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8. Manna issue 98 - Persistence and Patience in Preaching to Family 恆心忍耐向家人傳道
Raymond Leacock—London, UK 英國倫敦
Many of us are familiar with the family of Timothy
and the households of Lydia and the Philippian jailer
(2 Tim 1:5; Acts 16:15, 34).
One common factor in these accounts is
that they all came to believe with their respective families.
Likewise, we hear many testimonies of brothers and sisters coming to Christ
because one family member took the initial step of faith,
eventually leading the entire household to the path of salvation.
In some cases, the first believer is not the family head or in a position of authority;
it may be a son or daughter,
who, despite great difficulty, preached to the rest of the family.
我們許多人很熟悉提摩太一家，
以及呂底亞及腓立比獄卒的家庭
（提後 1：5；徒 16：15，34）。
這些記載有一個共同點是，
他們都帶著各自的家人信主了。
同樣，我們也聽到許多弟兄姐妹歸向基督的見證，
因為家中有一位成員踏出了信仰的第一步，
最終帶領全家走上了救恩的道路。
在某些情況下，第一位信徒並非一家之主或家裡做主的人；
他可能是兒子或女兒，
他們儘管困難重重，仍向全家傳福音。
Preaching to one's family is never easy.
The Lord Jesus Christ testifies:
向個人家庭傳道從來都不容易。
主耶穌基督作見證：
"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.
I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
For I have come to 'set a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law';
and a 'man's enemies will be those of his own household.'
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.
And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
And he who does not take his cross
and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
He who finds his life will lose it,
and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
(Mt 10:34–39)
“34你們不要想我來是叫地上太平；
我來並不是叫地上太平，乃是叫地上動刀兵。
35因為我來是叫人與父親生疏，
女兒與母親生疏，
媳婦與婆婆生疏。
36人的仇敵就是自己家裡的人。
37愛父母過於愛我的，不配作我的門徒；
愛兒女過於愛我的，不配作我的門徒；
38不背著他的十字架跟從我的，
也不配作我的門徒。
39得著生命的，將要失喪生命；
為我失喪生命的，將要得著生命。”
（太 10：34-39）
The Lord Jesus emphasizes that He brings not peace but a sword
—one that has the potential to cut and cause division,
even within families.
Division and conflict are indeed recurrent themes
in testimonies of bringing family members to Christ;
some of us may even be experiencing them now.
When a family is not united
in pursuing worthiness in the eyes of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and there remains a need to defend the faith within the family,
divisions will persist.
My experience was no different.
主耶穌強調，祂不是帶來和平，而是刀兵，
—是一把可能造成分裂的劍，
甚至於家庭內部。
分裂和衝突真的是反覆出現的重點，
在帶領家人歸向基督的見證中；
我們中有一些人可能現今正經歷那些事。
當一個家庭沒有合一，
在追求主耶穌基督眼中配得
並仍有需要於家中來捍衛信仰時，
分裂就會續存。
我的體驗也不例外。
THE SWORD OF CONFLICTING PREFERENCES 偏好衝突之劍
My parents moved to the UK from the Caribbean in the 1960s,
and held to the principles of the Anglican Church,
which are rooted in the beliefs of the Church of England.
Although the sword of the Spirit
—the word of God
(Eph 6:17)
—was present in my upbringing, the truth of salvation was not.
When I started attending a Pentecostal church at the age of ten in 1983,
my father objected.
He questioned why my footsteps had turned away from the church he knew,
and his objections intensified
when I started attending the True Jesus Church in 1987.
In that first month, my Dad would go on the offensive,
questioning me every Sabbath:
"Where are you going?
Why are you going to that church?"
我的父母於 1960 年代，從加勒比海地區移居英國，
他們信奉聖公會的原則，
其根植於英國國教的信仰。
雖然聖靈的寶劍，
—神的話語
（弗 6：17）
—陪伴著我的成長，但救贖的真理並非如此。
1983 年十歲時，我開始參加五旬節教會，
我父親卻反對。
他質問我為何會背離他所熟悉的教會，
而他反對的更強烈，
當我 1987 年開始參加真耶穌教會。
在那第一個月，我父親會一直攻擊，
每個安息日都質疑我：
“你要去哪裡呢？
為什麼你要去那間教會？ ”
Regrettably, I found myself responding confrontationally,
which only deepened his prejudices against the True Jesus Church.
Our conversations and conflicting preferences
became like the clashing of swords.
I also fought an inner battle
as I struggled to balance my faith with my relationship with my parents.
I wrestled with the question:
how do I honor my parents while defying their will?
I wondered how I could remain on peaceful terms with them
when we disagreed about faith,
and how long this conflict would last.
遺憾的是，我發現自己以對抗回應，
這反而加深了他對真耶穌教會的偏見。
我們的對話及好鬥，
變得如同刀劍交鋒。
我內心也在掙扎，
正當我努力平衡自已信仰與父母的關係。
我糾結於這樣的問題：
我該如何尊重父母，而同時違逆他們的心意呢？
我思考著，我該如何與他們保持友好的關係
當我們有信仰分歧時，
以及這場衝突會持續多久。
TO FULLY EMBRACE THE WORD OF GOD, WORD OF TRUTH 完全擁抱神的話語，真理之道
Attending the True Jesus Church,
I found that the more I listened to and studied God's word
in services and religious education,
the stronger my connection with God became.
I felt more worthy of Him.
I learned to embrace the word of God
and abandon the incorrect beliefs I previously held.
Yet, this was not enough.
By the grace of God, I received His Holy Spirit before I was baptized,
and I could truly see the goodness of God upon me.
Receiving the Holy Spirit was a significant milestone,
connecting me to the one true God for my salvation.
However, I still faced another battle:
gaining my parents' permission to receive water baptism.
加入真耶穌教會，
我發現，我越是聆聽學習神的話語，
在聚會及宗教教育時，
我與神的連結就越緊密。
我感到自己更與祂相稱。
我學會擁抱神的話語，
並放棄自已以前持有的錯誤觀念。
然而，這還不夠。
蒙神的恩典，在我受洗前就得到了聖靈，
我可真切感受到神給我的美善。
得聖靈是個重要的里程碑，
它使我與獨一真神相連而獲得救贖。
然而，我仍然面臨另一個戰鬥：
就是要獲得父母的同意才可以受洗。
Baptism was another source of conflict between us.
My parents' Anglican beliefs of christening and confirmation
contradicted the teachings of the Holy Scriptures,
so it took me three attempts to gain consent from my father.
But not only did he accept, he also attended my baptism.
洗禮是我們之間另一個衝突的根源。
我父母英國國教的洗禮和堅信禮
與聖經的教導相矛盾，
所以我試了三次才得以說服父親。
但他不但同意了，還參加了我的洗禮。
OPPORTUNITIES TO TESTIFY OF THE ONE FAITH
見證獨一信仰的機會
Discovering the truth of salvation within the True Jesus Church
and receiving God's Spirit and baptism were great blessings.
However, there remained a deep desire for my family
to also receive salvation through the True Jesus Church.
I was determined to seize the moment
to prevent them from missing out on this blessing.
發現真耶穌教會有救恩的真理，
並領受神的聖靈和洗禮，都是極大的祝福。
然而，我對自已家人仍有深切的渴望，
使他們也能透過真耶穌教會得到救恩。
我決心把握機會，
不讓他們錯過這份福氣。
When I mustered the courage to invite my father to church services,
he would reply,
"See how I go."
This meant his attendance would depend on what his other options were on the Sabbath.
Nevertheless, I would go ahead and wait in the chapel,
hoping he would turn up.
Over time, I came to realize
that even if my father did attend, he would face two obstacles:
the sword of truth and the wall of prejudice he had built concerning the church.
Because of the demographics of the local membership,
my father thought the True Jesus Church was only for the Chinese,
unaware that the gospel had already reached
people of many nations and backgrounds across the world.
當我鼓起勇氣邀請父親去聚會時，
他總會回答：
“到時候再看看。”
這代表他會不會去，取決於安息日他是否還有其他安排。
儘管如此，我還是會先去教等候，
希望他會來。
時間久了，我逐漸意識到，
即使父親真的來了，他還會面對兩大障礙：
真理之劍及關於教會他們形成的偏見之牆。
由於當地教會信徒的人數，
父親認為真耶穌教會只適合給華人，
卻不知道福音早已傳出去，
遍及全球給許多國家及不同背景的人。
Only God Himself could touch my father's heart,
opening his eyes to see and learn new things.
His willingness to attend church gradually grew, step by step.
These are a few significant stages in my father's journey to baptism.
只有神才能感動我父親的內心，
開啟他的雙眼，讓他看見並學習新事物。
他想去教堂的意願逐漸增強，依序進行。
我父親受洗的歷程有幾個重要階段。
Preparing and Planting 準備和裁種
During my teenage years, my father would regularly cut my hair on Sundays,
saving me a trip to the barbershop.
These haircuts were the perfect opportunity for me
to share with him the teachings of the True Jesus Church and its Articles of Faith.
Sometimes, our conversations seemed to leave him with a clearer understanding of the church.
However, he would conclude the conversation with a quip:
"You should not look down on another church."
Our discussions became a battleground,
but they also served as a training ground.
I learned persistence and determination in guiding my father to pursue the same goal:
to love the Lord Jesus Christ,
to become worthy of Him, and to find life through Him.
在我青少年的時候，父親會定期在星期天給我理髮，
省去了我去理髮店的行程。
這幾次理髮就是我的再好機會，
可以向祂分享真耶穌教會的教導和信條。
有時，我們談話似乎可以讓他對教會有更清晰的認識。
然而，他總會以一句玩笑來結束對話：
“你不該輕視其他教會。”
我們的討論就像戰場，
但那些過程也成為一場訓練。
我學會了耐心與決心在來引導我父親去追求相同的目標：
可以愛上主耶穌基督，
成為配得上祂的人，並經由祂來找到生命。
Continual Care 持續關懷
In 2005, aged thirty-two,
I left London for Leicester and prepared for full-time ministry.
Throughout these years, I continued writing letters
—including Bible verses
—to my parents, to help them grasp why we should believe in the doctrines.
My father asked why I kept sending him these letters.
I replied that I did not want him to forget the contents,
because the message was crucial for him to understand and believe for his salvation.
2005 年時，我 32 歲，
我離開倫敦去萊斯特，準備全職事奉。
經由這幾年，我一直寫信，
—信中附有經節，
—給我雙親，來幫助他們理解為何我們該相信這些教義。
父親詢問，我為何一直給他寫這些信。
我回答說，我不想他會忘記信的內容，
因為這些信息對他很重要，可以理解和相信而因此得救。
Taking Root 紮根
During this time, my father began attending True Jesus Church services more regularly.
Slowly, he came to recognize and tear down the walls of prejudice he had
harbored against the church.
He realized that there was nothing unusual about the brethren
—that their motives were pure.
More importantly, he came to understand
that the True Jesus Church teaches the truth of salvation
and has the presence and love of God.
在此期間，我父親開始更頻繁的參加真耶穌教會聚會。
漸漸地，他開始認識並折除他自有的偏見。
他意識到，教會的弟兄姐妹並沒有什麼不一樣，
—他們的動機都很純潔。
更重要的是，他開始明白，
真耶穌教會教導救贖的真理，
並且有神的同在和慈愛。
Flourishing Faith 興盛信仰
While I was away undergoing theological training,
my father's understanding and appreciation of the truth and love in the church grew.
He even understood the need for water baptism.
He was baptized in 2012, at the age of seventy-three.
Although I was not present at his baptism,
I was thankful to God in my heart.
My father had learned to pursue this spiritual path with faith,
willingly letting go of the teachings of the Anglican Church.
在我外出接受神學訓練期間，
我父親對教會真理與愛的理解和欣賞與日俱增。
他甚至明白有必要受浸洗禮。
他於 2012 年受洗，當時他 73 歲。
雖然我沒能親臨他的洗禮現場，
但我心中很感謝神。
我的父親已學會要以信心追求這條屬靈的道路，
甘願放棄英國國教的教導。
LESSONS ON PREACHING TO FAMILY 家人傳道的課程
"But when he sees his children,
The work of My hands, in his midst,
They will hallow My name,
And hallow the Holy One of Jacob,
And fear the God of Israel.
These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding,
And those who complained will learn doctrine."
(Isa 29:23–24)
“23但他看見他的眾子，
就是我手的工作在他那裡，
他們必尊我的名為聖，
必尊雅各的聖者為聖，
必敬畏以色列的神。
24心中迷糊的必得明白；
發怨言的必受訓誨。”
（賽 29：23-24）
There are several lessons to learn when preaching to family members.
First and foremost, we must learn to submit to God's truth ourselves.
We speak the truth in love,
but it may take longer than anticipated for the other person
to be receptive to the doctrines of God.
When the apostle Paul preached to Lydia,
it was God who opened her heart
(Acts 16:14).
That was the turning point for Lydia and her family.
向家人傳道時，有幾個教導可以學習。
首先，也是最重要的，我們必須學會自己順服神的真理。
我們用愛心說誠實話，
但就對方而言，就可能需要比預期更長的時間，
去接受神的教導。
使徒保羅向呂底亞傳道時，
是神開啟了她的心
（徒 16：14）。
那就是呂底亞和她一家人的轉捩點。
And He said to them,
"Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some."
So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in
because of the multitude of fish.
(Jn 21:6)
6耶穌說：
“你們把網撒在船的右邊，就必得著。”
他們便撒下網去，竟拉不上來了，
因為魚甚多。
（約 21：6）
The second lesson is
that every member of the church has a role to play in bringing souls to salvation.
The Lord Jesus Christ instructed His disciples
on where to cast their nets and how to position them.
However, the disciples had to be ready to haul in the teeming net.
They each played a role in bringing the fish onto the boat.
Likewise, as fishers of men, we can all help to save a soul.
There were times when I did not preach the gospel of salvation to my father in person.
Yet, my father experienced the love and concern of the resident preachers and brethren.
Their willingness to care for my father
certainly strengthened his commitment to this true path of salvation.
第二個教導是：
教會的每一位信徒都有扮演著一個角色可引人靈魂得救。
主耶穌基督教導祂的門徒：
他們可在哪裡撒網，要如何放置他們的魚網。
然而，眾門徒必須準備好把滿滿收穫的魚網拉上來。
他們各人都參與其中，共同把魚拉上船。
同樣的情況，得人如魚的漁夫，我們大家都能幫忙來拯救靈魂。
有時候，我並沒有親自向父親傳講得救的福音。
然而，我父親卻感受到駐牧教會傳道與弟兄姐妹的愛心與關懷。
他們樂意關懷我父親，
一定加強了他投入這條救恩真道的決心。
"Also the sons of the foreigner Who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him,
And to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants
—Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath,
And holds fast My covenant
—Even them I will bring to My holy mountain,
And make them joyful in My house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
Will be accepted on My altar;
For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
(Isa 56:6–7)
“6還有那些與耶和華聯合的外邦人，要事奉他，
要愛耶和華的名，要作他的僕人
─就是凡守安息日不干犯，
又持守他（原文是我）約的人。
7我必領他們到我的聖山，
使他們在禱告我的殿中喜樂。
他們的燔祭和平安祭，
在我壇上必蒙悅納，
因我的殿必稱為萬民禱告的殿。 ”
（賽 56：6-7）
Those who willingly come to God, though they were once foreigners to Him,
will experience Him guiding them to His holy mountain
—His true church.
Their walls of prejudice or preconception will gradually break down.
As they witness God's abundant providence for His church, through the members,
they will experience the joy and satisfaction of being part of this church.
Those guiding their family members toward salvation can have faith
that this process will gradually open the hearts of their loved ones
to accept God's will and let go of what is unacceptable to God.
那些樂意歸向神的人，即使他們曾經對神而言一度是外邦人，
也能經歷神引領他們來到祂的聖山
－祂的真教會。
他的偏見或成見之牆將逐漸崩解。
當他們見證神給教會的豐盛眷時，透過教會信徒，
他們將體驗到成為教會一員的喜樂和滿足。
那些帶領家人得到救恩的人就能充滿信心，
相信這個過程會逐漸打開他們所愛之人的內心，
使他們接受神的旨意，放下神所不容的事物。
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you,
you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit;
so you will be My disciples."
(Jn 15:7–8)
“7你們若常在我裡面，我的話也常在你們裡面，
凡你們所願意的，祈求，就給你們成就。
8你們多結果子，我父就因此得榮耀，
你們也就是我的門徒了。”
（約 15：7-8）
The third lesson for us,
when we are facing the sword within our household,
is to return to the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In conflict, we tend to rely on our own arguments.
However, this may lead to greater divisions,
and we struggle to limit the repercussions of our words.
When we return to the words of the Lord Jesus Christ,
He sees our desire to continue abiding in Him.
The values of the Lord Jesus strengthen us from within.
Abiding in His words reminds us to bear fruit
according to the truth He has testified to us.
It teaches us to bear fruit with patience,
especially when we want immediate results.
這第三課，
當我們家中要面對爭鬥時，
就是要回到主耶穌基督的話語。
在衝突時，我們往往依賴自己的論點。
然而，這可能會導致更大的分裂，
而且我們很難控制自己言語反彈的影響。
當我們回到主耶穌基督的話語時，
祂會看到我們的盼望繼續與祂同在。
主耶穌的價值觀會從內心堅固我們。
住在祂話語中會提醒我們結出果實，
照著祂已向我們見證的真理。
這會教導我們以耐心結出果實，
尤其是當我們想要立刻有結果時。
Blessed are those who keep justice,
And he who does righteousness at all times!
(Ps 106:3)
3凡遵守公平﹔
常行公義的，這人便為有福！
（詩 106：3）
Finally, we may initially feel uncomfortable preaching to family members,
often because we have not seriously thought
about what it means to bear fruit for the Lord Jesus Christ.
However, through consistent prayer, worship, and service to God,
we can cultivate the right mindset,
enabling us to discern what is right in the Lord's eyes.
The apostle Paul learned to do this during his time in Corinth.
He had to discern who was chosen and not chosen by God.
Over one and a half years,
he witnessed the blessed choice of the Lord
(Acts 18:9–11).
In the same way, we too must learn to be aligned with the Lord's thoughts
and witness them come to pass.
When we do, our fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ will remain true.
We will then be able to preach with conviction,
waiting patiently on God's perfect timing for our loved ones to come to Him.
Amen!
最後，我們一開始可能覺得向家人傳福音有些不自在，
這往往是因為我們沒有認真想過，
為主耶穌基督結出果子到底有什麼意義。
然而，透過不斷的禱告，聚會及服事神，
我們可以培養出正確的心態，
使我們能分辨主眼中什麼才是對的。
使徒保羅在哥林多教會時學會了這一點。
他必須分辨誰是神所揀選的，誰不是神指派的。
超過一年半的時間，
他見證了主的蒙福選擇
（徒 18：9-11）。
同樣的情況，我們也必須學習配合與主的旨意，
並見證它們進行。
當我們這樣做時，自已與主耶穌基督的關系就會保持真實。
那時，我們就能堅定信心傳福音，
耐心等候神為我們所愛的人預備的完美時機，使他們歸向祂。
阿們！
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯

7. Manna issue 98 - God’s Word and I (Part 2) 神話語與我(第二回)
Boaz—Malaysia 馬來西亞
Editor's note:
In God's Word and I (Part 1), Manna 97,
we explored the close relationship between God's word and the human spirit,
and how we should regularly examine our spiritual health according to biblical benchmarks.
We can only recognize our spiritual infirmities and be healed through God's word.
In the concluding article of this series,
we take a closer look at how we should respond to God's word
and engage with its transforming power.
編輯評語：
在神話語與我（第一回) Manna 97 期中，
我們探討了神話語與人靈命之間的親密關係，
以及我們應如何依聖經的標準，定期檢視自己屬靈的健康狀況。
我們只能依神話語來認清自己的屬靈軟弱且得醫治。
在此系列的最終文章中，
我們將更深入探討自已應該如何回應神的話語，
並運用其改變生命的力量。
THE CONSEQUENCES OF RESISTING GOD'S WORD 違背神話語的後果
The Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, wrote:
"Heaven's net is vast and expansive;
though it is wide, nothing can escape it."
It encapsulates his observation of cosmic justice
—evildoers may evade punishment for a time,
but their crimes will eventually catch up with them.
中國哲學家老子寫道：
“天網恢恢，疏而不漏”。
這概括了他對宇宙正義的觀察：
—作惡者或可暫時逃脫懲罰，
但他們的罪行終將追上他們。
As Christians, we understand
that our evil deeds will not only have consequences in this life, but also beyond.
So, it is important for us to know, from God's perspective,
what is evil and how to avoid committing it.
作為基督徒，我們明白，
我們的惡行不僅會有今生的後果，來世也會受影響。
因此，很重要的是，我們要知道，從神的角度來看，
何為惡，以及如何避免作惡。
"This evil people, who refuse to hear My words,
who follow the dictates of their hearts,
and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them,
shall be just like this sash which is profitable for nothing."
(Jer 13:10)
“10這惡民不肯聽我的話，
按自己頑梗的心而行，
隨從別神，事奉敬拜，
他們也必像這腰帶變為無用。”
（耶 13：10）
Those who commit evil are the ones who refuse to hear God's word;
they do not know God
(1 Sam 2:12).
They are ignorant of His laws and do not obey His commandments.
Not only that, but anyone who stumbles in one point of God's law is guilty of all
(Jas 2:10).
那些作惡之人就是那些拒絕聽從神話語的人；
他們不認識神
（撒上 2：12）
他們不懂神的律法，也不遵行祂的誡。
不僅如此，若有人凡有一點神律法跌倒，就是犯了眾罪
（雅 2：10）
In society, one who violates the law may avoid prosecution for their crime.
But who can escape God's judgment
(Jer 19:15)?
We cannot flee from God's Spirit or His presence
(Ps 139:7).
Even though God is gracious,
we should not take His grace for granted:
在社會上，違法者或許避免他們的法律訴訟。
但誰能逃脫神的審判呢？
（耶 19：15）
我們無法逃離神的靈，或祂的同在。
（詩 139：7）
即便神滿有恩慈，
我們也不該將祂的恩典視為理所當然：
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering,
not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart
you are treasuring up for yourself wrath
in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God.
(Rom 2:4–5)
4還是你藐視他豐富的恩慈、寬容、忍耐，
不曉得他的恩慈是領你悔改呢？
5你竟任著你剛硬不悔改的心，
為自己積蓄忿怒，
以致神震怒，顯他公義審判的日子來到。
（羅 2：4-5）
God's judgment may not be immediate, which gives the disobedient time to change.
But His forbearance is meant to be an opportunity for repentance,
not an invitation to continue in sin.
God sees all that man does, and He will judge.
神的審判或許不會立即執行，這給了悖逆者改變的機會。
但祂的寬容是為了給人悔改的機會，
而不是讓人繼續犯罪的邀請。
神鑑察人一切的行為，祂必審判。
God has two ways of dealing with those who do not obey His word:
神有兩種方式來對待那些不順從祂話語的人：
1. Correction (Heb 12:6–7)
1. 管教（來 12：6-7）
The Lord may allow us to suffer as a form of discipline,
prompting reflection and awakening so that we can turn from sin towards Him.
The example of a father correcting his child illustrates God's loving intention
—while no chastisement is joyful,
it brings great benefits afterwards.
主或許會允許我們受苦，以作為一種管教，
促使我們反省和醒悟，從而使我們離棄罪惡，歸向祂。
父親管教孩子的例子，描述了神慈愛的心意：
—雖然懲罰都不令人愉悅，
它以後會帶來極大的益處。
2. Giving Them Over To Their Sinful Desires
(Rom 1:24)
2. 任憑他們放縱自己的罪慾
（羅 1：24）
It may seem good to be unrestrained and free from consequences;
however, Psalm 73 offers another perspective.
The wicked may appear to prosper, but God has set them in slippery places
(Ps 73:3–5, 18–19).
A smooth life does not offer opportunities to reflect on or recognize our faults,
while misfortune prompts contemplation and change.
The example of the prodigal son
coming to his senses after a period of suffering best demonstrates this.
If his life had been smooth sailing,
would he have returned home to his father?
Hence, some prisoners serving time reform their ways and are rehabilitated while in prison.
無拘無束，沒有後果看起來很好；
然而，詩篇 73 篇卻提出了另一種觀點。
惡人看似興盛，但神已將他們置於險境。
（詩 73：3-5，18-19）
生活風遂並不會讓人有機會反省或認清自己的過錯，
而不幸卻促使我們默想及做出改變。
浪子的比喻，
在一段苦難的經歷後，讓他幡然醒悟，便是最佳的展示。
如果他的人生一直萬事順遂，
他還會回到自已父親的身邊嗎？
因此，有些犯人在獄中改過自新，重獲新生。
In the Exodus account, God gave Pharaoh over to his sin and hardened his heart
(Ex 11:9–10).
Pharaoh stubbornly refused to heed Moses' warnings,
from the first plague to the last, stirring God's wrath.
The tenth plague brought the death of the Egyptian firstborn.
出埃及記記載，神任憑法老沉淪罪中，使祂內心剛硬
（出 11：9-10）。
法老頑固拒絕聽從摩西的警告，
從第一災到最後一災，激起了神的憤怒。
第十災給使埃及的長子帶來死亡。
Like Pharaoh, if a person continually refuses to heed or obey God's voice,
the disobedience will eventually bring judgment and the loss of eternal life
(Mt 7:21).
就像法老一樣，如果一個人一直拒絕注意或順服神的聲音，
這悖逆最終會招致審判及失去永生。
（太 7：21）
GOD HELPS US TO KEEP HIS WORD 神幫助我們保守祂的話語。
The widow of Zarephath was on the brink of despair
as she prepared a final meal for her son and herself
(1 Kgs 17:10–16).
Understandably, she had reservations when Elijah requested food.
But with the prophet's reassurances and the Lord's promise,
she obeyed Elijah's instructions.
Whether or not she shared with the prophet,
she would still face starvation
—with little to lose, she gave it a try.
And because she heeded God's command to support Elijah,
not only did God sustain them with flour and oil,
but God also later resurrected her son. A
撒勒法的寡婦瀕臨絕望，
因為她為自已與兒子準備最後一餐。
（王上 17：10-16）
可以理解的是，當以利亞求食物時，她有所顧慮。
但有了先知的安慰和主的應許，
她還是聽從以利亞的指示。
無論她是否與先知分享，
她仍會面臨飢餓。
—既然沒什麼好失去的，她就試試看。
因為她聽從神的命令，幫助以利亞，
神不僅預備麵粉和油給他們，
神後來還使她的兒子復活了。A
From this perspective, obeying God's word is a wise decision.
It has a low barrier to entry
—in the case of the widow,
she fed Elijah having already heard God's promise of providence,
unlike Abraham offering Isaac without advance knowledge of God's plan.
Since we know God's promises,
we can "give it a try," according to our faith,
and the Lord's abundant grace is guaranteed.
God never goes back on His promises.
從這個角度來看，順服神話語是個明智的決定。
它的門檻很低
—以那位寡婦情況來看，
她供養以利亞，就已經聽從了神必預備的應許，
不像亞伯拉罕獻以撒時，對神的計劃一無所知。
既然我們知道神的應許，
我們就可憑著自已的信心，“嘗試一下”，
主豐盛的恩典是有保障的。
神對祂的應許從不食言。
We see that God blesses those who are determined to obey His word,
even if they struggle with motivation or complete faith.
But He goes beyond rewards and punishments to help us keep His word.
He also transforms our hearts to enable us to obey:
我們看到，神祝福那些決心遵守祂話語的人，
即使他們缺乏動力或信心不夠。
但祂行事不憑得失獎懲，幫助我們持守祂的話語。
祂也改變我們的內心，使我們能順服：
"I will give you a new heart
and put a new spirit within you;
I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh
and give you a heart of flesh.
I will put My Spirit within you,
and cause you to walk in My statues,
and you will keep My judgments and do them."
(Ezek 36:26–27)
“26我也要賜給你們一個新心，
將新靈放在你們裡面，
又從你們的肉體中除掉石心，
賜給你們肉心。
27我必將我的靈放在你們裡面，
使你們順從我的律例，
謹守遵行我的典章。”
（結 36：26-27）
Through the Holy Spirit, God changes hardened hearts of stone
—stubborn and rebellious
—into hearts of flesh.
Hearts of stone will not obey or be moved by God's word.
In contrast, a heart of flesh is of blood and emotions.
Such a heart can be touched and transformed by the word of God;
it is sensitive to rebuke
(Acts 2:37).
God's word produces a heart of repentance from sin.
Not only is such remorse accepted by God
(Ps 51:17),
but it can revive the soul.
For the Corinthians who were rebuked by Paul's stern letter,
godly sorrow led to repentance,
according to God's will, and their faith prospered
(2 Cor 7:9–11).
藉著聖靈，神改變了剛硬如石的心，
—頑固又背逆，
—成為肉心。
石心不會順服神的話語，也不會被神的話語感動。
相反，肉心充滿血肉與情慾。
這樣的心能被神的話語感動和改變；
對責備很敏感。
（徒 2：37）
神的話語能使人心悔改，離棄罪惡。
這樣的悔改不只蒙神悅納，
（詩 51：17），
還能使靈魂復甦。
哥林多教會的信徒因為保羅嚴厲的書信而受責備，
他們敬虔憂傷而悔改，
照著神的旨意，他們的信心興旺。
（林後 7：9-11）
MAINTAIN AN OBEDIENT AND SOFT HEART TOWARD GOD'S WORD
面對神話語保守順服溫柔的心
"But this is the covenant
that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My law in their minds,
and write it on their hearts;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people."
(Jer 31:33)
33耶和華說：那些日子以後，
我與以色列家所立的約乃是這樣：
我要將我的律法放在他們裡面，
寫在他們心上。
我要作他們的神，
他們要作我的子民。
（耶 31：33）
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by the finger of God.
The stone tablets represent the heart of Israel.
Despite Moses' admonition,
the people's hearts remained hardened as they repeatedly rejected God's commandments.
The tablets of the law were stored in the ark,
where no ordinary person could approach,
symbolizing that the people's hearts could not accept and contain the law of God.
十誡是神手寫在兩片石板上。
這兩片石板象徵著以色列人的心。
儘管有摩西的勸誡，
但百姓的內心依然剛硬，就如他們屢次拒絕神的誡命。
律法的石板存放在約櫃中，
凡人不得靠近，
這象徵著百姓的心靈無法接受和容納神的律法。
Sow for yourselves righteousness;
Reap in mercy;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the Lord,
Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
(Hos 10:12)
12你們要為自己栽種公義，
就能收割慈愛。
現今正是尋求耶和華的時候；你們要開墾荒地，
等他臨到，使公義如雨降在你們身上。
（何 10：12）
In ancient agriculture, hardened soil was tilled and watered before seeds were sown.
This preparation was essential for the seed to sprout and take root.
The parable of the sower uses the analogy of different soils
to represent how different hearts receive the seed of God's word
(Mt 13:1–9).
Whether these seeds yield a good crop depends on the condition of the heart.
古代農作時，播種前堅硬的土壤要先犁田和灌溉。
這種準備工作對於種子發芽生根很重要。
撒種的比喻用不同土壤的類比，
來代表不同人的內心如何接受神話語的種子
（太 13：1-9）。
這些種子能否結出豐盛的收成，取決於人心的狀態。
In the days of revival, God will give His people a new spirit and a new heart,
capable of keeping His law from within
(Ezek 36:26–27; Rom 8:4).
Paul describes such a heart as soft tablets of flesh,
in contrast to tablets of stone,
on which God's word can be written by the Holy Spirit
(2 Cor 3:3).
在復甦的日子裡，神將賜給祂的子民新的靈和新的心，
使他們內心能夠遵守祂的律法。
（結 36：26-27；羅 8：4）
保羅將這種心田比喻為柔軟的心版，
與石版形成對比，
聖靈可以將神話語寫在心版上。
（林後 3：3）
So, how do we ensure that our hearts remain soft,
like the fertile good ground?
It depends on the listener's heart and attitude.
那麼，我們該如何確保自己的內心保持柔軟，
像肥沃的好土壤呢？
這取決於聆聽者的內心和態度。
A Humble Heart 一顆謙卑的心
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness,
and receive with meekness the implanted word,
which is able to save your souls.
(Jas 1:21)
21所以，你們要脫去一切的污穢和盈餘的邪惡，
存溫柔的心領受那所栽種的道，
就是能救你們靈魂的道。
（雅 1：21）
Elder James reminds us
that we need to receive and accept the word of God,
which leads to salvation.
We can only do so if we first humble and sanctify ourselves before God.
Without humility, we become desensitized to how God's word teaches and guides us.
Humbly accepting God's word means putting it into practice,
rather than using our accomplishments and good deeds to justify our imperfections and shortcomings.
Humility enables us to understand what more we can learn from God's word to implement in our lives.
As we worship the Lord through listening to sermons and Bible reading,
our hearts will be attuned to the things we must change.
This process of edification
will further motivate us to hear, read, and meditate on the word of God.
雅各長老提醒我們：
我們需要領受接納神的話語，
這會引領我們得救。
我們才能這麼做到，如果在神面前先謙卑自己、潔淨自己。
若沒有謙卑，我們就會變得麻木，可用神的話語如何教導和引導我們。
謙卑接受神話語就代表去付諸實踐，
而不是用自已的成就及善行，來合理化自已的不完美和缺點。
謙卑使我們能夠明白，我們還能更多從神話語學到什麼，並應用於自已的生活。
當我們透過聆聽講道和讀經來敬拜主時，
我們內心就會調整注意到自已需要改變的地方。
這種靈命得造就的過程，
會進一步感動我們去聆聽，閱讀和默想神的話語。
Live According to the Spirit 依聖靈而活
For those who live according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the Spirit,
the things of the Spirit.
(Rom 8:5)
5因為隨從肉體的人體貼肉體的事，
隨從聖靈的人體貼聖靈的事。
（羅 8：5）
In his epistle to the Romans,
Paul explains that to become inclined towards the things of the Spirit,
one cannot be carnally minded
or live a life focused on indulging fleshly desires.
Paul reminds all believers
that a healthy life, for both body and spirit,
is aligned with the things of the Spirit.
In other words, such a life submits to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit stirs up the heart and ears of man.
And a humble man who submits to the Holy Spirit
will hear, understand, and live out the word of God.
在他給羅馬教會的書信中，
保羅解釋說，要改變可以傾向順服聖靈的事，
人就不能心屬肉體，
或過著一種生活專注於放縱肉體情慾。
保羅提醒所有的信徒，
對身心健康的一種生活，
是可以與聖靈心意的事相合。
換句話說，這種生活會順服聖靈的引導。
聖靈會感動人的內心和耳朵。
一個謙卑順服聖靈的人，
將會聆聽，明白並活出神的話語。
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness 飢渴慕義
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled."
(Mt 5:6)
“6飢渴慕義的人有福了！
因為他們必得飽足。”
（太 5：6）
While on earth, Jesus endured extended periods of hunger and thirst,
including a forty-day-and-night fast.
When tempted by Satan to make bread from stones,
Jesus kept His physical urges in check.
His heart and desire were unshakeably rooted in the word of God.
Jesus is not a God who does not understand our weaknesses;
He has experienced and overcome all temptations common to man
(Heb 4:15–16).
耶穌在世時，曾忍受長時間的飢渴，
包括四十晝夜的禁食。
當撒但誘惑他用石頭做餅時，
耶穌節制了自己的肉慾衝動。
祂的內心和渴望堅定不移紮根於神的話語。
耶穌並非是一個不了解我們軟弱的神；
他體驗過，並戰勝人很平常的一切試探。
（來 4：15-16）
Our physical body has a constant urge to satisfy its various needs and desires.
Failure to control these urges may cause us to neglect the matters of the spirit and soul.
Despite limitations of the flesh,
Jesus was able to set aside His physical needs in service to spiritual growth.
Likewise, we should restrain our physical desires
and instead hunger for righteousness through the word and Spirit of God.
我們的肉體一直衝動，想滿足各種需求和慾望。
若無法控制這些衝動，我們就可能會忽略靈性和靈魂的事。
儘管肉體有極限，
耶穌卻能忽略自已肉體的需要，來促進屬靈的成長。
同樣，我們也應當仰制自已肉體的慾望，
反而是靠神的話語和聖靈來渴慕公義。
HOW THE WORD CAN EFFECTIVELY WORK IN AND PERFECT US
聖經如何能夠有效在我們內心動工且使我們完全？
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer,
he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
for he observes himself, goes away,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this one will be blessed in what he does.
(Jas 1:22–25)
22只是你們要行道，不要單單聽道，自己欺哄自己。
23因為聽道而不行道的，
就像人對著鏡子看自己本來的面目，
24看見，走後，
隨即忘了他的相貌如何。
25惟有詳細察看那全備、使人自由之律法的，並且時常如此，
這人既不是聽了就忘，乃是實在行出來，
就在他所行的事上必然得福。
（雅 1：22-25）
This passage tells us
that faith is like a catalyst in a chemical reaction
when it comes to living out God's word.
Faith leads to action.
Thus, our experience of God's word
should not languish in theoretical knowledge
but be practically applied in our daily life.
When we practice the truth,
our lives will be filled with blessings from the word of God,
because they are spirit and life
(Jn 6:63).
These experiences will deepen our conviction
and lead to renewal through the living word of God
(1 Pet 1:23).
這段經文告訴我們，
信心就像化學反應的催化劑，
它幫助我們來活出神的話語。
信心會帶出行動。
因此，我們體驗神的話語，
不應停留在理論的知識層面，
而是應用在自已的日常生活。
當我們實踐真理時，
我們的生命將充滿神話語的福氣，
因為神的話就是聖靈，就是生命
（約 6：63）。
這些體驗將加深我們的信念，
並藉著神活潑的話語帶來更新
（彼前 1：23）。
Like someone unaware of his unkempt appearance,
we may be unwittingly carrying spiritually unhealthy habits and ideas.
It is only when we look into the mirror of God's word
that we spot these blemishes.
But recognizing these issues is not enough
—we must reflect and apply God's word to our lives to address these blemishes.
就像某人不知自己雜亂不整潔的外表，
我們可能在不知不覺中，保留了屬靈有害的習慣和想法。
只有當我們用神話語的鏡子來審視自己時，
才會發現這些瑕疵。
但僅認識到這些問題還是不夠，
—我們必須反省，運用神話語到自已的生活，才能處理這些瑕疵。
God's word shows us the way to turn our lives around.
All we must do is humbly accept its teachings
and submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
In doing so, we attend to the needs of our spirit and soul,
returning to full spiritual health.
On the last day, we will be acceptable in the eyes of our heavenly Father.
神話語指引我們道路，轉變自已人生的方向。
我們所要做的就是謙卑接受神的教導，
並順服聖靈的引導。
如此，我們就能滿足了自已靈命與靈魂的需要，
重獲屬靈完全健康。
在末日，我們將蒙天父的眼目所悅納。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯

6. Manna issue 98 - Global Statistics of the True Jesus Church 2025 2025年真耶穌教會全球統計
660 CHURCHES
133 HOUSES OF PRAYER
115 WORSHIP PLACES
118,207 MEMBERS
262 PREACHERS
1,305 ELDERS/DEACONS
7,746 RE TEACHERS
15,475 RE STUDENTS
660 教會
133 祈禱所
115 敬拜點
118,207 信徒
262 傳道人
1,305 長執
7,746 宗教教育教師
15,475 宗教教育學生
TOP 5 GENERAL ASSEMBLIES: MEMBERSHIP 前五名總會：信徒人數
TAIWAN 56,607
SABAH 14,466
INDONESIA 6,965
USA 4,194
W MALAYSIA 3,694
台灣 56,607
沙巴 14,466
印尼 6,965
美國 4,194
西馬來西亞 3,694
TOP 5 GENERAL ASSEMBLIES: CONGREGATIONS 前五名總會：教會據點
CHURCHES 教會 / HOUSES OF PRAYER 聚會所 / PLACES OF WORSHIP 祈禱所
TAIWAN 260 / 40 / 15
SABAH 82 / 20
WEST MALAYSIA 31 / 4 / 11
INDONESIA 29 / 11
USA 26 / 2
台灣 260 / 40 / 15
沙巴 82 / 20
西馬 31 / 4 / 11
印尼 29 / 11
美國 26 / 2
MEMBERSHIP BY COUNTRIES* 按國家劃分的信徒數*
Taiwan 56,607
Malaysia
- West Malaysia 3,694
- Sabah 14,466
- Sarawak 168
Singapore 1,523
Hong Kong 1,566
India 1,700
Indonesia 6,965
Japan 1,222
South Korea 2,964
Thailand 333
Philippines 2,622
Myanmar 240
Vietnam 11
Cambodia 389
United Arab Emirates 19
Bangladesh 17
台灣 56,607
馬來西亞
- 西馬 3,694
- 沙巴 14,466
- 砂勞越 168
新加坡 1,523
香港 1,566
印度 1,700
印尼 6,965
日本 1,222
韓國 2,964
泰國 333
菲律賓 2,622
緬甸 240
越南 11
柬埔寨 389
阿聯酋 19
孟加拉 17
United Kingdom 3,042
France 47
Germany 116
Austria 27
Netherlands 24
Belgium 6
Russia 65
Spain 125
Italy 140
Greece 43
Hungary 35
Switzerland 15
Sweden 3
Georgia 24
Denmark 16
Romania 1
Portugal 3
英國 3,042
法國 47
德國 116
奧地利 27
荷蘭 24
比利時 6
俄羅斯 65
西班牙 125
義大利 140
希臘 43
匈牙利 35
瑞士 15
瑞典 3
喬治亞 24
丹麥 16
羅馬尼亞 1
葡萄牙 3
USA 4,194
Canada 924
Dominican Republic 74
Guatemala 5
Mexico 20
美國 4,194
加拿大 924
多明尼加共和國 74
瓜地馬拉 5
墨西哥 20
Argentina 461
Brazil 60
Bolivia 9
Chile 44
Ecuador 19
Peru 19
阿根廷 461
巴西 60
玻利維亞 9
智利 44
厄瓜多 19
秘魯 19
Australia 1,135
New Zealand 549
Tonga 20+
Papua New Guinea 20
Samoa 15
澳洲 1,135
紐西蘭 549
東加 20+
巴布亞紐幾內亞 20
薩摩亞 15
East and West Africa 12,059
South Africa 262
Benin 100
東非和西非 12,059
南非 262
貝南 100
Asia
Europe
N America
S America
Oceania
Africa
亞洲
歐洲
北美洲
南美洲
大洋洲
非洲
Source: Office of the International Assembly
of the True Jesus Church, December 2025.
N.B. All statistics included in this
infographic exclude mainland China.
*Where available.
資料來源：真耶穌教會聯總辦事處
2025 年 12 月
註：本資訊圖表所有的統計數據均不包括中國大陸。
*如有數據。
CURRENT GLOBAL SPREAD OF THE TRUE JESUS CHURCH
YEAR THAT SERVICES STARTED/FIRST PRAYER HOUSE ESTABLISHED
真耶穌教會目前在全球的傳播情況
開始聚會/建立第一個祈禱所的年份
USA 1969
Canada 1971
Dominican Republic 1997
Guatemala 2016
Mexico 2017
Nicaragua 2025
美國 1969
加拿大 1971
多明尼加共和國 1997
瓜地馬拉 2016
墨西哥 2017
尼加拉瓜 2025
Argentina 1989
Brazil 1996
Bolivia 1996
Chile 2002
Paraguay 2002
Ecuador 2011
Peru 2023
阿根廷 1989
巴西 1996
玻利維亞 1996
智利 2002
巴拉圭 2002
厄瓜多 2011
秘魯 2023
Nigeria 1978
Liberia 1985
Ghana 1985
Kenya 1995
South Africa 1997
Benin 1998
Uganda 2000
Togo 2001
奈及利亞 1978
利比里亞 1985
加納 1985
肯亞 1995
南非 1997
貝南 1998
烏干達 2000
多哥 2001
United Kingdom 1972
France 1983
Germany 1985
Austria 1992
Netherlands 1992
Belgium 1993
英國 1972
法國 1983
德國 1985
奧地利 1992
荷蘭 1992
比利時 1993
Russia 1995
Republic of Ireland 1998
Spain 2008
Italy 2009
Greece 2010
Hungary 2018
俄羅斯 1995
愛爾蘭共和國 1998
西班牙 2008
義大利 2009
希臘 2010
匈牙利 2018
Switzerland 2019
Sweden 2020
Georgia 2020
Denmark 2020
Romania 2020
Portugal 2025
瑞士 2019
瑞典 2020
喬治亞 2020
丹麥 2020
羅馬尼亞 2020
葡萄牙 2025
China 1917
Taiwan 1926
West Malaysia 1927
Sabah 1927
Singapore 1927
Hong Kong 1929
India 1932
Indonesia 1941
Japan 1946
South Korea 1948
Brunei 1956
Thailand 1957
Sarawak 1962
Philippines 1983
Myanmar 1992
Vietnam 1997
Cambodia 2006
United Arab Emirates 2007
Macau 2008
Bangladesh 2022
中國 1917
台灣 1926
西馬 1927
沙巴 1927
新加坡 1927
香港 1929
印度 1932
印尼 1941
日本 1946
韓國 1948
汶萊 1956
泰國 1957
砂撈越 1962
菲律賓 1983
緬甸 1992
越南 1997
柬埔寨 2006
阿聯酋 2007
澳門 2008
孟加拉 2022
Congo 2004
Tanzania 2005
Sierra Leone 2005
Lesotho 2007
Rwanda 2007
Zambia 2008
Malawi 2014
Mauritania 2016
剛果 2004
坦尚尼亞 2005
獅子山 2005
賴索托 2007
盧安達 2007
尚比亞 2008
馬拉威 2014
茅利塔尼亞 2016
Ethiopia 2022
Ivory Coast 2022
Botswana 2022
Namibia 2022
Cameroon 2022
Democratic Republic of the Congo 2022
衣索比亞 2022
象牙海岸 2022
波札那 2022
納米比亞 2022
喀麥隆 2022
剛果民主共和國 2022
Australia 1982
New Zealand 1990
Fiji 1994
Tonga 2004
Papua New Guinea 2010
Samoa 2011
澳洲 1982
紐西蘭 1990
斐濟 1994
東加 2004
巴布亞紐幾內亞 2010
薩摩亞 2011
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯

5. Manna issue 98 - Q&A on Dating Non-Believers: A Biblical Perspective 未信者交往的問答：聖經觀點
Chad Liu—Sacramento, California, USA 美國加州沙加緬度
Dating and marriage are among the most important decisions of a believer's life.
There has been a recent trend of brothers and sisters in Christ
choosing to date non-believers,
hoping that their partners will eventually accept the true gospel of salvation.
Some couples have experienced positive outcomes,
but others have faced painful consequences.
As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ,
how should we approach this important issue?
Below are common questions believers may ask,
along with biblical responses
to help us trust God's timing and plan for each of us.
戀愛交往與婚姻是信徒一生中最重要的決定之一。
近年來有股趨勢，基督徒的弟兄姐妹，
選擇與未信者交往，
希望他們的伴侶最終能夠接受救贖真福音。
有些伴侶體驗了美好的結果，
但另有一些人卻遭遇了痛苦的後果。
作為主耶穌基督的跟隨者，
我們該如何看待這個重要的問題呢？
以下是一些信徒可能會詢問常見的問題，
以及其聖經的回覆，
可幫助我們每個人來信靠神的時間和計劃。
Q1. What if I can't find a potential partner in the church?
Should I be open to dating outside the church?
It is completely understandable for us to feel lonely or discouraged
when we do not see anyone suitable in the church.
Wanting to share our lives with someone who understands and supports us
is a natural and good desire.
God Himself said,
"It is not good that man should be alone"
(Gen 2:18a).
However, the key is how we seek companionship
and who we allow to guide that journey.
問題一：如果我找不到教會裡合適的伴侶怎麼辦？
我應該開放教會外的交往嗎？
我們感到孤獨或灰心完全是可以理解的，
當我們在教會裡看不到任何人合適時。
想要與某個可以理解及支持我們的人分享自已的生活，
是一種自然而美好的期望。
神自己說過：
“那人獨居不好”
（創 2：18a）。
然而，重點是在於我們如何尋求伴侶，
以及我們允許誰來引導那段旅程。
Dating should be about more than just meeting our emotional needs;
it should reflect our faith and trust in God's timing.
In God's eyes, dating serves a sacred purpose
—to find a life partner
who will walk in faith and build a Christ-centered home with us.
The Bible may not provide a "Romance 101" guide,
but it does offer strong principles for courtship.
These principles protect our hearts and keep us aligned with God's will.
交往不該只是為了滿足我們的情感需求；
它該反應出我們的信心，信賴神安排的時間。
在神的眼中，交往具有神聖的意義
—找到一位人生伴侶，
他會與我們靠著信心度日，建立一個以基督為主的家庭。
聖經或許沒有提供“戀愛入門”指引，
但它確有給戀愛提供重要的原則。
這些原則會保護我們的內心，使我們同步神的旨意。
The Bible reminds us: 聖經提醒我們：
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?
And what communion has light with darkness?
(2 Cor 6:14)
14你們和不信的原不相配，不要同負一軛。
義和不義有甚麼相交呢？
光明和黑暗有甚麼相通呢？
（林後 6：14）
Do not be mismatched with unbelievers;
for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together,
or what does light have in common with darkness?
(2 Cor 6:14, NASB)[1]
14不可錯配未信者。
義和不義有甚麼可同享呢？
光明和黑暗有甚麼共通點呢？
（林後 6：14, NASB）
The word "yoked" evokes the image of two animals pulling the same plow.
If they are mismatched in size, strength, or direction,
the work becomes difficult or may not progress at all.
In the same way, if two people do not share the same faith and spiritual goals,
the relationship may start well but will eventually face serious challenges.
Differences in Sabbath keeping, church involvement,
raising children, and life priorities can slowly create tension.
Over time, one person may compromise their faith or drift away from God.
That is why God's word warns us not to be unequally yoked.
“負軛”一詞讓人聯想到兩頭牲畜拉著同一把犁的畫面。
如果他們的體型，力量或方向無法配合，
工作就會變得困難，甚至可能根本無法進行。
同樣的情況，如果兩人沒有相同的信仰和屬靈的目標，
一開始關係可能很好，但最後會面臨嚴峻的挑戰。
很多差異會出現在守安息日，參與教會活動，
養育子女以及人生優先事項，會逐漸造成緊張。
隨著時間的推移，有一人可能會妥協信仰，或漂離神。
這就是為什麼神話語警告我們，不與未信者同負一軛。
It is natural to feel disheartened
if we believe there are no potential partners for us in the church.
But instead of letting that feeling lead us
to compromise God's teachings by dating outside the faith,
we should take this time to grow closer to God.
When we bring our desires before Him in prayer and trust His timing,
we learn that waiting is not a delay but a part of God's plan.
God knows our needs better than we do, and His plans are always good,
even if His ways unfold differently from what we expect
(Isa 55:8–9).
感到灰心是很自然的，
如果我們認為教會可能找不到自已合適的伴侶，。
但是，與其讓這種感覺引導我們，
與未信者交往，而違背神的教導
而我們應該利用這段時間與神更加親近。
當我們禱告提出自己的期望在神面前，並信賴祂安排的時間，
我們就會明白，等待並非拖延，而是神計畫的一部分。
神比我們更了解我們自已的需要，祂的計劃總是美好的，
即使祂的計劃展開與我們的預期有所不同
（賽 55：8-9）。
When the time comes for us to find a partner,
it should be intentional and prayerful,
guided by a heart that is grounded in faith rather than emotion or social pressure.
Dating simply for the sake of dating is not the purpose God intends
because it often leads to short-term connections.
A better word to describe this process is "courting,"
which means seeking a relationship with the sincere purpose of finding a life partner
who shares our faith and will walk the heavenly journey with us.
The Bible reminds us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness"
(Mt 6:33)
and to acknowledge Him in all our ways so that He will direct our paths
(Prov 3:5–6).
When we let the Lord Jesus guide our hearts in choosing a significant other,
we build a lasting foundation that honors Him.
當我們尋找伴侶的時機來到時，
那應當經過深思熟慮，虔誠禱告，
由一顆扎根信仰的心來引導，而非情感或社會壓力。
只為了交往而約會並非神的旨意，
因為它常會導致短暫的連繫。
比較好用來描述這個過程的詞彙，就是“求愛”，
那代表尋找一段關係，以真誠找到一位人生的伴侶，
他會與我們擁有共同的信仰，會願意與我們攜手走完天國路。
聖經提醒我們“要先求神國神義”
（太 6：33），
在一切所行的事上認定他，好讓祂指引我們的道路
（箴 3：5-6）。
當我們讓主耶穌指引我們內心去選擇重要的另一半時，
我們就建立了一種長久榮耀祂的根基。
Q2. I've seen brothers and sisters marry non-believers,
and their spouses eventually got baptized and now serve actively.
Can't that happen to me too?
It is true that some have married non-believers who later came to the faith,
but this is the exception rather than the norm.
While we may admire such testimonies of God's mercy on new believers,
we must remember that faith should never be compromised.
We should not make personal and spiritual decisions based on rare situations.
God knows the longing in our hearts,
and He understands our desire to share life with someone who loves and follows Him.
God's word gives clear commands, not conditional suggestions:
問題二：我看過一些弟兄姐妹嫁娶未信者，
他們的配偶最終受洗，現在積極參與服事。
難道那種情況不能也發生在我身上嗎？
的確，有些人嫁娶未信者，他們後來信主了，
但這只是特殊例外，而非普遍現象。
雖然我們或許會羨慕這種神給新信徒憐憫的見證，
但我們必須記住，信仰絕不可妥協。
我們不應基於少數個別的情況做出個人及屬靈的決定。
神知道我們內心的渴望，
祂明白我們期待會有個人愛祂，跟隨祂的人來分享生命。
神的話語是明確的命令，而非條件式的建議：
"Nor shall you make marriages with them.
You shall not give your daughter to their son,
nor take their daughter for your son.
For they will turn your sons away from following Me,
to serve other gods;
so the anger of the LORD will be aroused against you
and destroy you suddenly."
(Deut 7:3–4)
“3不可與他們結親。
不可將你的女兒嫁他們的兒子，
也不可叫你的兒子娶他們的女兒；
4因為他必使你兒子轉離不跟從主，
去事奉別神，
以致耶和華的怒氣向你們發作，
就速速地將你們滅絕。”
（申 7：3-4）
These words reflect God's deep concern
that compromise usually goes in the wrong direction.
Believers are far more likely to be influenced away from faith
than to bring their partner into it.
While some spouses do eventually come to believe,
many do not,
and the believer often ends up carrying the spiritual burden alone.
這些話語反映了神深切的擔憂：
妥協往往會走向錯誤的方向。
信徒很大的可能受到影響而遠離信仰，
而不是帶他們的伴侶信主。
雖然有些配偶最後來信主了，
但還有許多人卻沒信，
信徒時常最終獨自承擔屬靈的重擔。
Faith should never be treated as a strategy to change someone.
Conversion must come from the Holy Spirit,
not through romantic attachment.
Marrying someone with the hope that they will later convert
puts the believer in a spiritually vulnerable place.
Rather than relying on possibilities, we should rely on God's clear guidance.
信仰絕不應被用來作改變他人的策略。
改變信仰必須來自聖靈，
而非出於愛情浪漫的依賴。
與某個人結婚，卻懷著盼望他們後來會改信，
置使信徒靈命處於脆弱的境地。
與其依賴各種改信的可能性，我們應依靠神清晰的帶領。
Q3. I'm getting older, and there are no suitable brothers or sisters.
Isn't it better to marry a good person who is not in the church than to remain single?
This is an honest struggle for many of us,
especially when cultural and family expectations add pressure.
It is normal to long for companionship,
and seasons of singleness can feel lonely.
Yet we must remember that marrying outside the faith
often leads to deeper and lifelong spiritual obstacles.
If we wait patiently and trust in God's timing,
He will provide what is best for us.
問題三：我年紀漸長，卻沒有合適的兄弟姐妹。
難道嫁給一個未信者，不是比繼續單身更好嗎？
這對我們許多人來說都是一個真正的掙扎，
尤其是文化方面與家庭的期望會增加壓力。
渴望陪伴是人之常情，
單身時期可能會感到孤單。
然而我們必須記住，嫁娶未信者，
常會導致更深更久的屬靈障礙。
如果我們耐心等候，並信賴神安排的時間，
祂必會為我們預備最好的。
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
耶和華恩待那些等候祂的人。
To the soul who seeks Him.
(Lam 3:25)
25凡等候耶和華，心裡尋求他的。
（哀歌 3：25）
The Bible also reminds us
that those who wait on the Lord will not be put to shame
(Isa 49:23).
Waiting is not wasted time when it is rooted in faith.
At first, marrying a non-believer may seem like the easier option.
However, after marriage, differences in faith become very real.
Couples may face tensions
over disagreements on worship, church attendance, and raising children.
Many believers in these situations find themselves worshipping alone on Sabbaths,
struggling to pass on their faith to their children,
and lacking spiritual support from their spouse during crucial moments.
聖經也提醒我們，
等候耶和華的必不致羞愧
（賽 49：23）
若等候並非浪費時間，當其來自於信心。
起初，嫁娶未信者可以看起來是更容易的選項。
然而，婚後，信仰的差異會變得非常現實。
夫妻可能會產生緊張，
因為敬拜，教會活動和養育子女而意見不合。
許多信徒在這種情況時，發現自己在安息日獨自敬拜，
難以將自已的信仰傳給子女，
並且在關鍵時刻缺乏配偶的屬靈支持。
Choosing to follow God's lead, even when waiting is hard,
shows faith in His wisdom.
Many may wonder, What if I find a good person who treats me well,
even if they are not in the faith?
Isn't that enough?
Character is important,
but spiritual unity is essential for a Christ-centered marriage.
Marrying a good person who does not share the same faith
can still lead to spiritual loneliness and compromise.
The Bible urges us to wait for the Lord and be courageous,
trusting that He will strengthen our hearts
(Ps 27:14).
God makes everything beautiful in His time
(Eccl 3:11).
His timing is never late.
It may not match our expectations, but it is always good.
Waiting with faith and obedience prepares us to receive blessings
that align with His perfect will,
including a marriage that honors our Lord Jesus Christ.
選擇跟隨神的引導，即使等待很艱難，
展現了祂智慧中的信心。
許多人可能會想：假若我遇到一個好人，對方待我很好，
即使他們沒有信仰，那又如何呢？
那樣還不夠嗎？
品格固然重要，
但屬靈的合一對於以基督為主的婚姻至關重要。
嫁娶一個好人，信仰不同，
仍可能導致屬靈的孤獨和妥協。
聖經勸勉我們等候耶和華，要勇敢，
相信祂會堅固我們的心
（詩 27：14）。
神使萬事各按其時成為美好
（傳 3：11）。
祂安排的時間從不遲到。
它也許不符合我們的預期，但總是美好的。
以信心和順服等候，可使我們預備好領受福氣，
是符合祂完美旨意，
包括一段榮耀我們主耶穌基督的婚姻。
Q4. What if I date someone first
and then gradually introduce them to the True Jesus Church?
Isn't this a good form of evangelism?
Evangelism is about sharing the gospel of salvation freely,
out of genuine love for God and others, not out of romantic hopes.
The urge to share the truth with those we care about is natural,
but dating or entering a relationship with the intention of conversion
can blur our motives and place emotional pressure on both hearts.
We can trust that God's Spirit works best
when our love is pure, our motives sincere,
and our hearts strengthened through prayer.
When we lead others to Christ for His sake,
we allow God's love, not emotion, to guide the outcome.
問題四：假若我先和某人交往，
然後逐漸介紹真耶穌教會給他們呢？
這難道不就是一種好的傳福音方式嗎？
傳福音是關於分享白白得救的福音，
是出於對神對人的真愛，而非出於愛情浪漫的幻想。
想要與我們關心之人分享真理是人之常情，
但帶著勸人改信的想法去交往或建立情感，
可能會模糊我們的動機，並給彼此內心帶來情感的壓力。
我們可以信靠，神聖靈動工最美好，
當我們愛心純潔無瑕，動機真誠，
而我們內心因著禱告堅固時。
當我們為了神而帶領別人歸向基督時，
我們讓神的慈愛，而非情感，來引導結局。
[They were] praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to church daily those who were being saved.
(Acts 2:47)
47讚美神，得眾民的喜愛。
主將得救的人天天加給他們。
（徒 2：47）
It is God who brings people into the church through His Spirit and word,
not through romantic relationships.
Many who begin with good intentions eventually compromise their faith.
They might attend fewer church fellowships, downplay doctrinal differences,
or avoid difficult biblical conversations to maintain a smooth relationship.
Sometimes the non-believing partner participates outwardly to please their partner,
not because of genuine conviction,
which can create future tension in the marriage.
只有神才會藉著聖靈和聖經，帶人進入教會
而非透過戀愛。
許多人起初懷著美好的期許，最終卻妥協自已的信仰。
他們可能減少參加教會團契，弱化教義的差異，
或是迴避棘手的聖經話題，來維持表面和諧的關係。
有時，未信者表面參與教會活動來取悅他們的伴侶，
而非出於真確信，
那可能會給婚姻的未來造成緊張。
True evangelism is led by the Holy Spirit, supported by prayer, and grounded in truth.
If someone is genuinely seeking God,
they will respond to His call without the need for romantic involvement.
It is far better to let God work in their heart first
and only consider a courtship after they come to true faith on their own.
An example of God leading those who earnestly seek Him
is Cornelius the centurion, a devout and God-fearing Gentile.
Through God's guidance, Peter was sent to preach to him,
and the Holy Spirit worked powerfully in Cornelius and his household,
leading them to believe and be baptized
(Acts 10:1–48).
This shows that God can reach sincere seekers
through His own timing and ways
without relying on romantic relationships.
真正傳佈福音是由聖靈引導，以禱告為支撐，並以真理為根基。
如果有人真心尋求神，
他們會回應祂的呼召，無需遷涉戀愛關係。
先讓神在他們的心中動工才會更好，
只有在他們自行取得真信仰之後，才去考慮交往。
有一個例子就是神引導那些真心尋求祂的人，
那就是百夫長哥尼流，是一位虔誠敬畏神的外邦人。
在神的引導下，彼得被差遣去向他傳道，
而聖靈大大在哥尼流及其家人身上動工，
帶領他們信主受洗，
（徒 10：1-48）。
這表明，按祂自己安排的時間和方式，
神能夠接觸到誠心慕道者，
而無需依賴戀情。
Q5. Isn't love enough?
If we truly love each other,
can't we make it work despite our different beliefs?
Human love, though powerful and beautiful, still has its limits.
Love at first sight or romantic feelings alone
cannot sustain a marriage through every season of life.
What truly holds a relationship together is spiritual unity
—the shared faith, values, and hope in Christ
that strengthen both hearts when trials arise.
When we build our love on the Lord Jesus,
He becomes the anchor that keeps us steady
and the source of strength that helps us persevere together.
問題5：難道有愛情還不夠嗎？
如果我們真心彼此相愛，
雖然我們有信仰差異，難道行不通嗎？
人類的情愛，雖然強大而美好，仍有其侷限。
一見鍾情或單只有浪漫情感，
不足以維繫婚姻通過生活的各種時節。
真正可以一起維繫一段關係的是屬靈合一，
—在基督裡共同信仰，價值與盼望，
當考驗臨到時堅固彼此內心。
當我們主耶穌之上建立愛情時，
祂就成為保守我們穩固的錨，
幫助我們彼此保守的力量泉源。
Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
(Ps 127:1)
1若不是耶和華建造房屋，
建造的人就枉然勞力；
若不是耶和華看守城池，
看守的人就枉然警醒。
（詩 127：1）
God must be at the center of every marriage.
When a couple does not share the same faith,
even simple daily matters such as prayer, church attendance,
and raising children can become sources of conflict.
Many children in such situations receive mixed spiritual messages.
One parent may emphasize the importance of baptism and keeping the Sabbath,
while the other may be indifferent or even disagree.
This tension often leads to confusion and spiritual drift in the next generation.
When faith is not united from the beginning,
the spiritual foundation of the family weakens,
and the succession of faith within the church may eventually be hindered.
神必須是所有婚姻的中心。
當有一對夫妻信仰不同時，
即使是簡單的日常瑣事，例如禱告，參加聚會，
及教養女等，也可能成為衝突的根源。
在這種情況下，許多孩子會接收到混亂的屬靈訊息。
雙親有一方可能強調洗禮及守安息日的重要性，
而另一方可能漠不關心，甚至反對。
這種緊張關係往往會導致下一代感到困惑與靈命迷失。
當信仰從一開始就沒有合一，
家庭的屬靈根基就很軟弱，
最終，教會內部的信仰傳承就可能受到阻礙。
Love is essential, but godly love is built on shared faith and common values in Christ.
Emotional attraction alone cannot sustain a spiritual covenant.
Only Christ-centered love can establish a lasting foundation for marriage and family.
A beautiful example is seen in the marriage of Boaz and Ruth.
Boaz was a man of faith and integrity,
and Ruth chose to follow the God of Israel with a sincere heart
(Ruth 1:16–17).
Their shared faith and commitment to God formed the foundation of their union,
bringing blessings to future generations
(Ruth 4:13–17).
Their love story reminds us
that when two people place God at the center of their relationship,
He can use their union to fulfill His greater purpose.
愛情固然很重要，但敬虔的感情是建立於基督裡共同信仰和價值觀。
單憑情感吸引力就無法維繫屬靈的盟約。
唯有基督為主的感情，才能給婚姻與家庭奠定持久的根基。
波阿斯與路得的婚姻就是一個美好的典範。
波阿斯是個有信心，正直的人，
路得誠心誠意選擇跟隨以色列的神。
（得 1：16-17）
他們共同的信仰及交託神形成了他們婚姻的根基，
為後代帶來福氣。
（得 4：13-17）
他們的愛情故事提醒我們，
當兩個人將神放在他們關係的中心時，
祂就能運用他們的結合來完成祂更大的旨意。
Q6. What if I'm already married to a non-believer?
If you are already married, the Bible gives clear guidance:
問題6：假若我已經嫁娶未信者該怎麼辦呢？
如果你已經結婚，聖經有明確的指引：
But to the rest I say, not the Lord,
that if any brother has an unbelieving wife,
and she consents to live with him,
he must not divorce her.
And if any woman has an unbelieving husband,
and he consents to live with her,
she must not divorce her husband.
(1 Cor 7:12–13, NASB)
12我對其餘的人說，不是主說，：
倘若某弟兄有不信的妻子，
妻子也情願和他同住，
他就不要離棄妻子。
13妻子有不信的丈夫，
丈夫也情願和他同住，
他就不要離棄丈夫。
（林前 7：12-13, NASB）
In such situations, believers are called to remain faithful
and demonstrate their faith through godly conduct.
Although these marriages present unique challenges, as discussed above,
believers need to rely on prayer,
seek support from their local church,
and maintain their faith without compromise.
Their steadfast example can become a powerful testimony to their spouse.
在這種情況下，信徒蒙召要保持信心，
並透過敬虔的行為來展現他們的信仰。
雖然這些婚姻會帶來獨特的挑戰，正如上文所述，
但信徒需要依靠禱告，
尋求當地教會的幫助，
並持守自已的信仰不可妥協。
他們堅定的榜樣可以成為其配偶強力的見證。
At the same time, it is important to continue growing spiritually
and to strengthen your personal relationship with the Lord.
Spiritual growth not only helps you remain steadfast
but also allows God to work through your life.
The Bible encourages believers to let their light shine before others
(Mt 5:16)
and to win their spouse without words through godly conduct
(1 Pet 3:1–2).
Prayer should be a constant practice,
asking the Lord to soften your spouse's heart and lead them to the truth.
While change may not happen immediately,
God is able to work through a faithful and prayerful heart.
同時之間，靈命可以不斷成長是很重要的，
可以加強個人與主的關係。
靈性成長不僅會幫助你保守堅固，
也能讓神透過你的生命作工。
聖經鼓勵信徒在人前讓自己的發光閃耀，
（太 5：16）
不以言詞而以敬虔的行為贏得配偶的心，
（彼前 3：1-2）
禱告應成為一種持續的實踐，
祈求主軟化配偶的內心，引導他們認識真理。
雖然改變可能不會立即發生，
但神能夠透過一顆忠誠常常禱告的心動工。
CONCLUSION 結論
Dating and marriage are personal decisions,
but for believers, they are ultimately covenants before God.
The Scriptures warn against being unequally yoked not to restrict us
but to protect our faith, future, and family.
The choices we make now shape our spiritual journey for years to come,
such as when it comes to raising children.
While some marriages with non-believers lead to conversion,
this should never be the reason for entering the relationship.
Our calling is to trust in God's provision, honor His word,
and build relationships that strengthen our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.
戀愛和婚姻是個人的決定，
但對信徒而言，他們就是最終在神面的盟約。
聖經警告我們不要與未信者同負一軛，並非是為了限制我們，
而是為了保護我們的信仰，未來和家庭。
我們現在所做的選擇將會形塑我們未來的屬靈旅程，
例如當們要面對養育子女。
雖然有些與未信者的婚姻最終會有來信主，
但這種情況絕不應該成為進入感情關係的理由。
我們的使命是信靠神的預備，遵行祂的話語，
並建立關係，可以加強我們與主耶穌基督同行。
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
(Ps 37:5)
5當將你的事交託耶和華，
並倚靠他，
他就必成全。
（詩 37：5）
Let us encourage one another to put God first in every area of life,
including love and marriage.
It is not always easy to wait for God's timing,
but His plans are always worth trusting.
When we surrender our desires to Him and walk by faith,
He leads us toward blessings that last.
Trusting in His ways brings peace to our hearts and confidence
that what He provides will be far superior to anything our impatient actions could achieve.
讓我們彼此鼓勵，在生活的各個層面以神為主，
包括愛情和婚姻，都將神放在第一位。
等待神的安排並非易事，
但祂的計劃永遠值得信賴。
當我們交託自己的慾望給祂，憑著信心而行，
祂會引領我們走向永恆的祝福。
信靠祂的道路會給我們內心帶來平安和自信心，
祂所要預備的，將遠勝過我們急躁行事所能成就的一切。
[1] Scripture quotations taken from the (NASBR)
New American Standard BibleR,
Copyright c 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.
Used by permission.
All rights reserved.
www.Lockman.org.
[1] 經文引自 (NASBR)
新美國標準聖經R，
版權所有 c 1960、1971、1977、1995、2020 洛克曼基金會。
經許可使用。
版權所有。
www.Lockman.org。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯

4. Manna issue 98 - The Lamb’s Bride 羔羊的新婦
KC Tsai—Toronto, Canada 加拿大多倫多
Editor's note:
The Lamb's Bride is the true church, the household of God.
Her characteristics have been distinctly described in the Bible:
she is filled with the Holy Spirit and upholds the complete truth
(Eph 2:19–22; 1 Tim 3:15).
As members of the true church,
our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life
(Rev 21:27).
In this article,
we learn about the meaning behind the church's status as the Lamb's Bride,
and God's glorious plan for her.
編輯評語：
羔羊的新婦就是真教會，神的家。
聖經對她的特徵有明確的描述：
她被聖靈充滿，持守完全的真理。
（弗 2：19-22；提前 3：15）
身為真教會的信徒，
我們的名字被記在羔羊的生命冊上。
（啟 21：27）
在本期文章，
我們將了解教會作為羔羊新婦身份背後的意義，
及神給她所預備榮耀的計劃。
GOD PROVIDED THE LAMB: VICARIOUS DEATH 神預備羔羊：代贖之死
[God said to Abraham],
"Take now your son, your only son Isaac,
whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah,
and offer him there as a burnt offering
on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."
(Gen 22:2)
[神吩咐亞伯拉罕說]：
“2你帶著你的兒子，就是你獨生的兒子，
你所愛的以撒，往摩利亞地去，
在我所要指示你的山上，把他獻為燔祭。”
（創 22：2）
God's command to Abraham was very precise: to offer Isaac,
his only son from Sarah, and one born to him at the age of one hundred
—the son dearer to him than his own life.
Upon receiving God's instruction,
Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey,
and took with him two of his young men and Isaac, his son.
He split the wood for the burnt offering
and went to the place which God had told him
(Gen 22:3).
神給亞伯拉罕的命令很明確：去獻上以撒，
他與撒拉所生的獨子，也是他一百歲時所生的兒子
─這個兒子比他自己的生命更珍貴。
3亞伯拉罕清早起來，備上驢，
帶著兩個僕人和他兒子以撒，
也劈好了燔祭的柴
，就起身往神所指示他的地方去了。
（創 22：3）
A Test Of Self-Knowledge and Growth 自我認知和成長的測試
God told Abraham to offer his son on the altar,
because He wanted to test him
(Gen 22:1).
Such a test was not for God to know Abraham's faith in Him, for He is omniscient
(Ps 139:1–6),
and searches the inner heart of men
(1 Sam 16:7; Jn 2:24).
God already knew the faith of Abraham would enable him to overcome this demanding test.
Instead, the test was intended to guide Abraham to self-examine and measure his faith in God.
神吩咐亞伯拉罕在祭壇獻上他自已的兒子，
因為祂想考驗他
（創 22：1）
這種考驗並非給神了解亞伯拉罕對祂的信心，因為祂是全知的
（詩 139：1-6），
且會鑑察人心
（撒上 16：7；約 2：24）
神早已知道，亞伯拉罕的信心會使他通過這次嚴峻的考驗。
相反的，這次考驗的目的是引導亞伯拉罕反省自己，衡量自已對神的信心。
[A]s Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
...So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
(Gal 3:6–7, 9)
6正如亞伯拉罕信神，這就算為他的義。
7所以，你們要知道：那以信為本的人，就是亞伯拉罕的子孫。
...9可見那以信為本的人和有信心的亞伯拉罕一同得福。
（加 3：6-7，9）
This incident's record edifies all who are willing to learn to fear God.
We can see the type of faith that God accounts as righteous.
Abraham's belief and obedient action constitute the faith that pleases God.
Through the faith demonstrated by Abraham, God teaches us justification by faith
—man is weak and imperfect,
but God is willing to account righteousness to man through his obedience to the word of God
(Rom 4:3)
and no longer imputes sin to him
(Rom 4:8).
Today, God is willing to bestow His righteousness upon those
who believe in the salvation grace of the cross of Jesus Christ
and are redeemed through Jesus' blood
(Rom 3:20–26).
This righteousness of God is not a New Testament concept of grace
that the apostle Paul fabricated.
In the Old Testament, God had already manifested the origin of salvation
—justification by faith
—through the life of Abraham.
Subsequently, everyone with faith can become acceptable to God and be justified by God
(Rom 1:17).
這件事的記載造就所有願意學習敬畏神的人。
我們可以看到這種信心的類型是神所算為義的。
亞伯拉罕的信心和順服的行為構成了蒙神喜悅的信心。
透過亞伯拉罕所展現的信心，神教導我們因信稱義：
—人軟弱不完美，
但神願因人順服神的語話而稱義
（羅 4：3）
並且不再將罪歸到他
（羅 4：8）
今天，神願意將祂的公義賜給那些，
相信耶穌基督十字架救贖恩典的人，
並藉著耶穌的寶血得蒙救贖的人
（羅 3：20-26）
這神的公義並非是新約聖經恩典的概念，
是使徒保羅所詮釋的。
在舊約聖經，神已經顯明了救恩的起源，
—因信稱義，
—藉著亞伯拉罕的一生，
因此，凡有信心的人，都能為神所接納，得神稱義。
（羅 1：17）
Another reason that God put Abraham, whom He loved, to such a test
was to elevate his faith to the next level.
Such faith is more precious than gold
and will be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ
(1 Pet 1:7; Jas 1:2–3).
His continual growth in faith glorified God,
making Abraham truly deserving of the title
"father of many nations"
—the father of all who believe
(Rom 4:11).
神讓自已所愛亞伯拉罕經歷這樣考驗的另一個原因，
是為了提升他的信心到下一階段。
這樣的信心比金子更寶貴，
在耶穌基督顯現的時候，必得著讚美，尊貴和榮耀。
（彼前 1：7；雅 1：2-3）
他信心的不斷增長榮耀神，
使亞伯拉罕真正配得上稱號，
“多國之父”，，
—所有信徒的父。
（羅 4：11）
To man, God's instruction to Abraham to offer up his son
would appear harsh and incomprehensible.
Abraham received his promised son only at the age of one hundred.
And then, God demanded this son as a burnt offering!
Few would understand, let alone accept.
But Abraham believed in God sincerely and completely;
this test thus allowed him to understand God's promise and absolute power to much greater depth.
對世人來說，神吩咐亞伯拉罕獻上自已的兒子，
這看起來既嚴苛又難以理解。
亞伯拉罕直到一百歲才得到自已的應許之子。
而神竟然要求把這個兒子獻為燔祭！
很少人能夠理解，更遑論去接受了。
但亞伯拉罕誠心而全然信靠神；
因此，這場試驗使他更深刻的了解神的應許及祂絕對權能。
God had once told Abraham
that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in heaven
(Gen 15:5, 17:2–8),
and those promised descendants would come forth from Isaac
(Gen 21:12).
Holding on to this allowed Abraham to experience the flawless preparation of God.
Today, when one holds on tightly to the essence of God's word,
he will be able to triumph over the various trials of life.
神曾告訴亞伯拉罕，
祂的後裔將如同天上的繁星那樣多
（創 15：5，17：2-8），
這些應許的後裔將出自以撒
（創 21：12）。
抓住這項應許，使亞伯拉罕得以經歷神完美的預備。
今日，當有人緊緊抓住神話語的本質時，
他將能夠戰勝人生各種的試煉。
On Mount Moriah, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood;
he bound Isaac and laid him on the altar.
Then Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son
(Gen 22:9–10).
At that moment, God stopped Abraham and praised his obedience
—that he did not withhold his only son from Him
(Gen 22:10–12).
To the Almighty God who can see into the very heart of man,
Abraham had already offered Isaac!
在摩利亞山上，亞伯拉罕築了一座壇，擺好了柴；
他捆綁以撒，放在祭壇上。
亞伯拉罕伸手拿刀，要殺他的兒子。
（創 22：9-10）
就在這時，神阻止亞伯拉罕，稱讚了他的順服，
—他沒有扣留自己的獨生子而不獻給神。
（創 22：10-12）
對於可以洞察人心的大能真神而言，
亞伯拉罕已經獻上了以撒！
God could have allowed Abraham to kill his son and then raise Isaac from the dead,
just as Abraham had believed He would do
(Heb 11:19).
However, God prepared a ram to die in place of Isaac.
Abraham thus took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son
(Gen 22:13).
The test God gave to Abraham
served as the archetype of the truth of vicarious death in the Old Testament.
It foreshadowed what would take place in the New Testament:
the Lord Jesus would bear the sins of the people of the world
and die on their behalf so that they could be redeemed and receive life.
神本可以允許亞伯拉罕殺死自已的兒子，，然後從死復活以撒，
正如亞伯拉罕已信祂會這麼作
（來 11：19）。
然而，神預備了一隻公羊去代以撒而死。
於是，亞伯拉罕拿取這隻公羊，獻為燔祭，來代替他的兒子
（創 22：13）。
神給亞伯拉罕的試驗，
作為舊約代贖之死真理的原型。
它預示了新約將要發生的事：
主耶穌將承擔世界眾人的罪，
並為他們而死，使他們得蒙救贖，得著生命。
Jesus Is the Lamb of God 耶穌是神的羔羊
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,
"Behold!
The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
(Jn 1:29)
29次日，約翰看見耶穌來到他那裡，就說：
“看哪，
神的羔羊，除去（或譯：背負）世人罪孽的！”
（約 1：29）
John the Baptist was sent to bear witness for the Lord Jesus
(Jn 1:7, 15).
John's most important declarations were of Jesus' roles.
First,
Jesus is the only Son of God who declares His invisible heavenly Father
(Jn 1:18, 34).
Second,
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
(Jn 1:29).
In fact, John twice addressed Jesus as the Lamb of God
(Jn 1:29, 36).
God prepared His Lamb to bear the sins of the world and
—like the ram offered in place of Isaac
—to die in place of humankind.
施洗約翰奉差遣為主耶穌作見證
（約 1：7，15）
約翰最重要的宣告就是關於耶穌的角色。
首先，
耶穌是神的獨子，祂宣告自已看不見的天父
（約 1：18，34）
其次，
耶穌是神的羔羊，會除去世界的罪
（約 1：29）
事實上，約翰兩次宣稱耶穌就是神的羔羊
（約 1：29，36）
神預備祂的羔羊來擔負世人的罪孽，並且
—如同代替以撒像公羊獻上
—為全人類而死。
In the Mosaic Law established by God,
the person offering the sacrificial bull or lamb
can bring it to the door of the tabernacle,
lay his hand on the head of his offering,
and kill it before the tabernacle of meeting.
After the priest sprinkles the animal's blood all around on the altar,
sin is atoned
(Lev 1:4, 3:2, 8, 13).
In other words, the sacrificial animal has borne the sin.
在神所設立的摩西律法中，
那位獻祭牛或羊羔的人
可以牽到會幕門口，
按手在自已祭牲的頭上，
然後在會幕前宰殺。
祭司灑牲血在祭壇周圍之後，
罪就得贖了
（利 1：4，3：2，8，13）。
換句話說，祭牲承擔了罪。
Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
(Isa 53:4–6)
4他誠然擔當我們的憂患，
背負我們的痛苦；
我們卻以為他受責罰，
被神擊打苦待了。
5哪知他為我們的過犯受害，
為我們的罪孽壓傷。
因他受的刑罰，我們得平安；
因他受的鞭傷，我們得醫治。
6我們都如羊走迷；
各人偏行己路；
耶和華使我們眾人的罪孽都歸在他身上。
（賽 53：4-6）
The atoning sacrifice of the Old Testament
foreshadows how God will make atonement for the sins of men with His Lamb.
The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all
—Jesus, Son of God, did nothing deserving of death;
He died on behalf of those who should have died.
This unprecedented act demonstrates God's compassion, mercy, and amazing preparation
in His work of salvation.
God prepared Jesus to be the Lamb of God.
Because of His sacrificial, atoning death on the wooden cross,
men can triumph over the power of sin and death
(1 Cor 15:55–57).
舊約的贖罪祭
預示神將如何以祂的羔羊為世人贖罪。
耶和華已為我們眾人的罪按手在祂身上
—耶穌，神的兒子，並沒有做任何事而該死；
祂替那些本該去死之人而死。
這史無前例的舉動彰顯了神的憐憫，慈愛及奇妙的預備，
含於祂救贖的聖工。
神預備耶穌成為神的羔羊。
因著祂於十字木架上獻上的贖罪祭，
人得以勝過罪與死亡的權勢
（林前 15：55-57）
GOD SAVED THE FIRSTBORN OF ISRAEL: VICARIOUS ATONEMENT 神拯救以色列的長子：代贖
The Israelites were once slaves in Egypt, serving the Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
To enable His people to depart from the land of bondage,
God brought ten plagues upon Egypt.
Although Pharaoh had been defiant through the first nine plagues,
the last plague left Pharaoh no choice
but to drive Moses and the Israelites out of Egypt.
The final plague was the death of every firstborn in Egypt,
whether man or beast.
Israel's firstborn were, however, spared through the vicarious atonement of lamb's blood.
以色列人曾是埃及的奴隸，服事法老和埃及人。
為了能讓祂的子民離開這片奴役之地，
神給埃及降下十災。
儘管法老在前九災一直頑固不化，
但最後一災使法老別無選擇，
只能驅趕摩西和以色列人離開埃及。
最後一災是埃及每個長子的死亡，
無論是人類還是牲畜，
然而，以色列人的長子因著羔羊之血的代贖而被饒恕。
"Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are.
And when I see the blood, I will pass over you;
and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you
when I strike the land of Egypt."
(Ex 12:13)
“13這血要在你們所住的房屋上作記號；
我一見這血，就越過你們去。
我擊殺埃及地頭生的時候，
災殃必不臨到你們身上滅你們。”
（出 12：13）
Before the tenth plague,
God instructed His people
to prepare a lamb for each household on the tenth of the first month.
And at twilight of the fourteenth day of the same month,
the whole assembly of the Israelite congregation were to kill the lamb,
and smear some blood on the two doorposts and the lintel of their houses.
That night, when God passed through the land of Egypt,
He killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt.
The lamb's blood on the houses signaled grace and atonement;
when God saw the blood,
He passed over it so all the firstborn of Israel lived.
在第十災之前，
神吩咐祂的子民，
在正月十日，每家每戶都要預備一隻羔羊。
在正月十四日的黃昏，
以色列全會眾都要宰殺羔羊，
並塗抹一些血在他們房屋兩邊的門框和門楣。
當夜，神通過埃及地時，
祂擊殺了所有埃及地上的長子。
房屋的羔羊血像徵著恩典和贖罪；
而神看見血，
祂就越過它，所以以色列所有的長子都活了下來。
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
"Consecrate to Me all the firstborn,
whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel,
both of man and beast; it is Mine."
(Ex 13:1–2)
1耶和華曉諭摩西說：
“2以色列中凡頭生的，
無論是人是牲畜，都是我的，
要分別為聖歸我。”
（出 13：1-2）
The lives of the firstborn of Israel were redeemed
because the lamb had been killed and its blood shed.
Therefore, in the wilderness of Sinai,
God commanded that all the firstborn in Israel be consecrated to Him.
Subsequently, God commanded that the tribe of Levi be consecrated to Him
in place of the firstborn of the children of Israel.
They would belong to God
(Num 3:45)
and were to minister in the tabernacle.
When Moses conducted a census of the people,
the Levites were not numbered with the other tribes
(Num 1:49–50).
以色列長子的生命得蒙救贖，
因為羔羊被宰殺，流出寶血。
因此，在西奈曠野，
神命令所有以色列長子都要分別為聖歸予祂。
隨後，神命令利未支派分別為聖歸給祂，
來代替以色列人的長子。
他們將歸於神，
（民 3：45）
並在會幕中服事。
摩西清點百姓時，
利未人沒有與其他支派一同被數點，
（民 1：49-50）。
The Church Is the Bride of the Lamb 教會是羔羊的新婦
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,
to the general assembly and church of the firstborn
who are registered in heaven,
to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect.
(Heb 12:22–23)
22你們乃是來到錫安山，永生神的城邑，
就是天上的耶路撒冷。那裡有千萬的天使，
23有名錄在天上諸長子之會所共聚的總會，
有審判眾人的神和被成全之義人的靈魂，
（來 12：22-23）
The true church in the Bible comprises the firstborn
whose lives have been redeemed.
She is also known as the latter-day Mount Zion,
the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.
The heavenly Jerusalem refers to the Lamb's Bride
(Rev 21:9–10).
This heavenly city, manifested in the Spirit,
is the true church whose saints were chosen in Christ
before the foundation of the world
(Eph 1:4).
Although they inherited the sin of Adam
(Rom 5:12),
these firstborn were redeemed from the world through the blood of the Lamb.
Therefore, they must be like the Levites,
separated for service to God.
聖經的真教會是由長子所組成，
他們的生命已得救贖。
她亦被稱為末世的錫安山，
永生神的城邑，天上的耶路撒冷。
天上的耶路撒冷指的是羔羊的新婦
（啟 21：9-10）。
這座天城在靈裡顯現，
是真教會，其聖徒在基督裡被揀選，
在創世之前，
（弗 1：4）。
雖然他們承繼了亞當的罪孽
（羅 5：12），
但這些長子藉由羔羊的血而得，脫離世界。
因此，他們必須像利未人一樣，
分別為聖，事奉神。
THE LAMB STANDING ON MOUNT ZION 羔羊站在鍚安山
Then I looked, and behold,
a Lamb standing on Mount Zion,
and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand,
having His Father's name written on their foreheads.
(Rev 14:1)
14我又觀看，
見羔羊站在錫安山，
同他又有十四萬四千人，
都有他的名和他父的名寫在額上。
（啟 14：1）
For the LORD has chosen Zion;
He has desired it for His dwelling place:
"This is My resting place forever;
Here I will dwell, for I have desired it."
(Ps 132:13–14)
13因為耶和華揀選了錫安，
願意當作自己的居所，
14說：這是我永遠安息之所；
我要住在這裡，因為是我所願意的。
（詩 132：13-14）
Zion refers to the true church, the dwelling place of God in the Spirit
(Eph 2:22)
where God will always be
(1 Thess 4:17).
The Lamb standing on Mount Zion signifies that the Lord Jesus abides with the true church,
where the believers have been purchased with His blood
(Acts 20:28)
and have His seal and the name of His Father (which is, His own name) on their foreheads
(Rev 7:4, 14:1).
Although they encounter fiery trials,
they refuse to worship the beast of the sea or receive its mark
(Rev 13:8).
錫安指的是真教會，是神靈裡的居所。
（弗 2：22）
神永遠在那裡。
（帖前 4：17）
羔羊站在錫安山象徵著主耶穌與真教會同在，
眾信徒已因祂的寶血而得贖。
（徒 20：28）
他們的額頭都有祂的印記和祂天父的聖名（也就是，祂自己的名字）。
（啟 7：4，14：1）
儘管他們遭遇了烈火盤的試煉，
他們仍拒絕敬拜海中的獸，也拒絕接受其印記。
（啟 13：8）
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,
how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies.
Who is he who condemns?
It is Christ who died,
and furthermore is also risen,
who is even at the right hand of God,
who also makes intercession for us.
(Rom 8:32–34)
32神既不愛惜自己的兒子，為我們眾人捨了，
豈不也把萬物和他一同白白的賜給我們麼？
33誰能控告神所揀選的人呢？
有神稱他們為義了（或作：是稱他們為義的神麼）
34誰能定他們的罪呢？
有基督耶穌已經死了，
而且從死裡復活，
現今在神的右邊，
也替我們祈求
（有基督....或作是已經死了，而且從死裡復活，
現今在神的右邊，也替我們祈求的基督耶穌麼）
（羅 8：32-34）
The Lord Jesus stands amongst those who belong to Him
—the 144,000
—to testify that they are His.
He died for these believers, resurrected,
and is now standing at the right hand of God, interceding for them.
Therefore, no one can accuse or condemn the saints;
this abidance of the Lord Jesus brings them great comfort, encouragement, and strength.
主耶穌站在那些屬祂之民的中間，
—十四萬四千人
—要見證他們是屬於祂。
祂為這些信徒而死，復活了，
如今站在神的右邊，為他們代求。
因此，沒有人可以控告或判定聖徒的罪；
這種主耶穌的同在給他們帶來極大的安慰，鼓勵和力量。
The number 144,000 indicates the perfection of the true church in the Spirit.
She has attained the unity of faith,
and the number of people who will be saved is complete.
These saints follow the Lamb wherever He goes
(Rev 14:4)
—they will follow the Lord tirelessly till the end.
Regardless of how dire their situation may be,
they will not abandon their faith.
十四萬四千這個數字指的是真教會在聖靈裡的完美。
她已達成信仰的合一，
得救的人數也已完成。
這些聖徒跟隨羔羊無論祂往哪裡去。
（啟 14：4）
—他們將不懈跟隨主，直到末了。
無論他們的處境可能有多麼艱難，
他們都不會放棄自已的信仰。
The Lord Jesus, the Lamb, purchased these 144,000 from the world with His blood;
they are the firstfruits who belong to Him
(Rev 14:4).
Thus, He will protect them, give them courage and patience,
and help them to discern heresies through His word,
and thereby, remain faithful to Him.
They keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus
(Rev 14:12).
Not only are these saints called, they are also chosen.
What does this mean?
主耶穌，就是羔羊，用祂的寶血從世界贖回了十四萬四千這些人；
他們是初熟果子屬於祂
（啟 14：4）
因此，祂必保護他們，賜給他們勇氣和忍耐，
幫助他們用祂的話語來分辨異端，
從而仍忠於祂。
他們遵守神的誡命，並且信靠耶穌
（啟 14：12）
這些聖徒不只蒙召，也蒙揀選。
這代表什麼意思呢？
THE BRIDE MUST STRIVE FOR PERFECTION 新婦必須追求完美
In the parable of the dragnet,
the Lord Jesus warned:
在撒網的比喻中，
主耶穌警告說：
"The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet
that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind,
which, when it was full, they drew to shore;
and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels,
but threw the bad away.
So it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just,
and cast them into the furnace of fire."
(Mt 13:47–50a)
47天國又好像網撒在海裡，
聚攏各樣水族，
48網既滿了，人就拉上岸來，
坐下，揀好的收在器具裡，
將不好的丟棄了。
49世界的末了也要這樣。
天使要出來，從義人中把惡人分別出來，
50丟在火爐裡了。
（太 13：47-50a）
Moreover, in the parable of the wedding feast
(Mt 22:1–14),
the Lord Jesus also declared,
"For many are called, but few are chosen."
In other words, those who have been called
must walk worthy of the calling with which they were called
(Eph 4:1),
lest they be disqualified
(1 Cor 9:27).
此外，在婚宴的比喻中
（太 22：1-14），
主耶穌也宣告說：
“14因為被召的人多，選上的人少。”
換句話說，那些蒙召的人，
既然蒙召，行事為人就當與蒙召的恩相稱。
（弗 4：1），
免得他們被棄絕
（林前 9：27）。
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected;
but I press on,
that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended;
but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
(Phil 3:12–14)
12這不是說我已經得著了，已經完全了；
我乃是竭力追求，
或者可以得著基督耶穌所以得著我的（或作：所要我得的）。
13弟兄們，我不是以為自己已經得著了；
我只有一件事，就是忘記背後，
努力面前的，
14向著標竿直跑，要得神在基督耶穌裡從上面召我來得的獎賞。
（腓 3：12-14）
When Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians,
he was under house arrest in Rome.
At that point, he did not consider himself to have been perfected.
Although he knew that he had been called and had entered into grace,
he still had room for improvement
before he could lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus had also laid hold of him.
This was why he was determined to forget the things that were behind him
and reach forward to those that were ahead,
to press toward the goal so as to receive the prize that God would bestow.
保羅寫信給腓立比教會時，
他被軟禁在羅馬。
那時，他並沒有認為自己已經完全。
雖然他知道自己已經蒙召，也進入了恩典之中，
但他仍然有進步的空間，
在他可以得著恩典之前，為了那恩典基督耶穌已經揀選他了。
因此，他決心忘記背後，
努力面前的，
向著標竿直跑，好得著神所賜的獎賞。
In contrast, towards the end of his life,
even when he knew that he would be poured out as a drink offering
and that his departure was at hand
(2 Tim 4:6),
there was calm and serenity within his heart.
Reflecting on his life of service, he had no regrets, for he said:
相反的，在他生命的最後階段，
即使他知道自己將如奠祭被澆灌，
而他的離世在即
（提後 4：6），
他的內心依然安穩與寧靜。
回顧他自己服事的一生，他毫無遺憾，因為他說：
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day.
(2 Tim 4:7–8a)
7那美好的仗我已經打過了，當跑的路我已經跑盡了，
所信的道我已經守住了。
8從此以後，有公義的冠冕為我存留，
就是按著公義審判的主到了那日要賜給我的。
（提後 4：7-8a）
He had put in his best to preserve himself,
and he knew he could sing a new song within the true church in the Spirit!
他已竭盡全力保守自己，
他知道自己在真教會聖靈中，可唱出一首新歌！
They sang as it were a new song before the throne,
before the four living creatures, and the elders;
and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand
who were redeemed from the earth.
(Rev 14:3)
3他們在寶座前，並在四活物和眾長老前唱歌，
彷彿是新歌；
除了從地上買來的那十四萬四千人以外，
沒有人能學這歌。
（啟 14：3）
Believers of the true church will sing a new song
—a song that no one else could learn.
This is a song of redemption only sung by those who have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb.
Those who are saved shall stand before the throne
—i.e., within the true church
—joyfully singing of the grace of redemption.
真教會的信徒將唱一首新歌，
—無其他人可學會的一首歌。
這是一首救贖之歌，唯有那些被羔羊寶血救贖之人方可吟唱。
那些得救的人將可站在寶座前，
—即是，立於真教會中
—歡欣歌頌救贖的恩典。
THE BRIDE IS ONE SPIRIT WITH THE LORD 新娘與主同心
In the beginning, God made man from dust and placed him in the Garden of Eden.
起初，神用塵土造人，並將祂安置在伊甸園中。
And the Lord God said:
"It is not good that man should be alone;
I will make him a helper comparable to him."
...And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept;
and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.
Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman,
and He brought her to the man.
18耶和華神說：
“那人獨居不好，
我要為他造一個配偶幫助他。”
...21耶和華神使他沉睡，他就睡了；
於是取下他的一條肋骨，又把肉合起來。
22耶和華神就用那人身上所取的肋骨造成一個女人，
領他到那人跟前。
And Adam said:
"This is now bone of my bones
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man."
23那人說：
這是我骨中的骨，
肉中的肉，
可以稱他為女人，
因為他是從男人身上取出來的。
Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
and they shall become one flesh.
(Gen 2:18–24)
24因此，人要離開父母，與妻子連合，
二人成為一體。
（創 2：18-24）
Eve was created from Adam's rib to be his wife;
she belongs to Adam.
Similarly, the church comes from the side of the Lord Jesus;
she is, thus, the wife of Christ, belonging to Him.
夏娃是以亞當的肋骨所造，成為他的妻子；
她屬於亞當。
同樣，教會是從主耶穌的肋骨中出來的；
因此，她是基督的新婦，屬於祂。
How Does the Church Originate from Jesus' Side? 教會是如何從耶穌起頭的？
When the Lord Jesus was nailed on the cross,
"one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear,
and immediately blood and water came out"
(Jn 19:34).
Therefore, the apostle John said that the Lord Jesus came by water and blood
(1 Jn 5:5–6),
allowing man to overcome the world and become born of God.
當主耶穌被釘在十字架上時，
“34惟有一個兵拿槍扎他的肋旁，
隨即有血和水流出來。”
（約 19：34）
因此，使徒約翰說主耶穌是藉著水和血而來，
（約壹 5：5-6），
使人能勝過世界，並從神而生。
He who overcomes the world overcomes the power of Hades,
which is what the true church that is saved has done
(Mt 16:18).
The true church is established through the vicarious atonement of the blood of Jesus Christ.
Water and blood flowed from His side
so that, in the future, those willing to come before Him
to confess and repent shall receive the atonement of sins.
Today, with the testimony of the Holy Spirit,
the blood of the Lord is in the water during baptism,
thus bestowing the power to forgive sins
so that man can be cleansed, sanctified, and justified.
勝過世界的人，陰間的權柄（權柄：原文是門），不能勝過他。
這正是得救真教會已成就的。
（太 16：18）
真教會是藉著耶穌基督寶血代贖而建立的。
水和血從祂的肋旁流出，
因此，將來，凡願意來到祂面前，
願認罪悔改的人，都可贖罪。
今天，有聖靈的見證，
主的寶血流於洗禮的水中，
賦予赦罪的能力，
使人得以潔淨，成聖，稱義。
In the institution of marriage established by God,
husband and wife shall become one.
Similarly, Christ is the head, and the church
—His wife
—is the body.
在神所設立的婚姻制度中，
丈夫和妻子要成為一體。
同樣，基督是頭，教會
—祂的妻子
—是身體。
Husbands, love your wives,
just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
that He might present her to Himself a glorious church,
not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
but that she should be holy and without blemish.
(Eph 5:25–27)
25你們作丈夫的，要愛你們的妻子，
正如基督愛教會，為教會捨己。
26要用水藉著道把教會洗淨，成為聖潔，
27可以獻給自己，作個榮耀的教會，
毫無玷污、皺紋等類的病，
乃是聖潔沒有瑕疵的。
（弗 5：25-27）
Christ sacrificed Himself out of His love for His wife,
so that she will be cleansed and sanctified, and belong to Him.
The washing of water by the word means that the church will be like the family of Noah,
who entered the ark during the great flood and were saved through water
(1 Pet 3:20).
Water represents baptism
(1 Pet 3:21);
the baptism that comes from the word of God
—the truth
—enables man to be saved.
Before the church adorns herself and is received in marriage,
she must first be cleansed through the washing of water by the word.
This sanctifies her to be offered before the Lord,
to become one spirit with the Lord
(1 Cor 6:17).
基督出於對自已妻子的愛而犧牲自己，
使她得以潔淨成聖，歸屬祂。
藉著神話語的水洗，代表教會將如同挪亞一家，
他們在大洪水期間進入方舟，經過水得救
（彼前 3：20）
水代表洗禮
（彼前 3：21）
這洗禮來自神的話語，
—真理
—使人得救。
在教會盛裝打扮，接受婚姻之前，
她必須先藉著神話語的水洗潔淨。
這會使她成聖，可以在主面前獻為祭，
與主成為一靈
（林前 6：17）
THE MYSTERY HIDDEN IN GOD 神隱藏的奧秘
[A]nd to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery,
which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God
who created all things through Jesus Christ;
to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God
might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,
according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Eph 3:9–11)
9又使眾人都明白，
這歷代以來隱藏在創造萬物之神裡的奧祕是如何安排的，
10為要藉著教會使天上執政的，掌權的，
現在得知神百般的智慧。
11這是照神從萬世以前，
在我們主基督耶穌裡所定的旨意。
（弗 3：9-11）
The mystery of God is Christ
(Col 2:2);
this mystery had been hidden from ages and from generations
(Col 1:25–26).
During the apostolic era, God revealed this through the Holy Spirit:
the mystery of Christ is the church
(Eph 3:4–6).
Through the church, the grace of salvation is revealed to both Jews and Gentiles
who believe in the Lord,
that they may become members of the household of God
(Eph 2:19)
—to become fellow heirs of Abraham,
of the same body, and partakers of His promise.
神的奧祕就是基督
（西 2：2）；
這奧秘自古以來，世世代代都隱藏著
（西 1：25-26）。
在使徒時代，神藉聖靈顯明這奧秘：
基督的奧秘就是教會
（弗 3：4-6）。
藉著教會，救贖的恩典向猶太人和外邦人顯明，
凡信主的人，
都成為神家中成員
（弗 2：19）
—與亞伯拉罕同為後嗣，
同屬一個身體，同蒙應許。
The saved true church,
which is the household of God,
has two key characteristics.
She is the dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
She is also the pillar and ground of the truth
(1 Tim 3:15).
得救的真教會，
就是神的家，
有兩個主要的特徵。
她是神聖靈的居所。
她也是真理的柱石和根基。
（提前 3：15）
Dwelling Place of God 神的住所
As the dwelling place of God in the Holy Spirit,
the church is guided by His Spirit in her development and divine work.
Individual believers can pray and receive the promised Holy Spirit.
When a believer's body becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit
(1 Cor 6:19),
and he lives and walks in the Spirit
(Gal 5:25),
he will be guided by the Spirit to be gradually renewed in knowledge.
He will become a new man, according to the image of the One who created him
(Col 3:5–10).
作為神聖靈的居所，
教會由聖靈引導來發展與進行聖工。
信徒個人可以禱告並領受所應許的聖靈。
當信徒的身體成為聖靈的殿
（林前 6：19），
而他當靠聖靈而生，靠聖靈行事
（加 5：25），
他就會受聖靈的引導，在知識上漸漸更新。
他會成為新造的人，照著創造他之主的形象
（西 3：5-10）。
Pillar and Ground of the Truth 真理的支柱與根基
First, the church must uphold the truth,
like a pillar, to lift the Lord Jesus and His words.
In this way, others can see the truth and see Him within the church.
A church that is not the pillar of truth is not the church of the Lord.
首先，教會必須堅守真理，
像柱石一樣，高舉主耶穌和祂的話語。
這樣，別人就能在教會中看到真理，看見祂。
一間教會若沒有真理的柱石，就不是主的教會。
The church must be built upon the truth as the foundation.
Jesus is the cornerstone and the truth
(Jn 1:14, 14:6).
Only when the church is built upon the Lord Jesus
will she be able to lead man to the heavenly Father.
教會必須建立在真理的根基上。
耶穌是房角石，也是真理。
（約 1：14，14：6）
唯獨教會建立在主耶穌之上，
教會才能引領人歸向天父。
But the church is also the foundation of the truth.
During the end days, only those whom God has chosen in Him
before the foundation of the world,
according to the good pleasure of His will, will be saved
(Eph 1:4–7).
This is the true church in the Spirit,
the church that transcends space,
and is the only church that is saved.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have all returned to this church in the Spirit:
physically, they have died and have been buried,
but the Lord Jesus said they are not dead but living
(Mt 22:31–33).
The only place that those who are saved will go is the one true church.
Prior to his demise,
Paul said the crown of righteousness had been laid up for him.
He was certain that he would receive this prize and enter everlasting life.
He, together with the many New Testament saints
who upheld their faith till the end,
is now within the one true church that is saved.
但教會也是真理的根基。
在末世，只有那些神揀選歸祂之次，
在創世以前，
照著祂旨意所喜悅的人，才能得救。
（弗 1：4-7）
這才是屬靈的真教會，
超越空間的教會，
也是唯一得救的教會。
亞伯拉罕，以撒和雅各都已歸回這屬靈的教會：
肉身雖已死去並埋葬，
但主耶穌說他們並沒有死，而是活著。
（太 22：31-33）
那些得救之人唯一要去的地方，就是這獨一真教會。
在保羅離世之前，
他說那公義的冠冕已經為他存留。
他確信自己必得這獎賞，進入永生。
他與許多新約的聖徒，
他們會至死都堅守信仰，
現今都進入那得救的唯一真教會。
The true church that is saved in the Spirit
—established by God before the foundation of the world
—is the mystery of Christ
(Eph 1:4, 3:4–6).
He paved a way for man so that man can walk towards and enter this church.
This is the path of truth, built upon the church as the foundation,
bestowed upon man through Jesus Christ and His vicarious death.
屬靈得救真教會，
—在創世之前由神所立，
—就是基督的奧秘
（弗 1：4，3：4-6）
祂為世人鋪平道路，使人能夠走進這教會。
這是真理的道路，建立在此教會成為根基，
藉著耶穌基督及代贖的死賜給世人。
CONCLUSION: THE LAMB'S WIFE IS ADORNED 結論：羔羊新婦裝飾整齊
Then one of the seven angels
who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues
came to me and talked with me, saying,
"Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife."
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain,
and showed me the great city,
the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.
(Rev 21:9–10)
9拿著七個金碗，
盛滿末後七災的七位天使中，
有一位來對我說：
你到這裡來，我要將新婦，就是羔羊的妻，指給你看。
10我被聖靈感動，天使就帶我到一座高大的山，
將那由神那裡，
從天而降的聖城耶路撒冷指示我。
（啟 21：9-10）
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
(Rev 21:2)
2我又看見聖城新耶路撒冷
由神那裡從天而降，
預備好了，就如新婦妝飾整齊，等候丈夫。
（啟 21：2）
The holy city, New Jerusalem, is the Lamb's wife.
She is the true church in the Spirit,
the city with foundations that Abraham and the saints had looked forward to
(Heb 11:10).
Before the foundation of the world,
God established this city for those who would believe in Him.
聖城新耶路撒冷是羔羊的新婦。
她是屬靈的真教會，
這聖城有亞伯拉罕與眾聖徒所盼望的根基。
（來 11：10）
在創世之前，
神預備了這城給那些信祂之人。
New Jerusalem is repeatedly described in Revelation
as descending out of heaven from God.
This great city must have been initially with God
since she is coming from God.
Descending from heaven means that she is manifested through the Spirit.
She is prepared, as a bride adorned for her husband.
This means that the true church in the last days will be perfect.
Her believers will be united in faith, firm and unwavering
in their submissiveness to the complete truth.
In addition, as many as are appointed to eternal life will have believed
(Acts 13:48).
Those who are unable to remain steadfast, like Demas
(2 Tim 4:10),
as well as those who hinder the truth like Hymenaeus and Alexander
(1 Tim 1:20),
will have departed.
啟示錄一再描述新耶路撒冷
從神的天國降臨。
這座偉大的聖城起初與神同在，
因為她來自於神。
從天而降代表她藉著聖靈顯現。
她預備妥當，如同新娘妝飾整齊，等候丈夫。
這代表末世的真教會將會完全。
她的信徒將於信仰中合一，堅定不移，不會動搖，
順服這完全的真理。
此外，凡預定得永生的，都必信了
（徒 13：48）。
那些無法持守信仰的人，就如底馬，
（提後 4：10），
以及那些阻撓真理的人，如許米乃和亞歷山大
（提前 1：20），
都會離開。
When God calls man, He enables him to experience His omnipotence and attributes
through His creation
(Rom 1:19–20),
so that they know how to seek, worship, and serve Him
(Rom 1:25).
Through the events a person encounters (including dreams and visions),
through the guidance of relatives and friends,
or even through sickness and accidents,
God invites man to experience His grace
(Rom 5:2).
They stand to escape the bondage of corruption in the flesh,
to enjoy the glorious liberty of God's children
(Rom 8:18-21; 2 Cor 4:17).
However, those who have been called ought to work out their salvation in fear and trembling
(Phil 2:12).
This means relying on the power of the Holy Spirit,
to constantly spiritually nurture and transform oneself according to God's word,
to become a new creation with the image and likeness of Christ
(2 Cor 5:17; Rom 8:29).
We must also uphold the truth till the end of our lives to remain part of God's household,
the glorious true church who is the Lamb's Bride.
May our names remain written in the Lamb's Book of Life
(Rev 21:27).
Amen!
神呼召人時，祂使人能體驗祂的全能和特質，
經由祂的創造
（羅 1：19-20），
從而使他們知道如何尋求，敬拜，事奉祂
（羅 1：25）。
透過人所經歷的事件（包括夢境和異象），
透過親友的引導，
甚至透過疾病和意外，
神邀請人來體驗祂的恩典
（羅 5：2）。
他們有可能可以脫離肉體敗壞的捆綁，
享受神兒女榮耀的自由
（羅 8：18-21；林後 4：17）。
然而，蒙召之人應該恐懼戰兢作成他們得救的工夫
（腓 2：12）。
這代表依靠聖靈的大能，
按照神的話語不斷滋養靈命改變自己，
成為基督形象和樣式的新造之人。
（林後 5：17；羅 8：29）
我們也必須堅守真理直到自已生命的盡頭，來保守在神的家中，
成為榮耀的真教會，亦是羔羊的新婦。
願我們的名字銘記於羔羊的生命冊。
（啟 21：27）
阿們！
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯

3. Manna issue 98 - I Know Not How the Seed Grows 我不知道種子如何生長
Vincent Yeung—Cambridge, UK 英國劍橋
And He said,
"The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground,
and should sleep by night and rise by day,
and the seed should sprout and grow,
he himself does not know how.
For the earth yields crops by itself:
first the blade, then the head,
after that the full grain in the head.
But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle,
because the harvest has come."
(Mk 4:26)
26又說：
神的國如同人把種撒在地上。
27黑夜睡覺，白日起來，
這種就發芽漸長，
那人卻不曉得如何這樣。
28地生五穀是出於自然的：
先發苗，後長穗，
再後穗上結成飽滿的子粒；
29穀既熟了，就用鐮刀去割，
因為收成的時候到了。
（可 4：26）
The parable of the growing seed in the Gospel of Mark
presents a simpler thematic approach
to Matthew's more programmatic description of the kingdom of God.
However, its straightforward language and vivid imagery
effectively illustrate the farmer's labor and watchfulness,
the delayed yet spontaneous germination process,
and the timely, rapid growth leading to harvest.
Together, these elements form a paradigm
for those committed to fulfilling Jesus' great commission
to make disciples of all nations
(Mt 28:19).
馬可福音撒種子生長的比喻，
以一種更簡潔的主題方式呈現，
與馬太福音更系統化神國的描述形成對比。
然而，它直白的語言和生動的意象，
有效描述了農夫的辛勤工作和悉心照料，
種子延遲卻自然發芽的過程，
且正此當時，快速生長最終帶來豐收。
這些要素共同形成了一種典範，
給那些致力想完成耶穌偉大使命的人
去使萬民成為門徒。
（太 28：19）
WHICH SEED WILL SPROUT? 那種種子會發芽？
The Bible repeatedly and unequivocally spells out God's will.
God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth
(1 Tim 2:4).
True followers of Jesus, the Son of God, must heed His commission,
and go forth to be witnesses to Him to the end of the earth
(Acts 1:8).
After the first downpouring of the Holy Spirit,
the apostle Peter's sermon stirred three thousand souls
to gladly accept his message and undergo water baptism
(Acts 2:41).
聖經一再重覆明確的闡明了神的旨意。
神渴望萬人得救，明白真道。
（提前 2：4）
耶穌神兒子真正跟隨的人，一定留意祂的差遣，
出去為祂作見證，直到地極。
（徒 1：8）
聖靈第一次降臨之後，
使徒彼得的講道感動了三千人，
欣然接受他的信息，並接受洗禮。
（徒 2：41）
Unfortunately, in our pluralistic and liberal societies today,
skepticism is rampant.
People are bombarded daily by a plethora of misleading information online,
making them wary of absolute truths.
At the same time, they are increasingly embracing the ideas of relativism and individualism,
resulting in the belief that there is no right or wrong, only personal choice.
不幸的是，在我們當今多元自由的社會中，
懷疑主義盛行。
大家每天都被很多網路誤導性的資訊轟炸，
這使他們對於絕對真理很謹慎。
同時，他們逐漸接受相對主義和個人主義的思想，
最終導致他們認為沒有對錯，只有個人的選擇。
As the parable of the sower illustrates,
the seed of God's word will fall on many different types of soil,
leading to varying results, even among those who are receptive to the gospel
(Mt 13:1–23).
This context helps us understand the diverse spectrum of truth-seekers
who arrive at the True Jesus Church today.
Some individuals come to please a friend or relative,
are motivated by curiosity, or desire social interaction.
Much like the biblical characters who discover great treasure and pearls
(Mt 13:44–46),
a few among these seekers gladly and immediately sacrifice whatever it takes
to obtain the precious truth they find.
正如撒種比喻所描述的，
神話語的種子會落在各種不同類型的土壤，
導致了不同的結果，即使是接受福音的人也是如此。
（太 13：1-23）
這個背景有助於我們明白慕道友形形色色的光譜。
他們今日來到真耶穌教會，
有些人是為了取悅朋友或親戚而來，
或是出於好奇，或想要社交互動。
就像聖經的人物發現了大寶藏和珍珠的，
（太 13：44-46），
有少部份這些慕道友很樂意就立刻甘願捨棄一切，
以獲得他們發現的寶貴真理。
However, there are also truth-seekers
who attend services regularly
and have participated in many evangelistic services, spiritual convocations, and doctrinal seminars.
With a good understanding of and frequent exposure to True Jesus Church doctrines,
some may even consider themselves part of the church.
And yet they are unable to fully embrace the truth and undergo water baptism.
How then should we regard these long-term truth-seekers within our midst
who have not fully entered the fold?
然而，也有一些慕道友，
他們常常參加聚會，
有參與過許多福音佈道會、靈恩會和教義講習會。
對於真耶穌教會的教義他們有了相當的了解，並且常常接觸教義，
有些人甚至認為自己是教會的一份子。
然而，他們卻無法完全接受真理，去接受洗禮。
那麼，我們該如何看待這些在我們中間長期的慕道友，
而他們尚未完全進入羊圈呢？
PERSEVERING TO PRESENT EVERY MAN PERFECT IN CHRIST JESUS
持守到底，使各人在基督耶穌裡達到完全
It is not uncommon to find individuals
who admire a religion without being an active part of it.
The apostles often encountered such people in the synagogue.
When Paul preached in the synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia,
some Gentiles begged them to return the following Sabbath,
and some Jews and devout proselytes were also persuaded
(Acts 13:14, 42–43).
The term "proselyte" appears three times in Acts
(Acts 2:10, 6:5, 13:43),
referring to Gentile converts to Judaism who had undergone circumcision.
Yet, many other Gentiles accepted the monotheism of Judaism
while struggling to fully comply with the law's requirements.
References to such devout Gentiles or God-fearing Gentile worshippers
are found in Acts
(Acts 17:4, 17).
For instance, Cornelius was described as "a devout man and one who feared God"
(Acts 10:2),
and Lydia
(Acts 16:14) a
nd Justus
(Acts 18:7)
were noted as worshippers of God.
These people were well-versed in the Old Testament
and regularly attended synagogue services.
這種情況並不少見可以看見某些人，
他們會崇敬一種宗教，卻不積極參與其中，。
眾使徒常鼓勵猶太會堂這樣的人。
保羅在彼西底安提阿猶太會堂傳道時，
有些外邦人懇求他們下個安息日再來，
就有一些猶太人和虔誠的改信者都被勸服了，
（徒 13：14，42-43）。
“皈依者”一詞於使徒行傳中出現了三次，
（徒 2：10，6：5，13：43），
指的是已接受割禮且皈依猶太教的外邦人。
然而，許多其他外邦人雖然接受猶太教的一神論，
卻很努力想完全遵守律法的要求。
有關記載這些虔誠外邦人，或是敬畏神的外邦敬拜者，
都可以在使徒行傳找到。
（徒 17：4，17）
例如，描述哥尼流是“虔誠人且敬畏神”
（徒 10：2），
呂底亞
（徒 16：14）
和猶士都
（徒 18：7）
都被記錄是敬拜神的人。
這些人精通舊約聖經，
並且經常參加猶太會堂禮拜。
Paul considered it his responsibility
to proclaim God's salvation to the Gentiles.
This is why he, and other apostles,
did not shy away from warning and teaching every man to present them perfect
(Greek: I?I-I?IμI1I?I?; mature, complete)
in Christ Jesus.
In our context, our ultimate goal is to lead all non-believers to salvation.
The responsibility of nurturing our truth-seeking friends
until they reach spiritual maturity
extends to every member,
not just ministers or religious educators.
Having received the hope of salvation through our Lord Jesus,
it is our duty to edify one another
(1 Thess 5:8, 11).
The term "one another" encompasses not only church members
but also our neighbors
(Rom 15:2).
In short, we must persist in warning, reminding, teaching, encouraging,
and interceding for our friends
until they overcome the final barrier
preventing them from undergoing the baptism that will cleanse their sins.
保羅認為這是他的責任，
要向外邦人宣揚神的救恩。
這是為何，他與許多其他使徒，
沒有迴避去警告和教導每個人，使他他得以完全
（希臘文：I?I-I?IμI1I?I?；成熟，完全）
在基督耶穌裡。
就我們情境中，我們最終的目標是帶領所有非信徒得救。
培養慕道友的責任，
直到他們達到屬靈性成熟，
擴展到每位信徒，
不僅是負責人或宗教教育老師有此責任。
既藉著主耶穌領受了得救的盼望，
彼此造就就是我們的責任
（帖前 5：8，11）。
“彼此”一詞不僅包含教會信徒，
也包含我們的鄰舍
（羅 15：2）。
總之，我們必須堅持不斷警告，提醒，教導，鼓勵，
並為我們的朋友代禱，
直到他們克服最後的阻礙，
那會防止他們接受潔淨他們罪的洗禮，。
Loving Like a Nursing Mother 像哺乳母親一樣的疼愛
Parents know how challenging it is to care for babies
—patiently tending to them as they develop and grow.
This "journey of growth" can be treacherous and eventful.
This is especially true for babies born prematurely,
who are more likely to face health complications, experience feeding problems,
and reach developmental milestones later than their peers.
Such unpredictability intensifies the anxiety of parents
who had been excitedly awaiting their child's first steps or first word.
However, the joy at the end of this journey
more than compensates for the sleepless nights, frustration, worry, and hard work.
父母都知道照顧嬰兒有多麼不容易，
—需要耐心照顧他們，隨著他們成長發展。
這段“成長之旅”可能充滿驚險且波折不斷。
對於早產兒來說尤其如此，
他們很有可能出現健康病症，餵食困難，
且比同齡人達到各發育階段的時間更晚。
這種不可預測性加深了父母的焦慮，
他們原本很期待盼望著孩子踏出第一步或說出第一個字。
然而，這段旅程結束後的喜悅，
足以彌補那些不眠之夜，沮喪，擔憂和辛勞。
Paul cherished the brethren as a nursing mother would her own children
(1 Thess 2:7).
He prayed for the believers unceasingly and was eager to help them grow
(Rom 1:9–10).
For three years, he warned the Ephesians night and day with tears,
urging them to remain vigilant and be ready to receive the inheritance
(Acts 20:31–32).
Paul was determined to prepare them to be a perfect bride for Jesus
(2 Cor 11:2).
Likewise, we should consider our truth-seeking friends as our responsibility.
We intercede unceasingly and cultivate them
until the seed of truth germinates in their hearts,
and they come to maturity.
保羅珍惜弟兄姐妹，就像哺乳母親會對待自己孩子的方式一樣
（帖前 2：7）
他為許多信徒不住禱告，並很熱心幫助他們成長
（羅 1：9-10）
在三年間，他晝夜流淚勸勉以弗所人，
鼓勵他們警醒預備，準備好承受基業
（徒 20：31-32）
保羅決心培養他們，成為耶穌完美的新婦
（林後 11：2）
同樣，我們該考慮自已的慕道友，視為己任。
我們應不住為他們代禱，培養他們，
直到真理的種子在他們心中發芽，
使他們長大成熟。
Patient Like a Farmer 像農夫一樣的耐心
The man in the parable of the growing seed watched and waited,
then sprang into harvesting action once the grain was ripe
(Mk 4:29).
Being an experienced farmer,
he understood that growth cannot be rushed.
His critical responsibilities
were to diligently water, weed, and keep the pests away.
Similarly, we must patiently toil
until Christ is formed in our friends and in believers
who are not "fully grown"
(Gal 4:19).
It is not ours to question when or how God brings growth;
our job is just to plant, nurture, and be ready to reap.
在種子生長的比喻中，那人觀察、等待，
然後莊稼成熟時，他立即開始收割
（可 4：29）。
作為一位經驗豐富的農夫，
他明白生長不能操之過急。
他重要的職責，
就要辛勤灌溉，除草，防治病蟲害。
同樣，我們也必須耐心耕耘，
直到基督於我們朋友及信徒心中成形，
那些尚未“完全成長”的人
（加 4：19）。
我們並無權去質疑神何時或要如何使種子成長；
我們的職責只是去播種，培育，預備好去收割。
Paul emphasizes the centrality of God at work in the preaching of the gospel.
Paul planted, Apollos watered,
but only God could give the increase
(1 Cor 3:6).
It was God who added to the church daily those who were being saved
(Acts 2:47).
God opened Lydia's heart to heed the things spoken by Paul
(Acts 16:14).
The disciples did not choose Jesus,
it was Jesus who chose them
(Jn 15:16).
No one can come to God unless God first draws them to Himself
(Jn 6:44).
Even among the myriad of people in this world,
we find ourselves meeting truth-seekers willing to come and remain with us.
So there must be a purpose for them
as well as for us in the mystery of God's salvation plan.
保羅強調傳福音聖工神的中心地位。
保羅栽種，亞波羅澆灌，
但只有神才能使它生長。
（林前 3：6）
只有神使得救的人天天加給他們。
（徒 2：47）
神開啟呂底亞的心，使她留心聽從保羅的話語。
（徒 16：14）
門徒沒有選擇耶穌，
而是耶穌選擇他們。
（約 15：16）
除非神先吸引人，否則無人可到神面前。
（約 6：44）
即使在此世界的無數人中，
我們發現自已會遇到慕道友，他們願意來到我們中間並與我們同在。
因此，他們必定其存在的意義，
就如我們在神救贖計畫的奧祕中，。
A cursory scan of the Bible may suggest
that God's calling and election are arbitrary.
Truth-seekers must overcome many barriers
before they completely accept the truth.
However, those who desire to find God
must put aside their prior beliefs and traditions
(Mt 9:17),
family ties
(Lk 14:26)
and prejudices
(Jn 1:46, 7:52).
Those who genuinely seek God would put in the effort,
take the message seriously,
and examine the doctrine diligently
(Acts 17:11).
For those who desire to do God's will,
God will open their heart to accept the truth
(Jn 7:17).
The Holy Spirit will be given to those who obey God
(Acts 5:32).
God opening Lydia's heart was not a case of arbitrary favoritism;
God is impartial
(Eph 6:9; Col 3:25).
Lydia already worshipped God, she exhibited generosity,
offered to receive Paul and his company,
and provided her house as a gathering place for other believers
(Acts 16:15, 40).
若粗略瀏覽聖經則可讓人覺得，
神的呼召和揀選是任意的。
慕道者必須克服許多障礙，
在他們完全接受真理之前。
然而，那些想尋找神的人，
必須放下他們先前的信仰和傳統
（太 9：17）、
家庭關係
（路 14：26）
以及偏見
（約 1：46，7：52）。
那些真心尋求神的人會付出努力，
認真重視福音，
並辛勤查考教義
（徒 17：11）。
對於那些渴望遵行神旨意的人，
神會開啟他們內心來接受真理
（約 7：17）。
聖靈會賜給那些順服神之人
（徒 5：32）。
神開啟呂底亞的心並非是任意的偏袒；
神是公正的
（弗 6：9；西 3：25）
呂底亞已經敬拜神，她顯出慷慨大方，
主動提出接待保羅一行人，
並將她家給其他信徒作為聚會所
（徒 16：15，40）
Paul recognized that the gospel is not preached by word alone,
but by the power of the Holy Spirit and our conviction
(1 Thess 1:5).
In particular, conviction is a prerequisite for attaining any achievement,
whether in education, career, or mastering a skill.
Without conviction in our beliefs,
we will have little time for God and no motivation to share the gospel.
Although it is natural for us to hope
that our truth-seeking friends will convert quickly,
this may not always align with God's timing.
Let us neither doubt nor lose conviction that God is at work.
While waiting patiently for God to open the hearts of the truth-seekers,
we must also ask God to empower us
to continue our preaching efforts and maintain our conviction
when facing slow progress or an impasse in evangelism.
保羅體認到，傳揚福音並非單靠言語，
乃是靠著聖靈的能力和我們確信
（帖前 1：5）。
特別是，信念是任何成就的先決條件，
無論是教育，事業或熟悉技能。
若無確信在我們觀念中，
我們就沒有時間親近神，也沒有動力去分享福音。
雖然我們很自然會希望，
我們的慕道友能夠很快信主，
但這想法未必常與神的時機相符。
讓我們不要懷疑，也不要失去神會動工的信心。
在耐心等候神去開啟慕道友內心的同時，
我們也必須祈求神加添我們力量，
來繼續自已宣道的努力，保守自已的信心，
在傳福音時遇到緩慢進展或僵局時。
Live Out the Doctrine of Christ 活出基督的教義
At Pentecost, around three thousand people were baptized,
and God added to this number daily
(Acts 2:43, 47).
The scale and spontaneity of this response have not been replicated in our time.
It is essential to identify the factors that contributed to this apostolic success.
Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, sheds light on this.
God worked with the apostolic church
because they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship and services.
They were of one mind and were together with gladness and sincerity of heart
(Acts 2:42–46).
五旬節時，約有三千人受洗，
神將受洗的人天天加給他們。
（徒 2：43，47）
這種回應的規模和自發性，並沒有於今日的時代重現。
來探究促成導致這種使徒時代成功的因素，就至關重要。
使徒行傳的作者路加對此有所闡述。
神與使徒教會同工，
因為他們自已很專注遵守使徒的教導，彼此團契，聚會。
他們同心合意，一起存著歡喜，誠實的心。
（徒 2：42-46）
God's abidance as we serve Him is not accomplished solely through words;
it requires action.
Orthodoxy (the right doctrines)
needs to be complemented with orthopraxy (the right action).
Proclaiming the perfect doctrine of salvation without good works is sterile;
it may come across as hypocritical and lofty self-serving piety.
As our truth-seekers become woven into the fabric of the church,
our actions and interactions shape their evaluation of our faith.
Genuine love and faith
(2 Cor 6:6; 1 Tim 1:5)
can only be revealed in the long term.
The actions accompanying a genuine faith serve as proof of the ministry
(2 Cor 9:12–13).
Therefore, we are constantly reminded to live out the doctrine of God
through good works that are beneficial to others
(Tit 2:7, 9–10, 3:8, 14).
We must allow others to see
that Christ is at work in us and with us.
Only when we are one in God and made perfect
will the world see Christ manifested in His believers
(Jn 17:21–23).
我們事奉神時，神同在並非僅體現在言語上；
它需要行動。
正統教義 （正確的教義）
需要輔以正確的實踐（正確的行動）。
宣揚完美的救恩教義若不伴以善行，是徒然的；
它可能被視為虛偽和自以為是的虔誠。
隨著我們慕道友融入教會的脈絡時，
我們的行為和互動會形塑他們對我們信仰的評價。
純真的愛心與信心
（林後 6：6；提前 1：5）
只能於長期的實踐時展現出來。
伴隨真信心的行動，正是事奉的明證
（林後 9：12-13）。
因此，我們要不斷提醒活出神的教義，
透過造福他人的善行
（多 2：7，9-10，3：8，14）。
我們必須讓別人看見，
基督在我們心裡同工，與我們同在。
只有當我們與神合而為一，成長完全的時候，
世人才能看見基督於祂的信徒身上彰顯出來。
（約 17：21-23）
CONCLUSION 結論
The Lord Jesus has warned us
that His seed of truth will fall on various types of soils.
Some friends may quickly accept God's word and sacrifice everything
in exchange for the kingdom of God;
others may take a little longer, procrastinating,
undecided whether to take the plunge.
To present our friends mature before Christ,
we must cultivate three essential attributes in ourselves.
First, we must have the heart of a nursing mother.
This involves dedicating time and effort, with full conviction,
to build up these truth-seekers who rely on us.
Second, we must embody the heart of the farmer.
Our role is to plant seeds, water them, and trust God to make them grow.
We also watch attentively, ready to spring into action when the harvest is ripe.
Third, we need to reflect the image of Christ,
living in true righteousness and holiness
(Eph 4:24).
By cultivating Christ within ourselves
(Gal 4:19),
we establish a pattern of good work that adorns our doctrine to be profitable to man.
In doing so, we become powerful witnesses for our Lord,
not merely through words but with deeds,
proving that Christ is present within us and among us.
主耶穌已經警告我們，
祂真理的種子會落在各種不同的土壤上。
有些朋友可能很快接受神的話語，並捨棄一切，
而為換取神國；
另一些人則可能需要一點長時間，猶豫不決，
心意不定不知是否該縱身一躍。
為要在基督面前獻上我們成熟的朋友，
我們必須自已靈修自己三個重要的特質。
首先，我們必須有一顆母愛哺乳的心。
這包括投入時間和精力，滿懷信心，
來建造這些依靠我們的慕道友。
第二，我們必須體現一顆農夫的心。
我們的角色就是要播種，澆灌，並信靠神使它們生長。
我們也要專心觀察，在莊稼成熟時準備好活躍行動。
第三，我們需要顯示基督的形象，
活出真公義與聖潔，
（弗 4：24）。
藉著靈修形成基督於自已內心
（加 4：19），
我們建立行善的模式，彰顯我們的教義可以對人有益。
如此行，我們便成為主的有力見證人，
不僅透過言語，更訴諸行動，
證明基督在我們內心同在，也住在我們中間。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯

2. Manna issue 98 - Greater Works Than These He Will Do 他要做比這更大的事
FF Chong—London, UK 英國倫敦
Editor's note:
This article is adapted from lessons
given during the UK National Evangelism Group online fellowship
on 24 November 2024.
編輯說：
本文節錄自英國國家福音傳播小組的線上團契，
2024 年 11 月 24 日。
"Most assuredly, I say to you,
he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also;
and greater works than these he will do,
because I go to My Father."
(Jn 14:12)
12我實實在在的告訴你們，
我所做的事，信我的人也要做，
並且要做比這更大的事，
因為我往父那裡去。
（約 14：12）
These words, which Jesus spoke to the disciples, prompt a question.
During Jesus' ministry,
He healed the sick, cast out demons,
preached with authority, and performed many wonders.
Though He was flesh and blood,
He was also filled with the power of God.
How, then, can we possibly do "greater works" than Jesus?
耶穌告訴門徒的這些話語引發了一個問題。
在耶穌傳道期間，
祂醫病趕鬼，
帶著權柄傳道，行了許多神蹟。
雖然祂仍是血肉之軀，
但祂卻充滿了神的能力。
那麼，我們怎能行出比耶穌"更大的事"呢？
To understand these words, we must know the context.
The Lord Jesus' primary task on earth was to preach the gospel,
showing the way to salvation.
Therefore, those who believe in Him would inherit the same task,
and they would go on to fulfill this task to a greater extent.
要理解這些話，我們必須了解上下文。
主耶穌世上主要的任務就是傳揚福音，
指明得救的道路。
因此，凡信祂的人將繼承同樣的使命，
而他們將繼續更大程度的完成這項使命。
After the Holy Spirit was poured out,
the church was established,
and the gospel advanced far and wide,
especially in the early stages
when it spread rapidly and many people believed.
Eventually, it reached beyond Israel.
Geographically, the of the gospel during the time of the apostles
was greater than in Jesus' time.
聖靈降臨之後，
教會建立起來，
福音廣傳四方，
尤其是在早期階段，
當福音傳播迅速且許多人信主。
最終，傳到了以色列以外的地方。
從地域來看，使徒時代的福音傳播，
比耶穌時代範圍更大。
Today, the True Jesus Church continues the mission to preach
until the church has been established in every part of the world.
This is a great responsibility, foretold in the prophetic books.
今日，真耶穌教會繼續這使命去傳道，
直到教會已建立遍佈世界各地。
這是一項重大的責任，正如先知書所預言。
Isaiah 11 prophesies of the coming of Jesus.
The first part of the prophecy
describes Jesus' ministry and the establishment of the apostolic church
(Isa 11:1–10).
以賽亞書11章預言了耶穌來臨。
預言的第一部分，
描述耶穌的事工和使徒教會的建立
（賽 11：1-10）
"And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
Who shall stand as a banner to the people."
(Isa 11：10a)
“10到那日，耶西的根，
立作萬民的大旗。”
（賽 11：10a）
Jesus is the Root of Jesse;
He is the banner displaying the truth of God,
given to those who fear God
(Ps 60:4).
When Jesus came to the world,
He became the standard of truth.
He taught the truth first to the disciples
so they could preach the same standard of truth to others.
耶穌是耶西的根；
祂是揚起神真理的旌旗，
賜給敬畏神的人
（詩 60：4）
當耶穌來到世上，
祂就成了真理的標準。
祂首先教導門徒真理，
好讓他們能夠傳揚同樣真理的標準給別人。
"For the Gentiles shall seek Him,
And His resting place shall be glorious."
(Isa 11:10b)
“10外邦人必尋求他，
他安息之所大有榮耀。”
（賽 11：10b）
Jesus' resting place will be glorious
because the Gentiles will come to seek Him there.
His resting place is Mount Zion
(Ps 132:13–14),
which refers to the true church.
When the standard of truth is raised,
Gentiles will seek Jesus, and the church will become glorious.
耶穌的安息之地將無比榮耀，
因為外邦人將前來那裡尋求祂。
祂的安息之地是錫安山
（詩 132：13-14），
那裡指的是真教會。
當真理的標準得到高舉，
外邦人要尋求耶穌，教會也將榮耀無比。
The second part of the prophecy refers to a later time period
預言的第二部分指的是後世的時期。
（賽 1：11-16）
"It shall come to pass in that day
That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time
To recover the remnant of His people who are left. ...
He will set up a banner for the nations,
And will assemble the outcasts of Israel,
And gather together the dispersed of Judah
From the four corners of the earth."
(Isa 11:11–12)
“11那日，主必二次伸手救回自己百姓中所餘剩的，...
12他必向列國豎立大旗，
招回以色列被趕散的人，
又從地的四方聚集分散的猶大人。”
（賽 11：11-12）
The Lord will reach out to a remnant,
setting up a banner for the nations a second time.
A study of Isaiah suggests that after the banner is first lifted,
the standard of truth will decline,
making it necessary to raise the standard again.
主將伸手餘民，
再次為列國豎起旌旗。
以賽亞書暗示，旌旗初升之後，
真理的旌旗將會衰敗，
因此必須再次豎立旌旗。
The True Jesus Church is the revived apostolic church
that will raise the banner a second time.
The geographical spread of the gospel
will be even wider than the first lifting of the banner.
Therefore, the work of evangelism is crucial.
Indeed, by the Holy Spirit's work,
the True Jesus Church has now been established in at least eighty countries.
真耶穌教會就是復興的使徒教會，
它將會再次高舉旌旗。
福音的地理傳播範圍，
將會比第一次豎立旗幟的範圍更廣大。
因此，傳福音的聖工至關重要。
事實上，靠著聖靈的工作，
真耶穌教會如今已在至少八十個國家成立。
However, even as there is progress,
do we feel a decline in our determination to accomplish our mission?
How do we regain the strength and reignite our zeal
to preach with resilience and power?
How can the church complete her commission to do "greater works" than Jesus?
然而，即使取得了進展，
我們是否覺得自已完成使命的決心有所減弱？
我們如何重拾力量，重燃熱情，
帶著堅毅及力量去傳道？
教會要如何完成使命去成就比耶穌"更大的聖工"？
"I GO TO MY FATHER": PRAYING FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT “我往父那裡去”：祈求聖靈
Jesus explains how His believers can do greater works:
"because I go to My Father"
(Jn 14:12).
When He went to the Father,
the Holy Spirit descended, testifying that Jesus had overcome death.
Why is the Holy Spirit's descent relevant to evangelism?
耶穌解釋祂的信徒會如何做更大的事：
“12因為我往父那裡去。”
（約 14：12）
當祂回到父那裡時，
聖靈降臨，見證耶穌已經戰勝死亡。
為何聖靈降臨與傳福音有關呢？
The Holy Spirit Leads the Church
When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection,
He commanded them to make disciples of all nations.
He also reassured them, saying,
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth"
(Mt 28:18).
And yet, in His final words before ascending to heaven,
Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit
before going out to preach
(Acts 1:4–8).
The presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit
are indispensable in the work of evangelism.
聖靈帶領教會
耶穌復活後向門徒顯現，
祂吩咐他們使萬民成為門徒。
祂也安慰他們說：
“18天上地下所有的權柄都賜給我了。”
（太 28：18）
然而，在祂升天前的最後囑咐中，
耶穌指示門徒要等候聖靈，
在出去傳道之前。
（徒 1：4-8）
聖靈的同在與引導，
在傳福音的事工中是不可少的。
In 1917, the early workers of the True Jesus Church received the Holy Spirit
and were baptized into Jesus Christ.
The early church was filled with power and authority,
much like the early apostolic church,
fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 11.
1917 年，真耶穌教會的早期工人領受了聖靈，
且受洗歸入耶穌基督。
早期教會充滿能力和權柄，
就如同早期的使徒教會一樣，
應驗了以賽亞書 11 章的預言。
We must consider Jesus' words
and realize that the early development of the church
is inextricably linked to the Holy Spirit.
Today, we have been baptized into the same body of Christ.
To revive our zeal,
the church must pray for the guidance and infilling of the Holy Spirit.
我們必須思考耶穌的話語，
並了解教會早期的發展，
是與聖靈密不可分的。
今日，我們已受洗歸入基督同為一體。
為了重燃我們的熱心，
教會必須祈求聖靈的引導和充滿。
Every Believer Must Pray 每位信徒都必須禱告
The apostolic church sets an example
in its unrelenting emphasis on praying for the Holy Spirit in its preaching work.
Acts 8 recounts how Philip preached to Samaria
and performed many miracles.
Countless people believed and were baptized,
and there was great joy.
But no one received the Holy Spirit.
When the church in Jerusalem heard that people had believed,
they sent Peter and John there to pray for them
so they could receive the Holy Spirit.
This was the main purpose of their journey from Jerusalem to Samaria.
Likewise, when Paul arrived in Ephesus,
he asked if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed
(Acts 19:1–7).
On learning that they had only received the baptism of John,
he baptized them in the name of Jesus and laid hands on them
so they could receive the Holy Spirit.
使徒教會樹立了榜樣，
在傳道工作中，他們始終強調要祈求聖靈。
使徒行傳 8 章載了腓利是怎麼在撒瑪利亞傳道，
並行了許多神蹟。
許多人信主且受洗，
眾人皆大大歡喜。
卻沒有人領受聖靈。
耶路撒冷的教會聽見有人信主了，
就差彼得和約翰到那裡去為他們禱告，
好叫他們領受聖靈。
這是他們從耶路撒冷到撒瑪利亞的主要目的。
同樣的，當保羅到了以弗所，
他就詢問他們信的時候是否領受了聖靈，
（徒 19：1-7）。
得知他們只領受了約翰的洗禮，
他就奉耶穌的名給他們洗禮，按手在他們頭上，
好叫他們得到聖靈。
Today, we must similarly recognize
that evangelism and the Holy Spirit go hand in hand.
It is crucial to encourage all new believers and members
to pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit if they have yet to receive Him.
While the Lord Jesus bestows His Spirit in His time,
we must do our part to provide consistent encouragement.
Some congregations do this by scheduling weekly or monthly sessions
to pray for the Holy Spirit.
If we do not emphasize the importance
of regularly praying for and earnestly pursuing the Spirit,
then the motivation to do so may be lost.
When the majority of members are filled by the Holy Spirit,
the gospel will prosper as everyone is united in willingness and purpose.
The Holy Spirit transforms our hearts and ignites our zeal to preach.
今日，我們必須同樣認識到，
傳福音與聖靈密不可分。
至關重要的是，要鼓勵所有新受洗者與信徒，
要迫切祈求聖靈的降臨，如果他們還沒有得到聖靈。
雖然主耶穌會在祂所定的時間賜下聖靈，
但我們也必須盡己所能，持續鼓勵。
有些教會透過安排每週或每月的禱告會來做到這一點，
為了祈求聖靈。
若我們不強調重要性，
去定期禱告和迫切祈求聖靈，
那麼大家就可能會失去這樣做的動力。
當大多數的信徒都得到聖靈充滿時，
福音會興旺，因為大家都同心合意，目標一致。
聖靈改變我們的心，點燃我們的熱心去傳道。
"WHATEVER YOU ASK": PRAYING FOR THE GOSPEL “無論求甚麼”：為福音禱告
"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
(Jn 14:13)
“13你們奉我的名無論求甚麼，我必成就，
叫父因兒子得榮耀。”
（約 14：13）
What does our daily prayer agenda comprise?
Do we primarily thank God for His material blessings and make more requests?
When Jesus says that He will do "whatever you ask" in His name,
it refers not to whatever our heart desires,
but to the "greater works" mentioned in the previous verse
(Jn 14:12).
Jesus will heed our prayers when they pertain to the spreading of the gospel.
When the gospel is spread, God is glorified.
Therefore, every believer must pray for the work of preaching.
我們每日的禱告內容會是什麼呢？
我們是否主要感謝神賜予物質的祝福，並提出更多祈求嗎？
耶穌說，祂必以自已的名成就你們一切所求的，
這並非指無論我們心中想求什麼，
但對於前面節經文所提“更大的事”，
（約 14:12）。
當我們的禱告與傳福音有關時，耶穌就會垂聽。
而福音得到傳播時，神就會得著榮耀。
因此，每位信徒都必須為傳福音的事工禱告。
Conversations in church are often indicative of our priorities.
It is commendable that we share with brethren the grace God has showered upon us.
However, when our conversations revolve solely around material blessings,
it is a worrying sign that evangelism is not a priority in our lives.
When a church prays for and focuses on evangelism,
it will be a constant topic of discussion among her members.
Many of our churches set a time to pray for evangelism;
this prayer is not only for the evangelism team,
but for the whole church to intercede for the work.
教會裡的談話往往反應出我們的優先事項。
我們與弟兄姐妹分享神賜給我們的恩典，就值得稱讚。
然而，當我們的談話只圍繞著物質的祝福時，
傳福音並非我們生活的重心這，就是令人擔心跡象，。
當教會禱告且專注去傳福音時，
就會成為教會信徒持續討論的話題。
我們許多教會會設訂時間為傳福音禱告；
這項禱告不只是為了福音團隊，
也是為整個教會的聖工代禱。
Continue earnestly in prayer,
being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
meanwhile praying also for us,
that God would open to us a door for the word,
to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in chains.
(Col 4:2–3)
2你們要恆切禱告，
在此儆醒感恩。
3也要為我們禱告，
求神給我們開傳道的門，
能以講基督的奧祕
（我為此被捆鎖）
（西 4：2-3）
Paul asked the Colossian members to pray for the gospel,
so that God would open doors for evangelism and make the mystery of the gospel known.
This request reveals Paul's unwavering focus on the gospel and His reliance on God.
Although he was a gifted and experienced evangelist,
Paul deeply valued the supporting intercession of the members.
We cannot accomplish God's work if we neglect to entrust it to God.
God is the One who touches the heart and guides a soul to salvation.
Do not take it lightly when a truth-seeker
who was initially enthusiastic decides to depart.
There may be myriad reasons why they do so,
but we must examine ourselves to see if our lack of prayers has played a part.
保羅請求歌羅西教會的信徒為福音禱告，
好讓神為傳福音敞開大門，使福音的奧祕得以明白。
這項請求表明了保羅堅定不移專心傳福音及他倚靠神。
雖然保羅是一位有恩賜，經驗豐富的傳道人，
保羅深深重視眾信徒支持的代禱。
如果我們忽略把聖工交託神，就無法完成神的工作。
神是那位獨一真神，會感動人心，引領靈魂得救恩。
當有一位慕道者，
他起初很熱心卻決定離開時，就不可掉以輕心。
他們這麼作的原因可能有很多，
但我們必須省察自己，看看我們是否因為自已缺乏禱告而產生影響。
Ministry workers and volunteers
who serve in pioneering areas have experienced that only God can open the way.
No matter how many evangelistic meetings we organize,
people may not be interested.
We need God's participation and guidance in our preaching work.
Therefore, we must humbly and with one heart rely on God in prayer,
asking Him to lead the church.
開拓地區事奉的宣道同工和志工
他們都體驗過，只有神才能開路。
無論我們舉辨多少次佈道會，
人們可能都不感興趣。
我們需要神的參與和帶領來進行傳道工作。
因此，我們必須謙卑同心禱告倚靠神，
求祂帶領教會。
"KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS": UNITED IN LOVE AND PEACE “遵守我的命令”：在愛與和平中合一
Love God 愛神
"If you love Me, keep My commandments.
And I will pray the Father,
and He will give you another Helper,
that He may abide with you forever."
(Jn 14:15–16)
“15你們若愛我，就必遵守我的命令。
16我要求父，
父就另外賜給你們一位保惠師（或作：訓慰師；下同），
叫他永遠與你們同在。”
（約 14：15-16）
After Jesus ascended to heaven,
He interceded for us so that we might receive the Holy Spirit.
However, a prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit
is that we must love God;
we demonstrate our love for God by keeping the commandments,
especially the Ten Commandments.
耶穌升天後，
祂為我們代求，使我們能領受聖靈。
然而，領受聖靈的前提，
就是我們必須愛神；
我們藉著遵守誡命，來展現我們愛神，
特別是十誡。
When we preach to Christians from other denominations,
one common topic of discussion is the Sabbath,
since most Christians observe Sunday as their day of worship.
In these cases, we should encourage them to keep the Fourth Commandment.
Sabbath-keeping is only one part of the commandments,
but when individuals take steps to follow the commandments more closely,
they manifest their love for God.
Jesus will observe this and intercede on their behalf,
and will bless them with the Holy Spirit in His time.
The Holy Spirit will be crucial
as they continue this journey of understanding the mystery of the gospel.
當我們向其他教派的基督徒傳道時，
一個常見討論的話題就是安息日，
因為大多數基督徒都守星期日作為禮拜日。
在這些情況下，我們應該鼓勵他們遵守第四誡。
守安息日只是誡命的一部分，
但當個人採取措施更加嚴格遵行誡命時，
他們表達了對神的愛。
耶穌會見到這事並為他們代求，
就會在祂的時間用聖靈祝福他們。
聖靈將是至關重要的，
當他們繼續這段了解福音奧秘的旅程時。
In Acts 5, the apostles attest
that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him
(Acts 5:32).
The receiving of the Holy Spirit
is directly linked to believers keeping God's commandments.
在使徒行傳 5 章，眾使徒作見證：
神將聖靈賜給那些順服祂的人
（徒 5：32）
領受聖靈與信徒遵守神的誡命直接關連。
Those who preach must also keep God's commandments.
If we meet His requirements in this way,
God will help those to whom we preach to understand.
We can see this from two angles,
using the example of Sabbath-keeping:
傳福音的人也必須遵守神的誡命。
如果我們這樣遵守祂的要求，
神必幫助我們所傳道之人可以明白。
我們可以從兩個角度來看這一點，
以守安息日為例：
1. The entire church should observe the Sabbath properly,
and church leaders should guide the congregation
in fulfilling this commandment of God.
The members will then experience
the blessings and benefits of God's promises concerning the Sabbath
(Isa 58:13–14),
and God will abide in the church.
He will guide people to come in and believe.
1. 整個教會應謹守安息日，
教會負責人應引導會眾，
來遵行這條神的誡命。
這樣眾信徒才能體驗到，
神關於安息日應許的祝福和益處
（賽 58：13-14），
神也會與教會同在。
祂會引導人進來信主。
2. When we preach,
we often explain the basic doctrines, including the Sabbath.
How can we discuss the Sabbath if we do not keep it properly ourselves?
Truth-seekers will see a contradiction if they observe our members neglecting the Sabbath.
In the past, believers who were trying to eke out their living
often compromised on Sabbath observance.
Today, with a clearer understanding of the truth,
we should be able to keep God's commandments more effectively,
both as our duty to Him and as an example to truth-seekers.
2. 我們傳道時，
常常會解釋一些基本教義，包括安息日。
如果我們自己都不好好遵守安息日，又怎麼能談論安息日呢？
慕道友如果看到我們信徒忽略安息日，就會覺得自相矛盾。
過去，有些信徒為了勉強維持生計，
常會妥協守安息日。
如今，我們有了真理更清楚的了解，
就應該能夠更有效的遵守神的誡命，
既是我們對神的責任，也是慕道友的榜樣。
GOD WORKS WITH THOSE WHO OBEY 神與那些順服的人同工
In a particular pioneering area, visiting workers encouraged the members
—who had relocated from China
—to keep God's commands so that the church could be established there.
The members were touched and resolved to keep the commandments,
including the Sabbath.
They observed the Sabbath
through singing hymns, praying, and listening to sermon recordings.
After they started doing this,
they saw God open the door for the gospel.
特別在一個開拓的地區，來訪的工人鼓勵眾信徒，
—他們從中國遷居而來，
—能遵守神的誡命，使教會能夠在那裡成立。
眾信徒都很感動，決心遵守誡命，
包括安息日。
他們守安息日，
透過唱詩、禱告和聆聽講道錄音。
他們開始這樣做之後，
就看見神打開福音的大門。
One family owned a factory and two shops
—they reported that the Monday after they started keeping the Sabbath,
business picked up noticeably in both shops.
One made more profit that Monday than over the course of the previous week.
They had an employee who was a Christian and spoke English,
making it easy for a visiting worker to preach to him.
After two meetings,
the employee shared the message with his older brother and some friends,
who all became interested.
The visiting worker set up a special group to preach to them.
He wondered why God had started leading the work with such speed and vigor.
He concluded that it was because the brethren were willing to keep the Sabbath faithfully.
有一戶信徒擁有一家工廠和兩家店。
—他們報告說，自從開始守安息日之後的那個星期一，
兩家商店的生意都很明顯好轉。
那個星期一有一家店賺更多甚至超過了前一周的總利潤。
他們有一位會說英語的基督徒員工，
這使得來訪的傳道很容易向他傳道。
兩次會面後，
這位員工把福音分享給他哥哥和一些朋友，
他們都很有興趣。
那位來訪的傳道組織了一個特別小組來向他們傳道。
他內心想著，為何神開始如此雷厲風行的帶領這項事工。
他總結，這是因為弟兄姐妹願意忠心遵守安息日。
The Bible is clear in this:
when we manifest our love to God through keeping His commandments,
He will pour out His Holy Spirit.
The Spirit will work mightily through us and in those who hear our message,
so that more will come to believe in the gospel.
聖經對此闡述得很清楚：
當我們遵守神的誡命，來表達自已愛神時，
祂就會給我們澆灌聖靈。
聖靈會經由我們大大動工在那些聽見我們信息的人，
使更多人會來相信福音。
Love Man 愛人
The commandments are not only about loving God, but also about loving man.
The gospel centers on God's love and our transformation through the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, we should cultivate a sincere love for one another
and pray for God's help to resolve interpersonal issues between coworkers,
so that the work is not hindered.
If not, the burden will sap our spiritual strength
and eventually become demoralizing.
誡命不僅有關愛神，也關乎愛人。
福音核心圍繞著神的愛以及我們靠聖靈的改變。
因此，我們應培養彼此真誠的愛，
並祈求神幫助解可以解決同工間的人際關係問題，
使聖工不會受阻。
否則，重擔會耗盡我們的屬靈力量，
最終導致士氣低落。
To truly keep the commandments,
we must proactively love others without expecting to receive love in return.
This is how we can become like the early apostolic church,
filled with the power of God.
要真正遵守誡命，
我們必須主動去愛別人，不求受愛回應。
這樣我們才能像早期使徒教會一樣，
充滿神的力量。
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ,
so that whether I come and see you or am absent,
I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit,
with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
(Phil 1:27)
27只要你們行事為人與基督的福音相稱，
叫我或來見你們，或不在你們那裡，
可以聽見你們的景況，知道你們同有一個心志，站立得穩，
為所信的福音齊心努力。
（腓 1：27）
Paul encourages the church to strive for unity in the gospel,
but it is not easy to achieve;
in the process, we must let our conduct be worthy of the gospel.
We have our shortcomings, but if we wish to preach,
we must allow the Holy Spirit to work in us.
We face challenges from living in the world
and, at times, from within the church,
which can hinder us from walking in accordance with Christ's teachings.
However, we must live out the gospel of peace both within and outside the church.
Any interpersonal issue we have in church can be an obstacle to preaching,
so we must rely on God to foster peace.
保羅鼓勵教會努力合一傳福音，
但這並非容易成就；
在過程中，我們必須自己行事為人與基督的福音相稱。
我們都有缺點，但如果我們希望可以傳道，
就必須讓聖靈在我們心裡動工。
我們要面對世界生活的挑戰，
有時也來自教會內部，
這些挑戰會阻礙我們遵行基督的教導。
然而，我們必須於教會內外都活出平安的福音。
任何我們遇到的教會人際問題，都可能成為傳福音的障礙，
因此我們必須依靠神來促成平安。
First, leaders must rely on the Holy Spirit to become individuals of peace.
One who is unable to interact harmoniously with others
will struggle to preach effectively.
Second, we must urge our brothers and sisters to love one another
and cultivate a peaceful atmosphere in the church,
so that God can work.
If there is a pattern of truth-seekers coming to church,
receiving the Holy Spirit,
and then departing after a time,
we must examine ourselves.
Is it related to our attitude?
Have we promoted unity,
or have we created divisions through our speech and behavior?
首先，負責人必須依靠聖靈，成為平安的使者。
若有人無法與他人和諧相處，
會難以有效去傳福音。
其次，我們必須鼓勵弟兄姐妹彼此相愛，
在教會營造出平安的氛圍，
使神可以動工。
若出現許多慕道友進到教會模式，
得到聖靈，
然後過了一段時間就離開了，
我們必須省察自己。
這是否與我們的態度有關？
我們是否促進主內合一，
還是我們因為自已言行而製造了分裂？
Our whole life and the way we treat others must be in harmony with the work of evangelism,
so that God will dwell with us.
我們生活全部層面及待人接物，都必須與宣道聖工協合一致，
這樣，神才會與我們同在。
"GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH": TEACH NO OTHER DOCTRINE “引導你們進入一切真理”：不要傳授其他教義
Foundation of Truth 真理的基礎
Another reason that the Holy Spirit is integral to preaching is found in John 16:
我們可找到約翰福音 16 章另一個原因，聖靈與傳道是不可分割的：
"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come,
He will guide you into all truth;
for He will not speak on His own authority,
but whatever He hears He will speak;
and He will tell you things to come."
(Jn 16:13)
“13只等真理的聖靈來了，
他要引導你們明白（原文作進入）一切的真理；
因為他不是憑自己說的，
乃是把他所聽見的都說出來，
並要把將來的事告訴你們。 ”
（約 16：13）
Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth,
who helps us understand the truth.
The truth, which comes from God,
forms the foundation of the church
(1 Tim 3:15).
If the church has a weak grasp of the truth,
then God will not work as powerfully with the church.
If a believer starts to doubt,
the Holy Spirit will gradually depart from him,
and he will no longer be able to discern the truth.
In such a state, how can we preach or lead others?
耶穌指出聖靈就是真理的靈，
祂會幫助我們明白真理。
這真理，是來自於神，
奠定了教會的根基
（提前 3：15）
如果教會不太了解真理，
那麼神就不會與教會大大同工。
如果信徒開始懷疑，
聖靈就會逐漸離開他，
他將會不再能夠分辨真理。
在這種情況之下，我們怎麼可以去宣道或帶領別人呢？
For example,
if the Holy Spirit had not revealed to the early workers of the True Jesus Church
that they should bow their heads in baptism,
they would not have understood
what it means to be united with Christ in the likeness of His death
(Rom 6:2–11).
Now, we are fully convinced that this is the correct mode of baptism.
例如，
如果聖靈沒有啟示真耶穌教會的早期工人，
他們該於受洗時低下頭，
他們就不會了解，
那所代表是與依祂的死亡的樣式與基督聯合
（羅 6：2-11）。
如今，我們完全確信，這才是正確洗禮的方式。
The greatest difficulties the True Jesus Church has faced throughout history
are related to the truth.
Therefore, all workers need to have complete conviction in the truth.
The church must remain vigilant and correct those who diverge from the truth.
We should follow the example of the apostolic church,
which did not allow another gospel to coexist or be preached:
歷史上真耶穌教會面臨最大的困難，
都與真理有關。
因此，所有的工人都必須完全深信真理。
教會必須保持警醒，糾正那些偏離真理的人。
我們應效法使徒教會的榜樣，
他們不允許另一種福音同時存在或為人傳播：
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia
—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine.
(1 Tim 1:3)
3我往馬其頓去的時候，
—曾勸你仍住在以弗所，好囑咐那幾個人不可傳異教，
（提前 1:3）
Having different opinions on the truth will cause divisions and affect our preaching.
We need to resolve to be rooted in God's truth.
對真理有不同意見會導致分裂，並影響我們的宣道工作。
我們需要立志紮根於神的真理。
When preaching, we may encounter questions that we cannot answer.
This does not mean that there is an issue with the truth we preach.
The problem is most likely that we do not yet fully understand the truth
—each of us has room for improvement in terms of learning God's word.
Therefore, we must continue to pursue a deeper understanding,
building on the foundation of the truth that the church has received.
在宣道時，我們可能會遇到自已一些無法回答的問題。
這並不代表我們所傳的真理有問題。
問題很有可能在於我們還不夠透徹理解真理。
—在學習神話語方面，我們每個人都有進步的空間。
因此，我們必須繼續追求更深的理解，
建立教會所領受真理的根基。
CONCLUSION 結論
As members of the True Jesus Church,
the revived apostolic church in the latter days,
we must be united in the gospel.
Collectively, we must
"stand fast in one spirit,
with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel"
(Phil 1:27).
Individually, if we feel that we lack inner power,
despite having the Holy Spirit and learning the truth,
then perhaps we have not been determined enough
in deepening our understanding of the gospel.
Do not stagnate at merely knowing the truth,
but expend effort to study the details
(Acts 17:11).
We will surely be strengthened in the process.
The Holy Spirit will inspire us and revive our zeal to preach,
since we know what we preach is true.
身為真耶穌教會的信徒，
成為末世復興的使徒教會，
我們必須在福音中合一。
我們集體必須，
“27知道你們同有一個心志，站立得穩，
為所信的福音齊心努力。”
（腓 1：27）。
就個人而言，如果我們覺得缺乏內在的力量，
儘管已擁有聖靈，並學習了真理，
那麼或許是我們還沒有下定決心，
去加深自已了解福音。
不要停滯於自已僅知道真理，
而要花心力去深入研究細節
（徒 17：11）。
在此過程中，我們就會得到力量。
聖靈會激勵我們，重新點燃我們的熱心去傳道，
因為我們知道自已所傳的是真理。
May the whole church stand fast
and believe in the pattern of sound words given to the church,
dwelling in peace, love, and unity in truth.
Let us be filled by the Holy Spirit,
relying on prayer and God's power to open the door of salvation,
to fulfill the Lord's command to achieve greater works for Him.
Amen!
願整個教會堅定不移，
並信靠賜給教會純正話語的規模，
在真理中，彼此和睦，相愛，合一同住。
願我們被聖靈充滿，
依靠禱告與神的大能來開啟救恩的大門，
去遵行主的命令，為祂成就更偉大的聖工。
阿們！
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯

1. Manna issue 98 - Casting the Net 撒網
KC Tsai—Toronto, Canada 加拿大多倫多
Simon Peter was a fisherman from the small village of Bethsaida by the Sea of Galilee
(Jn 1:44).
He made his living by casting his net to catch fish,
but after meeting the Lord Jesus,
he became one of the fish caught in the net of God's salvation grace
(Mt 13:47–50).
西門彼得是加利利海邊伯賽大村的漁夫
(約 1：44)
他靠撒網捕魚為生，
但遇見主耶穌之後，
他成了神救贖恩典之網所捕獲的魚之一
(太 13：47-50)
So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God,
that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake.
...Then He got into one of the boats,
which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land.
And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
When He had stopped speaking,
He said to Simon,
"Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
(Lk 5:1–4)
1耶穌站在革尼撒勒湖邊，
眾人擁擠他，要聽神的道。
2他見有兩隻船灣在湖邊。
...3有一隻船是西門的，耶穌就上去，請他把船撐開，稍微離岸，
就坐下，從船上教訓眾人。
4講完了，
對西門說：
把船開到水深之處，下網打魚。
(路 5：1-4)
Peter, exhausted and disheartened, replied,
"Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing;
nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net"
(Lk 5:5).
Without expectations,
he and his companions let down their nets
and caught such a great number of fish
that their net was filled to bursting.
The massive haul filled two boats,
causing them to start sinking.
彼得筋疲力盡，灰心喪氣地回答：
“5夫子，我們整夜勞力，並沒有打著甚麼。
但依從你的話，我就下網。”
(路 5：5)
沒有帶著期待，
他和自已的同伴撒下他們的網子，
結果捕獲大量的魚，
他們的網子幾乎要撐破。
這些魚獲裝滿了兩艘船，
以至於船都開始下沉。
Peter personally experienced this miracle firsthand,
witnessing the power of the Lord Jesus.
At the same time,
he perceived his own sinfulness and felt extremely unworthy.
He fell at Jesus' knees and said,
"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!"
(Lk 5:8).
This miracle not only provided him with an unexpectedly huge catch of fish,
but also the realization that he was a sinner,
unable to stand before the Lord without any shame.
彼得個人親身體驗了這個神蹟，
見證了主耶穌的大能。
在此之時，
他查覺了自己的罪性，覺得極度不配。
他跪在耶穌膝前，說：
“8主阿！離開我，我是個罪人！”
(路 5:8)
這個神蹟不僅讓他意外捕獲大量的魚，
也讓他明白自己是個罪人，
亦無法坦然無懼的站在主面前。
LAUNCH OUT INTO THE DEEP 開船入深海洋
"Launch out into the deep"
was the command the Lord gave to Peter.
His words carry great authority, beyond all human imagination
(Mt 8:8–12),
bestowing great grace upon those who believe.
For Peter, Jesus had already prepared a great catch in the deep waters
before he launched out.
Although Jesus' instruction to let down their nets
did not specify what would happen,
His commands always carry unimaginable promises.
Whoever believes in Him and follows His instructions will receive His blessings,
just as Peter did with his two boatloads of fish.
This is similar to God's command to Abram:
"Get out of your country,
from your family and from your father's house to a land that I will show you"
(Gen 12:1–3).
This simple command from God was followed by a series of promises
—that He would make Abram a great nation,
and all families of the earth would be blessed through him.
Sure enough, because of Abram's faith and obedience,
those promises were fulfilled
(Heb 11:8–12; Gal 3:7–8, 14).
“開船入深海洋”
就是主給彼得的命令。
祂的話語帶著權柄，遠超人類的理解
(太 8：8-12)
賜予信祂之人極大的恩典。
對彼得而言，耶穌已經在深水中預備了豐盛的漁獲，
在他開船出發之前，
雖然耶穌吩咐他們下網，
並沒有具體說明會發生什麼事，
但祂的命令總會帶著領人難以想像的應許。
凡信祂，遵行祂命令的人，必蒙祂的祝福，
就如彼得所行，捕獲了滿滿兩船的魚。
這與神對亞伯蘭的命令相同：
“1你要離開本地，本族，父家，往我所要指示你的地去。”
(創 12：1-3)
神這條簡單的命令，帶著是一系列的應許：
—祂要使亞伯蘭成為大國，
而地上萬族都要因他得福。
果然，因著亞伯蘭的信心與順服，
這些應許都實現了。
(來 11：8-12；加 3：7-8，14)
Life-Changing Grace 改變生命的恩典
Before we open our hearts to see the Lord's glory,
we often fail to recognize our own sins and shortcomings.
We become stuck in our routines, like Simon Peter,
who spent his days casting, hauling, washing, and mending nets.
When he obeyed the word of the Lord
to launch out into the deep and let down his net,
his expectations were upended.
He was astonished by the sight
of the heavy, straining nets being brought onto the boats.
在我們敞開心扉看見主的榮耀之前，
我們常常無法認清自己的罪惡和缺點。
我們被困在日常瑣事，就像西門彼得一樣，
他終日忙於撒網，收網，洗網和補網。
當他遵從主的吩咐，
開船駛入深水區再撒網時，
他的期望被徹底顛覆了。
他被眼前景象嚇呆了，
沉重而繃緊網子的漁網被拖上船。
Though the Lord Jesus' appearance and attire
did not change during the miracle,
the miracle itself revealed His spotless purity,
making Him seem too holy to look upon.
In fact, it was Peter's heart that changed
—he saw himself as a sinner
and recognized that the Lord Jesus was no ordinary Man.
This was the first grace he received.
雖然主耶穌容貌和衣著，
在行神蹟時並沒有改變，
但神蹟本身顯露了祂無瑕的純潔，
使祂顯得聖潔得令人不敢仰視。
事實上，改變的是彼得的內心，
他意識到自己是個罪人，
並體認到主耶穌絕非常人。
這是他所領受的第一份恩典。
Peter said,
"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!"
But the Lord did not leave him.
Instead, Jesus said to him,
"Do not be afraid.
From now on you will catch men."
So, Peter and his companions brought their boats to land,
forsook all, and followed Jesus
(Lk 5:10–11).
Thus, the second grace Peter received was his calling to follow the Lord
and be a fisher of men.
彼得說：
“8主阿！離開我，我是個罪人！”
但主沒有離開他。
反而耶穌對他說：
“10不要怕！
從今以後，你要得人了。”
於是，彼得和同伴把船靠岸，
撇下一切，跟隨了耶穌。
(路 5：10-11)
因此，彼得所領受的第二個恩典，就是蒙召跟隨主，
成為得人的漁夫。
"From now on you will catch men."
The task of casting a net is the same,
except the target would no longer be fish but human souls.
Being a fisher of men is the noble task of preaching the gospel,
allowing others to gain life by knowing the Prince of life.
It is a blessed and pleasing service in the sight of the Lord.
“從今以後，你們要得人如得魚。”
撒網的任務依然如常，
只不過目標不再是補魚，而是拯救人的靈魂。
要成得人的魚夫，就是傳揚福音的崇高使命，
讓許多人因認識生命之主而得著生命。
在主眼中這就是蒙福且蒙悅納的事奉。
CASTING THE NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE 往右側撒網
Peter did not become a fisher of men
during the three years of following the Lord Jesus.
It was after the Lord's ascension,
when Peter received the promised Holy Spirit,
that he became a fisher of men
and led three thousand souls to the Lord on the Day of Pentecost.
But before this point,
he became dangerously close to losing himself.
Despite having seen the resurrected Lord twice,
Peter told six companions by the Sea of Tiberias,
"I am going fishing."
His companions followed him in the opposite direction to their calling.
They planned to return to their old occupation
and resume their life as fishermen.
彼得並沒有成得人的漁夫，
在跟隨主耶穌的三年裡。
直到主升天之後，
當彼得領受了應許的聖靈，
他才成為得人的漁夫，
且於五旬節那天帶領三千人的靈魂歸向主。
但在此之前，
他曾一度頻危迷失自我。
雖他曾兩次看見復活的主，
彼得在提比瑞亞海邊卻對六個同伴說：
“我要去捕魚。”
他同伴跟隨他走向與他們的呼召相反的方向。
他們計劃重回自已的舊業，
繼續自已的生活，作為漁夫。
It was at this moment
that the Lord Jesus gave them another timely command:
就在這時，
主耶穌給他們另一個及時的命令：
And He said to then,
"Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some."
So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in
because of the multitude of fish.
...Then, as soon as they had come to land,
they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.
Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."
(Jn 21:6, 9–10)
6耶穌說：
你們把網撒在船的右邊，就必得著。
他們便撒下網去，竟拉不上來了，
因為魚甚多。
…他們上了岸，
9他們上了岸，
就看見那裡有炭火，上面有魚，又有餅。
10耶穌對他們說：把剛才打的魚拿幾條來。
(約 21：6，9-10)
The Lord Jesus did not need the fish that they had caught.
He could obtain the fish He wanted by Himself,
even without lighting a fire to grill it.
Our gospel work is the same.
The Lord knows who His sheep are;
they hear His voice and follow Him
(Jn 10:27).
In preaching the gospel, He may not need human "help,"
but He is willing to give believers the opportunity to work with Him.
When He said,
"Bring some of the fish you have just caught,"
it was not because He lacked fish,
but because He wanted His disciples to participate.
The boatload of fish was His reward,
from which He expected His disciples to bring a few fish to share with Him.
If He is willing to accept the contribution of His disciples in providing breakfast,
how much more is He willing to accept their participation in the task of saving souls.
主耶穌並不需要他們所抓到的魚。
他自己就能得到自已想要的魚，
甚至無需生火來烤魚。
我們傳福音的工作也是如此。
主知道誰是祂的羊；
他們會聽從祂的聲音，跟隨祂。
(約 10：27)
傳福音的時候，祂可能不需要人的“幫助”，
但祂很樂意給信徒與祂同工的機會。
當祂說：
“把你們剛捕到的魚拿來一些”，
並不是因為祂缺少魚，
而是因為祂要自已的門徒參與其中。
滿船的魚獲就是祂的獎賞，
祂期望自已的門徒可從其中拿出一些魚來與祂分享。
如果祂很樂意接受自已門徒的付出來準備早餐，
那麼祂豈不更樂意去接受他們參與拯救靈魂的任務呢？
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE A NET 天國就好比一張網
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet
that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind,
which, when it was full, they drew to shore;
and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels,
but threw the bad away.
So it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just,
and cast them into the furnace of fire.
There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
(Mt 13:47–50)
“47天國又好像網撒在海裡，
聚攏各樣水族，
48網既滿了，人就拉上岸來，
坐下，揀好的收在器具裡，
將不好的丟棄了。
49世界的末了也要這樣。
天使要出來，從義人中把惡人分別出來，
50丟在火爐裡；
在那裡必要哀哭切齒了。”
(太 13：47-50)
The parable of the dragnet describes the kingdom of heaven
as a net cast into the sea,
gathering all kinds of fish before the final judgment.
This net does not refer to the eternal kingdom
that believers will eventually enter after judgment,
but to the true church on earth, the kingdom of God.
In this parable,
there is only one net in the vast sea,
and it gathers various kinds of fish
—some good and some bad, to be later discarded.
This signifies that within the church,
there will be both righteous and wicked people.
God's salvation is highly selective.
There is only one true church where we can receive salvation,
but those who enter must rely on the Holy Spirit
to learn, pursue, and keep God's word,
becoming righteous and acceptable to God.
Not only must we enter the only true church,
but we must also humbly and diligently hold fast to the true faith
lest we lose our salvation.
撒網的比喻描述天國，
比喻為撒入大海的一張網，
在末日審判之前，網羅各種各樣的魚。
這張網並不是指永恆國度，
而信徒在審判後最終將要進入，
而是地上的真教會，神的國。
在這個比喻中，
在茫茫大海中只有一張網，
它會網羅各種各樣的魚，
—有好有壞，最終都要丟棄。
這象徵在教會中，
既有義人，也有惡人。
神的救恩是經過嚴格篩選的。
只有獨一真教會，我們才可以在那裡得拯救，
但那些進入教會的人必須依靠聖靈，
去學習，追求，並遵守神的話語，
成為義人，蒙神悅納。
我們不只要進入這間獨一真教會，
我們還要謙卑殷勤持守真道，
免得我們失去自已的救恩。
The Direction and Depth of Our Preaching 我們傳道的方向和深度
"Launch out into the deep"
signifies the direction and depth required by the Lord.
"Cast the net on the right side"
signifies having and obeying the word of the Lord.
The disciples had worked hard all night
and surely had cast their net on the right side already.
Therefore, the problem was not the location of the casting
but whether they had the Lord's word and obeyed it.
“開船入深海洋”
強調主所要求的方向和深度。
“在右邊撒網”
強調擁有遵行主的話語。
眾門徒已經整夜辛勤工作，
且一定曾把自已的網子撒向右邊。
因此，問題不在於撒網的位置，
而在於他們是否擁有主的話語並遵行它。
Preaching the gospel
requires the depth and direction demanded by the Lord.
Today, the testimonies presented at evangelistic services or truth-seeker classes
often focus on healings from illness and protection from accidents.
While miracles can confirm the preached word
(Mk 16:20),
they cannot replace the truth.
Although such testimonies can pique the interest of truth-seekers,
they are like shallow waters near the shore.
We must go deeper in preaching the truth of salvation.
傳講福音需要主所要求的深度和方向。
如今，在佈道會或慕道班中，大家分享的見證，
常常著重於疾病得醫治和意外受保護。
雖然神蹟可以印證所傳的道，
(可 16：20)，
但它們不能取代真理。
儘管這種見證可激發慕道者的興趣，
但它們就像岸邊的淺水。
我們必須更深入傳講救贖的真理。
The word of the Lord is the source of winning souls.
Therefore, we must be deeply rooted and established in God's word.
Some believers are enthusiastic about the gospel work and are eager to share,
but it is possible
that they only have a superficial understanding of our basic beliefs.
Due to worldly values and influences,
they may struggle to grasp spiritual principles from the Bible.
Some believers, after decades of believing,
still lack spiritual wisdom and understanding
and are unable to discern the truth clearly.
As warned by the apostle Paul,
they are "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth"
(2 Tim 3:7).
主的話語才是贏取靈魂的源頭。
因此，我們必須深入紮根並建立穩固在神的話語上。
有些信徒很熱心傳福音，渴望分享，
但他們很可能，
對我們的基本信條只有膚淺的理解。
由於世俗的價值觀和影響，
他們可能難以掌握聖經屬靈的原則。
有些信徒信主數十年了，
仍然缺乏屬靈的智慧和理解，
不能很清楚分辨真理。
正如使徒保羅所警告的，
他們
“7常常學習，終久不能明白真道。”
(提後 3：7)。
Thus, those involved in evangelism should not rely solely on eloquence and skills,
but on the Holy Spirit, praying for the Lord to draw people to Him.
They must diligently grow in the knowledge of the truth
and humbly submit to the guidance and training of the church.
Only then can they cast the net to win souls and share in the blessings of the gospel
(1 Cor 9:23).
因此，那些參與傳福音的人不該單單依靠口才和技巧，
而需依靠聖靈，祈求主引領人歸向祂。
他們必須殷勤增長真理的知識，
且謙卑順服教會的引導和訓練。
唯有如此，他們才能撒網贏取靈魂，並同享福音的祝福。
（林前 9：23）
CONCLUSION 結論
When Peter, dejected after a long and unsuccessful night of toil,
obeyed Jesus' command to launch out into the deep,
he could never have imagined the new direction his life would take.
From witnessing the impossible, to realizing the divinity of Jesus and his own sinfulness,
to accepting the call of becoming a fisher of men,
and finally living out his calling,
each step Peter took was guided by the word of the Lord Jesus
and brought him deeper into the grace and knowledge of God.
So in our role as fishers of men, let us follow the same trajectory
—to humbly follow God's calling and instructions;
to understand our status before the Lord Jesus and the grace of participating in His gospel work;
and to rely on the Holy Spirit to bring people into the dragnet of salvation
and guide them to deep understanding of God's word,
holding fast to the truth.
在漫長而徒勞的夜晚後彼得感到很沮喪，
他聽從耶穌的命令，開船駛向深海。
他從未想過，自己的人生將會行進的方向。
自從見證了不可能之事，直到明白耶穌的神性和自己的罪性，
到接受成為得人漁夫的呼召，
最終活出祂得呼召使命，
彼得踏出的每一步都得到主耶穌話語的指引，
使他可以更深地進入神的恩典與認知。
所以我們身為得人漁夫的角色，讓我們也走同樣的軌道，
—謙卑跟隨神的呼召和命令；
明白自已在主耶穌面前的身份，以及參與祂福音事工的恩典；
要靠著聖靈來帶人進入救恩的網中，
引導他們深刻了解神的話語，
堅定持守真理。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯

0. Manna issue 98 - M98 Editorial: Launch Out into the Deep M98 編輯評論：出發進入深海
Marian Shek—Leicester, UK 英國萊斯特
And Jesus said to Simon,
"Do not be afraid.
From now on you will catch men."
So when they had brought their boats to land,
they forsook all and followed Him."
(Lk 5:10b–11)
10耶穌對西門說：
不要怕！從今以後，你要得人了。
11他們把兩隻船攏了岸，
就撇下所有的，跟從了耶穌。
(路 5：10b-11)
As followers of Christ,
we have been called to become fishers of men.
We are commissioned to preach the gospel of salvation to all nations
so that they, too, have the chance to enter the heavenly kingdom.
The Lord reassures us that we can do this work without fear
because He will be with us until the end
(Mt 28:19–20).
作為基督的跟隨者，
我們蒙召成為得人的漁夫。
我們受託傳揚得救的福音給萬國，
使他們也有機會進入天國。
主向我們保證，我們可以無畏的完成這項工作，
因為祂必與我們同在，直到世界末了。
(太 28：19-20)
And yet, evangelism feels like a daunting task.
The idea of venturing out to preach to strangers,
let alone bringing them to belief and baptism,
strikes a chord of trepidation in our hearts.
We worry that we are ineloquent, unknowledgeable, and spiritually weak.
We fear rejection, or worse, persecution for our beliefs.
We observe the inhospitable waters in which we fish,
and blame our unsophisticated tools and strategies.
然而，傳福音感覺就像是一項可怕的任務。
冒險向外面陌生人傳道的想法，
更遑論要帶領他們信主受洗，
觸動了我們內心的恐懼。
我們擔心自己口才不好，知識不足，靈性軟弱。
我們害怕拒絕，甚至更糟，會因信仰而遭迫害。
我們眼見自己所處的境況艱難，
便將失敗歸咎於自己不夠成熟的工具和策略。
However, before Jesus called Simon to be a fisher of men,
He demonstrated how simple this work can be through a miracle.
Even though Simon and his companions had been toiling all night without a catch,
Jesus instructed them:
"Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
When they obeyed Jesus' command,
they caught such a haul of fish that their net started to break
(Lk 5:4–6).
然而，耶穌呼召西門成為得人的漁夫之前，
祂透過一個神蹟展示這項工作可以多麼簡單。
儘管西門和他的同伴整夜一直勞動卻一無所獲，
耶穌對他們說：
“把船開到水深之處，下網打魚。"
當他們聽從了耶穌的吩咐，
就圈住許多魚，網險些裂開。
(路 5：4-6)
When we boldly do this work at the Lord's command,
trusting with a simple heart,
God Himself is the One who will bring souls into the net.
So if we are disappointed
that our catch does not seem proportional to the effort we put it,
we must shift our mindset back to the Lord.
The church must be united in following the Lord's instruction
and consistently pray for the door of the gospel to be opened
(Col 4:3).
When we return to these basic principles and faithfully do the work
—be it through posting flyers, speaking to friends and strangers,
or sharing on social media
—we will see God's hand.
Many of our brethren have noticed that when they make this shift,
not only do more truth-seekers come through the doors,
but some are miraculously guided to us
without seeing any of our evangelistic materials,
proving that the work is not accomplished through our own efforts.
當我們勇敢遵主的命令這樣作，
以單純的心信靠祂，
神本身就唯一是會將靈魂帶進網子的神。
所以，如果我們感到失望，
覺得自已的收穫似乎與自已付出的努力不成比例，我們必須改變自已心思重新轉向主。
教會必須合一，來遵行主的命令，
並持續禱告，求神打開福音之門，
（西 4:3）。
當我們回歸這些基本的原則，忠心做工，
—無論是張貼傳單、告訴朋友和陌生人，
還是在社群媒體分享，
—我們就會看見神的手。
我們許多弟兄姐妹已經注意到，當他們做出這樣的轉變時，
不只有更多的慕道者進到這扇門裡，
而且有些人甚至都沒有看過我們任何的福音資料，
就很奇妙的受到引導來到我們這裡，
證明聖工並非出於我們自身的努力來完成。
In this issue,
we will focus on the act of casting our nets upon an ever-changing seascape,
navigating the challenging, tumultuous waves of the world.
In Greater Works Than These He Will Do,
we are encouraged to launch out into uncharted depths,
breaking through barriers to preach to the farthest reaches.
Our Christian Living Columns also explore
how we can extend our reach beyond geographical boundaries and into people's lives
by preaching through social media.
在本期中，
我們將聚焦在瞬息萬變的海洋中撒網，
駕馭穿越挑戰，波濤洶湧的世界。
在這些祂必成就更大之事一文中，
我們受到鼓勵，勇闖未知的深海，
突破重重障礙去傳福音至極遠之地。
我們的基督徒生活專欄也將探討，
我們可如何透過社群媒體來傳福音，
延伸自已觸角去超越地域疆界之限，深入眾人的生活。
In I Know Not How the Seed Grows and Persistence and Patience in Preaching to Family,
we are reminded that we should not only cast our nets widely,
but we should plumb the depths
—it takes time, patience, and care
to fully explain the doctrines to a truth-seeker,
to show them God's love,
and bring them to accept the truth of salvation.
But when we do this with faith and perseverance,
God will cause the seed to grow in ways we cannot imagine.
在我不知道種子如何生長及堅持耐心傳福音給家人的文章中，
我們得到提醒，自已不只應該廣撒網，
更應該去深入探究。
—這需要時間，耐心和關懷，
才能充分解釋教義給慕道者，
向他們展現神的愛，
並引導他們接受救恩的真理。
但我們以信心和毅力去進行這事時，
神會以我們無法想像的方式使種子生長。
When we launch out into the deep,
following the Holy Spirit's guidance to cast the net where He instructs,
He will fill our net and the net will not be broken
(Jn 21:6).
當我們駛入深海，
跟隨聖靈的指引，到祂指示之地向下撒網，
祂必充滿我們的網子，而網必不破裂。
(約 21：6)
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯

15. Manna issue 57 - Reflections 反省Reflections on the 2008 Ministry Volunteer Program2008 年宣道志工計劃的反省What Is MVP? 何為宣道志工計劃？The United States General Assembly held its first Ministry Volunteer Program (MVP)from July 8-21 at Garden Grove Church.This two-week internship was created with several goals:to cultivate future workers for various ministriesand to spread awareness of the need for volunteers;to provide in-person training in highly-specialized areas;

14. Manna issue 57 - Holding onto God 堅定倚靠神
Her faith and the love and care of brothers and sisters 
brought her through a troubling time.
by Summer

13. Manna issue 57 - Praying in front of Unbelieving Roommates 未信室友前禱告
Why this can help improve our faith. 為何這能幫助加添我們的信心