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2024年7月21日 牧者之言

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冲洗过滤器

“人若喝我所赐的水的，就永远不渴；我所赐的水要在他里头成为泉源，直涌到永生”。
-约翰福音 4:14
“出了什么问题？”我打开灌溉器后反问自己。灌溉器没有像往常那样发出规则的咔嗒声，而是偶尔发出不规则的咔嗒声，吱吱作响，仿佛承受着重负。因为缺乏维持水分和养分，悬挂在花盆里的茂盛花朵很快就会枯萎死亡，而这些养分不知何故被阻止流过灌溉系统。
“一定是过滤器的问题，”我断定。我关掉水，拆开过滤器的保护壳，取下筛网。筛网被太多的石灰石和其他沉积物堵塞，只有一点水可以流过。用水冲洗掉沉积物后，过滤器又焕然一新了。
今天的钥节揭示了耶稣是活水的源泉，我们的灵魂可以自由地从中汲取并得到满足。这水是“凡愿意的人”都可以得到的（启示录 22:17）。一个不经常用水补充身体水分的人很快就会脱水，并最终死亡。同样，我们必须从基督的泉源中喝活水，以补充我们灵魂的干渴，并在祂里面保持灵性的活力。
撒旦的目的是用罪恶和谎言“堵塞”我们心灵的过滤器，从而限制这种维持生命的活水流淌。通过我们肉体的诱惑，它可以让骄傲、欲望、仇恨、愤怒、冲突或嫉妒的沉积物堆积在我们的生命中。让我们通过与我们的救主保持良好的关系，经常彻底地“冲洗过滤器”，以便祂的活水可以一直流过，并维系我们的灵魂。                                
约书亚·齐默尔曼 – 田纳西州派克维尔
“请来就近来这水，这里水源充足；这是一条永不干涸的河流”。
– 大卫和马克斯·萨普
—— 译自《溪水边》第一日, 阿米什人灵修。
     

Flushing the Filter

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. -John 4: 14
“What’s the problem here?” I asked myself after I had turned on the irrigation system. Instead of the usual erratic clicking, the fertilizer injector was only emitting an occasional erratic click, creaking and groaning as if under a burden. The lush, blooming flowers in their hanging pots would shortly wilt and die for lack of sustaining water and nutrients that were somehow being blocked from flowing through the irrigation system.
“It must be the filter,” I decided. I shut off the water, disassembled the protective casing of the filter, and removed the screen. It was clogged with so much limestone and other sediment that only a little water could flow through. Flushing out the sediment with a blast of water made the filter good as new again.
Today’s key verse reveals Jesus as the source of living water from which our souls can freely drink and be satisfied. This water is available to “whosoever will” (Revelation 22:17). A person who does not frequently replenish his natural body with water will soon dehydrate and eventually die. Likewise it is vital that we drink of the living water from Christ’s fountain to replenish the thirst of our souls and to sustain spiritually alive in Him.
Satan’s aim is to “clog the filter” of our hearts with sin and untruth, thereby restricting the flow of this life-sustaining water. Through the appeals of our carnal nature, he can cause the sediments of pride, lust, hate, anger, strife, or envy to accumulate in our lives. Let us frequently and thoroughly “flush the filter” by maintaining a good relationship with our Savior, so that His living water can always flow through and sustain our souls. Joshua Zimmerman – Pikeville, TN
        Come to this water, there is a vast supply; there is a river that never shall run dry.
– David and Max Sapp
                   Cited from Day 1, Beside the Still Water, Amish Devotion.

2024年7月14日 牧者之言

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马丁·路德的《罗马书》序言

（接上文）

第十二章——讨神喜悦的敬拜
43. 在第十二章中，使徒教导我们真正的敬拜，并宣布所有基督徒都是祭司，呼吁他们献祭，这些祭品不是律法规定的金钱或牲畜，而是他们自己的身体和消除他们的罪欲。接着，他描述了基督徒在圣灵掌管中的外在行为：他们如何教导、传道、治理、服侍、奉献、受苦、愛心、生活和对待他们的朋友、敌人和其他人。这些都是基督徒所做的工作。因为，如前所述，信仰永远不会无所事事。

第十三章 ——我们对政府和所有人的责任
44. 在第十三章中，使徒教导我们如何尊重和服从政府，政府的设立是为了以下目的：虽然政府不会使人们在上帝面前变得虔诚，但它的作用却非常大，使虔诚的人享受外部的和平与保护，而恶人则不能毫无畏惧、不受惩罚、不受骚扰地做恶。因此，虔诚的人也必须尊重政府，尽管他们并不需要它。最后，他将一切都归结为愛，并将其包含在基督的榜样中，正如基督为我们所做的那样，我们也要这样做并追随基督。

第十四章——我们对软弱弟兄的责任
45. 在第十四章中，使徒教导我们如何温柔地对待信徒软弱的良心，并通过使用基督徒的自由来保护他们，不是伤害软弱的弟兄，而是促进他们。因为无论在哪里不这样做，都会产生对至关重要的福音的不和和蔑视。因此，最好是向那些信仰软弱的人稍微屈服，直到他们变得更加强大，而不是让福音的教导完全消亡。这样做是一项特别的愛心工作，即使在今天也是非常必要的，因为通过大胆和不顾后果地吃禁食并在没有必要的情况下采取其他自由，人们软弱的良心在他们了解这件事的真相之前就变得困惑了。

第十五章—基督徒之愛
46. 在第十五章中，使徒向我们展示了基督的榜样，教导我们必须容忍其他软弱的弟兄，比如那些通过明显的罪或不愉快的举止表现出软弱的人。我们不能抛弃这样的人，而要容忍他们，直到他们也得到改善。因为基督就是这样对待我们的，而且每天都在这样对待我们；除了我们所有的缺点之外，他还容忍我们身上许多不是美德而是恶习的东西，并不断地帮助我们。

47. 最后，他为他们祈祷，赞美他们，将他们托付给上帝，向他们表明他作为传道人的职责，并以非常得体的方式为耶路撒冷的穷人募捐。简而言之，他谈论和谆谆教诲的都是愛心。

第十六章—问候和警告
48. 最后一章是问候，但他在其中插入一个非常严肃的警告，反对人为的教义，这些教义通过福音的教导混进来，并引起（对纯正福音的）冒犯。读起来好像保罗已经确切地预见到，从罗马和通过罗马人，会出现误导性的、令人反感的教规和教令，以及现在已经淹没了整个世界的各种各样的人为法律和命令，因此他们废除了这封书信和所有的圣经，连同圣灵和信仰，只留下他们的偶像，肚腹。他们正是圣保罗在本章中所谴责的仆人。愿上帝拯救我们脱离他们！阿门。

总结
49. 那么，你会发现，在这封书信中，基督徒应该知道的最多的事是律法、福音、罪、惩罚、恩典、信仰、公义、基督、上帝、善行、愛心、盼望、背负十字架，以及我们如何对待信仰坚定的人和信仰软弱的人、对待朋友、对待敌人和对待我们自己。此外，所有这些教导都是在圣经的基础上巧妙地建立起来的，并通过使徒的个人榜样和先知的榜样来说明，这样我们就没有什么可渴望的了。因此，使徒写这封书信中的目的似乎是起草一份整个基督徒和福音教义的大纲，并准备了整个旧约的导论。因为任何把这封书信记在心里的人，毫无疑问都会有旧约的亮光和力量。因此，让每个基督徒都熟悉这封书信，并不断付诸实践。为此，愿上帝赐予我们祂的恩典！阿门。（全文完）

7/14/2024 Pastor’s Word
     
Martin Luther’s Preface to The Epistle to the Romans
(Continue from above)

Ch. 12—God-pleasing Worship

43. In the twelfth chapter the apostle teaches us the true worship of God, and declares all Christians priests, calling upon them to offer up sacrifices, which are to be not money or cattle, as under the Law, but their own bodies and the slaying of their lusts. Next he describes the out-working conduct of Christians in their spiritual government; how they are to teach, preach, rule, serve, give, suffer, love, live, and act towards their friends, enemies, and everybody else. These are works such as a Christian does. For, as was stated before, faith is never idle.
Ch. 13—Our Duty Towards Government And All Men
44. In the thirteenth chapter the apostle instructs us how to honour and obey the civil government, which has been ordained for the following purpose: Although it does not make people pious in the sight of God, still it effects this much, that the godly enjoy external peace and protection, and the wicked are not free to do evil without fear, with impunity, and unmolested. For this reason the civil government must be honoured even by the godly, although they have no need of it. Finally, he comprises everything under the head of love, and encloses it in the example of Christ; as He has done for us, we are to do likewise and follow after Him.
Ch. 14—Our Duty Towards Weaker Brethren
45. In the fourteenth chapter the apostle teaches us how to treat tenderly the weak consciences of believers, and to spare them, by using the liberty of Christians, not to the injury, but to the advancement of weak brethren. For wherever this is not done, discord and contempt of the Gospel, which is of paramount importance, will ensue. Accordingly, it is better to yield somewhat to those weak in faith until they become stronger than to permit the teaching of the Gospel utterly to perish. To do this is an especial work of love, and it is quite necessary even to-day, because by boldly and inconsiderately eating forbidden meats and taking other liberties when there is no necess-ity for it, the tender consciences of people become confused before they learn to know the truth of this matter.
Ch. 15—Christian Love
46. In the fifteenth chapter the apostle places before us the example of Christ, to teach us that we must bear with other weak brethren, such as show their frailty by manifest sins or by unpleasant manners. Such persons we must not cast aside, but bear with them until they, too, are improved. For so Christ has treated us, and is still treating us every day; He tolerates in us a great many things that are not virtues, but evil habits, in addition to all our imperfections, and succours us unceasingly.

47. In conclusion, he prays for them, praises them, commends them to God, indicates to them his office as a preacher, and solicits in a very seemly manner a contribution for the poor at Jerusalem. In short, it is all love that he is talking about and inculcating.

Ch. 16—Salutations and a Warning
48. The last chapter is a chapter of salutations, but he weaves into it a very solemn warning against doctrines of men which are introduced along with the teaching of the Gospel and cause offences. It reads as if he had foreseen with certainty that out of Rome and through the Romans would come the misleading, offensive canons and decretals, and all the brood and breed of human laws and commands which now have overwhelmed the whole world, so that they have done away with this epistle and all the Holy Scriptures, together with the Spirit and faith, leaving nothing except their idol, the belly, as servants of which St. Paul denounces them in this chapter. God save us from them! Amen.
Summary
49. You find, then, in this epistle, the greatest abundance of things that a Christian ought to know what the Law is, the Gospel, sin, punishment, grace, faith, righteousness, Christ, God, good works, love, hope, cross-bearing, also how we are to conduct ourselves in every relation toward those of strong and those of weak faith, toward friends, toward enemies, and toward ourselves. Moreover, all this teaching has been masterfully built up on Scripture ground, and illustrated by the apostle’s personal example and by the example of the prophets, so that there is nothing left for us to desire. It seems, therefore, that the apostle’s object in this epistle was to draw up a syllabus of the entire Christian and evangelical doctrine, and to prepare an introduction to the entire Old Testament. For any person who has received this epistle into his heart has without question the light and strength of the Old Testament in himself. Accordingly, let every Christian become familiar with this epistle, and put it into constant practice. To this end may God grant us His grace! Amen.                         (The end)

2024年7月7日 牧者之言

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学习记念“什么”
“记念我”

       当我们真正认识上帝时，我们会怀着起初的愛心和敬畏之心来崇拜他。毫无疑问—两者都是必不可少的！
主餐是命令（不是信徒可以忽略的“选择” ）。希腊文中的“如此行” 肯定是以命令的形式出现的。这种令人敬畏的记念具有独特的力量。凭着信心领受主餐，我们可以坚定我们与主的盟约，更新我们的聚焦，并滋养我们的灵性。这是一项对信徒有极大益处的命令，对于完全住在基督里至关重要。

第一个记念—主餐象征着基督为人类作出的无与伦比的牺牲（路加福音22:19 ）
•    无法估量的代价（以赛亚书 53:6）。当领受主餐时，耶稣特别命令我们“记念他为我们舍身流血” 。 要记住的关键点是，上帝为赦免我们的罪付出了难以言喻的代价
•    十字架的荣耀反映出罪的恐怖（希伯来书12:26）
•    主餐提醒我们要活出圣洁，认识到我们的罪仍然令上帝悲伤
•    我们应该永远记住基督为什么来到世界，基督是为了使命和上帝的荣耀
•    主餐提醒我们，耶稣将会再来，那时将会有一场最后的盛大婚宴
•    我们愛他，因为他先愛我们，所以我们舍己，背起自己的十字架跟随他

第二个记念—主的晚餐反映出基督宝血的“新约” (路加福音22:20)
•    “新约”的荣耀；新约远超过旧约
•    “新约”意味着信徒有能力深刻认识神并活出得胜的生活（约翰福音1:12；罗马书 6:14；哥林多后书2:14）
•    我们没有任何借口可以继续被罪所束缚（罗马书 6:14；哥林多前书 10:13）

第三个记念—主餐提醒我们基督盼望信徒在愛中合而为一（约翰福音13:34-35 ;
17: 20-22）
•    不敬虔和不合一是对主餐的危险亵渎
•    主餐是合一的庆祝，是早期教会的愛筵（哥林多前书11:17-22；犹大书12）
主餐应该提醒我们：合一远大于组织体制、代沟偏好或音乐风格等问题。在极度愤怒、怨恨和分裂的情况下领受主餐，几乎是对上帝的亵渎。
•    这是聚集在一起的最重要时刻； “除掉一切愤怒和毁谤” （以弗所书 4: 29-32 ）

第四个记念—主餐生动地象征着上帝恩典和慈愛的盟约（约翰福音3:16；以弗所书2:8-9 ）
•    无与伦比的记念上帝的象征—对圣父和圣子不可思议的意义
•    重要的是，我们庆祝上帝的恩典和慈愛，他渴望我们来到他的餐桌前（路加福音 22:15 )
这并不是说我们完全了才能领受主餐。我们的天父知道我们都在不断进步（腓立比书 3: 12-14）。是的，奇妙中的奇妙，耶稣说他“很愿意”与他知道将要背叛他的门徒一起吃逾越节晚餐和主的晚餐（路加福音 22: 15）！信徒，尽管我们经常失败，耶稣也热切地希望我们一起守主餐。记住，主通过他的血和恩典完全接受我们（以弗所书 1: 6）。
承认一切罪孽，相信上帝会赐予你全心全意的愛和顺服。记住，他的恩典够你用的！（哥林多前书 10:13；哥林多后书 12:9）。因为上帝如此愛你，所以把你所有的愛都献给他吧！

摘自Gregory Reed Frizzell, The Lord’s Supper: A Covenant of Love and Surrender, Chapter Three, “In Remembrance of Me”: Learning “what” to Remember, Fulton, KY: Master Design Publishing, 1982.

2024年6月30日 牧者之言

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“海底探险”
——2024年教会暑期圣经学校

         教会的儿童事工尤为重要。人有从亚当那里遗传来的原罪，每个人在母腹中就有了罪（诗51: 5）。奥古斯丁也说，“因为在你眼中，没有人是无罪的，即使是在地球上只活了一天的婴儿”（《忏悔录》中语）。故此，让孩子领受福音越早越好，最好从胎教开始。
有些地方反对让孩子听福音，其背后的动机很清楚，即拦阻有罪的孩子得到福音。旧约中以色列人在埃及时，埃及的法老——邪恶势力的代表计划将希伯来人的男孩扼杀在摇篮里，然而主却保守他们日渐强盛起来。后来，法老特别阻止以色列壮年人不允许孩子（注：原文中没有“妇女”一词）与他们同去事奉耶和华（出10: 10）。耶稣爱小孩子，他吩咐门徒说：“让小孩子到我这里来，不要禁止他们；因为在天国的，正是这样的人”（太19: 14）。
暑期圣经学校（Vacation Bible School，简称VBS）是暑假期间，当地教会为儿童举办为期一周左右的基督教育项目，包括诗歌舞蹈、信仰课程、艺术和手工艺以及娱乐活动。VBS是多人生命中的祝福。曾在台湾作过30多年宣教士的魏牧师说：“记得七十多年前我和师母在VBS学习的圣经故事、传教士故事，直到如今还记忆犹新，一直影响着我们的事奉”。一位在阿肯色浸信会儿童家庭事工（Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries）工作的姐妹对我说：“你们教会VBS布置得太漂亮了！很可惜今天有许多教会停止作VBS。我在九岁时参加VBS时接受耶稣作救主。我仍记得当时辅导员带领我作决志祷告时的情景”。当我为主持VBS需要背大段英文舞台剧的台词感到有些压力时，一位姐妹为我祷告说：“主啊，求你一直与李牧师和团队同在，让他们完全经历你的大能和恩赐。”
今年是我们教会第二次举行VBS。主题是：SCUBA (S: Self, C: Contained, U: Underwater, B: Breath, A: Apparatus) ，中文翻译： “海底探险” 。从6月18日到21日晚5:30到8:00。在过去一周中，我们度过了美好的时光。三周前，一对夫妇开几个小时车将琼斯博罗高地大道浸信会教会（Highland Drive Baptist Church in Jonesboro）的布置材料带给我们。在6月16日父亲节下午，弟兄姐妹用灵巧的双手将教会布置成蔚蓝色的大海，让小朋友们进入想象的空间。
我们教会在小石城属于一间小型教会，平常有60-80人固定参加聚会。然而出于主的怜悯和恩典，我们愿意作VBS影响更多孩子。开始我们担心很多人暑期回国会缺少学生和义工。然而，主垂听我们的祷告。此次VBS有32位小朋友和青少年志愿者注册，包括一位中美混血小朋友和三位美国小朋友。成人注册义工有32位，负责宣传、联络、音响、食物、带敬拜、教圣经故事、分享宣教主题、排约拿剧、摄影、接待、清洁等，其中包括两位刚信主的弟兄姐妹、两位慕道朋友，还有一位搬到外州的姐妹帮忙制作毕业证书和青少年志愿者证书。每位同工都做了大量工作。在此期间，教会弟兄姐妹有机会与四个慕道家庭的家长建立连接。有三位小朋友决志愿意信耶稣。
四天中，每天有不同的圣经要点、背诵经文和圣经故事。第一天的要点：上帝是一位真实的朋友，经文：《约》6: 69，圣经故事：以利亚（王上18-19）；第二天要点：上帝是一位值得信靠的朋友，经文：《约》14: 27，圣经故事：耶稣平静风暴（可4: 35-41）；第三天要点：上帝是每个人的朋友，经文：《约》3: 16，圣经故事：吕底亚（徒16: 11-15）。第四天是家庭同乐夜，孩子们表演了约拿剧，家长们受邀来参加，教会为小朋友和青少年义工颁发证书，大家照全家福合影。
小朋友特别喜欢的几个环节包括A. 唱诗作律动敬拜主，最后一天所有小朋友都上台敬拜主。B. 观看以海洋明星为助手的背诵经文视频 ，看完经文后请小朋友们现场背诵经文领取奖品，四天里有五位小朋友获奖。有一位获奖的小朋友第二天就将得到的圣经挂在脖子上。当牧师问：“如果你们有机会到海洋探险，你会邀请谁作你的潜水伙伴呢”？他大声回答：“我请上帝作我的潜水伙伴”。C. 在联想房间(Imagination House) 小朋友们作手工和实验。他们很喜欢亲手编制的心形、糖果手杖和十字架，以及作科学实验了解自然现象。D. 在宣教房间里（Mission House），第一天听到阿肯色浸信会儿童和家庭事工的同工介绍寄养儿童事工（Foster Care Ministry），同工播放的卡通故事里被领养的孩子唱到“我感到安全”的那一幕很感人。第二天，魏荣恩牧师为孩子们介绍传教士戴德生去中国传教的故事。第三天，一位基督徒麻醉师和她丈夫用小木偶演绎给人作手术用麻醉剂的过程。今年的奉献项目为“巴西亚马逊河宣教项目”(Brazil Amazon River Mission Project)筹集了$ 231美金，孩子们将两个小钱拿出来表达爱心。
主耶稣说：“无论何人，因为门徒的名，只把一杯凉水给这小子里的一个喝，我实在告诉你们：这人不能不得赏赐（太10: 42）。主期待我们可以 “把一杯凉水给小子里的一个喝”。这杯凉水不仅是物质层面的供应，更是灵性层面的供应。教会VBS正是在将一杯凉水给孩子们喝，使福音的活水供应他们幼小的心田。愿主坚立我们手所作之工！愿2025年VBS能做得更好！愿此文分享能激励更多教会去作儿童事工！以基督之名，阿门。

2024年6月23日 牧者之言

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马丁·路德的《罗马书》序言

（接上文）
第九章至第十一章——预定或拣选

40. 使徒在第九、第十和第十一章中的教导是关于上帝永恒的预定，一个人是否相信，是否摆脱罪恶，这原本就是上帝的预定，以便我们成为虔诚的人完全脱离我们自己的手，交到上帝的手中。这是最重要的。因为我们是如此软弱和充满不确定性，如果这取决于我们，那么没有一个人会得救；魔鬼肯定会压倒所有人。但上帝是可靠的，他的预定不会失败，没有人能打败他的目的，我们仍然有理由对战胜罪恶充满希望。

41. 然而，在这一点上，必须对那些妄自尊大的灵魂设定一个限度，他们首先将自己的理性引向这一点，从顶部开始，着手探索神圣预定的深渊，并毫无意义地担心他们是否被预定的问题。这些人成为他们自己垮台的原因；他们要么对自己的救赎感到绝望，要么放纵自己，不顾一切。

42. 至于你自己，我说：遵循这封书信的顺序。用基督和他的福音占据你的思想，这样你就可以知道你的罪和他的恩典，然后与你的罪搏斗，就像第 1、2、3、4、5、6、7 和 8 章教你做的那样。当你读到第八章并遭受十字架和苦难之后，你就会正确地了解到预定是多么令人欣慰，正如第 1、2、3、4、5、6、7 和 8 章所解释的那样。 在9、10 和 11中，因为除了经受痛苦、背负十字架和极度痛苦的折磨之外，一个人不可能在不伤害自己和不暗暗怨恨上帝的情况下思考预定论。因此，亚当必须完全死去，一个人才能忍受听这种教导和喝这种烈酒。因此，当你还是一个哺乳婴儿时，要小心不要喝酒。每一种教义都有适当的限制、时间和年龄。（未完待续）

Martin Luther’s Preface to The Epistle to the Romans

(Continue from above)

Ch. 9–11—Predestination or Election

40. The apostle’s teaching in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh chapters is concerning the eternal predestination of God, whence it originally flows, whether a person is to believe or not, become rid of his sins or not, in order that our becoming godly may be taken entirely out of our own hands and placed in the hands of God. And this is of the very highest importance. For we are so feeble and full of uncertainty that, if it depended on us, not a single person would be saved; the devil would surely overpower all. But God being reliable so that His predestination does not fail, and no one can defeat His purpose, we have still reason for hope over against sin.

41. However, at this point a limit has to be staked off against presumptuous and arrogant spirits, who lead their reason to this point first, start from the top, undertake to explore before everything else the abyss of divine predestination, and worry to no purpose over the question whether they are predestinated. These people become the cause of their own downfall; they either despair of their salvation or abandon themselves to recklessness.

42. As to yourself, I say: Follow the order of this epistle. Occupy your mind with Christ and His Gospel in order that you may know your sin and His grace, and then wrestle with your sin, as chaps. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 have taught you to do. After you have arrived at the eighth chapter and are subjected to crosses and sufferings, you will be rightly taught how comforting predestination is, as explained in chaps. 9, 10, and 11. For outside of a condition of suffering, cross-bearing, and mortal anguish, a person cannot contemplate predestination without injury to himself and without harbouring a secret grudge against God. Therefore Adam must be quite dead before a person can bear to listen to this teaching and drink of this strong wine. Beware, then, of drinking wine while you are still a suckling infant. There is a proper limit, time, and age for every doctrine.                                                                                  (to be continued)

2月11日 牧者之言

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“荣神益人”

——华人基督徒如何过春节？

          1951年美国神学家莱因霍尔德·尼布尔 (Reinhold Niebuhur) 在《基督与文化》（Christ and Culture）一书中提到两者之间的五种类型。第一，基督反对文化(Christ Against Culture): 文化受了罪的玷污，基督徒应该避免、拒绝、并排斥文化。第二，基督属于文化(Christ of Culture): 文化是好的，与基督徒信仰没有任何冲突。第三，基督高过文化(Christ above Culture)：文化是好的，但要基督信仰对其做出最美的诠释。第四，基督与文化之间的张力 (Christ and Culture in Paradox): 基督徒与所处文化之间的互动始终存在一种紧张关系。第五，基督更新文化(Christ the Transformer of Culture): 基督徒努力寻求将文化的价值观和目的转化为服侍和荣耀上帝。由于篇幅所限，以上几点我不详细展开。多数福音派的基督徒赞同第五点，即根据耶稣的教导我们是 “世上的光，世上的盐” （太5: 13-16），我们在世界但不属世界（约17: 15-17），我们要以出世的心过入世的生活，不效法这个世界，只要新意更新而变化（罗12: 1-2）。

         春节是华人第一大节日，是中国文化中很重要的一部分。在美国的华人基督徒面临三种文化：中国文化、西方文化及基督徒文化。华人基督徒如何平衡三者之间的关系，对于荣神益人至关重要。参照尼布尔所提出的第五种模式“基督更新文化”，按照保罗所说“所以，你们或吃或喝，无论做什么，都要为荣耀神而行“（林前10：31）的原则，对于华人基督徒过春节，我和大家分享以下几点：

  • 敬拜独一真神Worship the Only One True God

        当尊上帝为大，绝不可祭拜偶像。《圣经》十条诫命（出20: 1-5; 申5:7-9）中的第一条和第二条明确规定，基督徒要敬拜独一真神，拜偶像是得罪神的。过年要杜绝各种形式接神，摆贡，贴财神画、门神画，或在微信里迎财神、抽签算卦等。我们不要提说或宣扬别神的名号（诗16：4），更不要转发和传播。我们不要称呼人是“大神”，也不要称呼某明星是“男神”“或“女神“。在中文表达中，基督徒称呼我们的神时不说神是“万能的”（universal power），而说神是“全能的”(almighty)。在和合本圣经翻译中，每逢提到神是都是说他是全能者、而不是万能者。基督徒可以张贴”福“字和有福音话语的对联，以及代表中国传统文化色彩的服饰。         

  • 敬祖但不祭祖Honor but not Worship Ancestors 

         基督徒可以敬祖但不祭祖(We honor but not worship ancestors)。我们对祖先应予以“尊敬和记念”，却不应该“敬拜或祭祀”。基督徒可以在传统节日时扫墓，藉此缅怀长辈留下的美好榜样，感激他们在世时所有的付出和辛劳。我们不磕头、不烧纸、不摆供品，但可以谦恭地扫墓，献鲜花，唱赞美诗。扫墓时，我们不为也不向死人祷告。我们是向上帝祷告，为活人求喜乐平安。这既荣耀主名，又向世人作见证。基督徒孝顺父母的重点不应放在丧礼的仪式上，而应放在长辈活着时多与他们分享福音、多体贴照顾、多分担家务，多以实际行动表达感恩之情。

  • “从前属动物、如今属基督了” “I once belonged to animal, but now I belong to Christ”

        所谓生肖，既为华人之“十二属相：子鼠、丑牛、寅虎、卯兔、辰龙、巳蛇、午马、未羊、申猴、酉鸡、戌狗、亥猪”；它以十二种动物对应十二年或一天的十二个时辰。对基督徒来说，生肖只是标志，没有实在意义。

        今年是龙年。基督徒对龙这个标志持有不同看法。有人以启示录12: 9认为“那龙就是古蛇，名叫魔鬼，也叫撒旦”。另有人认为，圣经的启示录中所描述的龙和中国文化中描述的龙是两回事，龙不过是吉祥如意的象征。对这两种观点我们无须陷入争辩。在龙年时，基督徒如果想到要生龙活虎地为主传福音、作见证，我相信上帝也是喜悦的。阿妮塔（Anita）姐妹在华协舞台上为主做了美好的见证，正如她所说的：“今年是龙年，但我们宣告今年要成为基督之年。愿基督得着所有华人！”

        从谈论属相可以开启传福音的对话。有时中国人讨论年龄时会问你是属什么的？从前我们会回答说：“我属羊、我属马、我属蛇”，等等。今天你就可以说：“从前我属羊/属马/或其它属相，如今我属基督了”。正如保罗所说：“只是我先前以为与我有益的，我现在因基督都当做有损的。 不但如此，我也将万事当做有损的，因我以认识我主基督耶稣为至宝” （腓3：7-8）。

  • 吃喝要有节制Eat and Drink in Moderation

         新年时中国人会做很多菜，家人在一起享受团圆的日子。基督徒最好不要吸烟。吸烟有害健康。我们的身体是圣灵的殿，人不可伤害他人的身体，也不可伤害自己的身体（包括健康）。如果有吸烟的习惯，我们需靠圣灵的大能战胜烟瘾，为主做得胜的见证。比如：我的奶奶和我的美国妈妈都曾经历过戒烟的见证，她们曾抽过几十年的烟，但却借着主的大能戒掉了烟瘾。同时，基督徒“不可醉酒”（弗5：18）。贪杯醉酒者难免会有失态。我们当竭力过分别为圣的生活，凡是容易使我们跌倒的事最好一概不作。分别为圣的生活，不是以不犯罪为标准，而是以合神心意为追求的最高目标。

  • 抓住机会传福音Seize Every Opportunity to Share the Gospel 

         传福音是基督徒的使命，无论得时不得时总要传福音（提后4: 2）。当给亲人打电话问候节日快乐时，可以与他们分享福音。当参加庆祝活动遇到人时，可以与他们分享福音，邀请他们来教会参加活动。如果有人反对，我们也无需勉强，而应竭力与人保持良好的关系。

        愿主赐福我们在新的一年里，力上加力，恩上加恩，荣上加荣，乐上加乐！主恩充溢，福杯满溢。愿平安如江河滚滚，愿福泽如洋海涛涛！阿门！

“Honoring God and Benefiting Others:”
How does a Chinese Christian celebrate the Spring Festival?

In 1951, American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr mentioned five types of relationships between Christ and culture in his book Christ and Culture. Firstly, “Christ Against Culture”: Culture is tainted by sin, and Christians should avoid, reject, and resist culture. Secondly, “Christ of Culture”: Culture is good, and there is no conflict with Christian faith. Thirdly, “Christ above Culture”: Culture is good, but Christian faith should offer the most beautiful interpretation for culture. Fourthly, “Christ and Culture in Paradox”: There is always a tense between Christ and the culture they inhabit. Lastly, “Christ the Transformer of Culture”: Christians strive to transform the values and purposes of culture into service and glorification of God. Due to limited writing space, I will not elaborate on the above points. Most evangelical Christians agree with the fifth point, as according to Jesus’ teaching, we are “the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13-16). We are in the world but not of the world (John 17:15-17), and we should live in the world with a spiritual mindset, not conforming to the world, but being transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:1-2).
The Spring Festival is the most significant festival for Chinese people and an essential part of Chinese culture. Chinese Christians in the United States face three cultures: Chinese culture, Western culture, and Christian culture. Balancing the relationships between these three cultures is crucial for honoring God and benefiting others. Referring to the fifth model proposed by Niebuhr, “Christ the Transformer of Culture,” and following Paul’s principle in 1 Corinthians 10:31, which states, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God,” I would like to share the following points for Chinese Christians celebrating the Spring Festival.

1. Worship the Only One True God
It is important to honor God above all and refrain from idol worship. The first and second commandments in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-5; Deuteronomy 5:7-9) clearly state that Christians should worship the one true God, and idol worship is an offense to God. During the New Year celebrations, we should avoid all forms of idol worship, such as offering sacrifices, displaying images of wealth gods or door gods, or participating in fortune-telling or divination on WeChat. We should not mention or promote the names of other gods (Psalm 16:4), nor should we forward or spread such content. We should not refer to people as “gods” or label certain celebrities as “goddesses” or “gods.” In Chinese expression, when Christians refer to our God, we do not say “万能的” (universal power) but say “全能的” (almighty). In the Chinese translation of the Bible, whenever God is mentioned, it is said that He is almighty, not just universal. Christians can display “Blessing” “福” characters and couplets with gospel messages, as well as wear clothing representing traditional Chinese cultural colors.

2. Honor but not Worship Ancestors
Christian can honor their ancestors but refrain from worshiping them. We should show “respect and remembrance” to our ancestors, but we should not “worship or offer sacrifices” to them. Christians may visit graves during traditional festivals to remember the good examples left by their ancestors and appreciate all the sacrifices and hard work they made during their lifetime. We do not bow, burn paper offerings, or present sacrificial offerings, but we can respectfully visit graves, lay flowers, and sing hymns of praise. During these visits, we do not pray to or for the dead. Instead, we pray to God for joy, peace, and blessings for the living. This not only glorifies the Lord’s name but also serves as a testimony to others. The emphasis for Christian filial piety should not be on funeral rituals but on sharing the gospel with elders while they are alive, showing care and concern, sharing household chores, and expressing gratitude through practical actions.

3. “Formerly I Belonged to Animal, Now I Belong to Christ”
The so-called Chinese zodiac, or “Twelve Zodiac Signs,” includes the following animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal corresponds to a year or one of the twelve time periods in a day. For Christians, the zodiac is merely a symbol and holds no real significance.
This year is the Year of the Dragon. Christians have different views on the symbolism of the dragon. Some interpret it based on Revelation 12:9, which describes the dragon as “that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan.” Others believe that the dragon described in the Book of Revelation and the dragon in Chinese culture are two different things, with the dragon symbolizing good luck and prosperity. We do not need to engage in arguments over these two viewpoints. During the Year of the Dragon, if Christians feel inspired to energetically spread the gospel and bear witness to the Lord, I believe God will also be pleased. Sister Anita gave a wonderful testimony on the Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration of the Little Rock Chinese Association, saying, “This year is the Year of the Dragon, but we declare that this year will be the Year of Christ. May all Chinese people receive the precious Gospel of Jesus Christ!”

4. Eat and Drink in Moderation
During the New Year, Chinese people prepare many dishes and enjoy the day of reunion with family. It’s best for Christians to avoid smoking as it is harmful to health. Our body is temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should not harm others’ bodies or our own (including our health). If there is a habit of smoking, we need to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome addiction and bear witness to the Lord’s victory. For example, both my grandmother and my American mom have witnessed quitting smoking. They smoked for decades but were able to quit smoking through the power of the Lord. At the same time, Christians should “not get drunk” (Ephesians 5:18). Those who indulge in excessive drinking are likely to lose control. We should strive to live a sanctified life, avoiding anything that may cause others to stumble. Living a sanctified life is not just about avoiding sin; it is about pursuing the highest goal that pleases God.

5. Seize Every Opportunity to Share the Gospel
Sharing the Gospel is the mission of Christians. Whether it’s in season and out of season; we should always preach the gospel (2 Timothy 4:2). When calling family members or relatives to wish them a happy holiday, we can share the gospel with them. When attending celebratory events, we can share the gospel with them and invite them to church activities. If someone opposes, we should not force it, but strive to maintain good relationships with them.
May the Lord bless us in the new year, adding strength upon strength, grace upon grace, honor upon honor, and joy upon joy! May His grace overflow, and the cup of blessings be full. May peace roll on like a river, and blessings surge like

2/4/2024 牧者之言 pastor’s word

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将你的能力指示下代

——2024年1月26日晨祷分享

魏愛玲師母

诗篇 71:17-18, 耶利米书 6:16, 21:8; 以弗所书 5:15-17

        魏牧师和我最近想起耶利米书中的这些经文。大约两年前，我开始感到困扰，一直在为成长中的孙子们祈祷。我们不会再像他们年轻时那样有时间和他们在一起了。他们成长得很快，有些人正在上大学。我们的世界和文化非常令人不安。祖父母必须有意识地与孙辈保持亲密关系！毕竟，我们年轻时在台湾担任传教士，远离他们很长时间。因此，两年前，当我祈祷并阅读圣经，试图确定如何帮助他们以及如何与他们保持联系时，我首先读到诗篇 71:17 -18 “神啊，自我年幼时你就教训我，直到如今我传扬你奇妙的作为。 神啊，我到年老发白的时候，求你不要离弃我，等我将你的能力指示下代，将你的大能指示后世的人。”

        我读了这些话，我想……这就是我们，主啊，我们已经老了，头发花白了！我们觉得这是对我们子孙的召唤。我们开始每周为每个儿子和家庭禁食祈祷一天！我们已经通过短信向他们发送圣经经文并进行一些分享！当我们和他们在一起的时候，我们总是能找到谈论属灵生命的方式！然而，我们不知道他们上大学时是否有灵修，所以我想确定他们看神的话语。最近这些天，我觉得这是神对你和你们这一代人的呼召，尽管你们还没有老去、白发苍苍！你也想忠心地向下一代宣扬神的良善和他的大能！我们都有尚未相信耶稣的家人，我们希望他们跟随耶稣的道路。我们也有需要耶稣的同事和朋友。我们非常愛他们！当我读到耶利米书第六章中的这些经文时，我想到了我们认识的叛逆的青少年和年轻人以及迷失的人。他们中的许多人仍然像这里所讲的以色列人那样对安息的应许说“不”。许多人都在抗拒和拒绝。我们必须带着祈祷和愛心向上帝祈求如何影响我们所愛的人。 耶利米书 21:8 谈到了当我们受到诱惑而偏离正路时，我们必须做出的两种方式、两种选择。这是一个十字路口！生命之道与毁灭之道，我们称这两条路为世界之路和上帝之路，我的方式还是上帝的方式！

        神过去所启示的仍然是真实的。他没有改变。古老的道路承载着属灵真理和永恒的生命。 这是让我们的灵魂得到安息的道路！对于先知耶利米时代的犹太人来说，古老的道路指的是上帝通过摩西启示的道路。他祝福那些走这条路的人。我们知道我们不再受到律法的约束，但如果我们想讨上帝喜悦，我们仍然需要走古老的道路。我们不能像加拉太人那样为福音添加内容。保罗警告要回归纯正的福音，并警告要提防律法主义，并行善才能蒙神悦纳！我们需要求神给我们古路、正路，仔细看神的话。我们必须以神的话语为指导，而不是情感或欲望。我们想要灵魂的安息，也就是救赎与平安，我们需要聆听神的警告，跟随他的道路，就像魏牧师在晨祷中分享约翰福音14:6时提到的那样，他是道路、他是真理，他是生命。我们必须坚定地忠于我们的主！ 我们只能通过祈祷和神的话语以及基督里的兄弟姐妹的鼓励来做到这一点，因为我们互相监督负责。

        让我们快速看一下以弗所书5：15-17。我们已经与我们的孙子和儿子讨论了圣经中的这些话。 “要小心你的行为、生活方式，不是不明智、而是明智地，充分利用每一个机会，因为时代是邪恶的！不要犯傻，要明白主的旨意是什么”。我们都知道与家人分享是最困难的，因为他们了解我们，可以看到我们所有的弱点和过失，所以我们必须依靠圣灵带领我们找到最好的机会和时间，然后带着极大的愛和我们勇敢地提醒他们，我们分享神的话语这一真理。不要害怕这样做，因为我们必须这样做。经常祈祷并做好准备，这样我们就能随时做好准备，上帝也会帮助他们做好准备。你已经知道我正在谈论的所有这些事情了。在这四个星期的晨祷中，我们一直在为所有的孩子和家庭成员、我们所有的教会家庭成员祈祷，我们也在祈祷与我们的主有更紧密、更深的关系，所以魏牧师和我只是想鼓励你们，当你走这条古老的道路时，要坚强，坚持信心，主就会帮助我们。我们对这个清晨祈祷时间感到非常鼓舞。在我们这个时代，它充满了神的力量与平安。它使我们作为一个教会家庭更加紧密地联系在一起。我们希望其他人尽快加入！这是一种牺牲，但这是值得的。让我们都忠诚地尽我们所能，直到进入天堂！记得一位传教士弟兄提醒我的：“……时间很短，工作很伟大，责任很重大，而永恒已经临近了！” 

 

Declared Thy Strength Unto The Next Generation: 

Early Prayer Sharing on Jan 26, 2024

Elinda West

Psalm 71: 17-18, Jeremiah 6: 16, 21:8; Ephesians 5:  15-17

        Rev. Ron and I have been reminded recently of these verses in Jeremiah.  About 2 years ago I became troubled and have been praying for the growing grandchildren. We would not have the time with them anymore as when they were young. They are growing up quickly and some are going off to college.  Our world and the culture are very troubling. Grandparents have to be intentional about staying close to the grandchildren!  After all we spent a lot of time in their younger years far away from them while we served in Taiwan as missionaries. So, two years ago when I was praying and reading the scripture to try and determine how to help them and how to stay connected to them, I first read Psalm 71:17-18 “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth; and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Yea, even when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have declared thy strength unto the next generation, thy might to every one that is to come”(ERV). 

       I read those words and I thought …that’s us Lord, we are old and gray! We felt it was a call to us for our children and grandchildren. We started a day of fasting and prayer one day each week for each son and family! We were already sending bible verses to them by text with a little sharing! When we were together with them, we always found a way to talk about spiritual life! However, we didn’t know if they were having devotions when they went to college, so I wanted to be sure they were seeing God’s Word. During these recent days I feel it is God’s call to YOU and your generation also, even though you are not old and gray yet! You also want to be faithful to declare God’s goodness and His power to the next generation! We all have family members and who have not yet believed in Jesus, and we want them to follow the path of Jesus. We also have colleagues and friends who need Jesus. We love them all so much! When I came upon these verses in Jeremiah 6, I thought about the rebellious teenagers and young people and the lost people we know. Many of them are still saying “No,” like the Israelites said.  Many are rebelling and rejecting. We must, with prayer and with love ask God for ways to influence these that we love.  Jeremiah 21:8 talks about the two ways, the two choices we all have to make when we are tempted to get off the good path.  It’s a crossroad! The way of LIFE and the way of destruction.  We call these two ways: The world’s path, and God’s path; My way or God’s Way!

         What God revealed in the past remains true. He does not change. The ancient path holds spiritual truth and everlasting life. It is the path that leads to rest for our soul! For the Jews in the OT days of Jeremiah the prophet, the ancient paths referred to God’s way He revealed through Moses. He blesses those who follow this path.  We know we no longer are bound to the law but there are still ancient paths we are to walk if we want to please God. We cannot add to the gospel like the Galatians were doing. Paul warned about returning to the pure gospel and warned against legalism and doing good works to be acceptable to God! We need to ask God for the ancient path, the right path, looking closely to God’s word.  We must be directed by God’s word not emotions or desires.  We want rest for our soul which is salvation and peace, and we need to listen to God’s warning, follow His path like Rev. Ron referred to in Early Morning prayer as he shared John 14:6. HE is the WAY, the TRUTH, the LIFE.   We must stay strongly committed to faithfulness to our Lord! We can only do that through prayer and God’s Word and encouragement from brothers and sisters in Christ as we hold each other accountable.

          Let’s look quickly at Ephesians 5: 15-17! We’ve talked with our grandchildren and our sons about these words in scripture. “Be careful how you act, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil! Do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s Will is. “We all know it is most difficult when sharing with family members because they know us and can see all our weakness and faults, so we have to depend on the Holy Spirit to lead us to the best opportunity and the time and then with great LOVE and boldness we remind them and we share the truth which is God’s Word. Don’t be afraid to do that because we MUST.  Always pray much and be prepared so we will be ready at all times and God will help THEM to be ready too.  You already know all these things I am talking about.  In these 4 weeks of Early Morning Prayer, we have been praying for all the children and family members, all our church family members and we are praying for closer deeper relationship with our Lord, so Rev. Ron and I just want to encourage you to be strong as you walk this ancient path. Persevere in faith and the Lord will help us.  We are so encouraged with this Early Morning prayer time. It has been filled with God’s strength and peace for our days. It has brought us closer together as a church family.  We hope others will join soon.  It is a sacrifice, but it is worth it.  Let us all be found faithful to do all we can until we go to heaven!  Remember as a missionary brother reminded me “…Time is short, the work is great, the responsibility is serious, and eternity is near!”