Daniel 6:18-28
The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift
Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound
was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: “May you prosper greatly!
“I issue a decree that in every part of
my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is
the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be
destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs
signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
The king's hands are tied by his own decree, but God's hand is not. Daniel was as safe from harm in the lion-pit as his friends had been in the furnace.
Why?
Because Daniel had trusted in his God, so God's hand saved him.
King of Persian fear the Lord either, king knew the God of Daniel through Daniel and praise the Lord by his decree announce the power and glory of the Lord. Every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.
Trusted in my God! He is a living god! He rescues and saves me from mouth of lions and from trick of enemies!
How?
Even my hands are tied by my capability but God's hand is not.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Just as he had done before
Daniel 6:1-17
Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. An excellent spirit.
They could find no corruption in Daniel, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
All his life Daniel has been a man of God. He is now in his eighties, and his enemies still cannot fault him. They can only attack him through his religion. Daniel could have stopped praying for a month, or he could have prayed in secret. But he is no more ready to compromise now than he was as a boy. So his enemies have him.
King was distress to Daniel be accused by others.
Why?
Because Daniel has an excellent spirit so he may earned good trust from kings.
Daniel not only worship God but he does everything trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. No one can fault him.
Daniel did not compromise with his enemies, he has trust in the Lord since he was a boy.
Do I have habit to pray three time a day? May prayer be my daily job and focus on the Lord!
How?
How about me to prayer 3 times daily and become my daily work?
Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. An excellent spirit.
They could find no corruption in Daniel, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
All his life Daniel has been a man of God. He is now in his eighties, and his enemies still cannot fault him. They can only attack him through his religion. Daniel could have stopped praying for a month, or he could have prayed in secret. But he is no more ready to compromise now than he was as a boy. So his enemies have him.
King was distress to Daniel be accused by others.
Why?
Because Daniel has an excellent spirit so he may earned good trust from kings.
Daniel not only worship God but he does everything trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. No one can fault him.
Daniel did not compromise with his enemies, he has trust in the Lord since he was a boy.
Do I have habit to pray three time a day? May prayer be my daily job and focus on the Lord!
How?
How about me to prayer 3 times daily and become my daily work?
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
'weigh','number' 'divide'
Daniel 5:13-31
But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.
But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.
“This is the inscription that was written: mene, mene, tekel, parsin
“Here is what these words mean:
Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”
Three words are written. They are weights, or units of money: 'a mina, a mina, a shekel and a half-shekel'. Daniel, now an old man, is summoned to interpret; and he goes to the root meanings of the words: , 'weigh','number' 'divide'. The king's days were indeed numbered. That very night Cyrus the Persian took the impregnable(堅不可摧) city of Babylon, so the course of the River Euphrates and entering along the dry river-bed, while the Babylonians were at a feast of their gods.
goblets : a drinking glass with a foot and a stem
Why?
Because of the proud of the king Belshazzar. His kingdom was ended by the Lord. He contempt and despised the Lord, so the God's angry came upon him.
The Lord is master of tomorrow.
The Lord is master of tomorrow.
How?
Check myself did I despise the God before? I won't, but I may forgot the God sometimes. Be aware God is my hope and my power.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Honor name of the Lord in season or out of season
Daniel 5:1-12
So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them.
Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lamp stand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.
Daniel, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.
The queen: As Belshazzar's wives were there already., this may have been queen mother. Nebuchadnezzar's wife.
Strictly speaking, Nabonidurs was the last king of Babylon. he retired to Arabia early in his reign, leaving his son Butelshazzar acting in Babylon.
The date is 539, 23 years after Nebuchadnezar's death. The great feast at the palace is going with a swing, when a mysterious hand begins to write on the wall.
Why?
Butelshazzar made detestable thing that brought the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem. So the angry of the Lord came, and wrote the words on the wall of palace.
Daniel was famous to that generation, and even he is getting older he has a keen(敏銳) mind and knowledge and understanding and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems.
God can change a king of kingdom in his time.
Be prepared keep good spirit in the Lord no matter in season or out of season.
Do I have the keen mind and knowledge and understanding and the ability to serve the Lord?
How?
I am not the Daniel, but if God permit I can have the ability to serve the Lord in other ways. Not for me but to honor name of the Lord.
So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them.
Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lamp stand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.
Daniel, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.
The queen: As Belshazzar's wives were there already., this may have been queen mother. Nebuchadnezzar's wife.
Strictly speaking, Nabonidurs was the last king of Babylon. he retired to Arabia early in his reign, leaving his son Butelshazzar acting in Babylon.
The date is 539, 23 years after Nebuchadnezar's death. The great feast at the palace is going with a swing, when a mysterious hand begins to write on the wall.
Why?
Butelshazzar made detestable thing that brought the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem. So the angry of the Lord came, and wrote the words on the wall of palace.
Daniel was famous to that generation, and even he is getting older he has a keen(敏銳) mind and knowledge and understanding and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems.
God can change a king of kingdom in his time.
Be prepared keep good spirit in the Lord no matter in season or out of season.
Do I have the keen mind and knowledge and understanding and the ability to serve the Lord?
How?
I am not the Daniel, but if God permit I can have the ability to serve the Lord in other ways. Not for me but to honor name of the Lord.
Sunday, August 27, 2017
His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation
Daniel 4:28-37
Twelve months later, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you."
At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”
On Nebuchadnezzar's illness, consultant psychiatrist Dr M.G. Barker sees in Nebuchadnezzar's case the characteristics of a depressive illness with relatively acute onset(急性發作) delusional(妄想) beliefs of a morbid nature(病態性質)'. In the days before modern treatments, he says, 'most such illnesses had a spontaneous remission within a period of one, or two and, occasionally, more years'.
Twelve months later, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you."
At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”
On Nebuchadnezzar's illness, consultant psychiatrist Dr M.G. Barker sees in Nebuchadnezzar's case the characteristics of a depressive illness with relatively acute onset(急性發作) delusional(妄想) beliefs of a morbid nature(病態性質)'. In the days before modern treatments, he says, 'most such illnesses had a spontaneous remission within a period of one, or two and, occasionally, more years'.
The form of the delusion(妄想) is unusual today, though Dr Barker has himself encountered two cases.
There is some evidence of a tradition that the king became ill in his later years, although contemporary official records, not surprisingly, are silent about this.
Why?
Under God's teaching was difficult and depressive, but when we turn to the Lord and humble ourselves, God may restore our ability and authority.
King Nebuchadnezzar confess his sins and honor the Lord finally. He got the lesson from God.
How?
Praise to be the Lord for His dominion is an eternal dominion;
his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Dream of a Tree
Daniel 4:1-27
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree.
How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation
‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’
This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals.
Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.
Nebuchadnezzar himself authenticates this extraordinary story. Perhaps sensing that this dream is against himself, he does not turn to Daniel straight away. It is clear from Daniel's dismay that he does not wish the king ill. But the king's pride in his achievements overrides Daniel's wise advice.
Seven times: The length of time here as elsewhere in Daniel is unspecified. It was a definite, limited period of tie fixed by God.
Why?
God is the sovereign Lord, even king Nebuchadnezzar had great kingdom and proud of it. God gave him a dream and show to him all of these will be changed by the Lord.
Only way to get rid of the sin is renounce his sin by doing what is right and being kind to the oppressed.
A king will be live with the wild animal, means he lost all he has and all the authority. It is a penalty to king.
Does the peace is usual? not without God's blessing there is not peace.
How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom.
How?
How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! God is the sovereign Lord! May my mind and my heart be humble before the Lord and confess my sin before Him.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree.
How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation
‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’
This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals.
Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.
Nebuchadnezzar himself authenticates this extraordinary story. Perhaps sensing that this dream is against himself, he does not turn to Daniel straight away. It is clear from Daniel's dismay that he does not wish the king ill. But the king's pride in his achievements overrides Daniel's wise advice.
Seven times: The length of time here as elsewhere in Daniel is unspecified. It was a definite, limited period of tie fixed by God.
Why?
God is the sovereign Lord, even king Nebuchadnezzar had great kingdom and proud of it. God gave him a dream and show to him all of these will be changed by the Lord.
Only way to get rid of the sin is renounce his sin by doing what is right and being kind to the oppressed.
A king will be live with the wild animal, means he lost all he has and all the authority. It is a penalty to king.
Does the peace is usual? not without God's blessing there is not peace.
How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom.
How?
How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! God is the sovereign Lord! May my mind and my heart be humble before the Lord and confess my sin before Him.
Friday, August 25, 2017
The amazing fourth man
Daniel 3:19-30
The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”
In the event, the flames kill those who fling them in, and burn through their own bonds; but they come out with not so much as a smell of burning about them. And a god-like figure walks through the fire with them. Again the king is compelled to worship.
Why?
The Lord sent angel to save the life of these three men. And let the king realized the their God saved their life. He is the real God.
God's name be honored in foreign country, even his is the powerful king in the world. but the Lord is over his authority.
These three men even had not smell of fire so it is amazing.
Even we can not see the Lord, but God will save us in unseen feature.
How?
God is the living God, who protect us and saved us even we can't see where he is. God's power beyond king's. Praise be to the Lord!
The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”
In the event, the flames kill those who fling them in, and burn through their own bonds; but they come out with not so much as a smell of burning about them. And a god-like figure walks through the fire with them. Again the king is compelled to worship.
Why?
The Lord sent angel to save the life of these three men. And let the king realized the their God saved their life. He is the real God.
God's name be honored in foreign country, even his is the powerful king in the world. but the Lord is over his authority.
These three men even had not smell of fire so it is amazing.
Even we can not see the Lord, but God will save us in unseen feature.
How?
God is the living God, who protect us and saved us even we can't see where he is. God's power beyond king's. Praise be to the Lord!
Thursday, August 24, 2017
The God we serve is able to deliver us from it, but if he does not...
Daniel 3:1-18
Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews.
“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing
furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will
deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to
know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the
image of gold you have set up.”
The years pass and Nebuchadnezzar, forgetting he once acknowledged Daniel's God as supreme, sets up his gold-covered image 27m height, demanding that all his people worship it. But Daniel's companions will not compromise. There is only one God, and God's law forbids the to worship any other. They know God can deliver them from a terrible death; they do not know if he will. But come what may, they will not deny him.
Why?
This is the faith to the Lord, Daniel's three companions did not compromise with the authority of the king, but obeyed God's command.
If we are ... but if he does not... we want you to know we will not serve your gods.
Their faith to the Lord are higher than death. They trusted the Lord can save them. If it is not so, they chose to dead to show their faith to the only God.
There are some men like to denounced the righteous men. The wicked people.
How?
God's people usually have to face the challenge and death. It needs the faith to the Lord. What my choice will be under such situation?
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries
Daniel 2:24-49
“No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.
The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”
Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.
The image represents four world empires, beginning in the present and stretching into the future. The two most widely held interpretations are:
The second view has the merit that the bulk of Daniel with the fact that Christ (the kingdom of God) comes in the Roman period7-12 refers to the Greek period.
Why?
God's wisdom is beyond than all wisdom of men.
God's name be honored in foreign country, Babylon, the king Nebuchadnezzar honor the name of the Lord. God honors his name through Daniel.
Jesus Christ is come from the heaven, not made by human hand, comes from heaven which is the vision of rock comes from heaven.
Daniel got high position and many gifts from the Lord for he fear the Lord and follow the way of the Lord.
How:
Great is the Lord, God is worthy to worship. God's power over all on the earth。The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
“No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.
The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”
Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.
The image represents four world empires, beginning in the present and stretching into the future. The two most widely held interpretations are:
- Babylonian, Persian, Median and Roman;
- Babylonian, Persian, Median and Greek.
The second view has the merit that the bulk of Daniel with the fact that Christ (the kingdom of God) comes in the Roman period7-12 refers to the Greek period.
Why?
God's wisdom is beyond than all wisdom of men.
God's name be honored in foreign country, Babylon, the king Nebuchadnezzar honor the name of the Lord. God honors his name through Daniel.
Jesus Christ is come from the heaven, not made by human hand, comes from heaven which is the vision of rock comes from heaven.
Daniel got high position and many gifts from the Lord for he fear the Lord and follow the way of the Lord.
How:
Great is the Lord, God is worthy to worship. God's power over all on the earth。The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Wisdom and power are His
Daniel 2:1-24
Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep.
What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans.
Action 1:Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.
Action 2:Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven.
Praise be to the name of God for ever:.
1)wisdom and power are his.
2)He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
3)You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.
Daniel had only just graduated when he was faced with this test. The interpretation of dreams was a well established role of the Babylonian magicians and the rest. But anyone can come up with an interpretation, and who is to tell which is right - so Nebuchadnezzar devises his own test. Daniel believes that God can reveal the dream as well as its meaning, and has the faith to pray for this.
Why?
Daniel has the faith that the Lord knows the dream and knows the interpretation.
Yes, none can make interpretation of the dream of king except God.
Pray to the Lord with faith, for God is powerful and wisdom are his.
More people come together pray to the Lord has more power in faith.
How?
No matter what trouble has come before the Lord and pray with faith. For wisdom and power are His.
Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep.
What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans.
Action 1:Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.
Action 2:Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven.
Praise be to the name of God for ever:.
1)wisdom and power are his.
2)He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
3)You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.
Daniel had only just graduated when he was faced with this test. The interpretation of dreams was a well established role of the Babylonian magicians and the rest. But anyone can come up with an interpretation, and who is to tell which is right - so Nebuchadnezzar devises his own test. Daniel believes that God can reveal the dream as well as its meaning, and has the faith to pray for this.
Why?
Daniel has the faith that the Lord knows the dream and knows the interpretation.
Yes, none can make interpretation of the dream of king except God.
Pray to the Lord with faith, for God is powerful and wisdom are his.
More people come together pray to the Lord has more power in faith.
How?
No matter what trouble has come before the Lord and pray with faith. For wisdom and power are His.
Monday, August 21, 2017
God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning
Daniel 1:8-21
God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel.
Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hanniah, Mishael and Azariah, Please test your servants for ten days:Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare out appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food.
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in. The king found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
So their only course is to restrict themselves to a vegetarian diet and they thrive on it. What is ore, they graduate from the king's school with honors!
Why?
Ten days test and three years learning and final examination, these four men got honor for the Lord with them.
God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. Wisdom is given by the Lord, because they were fear the Lord and make decision to not defile themselves of food.
It is uneasy under these situation to make this decision.
How?
What I should insist in my life for I am a Christian? God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. So when I focus on the Lord, all these God gives to me.
God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel.
Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hanniah, Mishael and Azariah, Please test your servants for ten days:Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare out appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food.
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in. The king found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
So their only course is to restrict themselves to a vegetarian diet and they thrive on it. What is ore, they graduate from the king's school with honors!
Why?
Ten days test and three years learning and final examination, these four men got honor for the Lord with them.
God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. Wisdom is given by the Lord, because they were fear the Lord and make decision to not defile themselves of food.
It is uneasy under these situation to make this decision.
How?
What I should insist in my life for I am a Christian? God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. So when I focus on the Lord, all these God gives to me.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
使萬民作我的門徒
8／20／2017。 臺南聖教會。 高敏智牧師
太28：16～20
古舊十架 詩歌
Q2 往加利利去，到了耶穌約定的山上？
早就約定了？
太26：31
使命不願意接受，當然無法領受後來的豐盛與恩典！
Q3. 他們見了耶穌就拜他！
然而還有人疑惑。
太28：18
1.天上地下所有的權柄都賜給我了。…身分！
我們聽得懂榮華富貴，聽不懂權柄。
有富貴，風一吹就沒有了。
我們有權柄與身分…凡接待他的，就是信他名的人
2.奉父，子，聖靈的名給他們施洗。…蛻變
3.所吩咐你的，都教訓他們遵守。 … 傳承
門訓：
司機：在我右邊
兒子：作神的兒女
孫子：交託那能忠心教導人的人
啓17。我聽見天上有聲音說：我的民鄉，你們要從那城出來，免得與他一同有罪，受他所受的災難…
太28：16～20
古舊十架 詩歌
Q2 往加利利去，到了耶穌約定的山上？
早就約定了？
太26：31
使命不願意接受，當然無法領受後來的豐盛與恩典！
Q3. 他們見了耶穌就拜他！
然而還有人疑惑。
太28：18
1.天上地下所有的權柄都賜給我了。…身分！
我們聽得懂榮華富貴，聽不懂權柄。
有富貴，風一吹就沒有了。
我們有權柄與身分…凡接待他的，就是信他名的人
2.奉父，子，聖靈的名給他們施洗。…蛻變
3.所吩咐你的，都教訓他們遵守。 … 傳承
門訓：
司機：在我右邊
兒子：作神的兒女
孫子：交託那能忠心教導人的人
啓17。我聽見天上有聲音說：我的民鄉，你們要從那城出來，免得與他一同有罪，受他所受的災難…
Resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. Daniel 1:1-8
Daniel 1:1-8
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Why?
Daniel arrives in Babylon in 605. Good looks and natural ability ensure a place for hi ad his friends among those selected for special training. But the Babylonians do not observe Jewish rules on clean and unclean food, not do they drain away the blood when they slaughter animals.
Young as they are, Daniel and his friends are determined not to compromise their religion.
Daniel determined not to defile himself for his religion by the food.
Do not defile myself with the food of devil and sexual images, deluxe mind.
I can not change the world but I can do something changed from me like Daniel.
God's provision beyond king's provision.
How?
During this generation, what should I not to defile myself with these world? Focus on the Lord with all my heart and all my mind and all my strength.
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Why?
Daniel arrives in Babylon in 605. Good looks and natural ability ensure a place for hi ad his friends among those selected for special training. But the Babylonians do not observe Jewish rules on clean and unclean food, not do they drain away the blood when they slaughter animals.
Young as they are, Daniel and his friends are determined not to compromise their religion.
Daniel determined not to defile himself for his religion by the food.
Do not defile myself with the food of devil and sexual images, deluxe mind.
I can not change the world but I can do something changed from me like Daniel.
God's provision beyond king's provision.
How?
During this generation, what should I not to defile myself with these world? Focus on the Lord with all my heart and all my mind and all my strength.
Saturday, August 19, 2017
The grace is word of love
2 Corinthians 13:1-14
For to be sure, Christ was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.
Not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
He calls them to put things right before he comes, so that when he does he may not have to call them to order with harsh discipline.
After last-minute instructions, and farewell. Paul closes with the lovely words of 'the grace'.
For to be sure, Christ was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.
Not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
He calls them to put things right before he comes, so that when he does he may not have to call them to order with harsh discipline.
After last-minute instructions, and farewell. Paul closes with the lovely words of 'the grace'.
Why?
Confess that we are weak, but we will live with Jesus by God's power.
Do not against the truth but for the truth. I am the rock of truth in church and in my life.
Requirement:1)Rejoice 2)Full restoration 3) encourage one another 4)Be of one mind 5)Live in peace.
Rejoice is the symbol of a Christian, it may attract others.
Full restoration: live out the life of Jesus in me
Encourage one another: we are family with love
Be of one mind: in God, in Christ, in one Spirit.
Live in peace: For God loves us, and love is in peace without war or hate!
How great the lovely word "the grace"
How?
Do not fail the test, but be strong, for God makes me strong. Be humble and encourage to face the way forward.
Friday, August 18, 2017
What I want is not your possessions but you
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
What I want is not your possessions but you. Paul did not be a burden to Corinth.
Paul looked Corinthians church as his children, as parent for their children.
There are quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder in church. Paul afraid above.
Paul fear there are sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.
Paul looks forward to his third visit to Corinth. And the reason for the tone of these last chapters become clear. He is afraid he will find the same bickering splinter-groups, the same arrogance and general disorder that made him write the first letter.
Why?
Paul loves Corinth church as his children.
There are many sinner and behavior in the church in Corinth and in churches now.
What I want is not your possessions but you. How great is the love to the Jesus Christ!
How?
Like the Lord has everlasting love to me!
What I want is not your possessions but you. Paul did not be a burden to Corinth.
Paul looked Corinthians church as his children, as parent for their children.
There are quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder in church. Paul afraid above.
Paul fear there are sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.
Paul looks forward to his third visit to Corinth. And the reason for the tone of these last chapters become clear. He is afraid he will find the same bickering splinter-groups, the same arrogance and general disorder that made him write the first letter.
Why?
Paul loves Corinth church as his children.
There are many sinner and behavior in the church in Corinth and in churches now.
What I want is not your possessions but you. How great is the love to the Jesus Christ!
How?
Like the Lord has everlasting love to me!
Thursday, August 17, 2017
My grace is sufficient for you
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Paul was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.
I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
We know of three early visions from Acts:one on the Damascus road(9:4);at house of Judas(9:12);and in the Temple at Jerusalem(Acts 22:17).
A man in Christ:Christian, Paul is speaking of himself.
The third heaven is Jewish expression meaning to be actually in the presence of God. Paul is describing the most sublime(崇高) experience imaginable.
Why?
Because Paul has been before the Lord, so can boast,but he doesn't boast himselfeexcept about his weakness.
God is my victory. I am weak but my Lord is stronger and powerful.
God's grace is sufficient for me.
How?
Why should I worry, God is me shield,me salvation, my victory and my hope..
Paul was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.
I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
We know of three early visions from Acts:one on the Damascus road(9:4);at house of Judas(9:12);and in the Temple at Jerusalem(Acts 22:17).
A man in Christ:Christian, Paul is speaking of himself.
The third heaven is Jewish expression meaning to be actually in the presence of God. Paul is describing the most sublime(崇高) experience imaginable.
Why?
Because Paul has been before the Lord, so can boast,but he doesn't boast himselfeexcept about his weakness.
God is my victory. I am weak but my Lord is stronger and powerful.
God's grace is sufficient for me.
How?
Why should I worry, God is me shield,me salvation, my victory and my hope..
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
servants of Christ
2Corinthians 11:16-33
Let no one take me for a fool.
Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast.
To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.
Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently…
Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
Apostleship does not consist in oratory and lording it over the church. Paul is not lacking in any of the qualities of true apostleship. As for his own living,he was concerned that no one should think him a sponge,and anxious not to burden them.
Why?
Paul is real apostle in that age. No one can compare with him. Paul is a real servant of Christ.
More harder is the pressure of his concern for all the churches.
Boasting for nothing except Jesus Christ. Boast Christ only.
Confess I am weak but God is stronger to me.
How?
Be humble for Jesus has shedding for me. What can I say,what can I boast about.
Let no one take me for a fool.
Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast.
To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.
Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently…
Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
Apostleship does not consist in oratory and lording it over the church. Paul is not lacking in any of the qualities of true apostleship. As for his own living,he was concerned that no one should think him a sponge,and anxious not to burden them.
Why?
Paul is real apostle in that age. No one can compare with him. Paul is a real servant of Christ.
More harder is the pressure of his concern for all the churches.
Boasting for nothing except Jesus Christ. Boast Christ only.
Confess I am weak but God is stronger to me.
How?
Be humble for Jesus has shedding for me. What can I say,what can I boast about.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Desperately study bible and meditate God's word
2 Corinthians 12:1-15
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy.
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
They attacked Paul,he is second-rate apostle - his insistence on earning his own living. (v7)
Why?
When we know what is right,then we will know what is false.
Read the Bible deeply and enjoy reading it. This is the way to know the truth.
How?
Desperately study bible and meditate God's word.
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy.
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
They attacked Paul,he is second-rate apostle - his insistence on earning his own living. (v7)
Why?
When we know what is right,then we will know what is false.
Read the Bible deeply and enjoy reading it. This is the way to know the truth.
How?
Desperately study bible and meditate God's word.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us
2 Corinthian 10:12-18
Compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
We confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.
For we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ.
But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Their boasting counts for nothing: it is God's commendation which is all important.
Why?
Do not compare our work for the Lord or for the church.
Boasting to the sphere if service God himself has assigned to us, so do not boast what we have done.
Only boasts boast in the Lord, without God we are nothing.
Identify the truth and false Christian.
How?
Humble ourselves, but with faith and boast in what the Lord has assigned us.
Compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
We confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.
For we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ.
But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Their boasting counts for nothing: it is God's commendation which is all important.
Why?
Do not compare our work for the Lord or for the church.
Boasting to the sphere if service God himself has assigned to us, so do not boast what we have done.
Only boasts boast in the Lord, without God we are nothing.
Identify the truth and false Christian.
How?
Humble ourselves, but with faith and boast in what the Lord has assigned us.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Use spiritual authority to build up the church
2 Corinthians 10:1-11
Paul are “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!
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.
We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
You are judging by appearances.
We are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
Paul now turns his attention to the hostile(敵對) minority(少數) at Corinth who have challenged his authority and criticized his behavior. This sounds very like a continuation of the old rival cliques(拉幫結派) of 1 Corinthians 1-4.
They show the same conceit(自負), the same old mistaken standards of judgments. They have attacked Paul on a number of count:
1)He may be a brave letter-writer, but meet him face to face and he's a coward.
2)He is no speaker.
Paul answers every charge, showing the hollowness(空虛) of their standards of judgment: When he comes, they will discover he is as ready to act as he is to write: but he would much rather use his authority to build up the church.
Why?
Don't use the standard of the world to face the church and Christ, his servant Paul.
Paul's humble became coward to some people in Corinth. Same as now in churches.
Divine power to demolish strongholds: Which is come from the Lord and Holy Spirit.
Apostle be charged by church should explain it clearly, for they have the authority from God.
The authority is used to build the church.
Church is not a company, but crowd who have same vision and received salvation from the Jesus Christ!
We do not wage war as the world does; but with the Holy Spirit.
Weapon may take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. This is a war of spirit.
If they are not complete obedience, further teaching or judging are meaningless.
How?
Be confidence that we have the weapon of Holy Spirit to war against the world.
Paul are “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!
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.
We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
You are judging by appearances.
We are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
Paul now turns his attention to the hostile(敵對) minority(少數) at Corinth who have challenged his authority and criticized his behavior. This sounds very like a continuation of the old rival cliques(拉幫結派) of 1 Corinthians 1-4.
They show the same conceit(自負), the same old mistaken standards of judgments. They have attacked Paul on a number of count:
1)He may be a brave letter-writer, but meet him face to face and he's a coward.
2)He is no speaker.
Paul answers every charge, showing the hollowness(空虛) of their standards of judgment: When he comes, they will discover he is as ready to act as he is to write: but he would much rather use his authority to build up the church.
Why?
Don't use the standard of the world to face the church and Christ, his servant Paul.
Paul's humble became coward to some people in Corinth. Same as now in churches.
Divine power to demolish strongholds: Which is come from the Lord and Holy Spirit.
Apostle be charged by church should explain it clearly, for they have the authority from God.
The authority is used to build the church.
Church is not a company, but crowd who have same vision and received salvation from the Jesus Christ!
We do not wage war as the world does; but with the Holy Spirit.
Weapon may take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. This is a war of spirit.
If they are not complete obedience, further teaching or judging are meaningless.
How?
Be confidence that we have the weapon of Holy Spirit to war against the world.
Give cheerfully and generously
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
Practical instructions rub shoulders with spiritual principles in these chapters. Christian giving is a loving response to the self-giving of the Lord Jesus. Christians should need no urging to give cheerfully and generously. Those with more than they need will make up the incomes of those with too little, so that all have enough.
Why?
By doing so they would learn the duty and blessing of systematic Christian giving, and at the same time show their appreciation of what they owed the Jewish parent-church.
Giving is cheerfully and generously for God loves us. And it is express the thanks to God.
How?
Give cheerfully and generously. It is expressions of thanks to God.
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
Practical instructions rub shoulders with spiritual principles in these chapters. Christian giving is a loving response to the self-giving of the Lord Jesus. Christians should need no urging to give cheerfully and generously. Those with more than they need will make up the incomes of those with too little, so that all have enough.
Why?
By doing so they would learn the duty and blessing of systematic Christian giving, and at the same time show their appreciation of what they owed the Jewish parent-church.
Giving is cheerfully and generously for God loves us. And it is express the thanks to God.
How?
Give cheerfully and generously. It is expressions of thanks to God.
Friday, August 11, 2017
Taking pains to do what is right 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.
Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
Now he is to return and supervise the completion of the collection, accompanied by delegates from the Macedonian churches as a safeguard against any charge that Paul was embezzling the fund.
Why?
Right mission needs right men to take it.
Take pains to do what is right. Men should be honor and wisdom persons.
We are representatives of the churches and and honor to Christ. So we have to careful to do any mission.
There are many curious men in church, so we have to careful to make it.
How?
Not only do right in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.
Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
Now he is to return and supervise the completion of the collection, accompanied by delegates from the Macedonian churches as a safeguard against any charge that Paul was embezzling the fund.
Why?
Right mission needs right men to take it.
Take pains to do what is right. Men should be honor and wisdom persons.
We are representatives of the churches and and honor to Christ. So we have to careful to do any mission.
There are many curious men in church, so we have to careful to make it.
How?
Not only do right in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Eager to prophesy, and but forbid speaking in tongue 1 Cor 14:18-40
1 Cor 14:18-40
Tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy , however , is for believers, not for unbelievers.
It there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
It is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Therefor, my brother, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Paul's instructions for how things should be done, provides a fascinating glimpse into an early-church service. He forbids the women to disturb the service by talking. (It seems that some were calling out questions and comments.) Their new liberty is not to be abused. 'Paul is not discussing whether and how qualified women may minister, but how women should learn'.
He is certainly not denying the a vocal part in worship.
(11:5 it is clear that women prayed and prophesied - and Paul makes no adverse(不利的) comment on this.)
14:34: There is no Old Testament law about this. Paul may mean Genesis 3:16
Why?
Tongue is proved that the Lord is with him in unbelievers. In church should be quiet and be done in a fitting and order way. So Paul die not encourage tongue but prophesy.
How?
Eager to prophesy, and bot forbid speaking in tongue. Observe the word of the Lord.
Tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy , however , is for believers, not for unbelievers.
It there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
It is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Therefor, my brother, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Paul's instructions for how things should be done, provides a fascinating glimpse into an early-church service. He forbids the women to disturb the service by talking. (It seems that some were calling out questions and comments.) Their new liberty is not to be abused. 'Paul is not discussing whether and how qualified women may minister, but how women should learn'.
He is certainly not denying the a vocal part in worship.
(11:5 it is clear that women prayed and prophesied - and Paul makes no adverse(不利的) comment on this.)
14:34: There is no Old Testament law about this. Paul may mean Genesis 3:16
Why?
Tongue is proved that the Lord is with him in unbelievers. In church should be quiet and be done in a fitting and order way. So Paul die not encourage tongue but prophesy.
How?
Eager to prophesy, and bot forbid speaking in tongue. Observe the word of the Lord.
The gift is acceptable according to what one has,
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”
Now that confidence is restored, it is possible to raise the matter of the relief fund for the poor in Jerusalem. Titus had helped the Corinthians make a start, following Paul's instructions in his earlier. Now he is to return and supervise the accompanied by delegates from the Macedonian churches as a safeguard against any charge that Paul was embezzling the fund.
Why?
We need not only the gift of spirit but also in grace of gift.
God hope we give in our desire, but not command. which may reach the goal of equality.
For what I lack which may lead us keep it more, but Paul teach us give may get more grace from the Lord.
Jesus has loved me, when I really know the love of the Lord! Then I will like to give!
How?
Give for what I have to the needed person, because God loves us.
But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”
Now that confidence is restored, it is possible to raise the matter of the relief fund for the poor in Jerusalem. Titus had helped the Corinthians make a start, following Paul's instructions in his earlier. Now he is to return and supervise the accompanied by delegates from the Macedonian churches as a safeguard against any charge that Paul was embezzling the fund.
Why?
We need not only the gift of spirit but also in grace of gift.
God hope we give in our desire, but not command. which may reach the goal of equality.
For what I lack which may lead us keep it more, but Paul teach us give may get more grace from the Lord.
Jesus has loved me, when I really know the love of the Lord! Then I will like to give!
How?
Give for what I have to the needed person, because God loves us.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
愛是永不止息
代下5：1-14
劉培明 弟兄
兒子結婚唱：祢真偉大，這首歌帶領我經過人生低谷。
一定要付代價，每日親近神。
神給我們權能。看來一無所有，卻是什麼都有。
小女子沒有埋怨，卻有愛心和信心。我們可以和小女子一樣小小兵立大功。
常常感恩，加倍回應神的恩典。
我們的愛與神連結。
劉培明 弟兄
兒子結婚唱：祢真偉大，這首歌帶領我經過人生低谷。
一定要付代價，每日親近神。
神給我們權能。看來一無所有，卻是什麼都有。
小女子沒有埋怨，卻有愛心和信心。我們可以和小女子一樣小小兵立大功。
常常感恩，加倍回應神的恩典。
我們的愛與神連結。
Godly sorrow
2 Corinthians 7:2-16
Make room for us in your hearts.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
Why?
Paul makes them sorrow and brings repentance before God is good to them and rejoice to Paul.
God;y sorrow is from the point of the Lord, worldly sorrow are from the benefit and desire heart. Which brings death, because there is not way to resolve.
How?
Be Happy and glad that the Lord makes us free and brings us joy.
Make room for us in your hearts.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
Why?
Paul makes them sorrow and brings repentance before God is good to them and rejoice to Paul.
God;y sorrow is from the point of the Lord, worldly sorrow are from the benefit and desire heart. Which brings death, because there is not way to resolve.
How?
Be Happy and glad that the Lord makes us free and brings us joy.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Perfecting holiness out of reverence for God
2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1
Open wide your hearts also. Speak freely to them.
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.
I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughter, says the Lord Almighty.
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Why?
Open wide our heart to speak the truth among believers.
There is not common between Christian and unbelievers, for there is not common evaluation mind.
It is the promise from the Lord, he is my father and I am his children. So purify ourselves from everything contaminated.
Contaminated body: promiscuous body, meat for the god's sacrifice.
Contaminated spirit: unclean mind, logical, idea, etc.
Yoke together: the heart of coworker to serve the Lord.
How?
Open my heart to brothers and purify myself to reverence for the Lord.
Open wide your hearts also. Speak freely to them.
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.
I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughter, says the Lord Almighty.
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Why?
Open wide our heart to speak the truth among believers.
There is not common between Christian and unbelievers, for there is not common evaluation mind.
It is the promise from the Lord, he is my father and I am his children. So purify ourselves from everything contaminated.
Contaminated body: promiscuous body, meat for the god's sacrifice.
Contaminated spirit: unclean mind, logical, idea, etc.
Yoke together: the heart of coworker to serve the Lord.
How?
Open my heart to brothers and purify myself to reverence for the Lord.
Monday, August 7, 2017
Poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” (Isaiah 49:8) Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;
Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine(真正), yet regarded as impostors(騙子);
Known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Why?
Through Jesus Christ, now it is the time of God's favor and the day of salvation. God will help us and listen to my prayer.
Good and bad, glory and dishonor, genuine and impostor, we served others but got bad response, God knows these.
But for the Jesus Christ's favor, poor making many rich; having nothing and yet possessing everything. The rich in Spirit and God's grace.
How?
Rejoice and rich in Jesus Christ. God is my portion.
In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” (Isaiah 49:8) Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;
Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine(真正), yet regarded as impostors(騙子);
Known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Why?
Through Jesus Christ, now it is the time of God's favor and the day of salvation. God will help us and listen to my prayer.
Good and bad, glory and dishonor, genuine and impostor, we served others but got bad response, God knows these.
But for the Jesus Christ's favor, poor making many rich; having nothing and yet possessing everything. The rich in Spirit and God's grace.
How?
Rejoice and rich in Jesus Christ. God is my portion.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come
1 Corinthians 5:11-21
What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Why?
Plain to God,so as plain to our consciousness.
No matter out of our mind or in our mind, we are for the Christ.
In Christ: obey his word and follow his commandment. In his mind and with his love.
Out of our mind is for Christ, in our mind is good for men. But if inverse it would be disaster.
How?
Plain to my consciousness.
What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Why?
Plain to God,so as plain to our consciousness.
No matter out of our mind or in our mind, we are for the Christ.
In Christ: obey his word and follow his commandment. In his mind and with his love.
Out of our mind is for Christ, in our mind is good for men. But if inverse it would be disaster.
How?
Plain to my consciousness.
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Make goal to please God
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
The dead body and Heavenly Dwelling.
Dead body
1. wasting away
2. the earthly tent we live in is destroyed.
3. What is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
4. Make goal to please him, weather we are at home in the body or away from it.
We longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Our physical body. Paul uses an ordinary Greek expression, which at the same tie reminds us of the body's impermanence.
Why?
We are longing for the heavenly dwelling instead of body in the earth. But we have to face the judgment of Christ due to what we have done in our body.
Do the good things and live with the faith, obey God's commendament.
How?
Make goal to please God.
The dead body and Heavenly Dwelling.
Dead body
1. wasting away
2. the earthly tent we live in is destroyed.
3. What is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
4. Make goal to please him, weather we are at home in the body or away from it.
We longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Our physical body. Paul uses an ordinary Greek expression, which at the same tie reminds us of the body's impermanence.
Why?
We are longing for the heavenly dwelling instead of body in the earth. But we have to face the judgment of Christ due to what we have done in our body.
Do the good things and live with the faith, obey God's commendament.
How?
Make goal to please God.
Friday, August 4, 2017
Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
He is subjected to(受到了) every kind of human weakness, persecution and suffering. But the future, in all its glorious certainty, eclipses(蝕) any suffering the present can hold.
Why?
Jesus Christ is the light shine out of darkness. shine in out hearts to know the glory of the Lord.
What we can suffering is the Jesus Christ in my heart and my faith, so we can hold on.
The life of Jesus can revealed in out body, even y body is decaying.
Paul encouraged us fix out eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
How?
Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
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