Saturday, March 31, 2018

Daily Scripture - Mar 31

Luke 21:34-36
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

路加福音 21:34-36
34 「你們要謹慎,恐怕因貪食、醉酒並今生的思慮累住你們的心,那日子就如同網羅忽然臨到你們, 35 因為那日子要這樣臨到全地上一切居住的人。 36 你們要時時警醒,常常祈求,使你們能逃避這一切要來的事,得以站立在人子面前。

Friday, March 30, 2018

The Seventh Day of Passion Week 受難週第七天

The Seventh Day of  Passion Week (Author: YL, Translator: HL)

Introduction:
Today is the last day of the week of crucifixion and the Jewish Sabbath. Jesus was buried in the tomb. The chief priests and the Pharisees deliberated to meet Pilate and asked to send soldiers to guard the tomb of Jesus in case his disciples stole him. After receiving the permission of Pilate, they sealed off the tomb with stones and set up soldiers to keep them safe.

Key Events:
  • Jesus was buried
Events/Facts Location Matthew Mark Luke John
1 The tomb of Jesus was guarded Outside Jerusalem 27:6266
2 The disciples rested on the Sabbath Jerusalem 23:56b

Key Verses
Matthew 27:62-66 The Sabbath
62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”
65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.

Meditation
As the Psalms 2 says: “Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed.” On that day, the same was true for the chief priests and the Pharisees, who tried to stop Jesus' resurrection through stones and soldiers. "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision." (Psalm 2:4) Do you not know that not only He could not be held by death, but also through death He might destroy the devil who had the power of death, not to mention the hand of man? Although He was in the tomb, He had already won!

Therefore, even in the deepest night we can sing to God, because the dawn of resurrection will surely come!

HymnH108 Christ Arose


3/31 受難週第七天    (YL)

簡介:
今天是受難週的最後一天,也是猶太人的安息日,耶穌被埋葬在墳墓裡。祭司長和法利賽人商議好去見彼拉多,要求派兵看守耶穌的墳墓,以防他的門徒把祂偷了去。得到彼拉多的允准後,他們便用石頭封了墳墓,並設兵把守妥當。

主要事件:

  • 耶穌被安葬

事件/史實 地點 馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 耶穌墳墓被看守 耶路撒冷城外 27:62‐66
2 眾人守安息日 耶路撒冷 23:56b

鑰節:
太27:62-66   
62次日,就是預備日的第二天,祭司長和法利賽人聚集來見彼拉多,說: 63「大人,我們記得那誘惑人的還活著的時候曾說:『三日後我要復活。』 64因此,請吩咐人將墳墓把守妥當,直到第三日,恐怕他的門徒來把他偷了去,就告訴百姓說他從死裡復活了。這樣,那後來的迷惑比先前的更厲害了。」 65彼拉多說:「你們有看守的兵,去吧,盡你們所能的把守妥當。」 66他們就帶著看守的兵同去,封了石頭,將墳墓把守妥當。

默想:
        正如詩篇第二篇所講:「外邦為甚麼爭鬧?萬民為甚麼謀算虛妄的事?世上的君王一齊起來,臣宰一同商議,要敵擋耶和華並他的受膏者。」那一日,祭司長和法利賽人也是這樣,企圖通過石頭和兵丁來攔阻耶穌的復活。「那坐在天上的必發笑,主必嗤笑他們。」(詩2:4)豈不知,祂不僅不能被死拘禁,還有藉着死敗壞那掌管死權的魔鬼,更何況人的手呢?祂雖在墳墓裡,卻已經得勝!
       因此, 即使是在最深的黑夜裡我們也可以向 神歌唱,因為復活的黎明必將來臨!

詩歌:H108  祂起來

Daily Scripture - Mar 30

Isaiah 1:18
18 “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

以賽亞書1:18
18 耶和華說:「你們來,我們彼此辯論。你們的罪雖像朱紅,必變成雪白;雖紅如丹顏,必白如羊毛。

Thursday, March 29, 2018

The 6th Day of Passion Week 受難週第六天

The 6th Day of Passion Week (Author: DX, Translator: KC)

Introduction:
Friday was the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. The four Gospels have all recorded a great deal on that day. Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow in Gethsemane, and His sweat was as if it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Shortly after He was betrayed by Judas, many of the disciples forsook him and fled. Peter disavowed him three times. The soldiers mocked Him and spat on him. Wearing the crown of thorns, covered with cuts and bruises, and after a night of interrogation, Jesus carried the heavy cross and walked towards Calvary, where He was crucified.
Key Events

  • Gethsemane
Events/Facts Location Matthew Mark Luke John
1 Jesus and his disciples headed to Mount of Olives Jerusalem 26:30 14:26 22:39 18:1‐2
2 Jesus predicted Peter's denial On the way to Mount Olives 26:31‐35 14:27‐31
3 Jesus Prayed in Gethsemane Gethsemane 26:36‐46 14:32‐42 22:40‐46
4 Jesus was arrested Gethsemane 26:47‐56 14:43‐52 22:47‐53 18:3‐12


  • Interrogation
Events/Facts Location
(Jerusalem)
Matthew Mark Luke John
1 Anna saw Jesus High Priest’s Palace 18:13‐14
2 Peter's First Denial High Priestess Palace 26:58,69‐70 14:54,66‐68 22:54b‐57 18:15‐18
3 The High Priest Questioned Jesus High Priest’s Palace 18:19‐23
4 Caiaphas Interrogated Jesus High Priest’s Palace 26:57,59‐68 14:53,55‐65 22:54a,63‐65 18:24
5 Peter’s Second and Third Denials High Priest’s Palace 26:71‐75 14:69‐72 22:58‐62 18:25‐27
6 Jesus Convicted Sanhedrin Hearing 22:66‐71


  • After Sanhedrin Trial
Events/Facts Location
(Jerusalem)
Matthew Mark Luke John
1 Jesus Before Pilate Pilate’s Praetorium 27:1‐2,11‐14 15:1‐5 23:1‐7 18:28‐38
2 Judas' Suicide 27:3‐10
3 Jesus at Herod's court Herod’s Court 23:8‐12
4 The Crowd Rejected Jesus Pilate’s Praetorium 27:15‐16a 15:6‐15a 23:13‐21 18:39‐40
5 Soldiers Mocked Jesus Pilate’s Praetorium 27:27‐31 15:16‐20 19:1‐3
6 The Crowd Again Rejected Jesus Pilate’s Praetorium 23:22‐23 19:4‐12
7 Jesus Was Condemned Before Pilate Gabbatha, Pilate’s Praetorium (Stone Pavement) 23:24 19:13‐15


  • The Walk to Calvary
Events/Facts Time Location Matthew Mark Luke John
1 Jesus handed over to be crucified Friday 8 am Pilate’s Praetorium 27:26b 15:15b 23:25 19:16
2 Simon of Cyrene Carried the Cross of Jesus 9 am On the way to Calvary 27:32 15:21 23:26 19:17
3 Jesus Dissuaded Mourning Women 9 am On the way to Calvary 23:27‐31
4 Two Criminals with Jesus 9 am Calvary 23:32


  • Crucifixion 
Events/Facts Time Location Matthew Mark Luke John
1 Jesus Crucified 9 am Calvary 27:33‐35a 15:22‐24a,25 23:33a 19:18
2 Jesus’ Prayer 9 am Calvary 23:34a
3 Jesus is Ridiculed Morning Calvary 27:37‐44 15:26‐32 23:33b,35‐38 19:19‐22
4 Soldiers Divided His Clothes Morning Calvary 27:35b‐36 15:24b 23:34b 19:23‐24
5 Criminal Saved Morning Calvary 23:39‐43
6 Jesus Comforted His Mother Morning Calvary 19:25‐27
7 Jesus Breathed His Last Noon - 3pm Calvary 27:45‐50 15:33‐37 23:44‐46 19:28‐30
a Pain from being abandoned by His Father
b Jesus said “I am thirsty” and “It is finished”
c Jesus gave up His spirit
Calvary 27:45‐49
27:50
15:33‐36
15:37
23:44‐45a
23:46
19:28‐30a
19:30b
8 The Holy of Holies curtain in the temple was torn apart 3 pm Calvary 27:51‐56 15:38‐41 23:45b,47‐49
9 Jesus’ side was pierced 3 pm Calvary 19:31‐37
10 Jesus was Buried After 6 pm Outside Jerusalem 27:57-61 15:42-47 23:50-56a 19:38-42

Key Verses:
Matthew 26: 36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Meditation:
This is the darkest day in the history of mankind. The pain that Jesus suffered for us on the cross far surpassed our imagination. The Son of God was tortured for us in human form on the cross. He was the holy Lamb of God who bore the sins of the world for us. Jesus was God’s only Son but He was rejected by the Father because of our sin. Therefore, Jesus said He was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup leave me." (Matthew 26:39a) Let us stop at this moment and spend a little time to imagine what Jesus was experiencing.

"Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39b) Our Lord was determined to die for our salvation. He did not break away from the suffering of the cross but gave up His life to bear  our sins and penalty. Our Savior changed the entire history of mankind with is love and His death.

Let us praise Him with our hearts, drink the cup, and eat the bread. Jesus bore the curse and we received the blessing. We shall never forget this great love.

Song:Lamb of God


3/30  受難週第六天   (DX)

簡介
    今天是耶穌受難的日子,四福音書中均大量記載了那一日的情形。祂在客西馬尼,心裏極其憂傷,汗如血點滴在地上;不久祂被門徒猶大出賣,其餘的門徒都逃跑四散,最愛的門徒彼得也三次不認祂;忍受著兵丁的譏笑、辱罵、唾棄;頭戴荊棘的冠冕,遍體鱗傷、經過一夜審問後,耶穌又背起了沉重的十字架,一步一步走向各各他,最后雙手雙腳被釘,挂在木頭上了。

主要事件:
  • 在客西馬尼園
事件/史實 地點 馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 耶穌與門徒往橄欖山去 耶路撒冷 26:30 14:26 22:39 18:1‐2
2 耶穌再預言彼得不認主 赴橄欖山路上 26:31‐35 14:27‐31
3 耶穌在客西馬尼園禱告 客西馬尼園 26:36‐46 14:32‐42 22:40‐46
4 耶穌被捉拿 客西馬尼園 26:47‐56 14:43‐52 22:47‐53 18:3‐12

  • 被官長審問
事件/史實 地點
(耶路撒冷)
馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 耶穌被解見亞那 大祭司宅 18:13‐14
2 彼得首次否認主 大祭司宅 26:58,69‐70 14:54,66‐68 22:54b‐57 18:15‐18
3 耶穌初次受審問 大祭司宅 18:19‐23
4 耶穌被該亞法審問 大祭司宅 26:57,59‐68 14:53,55‐65 22:54a,63‐65 18:24
5 彼得繼續否認主 大祭司宅 26:71‐75 14:69‐72 22:58‐62 18:25‐27
6 耶穌被公會定罪 公會 22:66‐71

  • 被解見巡撫
事件/史實 地點
(耶路撒冷)
馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 耶穌被交給彼拉多審問 衙門 27:1‐2,11‐14 15:1‐5 23:1‐7 18:28‐38
2 猶大自盡 27:3‐10
3 耶穌被希律審問 希律王宮 23:8‐12
4 耶穌被眾人棄絕 衙門 27:15‐16a 15:6‐15a 23:13‐21 18:39‐40
5 耶穌被兵丁凌辱 衙門 27:27‐31 15:16‐20 19:1‐3
6 耶穌再被眾人棄絕 衙門 23:22‐23 19:4‐12
7 耶穌被彼拉多定案 鋪華石處 23:24 19:13‐15

  • 被解赴各各他途中
事件/史實 時間 地點 馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 耶穌被交給人釘死 晨八時 衙門 27:26b 15:15b 23:25 19:16
2 古利奈人西門代背十架 上午九時 赴各各他途中 27:32 15:21 23:26 19:17
3 耶穌勸戒眾婦人 上午九時 赴各各他途中 23:27‐31
4 兩犯人與耶穌一同帶來 上午九時 各各他 23:32

  • 被釘在十字架上
事件/史實 時間 地點 馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 耶穌被釘十字架 上午九時 各各他 27:33‐35a 15:22‐24a,25 23:33a 19:18
2 耶穌為人代禱 上午九時 各各他 23:34a
3 耶穌被眾人譏誚 上午 各各他 27:37‐44 15:26‐32 23:33b,35‐38 19:19‐22
4 兵丁分衣 上午 各各他 27:35b‐36 15:24b 23:34b 19:23‐24
5 強盜得救 上午 各各他 23:39‐43
6 耶穌安慰母親 上午 各各他 19:25‐27
7 耶穌斷氣前光景 上午十二時至下午三時 各各他 27:45‐50 15:33‐37 23:44‐46 19:28‐30
a 受父神離棄之苦
b 主說『渴了』與
『成了』
c 主將靈魂交與父
27:45‐49
27:50
15:33‐36
15:37
23:44‐45a
23:46
19:28‐30a
19:30b
8 殿幔與墳墓裂開
等奇事
下午三時 各各他 27:51‐56 15:38‐41 23:45b,47‐49
9 耶穌肋旁被扎 下午三時至六時 各各他 19:31‐37
10耶穌被安葬 下午六時 耶城外 27:57-61 15:42-47 23:50-56a 19:38-42

鑰節:
太26:36-46
36 耶穌同門徒來到一個地方,名叫客西馬尼,就對他們說:「你們坐在這裡,等我到那邊去禱告。」 37 於是帶著彼得和西庇太的兩個兒子同去,就憂愁起來,極其難過, 38 便對他們說:「我心裡甚是憂傷,幾乎要死。你們在這裡等候,和我一同警醒。」 39 他就稍往前走,俯伏在地,禱告說:「我父啊!倘若可行,求你叫這杯離開我!然而,不要照我的意思,只要照你的意思。」40 來到門徒那裡,見他們睡著了,就對彼得說:「怎麼樣,你們不能同我警醒片時嗎? 41 總要警醒禱告,免得入了迷惑。你們心靈固然願意,肉體卻軟弱了。」 42 第二次又去禱告說:「我父啊!這杯若不能離開我,必要我喝,就願你的意旨成全!」 43 又來,見他們睡著了,因為他們的眼睛困倦。 44 耶穌又離開他們去了。第三次禱告,說的話還是與先前一樣。 45 於是來到門徒那裡,對他們說:「現在你們仍然睡覺安歇吧!時候到了,人子被賣在罪人手裡了。 46 起來,我們走吧!看哪,賣我的人近了!」

默想:
    這是人類歷史上最黑暗的一天。耶穌在十字架上為我們所承受的痛苦,遠超過我們的想像:這位尊貴的神子,卻在肉身中為我們受了十字架的酷刑;聖潔的羔羊,卻背負了全人類歷世歷代所有人的罪污;父懷裡的獨生子,卻因著你我的罪,被天父所棄絕。所以聖經記載主耶穌極其難過,幾乎要死,以至於禱告說:“我父啊,倘若可行,求你叫這杯離開我。”(太26:39a)讓我們停在這一刻,花一點時間,嘗試進入祂的感受。

“然而,不要照我的意思,只要照你的意思。”(太26:39b) 我們的主卻定意為拯救我們而死。祂並非不能脫離十字架的苦楚,乃是將自己的生命傾倒、捨棄,為要代替我們的罪,擔當我們的刑罰。這位救主用祂捨命的大愛改變了整個人類的歷史。
     讓我們用最深的感恩之心來向祂讚美,因著苦杯祂飲,愛宴我嘗;咒詛祂受,祝福我享。如此的愛,我們永誌不忘。

詩歌:H69  我每靜念那十字架

Daily Scripture - Mar 29

Romans 14:17
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

羅馬書14:17
17 因為神的國不在乎吃喝,只在乎公義、和平並聖靈中的喜樂。

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

The fifth day of Passion Week 受難週第五天

The fifth day of Passion Week (KA)

Introduction:
Most notably, this is the day that Jesus ate His final Passover (often called the Last Supper) and instituted Communion. It is at this meal that Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, commanding them to do the same for each other and to love one another as He has loved each of them. Christ's "mandate" is where we get the name Maundy Thursday.  

At this meal, just prior to His arrest, Jesus predicted what would happen on the next day (and His departure), then He gave His followers symbols of remembrance for His body and His blood to be  sacrificed. Finally, Jesus provided a very important principle for His followers: to love as He loved, to serve as He did. Peter confidently said that he could follow like this but Jesus answered by predicting Peter’s threefold denial.  Jesus’ high priestly prayer was offered up for Peter and the disciples, for Himself, and for all believers.

Key Events:
Events/Facts Location Matthew Mark Luke John
1 the disciples prepared for Passover Jerusalem 26:17‐19 14:12‐16 22:7‐13
2 Jesus and the disciples ate the Passover supper Jerusalem 26:20 14:17 22:14‐18
3 a dispute arose among the disciples about which of them was  the greatest Jerusalem 22:24‐30
4 Jesus washed His disciples’ feet Jerusalem 13:1‐20
5 Jesus pointed out the one who would betray him Jerusalem 26:21‐25 14:18‐21 22:21‐23 13:21‐33
6 Jesus gave a new command Jerusalem 13:34‐35
7 Jesus predicted Peter’s first denial Jerusalem 22:31‐38 13:36‐38
8 Jesus instituted the Communion Jerusalem 26:26‐29 14:22‐25 22:19‐20
9 Jesus’s last conversation Jerusalem 14:1‐16:33
a. about why he was going
b. about the vine and the branches as well as loving each other
c. about the Holy Spirit’s coming
d. about praying in the Lord’s name
14:1‐31
15:1‐27
16:1‐16,
16:17‐33
10 Jesus prayed for his disciples Jerusalem 17:1‐26

Key verses: John 13:31-35  
31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you.34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Meditation: It was with His death on the cross looming that Jesus told His disciples to love one another as He had loved them. Even as Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, our Lord bent down to wash the feet of sinners. Though there was nothing attractive about sinful mankind to draw Jesus to love us, yet while sinners, He loved the Father and us enough to humble Himself in total surrender to death on a cross. It is by His broken body and His shed blood that we can be accepted by the Father and enter into a living, loving, and daily communion with God, as well as be able to love and unite with one another.  How wonderful, how marvelous the love of God that would stoop so low to wash away the sins of humanity by the blood of the Son.

Hymn:H84 Himeself He Could Not Save  


3/29  受難週第五天     (Author: KA, Translator: YZ)

簡介:
      最值得注意的是,這一天是主耶穌最後一次吃逾越節晚餐(通常被叫做最後的晚餐)並且設立聖餐禮。在這個晚餐上,主耶穌為門徒們洗腳,吩咐他們要以自己為榜樣要彼此服事、彼此相愛。“濯足節”的名字就是從這裡來的。
     在祂被捕之前,主耶穌也預言了第二天將要發生的事(以及祂的離開),並且吩咐門徒們要藉著餅杯來紀念祂捨身流血的愛。提醒他們做主門徒的原則是:像祂一樣去愛,像祂一樣去服事。當彼得憑己意信心滿滿對主耶穌說:“眾人雖然為你的緣故跌倒,我卻永不跌倒” 時。主耶穌卻用預言告訴彼得:“今夜雞叫一先,你要三次不認我”。最後,主耶穌為著彼得和眾人向天父禱告。

主要事件:
事件/史實 地點 馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 門徒預備逾越節的筵席 耶路撒冷 26:17‐19 14:12‐16 22:7‐13
2 耶穌與門徒吃筵席 耶路撒冷 26:20 14:17 22:14‐18
3 門徒爭論誰為大 耶路撒冷 22:24‐30
4 耶穌洗門徒的腳 耶路撒冷 13:1‐20
5 耶穌指明賣祂的人 耶路撒冷 26:21‐25 14:18‐21 22:21‐23 13:21‐33
6 耶穌賜新命令 耶路撒冷 13:34‐35
7 首次預言彼得不認主 耶路撒冷 22:31‐38 13:36‐38
8 耶穌設立晚餐 耶路撒冷 26:26‐29 14:22‐25 22:19‐20
9 耶穌最後的談話 耶路撒冷 14:1‐16:33
a 談論祂去的目的
b 論葡萄樹與門徒彼此相愛
c 論聖靈的降臨
d 論奉主名的禱告
14:1‐31
15:1‐27
16:1‐16,
16:17‐33
10 耶穌為門徒代禱 耶路撒冷 17:1‐26

鑰節:
約翰福音 13:31-35  
31 他既出去,耶穌就說:「如今人子得了榮耀,神在人子身上也得了榮耀。 32 神要因自己榮耀人子,並且要快快地榮耀他。 33 小子們,我還有不多的時候與你們同在,後來你們要找我,但我所去的地方你們不能到。這話我曾對猶太人說過,如今也照樣對你們說。 34 我賜給你們一條新命令,乃是叫你們彼此相愛,我怎樣愛你們,你們也要怎樣相愛。 35 你們若有彼此相愛的心,眾人因此就認出你們是我的門徒了。」”

默想:
     耶穌在十字架上的死,讓我們得以體會祂告訴門徒們的話:像祂愛他們那樣來彼此相愛。即使耶穌知道天父已將萬有都交在祂手中,我們的主卻是彎下身來洗罪人的腳。就著人的本性並沒有什麼可以吸引耶穌來愛我們的,但就在我們還做罪人的時候,主耶穌卻因著愛我們而全然降卑、全然降服且死在十字架上。藉著祂裂開的身體和流出的寶血,使我們可以來到 神的施恩台前蒙恩惠得憐恤,並且每一天都可以與 神有活潑的聯結,與眾聖徒彼此相愛。感謝 神!祂的愛真是奇妙、偉大、遠超越我們所能明白。

詩歌:H696  聖徒眾心愛相繫

Daily Scripture - Mar 28

John 5:39-40
39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

約翰福音5:39-40
39 「你們查考聖經,因你們以為內中有永生。給我作見證的就是這經, 40 然而你們不肯到我這裡來得生命。

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

The fourth day of Passion Week 受難週第四天

The fourth day of  Passion Week (Author: JZ, Translator: WC)

Introduction:
In the Four Gospels, there is no other detailed record of Jesus’ words or acts (on the 4th day) but the scripture wrote “And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet” (Luke 21:37). From Matthew 21:17, we know that Jesus probably went to the house of Bethany to spend the night, where lived Martha, who served the Lord diligently, Mary, who loved the Lord with all her heart, and Lazarus, who was revived from the death.

Key Events: In the Four Gospels, there is no detailed record of Jesus’ words or acts (on the 4th day).

Meditation:
Jerusalem, named as the city of peace, the city of David,, where the temple of God was  located, was the place to worship God, to serve God. However, when Jesus came to Jerusalem and entered the temple courts, He began to drive out those who were selling, and said to them “you have made it a den of robbers”.  In reaction to His accusation, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the leaders among people did not have faith in Him, and were not willing to confess and repent. They were trying to find a way to kill Him, because they did not feel secure (because all the people hung on His Word.) The Scripture tells us that at the last week before Jesus was persecuted, each evening he went out to spend the night outside the city,  in Bethany. For in Bethany were Mary who loved the Lord with all her heart, Martha who served the Lord diligently, and Lazarus who had been resurrected from the dead.. The reality of life in Bethany was the reality of life in the house of God, where we can see the living testimonies of these three people. These can be the testimonies of our lives as Christians, as well, so that we can attract and satisfy our Lord.

Hymn:I give You My Heart

3/28 受難週第四天   (JZ)

簡介:
      在四福音書中,均無特別記載耶穌的言行。但聖經中卻記載“耶穌每日在聖殿裏教導人,每夜出城到橄欖山住宿”(路21:37)。根據太21章17節記載,耶穌極有可能去“伯大尼之家”住宿。在這個家中有殷勤事奉的馬大,清心愛主的馬利亞和死裡復活的拉撒路。

主要事件: 這一天四福音書中均無特別記載耶穌的言行。

鑰節:
可11:18-19
18祭司長和文士聽見這話,就想法子要除掉耶穌,卻又怕他,因為眾人都對他的教導感到驚奇。 19每天晚上,他們都到城外去。

默想:
     耶路撒冷被稱為大君王的京城, 神的殿也在那裡,是敬拜 神、事奉 神的地方。可是當耶穌來到耶路撒冷時,聖殿卻變成了賊窩,耶穌怒責他們,祭司長和文士不但不信,也不願悔改,還要想法子殺害耶穌,祂的心在這裡不能安息。聖經告訴我們,耶穌在最後一周,每天晚上都到城外,在伯大尼住宿。因為在伯大尼有全心愛主的馬利亞和殷勤事奉主的馬大,還有復活的明證拉撒路。伯大尼的實際也當是神家的實際,伯大尼三個兄妺身上的生命事奉見證,也當是我們每一個基督徒身上該有的生命事奉見證,來滿足耶穌,吸引耶穌。
 
詩歌:H246   有福的安靜

Daily Scripture - Mar 27

James 4:2b-4
2b … Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

雅4:2b-4
2b … 你們得不著,是因為你們不求。 3 你們求也得不著,是因為你們妄樂中。 4 你們這些淫亂的人哪,豈不知與世俗為友就是與神為敵嗎?所以凡想要與世俗為友的,就是與神為敵了。

Monday, March 26, 2018

The Third day of Passion Week 受難週第三天

The Third day of  Passion Week (Author: MC, Translator: HL)

Introduction:
Tuesday was a busy day for Jesus.  On the morning, Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem. They passed the withered fig tree on their way, and Jesus taught them about faith. At the Temple, the religious leaders aggressively challenged Jesus' authority, attempting to ambush Him and create an opportunity for his arrest. But Jesus evaded their traps and pronounced harsh judgment on them.

In the afternoon Jesus left the city and went with his disciples to the Mount of Olives, which overlooks Jerusalem, due east of the Temple. Here Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse, an elaborate prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of the age. He taught in parables using symbolic language, about end times events including His Second Coming, and the final judgment.
Scripture also indicates that Tuesday was the day Judas negotiated with the Sanhedrin to betray Jesus.

After a tiring day of confrontation and warnings about the future, once again Jesus and the disciples stayed the night in Bethany.

Key Events:
Events/Facts Location Matthew Mark Luke John
1 Jesus talked about the effectiveness of faith On the way to Jerusalem 21:2022 11:2026
2 Jesus talked about His authority Jerusalem 21:2322:
  1. answer the question of the chief priests
  2. the parable of the two sons receiving their father’s order
  3. the parable of the wicked vinedressers
  4. the parable of the Wedding Feast
21:2327,
21:2832,
21:3346,
22:114
11:2733
12:112
20:18,
919
3. Jesus talked about paying taxes Jerusalem 22:1522 12:1317 20:2026
4. Jesus talked about the Resurrection Jerusalem 22:2333 12:1827 20:2738
5. Jesus talked about the first commandment of all. Jerusalem 22:3440 12:2834 20:3940
6. Jesus talked about the relationship between Christ and David Jerusalem 22:4146 12:3537 20:4144
7. Jesus talked about the situation of the hypocrites Jerusalem 23:136 12:3840 20:4547
8. Jesus lamented over Jerusalem Jerusalem 23:3739
6. Jesus commended on the widow’s two mites Jerusalem 12:4144 21:14
10 Greeks came to see Jesus Jerusalem 12:2036
11 The last public talk of Jesus Jerusalem 12:3750
12 Jesus talked about the things to come The Mount of Olives 24:125:46 13:137 21:536
a. Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple
b. the signs of His second coming
c. exhortation on being alert
d. the Parable of the wise and foolish virgins
e. the Parable of the talents
f. the Parable of separating the sheep and the goats.
24:114,
24:1531,
24:3251,
25:113,
25:1430,
25:3146
13:113,
13:1427,
13:2837
21:519,
21:2028,
21:2936
13 Jesus mentioned His death for the fourth time Jerusalem 26:12
14 The chief priests and others plotted to arrest Jesus Jerusalem 26:35 14:12 22:12
15 Judah agreed to betray Jesus 26:1416 14:1011 22:36

Key Verses:
John 12:20–26
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Meditation:
Tuesday was Jesus' last public ministry in Jerusalem. Jesus had the opportunity to answer many people, but Jesus’ response to the requests of several Greeks can particularly remind us how to follow Jesus, today. Facing the coming crucifixion, Jesus said it was “the time for the Son of Man to be glorified”, because Jesus knew that "unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain." Today, you and I are all righteous because of the propitiation (or sacrifice)  of Jesus Christ!

However, God's salvation never stopped at the forgiveness of our sins. He intended that we would deny ourselves and take our own cross and follow Him! He promised us that when we do this, the Father will honor us because Jesus' life is manifested in us.

Today, if someone wants to see Jesus like those first Greeks, can they see the beauty of Jesus within us?

Hymn: Servant King


3/27 受難週第三天    (MC)

簡介:
      這一天是繁忙的一天。在早晨回耶路撒冷的路上,耶穌和門徒經過枯乾的無花果樹時,耶穌趁機教導門徒關於信心的功課。當他們來到聖殿,猶太人的宗教領袖希望在耶穌的話上得著把柄,從而將耶穌抓起來。然而,耶穌卻識破了他們的詭計,並嚴厲地責備了他們。同時,針對希臘人希望見耶穌的請求,耶穌藉著一粒麥子講論了十字架的原則。
     下午,耶穌和門徒來到橄欖山。在這裡,耶穌對門徒講論了有關耶路撒冷被毀與末世的預言 - 橄欖山講論(the Olivet Discourse)。也就在今天,猶大也和猶太人的宗教領袖商量好如何出賣耶穌。晚上,耶穌仍然出城到伯大尼住宿。

主要事件:
事件/史實 地點 馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 耶穌論信心的功效 去耶路撒冷 21:20‐22 11:20‐26
2 耶穌論他的權柄 耶路撒冷 21:23‐22:
a 對答祭司長的問題
b 兩個兒子聽話的比喻
c 惡園戶的比喻
d 設婚筵的比喻
21:23‐27,
21:28‐32,
21:33‐46,
22:1‐14
11:27‐33
12:1‐12
20:1‐8,
9‐19
3 論納稅的事 耶路撒冷 22:15‐22 12:13‐17 20:20‐26
4 論復活的事 耶路撒冷 22:23‐33 12:18‐27 20:27‐38
5 論最大的誡命 耶路撒冷 22:34‐40 12:28‐34 20:39‐40
6 論基督與大衛關係 耶路撒冷 22:41‐46 12:35‐37 20:41‐44
7 論假冒為善者光景 耶路撒冷 23:1‐36 12:38‐40 20:45‐47
8 為耶路撒冷歎息 耶路撒冷 23:37‐39
9 耶穌稱讚寡婦的奉獻 耶路撒冷 12:41‐44 21:1‐4
10 希利尼人來見耶穌 耶路撒冷 12:20‐36
11 耶穌最後公開的講論 耶路撒冷 12:37‐50
12 耶穌論要來的事 橄欖山 24:1‐25:46 13:1‐37 21:5‐36
a 預言聖殿被拆
b 再臨的預兆
c 儆 醒 的 勸 勉
d 十個童女的比喻
e 分銀子與算賬的比喻
f 分別綿羊與山羊的比喻
24:1‐14,
24:15‐31,
24:32‐51,
25:1‐13,
25:14‐30,
25:31‐46
13:1‐13,
13:14‐27,
13:28‐37
21:5‐19,
21:20‐28,
21:29‐36
13 耶穌第四次提及受害事 耶路撒冷 26:1‐2
14 祭司長等商量捉拿耶穌 耶路撒冷 26:3‐5 14:1‐2 22:1‐2
15 猶大與祭司長商量賣主 26:14‐16 14:10‐11 22:3‐6

鑰節:
約翰福音12:20-26
20那時,上來過節禮拜的人中,有幾個希臘人。 21他們來見加利利、伯賽大的腓力,求他說:「先生,我們願意見耶穌。」 22腓力去告訴安得烈,安得烈同腓力去告訴耶穌。 23耶穌說:「人子得榮耀的時候到了。 24我實實在在地告訴你們,一粒麥子不落在地裏死了,仍舊是一粒,若是死了,就結出許多子粒來。 25愛惜自己生命的,就失喪生命;在這世上恨惡自己生命的,就要保守生命到永生。 26若有人服事我,就當跟從我;我在哪裏,服事我的人也要在那裏;若有人服事我,我父必尊重他。

默想:
     這一天,是耶穌在耶路撒冷最後公開的事奉,耶穌有機會和許多的人對答。但耶穌對幾位希臘人求見的回答,特別能夠提醒我們今天當如何跟隨耶穌。面對馬上就要來到的十架酷刑,耶穌卻認為是『人子得榮耀的時候』,因為耶穌知道『一粒麥子不落在地裏死了,仍舊是一粒,若是死了,就結出許多子粒來』。今天,你我都因著接受耶穌基督的救贖而得稱為義!
     然而, 神的救恩從來就沒有只是停留在讓我們罪得赦免的階段,祂乃是盼望我們捨己,背起自己的十架來跟從祂!祂應許我們,當我們如此行的時候,天父必尊重我們,因為耶穌的生命在我們的身上得以彰顯。
    今天,如果也有人像當初的幾位希臘人一樣希望看見耶穌,他們是否能夠從我們的身上看見耶穌的榮美呢?

詩歌:H419   一直走十架窄路

Daily Scripture - Mar 26

Isaiah 59:1-2
1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.

以賽亞書59:1-2
1耶和華的膀臂並非縮短不能拯救,耳朵並非發沉不能聽見; 2 但你們的罪孽使你們與神隔絕,你們的罪惡使他掩面不聽你們。

Sunday, March 25, 2018

The Second Day of Passion Week 受難週第二天

The Second Day of  Passion Week (Author: JZ, Translator: YZ)


Introduction:
On the second day, Jesus and His disciples left Bethany and headed for the temple in Jerusalem. Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. The fig tree lost its value because it had no fruit. After that, Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were buying and selling there, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.  He wouldn’t allow them to turn the temple into a filthy trading place, and said to them:” My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’” Jesus cleared the temple so that people could truly honor God. However, the unbelieving chief priests and the teachers of the law not only did not obey the authority of Jesus, but instead sought to kill him.

Key Events:
Events/Facts Location Matthew Mark Luke John
1 Jesus cursed the fig tree On the way to Jerusalem 21:18‐19 11:12‐14
2 Jesus cleansed the temple for the second time Jerusalem 21:12‐16 11:15‐17 19:45‐46
3 the chief priests wanted to kill Jesus Jerusalem 11:18 19:47‐48
4 Jesus spent the night on the Mount of Olives the Mount of Olives 11:19 21:37‐38

Key verses:
Matthew 21:12-13  My house shall be called a house of prayer
12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”

Meditation:
When Jesus was about to be crucified, His heart still remembered the temple of God. Jesus reminded us through Isaiah 56:7 that "The house of God must be called a house of prayer for all people." The temple of God was the dwelling place of God's glory. It was also where people met God and worshipped God. Now, the temple of God had become a den of robbers! Although bustling  there was no spiritual reality in the temple, like the fig tree who had luxuriant foliage but didn’t have the fruit it should have. In the same way, today we are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in us. We hope that today's verses will remind us to cleanse our hearts so that we can become God's joyful home.

Hymn : Refiner's Fire


3/26  受難週第二天   (JZ)

簡介:
     第二天,耶穌和門徒從伯大尼出來,要往耶路撒冷的聖殿去。途中看見有一棵無花果樹,很遺憾除了葉子,主竟找不到什麼。這棵無花果樹因沒有結果子便失去它該有的價值。之後耶穌走進聖殿,祂趕出做買賣的人,推倒兌換銀錢和賣鴿子之人的桌椅,不允許他們將聖殿變為藏污納垢的交易場所,怒責他們說:“我的殿必稱為禱告的殿,你們倒使它成為賊窩。”祂要潔淨聖殿,目的是要讓眾人真實的尊 神為 神。然而不信的祭司長和文士不但不服耶穌的權柄,反而是想法子要殺害祂。

主要事件:
事件/史實 地點 馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 耶穌詛咒無花果樹 去耶路撒冷路上 21:18‐19 11:12‐14
2 耶穌第二次潔淨聖殿 耶路撒冷 21:12‐16 11:15‐17 19:45‐46
3 祭司長等想滅耶穌 耶路撒冷 11:18 19:47‐48
4 耶穌夜宿橄欖山 橄欖山 11:19 21:37‐38

鑰節:
太21:12-13    
12 耶穌進了 神的殿,趕出殿裡一切做買賣的人,推倒兌換銀錢之人的桌子和賣鴿子之人的凳子, 13 對他們說:「經上記著說:『我的殿必稱為禱告的殿』,你們倒使它成為賊窩了!」

默想:
       當耶穌即將走向十字架的時候,祂的心卻仍然惦記著 神的殿。耶穌藉著以賽亞書56:7來提醒我們『神的殿必稱為萬國禱告的殿』。 神的殿是 神榮耀的居所,也是人遇見 神、敬拜 神的地方。如今, 神的殿卻變成了賊窩!雖然熙攘熱鬧卻毫無屬靈的實際,就像那顆無花果樹一樣,徒有茂盛的枝葉,卻找不到應該有的果子。同樣,今天我們就是 神的殿, 神的靈也住在我們的裡面。盼望今天的經文能夠提醒我們潔淨自己的心,好讓我們能成為 神喜悅的居所。

詩歌 : H254  我主 ,只有袮的聖靈

Daily Scripture - Mar 25

Malachi 3:10
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.



瑪拉基書3:10
10 萬軍之耶和華說:「你們要將當納的十分之一全然送入倉庫,使我家有糧,以此試試我,是否為你們敞開天上的窗戶傾福於你們,甚至無處可容。」

Saturday, March 24, 2018

The First Day of Passion Week

The First Day of  Passion Week (Author: EY, Translator: KC)

Introduction:
Today is “Palm Sunday”, the Sunday before Jesus’ resurrection. It is also the first day of Passion Week. On this day, Jesus obeyed the Father’s will as he rode the colt to Jerusalem. The crowd took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13). This is Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. When He saw the holy city, He cried for what was about to happen. That night, Jesus returned to Bethany and stayed with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Key Events:
Events/Facts Location Matthew Mark Luke John
1 Jesus rode the colt to Jerusalem Bethany to Jerusalem 21:1‐11 11:1‐10 19:29‐40 12:12‐19
2 Jesus cried for Jerusalem Jerusalem 19:41‐44
3 Jesus stayed in Bethany Bethany 21:17 11:11

Key verses:
Matthew 21:1-11 Behold, Your King Is Coming to You
1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Meditation:
Every time  I read this verse, it reminds me of how sad Jesus must have been. He knew this crowd, including His disciples, did not know His true identity. From the start, Jesus knew even though the crowd was shouting “Hosanna!”,  a few days later they would shout “Crucify Him!”. Even his disciples would betray Him, abandon Him or disown him.
Thank the Lord for the blood He shed. Although we are not worthy, Jesus loves us entirely and He will save us entirely! “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!”

Hymn:Hosanna (Hillsong)


3/25  受難週第一天  (EY)

簡介:
今天是“棕櫚主日”(Palm Sunday),是復活節前的主日,也是“受難週”開始的第一天。在這一天我們看見主耶穌順服父 神的旨意,面如堅石地騎著驢駒子去耶路撒冷,群眾手拿著棕樹枝出去熱情迎接祂,並且口裡喊著說:「和散那!奉主名來的以色列王是應當稱頌的!」(約翰福音 12:13)這是主耶穌最後一次進入耶路撒冷,當祂看見聖城就不禁為它將來要遭遇的景況大聲哀哭。晚上,祂回到伯大尼到祂所愛的馬大、馬利亞、拉撒路的家中住宿。

主要事件
事件/史實 地點 馬太 馬可 路加 約翰
1 耶穌騎驢進聖城 伯大尼至耶路撒冷 21:1‐11 11:1‐10 19:29‐40 12:12‐19
2 耶穌為聖城哀哭 耶路撒冷 19:41‐44
3 耶穌夜宿伯大尼 伯大尼 21:17 11:11

鑰節:
太21:1-11  
1耶穌和門徒將近耶路撒冷,到了伯法其,在橄欖山那裡, 2 耶穌就打發兩個門徒,對他們說:「你們往對面村子裡去,必看見一匹驢拴在那裡,還有驢駒同在一處。你們解開,牽到我這裡來。 3 若有人對你們說什麼,你們就說:『主要用牠。』那人必立時讓你們牽來。」 4 這事成就,是要應驗先知的話說: 5 「要對錫安的居民說:『看哪,你的王來到你這裡,是溫柔的,又騎著驢,就是騎著驢駒子。』」 6 門徒就照耶穌所吩咐的去行, 7 牽了驢和驢駒來,把自己的衣服搭在上面,耶穌就騎上。 8 眾人多半把衣服鋪在路上,還有人砍下樹枝來鋪在路上。 9 前行後隨的眾人喊著說:「和散那歸於大衛的子孫!奉主名來的是應當稱頌的!高高在上和散那!」 10 耶穌既進了耶路撒冷,合城都驚動了,說:「這是誰?」 11 眾人說:「這是加利利拿撒勒的先知耶穌。」

默想:
      每次讀到這段經文時,想到主耶穌是何等的傷心啊!因為祂這個時候早就知道這群熱情歡迎祂的群眾,包括門徒在內,並不真正了解祂的身份。這群人現在高聲歡呼“和散那”,幾天後他們便極力地喊著說:「把祂釘十字架!」,連祂親愛的門徒也要出賣祂、離棄祂、否認祂。真是感謝主流血捨命的大愛,我們雖然刻變時反,這麼不配不堪,但是主耶穌卻定意要愛我們就愛到底,救我們就救到底!「和散那歸於大衛的子孫!奉主名來的是應當稱頌的!高高在上和散那!」
詩歌:SH278  和散那

2018 Passion Week

Daily Devotion

Passover is a festival set by Jehovah for the Israelites to commemorate that God had freed them from the Egyptians. “… 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. ‘So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.” (Exo 12:13b-14) Jews never have thought that the blood of the lamb symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became the Lamb of the Passover. He bore the sin of this world, was crucified on the cross and rose from the dead on the first day of the week. From then, churches began to commemorate Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. According to church traditions, the week before the resurrection is known as Passion Week or Holy Week.

           According to the Four Gospels, Passion Week began with Jesus riding a colt into Jerusalem. He purged the temple, had The Last Supper, and went to pray at the Garden of Gethsemane. Then he was betrayed, arrested, tried, humiliated, crucified, buried, and resurrected on the third day. Friday is the most important day in Passion Week and is called Good Friday.
  •  Hope we can use this designated time to worship Jesus Christ our Savior, with our hearts and actions, and practice walking with Him through Scripture reading and meditation.
  1.   By grace through prayer offer yourself in “Holiness Unto the Lord”
  2.   Designate a quiet time before the Lord to pray and meditate upon Scripture passages and hymns selected by the church. Write down any thoughts and experiences from your fellowship with God as a an offering unto Him.
  3.   With a thankful heart, choose to “fast a meal, love a neighbor – experience the love of Christ with your heart and share this love with your actions. (note 1: e.g., care for the homeless, support local missions, etc.)
  4.   During this period practice: not giving in to anger, not complaining, not judging, not being discouraged, not talking negatively, speaking only edifying words, not indulging in entertainment, not playing video games….
  5.   In the light of the Holy Spirit humble ourselves and keep from unclean things, repent and let the blood of Jesus wash away all of our sins. Bring any objects associated with idols to the church on Friday to be incinerated during the “cleansing fire” gathering  along with the confession list.

Suggested Action items for Passion Week
Please choose at least two items from each column of “Do” and “Don’t” to practice every day during Passion Week.

Do Don't
Study the daily message with your whole family No online shopping
Meditate and pray for 15-30 min. daily No social media, e.g. WeChat / Facebook
Praise and thank God with songs for 15-30 min. daily No video games
Read the Bible for 15-30 min. daily No TV, Netflix, etc.
Memorize Bible verses daily Abstain from eating one kind of food you enjoy (eg: meat, sweet food)
Pray for at least one gospel friend for his/her salvation Quit one bad habit (eg: being late, complaining)
Fast a meal daily No gossipping nor unedifying speech
Examine yourself before going to bed Do not disobey the Holy Spirit
Other Other
Other Other


2018受難週信息

簡 介

逾越節是耶和華 神親自吩咐以色列人要守的節期,記念 神救贖他們脫離埃及免於死亡。“……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。你們要記念這日,守為耶和華的節,作為你們世世代代永遠的定例。”(出12:13b-14)以色列人無論如何也想不到,抹在門口羔羊的血正預表 神的兒子耶穌基督,祂成為逾越節的羔羊,為除去罪孽甘心背負世人的罪被釘在十字架上,並在七日的第一日從死裡復活。後來眾教會逐漸開始每年都會記念耶穌基督的受難與復活,根據教會傳統,從復活節的前一個主日開始算起這一週,被稱為受難週(Passion Week) 或「聖週」(Holy Week)。
    根據四福音的記載,受難週是從耶穌騎驢進耶路撒冷,潔淨聖殿,最後的晚餐,來到客西馬尼園禱告等,後來被賣、被捕、被審、被辱、被釘死在十字架上,埋葬,到第三天 神叫祂從死裡復活。週五是受難週最重要的一天被稱為受難日(Good Friday)。
   盼望我們藉著這個指定的時間,用敬拜的心和行動來記念愛我們的救主耶穌基督,透過讀經默想操練與祂同行:
  1. 在恩典中藉著禱告先將自己“分別為聖歸給 神”。
  2. 在 神面前固定一個時間,安靜禱讀默想當天教會預備的經文和詩歌,將自己與 神相處的感想心得寫下作為禮物獻給 神。
  3. 在感恩中選擇“一餐禁食,一份關愛”,用心體驗基督的愛、用實際行動分享基督的愛
  4. 在這段時間操練:不生氣、不抱怨、不論斷、不沮喪、不講負面的話、不講不造就人的話、不過多的娛樂消費、不玩遊戲……。
  1.  在聖靈的光照中來謙卑自潔、認罪悔改,讓耶穌的寶血來洗淨我們一切的罪。
  2. 週二(晚7:30pm -9:00pm)來教會參加在伯大尼聚會廳舉行的「耶穌受難週」特別禱告會。提醒:請所有參加禱告會的弟兄姊妹,7:30pm以前到禱告室先默思大約半小時。當天教會不提供飯食,鼓勵弟兄姊妹禁食。有提供幼兒照顧 (7:30pm-9:00pm)。禱告會後弟兄姐妹可留在聚會大廳繼續禱告。
  3. 週五(晚7:30pm-9:00pm)來教會參加在伯大尼聚會廳舉行的「耶穌受難日」特別擘餅聚會。同天下午於(5:00pm-7:00pm)在CTC教室播放『耶穌受難記』有中文字幕,在禱告室有耶穌最後一週的信息展台。請務必將家中當滅之物,如偶像或罪惡、污穢物品,與“認罪清單”一併帶來,求聖靈光照並顯明我們心中一切的罪,並藉著禱告把它們交給  神。在走出禱告室後,把“認罪清單”丟進焚燒爐中。當天教會不提供飯食,鼓勵弟兄姊妹禁食。有提供幼兒照顧 (7:30pm-9:00pm)。
  4. 教會從3月25日週日至3月30日週五,教會禱告室將全天將開放(早9:00pm - 晚6:00pm)。藉著禱告室展出的從棕櫚主日到耶穌受難日的圖畫和信息,幫助我們默思耶穌基督為我們所成就的偉大救恩,感謝讚美祂。
  5.  4/1復活節主日9:30 pm 將有特別福音聚會《奔馳於永生之道》來記念主耶穌基督從死裡復活,講員是于宏潔弟兄,請大家開始邀請福音朋友參加。在11:40 pm - 12:40 pm 是“教會25週年感恩聚會”主題是:「同一心靈、高舉基督;同一脚踪、拓展神國」。
耶穌受難週的具體行動建議
請從以下 “要做” 和 “不要做” 的列表中,至少各選二項,在“耶穌受難週”每天操練。
要做
不要做
每天全家一起靈修當日信息 不上網購物
每天15-30分鐘默想禱告 不用社交網路,包括微信,臉書等
每天15-30分鐘唱詩讚美神,並獻上感恩 不玩電動遊戲
每天15-30分鐘讀經 不看電視
每天背誦一段經文 禁吃一種食物 (例如:不吃肉,不吃甜食)
每天至少為一位福音朋友的救恩迫切禱告 戒掉一個壞習慣  (例如:不遲到,不抱怨)
每天選擇一餐禁食 不說閒話或不造就人的話
每天睡前省察自己 不要消滅聖靈的感動
其他(自訂):
其他(自訂):