生命之道

Author: 杨 全荣

  • 邀请主耶稣与你一同上班（弗六5-9）

    邀请主耶稣与你一同上班（弗六5-9）

    开头

    许多基督徒都盼望主日的来临，因为可以去教会聚会敬拜主，服事主，能有弟兄姊妹见面，有喜乐，有满足。但许多弟兄姊妹离开教会时，就把主耶稣留在教会里，因为周一要上班，觉得主和自己的工作好像没有什么关系。你可能不好意思让同事在公司里看见有主耶稣与你同在。你可能害怕主耶稣看见你在公司里和在教会里是两个人。

    基督徒每周聚会才几个小时，但却有四十多个小时在工作。许多基督徒很难把信仰和工作连在一起，觉得在教会侍奉是服事主，平常上班是服事法老，结果活的很辛苦。你可能在教会和弟兄姊妹一起的时候很属灵，但是在工作的时候却效法世界，变城了另一个的人，过着双面人的生活。有许多基督徒不认识圣经的工作观，因此在上班时把主放在一边。你可能觉得自己工作很忙，没有时间服事主，等以后退休了才服事主。但人生有几十年都在工作，难道你的工作就与主无关系吗？究竟基督徒应该如何看工作？

    我今天要与弟兄姊妹分享的主题是基督是你生命里每一个部分的主，包括你工作，所以你应该邀请主耶稣与你一同上班。我再说一次，基督是你生命里每一个部分的主，包括你工作，所以你应该邀请主耶稣与你一同上班，作你工作的主。

                      今天的经文是以弗所书六章五到九节。我读给大家听：

    “你们作仆人的，要惧怕战兢，用诚实的心听从你们肉身的主人，好像听从基督一般。不要只在眼前事奉，像是讨人喜欢的，要像基督的仆人，从心里遵行　神的旨意。甘心事奉，好像服事主，不像服事人。因为晓得各人所行的善事，不论是为奴的，是自主的，都必按所行的得主的赏赐。你们作主人的，待仆人也是一理，不要威吓他们。因为知道，他们和你们同有一位主在天上；他并不偏待人。”

    这段经文告诉我们基督徒为何应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班的三个原因。第一个原因是因为我们是基督的仆人。第二个原因是因为我们会得主的赏赐。第三个原因是因为我们不想被主管教。

    首先我们很快的回顾以弗所书的架构。这本书清楚的分成两半。前一半是第一到第三章，是讲到基督徒在基督里蒙恩的祝福。一章三节说到天父在基督里曾赐给我们天上各样属灵的福气，二章九节说到我们得救是本乎恩，也因着信；这并不是出于自己，乃是神所赐的；也不是出于行为，免得有人直夸。后一半段是第四章到第六章，是说基督徒应该行事为人当与蒙召的恩相称，请看四章一节。这段说到如何在教会，个人生活，社会，婚姻，和在家庭里行事为人与蒙召的恩相称。到了第六章五节到九节，保罗教导以弗所的弟兄姊妹，信了主的人应该如何的看仆人和主人的关系。

    保罗写以弗所书的年代，是主后62年左右。那时是罗马帝国掌权。罗马有奴隶制度，社会里有30%的人是奴隶。奴隶是属于主人的产物，主人对奴隶有完全的主权。家庭和社会里有许多的工作都是由奴隶来作。有作厨师的，作保姆的，作建筑的，作农夫的，作牧羊的，作管家的，作搬运的，和作各种劳力活的。那时许多奴隶信了主，也有许多有奴隶的人信了主。所以保罗要告诉他们在他们新的身份里他们应该如何生活。虽然是写给两千年罗马奴隶制度的教导，但是原则却同样可以应用在21世纪基督徒的工作关系里。

    我们应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班，因为我们是基督的仆人（6:5-7）

    今天信息的第一个重点是我们必须邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班，因为我们是基督的仆人。请看第六节：“不要只在眼前事奉，像是讨人喜欢的，要像基督的仆人”。基督徒要在工作里有基督的仆人的样式和实际。在工作里，基督徒和世界里的人最大的不同是我们的老板不一样。不认识主的人，只知道有肉身的老板。他们工作只是为了生活赚钱养家。在公司里有好表现，作给老板看。但是基督徒除了有肉身的老板，还有天上的大老板，就是主耶稣基督。我们是基督的仆人，主耶稣是我们工作的主。基督或者主在这短短五节经文里出现六次，加上“神”就七次！这是表示主耶稣在我们工作里应该有很重的地位，因主是我们工作的主。我们作事，最主要不是给人看，而是给主看。我们的目标不是讨人的欢喜，而是讨主耶稣的欢喜。世人看老板的眼色作事，基督徒也看，但是那不是我们最重视的。我们最重视的主我们大老板的眼色。基督徒在人前人后都应该是一样的，因为我们是讨主的欢喜，不是讨人的欢喜。日子久了，上司同事也会慢慢的信任你。当主给你机会传福音的时候，你的见证就会更有果效。

    第五节说作仆人的要惧怕 战兢，用诚实的心听从你们肉身的主人，好像听从基督一般。惧怕 战兢指基督徒作事应该谨慎，唯恐失责，表示认真，有责任感。用诚实的心指不虚假，不假冒伪善，真诚的对待上司、同事和下属。主看重的是我们的内心。心对了，外面的表现才是对的；心不对，外面的表现是虚假的。这个世界充满了装假的行为。不信的朋友都有期望基督徒比其他人真心和诚实。当我们真诚的面对我们的上司和同事，别人也会被吸引想要认识我们的主。用诚实的心听从你们肉身的主人，好像听从基督一般，不是把老板当做神，而是尊敬他，听他的吩咐，顺服他的带领。

    第七节说基督的仆人应该甘心事奉，好像服事主，不像服事人。不甘心作事，就会活在埋怨和忧愁里。甘心事奉的人性情就会开朗。我们甘心是因知道主是大老板，主是好老板，主是值得我们侍奉祂。

    工作是神对人的旨意。其实神自己的第一位工作者。神用了六天作创造的工作。神是第一个农夫，使地上长满了各种蔬菜和果树。神在人坠落前就吩咐人作工，吩咐亚当代表神管理这个世界，修理看守伊甸。

    十七世纪有一位法国巴黎的修道士称为劳伦斯弟兄，他是一位厨师，他作每一件是都是为了神。他活着的时候许多基督徒来找他帮助他们何如与神同行。他被主接回天家之后，有人把他的对话和信编辑成书，使许多人得到帮助。劳伦斯弟兄的贡献是使基督徒认识到不管我们作什么工作，都可以亲近主，和侍奉主。以下是劳伦斯弟兄所说的一段话：“我可以为神做些小事。 我因他的爱而在锅上翻饼，之后，如果没有别的工作，我便俯伏敬拜神，因他赐我恩典能够工作。 之后，我比国王更快乐。 ”

    你可能会问，如果上司要求我作与我的信仰有冲突事我怎麽办？保罗也想到这个问题，如果主人要求奴仆去敬拜希腊的神，奴仆要听主人的命令吗？当这种情况发生，基督徒应该听从神的命令，不听从人的命令。请看第六节，所以保罗说，要从心里遵行神的旨意。我们是基督的仆人，在工作里应该要从心里遵行神的旨意。

    许多时候基督徒错误的认为只有传道人才是基督的仆人。你知道你也是基督的仆人吗？就算你的工作是最普通的，最沉闷的，当你看见自己是基督的仆人时，你的工作就变成是神圣的。因你在工作时也是在服事主。你可能是白领，可能是老师，可能是做小生意的，可能是大老板，可能是家庭主妇，不管你作任何的行业，你的工作，也能够成为你的服事，问题是你愿意邀请主耶稣与你一同上班,让主耶稣作你的工作的主吗？

    我们应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班，因为我们会得主的赏赐(6:8)

    我们必须邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班，因为我们会得主的赏赐。请看第八节，“因为晓得各人所行的善事，不论是为奴的，是自主的，都必按所行的得主的赏赐。“神拯救我们就是要我们行善，二章8-10节：” 你们得救是本乎恩，也因着信；这并不是出于自己，乃是　神所赐的；9 也不是出于行为，免得有人自夸。10 我们原是他的工作，在基督耶稣里造成的，为要叫我们行善，就是　神所预备叫我们行的。“这是包括在工作里行善。行善就是行好的事。我相信好的事是指第六节所说的”从心里遵行神的旨意“。当你在工作里从心里遵行神的旨意侍奉主，就必定会得到主所应许的赏赐。这是赏赐是属天的，是永恒的。主要我们聚集财宝在天上。

    二十世纪初，有一对美国宣教士夫妻在非洲服侍主40多年。那弟兄的名字是Henry Morrison，他们离开非洲禾场后回国。和他同一艘船的是那时的美国总统Teddy Roosevelt，他从非洲打猎回国。船到美国领土时，Roosevelt受到许多国民欢迎他，有许多记者采访他，但是却没有一个人欢迎Morrison夫妇。Morrison很被这件事搅扰，祷告的时候，他好像听到主的声音：“你还没有回家”。我们在工作里侍奉主，许多时候神就会在工作里祝福我们。但是真真的赏赐，是要等到见主面的那天。主不会亏欠服侍他的人。Morrison现在已经回到天家，主也必赏赐给他。

    在1988年奥林比克100米快跑，加拿大运动员Ben Johnson击败了美国运动员Carl Lewis得了冠军。Ben Johnson骄傲的说：“没有人能够拿走我的金牌。但24小时候后，他被发现打了药物犯规，结果金牌被取掉了。主耶稣要因着我们今生在职场上服侍祂，把赏赐给我们。但愿我们不要只是为了地上的财宝而工作，但却没有在工作上服事主，而失去主要给我们的赏赐。

    我相信你们当中可能有人很会投资，也有人很能干创业，赚了许多钱。你在地上聚集了许多的财宝，但你有为了天上的财宝而投资吗？地上的财宝是今生的，天上的财宝却是永恒的，那一种的财宝更值得投资呢？

    我们应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班，因为我们不想被主管教(6:9)

                      我们应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班的第一个原因是因为我们是主的仆人。第二个原因是因为我们会得主的赏赐。请主耶稣与我们一同上班的第三个原因是因为我们不想被主管教。请看第九节：“你们作主人的，待仆人也是一理，不要威吓他们。因为知道，他们和你们同有一位主在天上；他并不偏待人。“这段话是吩咐作主人要用同样的原则对待仆人。就作上司的基督徒应该像基督的仆人，要讨主的欢喜，从心里顺从神的旨意。甘心的服事主，不像服侍人。不可威吓下属，要看尊敬他们的人格。

    在罗马的奴隶制度里，主人对奴仆是有完全的主权的，所以有些主人会苦待奴仆。有许多的主人看低奴仆，认为他们没有人格。这是因为人有罪，当有人有权柄时，人会滥用权力。所以每当保罗提到的教导，通常都会提到神对两方面的要求。比如前面提到孩子需要听从父母，也会教导父亲不可惹儿女的气。这里保罗提到奴仆要听从主人，但因为主人会滥用权利，所以也教导主人对待仆人也要用同样的原则，不要滥用权柄，应该公平的对待仆人，这是神的智慧和公正。罗马主人可以随便欺压仆人。这是世界的作法。基督徒却不可效法。

    但如果一个基督徒滥用权柄，主在天上不偏待人。不偏待人是什么意思呢？在歌罗西书平行的经文里，在3章25节，保罗也提到这个字，“那行不义的，必受不义的报应，主并不偏待人。”表示不管你的身份地位有多高，如果你没有根据神的旨意对待你的下属，主会管教你，因为主不偏待人。如果你没有根据神的旨意对待下属，不但在永生失去奖赏，在今生还要受管教。

    美国有一家很受欢迎的快餐店叫福来鸡（Chic-Fil-a）。它的创办人是Truett Cathy。他是一个很虔诚的基督徒。他的公司的目的：作神忠心的管家荣耀神，并对所有接触福来鸡的人有正面的影响。这家店的特别是他们在主日不开门，为了要鼓励员工参加教会聚会。公司的基督文化管理很棒，是美国最受欢迎快餐店之一。Truett Cathy就是把工作当成事奉的好例子。

    你说在中国不可能如此作，在中国的企业和社会里作基督徒很艰难，不像美国。是的，我觉得弟兄姊妹在中国作基督徒不容易。但我想在罗马帝国里作奴仆的基督徒比在中国作基督徒难多了。罗马时代的主人对仆人有无限的权利，但在那个环境里，保罗也吩咐仆人和主人都要像基督的仆人。

    既然约瑟在埃及的监狱里也能够服事主。既然但以理在玛代的官亭里就算要面对狮子坑也要服事主。你们在杭州的职场里也一样可以服事主。

    你既然是基督的仆人，主的旨意是要你在工作里事奉祂，你能如何开始呢？

    • 你可以为你的同事，上司，下属，同学的救恩祷告。也为你自己祷告，求主帮助你踏出信心的脚步在公司里服事祂。
    • 你可以关心你的同事，和他们交朋友。不要为了利益而交朋友，要关心不被重视的人。单纯的爱你身边的同事。尝试主动的与人微笑。当他们生病时，关心他们。给他们发微信问候他们。如果看见同事生活里遇见难处，主动的问他们有什么需要你可以帮忙的。
    • 在同事有喜事时，比如结婚，生孩子，为了他喜乐，说祝福的话，送他们小礼物。
    • 如果有为难你的同事，不可为恶所胜，反要以善胜恶。

    渐渐的，你的同事会看见你的转变，他们会好奇为何你要对他们怎么友善。当他们问你为何要关心他们，你可以回答，“因为我是基督的仆人”

    职场就是你的禾场。你可以作企业的宣教士。每天都服事主，每天都为主而活，每天都为主见证。

    结束

    我们对工作的态度对我们一个人的生活有极大的影响。基督徒侍奉主不但只是在教会里，也是在职场里。不管你是大老板还是小职员，主耶稣都要作你工作的主。工作不是为法老打工，工作应该是侍奉主基督。当我们的态度改变了，我们的工作就有了属灵的价值，而且我们的人生会变的更有意义。我们不需要等到退休后才侍奉主，不需要等到周末在教会里才侍奉主。我们在职场里，就能侍奉主。不管你的工作是什么，你都可以在职场里侍奉主。

    你想象如果你明天就开始邀请主耶稣和你去上班，让主作你工作的主，你的工作将会有什么改变？如果琥珀小家的每一个弟兄姊妹都邀请主去上班，作你们工作的主，教会将会有什么改变？如果每一个学校里都有基督的仆人，杭州的学校会有什么改变？如果每一个企业里都有基督的仆人，杭州的企业将会有什么改变？如果每一个政府部门里有基督的仆人，杭州的政府将会有什么改变？如果你愿意在工作里让主作主，你在永世里将会有什么样的赏赐？

    基督是我们生命里每一个部分的主，包括我们工作，所以你应该邀请主耶稣与你一同上班，让主作你工作的主

  • You belong to God (Ephesians 1:11-14)

    You belong to God (Ephesians 1:11-14)

    TURN OUR WORRIES TO PRAISE BECAUSE GOD NEVER LOSES WHAT BELONGS TO HIM

    Introduction

    Apple has a product called airtag. An airtag is a small button-shaped tracking device that is used to track your belongings. You can attach it to your backpack, your luggage, your bicycles, or maybe even your dog. When you lose your belongings, you can use your iPhone to find it. You can engrave your initials on the airtags to identify you as the owner of the belongings. 

    Why did Apple invent the airtag? Because people worried about losing their belongings. Do you worry about losing your belongings? Do you worry about losing your car key? Think about the troubles you will face if you lose your phone. What about losing your wedding ring? You would be in big trouble when your spouse finds out about it. Now, have you ever worried about losing your salvation? Maybe you have committed a serious sin in the past that caused you to worry about losing your salvation. Maybe you worry about your eternal destiny because you are not sure you will persevere to the end.

    My topic for today is this, we should turn our worries to praise because God never loses what belongs to Him. Again, we should turn our worries to praise because God never loses what belongs to Him. Today’s text is Ephesians 1:11-14. Ephesians 1:11-14 is the end of one of the longest sentences in the New Testament. The sentence starts at 1:3 and ends at verse 14, a total of 202 words! Paul was eager to tell the saints in Ephesians about the heavenly spiritual blessings they have received from God the Father because of the redemption works of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our text for today is the end of these spiritual blessings. Today I have three points. First, we should praise God because we belong to God. Second, we should praise God because we were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Third, we should praise God for His glory.

    We should Praise God because we belong to God (v11-v12)

    The first point is we should praise God because we belong to God. Look at verse 11 with me. “In Him, we have obtained an inheritance”. Many commentators including Harold Hoehner and FF Bruce think it is better to translate it as “In Him, we have been obtained as inheritance.” It is because the Greek word is in the passive tense. What does it mean that we have been obtained as God’s inheritance? Verse 5 tells us God predestine us for adoption as sons. It means we are His, we belong to God. We are sons and daughters of God.

    When did God decide that we are His inheritance? According to verse 4, God has chosen us and predestined us before the foundation of the world.

    Who did God consult when God predestine us? God consulted himself, there was no one else. And then God works all things, so that His plan will be accomplished.

    I have a son. He was predestined as my son. He did not know it when he was born. And then later on, he slowly discover I am his father. When he did bad things, I might discipline him, but I will never disown him because he is my son, he is my inheritance.

    Maybe you have committed a serious sin in the past. It might be a dark, secret sin that you would never tell anyone. You may have been tempted by Satan to worry about losing your salvation. Do not fall into temptation. God might discipline you, but God will never disown you because you are His child, you belong to God, you are God’s inheritance. You have been predestined by God.

    The purpose you have been predestined is so that you can praise God for His glory. Look like verse 12 says: “so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory.” Your hope is in Christ, not in yourself. What are you worried about? Whatever it is, take all your worries and turn them into praise because God works all things, so that we could praise Him, for His glory. 

    We should Praise God because we  were sealed us with the promised Holy Spirit (v13-14a)

    Now let’s move on to the second point. The first point is we should praise God because we belong to Him. The second point is we should praise God because we were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Look at verse 13, “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” Again, he starts with “In Him”, just like the first point. Do you see Triune God is working? In Christ, God the Father has sealed us with the promised Holy Spirit.

    Some of you might ask is it possible to know that I am one of the chosen? The answer is yes! Look at verse 4 and verse 5, Paul was very sure that he was chosen and predestined as a child of God. Furthermore, Paul changed from “we” in verse 11 to “you” in verse 13, indicating that it is possible for the saints in Ephesians to know they have been predestined to be God’s inheritance.

    How do you know you has been chosen, predestined, and sealed with the Holy Spirit? You know because you have heard the world of truth, the gospel of your salvation, believed in Christ. It is God’s sovereignty to choose and predestine you as His inheritance. And it is your responsibility to hear the gospel and believed in Christ. Those who believed are the ones who have been chosen and predestined.

    What is the meaning of “you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit”? It means ownership. It means you belong to God because Christ promised He would send the Holy Spirit to live in those who believed in Him. 

    On my wedding day, I put a wedding ring with my name on my wife’s ring finger. It means she belongs to me. She also put a wedding ring with her name on my ring finger, it means I belong to her. Similarly, you belong to God because God has sealed you with the promised Holy Spirit.

    The Holy Spirit is the guarantee or down payment of our inheritance. Look at verse 14, “who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.” That means the fellowship we have with the Triune God through the Holy Spirit is only a small portion of something far greater in the future, and we are guaranteed to acquire the full possession in the future when Christ returns.

    Men may default on our payment, but God is faithful. God never defaults on His promise. Since He guaranteed our full inheritance with His Holy Spirit, He will surely fulfill it.

    We should praise God for His glory (v14b)

    What should be our response to this? We should praise God for His glory. Look at the second half of verse 14, “to the praise of His glory”. It is the same phrase as in verse 12. What does it mean? It means God chose us, predestined us, led us to hear the gospel, and sealed us with the Holy Spirit with one purpose, that is so that we will praise Him for His glory! The purpose of salvation is doxology!

    How do we praise God for His glory? We praise Him with our singing in during a worship service, for His glory. But may I suggest praise is more than singing? We could praise Him with our minds when we meditate on His word, for His glory. But praise is more than that. We praise Him with our interactions with fellow students, professors, and others on campus, for His glory. But praise is more than that. We praise Him at home when we love our parents, spouses, and children, for His glory. But praise is more than that. We praise Him by living our life, for His glory.

    Conclusion

    Some years ago, God called me to minister to a house church in China. After spending some time with this group of believers, I notice something is wrong with them. Some of the believers were in constant worried about losing their salvation. Because they were not sure about their eternal destiny, they did not have peace. When they first heard that God has sealed them with the promised Holy Spirit, and their eternal destiny is secured because they belong to God, one of the sisters literary jumped up and down, because she was filled with joy and could not help but to express her praise to God. Since then, they no longer live in worried, instead, they live in praise for the glory of God.

    I think if I get some Apple airtags, I might still lose some of my belongings because airtags could run out of battery. Or there could be bugs with Apple software. But God never runs out of battery. God does not have any software bugs. God never loses what belongs to Him. We should praise God because we belong to Him. We are God’s inheritance. We have been predestined for His glory. We should praise God because God has sealed us with His Holy Spirit. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we should turn our worries to praise because God never loses what belongs to Him.

  • 十架七言：成了（约19:30）

    十架七言：成了（约19:30）

    地点：科林郡恩友堂

    时间：2022年4月15日

    主耶稣在十字架上说的第六句话是“成了“。只有使徒约翰记载这句话，记载在约19:30。那时，主耶稣已经被钉在十字架上六个小时。其他三本福音书记载，从中午十二点到下午三点，日头和全地都变黑了。好像表示这个世界为它的创造者在十字架上受苦而悲哀！

    在主断气前的几秒钟，当主耶稣尝了一口醋后之后，就说了这一句话，“成了！”。主说这话是用什么的口气呢？其他三本福音书记载，主断气前在大声的喊叫。而约翰记载，这喊叫就是，“成了”！这不是失败的呻吟，而是得胜的宣告！

     “成了”是什么意思呢？是指什么成了呢？这句话，其实在约翰福音里出现两次，这是第二次。第一次是上两节，第28节。使徒约翰记载：“耶稣知道各样的事都成了，为要使经上的话应验”。“各样”也可以翻译成 “所有”。所有旧约的律法，诗篇和先知所预言的事都成了！所有天父所差派主耶稣基督道成肉身的工作，主耶稣都完成。

    整个以色列人的历史，整本的旧约圣经，就是说到人的罪恶，和神的救赎计划。主不但知道神的救赎计划，而且主耶稣道成肉身的目的，就是要执行这救赎计划。主被钉十字架，不是一个意外，而是神救赎人的方法！主被钉十字架，不是显出祂的软弱，而是显出主在掌权！

    成了在希腊原文只有一个字,tetelestai!主耶稣用一个字来表示祂成就了神整个的救赎计划！这个字是完成时态，是perfect tense，表示已经完成了,而且继续有功效！主耶稣一次被钉十字架完成救赎，却永远有功效。Tetelestai!

    女人的后裔已经伤了撒旦的头，成了！(创3:15)神律法公义和圣洁的要求已经满足了，成了！主耶稣已经得胜了黑暗的权势，成了！逾越节羔羊已经被杀献祭了（林前5:7），主耶稣的宝血已经流出了，成了！我们所犯的罪的工价，全还清了，成了！进入至圣所的幔子已经从上到下裂开了，好让信祂的人可以坦然无惧的进入施恩的宝座前,成了!(路23:45)这么大的救恩，已经作成了，成了！

    所以当你看见周边和这个世界充满着罪恶时，不要灰心,以信心仰望主耶稣吧，因为祂已经作成了！当撒旦控告你的时候，不要被迷惑，以信心仰望主耶稣吧，因为祂已经作成了！当你作基督徒作的很累时，当你认为自己作的不够时，不要靠自己，仰望主吧，因祂已经作成了！当你里面与罪争战时，不要放弃，以信心仰望主耶稣吧,因为祂已经作成了！成了！成了！

  • Come Feast With Jesus (Proverbs 9:10)

    Come Feast With Jesus (Proverbs 9:10)

    Imagine you are invited to two breakfast banquets this morning. The first breakfast banquet will be serving freshly made delicious Dunkin donuts. The host will be serving a variety of flavors, including Double Chocolate Crème Donuts, Bavarian Kreme Donuts, Butternut Donuts, Chocolate Butternut Donuts, and much more, there is surely a favorite for everyone. The second breakfast banquet will be serving fresh fruits and vegetables, the menu including fresh grapes, apples, avocado, bake kale, and steamed broccoli. Which breakfast banquet will you choose to go to? You may be thinking: “I really want to stay healthy on my diet, however, I am craving sweet delicious donuts this morning. Let me just go to the donuts breakfast banquet and enjoy my favorite donuts, it is just a breakfast, it will not hurt my health.” You are right that one sweet donut breakfast will not hurt your health, it is not going to make you sick overnight. However, what if you are invited to another breakfast banquet tomorrow morning, and once again you choose to go to the Dunkin donuts breakfast banquet. Now, imagine what will happen to your body if you choose to eat donuts for breakfast every day for your entire seminary journey?

    We as seminary students are frequently faced with decisions to make. Some decisions are trivial like what breakfast to eat. Some decisions are more serious like should I choose an agape project because it is easier, or because it is where I think God wants me to serve, even it will take more of my time? Some decisions are even more serious like should I sign up for more courses to graduate sooner, or take fewer courses so I can spend more time with family, even if I have to delay my graduation? Or should I get married and have children now or wait until I am done with seminary? Or should I choose a concentration because it is easier or because I think it is God calling for me, even if it is harder? Or when I am staring at an online close book exam at home and do not know how to answer the question, but I know the answer is seating right there on the bookshelf, should I take a peek at the books?

    We all need wisdom to make decisions, the question is what kind of wisdom? Is it worldly wisdom, or heavenly wisdom? Of course, we all want to rely on heavenly wisdom, but the world is constantly feeding us with worldly wisdom. Imagine what will happen to your life if you constantly make the wrong decisions because you being influent by worldly wisdom? What can we do to gain heavenly wisdom and understanding in life?

    Today, I am going to talk about how to gain heavenly wisdom and understanding while in seminary so that we can make the right decisions that will please the Lord. Please turn to Proverbs 9:10 with me. Let me repeat, our text for today is Proverbs 9:10. This proverb has two parts, the first part is about fearing God as the way to gain heavenly wisdom. The second part is about knowing God’s Holiness is the way to gain heavenly understanding. Therefore, I will first talk about fearing God, follow with knowing God as the Holy One, and will end with an application for our life.

    First, we need to fear God to gain heavenly wisdom. This God is not any gods, but the God of Israel. The Hebrew word for the LORD is Yahweh. It is the covenantal God of Israel. This is extremely important. If we fear any other man-made gods, we will not gain heavenly wisdom. If we fear our professors, we will not gain heavenly wisdom. If we fear Satan, we will not gain heavenly wisdom. We must fear the LORD Yahweh, the God who made the new covenant with us through His Son Jesus Christ.

    Fearing God is the foundation principle of all the proverbs. The Book of Proverbs tells us what does the life of a person who fears God looks like. I say that because The Book of Proverbs starts with fearing the LORD, and ends with fearing the LORD. Look with me at the beginning of Proverb, chapter 1 verse 7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Now flip to the end of proverbs, chapter 31 verse 30: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” The next book, the Book of Ecclesiastes talks about a vanity life. See chapter 1 verse 2: “ “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” ” How do we make sure we do not keep making decisions that will lead to a vanity life? The answer is at the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, in chapter 12 verse 13: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments because this applies to every person.”

    Fearing the LORD means we should be in awe, or in reverence to God. In other words, we need to acknowledge that God is in charge of our life. Fearing God means in everything that we do, we do it with submission to the authority of God in mind. That is the way to gain heavenly wisdom.

    Some of us might think fearing the Lord is only an old testament concept, we are new testament Christians, we are under grace, and should not fear the Lord. Paul did not think so, for he instructed the Christian slaves in Colossians to serve their masters with the fear of the Lord, not to please men but to please God. Let’s open your bible to Colossians 3:22-23: “Slaves, in all things, obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.”

    Before I move to Dallas, I took a lot of Lifesize online courses. An online course is a great tool, but sometimes it became a great temptation for students. There were many times on closed books quizzes and tests, I was tempted to look into my Greek or Hebrew textbooks to get the answer. By the grace of the Lord, I was able to overcome most of the temptations. However, one time, I gave in, I started to look for answers in the textbook. And then the fear of the Lord was on me. I asked myself, why do I do this? Do I fear a bad grade on a Greek test or a bad grade on God’s test? After that struggle with myself, I put the textbook back on the bookshelf. I did not have a good grade on the Greek test, but I hope I had a good grade on God’s test. Living our life in the fear of the Lord does not mean we will always have smooth sailing in our seminary journey, but living our life in the fear of the Lord will surely conform our life to be more like Jesus Christ over time.

    This proverb says fearing the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. When you fear God, God will give you heavenly wisdom. But this is just the beginning, like a place taking off to the sky, think about the potential of the kind of wisdom you will get from God when you fear Him!

    Who is this God that we should fear? It is impossible to fear God if we do not know Him. The more we know Him, the more we will understand our life and have the wisdom to make decisions that please God. Out of all God’s characters, this proverb highlights the Holiness of God. Look at the second part of verse 10: “and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

    The Holy One in Hebrew is Qedoshim, it is in plural form. It does not mean they are many holy gods. Similar to Elohim, the Hebrew word for God, it is the plural of excellence. Qedoshim expresses the majesty, greatness, excellence, comprehensiveness of the Holiness of God. Holy in Hebrew means set apart, unique or distinct. God is the creator, He is distinct from all creations. The theologian RC Sproul famously said: “Holy is the only attribute of God that was elevated to the third degree. He pointed out the orophet Isaiah once saw the Seraphim cried out: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory”, as recorded in Isaiah 6:3. The Seraphim did not cry “mercy, mercy, mercy”, or “love, love, love”, or “justice, justice, justice” or “wrath, wrath, wrath”. But that He is Holy, Holy, Holy. It is the dimension of God that consumes His very essence.

    Why do we need to know God’s Holiness? Because the more we know God’s Holiness, the more we will understand what is worldly and what is holy! The world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham hold on to four biblical integrity principles that are known as the Modesto Manifesto. He and three other evangelists came up with these life principles at their young age, early in their ministry, in 1948, when he was 30 years old. The second of these principles is about sexual morality. They pledged among themselves to avoid any situation that would have even the appearance of compromise or suspicion. From that day on, Billy Graham did not travel, meet or eat alone with a woman other than his wife. They determined that the Apostle Paul’s mandate to the young Timothy would be theirs as well: “Flee from youthful lusts”, as written in 2 Tim 2:22. I know my own weakness, when I read about this 16 years ago, I adopted it as my own, to protect my marriage. There are times it has created inconvenience to me and others, but I felt that the holiness of our marriage is worth the cost.

    This semester, I signed up for an Agape project to help international students in DTS. I offer to give them rides around town. But soon after the international office sent this news to the international students, I realized I have a problem. Women started to ask for rides. What should I do? Spending time alone with another woman in a car might not seem to be a big deal to many people. But for me, it would be a compromise of my principle. What should I do? I asked God for wisdom. And God gives it to me. I have a ten years old boy, I asked him to come along with those rides. My son, Isaac enjoyed those rides because he got to take a break from his homeschool. He asked interesting questions to our lady friends. Like do you like to play with Nerf guns? What is your favorite dog? We had lots of fun. Knowing God is the Holy One motivates me to made decisions to protect the holiness of my marriage. And God gave me insight on how to handle situations like this. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Peter wrote: “but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” ” When you are faced with decisions to make, do you think about the Holiness of God? Do you think about what is worldly, and what is holy? Are you willing to sacrifice convenience for holiness? When you think about the Holiness of God, God is going to give you heavenly understanding into your life situation.

    You may be asking, I know I should fear God, I know my life should reflect the Holiness of God. But I do not have the strength to do so. What can I do so that I am constantly reminded and have the strength to fear the Lord, and to know His Holiness in my life?

    You need to come to feast with Jesus daily to fear God and to know God’s Holiness to gain heavenly wisdom. The context of Proverb 9:10 is chapter 9. In the first half of chapter 9, Wisdom is personified as a lady, called Lady Wisdom. She has prepared a banquet with food and wines in her house. Then she invited people to come and feast with her. And then she told them: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” I believe Lady Wisdom is a shadow of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because Jesus said He is greater than Solomon in Matthew 12:42. And Paul wrote that Christ Jesus has become to us wisdom from God in 1 Corinthians 1:30. Paul further wrote that in Christ are hidden all the reassures of wisdom and knowledge in Colossians 2:3.

    In the second half of Proverb chapter 9, there is another lady who was also hosting a banquet. Her name is Lady Folly. Her drink was sweet, her food was pleasant, look at verse 17. If you are lacking understanding of what is going on in your life, come to her, she is going to feed you with food and teaching of the world. I believe Lady Folly is a representative of the worldly system. The world is constantly teaching us worldly wisdom, a worldly understanding of life. The world teaches us to make decisions based on instant gratification. The world teaches us there is no God. The world teaches us there is no need to fear God. The world teaches worldliness, not holiness.

    In the book “A Hunger for God”, John Piper wrote: “The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world. It is not the X-rate video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality we drink in every night.”

    Do you want to have heavenly wisdom to handle the challenges of living a holy life while in seminary? Do not feast with the world, came feast with Jesus so that you will have the strength to fear God and to know His holiness. And when you do that, God is going to give you heavenly wisdom and understanding to handle life challenges. Imagine what kind of heavenly wisdom God will give you when you choose to feast with Jesus daily!

    Let’s pray. Father, help us to feast with Jesus daily, so that we will fear you and gain greater knowledge of your holiness. Please grant us heavenly wisdom to make decisions that will please to you, in Jesus name we pray, amen.

  • My current View of the Validity of Parachurch Ministries

    My current View of the Validity of Parachurch Ministries

    This paper will address the topic of parachurch and will argue that the parachurch movement is a valid form of Christian ministry. First, I will provide biblical, theological, and historical support for my thesis. Then, I will discuss the positive impacts and negative effects of parachurch ministries on the modern church.

    Biblically, the ministry of the apostle Paul with his coworkers is a biblical example of parachurch ministry. Silas came from Jerusalem, Timothy came from Lystra, and Luke probably came from Troas. Although not from the same local church, they worked together, operated under the direction of the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:7), in partnership with the local churches (Phil 4:16), for the mission of God. Thus, the parachurch movement is not a less than ideal situation because the churches did not do their job. Instead, together with the local churches, these two models are God’s ordained ways to accomplish His mission.[1]

    Theologically, missiology has a concept of modalities and sodalities. Modalities refer to local churches and denominations, and sodalities refer to parachurch ministries. Parachurches are platforms for Christians across denominations boundaries to work together as members of the body of Christ[2]. Christians from different denominations and local churches serving the same mission is also a great testimony of the doctrine of unity of the body of Christ (Eph 4:3 2:2).

    Historically, God has consistently worked in two structures to accomplish His missions[3]. The early church apologists and “schools” of learning were the earliest examples.[4] Next, God used the monasteries in the middle ages outside of the local churches to carry out His missions. Post reformation, the local churches lost focus on evangelism until William Carey’s proposal of “the use of means” started the missionary movements in the 19th and 20th centuries.

    Parachurch ministries have brought many positive impacts to the church. They enable believers from different denominations, local churches, and diverse locations to serve together for greater impacts on the mission of God[5]. For example, it is tough for local churches to replicate the role of mission agencies in sending out missionaries to unreached people groups.

    However, parachurch ministries also brought some negative effects to the church. They often create tensions for resources in terms of people and finance with the local churches[6]. Some believers only involve in parachurch ministries in place of local church fellowship[7]. Often parachurch ministries became the excuse of churches not to do their part in certain ministries.

    In conclusion, parachurch ministries are valid forms of ministries with biblical, theological, and historical support. They have brought tremendous positive impacts and some negative effects to the modern church.

    [1] For a details argument of this claim, see Frank Severn, “Mission Societies: Are They Biblical?,” Evangelical Missions Quarterly 36, no. 3 (September 2000).

    [2] Edmund P. Clowney and Gerald Lewis Bray, The Church, Contours of Christian Theology (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 1995), 107.

    [3] For an overview of how God worked in two structures throughout church history, see Ralph Winter, “The Two Structures of God’s Redemptive Mission,” in Perspectives, 4th ed. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2009).

    [4] Michael Svigel, “Powerpoint for ST5105 Lecture 7, The Purpose and Function of the Church” (Dallas, TX, 2021).

    [5] For an overview of how voluntary societies were instruments to further the great commission, overcoming the limitations of local churches, see Andrew Walls, “Missionary Societies and the Fortunate Subversion of the Church,” in Perspectives, 4th ed. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2009).

    [6] For a helpful article on how churches and parachurch ministries can work together, see John Hammett, “The Mission of the Church As A Mark of The Church,” Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry 5 (2008): 37–38.

    [7] This is especially true for the rich and famous, see Michael Lindsay, “A Gated Community in the Evangelical World,” USA Today, February 11, 2008.

  • Seven Church Ministry Models

    Seven Church Ministry Models

    This paper will address the topic of the seven church ministry models and will argue that I agree with Svigel’s proposal, which is “as one moves from models 1 through 6, the need for wise, well-informed, intentional, and consistent attention to the marks and works increases, perhaps exponentially. Church leaders and members need to be aware of these challenges and plan accordingly.”[1] I will first defend models 5 to 7 and then change my role to defend models 1 to 3. Finally, I will conclude with the reason why I agree with Svigel’s proposal.

    First, I will defend church models 5 to 7. Biblically, the earliest church is a megachurch. Through Peter’s preaching, God added 3000 (Acts 2:41) and then 5000 men (Acts 4:4) to the church in Jerusalem. They seem to have no issues with being big and keeping the marks and works of the church. Since God used Peter’s powerful preaching to deliver the gospel and many were saved, God could still do the same through satellite campuses and online messages. Theologically, although a megachurch has many members, it is still one body (1 Cor 12:12). Therefore it is better to stay as one big church. Furthermore, it pleases the Lord when we stay united as one church instead of dividing into multiple churches (John 17:23).

    Now, I will defend church models 1 to 3. First, biblically, the Lord’s Supper is not an optional church activity (1 Cor 11:27-34). It is the command of the Lord for His church to observe communion, ideally on each Lord’s day (Acts 20:7). Furthermore, the pastors need to know the congregation. First, the pastors need to know the congregation like a father with the children to effectively exhort, encourage, change, and call them into God’s kingdom and glory(1 Thess 2:11). Second, pastoring is not just about delivering messages; it is also about being an example and care for the congregation (1 Pet 5:2-3). Paul is our example of pastoring: like a nursing mother taking care of her children (1 Thess 2:9). Second, theologically, preaching the word and correct administration of the sacraments are the two marks of the church[2]. A church that is missing these essential marks “will eventually erode, crack, and crumble.”[3] Third, historically, the earliest church fathers observe the Lord’s Supper on every Lord’s Day[4], which is harder to perform in a megachurch and impossible in an online church. Second, the mother-daughter church model is not new because it is similar to the Geneva church model. The Geneva city has a mother church that was led by Calvin and his fellow elders; and daughter churches that were led by other qualified elders. The elders carry out preaching of the word and proper administration of the sacraments at each daughter church[5].

    In conclusion, I agree with Svigel’s proposal that as one moves from models 1 through 6, it is harder to keep the marks and works of the church. Therefore Churches need to be aware of these challenges and plan accordingly as the church grows in size. My reasons are, first, biblically, the Lord’s Supper is not optional, and the pastors need to know the flocks to minister to them. Second, theologically, a church that is missing the marks of the church will eventually cause it to crumble. Third, historically, the earliest church observed the Lord’s Supper weekly, and the mother-daughter model is similar to the Geneva church model.

    [1] Michael Svigel, “7 Church Ministry Models in Light of the Ideal,” RetroChristianity (blog), 2012, http://www.retrochristianity.org/2012/02/13/7-church-ministry-models-from-ideal-to-awful/.

    [2] John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Hezekiah Howe; Philip H. Nicklin, 1816), bk. IV, Chap. I,9.

    [3] Michael J. Svigel, RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten Faith (Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2012), chaps. 8, “The Essential Marks of a Local Church”.

    [4] Rick Brannan, The Apostolic Fathers in English (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), chap. The Didache 14.1.

    [5] Mark Larson, “John Calvin and Genevan Presbyterianism,” Westminster Theological Journal 60 (1998): chap. II, “Ministers with Other Fit Persons”: The Presbyterial Government of the Churches”.

  • Ezra Chapter 2 Notes

    Ezra Chapter 2 Notes

    Ezra 2 Notes

    By Ken Yeo

    2021-6-3

     

    1.      Chapter 2 Division

    a)      Intro (2:1)

    b)      Names of those who returned (2:2-63)

                      i.           2:2 leaders

                     ii.           2:3-35 Men of Israel

    1.      2:3-20 based on family

    2.      2:21-35 based on hometown

                    iii.           2:36-42 Priests and Levites

    1.      2:36-39 Priests

    2.      2:40-42 Levites

                    iv.           2:43-58 Servants

    1.      2:43-54 Temple servants

    2.      2:55-58 Sons of Solomon’s servants

                     v.           2:59-63 people without proper genealogies

    c)      Conclusion(2:64-70)

                      i.           2:64-67 total

                     ii.           2:68-69 offerings of the people

                    iii.           2:70 people live in their towns

    2.      2:1 Intro

    a)      Own towns

                      i.           See 2:70; it is an inclusio. The Israelites remembered the land given by God as part of the Abraham and Sanai covenant.

                     ii.           Chapter 2 tells us who lives in the towns to prepare for chapter 3(3:1).

    b)      They are called captives (2:1) but later called Israelites (2:70).

    3.      2:2 leaders

    a)      11 civil and religious leaders, Also found in Neh 7:7, 12 names there.

    b)      Zerubbabel and Joshua are the first two names: the most important leaders

                      i.           Zerubbabel: grandson of King Jehoiachin (Matt 1). Maybe another name for Sheshbazzar (1:11), or maybe not.

                     ii.           Joshua: High priest (Zec 3:1)

    4.      2:3-35 Men of Israel

    a)      Total 24144, 33 families

    b)      Some are names of the head of the family(3-20), some are names of places (21-35)

    5.      2:36-39 Priests

    a)      4289 priests (approx.. 10% of the return)

    6.      2:40-42 Levites

    a)      341 Levites (small compares to Priests, Ezra would have a similar experience (8:15). Initially, there was no Levi, and later he found 38 Levi.

    7.      2:43-54 Temple servants (Nethinim)

    a)      35 people/families

    b)      Hebrew’s meaning: “the giving ones” or “the dedicated ones.”

    c)      Nethinim only shows up in 1 Chr 9:2 and in Ezra and Neh.

    d)      David set apart to attend the Levites (8:20).

    e)      220 of them will return with Ezra (8:20).

    f)       68% are foreign names

    g)      Jewish tradition: these are decedents of Gibeonites based on Josh 9:23 “you shall never be anything but servants.” But the connection is not convincingly clear.

    h)      They are portrayed positively

                      i.           Along with Priests and Levites, and other temple servants, they were exampled from tax (Ezra 7:24).

                     ii.           Participated in rebuilding the wall (Neh 3:26)

                    iii.           Signed Nehemiah’s covenant to walk in God’s Law (Ne 10:29)

    i)        They were the lowest class in the temple service but a group of dedicated circumcised foreigners (Ex 12:48; Numb 15:14-16) who joined the Israelites to worship Yahweh.

    8.      2:55-58 Sons of Solomons’ servants

    a)      These are descendants of Canaanites who became servants of Solomons – 1 Kings 9:20-21

    b)      40% are foreign names, compare to 10% of the rest of the exiles.

    c)      10 people/families

    d)      They have converted to worship Yahweh (6:21).

    e)      Also mentioned in Neh 7:60; 11:3

    f)       Temple servants + sons of Solomon’s slaves = 392, more than Levites (341).

    9.      2:59-63 people without proper genealogies

    a)      Three people/families were named (2:60), a total of 652 people

    b)      Three priestly people/families were named (2:61)

    c)      God has a higher standard for priests. While foreigners could join Israelites to worship Yahweh, only the decedents of Aaron could be priests (Lev 6:8; Ex 12:48; Numb 15:14-16).

    d)      The sons of Hakkoz’s claim was upheld in the end (8:33; Neh 3:21; 21).

    e)      The sons of Barzillai

                      i.           Especially mentioned, the head of the Barzillai family married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and took on Barzillai’s name.

                     ii.           Barzillai was a wealthy Gileadite who provided supplies to David when he was running away from Absalom (2 Sam 17:27-20) and provided escort service for David back to Jordan (2 Sam 19:31-339).

                    iii.           In return, David charged Solomon to show kindness to his sons (1 Kings 2:7).

                    iv.           This family did not have the genealogy, plus they took the name of a foreigner. It is a double negative. Did that disqualify them as priests is the question.

    f)       Priests were forbidden to eat most holy food

                      i.           However, that is not final. They were to seek God’s will through Urim and Thummim.

                     ii.           The point is, it is not clear whether they came from a legitimate priestly family line; therefore, they are to seek God’s will.

    g)      The issue of bloodline will come up again in chapters 9 and 10 and Neh 13.

    h)      They were still allowed to return with the rest and stayed.

    10.   2:64-67 total       

    a)      29829 is the total of v2-60. But 49897 is the total of v64-67, which could be due to 1) women and children, 2) uncertainty of those without genealogy in v49-63, 3) possibly some other tribes like Ephraim and Manasseh (1 Chr 9:3).

    b)      It is different from Neh 7:66-67 (49942), possibly due to scribal error.

    c)      It is not a high number compared to the number of exiles. It means not all people wanted to return. Regardless, God stirred the spirit of some, and they, no doubt, set out in faith, hoping in the promises of God.

    d)      7337 were servants, 1 for every 6 freemen, a high number in ancient times. They were probably foreigners

    e)      A lot of gold and silvers: 565-pound gold, 3-ton silver.

    f)       Even animals are counted, mostly donkeys (6720/8136). It possibly includes sheep and cattle for sacrifices though not mentioned.

    11.   2:68-69 offerings of the people

    a)      Different from Neh 7:70-72, possibly due to scribal error.

    b)      They are not forced. Instead, they give freely and according to their ability.

    c)      Reminiscent of the giving of the leaders of Israel in building the original temple (1 Chr 29:1-9).

    d)      This shows their dedication to Yahweh since they have incurred many expenses from the travel from Babylon to Israel.

    12.   2:70 people live in their towns

    a)      They are heirs of the land, promised by God to Abraham (Gen 12:1-3;15:18;17:8).

    b)      There are called Israel instead of Judah, representing the unified country of God (1 Kings 12).

    13.   Conclusion

    a)      The point of this chapter is those who returned are descendants of Jacob, heirs of the land promised by God. Years of exile did not nullify God’s promised to Abraham.

    b)      God has stirred the people’s hearts, and they responded in faith to return to the promised land to rebuild the temple, the country and restore their worship to Yahweh.

    c)      Yahweh has chosen Israel as His people to receive the covenant, the prophecies, and the lineage of the Messiah. But foreigners could join them by dedicating their life to Yahweh.

    14.   Applications

    a)      Imagine you were a descendant of one of the Israelites named in Ezra 2. How will that encourage you?

    b)      In the case of the sons of priests without genealogy, they are told to consult Urim and Thummim. Sometimes we cannot find explicit instruction in the bible when we face certain situations. We are to seek the Lord in our prayers for His will.

    c)      The Israelites give freely and according to their ability. NT teaches the same principles for Christians (2 Cor 9:5-15). Examine your giving to God’s works and pray to improve in this area in your life.

    d)      Gentiles who were once foreigners of God’s covenants could believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to become members of the family of God. We as gentiles could believe in Jesus and become fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. (Eph 2:11-22; Rom 4:13). Therefore, we ought to worship our God with a thankful heart.

    e)      Only those who are descendants of Israel can inherit the land. Coming to church meetings, have a Christian spouse, hanging out with Christians does not make you a child of God. You need to believe in Jesus as your Savior and Lord to become the child of God, thus heirs of His inheritance. Paul called those who have faith like Abraham are the sons of Abraham (Gal 3:7), heirs according to the promised (Gal 3:29; Gal 4:7; Rom 8:17). What God has given to those who are in Christ is far more valuable than the promised land, for all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places have been given to those in Christ (Eph 1:3).

  • Ezra Chapter 3 Notes

    Ezra Chapter 3 Notes

    Ezra Chapter 3

    By Ken Yeo

    Last Updated: 2021-6-8

    Explanations

    1.       Big picture of rebuilding the temple (Ch. 1-6)

    a)      Return (chapter 1-2)

    b)      Building the temple (Ch. 3-6)

    2.       Chapter 3 outline

    a)      rebuilding the altar (3:1-6)

                       i.           building the altar (3:1-2)

                     ii.           responses at the alter completion (3:3-6)

    b)      rebuilding the temple foundation (3:7-13)

                       i.           building the temple’s foundation (3:7-9)

                     ii.           responses at the temple’s foundation completion (3:10-13)

    3.       Building the altar (3:1-2)

    a)      Feasts

                       i.           The seventh month is a literary inclusio for v1 to v6.

                     ii.           The seventh month is the Jewish second set of feasts: Trumpet, Atonement, Tabernacle (Lev 23). It is known as Tishri, in September-October in our calendar.

    b)      Leaders

                       i.           The two leaders of the return are introduced: Jeshua, the high priest (Zech 3:1), and Zerubbabel, the descendent of David. Zerubbabel is the grandson of Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24)

                     ii.           Jeshua is the high priest. His grandfather, Seraiah, was killed by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:18-21). Ezra is also from the line of Seraiah (7:1). Normally Zerubbabel’s name is mentioned first (Ezra 3:8; Hag 1:1, 12, 14); this time, Jeshua’s name is first, probably because he, as the high priest, was the leader in building the altar.

    c)       Unity

                       i.           Israel is used instead of Judah. Although most people were from the southern kingdom, namely the tribe of Judah and Benjamin, they represent the entire kingdom of Israel.

                     ii.           The people are children of Israel (v1), the altar is the altar of the God of Israel (v2). Many returned, but all gathered as one man before God(v1). This is corporate worship in unity.

    d)      Altar

                       i.           They build the altar of the God of Israel first. There is no worship without an altar.

                     ii.           They offered burnt offerings by following the Law of Moses, the man of God. Worship must follow God’s way. We will see the importance of Laws again when Ezra returned later in Ezra 7:2, almost 80 years later.

                   iii.           Moses is called the man of God (also in Deut 33:1; Josh 14:6), just like Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha (1 Sam 9:9; 1 Kings 17:18; 2 Kings 4:7). It is another name for prophets.

    4.       Responses at the alter completion (3:3-6)

    a)      They worshipped God despite fearing the peoples of the lands.

    b)      They offered burned offerings to the LORD in the morning and evening according to the law (Ex 29:38-42; Num 28:1-8): first offering since exile, the last offering was 50 years ago. These are daily offering.

    c)       They kept the Feast of Tabernacle according to the law. They lived in tents to remind them how God had provided them during the 40 years of wilderness. The feast was celebrated in the original temple dedication (2 hr 5:30). On Ezra’s return, they would also celebrate the Feast of Tabernacle (Ezra 8:17).

    d)      Other offerings were made, including the new moon and freewill offerings. The new moon offering is offered monthly, and the freewill offerings can be offered any time. The point is, Israel has reestablished the sacrifices commanded by Yahweh.

    e)       They offered burnt offerings on the 1st day of the seventh month, at the feast of Trumpet.

    f)       All these offerings are done before the temple foundation has laid, similar to what David did, he built an altar and offered sacrifices before the Solomonic temple was built (1 Ch 21:28-22:1)

    5.       Building the temple’s foundation (3:7-9)

    a)      The foundation of the temple was not yet laid.

    b)      They hired masons and carpenters to build the temple foundation

    c)       It was God’s provision that the Israelites could use the grand from Cyrus to build the temple’s foundation

    d)      They give food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and Tyrians (non-Jews) to bring cedar trees from Lebanon via Joppa, just as the 1st templet (1 Kings 5:1-10; 2 Chro 2:1-16). These activities passed through two provinces of Cyrus. It would be tough to accomplish without Cyrus’s decree, another sign of God’s provision.

    e)       Zerubbabel and Joshua are mentioned again. They are the leaders

    f)       They became the work on the second month of the second year (May 536BC), 70 years after the first exile in 605BC. The work of the original temple was also started in the second month (1 Kings 6:1).

    g)      They appointed the Levites, who are 20-year-old and up, to supervise the work

    h)      Jeshua and family, and the sons of Henadad and the Levites supervised the workmen

    i)       The Levites Jeshua and Kadmiel were mentioned in 2:40.

    6.       Responses at the temple’s foundation completion (3:10-13)

    a)      When the builders laid the foundation, the priests and Levites, including the sons of Asaph, praised the Lord according to the arrangements set up by King David of Israel (1 Chr. 16:5-6).

    b)      The laying of the temple’s foundation is a fulfillment of God’s prophecy (Is 44:26).

    c)       They sang: "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel." The Israelites sang the same song when the first temple was built (2 Chr 5:13). They praise God’s goodness and steadfast love to them as the people of Israel because it was God who brought them back to the land. Jeremiah has prophesied that Yahweh would bring his people back to the land, and the land would once again filled with a voice of gladness and would sing the song again (Jer 33:10-11). God is indeed faithful, good and His steadfast love endures forever. This song is also the basis of many of David’s songs for David understood God’s character. Many Psalms (Ps 106,107,118) have the same theme. The name of Yahweh reveals His characters as He revealed to the Israelites through Moses in Ex 34:5-7.

    d)      All people shouted with a great shout to praise the Lord because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid

    e)       Those who have seen the first temple wept with a loud voice that can be heard far away. They might be comparing the size of the foundation. Haggai (Hag 2:3, 9) and Zachariah (Zec 4:10) preached against it. God said He would fill this house with glory; the latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former (Hag 2:7-9). They could also weep because they remembered it was the nation’s sin and idolatry and disobedience to God’s law that had brought divine judgment upon them. If that is the case, these were the tears of repentance.

    f)       They could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the weeping.

    g)      The emphasis of this section is the celebration, not the actual building.

    Applications

    1.       God raised Jeshua and Zerubbabel as leaders to the Israelites to rebuild the altar and temple. God always raises up leaders to lead His people to worship Him. We are all leaders in different capacities, and maybe God is raising you as a leader for a small group or a leader in your community. Are you willing to respond to God’s leading?

    2.       The Israelites built the altar first because it is the most important thing. Christians ought to make our worship to the Lord our number one priority in life. Do you have a "family altar" in your home? How important is worship to your family?

    3.       Just as the Israelites worshiped God despite fear for the surrounding peoples, Christians ought to worship God despite fear of persecution from the world.

    4.       Just as the Israelites worship God as one, we as Christians are members of the body of Christ. When we interact with Christians from different backgrounds, we should always keep the unity of Christ’s body in mind by concentrating on our similarities, not our differences (John 17; Eph 4).

    5.       The Israelites who returned rebuilt the temple’s foundation knew it was Yahweh’s goodness and steadfast love that allows them to return to reestablish their worship to Yahweh. God is good. His steadfast love endures forever. We as Christians ought to worship God and praise Him for His goodness and steadfast love, for He would never forsake us; when we drift away, He always works to bring us back to Him (John 10:29).

  • 神爱世人（约翰福音三14-21）

    神爱世人（约翰福音三14-21）

    注：这视屏在美国的youtube网站，国内需要翻墙。

  • 见证耶稣必要的事（西4：2-6）

    见证耶稣必要的事（西4：2-6）

    前言

           弟兄姊妹主内平安！几年前我在中国服事，有这样的一个经历。有一位爱主的老姊妹，她很希望成年的儿子能够信主，所以就把他带到教会来。我们看见有新人来，大家都热情的接待他，与他交通，传福音给他。这位蓝先生，常常愁眉苦脸，满脸忧愁，虽然有时来聚会，也愿意听讲道，但是他就是不信。他妈妈为他着急，我们也为他着急。

    弟兄姊妹可能也与我一样有类似的经历，我们信主后，都希望我们的家人和朋友也能够接受主耶稣成为他们个人的救主，一同与我们享受在基督里的恩典。但是我们常常不知道应该如何的去传福音。你可能和你的家人讲过福音，但是他们好像没有兴趣。我们应该如何的为主耶稣作见证呢？如果使徒保罗现在还活着，他写一封信给我们教会，然后在结束的时候，他留下一些如何见证主耶稣的劝勉，你想不想知道保罗会告诉我们什么事？

        今天我们就一起思考歌罗西书末了的一段话，从这段经文里学习见证主耶稣必要的事。请翻开歌罗西书四章二到六节。我读给大家听：“你们要恒切祷告，在此警醒感恩。也要为我们祷告，求　神给我们开传道的门，能以讲基督的奥秘（我为此被捆锁），叫我按着所该说的话将这奥秘发明出来。你们要爱惜光阴，用智慧与外人交往。你们的言语要常常带着和气，好像用盐调和，就可知道该怎样回答各人。”

        我们一起祷告。阿爸天父，感谢你拯救我们脱离黑暗的权势，把我们迁到你爱子的国里，使我们在爱子里得蒙救赎，罪过得以赦免，能够享受在基督里的丰富。我们也盼望我们的家人和朋友能够与我们同蒙主恩，所以我们祈求圣灵今天藉着圣经与我们说话，帮助我们学习见证耶稣必要的事，奉耶稣的名祷告，阿门。

        歌罗西书是说到耶稣基督的丰富。保罗告诉歌罗西的圣徒，神本性一切的丰盛，都有形有地居住在基督里面，我们在基督里面也得了丰盛（2：9-10）！我们这些与基督联合，与祂同死同复活的人，（2：20，3：1），在各人，教会，家庭和工作里，应该有美好的见证。这是歌罗西书前面三章的内容。到了第四章，保罗就写了刚才我们所读的这段话。保罗经历了神的恩典，他心里有盼望要把耶稣基督传给更多的人。他也希望歌罗西的弟兄姊妹能够见证主耶稣，把福音传给别人。这段末了的劝勉里有两个重点，第一，就是基督徒见证耶稣必须要有内在的祷告生活。第二，基督徒见证耶稣必须要有外在的见证生活。我们今天就学习这两个见证耶稣必要的事。

    第一个重点

        第一个重点，基督徒要见证耶稣，必须要有内在的祷告生活。从第二节到第四节，保罗教导弟兄姊妹祷告该有的态度和内容。我们祷告必须有恒切，警醒，和感恩的态度。请看第二节。你们要恒切的祷告。意思就是常常的祷告,如贴撒罗尼迦前书5：17,“要常常喜乐，不住地祷告，凡事谢恩；因为这是　神在基督耶稣里向你们所定的旨意。”一方面我们祷告不受时空的限制，我们可以随时随地，有声无声的祷告。另一方面，我们每天也应该有特定与神相交的时间。Howard Taylor曾经为他爸爸Hudson Taylor（戴德生）作见证，“四十年来每天太阳在中国升起时，神没有一次不看见爸爸是跪在地上祷告的。”这表示戴德生福音的工作有极大的果效和他的祷告有很大的关系。

        我们的祷告应该有警醒的态度，请看第二节，在此警醒感恩。警醒是用来描述士兵警醒防守城墙的字。祷告是属灵的争战，主耶稣曾经在客西马尼园吩咐门徒：“总要警醒祷告，免得入了迷惑。你们心灵固然愿意，肉体却软弱了。”（可14：38），但是门徒还是睡着了。所以我们必须警醒，不要在灵里睡觉，免得给仇敌留下破口。

        我们的祷告应该有感恩的态度。我们有时祷告蒙天父答应了，却常忘记感恩。我们必须学习在各样的事情里寻找可以感恩的原因。家里有小孩的必定知道，小孩衣食住行都是父母供应的，但他们很少会感谢父母。小孩问父母能不能买一个玩具，父母不答应，小孩就埋怨。我们可不是这样吗？天父赐给我们有许多的祝福，但是我们却忘记感恩，而是把眼睛瞩目在我们还没有得到的东西。祷告是与天父相交，祷告越恒切，我们与天父的关系越亲密。我鼓励弟兄姊妹每天有固定祷告的时间，也学习在各样的事情上寻找可以感恩的原因。

    我们为什么事情祷告呢？我们可以为自己的需要，为别人的需要和为神的需要祷告。为自己的需要祷告，表示我们不能，我们需要神，是信靠神的表现。保罗刚刚教导弟兄姊妹在生活的各方面的原则，如治死污秽的行为和言语、彼此饶恕、存着爱心、妻子必须顺服丈夫、丈夫必须爱妻子、孩子需要凡事顺服父母、上班必须凡事顺服上司，这些都不是我们人能够靠自己去作的，所以保罗说要恒切祷告。我们的家人还没有信主，我们向他们传福音，我们也需要恒切祷告，求神赐能力，机会，和智慧给我们。

    为别人代求，是因为关心别人，爱别人。保罗请弟兄姊妹为他和提摩太代祷，求神开传道的门。在这书信的开头，保罗也表示他常为歌罗西的弟兄姊妹祷告（1：3），显出保罗相信彼此代祷的重要。我感觉我们有时有一个不正确的观念，我们只是为别人代祷，我们却不需要别人为我们代祷，因为我们属灵人，我们不为自己着想，我们只是为教会和为神着想。但是保罗身为一个使徒，他却不会觉得请弟兄姊妹为他代祷是不合适的。请别人代祷，是一个谦卑的表现，表示我们需要神。保罗在这书信里是第一次提到他是在被捆锁。他的请求是能够有更多的机会传道，能够清楚的把基督的奥秘讲出来。

        什么是基督的奥秘呢？他在一章27节已经提过，就是基督在外邦人中有何等荣耀的盼望。简单来说，就是神要把基督赐给外邦人，使外邦人信靠基督、得到全备救恩、藉着基督可以来到神面前。所以我们的祷告不但是为自己的需要，不但是为别人的需要，我们更是要为神的需要祷告。

        我认识一个韩国的姊妹，大概十年前有一段时间我和她与几位弟兄姊妹常一起祷告。她因为个子矮小，坐在椅子上，她的脚就不着地。所以她有一个小脚蹬，把小脚蹬放在地上，然后把双脚放在小脚蹬上，她才能坐的稳。她人虽然矮小，祷告的声音却是非常洪亮，她的祷告非常有能力。她常为世界各地的宣教士代祷，因为她的服事就是祷告。但这姊妹身体常有病痛，她也会请别人为她代祷，她没有觉得自己不需要别人代祷。

        这韩国姊妹和保罗都给我们好榜样。保罗常祷告，常鼓励别人祷告，也求别人为他代祷。我们应该常为自己，别人和神的需要祷告。也应该要谦卑学习请弟兄姊妹代祷。这需要彼此信任，必须关怀，彼此相爱。保罗知道传道的能力是从祷告而来，我们传福音见证主要有能力，就需要彼此代祷。

    第二个重点

           基督徒见证耶稣除了必须有内在的祷告生活，也需要有外在的见证生活。这是保罗的第二个重点。他教导要有智慧与外人交往。外人就是还没有信耶稣的人。这句话的原文是行走在智慧里。智慧这是歌罗西书的钥词之一，我们服事和传福音都需要智慧，一章二十八节保罗说我们传扬祂，使用诸般的智慧劝诫各人，教导各人，要把各人在基督里完完全全地引到神面前。在三章十六节，当用各样的智慧，把基督的道理丰丰富富地存在心里。我们从那里得智慧呢？从基督那里，二章三节说所积蓄的一切智慧知识，都在他里面藏着。

        有一次有一位姊妹和约翰卫斯理说，“我想我发现我的恩赐了。”卫斯理回答，“请说。”那姊妹说，“我的恩赐就是把我想的东西通通说出来。”卫斯理回答，“我想神不介意你把这个恩赐埋在土里”。我们和别人相处，需要有智慧，不然我们可能会伤害到别人。你和还没有信主的家人、朋友或者同事相处有难处吗？我们需要向神求智慧，神在雅各书里应许过，如我们向祂求，祂会赐智慧给我们。有智慧与外人交往是我们外在生活的见证。

        第二个点，基督徒要见证主耶稣就必须爱惜光阴，请看第五节。爱惜光阴希腊文是把时间买回来。有一个调查，一位70岁的人，平均用24年睡觉，14年工作，8年娱乐，6年用餐，5年用在交通工具，4年说话，3年教育，2年阅读，4年用在其他的事上。这四年其他的事上，如果他是每周有45分钟在主日聚会，每天五分钟祷告，加起来他的一生总共有五个月在聚会和祷告。如果他是一个虔诚的基督徒，每主日参加主日学，每周参加三次一个小时的聚会，他也总共只有1年9个月在聚会。我们平常把时间用在什么的事情上？除了聚会，我们有没有好好的珍惜神所赐给我们的时间，用来认识神、服事神、建立有意义的关系和传福音？你一天用在社交平台的时间有多少？和你祷告和读经的对比合适吗？你花在不良的嗜好的时间有多少？我建议你计算每天每周所用的时间，去发现一天24小时你用在什么事情上？然后问自己，我的生活可以有什么的调整，使我们更有效的使用神赐给我们宝贵的时间。

        第三点，基督徒要见证主耶稣，我们的言语就应该常常带着“和气”，请看第六节。希腊文其实是恩典，我们说话要有恩典，因为我们是蒙恩的人，我们应该以恩典待人。保罗用了一个比喻来形容，好像用盐调和。盐的功用是给食物增添味道，没盐的食物不好吃。让我用另一个比喻来解释，有天我请你来我家吃饭，你高高兴兴的来到我家。我从冰箱里拿出有机的鸡肉，有机蔬菜，有机粗米，统统在倒入果汁机里，把食物搅碎，然后拿到桌上,你吃的下肚子吗？我们可能说的话是正确的，是对的，是真理，但是如果没有恩典，就好像用果汁机搅出来的晚餐，别人吃不下去。所以我们说话必须思考会不会伤害别人，或者是帮助别人？是责备人，还是鼓励人？是把人带到赐恩典的神面前，还是绊倒人？我们是蒙了神极大恩典的人，也应该学习用恩典待人。主耶稣是我们的好榜样，因主是充充满满有恩典，有真理的。如果我和你有一个定规，每一次你说没有恩典的话你就给我十块钱，每一次你说有恩典的话，我就给你十块钱，一年之后，是你赚钱，还是我赚钱？

    第四点，我们说话要有恩典，用盐调和，是为了是要使我们知道怎样回答人的疑惑，把人带到神面前。这和彼得的教导一样，“只要心里尊主基督为圣。有人问你们心中盼望的缘由，就要常作准备，以温柔、敬畏的心回答各人”(彼前3：15)。

    结束

    保罗结束歌罗西书，写了这些末了的劝勉，使我们认识什么是基督徒见证主耶稣必要的事。他有两个重点，第一，必须有内在的祷告生活。第二，必须有外在的见证生活。还记得我开头与大家分享的蓝先生吗？我现在与大家分享故事的下半段。蓝先生虽然还没有信主，但是我们不放弃，常为他代祷。也在生活里常与他交往，请他参加饭局，用盐调和，以恩典对待他。有次饭局，圣灵给我们开门，有机会深入的分享救恩，也有人在背后默默代祷，结果圣灵作工，他决心走出信心的一步，接受主耶稣成为他个人的救恩，感恩神！那次，我与蓝弟兄，两个大男人，抱头痛哭。他哭，是因为得救的喜乐。我哭，是因为看见圣灵的工作。我们作我们该作的，结果交给神。那次圣灵作工，我们弟兄姊妹心里都充满感恩。

        所以亲爱的弟兄姊妹，如果我们传福音时暂时没有果效不要放弃，我们尽力作我们该做的事，我们恒切祷告，用智慧与外人相处，以恩典待人，耐心等候圣灵作工，我们的盼望是有天我们的家人和朋友都能够蒙恩得救！