【一个真基督徒】

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我见过真基督徒吗？

我的民哪，你们要留心听我的训诲，侧耳听我口中的话。我要开口说比喻，我要说出古时的谜语，是我们所听见所知道的，也是我们的祖宗告诉我们的。 我们不将这些事向他们的子孙隐瞒，要将耶和华的美德和祂的能力，并祂奇妙的作为述说给后代听。因为祂在雅各中立法度、在以色列中设律法，是祂吩咐我们祖宗要传给子孙的。使将要生的后代子孙可以晓得，他们也要起来告诉他们的子孙， 好叫他们仰望　神，不忘记　神的作为，惟要守祂的命令（诗篇78:1-7）

关键节78:4我们不将这些事向他们的子孙隐瞒，要将耶和华的美德和祂的能力，并祂奇妙的作为述说给后代听。

真基督徒的品性

一个真正的基督徒应该具备什么样的品性？基督真正的跟从者应该怎样生活？关于作真基督徒，基督教教义是怎么说？用什么词汇来描述基督徒呢？

歌罗西3:5 所以要治死你们在地上的肢体，就如[关键词屏蔽]、污秽、邪情、恶欲和贪婪，贪婪就与拜偶像一样。3:6 因这些事， 神的忿怒必临到那悖逆之子。  3:7 当你们在这些事中活着的时候也曾这样行过，3:8 但现在你们要弃绝这一切的事，以及恼恨、忿怒、恶毒、毁谤、并口中污秽的言语。3:9 不要彼此说谎。因你们已经脱去旧人和旧人的行为，3:10 穿上了新人，这新人在知识上渐渐更新，正如造他主的形像。

歌罗西3:12 所以你们既是 神的选民，圣洁蒙爱的人，就要存怜悯、恩慈、谦虚、温柔、忍耐的心。3:13 倘若这人与那人有嫌隙，总要彼此包容、彼此饶恕。主怎样饶恕了你们，你们也要怎样饶恕人。3:14 在这一切之外要存着爱心，爱心就是联络全德的。3:15 又要叫基督的平安在你们心里作主，你们也为此蒙召，归为一体，且要存感谢的心。3:16 当用各样的智慧把基督的道理丰丰富富地存在心里，用诗章、颂词、灵歌，彼此教导、互相劝戒，心被恩感，歌颂　神。  

帖撒罗尼迦前书4:3  神的旨意就是要你们成为圣洁，远避淫行；  4:4 要你们各人晓得怎样用圣洁尊贵，守着自己的身体，4:5 不放纵私欲的邪情，像那不认识　神的外邦人。

罗马书13:12 黑夜已深，白昼将近。我们就当脱去暗昧的行为，带上光明的兵器。13:13 行事为人要端正，好像行在白昼。不可荒宴醉酒，不可好色邪荡，不可争竞嫉妒。13:14 总要披戴主耶稣基督，不要被肉体安排，去放纵私欲。  

帖撒罗尼迦前书4:9 论到弟兄们相爱，不用人写信给你们。因为你们自己蒙了　神的教训，叫你们彼此相爱。

帖撒罗尼迦前书4:11 又要立志作安静人、办自己的事、亲手作工，正如我们从前所吩咐你们的。  

提多书1:6 若有无可指责的人，只作一个妇人的丈夫，儿女也是信主的，没有人告他们是放荡不服约束的，就可以设立。1:7 监督既是　神的管家，必须无可指责，不任性、不暴躁、不因酒滋事、不打人、不贪无义之财，1:8 乐意接待远人，好善、庄重、公平、圣洁、自持，1:9 坚守所教真实的道理，就能将纯正的教训劝化人，又能把争辩的人驳倒了。  

提多书2:1 但你所讲的，总要合乎那纯正的道理。2:2 劝老年人要有节制、端庄、自守、在信心、爱心、忍耐上都要纯全无疵。2:3 又劝老年妇人，举止行动要恭敬，不说谗言、不给酒作奴仆，用善道教训人，  2:4 好指教少年妇人爱丈夫、爱儿女、2:5 谨守、贞洁、料理家务、待人有恩、顺服自己的丈夫，免得　神的道理被毁谤。2:6 又劝少年人要谨守，2:7 你自己凡事要显出善行的榜样，在教训上要正直、端庄、2:8 言语纯全、无可指责，叫那反对的人既无处可说我们的不是，便自觉羞愧。2:9 劝仆人要顺服自己的主人、凡事讨他的喜欢、不可顶撞他；2:10 不可私拿东西，要显为忠诚，以致凡事尊荣我们救主　神的道。2:11 因为　神救众人的恩典已经显明出来，2:12 教训我们除去不敬虔的心和世俗的情欲，在今世自守、公义、敬虔度日。  

提多书3:1 你要提醒众人，叫他们顺服作官的、掌权的，遵他的命、预备行各样的善事；3:2 不要毁谤、不要争竞，总要和平，向众人大显温柔。3:3 我们从前也是无知、悖逆、受迷惑、服事各样私欲和宴乐、常存恶毒嫉妒的心，是可恨的，又是彼此相恨。  

提多书3:8 这话是可信的，我也愿你把这些事切切实实地讲明，使那些已信　神的人留心作正经事业。这都是美事，并且与人有益。3:9 要远避无知的辩论和家谱的空谈，以及分争，并因律法而起的争竞。因为这都是虚妄无益的。3:10 分门结党的人，警戒过一两次就要弃绝他。3:11 因为知道这等人已经背道，犯了罪，自己明知不是，还是去做。  

雅各书1:19 我亲爱的弟兄们，这是你们所知道的。但你们各人要快快地听、慢慢地说、慢慢地动怒，1:20 因为，人的怒气并不成就　神的义。 1:21 所以你们要脱去一切的污秽和盈余的邪恶、存温柔的心领受那所栽种的道，就是能救你们灵魂的道。1:22 只是你们要行道，不要单单听道，自己欺哄自己。

雅各书1:26 若有人自以为虔诚，却不勒住他的舌头，反欺哄自己的心，这人的虔诚是虚的。  

雅各书3:16 在何处有嫉妒分争，就在何处有扰乱和各样的坏事。3:17 惟独从上头来的智慧，先是清洁，后是和平、温良柔顺、满有怜悯、多结善果、没有偏见、没有假冒。  

雅各书4:4 你们这些[关键词屏蔽]的人哪，岂不知与世俗为友，就是与　神为敌吗？所以，凡想要与世俗为友的，就是与　神为敌了

雅各书4:7 故此你们要顺服　神，务要抵挡魔鬼，魔鬼就必离开你们逃跑了。4:8 你们亲近　神，神就必亲近你们。有罪的人哪，要洁净你们的手；心怀二意的人哪，要清洁你们的心。  

彼得前书1:13 所以要约束你们的心，谨慎自守、专心盼望耶稣基督显现的时候所带来给你们的恩。1:14 你们既作顺命的儿女，就不要效法从前蒙昧无知的时候，那放纵私欲的样子。1:15 那召你们的既是圣洁，你们在一切所行的事上也要圣洁。1:16 因为经上记着说：“你们要圣洁，因为我是圣洁的。”1:17 你们既称那不偏待人、按各人行为审判人的主为父，就当存敬畏的心，度你们在世寄居的日子。

彼得前书2:1 所以你们既除去一切的恶毒、诡诈、并假善、嫉妒和一切毁谤的话，2:2 就要爱慕那纯净的灵奶，像才生的婴孩爱慕奶一样；叫你们因此渐长，以致得救。

彼得前书2:11 亲爱的弟兄啊，你们是客旅、是寄居的。我劝你们要禁戒肉体的私欲，这私欲是与灵魂争战的。2:12 你们在外邦人中应当品行端正，叫那些毁谤你们是作恶的，因看见你们的好行为，便在鉴察的日子归荣耀给　神。  

彼得前书3:8 总而言之，你们都要同心、彼此体恤、相爱如弟兄、存慈怜谦卑的心，3:9 不以恶报恶、以辱骂还辱骂、倒要祝福，因你们是为此蒙召，好叫你们承受福气。3:10 因为经上说：“人若爱生命，愿享美福，须要禁止舌头不出恶言，嘴唇不说诡诈的话；3:11 也要离恶行善、寻求和睦、一心追赶。3:12 因为主的眼看顾义人，主的耳听他们的祈祷。惟有行恶的人，主向他们变脸。”

彼得前书4:3 因为往日随从外邦人的心意，行邪淫、恶欲、醉酒、荒宴、群饮、并可恶拜偶像的事时候已经够了。

彼得前书4:8 最要紧的是彼此切实相爱，因为爱能遮掩许多的罪。4:9 你们要互相款待，不发怨言。

彼得后书2:1 从前在百姓中有假先知起来，将来在你们中间也必有假师傅私自引进陷害人的异端，连买他们的主他们也不承认，自取速速地灭亡。2:2 将有许多人随从他们邪淫的行为，便叫真道因他们的缘故被毁谤。2:3 他们因有贪心，要用捏造的言语在你们身上取利，他们的刑罚自古以来并不迟延，他们的灭亡也必速速来到。2:4 就是天使犯了罪  神也没有宽容，曾把他们丢在地狱，交在黑暗坑中，等候审判。2:5  神也没有宽容上古的世代，曾叫洪水临到那不敬虔的世代，却保护了传义道的挪亚一家八口。2:6 又判定所多玛、蛾摩拉，将二城倾覆、焚烧成灰、作为后世不敬虔人的鉴戒，2:7 只搭救了那常为恶人淫行忧伤的义人罗得。2:8 因为那义人住在他们中间，看见、听见他们不法的事，他的义心就天天伤痛。2:9 主知道搭救敬虔的人脱离试探，把不义的人留在刑罚之下，等候审判的日子。【2:10 那些随肉身、纵污秽的情欲，轻慢主治之人的更是如此，他们胆大任性、毁谤在尊位的也不知惧怕。】

一天晚上，一位父亲哄他的儿子睡觉时，讲到了基督徒应该是什么样，应该有怎样的好行为（参考以上所列章节）。当父亲描述完上帝对真基督徒的品性要求时，他的儿子问出一个令人惊诧的问题：“爸爸，真基督徒这么好啊，那我见到过真基督徒吗？”父亲当时无言以对。

如果想象是我们被儿女问到这个问题（我见到过真基督徒吗），那我们会怎么回答？今天分享的经文呼吁我们，要将一切关乎上帝的事情教导我们的儿女。很明显，若儿女见到过真基督徒，那他们就不会再问有没有见到过。反过来说，我们身为父母，如果日常生活都是按照上帝的教导去做的，那么当被儿女问及时，我们就没有理由会无言以对。诗篇78 的作者呼吁我们：要向儿女述说众多赞美上帝的理由，好帮助他们懂得上帝的事情（4节）；并将上帝的律法和法度教授给他们（5节）。我们应该通过我们热爱又顺服上帝的生命和言行，将上帝的一切美善和完美教导言传身教给儿女们。让他们从我们的日常生活中，实实在在地看到：一个真正的基督徒应该是怎样做、怎样生活的。这就是为何，上帝借着摩西指示以色列众人说：“要将上帝的诫命殷勤教训你的儿女。无论你坐在家里、行在路上、躺下、起来，都要谈论”（申命记 6:6-7 我今日所吩咐你的话都要记在心上，也要殷勤教训你的儿女。无论你坐在家里、行在路上、躺下、起来，都要谈论）。  

这是一份艰巨又重大的使命。身为父母，我们要让儿女透过我们的生命看到上帝的完美品性。当儿女们看我们的表情、听我们的言语、观察我们的生命时，他们应该看到的是有神性的言语、行为和生命目标的男人和女人。当然，你和我正在这个蜕变的过程中。靠着上帝的帮助，我们这些基督徒在灵命上一天天地成长起来，我们脱去旧人的暗昧的态度、信念、行为和罪恶的本性，靠着上帝的灵转变成一个新人，越来越有耶稣基督的形象。我们的儿女正在关注我们的蜕变过程，那现在我们应该怎样做、要让他们从我们身上看到什么呢？

上帝呼吁我们这些为人父母，要用祂的道来培育儿女，而教导就源自我们活出上帝旨意的生命榜样，以及特别的教导机会。当我们对上帝有行动的信心在不断成长时，就能将上帝的恩典透过我们的生命越来越多地反映给儿女，那他们就会确实地知道，他们见到了一个真基督徒。

Have I Ever Seen a Christian?

Psalm 78:1-7

1 My people, hear MY teaching; listen to the words of MY mouth. 2 I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— 3 things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, HIS power, and the wonders HE has done. 5 HE decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which HE commanded our ancestors to teach their children, 6 so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. 7 Then they would put their trust in GOD and would not forget HIS deeds but would keep HIS commands.

Key Verse: Psalm 78:4

We will not  hide them (GOD’s Commandments) from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

Personal attributes of the true Christian

What attributes should characterize a true Christian?  How is  the true follower of CHRIST to live?  What does Christian  teaching say about what kind of person a Christian is to be?  What kind of words describe him?

Colossians 3:5-10 Therefore put to death your members which    are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil    desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. {6} Because of    these things the wrath of GOD is coming upon the sons of    disobedience, {7} in which you yourselves once walked when you    lived in them. {8} But now you yourselves are to put off all    these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of    your mouth. {9} Do not lie to one another, since you have put    off the old man with his deeds, {10} and have put on the new    man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of HIM who created him,     

Colossians 3:12-16 Therefore, as the elect of GOD, holy and    beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness,    longsuffering; {13} bearing with one another, and forgiving one    another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as    CHRIST forgave you, so you also must do. {14} But above all    these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. {15}    And let the peace of GOD rule in your hearts, to which also you    were called in one body; and be thankful. {16} Let the WORD of    CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and    admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual    songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD.   

  I Thessalonians 4:3-5 For this is the will of GOD, your    sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;    {4} that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel    in sanctification and honour, {5} not in passion of lust, like    the Gentiles who do not know GOD; {7} For GOD did not call us    to uncleanness, but in holiness.      

Rom 13:12-14 Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness,    and let us put on the armor of light. {13} Let us walk    properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in    lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. {14} But put on the    LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to    fulfill its lusts.   

  I Thessalonians 4:9 But concerning brotherly love you have no  need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught    by GOD to love one another;   

  I Thessalonians 4:11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet    life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own    hands, as we commanded you,     

Titus 1:6-9 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife,    having faithful children not accused of dissipation or    insubordination. {7} For a bsgchinese must be blameless, as a    steward of GOD, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given    to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, {8} but hospitable,    a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-   controlled, {9} holding fast the faithful word as he has been    taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort    and convict those who contradict.   

Titus 2:1-12 Speak the things which are proper for sound    doctrine: {2} that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate,    sound in faith, in love, in patience; {3} the older women    likewise, that they be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers,    not given to much wine, teachers of good things; {4} that they    admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their    children, {5} to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good,    obedient to their own husbands, that the WORD of GOD may not be    blasphemed. {6} Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-   minded, {7} in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of    good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence,    incorruptibility, {8} sound speech that cannot be condemned,    that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil    to say of you. {9} Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their    own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering    back, {10} not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that    they may adorn the doctrine of GOD our SAVIOUR in all things.    {11} For the grace of GOD that brings salvation has appeared to    all men, {12} teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly    lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the    present age,   

Titus 3:1-3 Remind them to be subject to rulers and    authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, {2} to    speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all    humility to all men. {3} For we ourselves were also once    foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and    pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one    another.   

  Titus 3:8-11 This is a faithful saying, and these things I    want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in    GOD should be careful to maintain good works. These things are    good and profitable to men. {9} But avoid foolish disputes,    genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they    are unprofitable and useless. {10} Reject a divisive man after    the first and second admonition, {11} knowing that such a    person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.   

James 1:19-22 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be    swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; {20} for the wrath    of man does not produce the righteousness of GOD. {21}    Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness,    and receive with meekness the implanted WORD, which is able to    save your souls. {22} But be doers of the WORD, and not hearers    only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and    does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this    one's religion is useless.   

James 3:16-17 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion    and every evil thing are there. {17} But the wisdom that is    from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to    yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and    without hypocrisy.   

James 4:4 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.     

James 4:7-8 Therefore submit to GOD. Resist the devil and he    will flee from you. {8} Draw near to GOD and HE will draw near    to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your    hearts, you double-minded.   

I Peter 1:13-17 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be    sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be    brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; {14} as    obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former    lusts, as in your ignorance; {15} but as HE who called you is    holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, {16} because it is    written, "Be holy, for I am holy." {17} And if you call on the    FATHER, who without partiality judges according to each one's    work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here    in fear;   

I Peter 2:1-2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit,    hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, {2} as newborn babes,    desire the pure milk of the WORD, that you may grow thereby,     

I Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims,    abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the    soul, {12} having your conduct honourable among the Gentiles,    that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by    your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of    visitation.     

I Peter 3:8-12 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having    compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted,    be courteous; {9} not returning evil for evil or reviling for    reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were    called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. {10} For "He    who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his    tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. {11} Let    him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and    pursue it. {12} For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,    And HIS ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the    LORD is against those who do evil."  

I Peter 4:3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in    doing the will of the Gentiles; when we walked in lewdness,    lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable    idolatries.   

I Peter 4:8-9 And above all things have fervent love for one    another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." {9} Be    hospitable to one another without grumbling.   

II Peter 1:2-10 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the    knowledge of GOD and of JESUS our LORD, {3} as HIS divine power    has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,    through the knowledge of HIM who called us by glory and virtue,    {4} by which have been given to us exceedingly great and    precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of    the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the    world through lust. {5} But also for this very reason, giving    all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,    {6} to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to    perseverance godliness, {7} to godliness brotherly kindness,    and to brotherly kindness love. {8} For if these things are    yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in    the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. {9} For he who lacks    these things is short-sighted, even to blindness, and has    forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. {10}    Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call    and election sure, for if you do these things you will never    stumble;

One evening, as a father was helping his young son get ready for bed, he talked about what Christian should be like and how they should act (refer to the above stated verses). When the father finished describing what GOD’s requirement on the attributes of a true Christian, his son asked a startling question: “Daddy, have I ever seen a true Christian?” The father was stunned. What kind of an example have I been? He wondered.

Imagine being asked that question by your son or daughter. Today’s Scripture calls us to teach our children about GOD so clearly that they have no reason to wonder if they’ve ever seen a true believer (Christian). The writer of Psalm 78 calls us to help our children know the things of GOD by telling them the many reasons we have to praise the LORD (verse 4) and teaching them HIS laws and statutes (verse 5). And such teaching happens as much – if not more – through our lives as through our words! Our children will look to us in the day-to-day situations of life to see what being a true Christian looks like. That is one reason why GOD, speaking through Moses, instructs to “impress” upon our children GOD’s commandments by talking “about them when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy6: 6-7 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.)

It’s a big order to fill. We fathers and mothers are to reflect GOD and HIS character to our children. As they look into our faces, listen to our words, and watch our lives, they are to see a man and woman of godly speech, actions and goal. Granted, you and I are in process. Our Christian growth comes day by day as, with GOD’s help, we take off the old self – those attitudes, beliefs and behaviours which reflect the dark, sinful side of our nature – and are transformed by HIS SPIRIT into a more Christ-like person. Our children are watching this process. How are we doing?  What are they seeing?

GOD calls us fathers and mothers to train and nurture our children in HIS ways and that kind of teaching comes by our living example as well as by specific teaching times. When we ourselves are growing in our faith, we can reflect GOD’s grace to our children and they will know that they have seen a true Christian.

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主耶稣对物质财富的教导

（马太福音6:19-34）

对于很多人来说，金钱就是他们的神。金钱就像神一样，控制着他们的生活，消耗他们所有的精力、思想和时间。金钱是供他们享乐的主要来源，他们从来不会对金钱满足，永远都想得到更多的钱。通常来说，对金钱的欲望，富人和穷人是一样的。对此，主耶稣在登山宝训中教导跟随祂的这两种人，祂给他们解释，上帝期望祂的儿女如何看待金钱和物质事物，并明确指出：你们不能既侍奉上帝又侍奉金钱，必须选择其一，不能二者兼顾。

富人通常喜好积攒财富，不停地为自己积累得越来越多，甚至远超过他们的实际所需。从这里就显示出，他们是把金钱视作自己的神。然而，主耶稣说：“不要为自己积攒财宝在地上，这样做是愚蠢的，因为地上的一切最终都会朽坏。”世上的很多事物，实际上正在我们的眼前慢慢地变为腐朽。其实，腐朽的情况在主耶稣时代表现得更为明显，因为那时候的人没有樟脑驱虫、油漆防锈或挂锁防盗等利益保障，可是主耶稣在当时所讲的，直到今天也是正确真实的。

我们中很多称为基督徒的人，正在积攒地上的财富，这实在是愚蠢的。因为有一种方式，能将我们暂时的财富转变为永恒的财富。主耶稣告诉我们，要积攒天上的财宝。那我们怎样才能积攒天上的财宝呢？主耶稣曾经对一个年轻财主说，若他变卖他所有的分给穷人，就必有财宝在天上（马太福音19:21）。那我们也能做同样的事情，当我们将自己的钱财分给地上的穷困人时，就如把存款存进了我们天上的银行账户里。

其实，不只是富人把金钱当作神，穷人也常常沉迷于物质事物中。他们所关心的虽不是积攒更多的财富，却是要积攒更多的生活必需品，他们担心吃穿是否足够，正如很多富人一样，他们关心的焦点是物质事物。

但是上帝期望祂的儿女，甚至是贫穷的，也要定睛于上帝和祂的国度。主耶稣曾应许：“若我们为祂而活、将上帝的国作为我们生命的中心，那么上帝必会供应我们的日用所需。上帝关心我们，所以我们不要为生活忧虑。你们看上帝如何地爱护着飞鸟，供养它们食物（若你曾看到小鸟聚在你家的院子里，为食物而祷告，那你可能就会开始为上帝能否提供你的所需而担忧了），更何况我们呢！”

问：我们今天读到有些经文难以理解，当主耶稣说：“眼睛就是身上的灯。你的眼睛若瞭亮，全身就光明；你的眼睛若昏花，全身就黑暗。你里头的光若黑暗了，那黑暗是何等大呢？”（马太福音6:22-23）你认为主耶稣在这里是指什么呢？

答：主耶稣是在说两种人：真基督徒和表面基督徒。把金钱视为神的基督徒，将不能承受上帝的国，因为主耶稣说“不能既侍奉上帝又侍奉金钱”。祂也论到眼睛允许光照进灵魂或眼睛关闭，这是在形容真基督徒和表面基督徒。有一双“瞭亮眼睛”的基督徒是在寻求真理（常用光作象征），当他们找到真理时，就会让光照进他们的灵魂，那么他们就有上帝的真理在他们里面。另一种基督徒有一双“昏花的眼睛”，他们不要上帝的真理，当上帝的真理之光照在他们脸上时，他们闭上了眼睛，因为他们不想让光照进他们里面。很多人都对上帝的真理闭上了眼睛，他们认为自己已经拥有真理了，但事实上他们相信的只是谎言。因此，当他们自认为光在他们里面时，其实他们里面满是黑暗，这等的黑暗是最大的黑暗。

问：我们能从今天读到的信息推论出“努力赚钱或努力攒钱”是错吗？

答：当然不是错的。若我们一点积蓄都没有，那我们怎能把钱分给有所需求的人呢？主耶稣是提醒我们：若我们要成为祂的跟从者，就不能将金钱放在我们生命的第一位格，我们关注的应该是上帝的国，并且只为祂而活。我们要警惕，不要让自己贪婪，也不要为衣食是否足够而忧虑，我们应该信靠我们天父的关爱。

虽然很多小孩子没有太多钱，可即便如此，他们也会跟穷人一样，把金钱看成自己的神。在你的生命里，你是否是将上帝作为你的 神，而不是把金钱当作神？你是否把你一部分财富分享给有所需求的人，以此来赞美和荣耀上帝？

Jesus Teaches About Material Possessions

Matthew 6:19-34

For many people, money is their god. Just like a god, money controls their lives, consuming all their energy, thoughts and time. Money is the main source of their joy, and they're never satisfied with how much they have but always wanting more. This is often true for rich and poor people alike, and JESUS addressed both groups among HIS followers during HIS sermon on the mountainside. HE explained how GOD expects HIS children to view money and material things, making it very clear that we can't serve both GOD and money. It's one or the other, but not both.

Wealthy people often reveal that money is their god by hoarding their riches, continually accumulating more and more for themselves, amassing much more than they really need. JESUS said, however, that we shouldn't store up treasures on earth. It's foolish to do so, because everything on this earth is destined to perish ultimately. In fact, most of it is slowly perishing right before our eyes. This was even more obvious to the people in JESUS' day, who didn't have the benefits of moth balls, rust-proofing paint or padlocks! But what JESUS said then is still true today.

For those of us who are call Christians, hoarding riches on earth is even more foolish, because there's a way we can convert our temporary riches into eternal riches. JESUS said that we should lay up our treasures in heaven. How can we do that? JESUS once told a very wealthy young man that if he sold his possessions and gave the money to the poor, he would then have treasure in heaven (see Matthew 19:21). We can do the same thing. When we give money to the poor and the needy on earth, it's like making a deposit into our bank accounts in heaven.

Rich people aren't the only people who often make money their god. Poor people frequently become just as consumed with material things. Their concern, however, is not with hoarding more and more riches, but with the simple necessities of life. They become worried about whether or not they are going to have enough food and clothing. Just like many wealthy people, their focus is on material things.

But GOD expects HIS children, even those who are poor, to be focused on HIM and HIS kingdom. JESUS promised that if we will live for HIM and make the kingdom of GOD our primary concern, then GOD will supply all our daily needs. HE cares about us, so there's no need for us to worry. Look how well GOD takes care of all the birds, providing them with food. If you ever see the birds gathered in your yard having a prayer meeting for food, then you might begin to worry about GOD supplying your needs!

Q. Today we read something that is difficult to understand, when JESUS said, "Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. But an evil eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. If the light you think you have is really darkness, how deep that darkness will be!" (Matthew 6:22-23). What do you think He was talking about?

A. JESUS was talking about two kinds of people, the true followers, and the superficial Christians. People whose god is money will not inherit the kingdom of GOD, because JESUS said it is impossible to serve both GOD and money. HIS comments about the eye allowing light into the soul or shutting it out also describe the true followers and superficial Christians. A person with a "pure eye" is a person who is looking for the truth (often symbolized by light), and when he finds it, he lets it into his soul. He then has GOD's truth within him. A person with an "evil eye" is a person who does not want GOD's truth, and when the light of GOD's truth shines in his face, he shuts his eyes because he doesn't want it to get inside him. Many people shut their eyes to GOD's truth because they think they already have the truth, but really they've believed only lies. Consequently, they are full of darkness even when they think they have light inside them. That kind of darkness is the worst kind.

Q. Can we rightly conclude from what we read today that it is wrong for us to work hard to make money, or save some of the money we earn?

A. Certainly not. We can't give any money away unless we first have some ourselves. JESUS was warning us that money cannot be our main priority in life if we are going to be HIS followers. Our primary concern should be with HIS kingdom and living for HIM. We should guard ourselves against greed, and shouldn't worry about having enough, but rather, should trust in our heavenly FATHER's care.

Application: Many kids don't have a lot of money, but nevertheless, like poor people, money can become their god. Is there evidence in your life that GOD is your god and not money? Do you give away a portion of what you do receive for the glory and honour of GOD?

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让我们赞美上帝无与伦比的恩典

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，我希望我们能够透彻地懂得“海边相遇的故事” （马太福音4:18-22）。首先，我很好奇，为何彼得和他的同伴如此乐意地就跟从了这个加利利人的呼召，这个外村人既卑微，又有一副与他们毫无分别的粗简外表。主耶稣的身体特征与常人无异，没有任何独特的地方，祂没有俊美的容貌（像韩国男星似的），只能从祂木匠的衣着和满手老茧认出，祂是邻村来的外村人。

我们该如何解释，当主耶稣说“跟从我”时，这些渔夫立刻就甘心乐意地丢下他们的船和渔网，跟从了祂？从现代的观点来看，谁能懂得，是什么吸引彼得他们甘心作出承诺，要终生跟从这个看起来平庸的乡下人？毫无疑问，当主耶稣呼召彼得他们丢下一切来跟从祂时，主耶稣的面容和声音中一定有不可思议的力量使他们难以抗拒---是一个充满爱和能力的光环，发出力量的光来，使渔夫们甚至都没有问任何关于个人利益的问题，就立时甘愿放弃一切，选择终生跟从主耶稣。在这里没有记载他们问主耶稣，若丢下谋生的捕鱼器具，那他们今后的生活怎么办？或是他们怎样才能通知自己的家人或朋友，自己不再捕鱼，要跟从主耶稣了？

然而，更为令人惊叹的是，这些倔强又平庸的乡下人，竟能被造就成一队有强大实力的传道人！是何等希望使彼得作出了转变？在此，我想起米开朗基罗的故事：有一天，米开朗基罗漫步在罗马的街道上，他无意中在一个角落里看到一块有裂缝的大理石，很显然这块石头是那些自称为雕刻家的人废弃的。一条深长的裂缝使原本肮脏的石头更显丑陋，但是这位最伟大的艺术家却驻足良久，凝视这块废弃的石头。最后，米开朗基罗叫来他的助理，把这块大理石搬到他的工作室。虽然这块大理石从外表上看像是只能废弃了，但是米开朗基罗却能看到常人无法看到的宝贵内在。就这样，他开始雕刻这块石头。一天天地过去，这块“废物”在大师的敲敲打打中变得“伤痕累累”，直到最后，一个完美的男子从大师一双灵巧的手中雕刻而成，众人都赞叹道：“完[关键词屏蔽]真得只要有一口气，就是活人了！”而这个雕像就是大卫的雕像，它曾多年伫立在圣彼得大教堂前，成为罗马、乃至世界美术史的标志性象征之一，它也是米开朗基罗最完美的杰作。

我相信，主耶稣呼召西门彼得时，彼得在祂眼里也是一块破损的“石头”。但是这位超凡的“艺术家”却能看到这个渔夫无人能识的内在，并且惟有主耶稣才能将他重新“雕塑”。当然，被重新雕塑就必要经受千锤百炼，才能根除人性败坏的自尊和虚荣。彼得的转变同样经受了必需的敲打，就如经历主耶稣登山变象、火堆前三次不认主耶稣、同主耶稣在海面上行走……经受更多地敲打是必须有的，但是慢慢地，就会成为主耶稣巧妙改造之下的杰作。

我们能够懂得在彼得身上发生的神迹，因为同样的事情也发生在我们的身上。虽然我们这些外邦人与那些暴躁粗犷的渔夫相比，没有更吸引主耶稣的地方，但是当主耶稣经过我们并看我们时，也是以同样的爱来爱我们。我原是一个声名狼藉的黑社会、一个玩弄女人的人、更是一个不孝之子、不忠的丈夫、并且高傲十足，可是在主耶稣呼召我跟从祂的那一刻起，我的生命从此就改变了。从我这个一无是处的废物身上，主耶稣怎能找出一点好的地方呢？可是这样的事情一次又一次地发生在我的身上，祂把我的软弱、愚昧和败坏转变成我的聪明和能力。你也应该感到高兴，因为主耶稣也在寻找你，他从未放弃你。让我们赞美上帝无与伦比的恩典！

Let us praise GOD for HIS matchless grace!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I wish we could know the full story of that encounter by the seaside. First of all, I wonder why Peter and his companions were so willing to follow the call of this humble GALILEAN stranger, who was almost as roughhewn in appearance as they were. There was nothing special about the physical feature of JESUS that would make HIM stand out in a crowd. He was not particularly handsome (like the Korean male actors) His carpenter clothes and calloused hands would have identified HIM as just another villager from a nearby community.

How, then, can we explain why those practical men of the sea were willing to walk away from their boats and nets as soon as JESUS said “follow me”? Who can understand, from this future perspective, why they were drawn to make a life-long commitment to follow this seemingly ignorant peasant? Surely there must have been something strangely irresistible about the face and voice of JESUS as HE called them to leave it all that day. An aura of love and power must have beamed with such strength that they did not even ask the expected questions. There is no record that they asked about leaving the expensive equipment behind, or how they could heave family or friends on such short notice.

But then began the process of molding all of those clods of fractious human material into a team of powerful evangelists. What hope was there that Peter could make the transformation? I’m reminded of the story of Michelangelo as he walked down the streets of Rome one day. In a corner he observed a piece of cracked marble that had apparently been cast aside by some would-be sculptor. In spite of the ugly split seam across the face of it, the great artist stood looking at the abandoned stone for a long time. Finally he called for his assistants to haul the marble into his studio. Behind the ruined surface Michelangelo had seen something that no one else had been able to recognize. He began to work on the stone with chisel and mallet. Weeks and months passed by as the master hammered and hewed the scarred reject, until finally there emerged from under his skillful fingers the figure of a man that was said to be so perfect the it lacked only life itself. That statue of David stood for many years in the basilica of St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome as one of Michelangelo most perfect masterpieces.

I believe that’s what JESUS saw as HE looked at that marred piece of humanity called Simon Peter. The DIVINE ARTIST had seen something in the big fisherman that nobody else had seen, and the shaping process was initiated. It took much hammering to remove all the pride and vain-glory. It required blows like the night of TRANSFIGURATION, the denial by the fire side and that night Peter walked on the sea. But slowly there came forth from under the MASTER’s skillful influence a masterpiece.

We can understand that miracle of Peter because the same thing has happened to each of us. In our unconverted condition we were no more attractive to JESUS than the boisterous, loudmouthed fisherman. But when HE passed by and looked at us, HE loved us in the same way. I was a notorious gangster, a womanizer, the most un-filial son, an unfaithful husband and a self-centered prideful person when JESUS called me to follow HIM. My life has never been the same since. How could HE bring any good out of such miserable material like me? And yet HE has done it over and over again. HE has taken the weak, foolish and corrupt things to confound the wise and the mighty. Aren’t you glad that HE came looking for you and did not pass you by? Let us praise GOD for HIS matchless grace!

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服从胜过献祭

上帝对我们的爱没有穷尽，因祂的大爱而使我们谦卑降服，又使我们心怀无限感恩。

从罗马书2:4，我们得到生命改变的真谛：上帝的恩慈是领你悔改。

换句话说，当我们向上帝祷告而得蒙祂的爱时，我们就会开始改变：我们会对自己的罪过感到内疚，并会变得更加驯良地活在一个被圣灵充满的生命中。

上帝的恩慈改变了我们，同时也教导我们要服从祂，基督徒的任务就是“服从上帝”。

读罗马书2:4：还是你藐视祂（上帝）丰富的恩慈、宽容、忍耐，不晓得祂的恩慈是领你悔改呢？

撒母耳上15:22，撒母耳回答说:“耶和华喜悦燔祭和平安祭，岂如喜悦人听从祂的话呢？听命胜于献祭，顺从胜于公羊的脂油。”

我们需要服从上帝的力量

记住“悔改”一词的含义是：改变你的思想意念。就在今天，选择改变你一贯的意念和生活方式；现在就开始，多付出时间来为上帝的大爱和祂的恩慈而高声赞美祂，并且向上帝承认你的罪过，祂必会宽恕你。

此时就确定，你需要改变的生活领域。信靠上帝，祂必会赐予你脱离罪恶的力量，相信并服从祂！

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，让我们一起祷告：

“主耶稣基督，您对我实在是太恩慈了！我本该受到应有的惩罚，您却施下仁慈，免去了我的惩罚；我不配得到您的怜悯，您却施与我莫大的恩惠。主啊，我高声地赞美您！我选择用我的整个生命来服从您，今天我就要倚靠您的灵，帮助我获得力量来完完全全地顺服您。奉主耶稣基督的名祷告，阿门。”

To obey is better than sacrifice

GOD's love for us has no limit. HIS love humbles us and causes us to be thankful.

In Romans 2: 4 we find a life changing verse: "GOD's kindness leads you toward repentance."

In other words . . . as we pray and receive GOD's love, we begin to change. We become sorry for our sin. We become more disciplined to live the SPIRIT filled life.

GOD's kindness changes us and teaches us obedience to HIM. Our job is to obey.

Read: Romans 2: 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of HIS kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that GOD’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

1 Samuel 15: 22 But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices

as much as in obeying the Lord?

To obey is better than sacrifice,

and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

WE NEED STRENGTH TO OBEY GOD . . .

Remember that the word 'repentance' means to change your mind. Today, choose to change your mind about some aspect of the way you have been living. Take a moment and praise GOD for HIS love and kindness right now, and confess your sins to HIM. HE forgives you.

Now identify the areas of your life that needs to change. Trust GOD to give you the strength to turn from your sins, believe HIM and obey HIM!

Let us PRAY . . . My dear Brothers and Sisters,

"LORD JESUS CHRIST, YOU have been so good to me. YOU have shown mercy in holding back the punishment that I rightfully deserve. YOU have shown grace in giving me exactly what I do not deserve. I praise YOU LORD! I choose to obey YOU in all the areas of my life. I will rely on your SPIRIT to help me to have the strength to obey all of my today. In JESUS name I pray, Amen.