Mark 16:1-20
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene,who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
The resurrection:
For some unknown reason - most probably damage to very early copies of the Gospel - the best surviving manuscripts of Mark end abruptly at 16:8. Verse 9-20 represent early attempts to round the Gospel off more satisfactorily.
Why?
Those women loves Jesus and they went early morning to anoint Jesus, so they are the first one to see Jesus resurrection.
With the eager heart and do it will see the miracle of the Lord.
Jesus is risen/ Jesus is resurrection. So Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. This is the gospel we trust and preching.
How?
Praise to the Lord ! Jesus is risen, Jesus is risen from the dead and we have hope and way to go!
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Show the faith and action at final chance
Mark 15:42-47
It was Preparation Day, the day before the Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilot was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock, Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
Death by crucifixion was long drawn out. It often took two days or more, But by 'three in the afternoon' Jesus is dead. Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin Council and a disciple of Jesus saves him from the final indignity(侮辱) of a mass grave.
Why?
No one dear come to Pilot to ask the body of Jesus, but Joseph who did and saved Jesus from final indignity of a mass grave.
Joseph is disciple of Jesus and who has high position. Joseph hidden his identity before but now he show his faith.
How?
Show our faith and our action to love Jesus, no matter how we were before. When my heart and mind is turn to the Lord, we can do it!
It was Preparation Day, the day before the Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilot was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock, Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
Death by crucifixion was long drawn out. It often took two days or more, But by 'three in the afternoon' Jesus is dead. Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin Council and a disciple of Jesus saves him from the final indignity(侮辱) of a mass grave.
Why?
No one dear come to Pilot to ask the body of Jesus, but Joseph who did and saved Jesus from final indignity of a mass grave.
Joseph is disciple of Jesus and who has high position. Joseph hidden his identity before but now he show his faith.
How?
Show our faith and our action to love Jesus, no matter how we were before. When my heart and mind is turn to the Lord, we can do it!
Thursday, March 29, 2018
His death he paid the full penalty for 'the sins of the world', once and for all
Mark 15:29-41
Those who passed by hurled(投) insults(侮辱) at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"
Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
At three in the after noon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from tip to bottom, And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
His suffering was 'for us and for out salvation'. By his death he paid the full penalty for 'the sins of the world', once and for all. In Jesus' own words, recorded in the Gospel accounts of the Last supper, his body was broken and his blood was shed to make a ' new covenant' between human beings and God. by his death he reconciled us to God, making possible the free gift of eternal life.
Why?
Before this day people welcome Jesus enter Jerusalem, but today people passed by hurled insults at him, how different those people to look Jesus. Same as people now what their perspective is to Jesus.
Jesus was alone so he cried out "My God, why have you forsaken me?"
No come to Jesus asked for miracle or healing but for honor his name and follow Jesus, for Jesus is my salvation and my hope. His death paid the full penalty for the sins of the world.
Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins once and for all. Jesus make a new covenant between us and the Lord.
How?
Remember Jesus death for our sins and forgive me fully, once and for all
Those who passed by hurled(投) insults(侮辱) at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"
Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
At three in the after noon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from tip to bottom, And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
His suffering was 'for us and for out salvation'. By his death he paid the full penalty for 'the sins of the world', once and for all. In Jesus' own words, recorded in the Gospel accounts of the Last supper, his body was broken and his blood was shed to make a ' new covenant' between human beings and God. by his death he reconciled us to God, making possible the free gift of eternal life.
Why?
Before this day people welcome Jesus enter Jerusalem, but today people passed by hurled insults at him, how different those people to look Jesus. Same as people now what their perspective is to Jesus.
Jesus was alone so he cried out "My God, why have you forsaken me?"
No come to Jesus asked for miracle or healing but for honor his name and follow Jesus, for Jesus is my salvation and my hope. His death paid the full penalty for the sins of the world.
Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins once and for all. Jesus make a new covenant between us and the Lord.
How?
Remember Jesus death for our sins and forgive me fully, once and for all
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
The charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS
Mark 15:21-28
Simon was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha(which means "the place of the skull")
They crucified hum, Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
It was nine in the morning when they crucified hi. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.
They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Jesus is now utterly alone, isolated from the soldiers, the jeering crowd of onlookers and the little group of women who loved him enough to endure one last watch.
The Gospel writers play down the physical horror of the hours on the cross when Jesus plumbed the depths of suffering. But why did he die? The Gospel writers and the whole New Testament see Jesus' death as the climax(高潮)of his mission, the final fulfillment of God's purpose.
Why?poor
They treated Jesus as the two rebels, but Jesus doesn't like them.
On the cross Jesus was alone and not one with him, except group of women who loved him.
Remember the love of Jesus and what he has done for us. Bear our own cross to follow Him.
How?
What is my own cross? Arrogance, narrow mind, selfish...
Simon was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha(which means "the place of the skull")
They crucified hum, Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
It was nine in the morning when they crucified hi. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.
They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Jesus is now utterly alone, isolated from the soldiers, the jeering crowd of onlookers and the little group of women who loved him enough to endure one last watch.
The Gospel writers play down the physical horror of the hours on the cross when Jesus plumbed the depths of suffering. But why did he die? The Gospel writers and the whole New Testament see Jesus' death as the climax(高潮)of his mission, the final fulfillment of God's purpose.
Why?poor
They treated Jesus as the two rebels, but Jesus doesn't like them.
On the cross Jesus was alone and not one with him, except group of women who loved him.
Remember the love of Jesus and what he has done for us. Bear our own cross to follow Him.
How?
What is my own cross? Arrogance, narrow mind, selfish...
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Jesus is the king of Jews and us
Mark 15:1-21
Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.
Are you the king of the Jews? asked Pilate.
But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
“What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.
“Crucify him!” they shouted.
“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Why?
The Sanhedrin had wide powers in civil and religious matters in Judea, but under Roman rule was not empowered to carry out the death sentence. So Jesus had also to appear before the Roman governor on a charge which would merit the death sentence under Roman law. To be sure that Pilate would ratify(批准) the sentence, the safest charge was treason(叛逆).
The Jewish trial was far from regular. It was held at night. There were no defence witnesses. The witnesses for the prosecution could not agree. And the death sentence, which should not have been pronounced till the day following the trial was immediate.
Pilate like to satisfy the crowd, it is unjust and irregular procedure!
How?
Jesus is the king of all, Jesus is come for me! for my salvation and eternal life!
Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.
Are you the king of the Jews? asked Pilate.
But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
“What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.
“Crucify him!” they shouted.
“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Why?
The Sanhedrin had wide powers in civil and religious matters in Judea, but under Roman rule was not empowered to carry out the death sentence. So Jesus had also to appear before the Roman governor on a charge which would merit the death sentence under Roman law. To be sure that Pilate would ratify(批准) the sentence, the safest charge was treason(叛逆).
The Jewish trial was far from regular. It was held at night. There were no defence witnesses. The witnesses for the prosecution could not agree. And the death sentence, which should not have been pronounced till the day following the trial was immediate.
Pilate like to satisfy the crowd, it is unjust and irregular procedure!
How?
Jesus is the king of all, Jesus is come for me! for my salvation and eternal life!
Monday, March 26, 2018
Jesus is Son of God and should be put on first priority in my daily life
Mark 14:53-72
There statement were false testimony and did not agree. Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
The high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am" said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
The high priest tore his clothes. he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death.
Peter disowned Jesus three times. And he broke down and wept.
The attitude of Jesus towards women stands in complete contrast to all this. He is the only rabbi who has women among his disciples. Although all of his close disciples were men, there are several named women among the wider circle. Mary and Martha are portrayed as close friends, and he spent time teaching them. Some women even travelled with him, and supported him.
Jesus taught that men should marry only one wife, and that marriage should be lifelong.
He taught that repentant prostitutes were closer to God than many of the religious leaders and he allowed a prostitute to anoint him and kiss his feet in public.
Women were the first to see Jesus alive again after his Crucifixion, and their testimony is given credence in the Gospels.
Why?
Priests can not find any testimony against Jesus for what Jesus did is right and good. Only one thing that Jesus admitted he is the Messiah, the Son of the blessed One. They were all condemned Him, for they did not agreed Jesus is a man but said he is son of God. But it is the truth, they did not know.
Peter disowned Jesus three time as Jesus has mentioned before, so he wept and went out for he was sorry to what he had done.
How?
No doubt Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus should on the first priority in my life and in my job position.
There statement were false testimony and did not agree. Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
The high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am" said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
The high priest tore his clothes. he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death.
Peter disowned Jesus three times. And he broke down and wept.
The attitude of Jesus towards women stands in complete contrast to all this. He is the only rabbi who has women among his disciples. Although all of his close disciples were men, there are several named women among the wider circle. Mary and Martha are portrayed as close friends, and he spent time teaching them. Some women even travelled with him, and supported him.
Jesus taught that men should marry only one wife, and that marriage should be lifelong.
He taught that repentant prostitutes were closer to God than many of the religious leaders and he allowed a prostitute to anoint him and kiss his feet in public.
Women were the first to see Jesus alive again after his Crucifixion, and their testimony is given credence in the Gospels.
Why?
Priests can not find any testimony against Jesus for what Jesus did is right and good. Only one thing that Jesus admitted he is the Messiah, the Son of the blessed One. They were all condemned Him, for they did not agreed Jesus is a man but said he is son of God. But it is the truth, they did not know.
Peter disowned Jesus three time as Jesus has mentioned before, so he wept and went out for he was sorry to what he had done.
How?
No doubt Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus should on the first priority in my life and in my job position.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
盧貞秀姐妹見證
3／25／2018 臺南聖教會
緊緊跟隨，留下生命的刻痕
默然不語，看神成就大事，用禱告
在刻痕中成就祝福
1.成為別人的祝福
創12：2-3 我必叫你成為大國。我必賜福給你，叫你的名為大；你也要叫別人得福。為你祝福的，我必賜福與他；那咒詛你的，我必咒詛他。地上的萬族都要因你得福。
2. 在主呼召之處 經營恩典，得靈魂
3. 成為職場戰士 以上帝兒女的位分
4. 主耶穌居首位 讓主在職場居首位
在祝福中淬練生命
1.右耳失聰 即或不然的信心
2.左耳聽力微弱 心中徬徨矛盾糾結
3. 行事奇妙的神 神應許禱告並看見一顆星星的印記，醫治方法居然是透過去泡澡，聽見聲音
4. 彩虹之約成就醫治恩典 隔日去台北出差計程車的路上看見彩虹
將人生課題放在神手中
自我破碎+淬練= 生命的智慧
你是叫我們多經歷重大急難的，必使我們復活 ，從地的深處救上來。詩篇71：20
沒有一件事是上帝無法解決的
現在不要害怕卡關，放手跟著上帝的腳步走
生命的智慧不是靠奇蹟堆成的。
吳牧師結語：
生命的苦難，刻痕往往來的很突然，重要在我們如何去選擇！選擇埋怨，還是選擇仰望神
每個生命的刻痕都是生命的轉折點
盧姐妹常常以禱告來面對！
緊緊跟隨，留下生命的刻痕
默然不語，看神成就大事，用禱告
在刻痕中成就祝福
1.成為別人的祝福
創12：2-3 我必叫你成為大國。我必賜福給你，叫你的名為大；你也要叫別人得福。為你祝福的，我必賜福與他；那咒詛你的，我必咒詛他。地上的萬族都要因你得福。
2. 在主呼召之處 經營恩典，得靈魂
3. 成為職場戰士 以上帝兒女的位分
4. 主耶穌居首位 讓主在職場居首位
在祝福中淬練生命
1.右耳失聰 即或不然的信心
2.左耳聽力微弱 心中徬徨矛盾糾結
3. 行事奇妙的神 神應許禱告並看見一顆星星的印記，醫治方法居然是透過去泡澡，聽見聲音
4. 彩虹之約成就醫治恩典 隔日去台北出差計程車的路上看見彩虹
將人生課題放在神手中
自我破碎+淬練= 生命的智慧
你是叫我們多經歷重大急難的，必使我們復活 ，從地的深處救上來。詩篇71：20
沒有一件事是上帝無法解決的
現在不要害怕卡關，放手跟著上帝的腳步走
生命的智慧不是靠奇蹟堆成的。
吳牧師結語：
生命的苦難，刻痕往往來的很突然，重要在我們如何去選擇！選擇埋怨，還是選擇仰望神
每個生命的刻痕都是生命的轉折點
盧姐妹常常以禱告來面對！
But the Scriptures must be fulfilled
Mark 14:43-52
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.
“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted(廢棄的) him and fled.
Why?
Judas is the betrayer who arranged a signal with priests for it is night uneasy to identity who is Jesus.
But the Scriptures must be fulfilled, it means Jesus is the Messiah.
Everyone deserted him and fled: Disciples saw the danger and could be arrested so everyone fled away. In front of the danger most people choose save and keep their life, unless he know what he is doing and devote his life.
Jesus knew why he is coming and his mission, so he faced the danger and accept it, he dovoted his life for all of us.
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (Isa 55:8-11)
How?
Apprieciated the Lord Jesus Christ, who devoted his life for our salvation.
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.
“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted(廢棄的) him and fled.
Why?
Judas is the betrayer who arranged a signal with priests for it is night uneasy to identity who is Jesus.
But the Scriptures must be fulfilled, it means Jesus is the Messiah.
Everyone deserted him and fled: Disciples saw the danger and could be arrested so everyone fled away. In front of the danger most people choose save and keep their life, unless he know what he is doing and devote his life.
Jesus knew why he is coming and his mission, so he faced the danger and accept it, he dovoted his life for all of us.
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (Isa 55:8-11)
How?
Apprieciated the Lord Jesus Christ, who devoted his life for our salvation.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation
Mark 14:32-42
"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of dead", Jesus said to them, "Stay here and keep watch."
Jesus fall to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said,"everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! the hour has come.
Why?
Jesus was a little angry that his disciples were sleeping, overcome by the body weakness.
The word translated “watch” means “to have the alertness of a guard at night.”
Jesus warned us that we are too easily distracted by the physical and will be caught unaware if we do not continually discipline ourselves.
Jesus’ disciples today must also watch and pray. We are easily distracted by this world, our fleshly needs and desires, and the schemes of the enemy. When we take our eyes from Jesus and His soon return, our values begin to shift, our attention wanders, and soon we are living like the world and bearing little fruit for God’s kingdom.
“Watch and pray.” We can only remain faithful when we are devoted to prayer. In prayer, we continually allow God to forgive us, cleanse us, teach us, and strengthen us to obey Him. We must pray without ceasing, we are more likely to keep our lives pure and our hearts ready to meet Him.
How?
Watch and pray, for our body is weak, only alert and pray without ceasing. It is the way to bearing fruit for God's kingdom.
"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of dead", Jesus said to them, "Stay here and keep watch."
Jesus fall to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said,"everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! the hour has come.
Why?
Jesus was a little angry that his disciples were sleeping, overcome by the body weakness.
The word translated “watch” means “to have the alertness of a guard at night.”
Jesus warned us that we are too easily distracted by the physical and will be caught unaware if we do not continually discipline ourselves.
Jesus’ disciples today must also watch and pray. We are easily distracted by this world, our fleshly needs and desires, and the schemes of the enemy. When we take our eyes from Jesus and His soon return, our values begin to shift, our attention wanders, and soon we are living like the world and bearing little fruit for God’s kingdom.
“Watch and pray.” We can only remain faithful when we are devoted to prayer. In prayer, we continually allow God to forgive us, cleanse us, teach us, and strengthen us to obey Him. We must pray without ceasing, we are more likely to keep our lives pure and our hearts ready to meet Him.
How?
Watch and pray, for our body is weak, only alert and pray without ceasing. It is the way to bearing fruit for God's kingdom.
Friday, March 23, 2018
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many
Mark 14:12-31
The Last Supper:
When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial:
Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times. But Peter insisted emphatically(重口氣), “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
Why?
Jesus had knew that Judas will betray Him. Jesus obey the mission from the Lord and accepted it.
Jesus said this is my body and my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Disciples did not know what it's meaning. We know that Jesus sacrificed his life for many to get the eternal life.
Peter shows many followers braved in mouth but when the suffering come, they falled, frustrated and feared.
Base on our flesh we can do nothing, only on the love of Jesus we can do many things.
How?
Remember that Jesus is die for us. His salvation and love to us, so we can stand before the Lord and become sons of God. How great is the love of Jesus Christ.
The Last Supper:
When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial:
Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times. But Peter insisted emphatically(重口氣), “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
Why?
Jesus had knew that Judas will betray Him. Jesus obey the mission from the Lord and accepted it.
Jesus said this is my body and my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Disciples did not know what it's meaning. We know that Jesus sacrificed his life for many to get the eternal life.
Peter shows many followers braved in mouth but when the suffering come, they falled, frustrated and feared.
Base on our flesh we can do nothing, only on the love of Jesus we can do many things.
How?
Remember that Jesus is die for us. His salvation and love to us, so we can stand before the Lord and become sons of God. How great is the love of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.
Mark 14:1-11
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.
Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.
Jesus public ministry is at an end. As the Passover festival approaches events move swiftly to a climax. Against a dark backcloth of hatred and treachery shines the story of one woman's love for the Lord.
It was common courtesy to pour a little perfume on arriving guests. Perfume was also used to anoint a body for burial. And the word 'Messiah' means the 'one anointed' for God's service. Perhaps intuitively(直觀地) sensing the tragedy ahead. Mary pours out the whole flash of precious perfumed oil in a lavish, extravagant(靡奢) gesture of affection. ( A working man earned one denarius/ 'silver coin' a day. This luxury import was worth nearly a year's wages.) John(12:1-8) places the event some days earlier and tells us the unpleasant truth about Judas' embezzlement(侵占) of the funds.
Why?
Most people watch matter from point of the world and common sense to critisize them. But Jesus knew what these event means to Him. He is Messiah, the anointed one.
But you will not always have me. Jesus will be on the cross and leave them soon. Christians always have their own mind but do not always walking with Jesus.
Poverty can never be overcome right? So don't get too worried about tackling poverty and injustice sonny-boy. It's a problem that simply can't be solved. I reckon Jesus actually meant the OPPOSITE of what we usually take him to mean here. It seems to me that Jesus was actually advocating generosity and action to eradicate(根除) poverty, rather than hands-up-in-the-air, shoulder-shrugging聳肩 apathy冷漠. It seems to me that Jesus was actually advocating generosity and action to eradicate poverty, rather than hands-up-in-the-air, shoulder-shrugging apathy.
At least half the world’s population lives on the edge of survival because of the effects of poverty. How can we remain indifferent to their plight? Ask God to show you ways you can help those whose lives are crushed by poverty. In addition, don’t forget the greatest poverty of all–which is poverty of soul. Is Christ the center of your life, and are you seeking to tell others about the peace and joy He brings to all who open their hearts to Him?
How?
Doing beautiful thing and help the needed people as I can.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.
Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.
Jesus public ministry is at an end. As the Passover festival approaches events move swiftly to a climax. Against a dark backcloth of hatred and treachery shines the story of one woman's love for the Lord.
It was common courtesy to pour a little perfume on arriving guests. Perfume was also used to anoint a body for burial. And the word 'Messiah' means the 'one anointed' for God's service. Perhaps intuitively(直觀地) sensing the tragedy ahead. Mary pours out the whole flash of precious perfumed oil in a lavish, extravagant(靡奢) gesture of affection. ( A working man earned one denarius/ 'silver coin' a day. This luxury import was worth nearly a year's wages.) John(12:1-8) places the event some days earlier and tells us the unpleasant truth about Judas' embezzlement(侵占) of the funds.
Why?
Most people watch matter from point of the world and common sense to critisize them. But Jesus knew what these event means to Him. He is Messiah, the anointed one.
But you will not always have me. Jesus will be on the cross and leave them soon. Christians always have their own mind but do not always walking with Jesus.
Poverty can never be overcome right? So don't get too worried about tackling poverty and injustice sonny-boy. It's a problem that simply can't be solved. I reckon Jesus actually meant the OPPOSITE of what we usually take him to mean here. It seems to me that Jesus was actually advocating generosity and action to eradicate(根除) poverty, rather than hands-up-in-the-air, shoulder-shrugging聳肩 apathy冷漠. It seems to me that Jesus was actually advocating generosity and action to eradicate poverty, rather than hands-up-in-the-air, shoulder-shrugging apathy.
At least half the world’s population lives on the edge of survival because of the effects of poverty. How can we remain indifferent to their plight? Ask God to show you ways you can help those whose lives are crushed by poverty. In addition, don’t forget the greatest poverty of all–which is poverty of soul. Is Christ the center of your life, and are you seeking to tell others about the peace and joy He brings to all who open their hearts to Him?
How?
Doing beautiful thing and help the needed people as I can.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
The one who stands firm to the end will be saved
Mark 13:1-37
The sign of the end days!
The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
False messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible ,even the elect. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Watch! , keep watch! is our lesson in life.
Some of the language Jesus uses and the things he describes echo Old Testament prophecies of the end-time and the symbolic language of 'apocalyptic' writing, familiar to his hearers; for example, verse 7-8 battle, earthquakes, famines and 24-25 eclipse of sun and moon...
Why?
Jesus encourage his disciple and his followers that what will happen in the future. The most important is to watch the false teaching and false sign of wonder.
No one know what is the date and hour of the end of the world.
Stand firn on the truth then we may be saved.
Their question had two parts and so required two answers. Jesus combined those answers into one long discourse about what was ahead before He returned. Some of those prophecies were fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The remainder has yet to happen.
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Those who endure to the end and are saved will stand firm through ridicule and hatred. Matthew 24:10 says that when many turn away from the faith, they will “betray and hate each other.” With the proliferation of Internet websites, blogs, and Facebook pages, we are seeing the polarization of opinions leading to angry diatribes and un-Christlike dialogue. Everyone has an opinion about everything, and opinion, it seems, has become a god worth defending through anger.
How?
Trust in Jesus word and with his love, stand firm in any situation will be saved.
The sign of the end days!
The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
False messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible ,even the elect. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Watch! , keep watch! is our lesson in life.
Some of the language Jesus uses and the things he describes echo Old Testament prophecies of the end-time and the symbolic language of 'apocalyptic' writing, familiar to his hearers; for example, verse 7-8 battle, earthquakes, famines and 24-25 eclipse of sun and moon...
Why?
Jesus encourage his disciple and his followers that what will happen in the future. The most important is to watch the false teaching and false sign of wonder.
No one know what is the date and hour of the end of the world.
Stand firn on the truth then we may be saved.
Their question had two parts and so required two answers. Jesus combined those answers into one long discourse about what was ahead before He returned. Some of those prophecies were fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The remainder has yet to happen.
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Those who endure to the end and are saved will stand firm through ridicule and hatred. Matthew 24:10 says that when many turn away from the faith, they will “betray and hate each other.” With the proliferation of Internet websites, blogs, and Facebook pages, we are seeing the polarization of opinions leading to angry diatribes and un-Christlike dialogue. Everyone has an opinion about everything, and opinion, it seems, has become a god worth defending through anger.
How?
Trust in Jesus word and with his love, stand firm in any situation will be saved.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength
Mark 12:28-44
The most important one is "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' house and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."
Window's offering is out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on. So the offering rely on the heart of man, not focus on the amount of offering.
The third question is a genuine one. With 613 commandments to choose from. Jesus replies in the words of Israel's creed and Leviticus. If the Pharisees hoped for an unorthodox reply they were disappointed. The astonishing wisdom of Jesus silences his opponents - but he has not finished with them.
The scribes took the prophecy that Messiah would be a son of David literally, as a matter of physical descent. To the delight of the listening crowd. Jesus show that David's own messianic psalm makes their position untenable.
In strong contrast to the self-advertisement of the men of religion comes the little incident in verse 41-44. What counts with God is not the size of the cheque, but the amount of love and self-sacrifice it represents.
Why?
Jesus is wise to answer those questions from teachers of the law.
offering shows the amount of love and self-sacrifice.
How?
How much I love the Lord? Do I love the Lord with all I have?
The most important one is "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' house and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."
Window's offering is out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on. So the offering rely on the heart of man, not focus on the amount of offering.
The third question is a genuine one. With 613 commandments to choose from. Jesus replies in the words of Israel's creed and Leviticus. If the Pharisees hoped for an unorthodox reply they were disappointed. The astonishing wisdom of Jesus silences his opponents - but he has not finished with them.
The scribes took the prophecy that Messiah would be a son of David literally, as a matter of physical descent. To the delight of the listening crowd. Jesus show that David's own messianic psalm makes their position untenable.
In strong contrast to the self-advertisement of the men of religion comes the little incident in verse 41-44. What counts with God is not the size of the cheque, but the amount of love and self-sacrifice it represents.
Why?
Jesus is wise to answer those questions from teachers of the law.
offering shows the amount of love and self-sacrifice.
How?
How much I love the Lord? Do I love the Lord with all I have?
Monday, March 19, 2018
Our souls are worth more to The Lord than coins are to the Romans.
Mark 12:13-27
Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.
Sadducees who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
Jesus replied, "When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angles in heaven. Now about the dead rising, God said to Moses, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living."
Why?
God's work and what belong to God is identical and do not mix with the world. God is beyond the world.
God is beyond the time and is the Lord of living. so when men are dead, they will be angels in heaven, there is not any relationship as they were on the world.
The face of Cesar was on the coin so he is saying give Cesar back his coins, and give God what is his which is yourself. Your soul! Give it back to the one who created you. Therefore yes he avoided the question to avoid being caught in the trap but the answer he gave was of great literary and teaching meaning. Our souls are worth more to The Lord than coins (taxes) are to the Romans.
Jesus is Lord of the dead. And therefore they are not dead. For this he died and lived again. “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Praise the Lord! The Lord of the dead who are not dead!
How?
Our souls are worth more to the Lord than coins are to the world.
Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.
Sadducees who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
Jesus replied, "When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angles in heaven. Now about the dead rising, God said to Moses, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living."
Why?
God's work and what belong to God is identical and do not mix with the world. God is beyond the world.
God is beyond the time and is the Lord of living. so when men are dead, they will be angels in heaven, there is not any relationship as they were on the world.
The face of Cesar was on the coin so he is saying give Cesar back his coins, and give God what is his which is yourself. Your soul! Give it back to the one who created you. Therefore yes he avoided the question to avoid being caught in the trap but the answer he gave was of great literary and teaching meaning. Our souls are worth more to The Lord than coins (taxes) are to the Romans.
Jesus is Lord of the dead. And therefore they are not dead. For this he died and lived again. “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Praise the Lord! The Lord of the dead who are not dead!
How?
Our souls are worth more to the Lord than coins are to the world.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
一個像樣的基督徒 弗4：1-3
一個像樣的基督徒
2018／3／18 臺南聖教會 高敏捷智牧師
思想：
1.做什麼人就要像什麼人
2.既然蒙召，行事為人就當與蒙召的恩相稱 凡事謙遜，溫柔，忍耐
我是個像樣的基督徒嗎？
NBA球員被選上要做像樣球員？訓練，服從，穿制服
像樣的大使？保護僑民，站在自己國家立場說話
像樣的講員？有預備，不能穿拖鞋…
簡易大綱：
愛心…包容
和平…藝術
久遠…堅定
大綱：
1.用愛心 互相寬容 包容性
天父的愛-等候
寬容：給予失誤與錯誤的空間
基督的愛-饒恕
饒恕：赦免他們…他們不曉得自己所做的
2.用和平 彼此聯絡 藝術性
1.尊重 彼此的位置
（各人對看的藝術）樂團腳色，誰重要？
2. 保護 彼此的軟弱
（ 競賽補位的創意）球員補位
每個人都不在自己位子，但是整體是無缺點的，是成功的
3.竭力保守在聖靈裏合一的心 穩定性
身體只有一個，聖靈只有一個正如你們蒙召同有一個指望。一主，一信，一洗…
我們各人蒙恩都是照基督所量給各人的恩賜
挑戰：
1.直等到我們眾人在真道上同歸於一…滿有基督長成的身量
2.使我們不再作小孩子…飄來漂去，就隨從各樣的異端
3.你們蒙召是要得自由，只是不可將你們的自由當作放縱情慾的機會，總要用愛心互相服事
2018／3／18 臺南聖教會 高敏捷智牧師
思想：
1.做什麼人就要像什麼人
2.既然蒙召，行事為人就當與蒙召的恩相稱 凡事謙遜，溫柔，忍耐
我是個像樣的基督徒嗎？
NBA球員被選上要做像樣球員？訓練，服從，穿制服
像樣的大使？保護僑民，站在自己國家立場說話
像樣的講員？有預備，不能穿拖鞋…
簡易大綱：
愛心…包容
和平…藝術
久遠…堅定
大綱：
1.用愛心 互相寬容 包容性
天父的愛-等候
寬容：給予失誤與錯誤的空間
基督的愛-饒恕
饒恕：赦免他們…他們不曉得自己所做的
2.用和平 彼此聯絡 藝術性
1.尊重 彼此的位置
（各人對看的藝術）樂團腳色，誰重要？
2. 保護 彼此的軟弱
（ 競賽補位的創意）球員補位
每個人都不在自己位子，但是整體是無缺點的，是成功的
3.竭力保守在聖靈裏合一的心 穩定性
身體只有一個，聖靈只有一個正如你們蒙召同有一個指望。一主，一信，一洗…
我們各人蒙恩都是照基督所量給各人的恩賜
挑戰：
1.直等到我們眾人在真道上同歸於一…滿有基督長成的身量
2.使我們不再作小孩子…飄來漂去，就隨從各樣的異端
3.你們蒙召是要得自由，只是不可將你們的自由當作放縱情慾的機會，總要用愛心互相服事
Jesus serves as the foundation of the Church as well as for each Christian's individual life
Mark 11:27-12:12
The authority of Jesus was questioned, Jesus asked them John's baptism was it from heaven, or from men? But the elders and chief priests, the teachers of the law answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."
Jesus speak a parables: the parable of the Tenants.
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Psalm 118:22,23
Why?
The authority of Jesus came from heaven, but the elders, teachers and priests did not recognize this.
Jesus used the Psalm 118 to describe he is the capstone, the Son of God, but they refuse to these, so they missed the way to eternal life.
In biblical times, a cornerstone was used as the foundation and standard upon which a building was constructed. Once in place, the rest of the building would conform to the angles and size of the cornerstone. In addition, if removed, the entire structure could collapse.
In the Bible, messianic prophecies spoke of the Messiah as the Cornerstone. Isaiah 28:16 says, "Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation."
For those living in societies where people often built their own homes, using construction terminology to explain the priority of Jesus the Messiah as the Cornerstone of the household of God provided a clear connecting point that would have been well understood by the original audience. Today, we read these words and clearly see the Bible's indication that Jesus serves as the foundation of the Church as well as for each Christian's individual life.
How?
Without Jesus church could not be built and personal life neither. Jesus is my foundation of life.
The authority of Jesus was questioned, Jesus asked them John's baptism was it from heaven, or from men? But the elders and chief priests, the teachers of the law answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."
Jesus speak a parables: the parable of the Tenants.
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Psalm 118:22,23
Why?
The authority of Jesus came from heaven, but the elders, teachers and priests did not recognize this.
Jesus used the Psalm 118 to describe he is the capstone, the Son of God, but they refuse to these, so they missed the way to eternal life.
In biblical times, a cornerstone was used as the foundation and standard upon which a building was constructed. Once in place, the rest of the building would conform to the angles and size of the cornerstone. In addition, if removed, the entire structure could collapse.
In the Bible, messianic prophecies spoke of the Messiah as the Cornerstone. Isaiah 28:16 says, "Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation."
For those living in societies where people often built their own homes, using construction terminology to explain the priority of Jesus the Messiah as the Cornerstone of the household of God provided a clear connecting point that would have been well understood by the original audience. Today, we read these words and clearly see the Bible's indication that Jesus serves as the foundation of the Church as well as for each Christian's individual life.
How?
Without Jesus church could not be built and personal life neither. Jesus is my foundation of life.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Produce spiritual fruits in any circumstance
Mark 11:12-26
Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’
Why?
Church is a place of prayer and worship the Lord, it is not for business, even not allow make business of worship.
Q:Why did Jesus curse a fig tree while he was walking with his disciples toward Jerusalem?
The tree in question did have very large and spreading leaves, as if there might be fruit on it. To the casual reader it may seem strange at first to look for figs when it was not the season for them. He was actually not expecting to find any, but something else. This is what one encyclopedia(百科全書) stated regarding these trees.
Noting that, as verse 13 shows, our Savior did not expect to find a fig on the tree, but He was looking to find something. The tree was probably of the spring crop, and should have had at least fruit buds during this time of year. We need to bear in mind that figs were a food staple in the Middle East. Christ did not find what he was looking for on the plant and therefore cursed it.
There are two profound lessons that we can learn from this incident. The first lesson can be found within verse 14 where Christ stated, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." God makes an investment in every person He calls into His truth. He gives them the priceless gift of His Holy Spirit and thus He expects His followers to make good use of it and grow in spiritual character. Christians must produce spiritual fruits. The total failure to do so will result in the final punishment of being cast into the lake of fire.
The second lesson is given to us by Jesus himself in verses 20 to 24 of the same chapter. The incident of the curse of the fig tree was not a case of disappointment resulting in an outburst of impatience. It was a great and unforgettable lesson in faith delivered by the Son of God in an unusual circumstance. This incident was also an admonition(警告) to NOT be fruitless.
How?
No matter good or bad circumstance a Christian must have good spiritual fruit.
Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’
Why?
Church is a place of prayer and worship the Lord, it is not for business, even not allow make business of worship.
Q:Why did Jesus curse a fig tree while he was walking with his disciples toward Jerusalem?
The tree in question did have very large and spreading leaves, as if there might be fruit on it. To the casual reader it may seem strange at first to look for figs when it was not the season for them. He was actually not expecting to find any, but something else. This is what one encyclopedia(百科全書) stated regarding these trees.
Noting that, as verse 13 shows, our Savior did not expect to find a fig on the tree, but He was looking to find something. The tree was probably of the spring crop, and should have had at least fruit buds during this time of year. We need to bear in mind that figs were a food staple in the Middle East. Christ did not find what he was looking for on the plant and therefore cursed it.
There are two profound lessons that we can learn from this incident. The first lesson can be found within verse 14 where Christ stated, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." God makes an investment in every person He calls into His truth. He gives them the priceless gift of His Holy Spirit and thus He expects His followers to make good use of it and grow in spiritual character. Christians must produce spiritual fruits. The total failure to do so will result in the final punishment of being cast into the lake of fire.
The second lesson is given to us by Jesus himself in verses 20 to 24 of the same chapter. The incident of the curse of the fig tree was not a case of disappointment resulting in an outburst of impatience. It was a great and unforgettable lesson in faith delivered by the Son of God in an unusual circumstance. This incident was also an admonition(警告) to NOT be fruitless.
How?
No matter good or bad circumstance a Christian must have good spiritual fruit.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Hosanna, Jesus is my savior
Mark 11:1-11
Jesus sat on the colt and they threw their cloaks over it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. they went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
The Messiah enter his city!
Hosanna: In the Hebrew Bible it is used only in verses such as "help" or "save, I pray". It meaning "save, rescue, savior"
At the Feast of Tabernacles, which celebrated the Lord’s deliverance of Israel into the promised land, people chanted the words of Psalm 118 and waved palm branches. At the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the multitudes cried “Hosanna” and spread palm branches for Jesus to ride upon, thus demonstrating their understanding that Jesus was the same Lord who had delivered Israel anciently. These people recognized Christ as the long-awaited Messiah.
Why?
Those people recognized Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah.
Do I really believe Jesus and trust in Him? Yes, I do. But show the faith in my life!
How?
Hosanna, praise to the Lord and hold on his holy name!
Jesus sat on the colt and they threw their cloaks over it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. they went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
The Messiah enter his city!
Hosanna: In the Hebrew Bible it is used only in verses such as "help" or "save, I pray". It meaning "save, rescue, savior"
At the Feast of Tabernacles, which celebrated the Lord’s deliverance of Israel into the promised land, people chanted the words of Psalm 118 and waved palm branches. At the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the multitudes cried “Hosanna” and spread palm branches for Jesus to ride upon, thus demonstrating their understanding that Jesus was the same Lord who had delivered Israel anciently. These people recognized Christ as the long-awaited Messiah.
Why?
Those people recognized Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah.
Do I really believe Jesus and trust in Him? Yes, I do. But show the faith in my life!
How?
Hosanna, praise to the Lord and hold on his holy name!
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Do many little things with lots of love oever the long haul as I can do
Mark 10:35-52
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Go said Jesus, "Your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Blind Bartimaeus cured. This story can be seen as closing the 'frame' around this section, with the healing of another blind man at the beginning, and symbolic of the disciples' blindness / enlightenment. The story is wonderfully vivid. Only Mark tells us the name of the beggar who was so determined to ask Jesus for his sight that he threw aside his cloak and leaped to answer Jesus' call. As he afterward joined the company of Jesus' followers, Peter presumably came to know him.
Why?
To become great among men must be their servant. For we are Christian, we have to love others first and let people come closer to us. Let us be the light to other, to see the love of Jesus.
I don’t want you to be – or even aspire to be – “a great man of God”. I simply want you to do as many little things with lots of love over the long haul (長途)as you can do. I know that doesn’t sound great. It’s not great. But it’s good. I don’t need more great people, I need more good people. Okay?’
How?
I don't have to be a great man but do many little thing with love over the long haul as I can do.
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Go said Jesus, "Your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Blind Bartimaeus cured. This story can be seen as closing the 'frame' around this section, with the healing of another blind man at the beginning, and symbolic of the disciples' blindness / enlightenment. The story is wonderfully vivid. Only Mark tells us the name of the beggar who was so determined to ask Jesus for his sight that he threw aside his cloak and leaped to answer Jesus' call. As he afterward joined the company of Jesus' followers, Peter presumably came to know him.
Why?
To become great among men must be their servant. For we are Christian, we have to love others first and let people come closer to us. Let us be the light to other, to see the love of Jesus.
I don’t want you to be – or even aspire to be – “a great man of God”. I simply want you to do as many little things with lots of love over the long haul (長途)as you can do. I know that doesn’t sound great. It’s not great. But it’s good. I don’t need more great people, I need more good people. Okay?’
How?
I don't have to be a great man but do many little thing with love over the long haul as I can do.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
All things are possible with God
Mark 10:17-34
What must I do to inherit eternal life? You shall not murder you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother. And go sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.
Jesus predicts his death a third time.
The danger of wealth. This incident does not imply that all Christ's followers must become penniless. He is speaking to one man, not to all, and in this case the man's possessions kept him from becoming a disciple. Anything that takes first place in your live - the place meant for God - must go.
Jesus takes one steady look at the man and sees to the heart of his problem. Go, sell, he says and come, follow me.
Why?
To be a follower of Jesus must put Jesus in the first place in our life.
There are a few things shall not do and do to honor our parents. These are based from the commandments.
From our perspective it is impossible but all things are possible with God.
With God nothing is impossible, so do not limit the work of God and limit our work with the Lord.
God is work with us walk with us, suffer with us. I am not along.
How?
Thanks to the Lord, I am not alone when I work with God everything is possible.
What must I do to inherit eternal life? You shall not murder you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother. And go sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.
Jesus predicts his death a third time.
The danger of wealth. This incident does not imply that all Christ's followers must become penniless. He is speaking to one man, not to all, and in this case the man's possessions kept him from becoming a disciple. Anything that takes first place in your live - the place meant for God - must go.
Jesus takes one steady look at the man and sees to the heart of his problem. Go, sell, he says and come, follow me.
Why?
To be a follower of Jesus must put Jesus in the first place in our life.
There are a few things shall not do and do to honor our parents. These are based from the commandments.
From our perspective it is impossible but all things are possible with God.
With God nothing is impossible, so do not limit the work of God and limit our work with the Lord.
God is work with us walk with us, suffer with us. I am not along.
How?
Thanks to the Lord, I am not alone when I work with God everything is possible.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Let the little children come to me
Mark 10:13-16
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms,placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Why?
The disciples most likely rebuked those bringing the children to Jesus because they felt bringing children to Jesus was socially improper or because they thought the children would bother Jesus. It is likely that their move to hinder the parents from bringing their children to Jesus was motivated not by unkindness but by a desire to respect Jesus’ position as a teacher. But Jesus wanted the children to come to Him. He said, “Let the children come,” because He wanted to bless them.
It is wonderful to think of Jesus interacting with a child. Children are needy and dependent, and they know almost nothing about life. They function mostly on emotion rather than reason.
Jesus’ command to “let the little children come to me” reveals several truths: 1) Children need to be blessed by the Lord. 2) The Lord wants to bless children. 3) Parents should be encouraged to bring their children to Jesus at an early age and teach them His ways. 4) Jesus has regard for the weakest and most vulnerable among us. 5) No matter how compassionate Jesus’ followers are, Jesus Himself is more compassionate still. 6) Those who come to Christ must do so in childlike humility, faith, and simplicity.
We are the children of the Lord!
How?
Come to Christ must do so in childlike humility, faith and simplicity.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms,placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Why?
The disciples most likely rebuked those bringing the children to Jesus because they felt bringing children to Jesus was socially improper or because they thought the children would bother Jesus. It is likely that their move to hinder the parents from bringing their children to Jesus was motivated not by unkindness but by a desire to respect Jesus’ position as a teacher. But Jesus wanted the children to come to Him. He said, “Let the children come,” because He wanted to bless them.
It is wonderful to think of Jesus interacting with a child. Children are needy and dependent, and they know almost nothing about life. They function mostly on emotion rather than reason.
Jesus’ command to “let the little children come to me” reveals several truths: 1) Children need to be blessed by the Lord. 2) The Lord wants to bless children. 3) Parents should be encouraged to bring their children to Jesus at an early age and teach them His ways. 4) Jesus has regard for the weakest and most vulnerable among us. 5) No matter how compassionate Jesus’ followers are, Jesus Himself is more compassionate still. 6) Those who come to Christ must do so in childlike humility, faith, and simplicity.
We are the children of the Lord!
How?
Come to Christ must do so in childlike humility, faith and simplicity.
Monday, March 12, 2018
What God has joined together, let no one separate.
Mark 10:1-12
It was because your heart were hard that Moses wrote you this law. But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. Therefor what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. An if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.
Jesus leaves Galilee and travels south. He spends some time in Perea, on the east side of the River Jordan before making his way to Jerusalem via Jericho.
The New Testament Letters may throw light on the arrangement of this chapter. Paul, for example, similarly brings together advice for husbands and wives, children, master and slave, leaders.
Why?
It was because your heart were hard
It is a covenant among couple before the Lord, God hate divorce. Marriage is a lesson to each other.
How?
Respect the covenant of marriage before the Lord, what God has joined together, let no one separate.
It was because your heart were hard that Moses wrote you this law. But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. Therefor what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. An if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.
Jesus leaves Galilee and travels south. He spends some time in Perea, on the east side of the River Jordan before making his way to Jerusalem via Jericho.
The New Testament Letters may throw light on the arrangement of this chapter. Paul, for example, similarly brings together advice for husbands and wives, children, master and slave, leaders.
Why?
It was because your heart were hard
This passage shows that like divorce, God also hates violence in marriage. Is it divorce or violence that violates the marriage covenant? This scripture implies that both do. Certainly domestic violence and abuse are “hardness of heart” that violate marriage vows to honor and protect.
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How?
Respect the covenant of marriage before the Lord, what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
神蹟與赦罪 可2:1~12
神蹟與赦罪
可2:1~12 吳紹楨長老 蘭雅禮拜堂 3/11/2018
一、神蹟赦罪孰容易?
可2:9 或對癱子說你的罪赦了，或說起來！拿你的褥子行走；哪一樣容易呢？
一般人覺得赦罪容易，因為從外表看不出來。叫癱子行走，很難，萬一沒有起來行走，面子就掛不住了。對於神，赦罪要花很大的代價，耶穌的血。醫治反而是容易的事。
我們像癱子一樣，在遇見困難或疾病時來到主前，心中想到的是如何去解決難處或得醫治，不斷的求問總以“難處”為中心。那知，我們真正的需要不一定是外面或肉身的，乃是內裏“靈性”的需要。癱子最需要解決的是“罪”的問題，身體的醫治顯然是次要的；不然，主不會先赦免他的罪。在苦難和困境中，讓我們求主叫我們知道我們真正的需要。若神要我們學習順服，讓我們完全的順服；若神要我們脫離卑賤的事，讓我們快快的悔改；若神要我們體會“萬事”是“糞土”，讓我們就以“基督”為至寶。
各樣的神蹟在神來說都是容易的事。故此，主叫癱子行走其實是小事，易事，但從人看來，卻是“非常的事”（26節）。不錯，每當遇到難處時，甚至我們以為身陷絕境，不可能有出路時，神能施行神蹟拯救我們，我們便以此為非常的事。其實，真正非常的事乃是癱子的“罪得赦免”。神隨時能叫人得醫治，使環境改變，但叫人的罪得赦免，則需要人的“合作”。神萬不以有罪的為無罪（民一四：18），若人不認罪悔改，神便不會赦免人的罪。為着醫病，癱子排除萬難，總要到主面前。同樣，難處，逆境迫使我們俯伏在神面前。困難愈多，愈叫人靠近主；愈是長久，愈叫人破碎得徹底，那正是神要在你我身上作的“非常的事”
二、對耶穌正確認識
可2:7 這個人為什麼這樣說呢？他說僭妄的話了。除了神以外，誰能赦罪呢？
教會求神蹟和妙禪有什麼不同?
一般基督徒所求的不外乎疾病得醫治、事業順利、學業有成、轉職發財等與妙禪的信徒求的有什麼不同?
故事：妙禪
基督徒也常常有許多醫治特會，神醫治了吳長老的大腸癌，我也可以得醫治?
醫治特會
我們認為耶穌是醫治的神，都沒有醫治我和我的親人！我們常常以自己的想法來認識耶穌。
約17:3 認識你─獨一的真神，並且認識你所差來的耶穌基督，這就是永生
太24:24 因為假基督、假先知將要起來，顯大神蹟、大奇事，倘若能行，連選民也就迷了。
約一4:1 親愛的弟兄啊，一切的靈，你們不可都信，總要試驗那些靈是出於神的不是，因為世上有許多假先知已經出來了。沈明鋒長老有個很感人的見證： 有一年他帶領南京堂福音隊去小琉球。那裏有個「有求必應」的廟，那是把關許多無名屍的骨頭收集起來的廟。他們遇見一位婦人，每天都會在那裏拜。問她為什麼?原來許多年前，她的孩子，有一天在路上走路跌倒了，然後就不能講話，她帶著孩子，走遍各大名醫，卻都無法醫治，有人告訴她為什麼不去她家附近的廟拜? 她去了，廟的人告訴她那天她孩子走在路上，撞到五路神，即煞到。所以無法說話，拿了一個符回去燒了給她孩子吃，果然孩子好了，廟的人告訴她要常常來拜拜謝恩。沈長老問婦人：一個瞎子和一個走路在路上相撞，是否誰的錯?她回答當然是看的見的人的錯。沈長老說：妳的孩子看不到那個神明，為什麼神明要罰妳的孩子?這分別是貪官污吏，為什麼妳還要拜他感謝他?大鬼、小鬼常常兩面手法，一搭一唱，一個黑臉、一個白臉
三、為何耶穌先赦罪?
來10:19 弟兄們，我們既因耶穌的血得以坦然進入至聖所。
林前1:22~23 猶太人是要神蹟，希利尼人是求智慧，我們卻是傳釘十字架的基督，在猶太人為絆腳石，在外邦人為愚拙。
我們卻常常以為有喜樂平安就滿足了。卻沒有得到生命！
四、悔改赦罪得生命
太11:23 迦百農啊，你已經升到天上（或作：你將要升到天上嗎），將來必墜落陰間；因為在你那裡所行的異能，若行在所多瑪，他還可以存到今日
約3:17 因為神差他的兒子降世，不是要定世人的罪，乃是要叫世人因他得救。
約20:30~31 耶穌在門徒面前另外行了許多神蹟，沒有記在這書上。但記這些事要叫你們信耶穌是基督，是神的兒子，並且叫你們信了他，就可以因他的名得生命。
彼後1:9 人若沒有這幾樣，就是眼瞎，只看見近處的，忘了他舊日的罪已經得了潔淨。
你對「罪」的定義是什麼呢？「罪與義」是相對立的，只要是罪人就不可能是義人，只要是義人就不容許罪在他們身上。一般人認為只要我不作奸犯科，不殺人放火，就不是罪人，這罪的標準和滿足的對象，都是在「我」這個人身上，所以追求「做好事，建功德」都是做在我這個人身上，以為做出這樣的行為，我就能算是個義人。因為都是「我」做出來的，關鍵在於「我 」。
但是從這一節聖經的標準來看，成為義人的關鍵，不在於「我」做了多少，而是在乎「神」滿足了多少？不聽從神的命令，不領受神的訓誨，不倚靠耶和華，不親近神。整個關鍵和焦點，都是在「神」而不在於「我」。因此，如何能除去罪行呢？其實這就是從以「自我」為中心的人生，轉移到以「上帝」為中心的一個過程。
「罪」這個中文字，拆開來就是「四非」，哪四個非呢？就是『不聽從神的命令，不領受神的訓誨，不倚靠耶和華，不親近神
鄭麗津由出家人，信主成為基督徒！
五、我要常常認罪嗎?
馬丁路德九十五條論綱第一條：
可2:1~12 吳紹楨長老 蘭雅禮拜堂 3/11/2018
一、神蹟赦罪孰容易?
可2:9 或對癱子說你的罪赦了，或說起來！拿你的褥子行走；哪一樣容易呢？
一般人覺得赦罪容易，因為從外表看不出來。叫癱子行走，很難，萬一沒有起來行走，面子就掛不住了。對於神，赦罪要花很大的代價，耶穌的血。醫治反而是容易的事。
我們像癱子一樣，在遇見困難或疾病時來到主前，心中想到的是如何去解決難處或得醫治，不斷的求問總以“難處”為中心。那知，我們真正的需要不一定是外面或肉身的，乃是內裏“靈性”的需要。癱子最需要解決的是“罪”的問題，身體的醫治顯然是次要的；不然，主不會先赦免他的罪。在苦難和困境中，讓我們求主叫我們知道我們真正的需要。若神要我們學習順服，讓我們完全的順服；若神要我們脫離卑賤的事，讓我們快快的悔改；若神要我們體會“萬事”是“糞土”，讓我們就以“基督”為至寶。
各樣的神蹟在神來說都是容易的事。故此，主叫癱子行走其實是小事，易事，但從人看來，卻是“非常的事”（26節）。不錯，每當遇到難處時，甚至我們以為身陷絕境，不可能有出路時，神能施行神蹟拯救我們，我們便以此為非常的事。其實，真正非常的事乃是癱子的“罪得赦免”。神隨時能叫人得醫治，使環境改變，但叫人的罪得赦免，則需要人的“合作”。神萬不以有罪的為無罪（民一四：18），若人不認罪悔改，神便不會赦免人的罪。為着醫病，癱子排除萬難，總要到主面前。同樣，難處，逆境迫使我們俯伏在神面前。困難愈多，愈叫人靠近主；愈是長久，愈叫人破碎得徹底，那正是神要在你我身上作的“非常的事”
二、對耶穌正確認識
可2:7 這個人為什麼這樣說呢？他說僭妄的話了。除了神以外，誰能赦罪呢？
教會求神蹟和妙禪有什麼不同?
一般基督徒所求的不外乎疾病得醫治、事業順利、學業有成、轉職發財等與妙禪的信徒求的有什麼不同?
故事：妙禪
基督徒也常常有許多醫治特會，神醫治了吳長老的大腸癌，我也可以得醫治?
醫治特會
我們認為耶穌是醫治的神，都沒有醫治我和我的親人！我們常常以自己的想法來認識耶穌。
約17:3 認識你─獨一的真神，並且認識你所差來的耶穌基督，這就是永生
太24:24 因為假基督、假先知將要起來，顯大神蹟、大奇事，倘若能行，連選民也就迷了。
約一4:1 親愛的弟兄啊，一切的靈，你們不可都信，總要試驗那些靈是出於神的不是，因為世上有許多假先知已經出來了。沈明鋒長老有個很感人的見證： 有一年他帶領南京堂福音隊去小琉球。那裏有個「有求必應」的廟，那是把關許多無名屍的骨頭收集起來的廟。他們遇見一位婦人，每天都會在那裏拜。問她為什麼?原來許多年前，她的孩子，有一天在路上走路跌倒了，然後就不能講話，她帶著孩子，走遍各大名醫，卻都無法醫治，有人告訴她為什麼不去她家附近的廟拜? 她去了，廟的人告訴她那天她孩子走在路上，撞到五路神，即煞到。所以無法說話，拿了一個符回去燒了給她孩子吃，果然孩子好了，廟的人告訴她要常常來拜拜謝恩。沈長老問婦人：一個瞎子和一個走路在路上相撞，是否誰的錯?她回答當然是看的見的人的錯。沈長老說：妳的孩子看不到那個神明，為什麼神明要罰妳的孩子?這分別是貪官污吏，為什麼妳還要拜他感謝他?大鬼、小鬼常常兩面手法，一搭一唱，一個黑臉、一個白臉
三、為何耶穌先赦罪?
來10:19 弟兄們，我們既因耶穌的血得以坦然進入至聖所。
林前1:22~23 猶太人是要神蹟，希利尼人是求智慧，我們卻是傳釘十字架的基督，在猶太人為絆腳石，在外邦人為愚拙。
我們卻常常以為有喜樂平安就滿足了。卻沒有得到生命！
四、悔改赦罪得生命
太11:23 迦百農啊，你已經升到天上（或作：你將要升到天上嗎），將來必墜落陰間；因為在你那裡所行的異能，若行在所多瑪，他還可以存到今日
約3:17 因為神差他的兒子降世，不是要定世人的罪，乃是要叫世人因他得救。
約20:30~31 耶穌在門徒面前另外行了許多神蹟，沒有記在這書上。但記這些事要叫你們信耶穌是基督，是神的兒子，並且叫你們信了他，就可以因他的名得生命。
彼後1:9 人若沒有這幾樣，就是眼瞎，只看見近處的，忘了他舊日的罪已經得了潔淨。
你對「罪」的定義是什麼呢？「罪與義」是相對立的，只要是罪人就不可能是義人，只要是義人就不容許罪在他們身上。一般人認為只要我不作奸犯科，不殺人放火，就不是罪人，這罪的標準和滿足的對象，都是在「我」這個人身上，所以追求「做好事，建功德」都是做在我這個人身上，以為做出這樣的行為，我就能算是個義人。因為都是「我」做出來的，關鍵在於「我 」。
但是從這一節聖經的標準來看，成為義人的關鍵，不在於「我」做了多少，而是在乎「神」滿足了多少？不聽從神的命令，不領受神的訓誨，不倚靠耶和華，不親近神。整個關鍵和焦點，都是在「神」而不在於「我」。因此，如何能除去罪行呢？其實這就是從以「自我」為中心的人生，轉移到以「上帝」為中心的一個過程。
「罪」這個中文字，拆開來就是「四非」，哪四個非呢？就是『不聽從神的命令，不領受神的訓誨，不倚靠耶和華，不親近神
鄭麗津由出家人，信主成為基督徒！
五、我要常常認罪嗎?
馬丁路德九十五條論綱第一條：
當我主耶穌基督說「你們應當悔改」（馬太4：17）時，衪的意願是希望信徒們畢生致力於悔改。
詩139:23~24
神啊，求你鑒察我，知道我的心思，試煉我，知道我的意念，看在我裡面有什麼惡行沒有，引導我走永生的道路。
約一1:8 我們若說自己無罪，便是自欺，真理不在我們心裡了。
約一1:9 我們若認自己的罪，神是信實的，是公義的，必要赦免我們的罪，洗淨我們一切的不義。
雅5:16 所以你們要彼此認罪，互相代求，使你們可以得醫治。義人祈禱所發的力量是大有功效的。
一個真正的好人，是隨時承認自己是罪人，
一個虛假的惡人，是隨時証明自己是好人。 司布真(Charles
Spurgeon)
神蹟與赦罪
神蹟 赦罪
1.指路標，是媒介 1.得生命，是目的
2.滿足肉身的需要 2.滿足靈魂的需要
3.今生的恩典 3.永恆的恩典
4.透過神的話語來完成 4.透過十字架救贖來完成
5.祈求未必得著 5.凡求告主名的就必得救
6.叫人歸榮耀給神 6.成為神榮耀的見證
(見證基督) (活出基督)
你有把握嗎?
稱義：罪得赦免、重生得救、得永生!
成聖：得豐盛生命、豐豐富富進神國!
(神)必再憐憫我們，將我們的罪孽踏在腳下，又將我們的一切罪投於深海。(彌7:19)
…悔改得生命! (徒11:18)
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off.
Mark 9:30-50
Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.
Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.
Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.
Jesus again forewarns the disciples of his coming death and resurrection. Then Mark brings together a number of Jesus' saying loosely linked by theme(reward, belonging) or key word('salt', 'fire')
No one who is preoccupied with selfish ambition can become a 'great' Christian. It is better deliberately to limit personal self-fulfillment, even to go handicapped through life. than miss God's kingdom altogether.
Why?
Jesus devoted his life to all who believes in Him and save their life to heaven. What can we do to follow Jesus It is devote our desire and selfish ambition. bring our own cross to follow Jesus.
The great one is to be the servant of all.
Only be like children could enter kingdom of God. Like the pure and simple as a child.
Christian should be like a salt in the world, for we are the Christian like Jesus who can affect others away from the hell.
How?
Discard my self-fulfillment is the only way to enter kingdom of the Lord.
Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.
Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.
Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.
Jesus again forewarns the disciples of his coming death and resurrection. Then Mark brings together a number of Jesus' saying loosely linked by theme(reward, belonging) or key word('salt', 'fire')
No one who is preoccupied with selfish ambition can become a 'great' Christian. It is better deliberately to limit personal self-fulfillment, even to go handicapped through life. than miss God's kingdom altogether.
Why?
Jesus devoted his life to all who believes in Him and save their life to heaven. What can we do to follow Jesus It is devote our desire and selfish ambition. bring our own cross to follow Jesus.
The great one is to be the servant of all.
Only be like children could enter kingdom of God. Like the pure and simple as a child.
Christian should be like a salt in the world, for we are the Christian like Jesus who can affect others away from the hell.
How?
Discard my self-fulfillment is the only way to enter kingdom of the Lord.
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Help me overcome my unbelief
Mark 9:14-29
Jesus heals a boy possessed by am impure spirit.
They asked Jesus disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.
Jesus said "You unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?"
Everything is possible for one who believes. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed,"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, the spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."
The symptoms(症狀) described here, attributed to an evil spirit by Jesus' contemporaries, sound like a case of epilepsy(癲癇) (which modern medicine can treat but not cure). The disciples fail because of their lack of faith.
Yet Jesus does not turn the child away because his father's faith is limited, In line with the beliefs of the time. Jesus commands the spirit to leave the boy, and he is healed. The key to success is prayer and fasting.
Why?
Everything is possible for one who believes. It is hard to most of us, but Jesus encourage Christian and those who know Jesus but does not believe in Him. Even the believe may pray to Jesus help us overcome my unbelief.
Driver an impure spirit needs prayer and fasting. It is test our believe. It is not us has power to drive devil out but through the name of Jesus.
Is it possible to be filled with faith and doubt at the same time? Yes! You can have faith that God wants you to do something and still be scared to death. But that’s OK, because God lets you begin with the faith you already have. It may be just a little, but that’s all you need to start.
What are some areas of your life where you trust that God is at work? What are some areas of your life where you’re struggling with doubt, wondering if God is really helping you? Your knees may be shaking, but you just have to put one foot in front of the other. Keep moving forward!
How?
Pray to the Lord and keep moving forward! Eveb we have a little faith, but that's all we need to start.
Jesus heals a boy possessed by am impure spirit.
They asked Jesus disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.
Jesus said "You unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?"
Everything is possible for one who believes. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed,"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, the spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."
The symptoms(症狀) described here, attributed to an evil spirit by Jesus' contemporaries, sound like a case of epilepsy(癲癇) (which modern medicine can treat but not cure). The disciples fail because of their lack of faith.
Yet Jesus does not turn the child away because his father's faith is limited, In line with the beliefs of the time. Jesus commands the spirit to leave the boy, and he is healed. The key to success is prayer and fasting.
Why?
Everything is possible for one who believes. It is hard to most of us, but Jesus encourage Christian and those who know Jesus but does not believe in Him. Even the believe may pray to Jesus help us overcome my unbelief.
Driver an impure spirit needs prayer and fasting. It is test our believe. It is not us has power to drive devil out but through the name of Jesus.
Is it possible to be filled with faith and doubt at the same time? Yes! You can have faith that God wants you to do something and still be scared to death. But that’s OK, because God lets you begin with the faith you already have. It may be just a little, but that’s all you need to start.
What are some areas of your life where you trust that God is at work? What are some areas of your life where you’re struggling with doubt, wondering if God is really helping you? Your knees may be shaking, but you just have to put one foot in front of the other. Keep moving forward!
How?
Pray to the Lord and keep moving forward! Eveb we have a little faith, but that's all we need to start.
Friday, March 9, 2018
Jesus was transfigures and showed the plan of God *
Mark 9:1-13
Jesus was transfigures before them, Peter, James and John.
Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: This is my Son, who, I love. Listen to him!"
Jesus replied,"To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."
The apostles are sure now that Jesus is the Messiah. This special glimpse of his glory, given to the inner ring of three, must have been tremendously reassuring through all that lay ahead. Moses( Israel's great law-giver) and Elijah(the first great prophet) converse with Jesus, and the subject is his coming death. From now on Jesus will talk more and more of his suffering and death: this is the Messiah's glory. But even his closest friends do not find it palatable.
1.Talk among three
2.Peter's talk shows his unknown about Jesus
3.Voice in the cloud
1：太16 你是基督，是永生神的兒子
摩西，以利亞 重點式的談話，卻是門徒所不解，並拒絕接受
聖靈充滿不是生命，聖靈的果子才是生命。
2：彼得的論調…不知自己在說什麼
他卻不知道神的格局與計劃
他只知道是世界的格局…羅得的死結。
不要想征服世界，我們只會被世界同行化。
可16 卻也是不信？
信的人必有神蹟奇事隨著他們。
3.雲彩有聲音…這是我的愛子
先相信就看見，亞伯拉罕…，摩西…，司提反…
新的一年我是祢的僕人，我要親眼見祢！
Jesus was transfigures before them, Peter, James and John.
Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: This is my Son, who, I love. Listen to him!"
Jesus replied,"To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."
The apostles are sure now that Jesus is the Messiah. This special glimpse of his glory, given to the inner ring of three, must have been tremendously reassuring through all that lay ahead. Moses( Israel's great law-giver) and Elijah(the first great prophet) converse with Jesus, and the subject is his coming death. From now on Jesus will talk more and more of his suffering and death: this is the Messiah's glory. But even his closest friends do not find it palatable.
1.Talk among three
2.Peter's talk shows his unknown about Jesus
3.Voice in the cloud
1：太16 你是基督，是永生神的兒子
摩西，以利亞 重點式的談話，卻是門徒所不解，並拒絕接受
聖靈充滿不是生命，聖靈的果子才是生命。
2：彼得的論調…不知自己在說什麼
他卻不知道神的格局與計劃
他只知道是世界的格局…羅得的死結。
不要想征服世界，我們只會被世界同行化。
可16 卻也是不信？
信的人必有神蹟奇事隨著他們。
3.雲彩有聲音…這是我的愛子
先相信就看見，亞伯拉罕…，摩西…，司提反…
新的一年我是祢的僕人，我要親眼見祢！
Why?
We always have the mind and plan about ourselves, but we do not know the plan of the Lord.
Holy Spirit be filled is not the life, but the fruit of the Spirit is life.
When we believe first then we will see and understand it first!
Jesus let his close disciples knew who he is and what the way Jesus will suffer. But they do not understand it.
As we move further into Lent together, today's opening prayer encourages us to ask for greater integrity, to seek wholeness. We are called to change. It focuses on the gift of sight, reminding us that we often don’t ‘see’ very well; in fact sometimes we are blind to God’s action in our lives.
How?
I turn to God, I look at the one who knows and loves me, the one who judges me with integrity, I stay with him for a while, spending time as I would with a good friend.
Help me, Lord, to look at my life through your eyes and give me the grace I need to grow in love.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
The way of the cross
Mark 8:27-38
Who do people say I am? Who do you say I am? Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."
Jesus then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priest and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
Peter toke him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! he said. "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
The way of the cross is take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Here and elsewhere Mark records in full incidents which show Peter's failings, but plays down the credit side. This is understandable if the information came from Peter himself. This episode is a pivotal(關鍵的) point in the story. The focus shifts, as for the first time Jesus tells his followers that he will suffer death, and afterward rise again.
Why?
When we feel good in spirit are easy fall into the mind of world and like Peter do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.
When Jesus was said he is the Messiah, he said what he will be, it is the way of the Man of God.
Whoever walks the way of cross is take up their cross and follow Jesus.
Pivotal point is forsake ourselves and take our cross to follow Jesus, There is not my way , only Jesus's way and heart!
How?
Humble before the Lord and take the cross of mine to follow Jesus. To suffer many things in the world.
Who do people say I am? Who do you say I am? Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."
Jesus then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priest and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
Peter toke him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! he said. "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
The way of the cross is take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Here and elsewhere Mark records in full incidents which show Peter's failings, but plays down the credit side. This is understandable if the information came from Peter himself. This episode is a pivotal(關鍵的) point in the story. The focus shifts, as for the first time Jesus tells his followers that he will suffer death, and afterward rise again.
Why?
When we feel good in spirit are easy fall into the mind of world and like Peter do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.
When Jesus was said he is the Messiah, he said what he will be, it is the way of the Man of God.
Whoever walks the way of cross is take up their cross and follow Jesus.
Pivotal point is forsake ourselves and take our cross to follow Jesus, There is not my way , only Jesus's way and heart!
How?
Humble before the Lord and take the cross of mine to follow Jesus. To suffer many things in the world.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod
Mark 8:11-26
The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truely I tell you, no sign will be given to it."
Be careful, Jesus warned them,"Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.";
Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida.
The disciples lack of spiritual discernment disappoints Jesus. They are so taken up with the bread-supply, they cannot see that he is warning them against the ever present dangers of religious hypocrisy and materialism(the prime concern of the pro-Herod faction).
This story 'match' that of the deaf man; so with the coming of God's kingdom the blind see and the deaf hear, as Isaiah had predicted. But still Jesus guards against publicity.
The story can also be taken as a 'frame' to the section that follows, and which closes with the healing of another blind man.
Why?
Why does this generation ask for a sign? They do not believe the word and what Jesus done among them.
The yeast among people's heart may produce many evil things. Yeast can stand for “deceptive teaching”. Like actual yeast, the false teaching and false living of the Pharisees can impact all of life.
Herod was obviously impressed by Jesus, yet he did not believe in him or his message of the kingdom of God.
How?
So help me, Lord, to avoid the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Herod. Help me to trust you more deeply and consistently, both with the biggest things and with the small ones. Amen.
The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truely I tell you, no sign will be given to it."
Be careful, Jesus warned them,"Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.";
Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida.
The disciples lack of spiritual discernment disappoints Jesus. They are so taken up with the bread-supply, they cannot see that he is warning them against the ever present dangers of religious hypocrisy and materialism(the prime concern of the pro-Herod faction).
This story 'match' that of the deaf man; so with the coming of God's kingdom the blind see and the deaf hear, as Isaiah had predicted. But still Jesus guards against publicity.
The story can also be taken as a 'frame' to the section that follows, and which closes with the healing of another blind man.
Why?
Why does this generation ask for a sign? They do not believe the word and what Jesus done among them.
The yeast among people's heart may produce many evil things. Yeast can stand for “deceptive teaching”. Like actual yeast, the false teaching and false living of the Pharisees can impact all of life.
Herod was obviously impressed by Jesus, yet he did not believe in him or his message of the kingdom of God.
How?
So help me, Lord, to avoid the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Herod. Help me to trust you more deeply and consistently, both with the biggest things and with the small ones. Amen.
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