls built to hide behind.

We can give our partner unconditional trust only if we can trust the Lord to keep him right, and straighten him out if he fails. Husband and wife must commit themselves to earning the trust of their partner. This trust is commanded and demanded by the Word of God.

Husbands must be able to trust their wives. Of woman, God says: "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her." Proverbs 31:10,11.

1. Wives must also be able to trust their husbands. Only by trusting can a woman obey the Word of God which says, "Wives submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." Ephesians 5:22.
Trusting God or our partner cannot be based on feeling or what is likely to happen.
Trust is the result of a decision which we act upon.

CONCLUSION:
Accepting and consistently applying these seven basic prerequisites will build stable, secure homes. Husbands and wives should study and memories the foundational concepts for a stable marriage. Whenever one partner of the other senses that differences are developing in the home, prayerfully checking the list will show the cause. By faithfully following this practice, either partner in the marriage can be used of God to build a stable, secure home which cannot be destroyed.

EPHESIANS 5:22-33

BUILDING A STRONG MARRIAGE.

INTRODUCTION : Marriage is one of the greatest gifts God ever gave to humanity. But, it is truly beautiful when it is operates like God intended it to. Has He spoken to you about your marriage? Husbands and wives might want to come and pray together today. You might want to ask the Lord to strengthen your bonds. You might want to iron out some troubled places. You might need to apologize to your spouse for acting like a jerk. You might want to come and thank God for what He has done in your home. This would be a great time to make your marriage stronger. Had He spoken to you about some sin or failure in your life? He offers forgiveness, if you will bring it to Him, 1 John 1:9. If you are out of God’s will come home. If you are lost come to Jesus.

God wants marriages to be strong. He wants them to last long. He wants them to be a reflection of His relationship with His redeemed people.

I want to preach on the subject of Building A Strong Marriage. I want to talk about The Foundation Of A Strong Marriage; The Fundamentals Of A Strong Marriage and finally, The Fruit Of A Strong Marriage. I want you to see from Scripture what God has to say about the matter of marriage. I want to help us understand that building a strong marriage is not so much finding the right person as it is about our being the right person. Let’s consider these thoughts together as we think about Building A Strong Marriage.

THE FOUNDATION OF A STRONG MARRIAGE

The Lord is mentioned in these verses in some fashion at least 14 times. It seems clear to me that He is the essential foundation upon which a strong marriage should be built.

Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” This verse teaches us the truth that every endeavor in life must be based on a relationship with God.

This is especially true when it comes to our marriages. If they are to be strong; if they are to glorify God; if they are to be a blessing to us and other; they must be built on the bedrock of a strong and serious relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

As His love operates in the heart of a husband and a wife, the married couple is better able to love one another. I am able to love my wife better today than I could before I knew the Lord. My love is deeper, stronger and more pure because I am able to love her with His love. People in love with Jesus are able to be channels through which His love can flow to those around us.

Being rightly related to the Lord Jesus brings a divine dimension to marriage. When both the husband and the wife are in a vital, growing relationship with the Lord, they can pray together. They can worship together. They can discuss the things of God together. Their mutual relationship with God moves their own relationship beyond the physical into the spiritual. Thus, their love is stronger, purer and more enduring than it could ever be otherwise.

As most of us know, over 50% of all marriages in our nation fail. Many fall apart during the stormy times. Things like debt, lust, business of life, loss of interest in the other partner, and a host of other things can bring marriages to the brink of disaster.

No marriage, not even Christian marriages are immune from these upheavals. However, a marriage that stands on the bedrock of a strong relationship with Jesus Christ can weather any storm that comes along. (Ill. Luke 6:47-49)

Marriages in which both partners are not saved can and do last for many years. That is a wonderful thing. Still, those marriages can never achieve the spiritual purposes God has for marriage. The marriage is real and the love deep, but it can never be everything God designed marriage to be.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF A STRONG MARRIAGE

·         There are several non-negotiable essentials that stand as pillars in every strong, spiritual marriage. This passage shares them with us.

·         Love – When we speak of love, we are not talking about the kind of love portrayed in Hollywood. Movies and television depict love as nothing more than sexual desire. While the sexual relationship within the context of marriage is very important, 1 Cor. 7:1-5, even it flows from a deeper, more spiritual kind of love.

Paul describes the kind of love we are talking about in 1 Cor. 13:4-6. A closer look of love’s character is in order here.

Ø  v. 4 Suffering  - This word means “patient endurance even when provoked, long-tempered”. Love does not retaliate!

Ø  v. 4 Is Kind - This word refers to active goodness. It is never hateful or mean. Love is kind in words and actions.

Ø  v. 4 Envieth Not - True love is not jealous. Instead of being jealous when others prosper or excel, love is pleased when they do well.

Ø  v. 4 Vaunteth Not Itself - Literally, this phrase means “does not make a parade”. Love does not brag! It does not draw attention to itself or to what it is doing.

Ø  v. 4 Is Not Puffed Up - Love is not arrogant or proud. It does not demand to be number one.

Ø  v. 5 Does Not Behave Itself Unseemly - Love is never rude, but it always treats others with compassion, consideration and respect!

Ø  v. 5 Seeketh Not Her Own - True love is never selfish and self-centered, but it is actively interested in what will profit others. It never looks at itself first, but it always considers another ahead of itself.

Ø  v. 5 Is Not Easily Provoked - True loves keeps no record of evils done to it, but it willingly endures all slights and injuries. It is not irritable.

Ø  v. 5 Thinketh No Evil - “takes no worthless inventory” Two thoughts are in mind here. First, genuine love does not attribute evil motives to people. Second, genuine love does not keep a record of evils done to it. It doesn’t hold a grudge.

Ø  v. 6 Rejoiceth Not In Iniquity - Love does not rejoice in sin.

Ø  v. 6 Rejoiceth In The Truth - It rejoices when truth is proclaimed and when truth wins the victory. Love is glad for the truth, even when the truth hurts. Love is glad when truth wins the day!

This kind of love is to be mutual. The husband is commanded to love his wife with every fiber of his being, Eph. 5:25; 28, 31. The wife is commanded to love her husband, Titus 2:4. A home filled with love is a home filled with the essence of Heaven!

Loyalty – Eph. 5:31 speaks of the law of “leaving and cleaving”. This was what God expected of the first married couple, Gen. 2:24, and it is what He expects of every other married couple. When a man and woman are married, there is a fundamental shift in their relationships to others.

Their relationship with the parents is altered forever. It can still be strong, but the marriage relationship must have preeminence over the parental relationship. Children need to let go and so do parents. Few things are more devastating to a marriage than a failure to “leave and cleave”.

The word “joined” means “to be glued”. It is the idea of two things being bonded together in such a way that they cannot be torn apart. It is a bond so strong and so deep that you cannot tell where one begins and the other ends.

This kind of loyalty is spelled out in 1 Cor. 13:7. Look at the characteristics of true loyalty. Beareth all things – Loyal even when things are tough. It doesn’t walk out in the day of trouble  Believeth all things – Loyalty believes in ones mate. It trusts them. Hopeth all things – Loyalty never looks for the worst in them, but only believes the best.  Endureth all things – Loyalty sticks it out. Loyalty does not abandon the fort. Respect – Mutual respect is fundamental for any marriage that expects long term success. Several passages speak about this matter. Let’s consider a few today. Eph. 5:22-24 – These verses have been among the most loved and hated of the New Testament. Some men love to hang these verses over the heads of their wives and demand that they fall down before them in obedience. Some women read these verses and feel that they make the wife inferior to the husband. Neither interpretation is correct. God is not establishing the husband as some kind of dictator in the home. Nor is God relegating the wife to a place of servitude. The word “submit” means “to arrange under”. The truly spiritual wife recognizes God’s order in the home. She understands that it is a reflection of God’s order in the church. Jesus is the head of the church and we are to submit to His headship. The husband has been given the responsibility of leading the home and the godly wife follows the husband’s leadership willingly and humbly. The husband is not to demand submission from the wife. She is to offer it freely and lovingly. This submission is to her “own husband” only! Women are not subservient to men. They are equals, even in the home. But, God has invested leadership in the husband and he will be held responsible for the home. He will give an account for his actions as the head of the home when he stands before Jesus.

Eph. 5:28-29 – I willingly submit the Lordship of the Jesus in my life because I know He loves me. I understand that He gave Himself to save me sacrificially, willingly, lovingly and unconditionally. I respond to His love by submitting to Him. The same is true in the home. When the husband loves His wife sacrificially, willingly, lovingly and unconditionally, she will respond by respecting him.

The reason some wives have a hard time submitting to their mates is because the man is anything but Christ-like in his love for her! Ladies, this is no excuse for rebellion in the home! You are told to “submit” without respect to how he acts toward you. Even if your husband is lost, you have the duty of submission, Ill. 1 Pet. 3:1-6. Men, your wife will be more likely to follow your lead if she knows you love her with every fiber of your being.

Verses 28-29 teach us that the husband is to love his life like he loves his own flesh. Husbands are to “nourish” their wives, and they are to “cherish” their wives. Let’s consider these two words for a moment.

He Is To Nourish – “To bring to maturity.” A godly husband helps his wife to reach her fullest potential in God. He helps her to grow by meeting her needs and by being an encouragement to her life.

He Is To Cherish – “To soften with heat.” The husband is to give tender love to his spouse. This is the primary “want and need” of most women.  They need to feel loved and they crave special attention. They need time, attention, and a sense of security. A loving husband can easily provide all these things to his wife. (Ill. 1 Pet. 3:7 – “Weaker vessel” – Not inferior and weak. This phrase refers to a vessel that is delicate and of immense value. It is to be handled with love and tender care!)

Faithfulness – Eph. 5:31 speaks of the bond that exists between the husband and the wife. It is a bond that can only exist between two people. There is no room in the marriage relationship for a third party. It is never acceptable for a man or a woman to have a sexual or emotional relationship with a member of the opposite sex on the side. Our relationship with our spouse is to be one of absolute faithfulness, both physically and emotionally. Adultery is a sin regardless of the form it takes, Ex. 20:14; Matt. 5:28.

THE FRUIT OF A STRONG MARRIAGE

What will be the outcome of all the love and effort in a marriage? A strong marriage will bear fruit to the glory of God. Let me share with you what a strong marriage will produce.

A Strong Marriage Sanctifies The Home – Eph. 5:21-22; 25; 29 – A marriage that is lived out according to the principles of the Word of God is a marriage that keeps God at the center. It produces a home where Jesus is King and God is Sovereign. It is a marriage that opens the door for God to bless in amazing ways. It is a marriage that invites the power of God to dwell in the home. Ill. 1 Cor. 7:12-16)

A Strong Marriage Glorifies The Savior – Eph. 5:32 – A marriage that operates according to the principles of God’s Word brings glory to the Lord. God is glorified when we live out our marriages according to His precepts. This is true because a marriage that functions according to the Word of God is a marriage that honors His will, and doing His will always brings glory to His name! So, God is glorified when we love like He does.

A Strong Marriage Witnesses To The Lost – A strong godly marriage is a witness to this lost generation because it is a living, breathing example of Christ and His church. It demonstrates the power of the love of God and the grace of God to all who witness it. A godly marriage exemplifies forgiveness, patience, love, hope, and the power of God’s saving grace. A good, godly marriage is a powerful witness to a lost world. When the world looks at our marriages, they should see how Christ loved His church. They should see that there is just something different about our love for our spouse.

A Strong Marriage Instructs The Next Generation – Eph. 6:1-3 – In these verses, Paul speaks to the children in the home. Children have a duty to submit to their parents. But, I am talking to husbands and wives today. We need to realize that our children learn about marriage and about how to treat their future spouse by watching you.

How you treat your spouse is probably how they will treat theirs. How you talk to your spouse is how they will talk to theirs. Dad, how you love you wife will be hoe your son will love his wife. Mom, how you react toward your husband will be how your daughter will react toward hers. A man who curses and abuses his wife will raise sons who are prone to do the same. He will also raise daughters who expect that kind of treatment. Women who ridicule and belittle their husbands will raise daughters who have no respect for men. They will also raise sons with who lack the power to lead.

We need to take a step back and look at our marriages. How do the children around us see us? What are we teaching them about marriage? We have a responsibility to the next generation. We are responsible for teaching them the right way to walk and live. By the way, don’t use your own upbringing as an excuse for bad behavior in your marriage. Your parents may have fought all the time, but it does not mean you have to. Your father may have abused your mother physically or verbally, but that does not mean you have to treat you wife that way. Your mother may have talked down to your father, but that does not mean that you have to act that way. If you are saved, act like a saved man or woman. If you are saved, you have been changed, 2 Cor. 5:17. Live like the person you are and stop the cycle of sin that has operated in your family.

Conclution
: Marriage is one of the greatest gifts God ever gave to humanity. But, it is truly beautiful when it is operates like God intended it to. Has He spoken to you about your marriage? Husbands and wives might want to come and pray together today. You might want to ask the Lord to strengthen your bonds. You might want to iron out some troubled places. You might need to apologize to your spouse for acting like a jerk. You might want to come and thank God for what He has done in your home. This would be a great time to make your marriage stronger. Had He spoken to you about some sin or failure in your life? He offers forgiveness, if you will bring it to Him, 1 John 1:9. If you are out of God’s will come home. If you are lost come to Jesus.




      Thursday, 31 May 2012 frankleonard.blogspot.com ASKOFU MDEGELA AZIMA JARIBIO LINALOMTAKA AACHIE NGAZI

PAMOJA na upepo wa amani ndani ya Kanisa la Kiinjili la Kilutheri Tanzania (KKKT) Dayosisi ya Iringa kuendelea kutokuwa shwari, Askofu Mkuu wake, Dk Owdenbug Mdegela amefanikiwa kuuzima moto uliomtaka aachie ngazi kutokana na tuhuma za kimaadili zinazomkabili.

Katika kikao cha Halmashauri ya Dayosisi hiyo kilichofanyika katika ukumbi wa Huruma Centre juzi mjini hapa Askofu Mdegella aliwaambia wajumbe wake kwamba atakabidhi madaraka yake kwa Askofu mpya wa dayosisi hiyo Oktoba 7, 2016.

Baadhi ya wajumbe wa kikao hicho waliodai kuchukizwa na uamuzi wa Askofu huyo walisema watamuomba Mkuu wa Kanisa Askofu Alex Malasusa kuingilia kati suala hilo lililopata kujadiliwa katika kikao cha Baraza la Maaskofu wa Kanisa hilo.

Katika baraza hilo lililofanyika Machi 15, mwaka huu mkoani Morogoro chini ya Mkuu wa Kanisa hilo, Askofu Malasusa, baadhi ya tuhuma za kimaadili zinazodaiwa kumkabili Askofu Mdegella zilijadiliwa kwa kina na mapendekezo kutolewa.

Taarifa zilizothibitishwa na mmoja wa wajumbe wa baraza hilo (jina linahifadhiwa) zimedai kwamba Askofu Mdegella alipewa mwezi mmoja tangu tarehe ya baraza hilo (machi 15) awe ameitisha Halmashauri Kuu ya dayosisi yake na atumie busara kuachia ngazi.

Baadhi ya wachungaji walioshiriki kikao cha Halmashauri ya Dayosisi hiyo juzi, waliwaambia waandishi wa habari kwamba kwa kipindi kirefu kumekuwepo na tuhuma mbalimbali zilizoelekezwa kwa askofu huyo, nyingi kati yake zilichapishwa kwenye mitandao ya kijamii na vyombo mbalimbali vya habari mwaka jana.

Mmoja wa wachungaji hao aliyejitambulisha kwa jina la Kikoti alisema kama Askofu Mdegella angemuomba ampe ushauri, usingekuwa mwingine zaidi ya kumshauri ajiuzulu nafasi yake hiyo ili kulinda heshima yake ndani ya kanisa.

“Mvutano ni mkali sana, wengi wa wajumbe hawaungi mkono mapendekezo ya Baraza la Maaskofu yanayotaka ajiuzulu kwasababu ya tuhuma mbalimbali zinazomkabli,” alisema.

Alisema mgawanyiko huo unampa fursa Askofu Mdegella wa kuendelea na wadhifa wake kwa kuwa wenye maamuzi ya mwisho dhidi ya Askofu wao ni wajumbe wa vikao halali vya dayosisi hiyo.

Kwa upande wake Muinjilisti Hopeman Kihonza alisema aliachishwa masomo ya uchungaji baada ya kutoa ushirikiano kwa kamati ya maaskofu watatu waliokuwa wakichunguza tuhuma zinazomuhusu askofu huyo.

Akiwa mmoja kati ya waumini tisa waliohojiwa na maaskofu hao watatu Dk Martin Shao, Dk Hans Mwakabana na Elisha Buberwa kuhusiana na tuhuma zinazomkabili Askofu Mdegella, Muinjilisti Kihonza alisema aliamriwa aondoke kwenye kituo cha mazoezi Usharika wa Nyanzwa, wilayani Kilolo kabla ya Februari 28, mwaka huu.

Katika barua ya kuachishwa masomo ya uchungaji iliyosainiwa na Askofu Msaidizi Blaston Gavile kwa niaba ya Askofu Mdegella (nakala tunayo), Kihonza alisema alifutiwa dhamana na ufadhili wa masomo ya uchungaji katika Chuo Kikuu cha Tumaini Iringa baada ya kutoa ushahidi wake kwa maaskofu hao watatu Januari 10, mwaka huu.

Hata hivyo mara kadhaa Askofu huyo amenukuliwa akikanusha tuhuma zote zinazoelekezwa dhidi yake.

Wakijadili ajenda ya nne katika kikao cha halmashauri ya dayosisi hiyo juzi, Askofu Mdegella anadaiwa kuwataja waumini sita wa kanisa hilo akiwemo Hopeman Kihonza na Obeid Mtatifiko wanadaiwa kuwa vinara wa mtandao wa kumkashifu.

Katika kikao hicho Askofu Isaya Mengele wa Dayosisi ya Kusini na Askofu Jacob Mbwilo wa Dayosisi ya Matamba walihudhuria kama wawakilishi wa Mkuu waKanisa hilo, Askofu Malasusa.

Ajenda zilizojadiliwa (nakala tunayo) ni pamoja Kufungua Mkutano, Kuangalia Mahudhurio, Ajenda Maalumu inayomuhusu Askofu wa Dayosisi wa Iringa, Vinara wa Mtandao wa kumchafua askofu huyo, Udhibiti na Mustakabali wa kidayosisi na Kufunga mkutano.                              






KANISA LA KIINJILI LA KILUTHERI TANZANIA TAMKO LA DODOMA MSIMAMO WA KANISA LA KIINJILI LA KILUTHERI TANZANIA KUHUSU NDOA ZA JINSIA MOJA.
1. Utangulizi 1.1 Kanisa la kiinjili la kilutheri Tanzania (KKKT), Linamshukuru mungu kwamba katika hekima yake isiyopimika, na kwa njia ya mwana wake Yesu Kristo ametuunganisha waumini wake wote ulimwenguni kuwa mwili mmoja na hivyo kutufanya tuhusiane. Kwa kwa njia hiyo tunaweza kutembea pamoja na kufanikishwa katika mambo mengi. 1.2 katiak uhusiano wetu kama mwili mmoja tumeshilikiana katika mambo magumu na mepesi kilichotuwezesha kudumu pamoja hadi sasa, kwa msaada wa mungu, ni kutambua na kukumbuka kwamba kila siku ya ibaada, tunakili kuwa kanisa la mungu ni moja, takatifu ulimwengu pote na la kimitume. Hivyo, tukio lolote katika kanisa mojawapo, lisilo la kawaida katika misimamo na mafundisho yaliyozoeleka kwa karne nyingi katika kanisa la mungu,ni lazima litaamsha mshtuko na itikio la aina moja au nyingine kutoka makanisa mengine duniani pote. 1.3 Kwa wakati uliopo. Mojawapo ya matukio yasiyo ya kawaida, kwa mtazamo na uelewa wa KKKT, ni hilo la baadhi ya makanisa - hasa kule ulaya na Marekani – kuamua kuhalalisha ndo za watu wa jinsia moja katika kufanya hivyo,sababu mbalimbali zinatolewa na makanisa husika uwamuzi wao huo. Hapa tutaje tu, kwa muhtasari baadhi ya sababu zinazo tolewa na makanisa hayo. 1.3.1 Kwamba eti mafundisho ya kanisa kwa ndoa, kulingana na maandiko matakatifu, ni kati ya mwanaume na mwanamke si kama inavyo fafanuliwa. kwa msingi wa hoja kama hii, hao wanao tetea ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja wameanza kusama kila linalo wezekana kubomoa kifungu kimoja baada ya kingine kinachoonyesha kwamba ndoa halali, kibablia, ni kati ya mwanaume na mwanamke. Wanafanya hivyo kwa kuleta tafsiri zao “ mpya na yamkini potofu” – tofauti na msimamo wa kanisa uliodumu kwa miaka mingi kuhusu maana ya ndoa kulingana na mafundisho ya neno la mungu. Baadhi ya vifungu vya Biblia vinavyo pigwa vita na kupewa tafsili nyingine na wapenda ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja ni hivi vifuatavyo: Mwanzo 1:26-28; 2: 24; Mt. 19: 5-6a; Rum. 1:26-27a na Gal. 3:28 1.3.2 Kwamba eti kilicho muhimu, kwa habari za mahusiano kati ya wawili wahusika katika mahusiano ya kindoa au namna nyingine za mahusiano ni upendo. Mradi watu wanapendana, mahusiano kamahayo ni sahihi na halali ndivyo wanavyodai watetezi wa ndoa kati ya watu wa jinsia moja. 1.3.3 Kwamba eti mazingira na tamaduni zao za wakati huu ni tofauti na zawakati uliopita kuhusu maana na mtazamo juu ya nini halali na nini si halali kwa mahusiano ya kindoa na kimapenzi. Wanaongeza kudai kuwa swala la maadili kuhusu nini ni dhambi na nini si dhambi, hubadilika kulingana na wakati na mazingila ya mahali mtu alipo. Kwa macho yao, mtazamo wa jamii juu ya maadili, hasa kuusiana na swala la mahusiano ya kindoa au kimapenzi kati ya watu wa jinsia moja au jinsia tofauti umebadilika, na wanalitaka kanisa nalo liende na wakati katika mtazamo ama msimamo wake kuhusu mambo haya . kadhalika wateteaji wa mambo wanadai kwamba, “tabia za kukemea na kukunjia uso mambo ya ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja zimepitwa na wakati,” Hivyo , wanatutaka sisi wengine wote katika kanisa la mungu na jamii ya ulimwengu kwa ujumla tukubali kubadilika na kwenda na wakati, kama wao, katika mazingila haya mapya! 1.3.4 Kwamba eti kwa kuwa sheria za nchi hizo yaliko makanisa yanayo tetea na kuhalalisha ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja zimebadilika na kuwa upande wa ndoa za aina hiyo, makanisa katika nchi hizo yangejikuta pagumu sana katika kazi na maisha yao kama yangeng’ang’nia msimamo wao wa miaka yote iliyopita kuhusu ndoa kati ya watu wa jinsia moja, na maswala mengine ya mahusiano kati ya watu wa jinsia hiyo moja. Maana yake, kwa tafsiri yetu, makanisa hayo yameamua kukabiliana na hatua zilizochukuliwa na mamlaka ya nchi zao kama njia ya majadiliano ili hayo makanisa yasije yaka poteza maslahi yao fulan katika swala zima la ndoa endapo yangeendelea kushikilia msimamo wao wa miaka yote iliyopita – yaan, kupinga na kukataa uhalali wa ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja. 1.3.5 Kwamba eti suala la mahusiano – kindoa au kujamiiana ki-namna nyingine – kati ya watu wa jinsia moja, ni uamuzi wa kati ya watu wawili wanaohusika; wana uhuru kuamua kufanya wapendavyo katika hili. Kwahiyo dai la msingi ni kwamba siyo sawa kwa yoyote kuwaingilia katika mambo yao hayo, bali kuwaacha huru wafanye wapendavyo. Na makanisa yaliyo halalisha ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja. 2. HOJA MBADALA 2.1kuhusu hoja zitolewazo na watetezi wa ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja, Kanisa la kiinjili la kilutheri Tanzania lina mtazamo na msimamo tofauti. Halikubaliani na sababu zozote zinazotolewa watetezi wa ndoa za aina hiyo na uhalalishwaji wake. 2.2 Kanisa hili, (KKKT), Linasimama juu ya msingi wa neno la mungu kwamba maana ya ndoa ni kama inavyo fundishwa katika vifungu vya Biblia vilivyo tajwa sehemu ya 1.3.1 hapo juu. Vifungu ambavyo vimeanza kupewa maana na tafsiri tusiyoweza kuikubali. Sisi na wengine wote duniani pote wlio na msimamo kama wetu katika swala hili la kupinga ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja, tunaamini kuwa Biblia haitafsiriwi ka wapendavyo watu Fulani au mamlaka Fulani ama utamaduni Fulani bali hujitafsiri yenyewe kwa rugha mbalimbali kwa usahihi wake usio badilika 2.3 Kanisa hili linaamini kwamba upendo ni kiini cha mapenzi na uhusiano wa kweli Kati ya watu wawili wanaoishi, au wanotaka kuishi pamoja, katika ndoa. Lakini, kwa habari ya kuolewa na kuoa, upendo huu ni kati ya watu wawili wa jinsia tofauti. Aidha KKKT inaelewa somo juu ya upendo ni pana sana, na kwamba kuna maadili maalumu kuhusu matumizi sahihi ya karama hii ya upendo ua kupendana. Kanuni maadili kuhusu maana sahihi ya upendo na matumizi yake zinapokiukwa ua kuanza kupindishwapindishwa kwa sababu yoyote ile, basi upo uwezekano mkubwa wa binadam kujikuta katika hali ambayo neno upendo upo kati ya watu wawili wahusika, basi ndoa ya aina yoyote inakubalika . Hoja hii ikikubalika kanisa na jamii kwa ujumla tunaweza kujikuta mahali ambapo tunaanza kurudia na kutetea ndoa hata kati ya wana na ndugu, wazazi na watoto napengine hata kati ya binadam na wanyama – si mladi kinachowaunganisha hao viumbe wawili kinaitwa upendo! Haidhuru ni tafsiri gani imetolewa? Tunacho taka kusisitiza hapa ni kwamba, tuwe waangalifu sana tunapo zungumzia neno upendo ha kudiliki kufanya kuwa kigezo muhimu na pekee kuliko vyote katika swala la ndoa. 2.4 Jibu liliotangulia, hapo juu, linahusu pia uhalalishwaji na ushabikiaji wa ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja kwa hoja kwamba katika tamaduni na jamii za watu wa nchi zile ambako ndoa za jinsia moja zimehalalishwa, pamekuwepo na mabadiliko makubwa katika fikra za watu. Watu hawaonitena kwamba ni vibaya wala kutokuwa halali kwa watu wa jinsia moja kuoana. Utamaduni wao wa sasa una mwelekeo unaoungua mkono ndoa za jinsia hiyo. Mtazamo wa kimaadili wa sasa ni tofauti na wakati uliopita. KKKT inakubali kuwa nikweli misimamo Fulani ya kimaadili inaweza kubadilika kulingana na watu wako wapi na niwakati gani. Lakini waumini wa KKKT wanajua na kuamini kuwa kuna mambo yasiyo badilika kama pua kutobadilika kuwa mdomo au masikio kuwa macho. 2.5 Ni kweli kuwa maadili yaliyo angaliwa na jamii kwa mwelekeo hasi miaka iliyo, sasa yaangaliwa kwa mwelekeo wa chanya au kulidhia. Ni dhahili kuwa wakani wa sasa na tofauti, na jamiiimebadilika katika mwelekeo na mtazamo wake katika mambo mengi. Lakini ni kweli, vilevile, kwamba maadili na msimamo wa kanisa na wa jamii kwa ujumla, haviwezi kuwa na misingi ya kimaadili inayo yumbayumba wakati wote. Ni lazaima na jamii viwe na kanuni za kimaadali zinazoweza kihimili mabadiliko ya kijamii, kisayansi, kisiasa, kiuchumi, nk.kanisa hili linaamini kuwa, kwa msingi wa mafundisho ua neno la Mungu, yako maadili yasiyopaswa kubadilishwa na kupindishwa pindishwa na misukumo ya mabadiliko ya wakati, hali na mali.Mojawapo katika hayo, yahusu suala la ndoa na maana yake.Aidha kukubali ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja ni kuhujumu msingi wa agizo la Mungu kuhusu uumbaji unaoendelea. 2.6 Aidha, mabadiliko ya kimaadili katika jamii moja, mahali Fulani, tuseme Ulaya na Marekani, yasichukuliwe kama ndio mwongozo kwa mabadiliko mahali pengine pote ulimwenguni. Wala mabadiliko yao ya kitamaduni, kijamii, nk, katika nchi za Ulaya na Marekani yasilazimishwe juu ya watu wa nchi nyingine au makanisa katika nchi hizo. Kwa sababu hao watu wa sehemu nyingine, nje ya Ulaya na Marekani, pia wanamisingi yao kijamii inayolinda maadili yao. Sisi kama watanzania/Waafrika, tuna maadili yetu yaliyojengwa juu ya misingi ya tamaduni zetu bayana ambazo zinatambua mahusiano, ki – ndoa, kati ya watu wa jinsia tofauti. Kwa hiyo, kama watu wengine watasema kwamba wanahalalisha ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja kwa kuwa mazingira mapya ya mahali na wakati walipo yanaruhusu hayo, basi ieleweke kuwa mazingira ya wakati na tamaduni zetu hayaruhusiwi mambo hayo 2.7 Hoja ya kwamba ndoa au mahusiano kati ya watu wa jinsia moja ni jambo la watu wawili , ni hoja ya upande mmoja. Kwetu sisi waumini wa KKKT kwa upande wa pili tunabainisha kuwa hilo siyo tukio kati ya watu wawili tu bali inaeleweka daima kuwa wao ni sehemu ya familia na jamii pana zaidi. Hao wawili hawawezi kuruhusiwa kujifanya mambo hata yasiyokubalika na jamii, kwa kinga ya: “Tuache peke yetu,msituingilie katika mambo yetu; haya ni mambo yetu wenyewe, na ni uamuzi wetu wenyewe, kufanya tulivyoamua kufanya,” nk. Hapana! Katika Kanisa na jamii kwa ujumla, kwa kadri tunavyohusika katika mazingira na utamaduni wetu, kuna mambo ambayo binadamu yeyote, haidhuru yuko wapi, sharti atambue kuwa yeye si peke yake na wala hapaswi kuishi kwa nafsi yake tu katika mambo yote na wakati wote. Ndio ilivyo katika suala hili la ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja. 3. HITIMISHO 3.1 Kwa hiyo basi, kwa msingi wa ufahamu wa kanisa moja, na kwa kuona ulazima wa kuongoza kanisa Kichungaji, kwa kufuata ufahamu wa Neno la Mungu na maungamo yake. Kanisa la kiinjili la Kilutheri Tanzania linapenda kuonyesha bayana msimamo wake wa sauti ya kinabii, kuhusiana na suala la ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja, kwamba ni msongo mwitu na mwiba mkali katika mwili wa Bwana Yesu Kristo (1 kor. 12: 12- 27) unaosababisha jeraha lenye maumivu makali kwa wana KKKT na wengina wengi wa mahali pengine ulimwenguni pote wenye msimamo kama wetu katika suala hili, katika ngazi mbalimbali za uhusiano na mfumo wa uongozi. 3.2 Kanisa la kiinjili la kilutheri Tanzania linaona kuwa maamuzi yoyote ya upande mmoja yasiyoendana na uelewa na mtazamo wa pamoja katika suala la ndoa kati ya watu wa jinsia moja yanadhoofisha umoja wa kanisa lote kama mwili wa kristo. 3.3 Kanisa la kiinjili la Kilutheri Tanzania bado linakataa utumiaji usio sahihi na tafsiri potofu za maandiko Matakatifu ili kuhalalisha ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja. 3.4 Tunaamini kwamba hakuna sehemu yoyote ya kanisa la Mungu inayoweza kufaulu kutatua mambo yake yote peke yake, bila nguvu ya pamoja ya mwili mzima wa Kristo. Kama isemwavyo: Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu. Jambo hili la maamuzi kuhusu kuhalalishwa kwa ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja, limeonyesha dhahiri kwamba nguvu ya umoja wetu imedhoofishwa. 3.5 Bila shaka haitoshi wala haisaidii tukiishia katika kulaumiana na kuhukumiana kutokana na tofauti zetu juu ya suala hili. Busara na hekima ya Roho Mtakatifu, itusukume kuzama katika maombi, toba, kuendelea kushauriana, kuonyana na kusaidiana katika roho ya upendo wenye misingi ya Neno la Mungu (Kol. 3:5 – 17) 3.6 Tunapenda kuwatia moyo na kuwaunga mkono kwa dhati wale wote, katika makanisa yote ulimwenguni- wawe wengi au wachache wanaopinga, uamuzi wa kuhalalisha ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja. Tunatoa wito kuwa, sisi sote kwa pamaja tuendelee kuwa chumvi na nuru katika uhusiano wetu. Tukierekeza nguvu zetu katika kudumisha umoja na ushilikiano kati yetu. Umoja utatuwezesha kutoruhusu tena hali itayoleta majeraha zai kwenye mwili wa kristo, yaani kanisa. 3.7 Tunaona kwamaba hizi ni nyakati za uovu unao tafuta kulididimiza kanisa la mungu. Kwa hiyo tunatoa wito kwa waumini wote wa KKKT na makanisa mengine yenye msimamo kama wetu kuomba kwa thati na kutunza ushuhuda wa mtu binafsi na wa kanisa la mungu. 3.8 tunatoa tahadhari kwa kila muumini wa KKKT kuwa makini sana katika kupambanua na kuyakata mafundisho mageni ambayo yanaweza kupotosha kwa urahisi waumini katika ulimwengu huu wa utandawazi. 3.9 Katika hali halisi ya ushilikiano kati yetu na makanisa mengine ya Ulaya na Marekani, Nahali pengine, msimamo wa kanisa hili umewekwa bayana katika majibu ya hojaji iliyoandaliwa na fungamano la makanisa yo kilutheri duniani (FMKD)kuhusu ubadilishanaji wa watumishi. Kwakuwa lengo la hojaji hiyo na maamuzi yatakayo fanywa hatimaye na FMKD kutokana na majibu yaliyotolewa na makanisa mengine wanachama yanayotuhusu sisi pia; 3.9.1 Sisi KKKT kama wanachama tunasema kwamaba kanisa letu halitakuwa tayali kufanya mabadilishano ya watu wanayojumuisha wale walio katika ndoa za jinsia moja au wale wanao shabikia ndoa za jinsia hiyo na uhalalishwaji wake. kwa maneno ya wazi zaidi, ni kwamba walio katika ndoa za jinsia moja, na wanaoshabikia ndoa za jinsia hiyo na uhalalishwaji wake, hawakalibishwi katika kufanya kazi katika KKKT. KKKT haitakuwa tayari kuhusu suala hili hata kwa ushawishi na ua shinikizo la nguvu ya fedha. 3.9.2 Hata katika ushilikiano wake na wengine kwa njia ya vyombo vya ushilikiano kama vile LWF, WCC, LMC na/au mashirika mengine (ya kidini na yasiyo yakidini) n.k., KKKT haitaunga mkono mbinu zozote za kujaribu kupiga debe na kuwapenyeza katika mashirika hayo watu walio katika ndoa za jinsia moja au washabiki wa nda za jinsia moja, na aina zote za vitendo vya ushoga. 3.10 KKKT haiwezi kuwalazimisha watu wa Ulaya au Marekani, waone na kufanya kama sisi katika swala hili la ndoa za jinsia moja, lakini inaweza kuwaeleza msimamo wake kinaganaga kuhusu swala lenyewe. Inaamini kuwa upande mwingine pia utajali na kuheshimu msimamo wake kama unavyo elezwa katika tamko hili. Aidha KKKT inategemea kuwa marafiki zake, popote pale walipo, ambao, lakini, inatofautiana nao sana sasa katika suala hili la ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja, hawajaribu- na ingeomba wasijaribu- kwa namna yoyote ile, wakati wowote ule, mahali popote pale, kuujaribu msimamo wake dhidi ya ndoa za watu wa jinsia moja,ikiwa ni pamoja na vitendo vya namna zote za kishoga. Maaskofu wa KKKT 1. Askofu Dk. Alex malasusa Mkuu, KKKT 2. Askofu Michael Adam, KKKT Dayosisi Mkoani Mara 3. Askofu Paulo 1. Akyoo, KKKT Dayosisi ya Meru 4. Askofu Dk. Benson K. Bagonza KKKT Dayosisi ya Karagwe 5. Askofu Elisa Buberwa, KKKT Dayosisi ya kaskazini Magharibi 6. Askofu Zebedayo Daudi, KKKT Dayosisi ya Mbulu 7. Asikofu Andrew P. Gulle, KKKT Dayosisi Mashariki Ziwa Victoria 8. Askofu Thomas Laiser, KKKT Dayosisi ya kaskazini kati 9. Askofu Cleopa A. Lukilo, KKKT Dayosisi ya kusini 10.Askofu Jobu A. Mbwilo, KKKT Dayosisi ya Kusini Magharibi 11.Askofu Dk. Owdenburg M. Mdegella, KKKT Dayosisi ya Iringa 12.Askofu Renard K. Mtenji, KKKT Dayosisi ya Ulanga Kilombero 13.Askofu Dk Stephen I. Munga KKKT Dayosisi kaskazini mashariki 14.Askofu Dk Hance Mwakabana Dayosisi ya kusini kati 15.Askofu Dk Israel-Peter Mwakyolile, KKKT Dayosisi ya Konde 16.Askofu Festo Ngowa, KKKT Dayosisi ya Dodoma 17.Askofu Jacob mameo Ole Paulo, KKKT Dayosisi ya Morogoro 18.Askofu Dk Martin F. Shayo, KKKT Dayosisi ya Kaskazini 19.Askofu Eliuphoo Y. Sima, KKKT Dayosisi ya Kati 20.Msaidizi wa Asikofu Mch. Eliraha M. Mmwari KKKT Dayosisi ya pare DODOMA
 7 Januari 2010