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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
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