“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

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!” 

 

攻破坚固的营垒

林后10: 3-5 因为我们虽然在血气中行事，却不凭着血气争战。我们争战的兵器，本不是属血气的，乃是在　神面前有能力，可以攻破坚固的营垒，将各样的计谋，各样拦阻人认识　神的那些自高之事一概攻破了，又将人所有的心意夺回，使他都顺服基督。

        在圣灵的感召和带领之下，教会晨祷会已进行了四周。每次有十多位弟兄姐妹参加，上周六有十九位弟兄姐妹（包括三位小朋友）参加。上周二轮到我带领分享。题目：“攻破坚固的营垒”。经文：林后10：3-5。这段经文非常宝贵，每个细节都很重要。它至少向我们显明以下六方面真理：

• 属灵的争战真实存在

        保罗提醒我们，世界有邪恶势力存在。正义与邪恶、光明与黑暗，撒旦与上帝在争战。基督徒每天的生活都是一场战争。旧约中常讲到上帝吩咐以色列人要靠主战胜他们的仇敌。新约教导基督徒面对的是无形的仇敌和灵界的争战。耶稣在十字架上的死已彻底击毁蛇（魔鬼的象征）的头，但现今它的残余势力仍在垂死挣扎，因为“魔鬼知道自己的时候不多，就气愤愤地下到你们那里去了”（启12：12）。故此，我们要做好准备，随时以信心迎战。

• 基督徒是精兵

          记得一个摩门教徒（摩门教不相信三位一体，并在《新旧约圣经》之外加了一本《摩门经》，正统基督教派通常将摩门教视为异端）嘲笑我说：“你们基督徒没有战斗力啊，信主不像信主样子，既不好好悔改，也没有很好的属灵操守。”话糙理不糙。信异端的人比我们更有传教和信仰的热忱。反观今日基督徒属灵光景，有许多人躺在上帝的恩典上睡大觉，将基督徒的身份视为廉价的恩典，信主不愿付代价，只愿得属世好处和平安，却忘记了每位基督徒都应是基督的门徒，是基督的精兵（提后2：4）。精兵要训练有速，服从命令，有时甚至要冒着生命危险去战场争战。晨祷会可谓基督徒的练兵营，它操练我们在主里学习节制、谦卑、忍耐、顺服、愛心，使我们可以预备好为天国的荣耀而战，像约翰·班扬《天路历程》里描述的天路客基督徒那样雄赳赳气昂昂，不畏艰险、勇往直前，向着天国进军。

• 争战的兵器不是血气、而是神的能力

        我们的兵器是什么？它不是血气的。比如我们在面对孩子顽皮时常会动怒，想用自己肉体的强势或大吼大叫将对方压倒，然而这些就是血气的方式。这些方式不但不能解决问题，反而会雪上加霜，将问题变得更加严重。

          “在神面前有能力“这句话是说“有神的能力”。我们的兵器是神的能力，这能力来自于神的话语、来自于圣灵的充满。当神的话借着圣灵在我们里面工作时，我们就能活出基督的生命，并带着更多的柔和与谦卑来面对每天的人和事。 

• 仇敌的营垒十分顽固，但我们有更牢固的营垒

         “营垒”（strongholds）：原文是复数，指顽固不化、坚固的军事据点。说明仇敌像癌细胞的毒瘤一样顽固，不容易彻底摧毁。今日摧毁后，明日还可能死灰复燃。这营垒可能是网络上瘾，也可能是我们里面某种隐藏的罪，比如不信、骄傲、贪恋或自私等。故此，我们需要不断借着祈祷来抵挡和击垮它。同时，仇敌的“营垒”也提醒我们，基督徒有更坚固的营垒——即上帝的保守和眷顾。上帝为每位基督徒儿女预备了永恒的家，这家“是不能震动的国”（unshakeable kingdom来12：28）。靠着主的力量，我们无坚不摧。只要坚持不懈地祈祷，便能滴水穿石，更多经历主成就的大事！

• 这营垒是什么？

          这营垒是什么？注意，这营垒不是有形的建筑。它是“各样的计谋，各样拦阻人认识神的自高之事”，即各样属世的观点或学说以及拦阻人认识上帝知识的高墙。这营垒并不是金银所铸，而是各样虚假的谎言与学说，以及所有欺骗我们远离上帝、依靠自己的思想。魔鬼是谎言的灵，它从起初就欺骗夏娃。今日它仍然在借着各种理论学说欺骗人，让人怀疑上帝的话语与信实。我们一旦怀疑上帝、迷信自己，便会立刻落入魔鬼的圈套之中，成为它的囊中之物，受它摆布控制。故此，基督徒要谨防世上的小学（西2: 20）。

• 争战的最终目标是什么？

          “将人所有的心意夺回，使它都顺服基督了”。“所有心意”是指每一个意念。顺服基督是争战的最终目标。“夺回”：指被俘虏。马丁·路德在《意志的束缚》一书中指出，本质上人的意志是不自由的。他认为，人的意志如同妓女。它只有两种可能，要么受魔鬼奴役服从魔鬼，要么受上帝奴役、服从上帝。上帝的恩典则体现在三个层面：（1）通过上帝的圣灵的力量使罪人皈依；（2）通过对罪的赦免与基督的结合使罪人称义；（3）在上帝的圣灵的帮助下，成圣是一种不断增强的愛的能力（罗明嘉教授博士 Prof. Dr. Miikka Ruokanen：《Unio cum Christo in Spiritu sancto在圣灵中与基督联合: 马丁·路德《论意志的束缚》中三位一体上帝的恩典》）。这愛的能力则需要圣徒不断借着祈祷，抵挡罪恶，使我们的心灵更好地被圣灵所使用，不断操练成圣，从而达到顺服基督的目的。从而，基督徒借祈祷竭力争战，为了让我们每个意念都降伏在基督的权下，为主所用。

       之前教会一周只有周三晚上一次祷告会，藉着祷告驱散黑暗，带来光明。今年我们每天都有晨更祷告会，在晨光乍现之前便借着祈祷迎接光明。何等蒙福！二十世纪初中国著名布道家宋尚节常说：“奋兴使者没有什么可夸的，所有显而可见的奋兴光景，全仗代祷的人们”。我们晓得，属灵的争战是真实的。基督徒是精兵，我们每天要穿戴上帝所赐全副军装，用上帝所赐的力量，攻破魔鬼坚固的营垒，为上帝国度永恒的荣耀战，使自己顺服基督！使家庭顺服基督！使教会顺服基督！使人心顺服基督！愿主感召更多祈祷的勇士加入祷告大军！以基督之名，阿门！

Demolish Strongholds

2 Cor. 10:3-5 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world
does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the
contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 10:5 We demolish
arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of
God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ

Guided by the calling of the Holy Spirit, the church’s morning prayer meeting has been going on for four weeks. Each time, more than ten brothers and sisters participate, and last Saturday, nineteen brothers and sisters (including three children) attended. Last Tuesday, it was my turn to lead and share. The topic was “Demolish Strongholds,” and the scripture was 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. This passage is very precious, and every detail is important. It reveals at least six aspects of truth to us:

1. Spiritual Warfare is a Reality

Paul reminds us that there are evil forces in the world. There is a constant battle between good and evil, light and darkness, the devil and God. The daily life of a Christian is like a war. In the Old Testament, God instructed the Israelites to rely on the Lord to overcome their enemies. In the New Testament, Christians face invisible enemies and engage in spiritual warfare. The death of Jesus on the cross has completely crushed the head of the serpent (a symbol of the devil), but its residual influence is still struggling, as “the devil knows that his time is short, and he is filled with furious” (Rev 12:12). Therefore, we must be prepared and ready to face the battle with faith at any time.”

2. Christians are Special Forces

I remember a Mormon (Mormons do not believe in the Trinity and have an additional book called the Book of Mormon. Mormonism is considered by mainstream Christianity as heretical) challenged me, saying, “You Christians lack dedicating spirit. You don’t seem like true believers. You neither repent sincerely nor have good spiritual discipline.” His words were rough but had some truth. People adhering to heresies often exhibit more enthusiasm for spreading their faith. Examining the spiritual state of numerous Christians today, it is evident that some find comfort in the grace of God, regarding their Christian identity as something easily attained and undervalued. They are unwilling to pay the cost of following Christ and only seek worldly benefits and peace, forgetting that every Christian should be a disciple of Christ, a good soldier for Christ (2 Tim 2:4). A good soldier needs rigorous training, obedience to commands, and sometimes even risking their lives on the battlefield. The morning prayer meeting can be considered as a Christian training camp, where we practice self-control, humility, patience, obedience, and love in the Lord. This prepares us to fight for the glory of the Kingdom, just like Christian the pilgrim described by John Bunyan in The Pilgrim’s Progress, who was bold, fearless, marching forward, unafraid of difficulties, advancing toward the Kingdom.

3. The Weapons of Warfare Are Not of the Flesh, but of God’s Power

What are our weapons? They are not of the flesh. For example, when facing a mischievous child, we might be tempted to get angry and try to overpower them with our physical strength or by yelling loudly. However, these are ways of the flesh. Not only do these methods fail to solve the problem, but they also make things worse, escalating the issue further.”

The phrase “they have divine power” reminds us that our weapons are the power of God, and this power emanates from God’s Word and is fully present in the Holy Spirit. When God’s Word works within us through the Holy Spirit, we can live out the life of Christ and approach each day with more gentleness and humility.

4. The Enemy’s Strongholds Are Stubborn, But We Have Stronger Fortress

The term “strongholds” is in the plural form, indicating stubborn and solid military base. It illustrates that the enemy’s strongholds are as persistent as malignant tumors, not easily eradicated. Even if destroyed today, they may resurface tomorrow. These strongholds could be an addiction to the internet or some hidden sins within us, such as disbelief, pride, greed, or selfishness. Therefore, we need to continually resist and demolish them through prayer. On the other hand, the enemy’s “strongholds” also remind us that Christians have even stronger stronghold or fortress—the protection and care of God. God has prepared an eternal home for each child of God, the home is “an unshakeable kingdom” (Heb 12:28). With the strength of the Lord, we can overcome any obstacle. Through persistent prayer, we can achieve great things in the Lord!

5. What Is This Stronghold?

What is this stronghold? Note that this stronghold is not a tangible structure. It is “arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. It refers to various worldly viewpoints, theories, and walls that hinder people from understanding the knowledge of God. This stronghold is not made of gold or silver but consists of various false lies and doctrines, deceiving us to turn away from God and rely on our own thoughts. The devil is the spirit of lies, deceiving Eve from the beginning. Today, it continues to deceive people through various theoretical teachings, causing doubts about God’s word and faithfulness. Once we doubt God and trust ourselves, we naturally fall into the devil’s trap, becoming its prey, subject to its manipulation and control. Therefore, Christians must be cautious of the “basic principles of the world” (Col 2:20).

6. What is the Ultimate Goal of Spiritual Warfare?

“Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” “Every thought” refers to every idea. The ultimate goal of the warfare is to make every thought obedient to Christ. “Take captive” implies being captured or enslaved. Martin Luther, in his book “The Bondage of the Will,” pointed out that fundamentally, human will is not free. He compared the human will to a whore, having only two possibilities: either enslaved to the devil, obeying the devil, or enslaved to God, obeying God. God’s grace is manifested on three levels: (1) Through the power of the Holy Spirit, sinners repent; (2) Through the forgiveness of sins and union with Christ, sinners are justified; (3) With the help of the Holy Spirit, sanctification is an ever-increasing capacity for love (Professor Dr. Miikka Ruokanen: “Unio cum Christo in Spiritu sancto – The Grace of the Triune God in Martin Luther’s ‘On the Bondage of the Will’’). This capacity for love requires saints to continuously resist evil through prayer, allowing our minds to be better used by the Holy Spirit, continually being sanctified, and thus achieving the purpose of obedience to Christ. Therefore, Christians strive in prayer to bring every thought under the authority of Christ, to be used for the Lord’s purposes.

In the past, the church held a prayer meeting only once a week on Wednesday evenings, to dispel darkness and bring in light through prayer. This year, we have a morning prayer meeting every day, welcoming the light before dawn through prayer. What a blessing! In the early 20th century, the well-known Chinese evangelist John Sung often said, “Revival messengers have nothing to boast about; all visible scenes of revival depend on those who pray on behalf of others.” We understand that spiritual warfare is real. Christians are heavenly soldiers, and every day we must put on the full armor of God, using the divine strength to demolish the devil’s strongholds, fighting for the eternal glory of God’s kingdom, and making ourselves obedient to Christ! Making our families obedient to Christ! Making our churches obedient to Christ! Making our hearts obedient to Christ! May the Lord call more prayer warriors to join the prayer army! In the name of Christ, Amen!

(小石城以马内利华语浸信会Little Rock Immanuel Chinese Baptist Church)