 After Christ had completed the redeeming work, He was glorified and ascended. Then the Holy Spirit came to be in fellowship with us (John 7:38-39, 16:7).
Non-believers of Christ can worship many idols, but Christians may ignore the Holy Spirit and worship God less. Our goodness comes from the Holy Spirit. Being convicted of our sins and repenting are through the Holy Spirit. Yet many don’t hold the Holy Spirit in high esteem. Believing in Christ has quenched our thirst. But do rivers of living water flow from us (John 7:38)? Many believers don’t have abundant life. Let’s understand the work of the Holy Spirit. First, it is intimately intertwined with Christ’s work. For example, unless we are born of the Spirit, we can’t enter God’s kingdom. But whoever believes in Christ shall have eternal life (John 3:5, John 3:16). In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did many extraordinary works through the prophets. But during that time, the Holy Spirit came and left, not living in them. After Christ’s departure, the Holy Spirit came to stay with us forever. The Holy Spirit takes what is from Christ to teach us (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit leads us to Christ, conforming us to His likeness and glorifying Him. The work of the Holy Spirit is of incomparable value. Christ on earth was just with a handful of disciples, but the Holy Spirit has dwelt within believers over the many centuries! The Holy Spirit generates rivers (not just a single river) of living water in believers, to flow from within them (John 7:38), like divine light enabling others to see. The flow is spontaneous and perpetual. Whatever they do prosper (Psalm 1:3). Wherever they are, there is blessing. The church is glorified, and they are glorified. We can easily obtain such work of the Holy Spirit. First, believe in Christ; by faith we will receive the Holy Spirit. Second, pray and ask, and our loving heavenly Father will give us the Holy Spirit (Matthew 7:7-11). Ask God to make us all the Spirit can make us to be. Rivers of living water will flow from us, blessing the people around us. Summary of a sermon by Charles Spurgeon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBlZCjRzB3E 圣灵的内住与流溢 基督完成救赎大工以后，得着荣耀， 升上高天。此后，圣灵就来与我们相交（约翰福音 7:38-39，约翰福音 16:7）。 诚然非基督徒会崇拜许多虚假的偶像，但基督徒可能因忽略圣灵而少了更多地敬拜上帝。 我们的良善来自圣灵。对自己罪的承认和悔改也是圣灵的工作。然而，许多人并没有把圣灵放在崇高的地位上。 虽然对基督的相信可以缓解口渴，但活水的江河从我们里面流出来了吗（约翰福音 7:38）？许多信徒并没有得到丰盛的生命。 让我们一起来了解圣灵的工作。 首先，它与基督的工作密切相关。 例如，除非从圣灵而生，否则不能进入神的国（约翰福音 3:5）。但凡相信基督的，必得到永生（约翰福音 3:16）。 在旧约中，圣灵藉着先知行了许多非凡的事。但在旧约的时代，圣灵来了又去，并没有住在先知里面。新约时代，当基督离开以后，圣灵却永远与我们同在。 圣灵将从基督那里所领受的教导我们。 祂引导我们归向基督，使我们效法基督的样式并荣耀基督（约翰福音 16:14）。 圣灵的工作具有无可比拟的价值。基督在世的时候，祂只有屈指可数的少量门徒；而祂离开以后，许多世纪以来圣灵住在无数的信徒里面，与他们同在！ 圣灵在信徒里面产生众多活水的江河（不仅仅是一条河流而已），从信徒里面流出来（约翰福音 7:38）, 好像神圣的光让别人能看见。这活水江河的流出是自发的，也是永恒的。信徒凡事亨通（诗篇 1:3）。他们在哪里，哪里就有福。教会得荣耀，他们也得荣耀。 我们很容易领受圣灵这样的工作。首先，当相信基督。凭着信心，我们将接受圣灵。其次, 祷告祈求，慈爱的天父就会赐下圣灵（马太福音 7:7-11）。祈求上帝使我们成为圣灵可以使自己成为的人。活水的江河将从我们里面流溢而出，祝福周围的人。
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 Our relationship with God requires love, faith, and knowledge, all intertwined together (1 John 4:16). Our faith needs the Holy Spirit to renew our heads and hearts because only spiritual beings know spiritual things. Therefore, we must be born again (John 3:7).
We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Such love has the following attributes. I. Acknowledge our love for God. Christ deserves our love, at least due to the sacrifice He made. He also demands it. For those ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of them later. Those who acknowledge Him before others will be acknowledged before His heavenly Father (Luke 9:26, Matthew 10:32-33). Also, acknowledging Him will put them among the most blessed, such as the angels in heaven. If we so acknowledge and live consistently, we may influence others and receive great blessings, because it demonstrates that we are not of the world. But beware that the world will attack us (Genesis 3:15). II. Our love comes from knowledge and faith, knowing and believing that God loves us so much that He gave His only son so we may have eternal life (1 John 4:16, John 3:16). Consider how God has chosen us, redeemed us through His sacrifice, and taken us into Him. Look at His mercy supporting us daily. This will create in us a love for Him. If we don’t love Him, we are extremely ungrateful. In this way, such love will come naturally. It can’t be forced and isn’t because of duty. We just can’t help but love Him because He first loved us. But, like love for our children, our love for God doesn’t come out all the time. III. Our love is based on a great mystery. It is a mystery why God loves us. We can only attribute it to His grace and faithfulness. Give God all the glory. IV. Our love is a force sustained by a higher force, which is God’s love to us. God’s love is extremely powerful. Nothing can stop His love. Christ’s love compels us, empowering us to do impossible things, such as living not for ourselves but for Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Summary of a sermon by Charles Spurgeon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIB3MHd2EWo 爱神的秘密 信徒与上帝的关系需要爱、信和知识彼此交织在一起（约翰一书 4:16）。我们的信仰需要圣灵来更新我们的头脑和心灵，因为只有属灵的人才知道属灵的事。 所以，我们必须重生（约翰福音 3:7）。 我们爱上帝因为祂先爱我们（约翰一书 4:19）。 这样的爱有以下的属性。 (一）承认我们对上帝的爱。 至少因为基督的牺牲,祂配得我们的爱。爱基督是祂的要求。以祂为耻的人，祂也会以他们为耻。在人面前承认祂的，祂也会在天父面前承认他们（路加福音 9:26，马太福音 10:32-33）。承认祂的人将被放在最受祝福的（例如天使）被造中间。 我们如此承认祂，并且活出这样的生命，就可以影响他人并得到莫大的祝福，因为这表明我们不属于这世界。但要小心，世界会攻击伤害我们（创世记 3:15）。 (二) 我们的爱来自知识和信心, 知道并相信上帝爱我们，甚至将祂的独生子赐给我们，使我们得永生（约翰一书 4:16, 约翰福音 3:16）。 思想上帝如何拣选我们，藉着祂的牺牲救赎我们，并把我们带到祂里面。祂的慈悲每天托住我们。这一切会在我们里面产生对祂的爱。若非如此，我们岂不是非常忘恩负义？ 所以，这样的爱是自然而然，不能被强迫, 也不是出于责任感。 我们情不自禁地爱祂，因为祂先爱我们。但就像对自己儿女的爱一样, 我们对上帝的爱不会每时每刻都流露出来。 (三) 我们的爱基于一个伟大的奥秘。 神为何爱我们是个谜，只能将其归于上帝的恩典和信实，当把所有的荣耀归给上帝。 (四）我们爱的力量是由更高的大能托住的，就是上帝对我们的爱。 上帝的爱极其强大，没有什么能阻止它。 基督的爱激励我们，赐我们力量去完成不可能的事情, 例如不再为自己而活，单单为祂而活（哥林多后书 5:14-15）。  In John 15:7, Christ promised: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Prayer should be our habit and our natural outpouring. We can’t live without asking for His favor, and we can ask whatever we wish. Elijah prayed for the rain to stop, and it stopped. We should aspire to be such people of God. To receive such blessing, remain in Him. This is through clinging and depending on Him. The branches must remain in the vine to bear fruit (John 15:4) for the glory of the Father (John 15:8). Anyone not remaining in Him—even those who have been Christians for decades—is like scrap wood left for burning (John 15:6). Everything is because of the vine. So, continuously rest in Christ. Solely rely on Him. But note that God prunes every branch that bears fruit (John 15:2). When we are pruned, cling to Christ even more. In addition to remaining in Him, His words must remain in you. So, we should read His words and memorize them. Then we will receive more from Him and treasure more of Him. He will grant us anything we ask. God, who is full of grace, will grant us His wealth. Christ gave us such promises because everything is in Christ. He prepared everything we need a long time ago. Also, if we ask God what He promises in His words, we are asking the almighty God to do what He said He would. So know and believe in His promises. Be filled with God’s words and pray accordingly. Beware that we are ignorant. Ask our all-wise Father to teach us what to ask. Ask God not to give us what we wish, but to give us according to His will. And we submit to His will. If so, you will have the desires of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. You will ask what the Spirit moves you to ask. You will be in God’s love (John 15:9), and He will listen to your prayer. Remain in Christ, with His words remain in you. Then ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Summarized from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMje1vYLjQM&t=3123s 祷告的秘密力量！ 基督在约翰福音 15 章 7 节应许：“你们若常在我里面，我的话也常在你们里面，凡你们所愿意的，祈求就给你们成就。” 祷告应该是一种习惯和自然的倾诉。我们的生活离不开不住地祈求上帝的恩惠，凡事都可以带到祂面前求。以利亚祈求雨停，雨就停了。我们应该渴望成为上帝这样的子民。 如果想要得到这样的福份，就必须住在祂里面，紧靠祂，依靠祂。枝子必须在葡萄树上才能结果子荣耀父（约翰福音 15:4，8）。 任何不在祂里面的人——即使那些已经成为基督徒数十年的人——就像废柴一样，迟早要被烧掉（约翰福音 15：6）。枝子的一切都是因为葡萄树。所以，当不断地在基督里安息, 单单依靠祂。 但请注意，上帝会修剪每一枝结果子的枝子（约翰福音 15:2）。当我们被修剪时，要更加紧靠基督。 除了在祂里面，祂的话也必须在你里面。所以，当阅读并记住祂的话。 如此，我们会从祂那里得到更多，更加珍惜祂。祂会赐给我们祈求的任何东西。充满恩典的上帝将赐下祂的祝福。 基督可以这样应许，因为一切都在基督里。祂早就准备好我们需要的一切。 另外，如果祈求上帝话语中的应许，就是在祷告全能的上帝按照祂所说的去做。 所以，要知道并相信祂的应许。让神的话充满我们，以祂的话为祷告的根基。 当留意我们是无知的。祈求全智的天父教我们该求什么。求上帝不要给我们想要的，而是按照祂的旨意回答我们的祷告，我们也当顺服祂的旨意。 如此，你会感受到住在里面的圣灵的渴望, 你会求圣灵感动你祈求的事情。 你会住在上帝的爱中，祂会聆听你的祷告（约翰福音 15:9）。 住在基督里，祂的话住在你里面。这样，只要你愿意，祂就为你成就。  God never created anything without a purpose. That includes you.
We are made by Him and for Him to last forever, with life on earth preparing for our eternity (Ephesians 1:11-12, Colossians 1:16, Revelation 4:11). On Earth, we have five purposes. 1. To know and love Him. God made us for His pleasure, so it is important to know God (Hosea 6:6, 1Timothy 6:21). He gets pleasure in us and loves to love us (Psalm 149:4, Ephesians 1:4). So, don’t worry. Otherwise, we act as God doesn’t exist (Matthew 6:32). 2. To love others. God wants a family and wants us to be in His family (Ephesians 1:5, 1Timothy 3:15b, Romans 12:5). This is the spiritual family, the everlasting church (1Peter 1:3). God made us to love our spiritual family (1Peter 2:17), which trains us how to love others. This includes unlovely people around us. 3. To become more like Christ. God wants us to think and act like Christ, and to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15, Philippians 2:5, Galatians 5:22-23). Our accomplishments are far less important than the person we become, which is the only thing we take to the other side after death. We need to grow spiritually and realize that things are not about us. This requires life-long training, typically through experiencing and patiently learning from difficulties (Mark 4:17, 2Corinthians 3:18). 4. To serve God by serving others. We are designed to serve God by serving others (1Peter 4:10), including the undeserving. Do good work to serve others based on our uniqueness (Ephesian 2:10), including spiritually, in our passion, abilities, personalities, and experiences (Psalm 139:13). 5. To fulfill a mission. God puts us here for a mission (John 17:18, Acts 20:24) based on what He gives us. Don’t follow your own small plan, but follow His big plan for us, a plan for a far better life, for a purpose that will last forever (2Corinthians 5:15, Proverbs 19:21). Open your eyes to see how good God is (Psalm 34:8) and receive the immense love of God. Live for Him and His kingdom. That should be the purpose of your life. Become what God made us to be. Live restfully, freely, and lightly a life that God has created for you (Matthew 11:28-30). This offer is available to all of us (Acts 10:35). Summary of a sermon by Rick Warren, “If I Could Only Teach You One Thing: Why God Made You.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5xyYI9tNV8 上帝为何创造你？ 上帝的任何创造都有目的，包括你。 我们被祂而造，也为祂而造，而且存到永远（以弗所书 1:11-12，歌罗西书 1:16）。 我们地上的生命正在为我们的永恒做准备。 我们在地上有五个目的。 1.认识祂并且爱祂 上帝为了祂的喜悦创造我们，所以认识祂很重要（何西阿书 6:6，提摩太前书 6:21）。 祂以我们为乐，并且喜悦爱我们（启示录 4:11，诗篇 149:4，以弗所书 1:4）, 所以不要忧虑。否则，我们行事为人就活得像上帝不存在一样（马太福音 6:32）。 2.爱他人 上帝渴望要一个家庭，并希望我们成为其中的成员（以弗所书 1:5，提摩太前书 3:15下，罗马书 12:5）。这是属灵的家庭，那永远存在的教会（彼得前书 1：3）。 上帝创造我们来爱这属灵之家（彼得前书 2:17），要训练我们去爱他人，包括周围那些不可爱的人。 3. 变得更像基督 上帝希望我们的思想行为像基督，结出圣灵的果子（罗马书 8：29，歌罗西书 1：15，腓立比书 2：5，加拉太书 5：22-23）。 成为什么样的人比作出什么样的成就更重要，这是我们离开世界后唯一能带到来世的东西。 我们需要灵命成长，明白自己并非万事万物的中心。这一切需要终生的训练，通常是经历困难并耐心地从中学习（马可福音 4:17，哥林多前书 3:18）。 4. 通过服事他人来服事祂 上帝的设计是要我们通过服事他人来服事祂（彼得前书 4:10），包括服事那些不配的人。 当使用我们在热情、能力、个性和经验上的特性, 包括属灵的恩赐（以弗所书 2:10）， 来多做善工，服务他人（诗篇 139:13）。 5.完成使命 上帝把我们放在世上，为要让我们用祂所賜的一切去完成祂的使命（约翰福音 17:18，使徒行传 20:24）。 不要遵循自己的小计划，而要遵循祂为我们制定的大计划，一个更美好生活的计划，去追求一个永远的目标（哥林多前书 5:15, 箴言 19:21）。 睁开我们的眼睛，看看上帝何等美善（诗篇 34:8），接受上帝的大爱，为祂和祂的国度而活，这应该是我们人生的目的。 让自己成为上帝创造我们要成的样式, 过一种上帝为我们创造的安息、自由、轻省的生活（马太福音 11:28-30），这是祂为所有人预备的（使徒行传 10:35）。  We deceive God, others, and ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9, Hebrews 3:13).
We flatter God and lie to Him (Psalm 78:36). We say we’re sinners while thinking we’re good, believing that God should answer our prayers, bless us, and reward our work. We ask God to protect us from sin, but we don’t watch over ourselves carefully. When Satan temps us, we yield easily. We say God is infinitely powerful and merciful, providing all things, yet we excessively worry and pursue earthly things. We say that God is most important, yet we don’t keep His commandments, nor the promises we made to Him in distress (Psalm 78:56-57, Hosea 7:16). Sometimes we live like God doesn’t even exist. Not only deceiving God, we deceive others also (Matthew 23:5). We are friendly to their faces but backstab them (Psalm 28:3, 12:2, 55:21; Jeremiah 9:4, 8; Proverbs 20:6). We judge their pride while we remain arrogant (Romans 2:1). Furthermore, we deceive ourselves. We distort God’s rules to justify ourselves. We covet others’ wealth and frame it as prudence. We are ignorant (Job 11:12), thinking we know something when we don’t (1 Corinthians 8:2), or we are something when we aren’t (Galatians 6:3). We don’t see our wickedness (Matthew 3:7, Psalm 58:4). We don’t know the power of sin. We are prone to errors, yet we’re stubborn. We ignore God’s guidance (Psalm 25:4-5) and neglect others’ opinions (Proverbs 26:16). We think God is not so far above us. When we don’t understand the Bible, we leave Him (John 6:50-66, Psalm 73:22). Don’t be too self-confident or trustful of our hearts or wisdom. Be suspicious of yourselves (Proverbs 28:26). Beware your blindness (John 9:39, 1 Corinthians 3:19). Ask God to help us see ourselves. Examine ourselves with His words (James 3:17, John 1:47, Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 1 Corinthians 9:27). Have we kept our promises? Are our prayers just a show? Trust His words (Proverbs 3:5). Seek others’ advice. Accept your mistakes. Earnestly seek His grace as if you don’t have it (Philippians 3:8-11). Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOe0RKYwXwo 人心诡诈至极 我们不但欺骗上帝，也欺骗他人和自己（耶利米书 17:9，希伯来书 3:13）。 我们奉承上帝并且对祂说谎（诗篇 78:36）。我们口中说自己是罪人，内心却以为自己很好，上帝应该听我们的祈祷，祝福我们，奖赏我们的工作。 我们祈求上帝保护我们免受罪的伤害，却不小心保护自己。撒旦试探时，我们很容易就屈服让步。 我们说上帝有无穷的大能和不尽的怜悯，提供我们需要的一切。然而，我们却过度地忧虑，不停地追求世俗的东西。 我们说上帝是最重要的，却不遵守祂的命令，不信守在危难中向祂作出的承诺（诗篇 78:56-57，何西阿书 7:16）。 有时，我们生活得好像上帝根本就不存在一样。 我们不仅欺骗上帝，也欺骗他人（马太福音 23:5）。 在别人面前，我们当面是朋友，背后却伤害他们（诗篇 28:3, 12:2, 55:21; 耶利米书 9:4、8; 箴言 20:6）。 我们评判他们的骄傲，却不改自己的傲慢（罗马书 2:1）。 此外，我们也欺骗自己。 我们歪曲上帝的规则为自己辩护。我们觊觎他人的财富，将这样的心态解释为合情合理。 我们是无知的（约伯记 11:12）, 以为自己知道那些不知道的事（哥林多前书 8:2），或者本来什么都不是，却自以为是（加拉太书 6:3）。 我们看不到自己的邪恶（马太福音 3:7，诗篇 58:4）也不知道罪恶的权势。 我们容易犯错，却固执己见。 我们不理会上帝的引导（诗篇 25:4-5），也不考虑他人的意见（箴言 26:16）。 我们认为上帝并不远远高过自己。当我们不明白圣经时，就离祂而去（约翰福音 6：50-66，诗篇 73：22）。 不要太自信, 太相信自己的内心或智慧。要怀疑自己（箴言 28:26）。当心我们的瞎眼和愚拙（约翰福音 9:39，哥林多前书 3:19）。 求神帮助我们看清自己的本来面目。 用祂的话来审视自己（雅各书 3:17，约翰福音 1:47，罗马书 12:8，哥林多前书 1:12，哥林多前书 9:27）。我们遵守诺言了吗？我们的祷告只是一场表演吗？ 相信上帝的话（箴言 3:5）。 寻求他人的建议。接受自己的错误。诚恳地寻求神的恩典，就好像我们还没有得到一样（腓立比书 3:8-11）。  Conflicts are normal because we are imperfect and different, but conflicts can block our prayers (1 Peter 3:7), happiness (James 3:18), and fellowship with God (1 John 4:20).
Christ wants us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Peacemakers resolve conflicts not by avoiding conflict (which is cowardice) or appeasing others (which is co-dependency). Reconciliation takes precedence even over worship (Matthew 5:23-24). But how do we reconcile? First, make the first move. Peacemakers make peace. Reconcile quickly because conflict can’t resolve itself and putting it off worsens it. We are afraid of rejection and being misunderstood, so we often avoid confrontation and hide (Genesis 3:10), making us distant, demanding, and defensive. Ask God for love (2 Timothy 1:7) because love can overcome our fear (1 John 4:18). Second, ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). He will teach us what to say and when to say it. Third, begin with your fault. Conflict typically comes from our desires battling within us (James 4:1) and from pride, which leads to argument (Proverbs 13:10). But we can choose to get along, to learn, and to be flexible. Be humble (Matthew 7:3, 5; 19:24; 23:24). We need others to identify our blind spots. Just say, “I am sorry I am only thinking of myself.” Fourth, seek to understand their hurt (Philippians 2:4-8) and perspective. Argument typically happens when someone was abused or humiliated. Listen (James 1:19), particularly to the emotion behind the words. See their perspective. Be considerate, particularly of their fears (can be irrational) and doubts (Romans 15:2). Fifth, speak the truth tactfully, with love (Ephesians 4:15). It is not what you say but how you say it. Being abrasive isn’t persuasive. Don’t say things designed to hurt, belittle, or insult (Colossians 3:8). Usually, it is rude to tell it just as it is. Instead, speak the truth lovingly. Use helpful, not harmful, words (Ephesians 4:29). Speak wisely, not recklessly (Proverbs 12:18). Sixth, attack the issues and problems, not each other. Seventh, focus on reconciliation and accept disagreements, not requiring seeing eye-to-eye. God has forgiven our sins and restored our relationship with Him. Now, bring people together (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Be peacemakers. Summary of a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1udN6OShf4 如何解决冲突和恢复关系 人与人发生冲突是正常的，因为我们都并非完美，并且各有不同。 但冲突会阻碍我们的祈祷（彼得一书 3:7）、幸福（雅各书 3:18）和与上帝的相交（约翰一书 4:20）。 基督希望我们成为使人和睦的人（马太福音 5:9）。使人和睦的人不是通过逃避冲突（这是怯懦）或安抚他人（这是共同依赖）来解决冲突。 和解甚至比敬拜更重要（马太福音 5:23-24）。但怎样才能和解呢？ 首先，要主动迈出第一步。 使人和睦的人缔造和平。 和解需用尽快，因为冲突无法自行解决, 并且推迟解决的冲突会更加恶化。 我们害怕被拒绝和被误解, 所以时常避免面对冲突而躲藏起来（创世记 3:10），因而与他人疏远、苛求他人并且持有防御的心态。 求上帝赐下爱（提摩太后书 1:7）， 因为爱可以战胜恐惧（约翰一书 4:18）。 第二，向上帝求智慧（雅各书 1:5）。 祂会教导我们当说的话，以及何时说出这些话。 第三， 从自己的错误开始。冲突通常来自私欲在心里的争战（雅各书 4:1）,来自引发争论的骄傲（箴言 13:10）。 但我们可以选择与人相处，虚心学习，机动灵活。 我们要谦卑（马太福音 7:3, 5; 19:24; 23:24）, 要他人的帮助来识别自己的盲点。 只需说“对不起，我只想到自己。” 第四，倾听和理解他人的伤痛和观点（腓立比书 2:4-8）。 时常当有人受到虐待或羞辱时，争吵就会发生。 当仔细聆听（雅各书 1:19）, 特别是话语背后的情感。看见他人的观点。 体谅他人, 特别是他们的恐惧 (可能是不合理的) 和疑虑（罗马书 15:2）。 第五，用爱委婉地讲真话（以弗所书 4:15）. 关键不是你说什么，而是你怎么说。粗暴是没有说服力的。不要说旨在伤害、贬低或侮辱人的话（歌罗西书 3:8）。 通常，照原样直话直说是不礼貌的。 相反地，要以爱心说真话。要说造就人而非伤害人的话（以弗所书 4:29）。 说话要有智慧，不要鲁莽（箴言 12:18）。 第六，我们要解决和对付的是面临的问题，而不是彼此。 第七，是专注于和解, 接受大家可以有不同的意见。 上帝已经赦免了我们的罪，恢复了我们与祂的关系。现在，我们要使人与神和好，与人和好（哥林多后书 5:18-20）, 成为使人和睦的人。  God despises wickedness. Those He hates get His wrath and punishment, with no mercy (Hosea 9:15, Jeremiah 12:8, Psalm 7:11).
Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau despised the covenant of grace, selling his birthright for a single meal (Genesis 25:30-34, Hebrews 12:16). God hated Esau but loved Jacob (Romans 9:13). Yet, Esau had vastly greater earthly possession than Jacob (Genesis 27:39). To those God hates, God may give them plenty of earthly things—honor, power, thrones, wealth, and pleasures, even the choicest ones (Habakkuk 1:15-16, Job 21:7, Psalm 73:5). God gives them up to the lust of their hearts. They spend so much time and effort on worldly profits and pleasures, though none of it truly satisfies. One day, death will strip away what little they have and leave them with eternal damnation. Those God loves may not have as many earthly possessions, but God is sufficient to carry them through their journeys to heaven. God gives them priceless spiritual blessings, such as the holy love, spiritual joy, peace, and the foretaste of heaven. Many neglect their souls for this world’s pleasures. When invited to a great banquet, many forsake it for paltry earthly things (Luke 14:15-20). Many put off eternal salvation till such and such time. Many put their hand on the plow and look back (Luke 9:62), as the Israelites in the wilderness earnestly yearned for Egypt, and Lot’s wife looked back at Sodom. Consider how miserable and foolish they were, greedy for the husks instead of feasting at the king’s table. Even the best of earthly profits and pleasures cannot satisfy us but only give us great vexation and guilty consciences with no true peace or rest. Don’t sell the blessings of the covenant for a mouthful of meat as Esau (Genesis 25:29-34). How bitter he became. Don’t neglect your soul and things above for earthly pleasures; they are nothing better than what God gives to those He hates. See the great things God has done. See the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Forsake worldly profit, honor, and pleasure (Luke 14:33). Instead, intensely seek spiritual and heavenly things. Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DbKAsBOiuw 我恨恶以扫 上帝憎恨邪恶。那些祂恨恶的人将受到祂没有怜悯的忿怒和惩罚（何西阿书 9:15，耶利米书 12:8，诗篇 7:11）。 以撒有以扫和雅各两个儿子。以扫轻看恩典之约，为了一点食物出卖了长子的名分（创世记 25:30-34，希伯来书 12:16）。 上帝恨恶以扫，但爱雅各（罗马书 9:13）。然而，以扫比雅各拥有更多的属世财产（创世记 27:39）。 那些上帝恨恶的人，上帝可能赐给他们许多属世的东西——荣誉、权力、宝座、财富和享乐，甚至是最上等的（哈巴谷书 1:15-16，约伯记 21:7，诗篇 73:5）。上帝任凭他们随心所欲。他们在世俗的利益和享乐上花费了无数的时间和精力，虽然没有一样能让他们真正快乐。有一天死亡会夺去他们仅有的一点点，留给他们永恒的诅咒。 上帝所爱的人可能没有那么多的世俗财产，但上帝的提供足以让他们完成通往天堂的旅程。上帝赐给他们无限宝贵的属灵祝福，例如圣洁的爱、属灵的喜乐、平安和天堂的预尝。 许多人为了享受世界而忽略自己的灵魂。当被邀请参加一个盛大的宴会时，许多人为了微不足道的世事而拒绝参加（路加福音 14:15-20）。许多人将永恒的救恩推迟又推辞。许多人手扶着犁向后看（路加福音 9:62），就像旷野中的以色列人渴望回到埃及，又像罗得的妻子回首所多玛一样。想想他们是多么悲惨和愚蠢, 贪婪地咀嚼毫无价值的食物外壳，而不享受王的盛宴大餐。 即使最好的世俗利益和快乐也不能满足我们，反而带来极大的烦恼和内疚，没有真正的平安或休息。不要像以扫那样为一碗红豆汤而出卖盟约的祝福（创世记 25:29-34）。他后来为此变得痛苦无比。不要为了世俗的享受而忽视您的灵魂和天上的事。没有什么属世的东西比那些上帝给祂恨恶之人的东西更好的。 看看上帝所行的大事，看看天国就在眼前。抛弃世俗的利益、尊荣和享乐（路加福音 14:33）。相反地，追求属灵和属天的事。  When God gives you a dream, clearly communicate it to others and enlist them to fulfill it. A lack of communication and cooperation will get us fired. But getting people to work together leads to promotion.
Nehemiah gathered volunteers to work together to build the Jerusalem wall in two months, a task failed by many for decades (Nehemiah 3). Let’s learn from Nehemiah. First, divide the dream into smaller tasks. To make the work manageable, Nehemiah separated the wall into more than twenty sections. He used the existing ten gates as markers, starting from the Sheep Gate and going counter-clockwise. Second, share ownership of the dream with others. Nehemiah always used the word “we.” Ownership increases motivation. He also showed how the dream would benefit others, for example having people build wall next to their own house (v10, 23, 28, and 29). Third, develop a cohesive team to build something bigger than yourself. Nehemiah used the words “next to him/them” 20 times. Typically, two is better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Jesus had a team, and Paul worked with partners (1 Corinthians 3:9). Strive side-by-side with others to bring glory to God (Philippians 1:27). Fourth, create workgroups around pre-existing relationships. Nehemiah organized workgroups based on priest ministry (v1), geography (v2), family (v3, 12), and profession (v32). There was no mention of any professional builders. Fifth, love your neighbors, but invest more in those who bear more responsibility. Nehemiah didn’t waste time on those refusing to join (v5). He didn’t speculate why. We don’t even know our own motivation, let alone others’. Christ had twelve disciples but focused on Peter, James, and John (Galatians 2:8-9). Sixth, never stop saying “thank you.” Live in gratitude and appreciation (Ephesians 1:16). When you recognize others, be specific with their names and tasks done. Nehemiah mentioned 71 names (Nehemiah 3), even the volunteers’ parents. People love to hear their names, and parents love to be proud of their children. Nehemiah recognized detailed work (v6) and great attitudes (v20). Our work in the Lord is never wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). We are remembered by serving and giving. God rewards by how we serve and give (Proverbs 14:14, 22:9). Work together to bring glory to God and be a great witness to the world. Summarized a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39BbUJDBvyE, starting at 14 minutes. 建立团队，齐心协力 当上帝给我们一个梦想时，我们应该把它清楚地传达给其他人，然后招募他们一起来实现这个梦想。在工作中，缺乏沟通和合作会让我们被解雇，但那些知道如何聚集人一起工作的会得到升迁。 尼希米将志愿者聚集在一起,两个月内重建了耶路撒冷墙，这是一项过去几十年来都失败了的工作（尼希米记 3）。 让我们向尼希米学习这里的功课。 首先，将梦想分解为一个一个小的任务。为了使工作易于管理，尼希米将城墙分成二十多个部分，用现有的十个门作为标记，从羊门开始逆时针方向走。 第二，与他人一起共同拥有这个梦想。尼希米总是使用“我们” 这个词。拥有权增加推动力。他也阐明这个梦想如何使人受益，例如让人建造在自己房子旁边的城墙（10、23、28 和 29 节）。 第三，培养有凝聚力的团队，建立比自己更大的事工。尼希米用了 20 次“在他/他们旁边”这个词。通常两个人比一个人好（传道书4：9-12）。耶稣有自己的团队，保罗与伙伴们一起工作（哥林多前书 3：9）。当并肩努力工作，将荣耀归与上帝（腓立比书 1:27）。 第四，围绕已有的关系建新工作组。 尼希米基于祭司事工（3:1）、地理位置（3:2）、家庭（3:3，12）和职业（3:32)建立不同的工作组。他没有在其中提到任何专业的修建者。 第五，爱你的邻舍，但更多地投资于那些承担更多责任的人。尼希米没有浪费时间在拒绝加入的人身上（3:5）。他没有推测这些人拒绝的原因。我们甚至不知道自己的动机，更不用说其他人的动机了。基督虽然有十二个门徒，但祂专注在彼得、雅各和约翰身上（加拉太书 2：8-9）。 第六，不要停止说“谢谢，” 活在感恩和欣赏中（以弗所书 1:16）。当你表扬他人的成就时，具体说明他们的名字和完成的任务。尼希米提到七十一个名字（尼希米记 3）, 甚至提到志愿者父母的名字。 人喜欢听到自己的名字，父母也喜欢为自己的孩子感到骄傲。尼希米认可细致的工作 (3:6) 和优秀的态度 (3:20)。 在主里的工作永远不是徒然的（哥林多前书 15:58）。 我们的服务和付出将被铭记。上帝因为我们如何服务和付出来奖励我们（箴言 14:14, 22:9）。 让我们共同努力来荣耀上帝，向世人作出伟大的见证。  The spirit of charity is one of humility (1 Corinthians 13:4-5) that:
Christ on earth showed humility. He became human (the worm of the dust), lived as a servant, and remained obedient unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:6-8). His behavior should kindle our love for Him; and lead to us following His examples of humble love, and our contempt for all earthly glory (Matthew 10:24-25, 20:25-28; John 13:13-16). Carefully examine yourself (Habakkuk 2:4, James 4:6). Our original nature is arrogant, which God detests and punishes (1 Timothy 3:6; Proverbs 16:5, 6:16, 29:23; 2Samuel 22:28; Isaiah 23:9). Earnestly strive to have a humble, gentle, and loving spirit (1 Peter 3:4). This is the spirit of Christ on earth. Such spirit of charity will lead to getting His rich promises and the crown of glory in heaven. Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kenDI_9Tb88 仁爱和它的果子 仁爱的精髓是谦卑（哥林多前书 13：4-5）：
来到地上的基督表现出谦卑。祂成为人 (尘土中的虫)，像仆人一样生活，存心顺服，以至于死，且死在十字架上（腓立比书 2：6-8）。祂的行为应该点燃我们对祂的爱，使我们效法祂谦卑的爱的榜样, 蔑视一切地上的荣耀（马太福音10:24-25, 20:25-28; 约翰福音13:13-16）。 仔细省察自己（哈巴谷书 2:4, 雅各书 4:6）。人狂妄的本性为神所憎恶和会得到惩罚（提摩太前书 3：6；箴言 16：5, 6：16, 29：23；撒母耳记下 22：28；以赛亚书 23：9）。 认真努力追求谦卑、温柔和仁爱的心（彼得前书 3:4），这是基督的灵在地上的彰显。如此可以得到祂丰富的应许和天上荣耀的冠冕。  We may leave our evil path for awhile. But like a dog returning to its vomit, we tend to return to what was bad for us (Proverbs 26:11).
For awhile, we may become religious: Seek salvation, like Israelites searching for John the Baptist; grieve for our mistakes, like Saul’s bitter weep (1 Samuel 24:17, 26:21) and Ahab’s fasting (1 Kings 21:27); believe in Christ’s words (John 2:23-25); leave everything to follow Christ, like the disciple Judas (Matthew 19:27); or have affection for God, like the Israelites committing to follow God’s command (Matthew 13:20-21; Galatians 4:11, 15-16; Exodus 15:1-19; Deuteronomy 5:27, 29). Like the Israelites, we can experience God’s majesty, as at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:16-18, Exodus 32); numerous miracles (Exodus 13:21-22, 16:14-17, 32:8; Joshua 10:13; Luke 16:31); God’s judgment and punishments (Numbers 11:3, 16:41, 16:31, 21:6, 21:1); and God’s blessings (Deuteronomy 32:13-16, Isaiah 26:10). Pain and suffering can bring us to God (Isaiah 1:5, Proverbs 27:22), but after our misery has subsided, our love for God may disappear quickly (Hosea 6:4). We may behave well because of our love for worldly interest, honor, our children etc. But while we may be good in one area, our wickedness shows up in another. Our original nature is corrupt and is the slave of sin (John 8:23, 34; Romans 7:14; Jeremiah 17:9, 13:23). Unless our nature is changed, our resolution to do good is built on sand (Matthew 7:26). We will return to our filth, gratifying our lust (2 Peter 2:20-22). Without a change in nature, there is no sure foundation for our goodness. We may become worse than before (Mark 4:17, 1 John 2:19, Hebrews 10:38, Luke 14:29-30, Ezekiel 18:24). By ourselves, we cannot change our nature (John 3:4). We need God to give us a new heart and make us holy. With our sinful nature changed by God, we will have a new understanding; new conviction; and a new appetite for God’s word and imitating God’s character by doing just and holy things. Summarized from a Jonathan Edwards sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQZosI2QMPI&t=124s 愚昧人重复行愚妄事 人可能暂时离开邪恶的道路, 但就像狗回到呕吐之物一样，他往往倾向于回到对自己不利的状态（箴言 26:11）。 我们在一段时间内可能会有虔诚的表现。我们会像那些去找施洗约翰的以色列人一样寻求救赎； 像扫罗一样为自己的错误悲痛哀哭（撒母耳记上 24:17, 26:21）；又如亚哈一样为罪禁食（列王纪上 21:27）； 也相信基督的话（约翰福音 2:23-25）； 又像使徒犹大一样放下一切跟随基督（马太福音19:27)；或者像以色列人承诺遵守上帝的命令一样热爱上帝（马太福音 13:20-21; 加拉太书 4:11, 15-16；出埃及记 15:1-19; 申命记 5:27, 29）。 像以色列人一样, 我们可以经历过上帝的威严，例如在西奈山（出埃及记 24:16-18, 出埃及记 32）； 也经历过许多神迹（出埃及记 13:21-22, 16:14-17, 32:8；约书亚记 10:13；路加福音 16:31）；又经历过上帝的审判和惩罚（民数记 11:3, 16:41, 16:31, 21:6, 21:1）；并且经历过上帝的赐福 (申命记 32:13-16, 以赛亚书 26:10). 痛苦和折磨可以把我们带到上帝那里（以赛亚书 1:5, 箴言 27:22），但在痛苦平息之后，对上帝的爱可以很快就消失了（何西阿书 6:4）。 因为爱世俗的利益、荣誉和儿女等的缘故，我们可能表现良好。但我们在一个领域可能做得不错，邪恶却会出现在另一个领域上。 我们的本性是败坏的，我们都是罪的奴仆（约翰福音 8:23,34; 罗马书 7:14; 耶利米书 17:9, 13:23）。除非本性改变，人行善的决心是建在沙土之上（马太福音 7:26），他将回归到原本的污秽，满足自己的情欲（彼得后书 2:20-22）。 如果没有本质的改变，我们的善良没有坚定的基础，我们可能会变得比以前更糟（马可福音 4:17, 约翰一书 2:19, 希伯来书 10:38, 路加福音 14:29-30, 以西结书 18:24）。 我们不能靠自己改变本性（约翰福音 3:4），需要上帝赐给一颗新心，使我们成为圣洁。 上帝改变我们的罪性以后，我们将有新的认识、新的信念、和新的对上帝话语的渴慕。我们将有新的热忱，行公义圣洁之事以效法上帝的品格。  God plans (Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Corinthians 14:33) just as He tells us to plan (Proverbs 4:26, 1 Corinthians 14:40). Without planning, we will drift and waste our lives (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Let’s see how Nehemiah made God-inspired plans for a better future: 1. God put an intense desire in Nehemiah’s heart. He prayed for God’s favor and asked for success (Nehemiah 1:4, 11). If we don’t know what to do, ask God what He wants us to do (James 1:5). He will show us. 2. Prepare for an opportunity and wait for the right time. Planning is demanding (Proverbs 13:16). Nehemiah prepared for at least four months before asking the king for help (Nehemiah 2:1). Ask for help (James 4:2). Let others say no. Don't say it for them. 3. Expect and admit fear. For the first time, Nehemiah looked very sad before the king. During his time, causing the king to be upset could lead to death. Nehemiah was very afraid (Nehemiah 2:1-2). Courage is not without fear. Nehemiah admitted his fear, but he didn’t let fear stop him. 4. Make it easy for others to understand you. Nehemiah started wisely by showing his loyalty to the king and appealed to what the king could understand: respect for ancestors (Nehemiah 2:2-4). 5. Set a clear target (Nehemiah 2:5) and act prudently. If we aim at nothing, we hit nothing. Don’t worry if your goal is too high. Let God bail us out. Such goals can honor God. Then act prudently, one step at a time. Haste makes waste. 6. Set a deadline (Nehemiah 2:6). Typically, a goal without a deadline is just an empty wish. 7. Nehemiah anticipated barriers and calculated the cost accordingly (Nehemiah 2:7-8, Proverbs 27:12, Luke 14:27-28). He put together detailed protections and provisions he needed to build. Then he honestly expressed his specific wishes to the king. 8. Trust God to meet our needs, and give God the credit (Nehemiah 2:7-8). Only God could change the king’s heart (Proverbs 21:1). God won’t do what we can do, such as planning and doing what’s under our control. And we can’t do what only God can provide. We should strive to live according to God’s will (James 4:15). And if God doesn’t accomplish our plans (Proverbs 16:1), always trust His love and sovereignty. Summary of a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85gpbwcvP2U 制定改进生命的计划 正如上帝告诉我们要计划一样（箴言 4:26，哥林多前书 14:40），上帝自己也计划（耶利米书 29:11，哥林多前书 14:33）。如果没有计划，我们就会随波逐流，浪费生命（以弗所书 5：15-17）。 让我们向尼希米学习，从上帝受启发，为更美好的未来制定计划： 1. 神把强烈的渴望放在尼希米的心里。他祈求神的恩惠和计划的成功（尼希米记 1:11）。 如果不知道应做什么，就该问上帝祂的心意如何（雅各书 1:5）。祂会向我们显明。 2. 为未来的机会做准备，等待合适的时间。计划是苛求的（箴言 13:16）。 尼希米准备了至少四个月后才向王寻求帮助（尼希米记 2:1）。 寻求帮助（雅各书 4：2），让别人说不，不要替他们拒绝。 3. 满怀期待并承认恐惧。尼希米起初在国王面前显得非常悲伤。在那时代使国王心烦意乱可能会带来死亡之灾。尼希米非常害怕（尼希米记 2:1-2）。 勇气不是没有恐惧，尼希米承认自己非常害怕, 但没有让恐惧阻止他。 4. 让别人更容易理解你。尼希米明智地先表现出对王的忠诚, 然后从王所能理解的尊重祖先的话题开始陈情（尼希米记 2：2-4）。 5. 设立明确的目标，并谨慎行事（尼希米记 2:5）。如果不瞄准目标，就不能击中。如果目标设定很高，不要担心， 让上帝帮助我们。这样的目标可以荣耀上帝。 当谨慎行事, 一步一步地尝试实现目标。欲速则不达。 6. 设定计划的期限（尼希米记 2:6）。没有截止日期的目标通常只是空洞的愿望。 7. 尼希米的计划预想到可能的障碍，并且计算代价（尼希米记 2：7-8, 箴言 27:12，路加福音 14:27-28）。他详细地制定了为重建城墙所需要的保护和设施, 然后诚实而具体地请求王提供帮助。 8. 相信上帝会满足我们的需要，并将功劳归于上帝（尼希米记 2：7-8）。只有上帝才能改变君王的心（箴21:1）。 上帝不会替我们做我们能做的事（尼希米记 2:5）, 例如制定计划和做自己控制范围内的事情。我们也不能提供只有上帝才能提供的一切。 当努力按照上帝的旨意而活(雅各书 4:15）。如果上帝不完成我们的计划（箴言 16:1）, 也应永远相信祂的慈爱和主权。  Pray continually, keeping a running conversation with God. Tell Him whatever He puts in your mind and do not give up. God likes it (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 1:6).
Follow the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer as you pray throughout the day (Psalm 119:164, Matthew 6:9-13). First thing in the morning, think about our loving and powerful heavenly Father and pray with gratitude (Matthew 6:9, 1 Corinthians 4:7). At breakfast, honor and adore God’s name in prayer (Matthew 6:9, Psalm 145:2). God’s names reflect His character: Abba means loving; El Dia, all-knowing; Jehovah Rapha, healing; El Shaddai, almighty; Jehovah-jireh, provider; Jehovah-shalom, peace; and Jehovah Tsidkenu, provider of our righteousness. Our prayers depend on our knowledge of God. Knowing God more brings us less worry, more confidence, and a better understanding of ourselves (Psalm 9:10). So reflect on God’s attributes. Later in the morning, pray for what matters most: God’s purpose and plan for your life (Matthew 6:10). Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, His plans and purposes. God will provide everything else (Matthew 6:33). At lunch, pray for everything you need for that day (Matthew 6:11), not tomorrow. Experience God daily and trust in His provision. Just ask. Nothing is off-limits. We have not because we ask not. Let God decide whether to give (John 14:13). Also, pray for what others need (1 Samuel 12:23). Trust God and don’t be anxious (2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:6-7). By mid-afternoon, it’s likely we have done something wrong. Pray for forgiveness and hold no guilt (Psalm 32:5). Forgive others and give up your resentment (Matthew 6:12). By dinner, especially if we get tired, we make mistakes. Ask God to help you make wise decisions (Matthew 6:13). We cannot prevent bad thoughts, but we shouldn’t entertain them. Avoid watching bad stuff (Psalm 101:3). We can endure and overcome all temptations because God always provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). By late evening, prayerfully acknowledge that God has all the kingdom, power, and glory (Matthew 6:13). He is in control. He and His family will win in the end. Anyway, pray continually. It even will add hours to our day (Proverbs 10:27). Summary of a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDGZZLt_0VE 如何在一天中不住地祷告 不住地祷告，与上帝保持不间断的对话，将祂放在自己心中的一切告诉祂，并且不放弃。 上帝喜欢这样的行为（以弗所书 6:18, 帖撒罗尼迦前书 5:17, 雅各书 1:6）。 按照主祷文的模式全天来祷告（马太福音 6：9-13; 诗篇 119：164）。 早晨的第一件事是思念全能而慈爱的天父, 怀着感恩的心向祂祈祷（马太福音 6:9, 哥林多前书 4:7）。 然后，早餐时在祈祷中尊荣和喜爱上帝的名（马太福音 6：9；诗篇 145：2）。上帝的名反映出祂不同的品格，例如：阿爸的意思是慈爱； 埃尔迪亚, 全知；耶和华拉法, 医治； 伊勒沙代, 全能；耶和华以勒, 供应者；耶和华沙龙, 平安；耶和华齐克努（Tsidkenu）, 我们公义的提供者。 我们的祷告基于对上帝的认识。更多地认识上帝会减少忧虑，增加信心，并加深对自己的了解（诗篇 9:10）。所以，要反省上帝的属性。 在上午稍后，为最重要的事情祷告: 上帝的旨意和祂对我们生命的计划（马太福音 6:10）。 先求祂的国和祂的义, 祂的计划和祂的旨意。上帝会提供其它一切（马太福音 6:33）。 午餐时为今天(而不是明天)所需的一切祷告（马太福音 6:11）。每一天都经历祂，依赖祂的供应。向祂祈求吧，没有什么是不能求的。我们得不到，因为我们没有求。让上帝决定是否给予（约翰福音 14:13）。此外，当为他人的需要祷告（撒母耳记上 12:23）。信赖祂，不要忧虑（彼得后书 1：3；腓立比书 4：6-7）。 到下午中旬之时我们很可能已经做错了事。 祈求上帝赦免，不再有内疚（诗篇 32:5）。也要赦免他人，不再心怀怨恨（马太福音 6:12）。 到晚餐特别是当我们疲倦时，我们就会犯错。此时祈求上帝帮助做出明智的决定（马太福音 6:13）。我们无法阻止坏的思想进入脑海, 但不要让那些东西留在那里享受。避免看邪僻的东西（诗篇 101:3）。我们可以忍受并胜过所有的试探，因为上帝总会提供一条出路（林前 10:13）。 在一天结束时，在祷告中承认上帝拥有一切的国度、权能和荣耀（马太福音 6:13）。祂掌控一切，祂和祂的家最终会获胜。 总而言之，要不住地祷告。这甚至会使我们每天的时间加多（箴言 10:27）。  Every dream needs support. True success is never a one-person show, and every dream will have opposition. Opportunity and opposition go together. Many people oppose change, especially when it threatens their unfair advantages.
Let’s learn how Nehemiah enlisted support for the dream God put in his heart to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s methods to enlist support:
As we can see, his vision had been transferred to many. "Let us start building,” they said (Nehemiah 2:18). After 90 years of ruin, Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days! Don’t worry. Commit your dream to God and trust Him (Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 16:3, 1 Peter 5:7). Focus on others’ needs. Attempt great things for Him and expect great things from Him. Summary of a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzVR8-Cvl3M starting at 14 minutes 为梦想争取支持 每一个梦想都需要支持. 真正的成功从来不是一个人可以完成的, 并且每一个梦想都必有人反对。机会和反对并存。很多人反对改变, 尤其是威胁到自己不公平的优势之时。 让我们学习尼希米如何争取支持，完成上帝放在他心中的梦想, 重建耶路撒冷城墙。 尼希米争取支持的方法：
正如我们所看到的，许多人已经接纳了他的梦想说“让我们开始建造吧 （尼希米记 2:18）。”尼希米在52天内重建被毁90年的耶路撒冷城墙。 不要忧虑担心。当倚靠上帝， 将你的梦想交托并信靠祂（诗篇 37:5，箴言 16:3，彼得前书 5:7）。关注他人的需求。为神去尝试伟大的事，从神那里期待伟大的事。  Since John the Baptist, the good news of the kingdom of God has been preached, and many are “forcing their way into it” (Luke 16:16).
John the Baptist was the forerunner, paving the road and preparing the people for Christ (Matthew 4:17, 11:11; Luke 1:17) and for the disciples (Matthew 10:7). Then, like the morning star before the sun, John diminished (John 3:30), and many wanted to enter the kingdom of God, including Pharisees and Sadducees, tax collectors, and soldiers (Matthew 3:7, Luke 3:12-14). The kingdom of God has been forcefully advancing (Matthew 11:12). Many desire to enter the kingdom of God and run away from their misery and from hell (Luke 10:42, Psalm 27:4). Once the opportunity to enter is gone, those remaining will not be spared from God’s wrath. No one can comprehend the power of God’s anger, so press earnestly, firmly, and steadily to try to get in. The path to get in is difficult to find (Matthew 7:14, Luke 13:24). Like searching for the hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:1-5), we must use our utmost energy (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Such desires depend on God giving our hearts the resolution. “To press” implies there will be barriers, opposition, and difficulty along the way. And devils will continue to distract and discourage us. But with God’s given earnest spirit, we can press on (Philippians 3:10-11). Look up to God and repent. God’s mercy is sufficient to enable us to enter His kingdom (Acts 8:22, 2 Timothy 2:25, Jonah 3:8-9). Be willing to sacrifice everything for His kingdom. Crucify our possessions, pride, and worldly wishes for the sake of your soul and salvation (Galatians 5:24; Luke 3:19; Matthew 14:3, 19:16-22). Forget your accomplishments. If we want to reminisce, we should reflect on our past mistakes (Jeremiah 2:23). Forge ahead for our salvation (Philippians 3:13-14). Persevere to the end. Don’t arouse God’s anger (1 Corinthians 10:22, Ezekiel 22:14). Since no one knows when He will return, use this time to press on towards the kingdom of God. A summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylcKyZwiUIo 努力进入神的国 自施洗约翰以来，神国的好消息一直在被传扬，许多人努力要进去（路加福音 16:16）。 施洗约翰是先锋. 他为基督（马太福音 4:17、11:11; 路加福音 1:17）和门徒（马太福音 10:7）铺平道路, 做好准备。然后，约翰就像太阳出来之前的晨星一样消失了（约翰福音 3:30），而许多人因为他的事工想要进入神的国，包括法利赛人、撒都该人、税吏和士兵（马太福音 3:7，路加福音 3:12-14）。上帝的国一直在大力地推进（马太福音 11:12）。 许多人迫切渴望进入上帝的国，逃离苦难和地狱（路加福音 10:42，诗篇 27:4）。因为一旦进去的机会消失，剩下的人不会免于上帝的忿怒。没有人理解上帝愤怒的力量。所以要认真、坚定、稳定地努力进去。 进上帝之国的路很难找（马太福音7:14，路加福音13:24）. 要用最大的力量去寻找（传道书 9:10）像在搜索隐藏的宝藏（箴言 2:1-5）一样。 只有上帝将决心赐下，才会有这样的渴望。 努力意味着一路上定会有障碍、反对和困难。魔鬼会继续阻碍和分散我们的注意力。但凭着上帝所赐的恳切精神，要奋力前行（腓立比书 3:10-11）。 仰望上帝并悔改，祂的怜悯足以使我们进入上帝的国（使徒行传 8:22、2 提摩太后书 2:25、约拿书 3:8-9）。 要愿意为上帝的国牺牲一切。为了灵魂和救恩，将个人的财产、今生的骄傲、世俗的愿望都钉在十字架上（加拉太书 5:24; 路加福音 3:19; 马太福音 14:3，19:16-22）。 忘记过去的成就。如果我们想回忆往事，请记住过去的错误（耶利米书 2:23）。为了救恩向前迈进（腓立比书 3:13-14）。 竭尽全力坚持到底。 不要惹怒上帝（哥林多前书 10:22，以西结书 22:14）。 无人知道主何时再来，那就趁着今天向上帝的国度奋进吧。  Let’s understand some of Christ’s diverse characteristics.
Christ obeys, yet is equal to, the Father. All things depend on Christ, yet Christ is reliant on the Father (Luke 22:41; John 14:21, 15:10, 10:18; Hebrews 5:8; Philippians 2:8; Matthew 27:43; 1 Peter 2:23). Christ has infinite glory, majesty, and absolute sovereignty; He is worthy to have all the good, yet He descended on earth to live humbly, gently, and calmly; to serve the weak, lowly, and despicable; to patiently endure terrible suffering and humiliation; and to die on the cross (Proverbs 30:4; Job 11:8; James 2:5; 1 Corinthians 1:28, 5:7; Colossians 1:16-18, 3:11; Matthew 19:14, 11:29, 21:4-5, 11:29, 8:3, 26:39, 42; Philippians 2:6; John 5:23; Hebrews 1:6, 8, 6:15; Psalm 45:3, 22:14; John 5:17; 1 Peter 2:20-24; and Isaiah 53:7). Christ was born in a manger to poor parents and submitted to them for 30 years. He was born via the Holy Spirit, with power over Satan, as our Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the bright Morning Star (Luke 2:24, 1:35; Leviticus 5:7; Isaiah 9:6; Numbers 24:17; Revelation 22:16). Christ had no place to sleep, with his livelihood supported by female followers, yet He had power over nature, walking on water, calming the sea, casting demons to pigs, curing sickness, and raising the dead, with a voice from heaven proclaiming Him to be the beloved Son of the Father (Luke 9:58, 8:3; John 2:11; Job 9:8; Psalm 65:7, 107:29, 89:8-9; Matthew 17:1-3, 5; 2 Peter 1:16-17). Christ was treated as a criminal, delivered to His enemies, and forsaken by the Father and everyone, yet He gained complete victory and was exalted in the highest, with His name above all names, and received praises and glory from millions of angels (John 19:15; Luke 22:53, 23:34; Isaiah 53:10; Acts 2:23, 3:17, 2:36-37; Revelation 14:1, 5:9-12; Philippians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:14-15). At the last judgment, our merciful Christ will appear as the bridegroom to the church, inheriting the Kingdom with them forever. Yet earth and heaven will tremble before our just Christ (Revelation 20:11, Psalm 85:10, Romans 3:25-26). We should desire no other savior than Christ, who gently and humbly knocks at our door, waiting to invite us into the Father’s house; uniting us with God; to be our friend; defending us; to give us joy, rest and water of life; and to be exalted with us in His glory (Revelation 3:20, 22:16-17; Proverbs 8:4, 9:1-6; Isaiah 55:1-3, 31:4; John 17:21-24, 17:13, 20:17, 17:26-27; Matthew 11:28-30, 26:29; Luke 22:30; Galatians 4:4-6). Summarized from a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R12Tlkm0Xb0 至高无上的基督 让我们了解基督的一些不同性格。 基督顺服天父，却与父神同等。 凡事都靠基督, 但祂完全依赖父神（路加福音 22:41；约翰福音 14:21, 15:10, 10:18；希伯来书 5:8；腓立比书 2： 8；马太福音 27:43；彼得前书 2:23）。 基督拥有无限的荣耀、威严和绝对的主权，配得一切美好；祂却降临人间， 谦卑、温柔、平静地生活， 服侍软弱的、卑微的和被人鄙视的人，耐心地忍受可怕的痛苦和屈辱，最后死在十字架上（箴言 30:4；约伯记 11:8；雅各书 2:5；哥林多前书 1:28, 5:7；歌罗西书 1:16-18, 3:11；马太福音 19:14, 11:29, 21:4 -5, 11:29, 8:3, 26:39, 42；腓立比书 2:6；约翰福音 5:23；希伯来书 1:6, 8, 6:15；诗篇 45:3, 22:14；约翰福音 5： 17；彼得前书 2:20-24；以赛亚书 53:7）。 基督出身贫寒，生在马槽里，顺服在地上的父母三十年；然而，祂是从圣灵而生，有胜过撒旦的能力，是我们的策士、全能的神、永在的父和明亮的晨星（路加福音 2:24、1:35；利未记 5:7；以赛亚书 9 :6；民数记 24:17；启示录 22:16）。 在地上基督没有枕头的地方，依靠女信徒的支持维持生计；却拥有超自然的能力，在水面上行走，使大海平静，将鬼魔赶到猪身上，治愈疾病，使死人复活，天上有声音宣告祂是天父的爱子（路加福音 9:58, 8:3 ；约翰福音 2:11；约伯记 9:8；诗篇 65:7、107:29、89:8-9；马太福音 17:1-3、5；彼得后书 1:16-17）。 基督被视为罪犯，被交给仇敌，也被天父和所有人离弃；却获得完全的胜利，被尊为至高，赐给超乎万有的名，从千万的天使那里得到赞美和荣耀（约翰福音 19:15；路加福音 22:53, 23:34；以赛亚书 53:10；使徒行传 2:23 , 3:17, 2:36-37；启示录 14:1, 5:9-12；腓立比书 2:8-9；歌罗西书 2:14-15)。 在最后的审判中，完全慈悲的基督将以新郎的身份出现在教会面前，与教会一同承受国度直到永远。然而，天地都将在全然公义的基督面前颤抖（启示录 20:11，诗篇 85:10，罗马书 3:25-26）。 除了基督，不应该渴望任何别的救主。 祂温柔谦卑地敲我们的门，等待着邀请我们进入天父的家，使我们与上帝合而为一。祂要做我们的朋友，保护我们，赐下欢乐、安息和生命之水；祂要与我们一同在祂的荣耀中被高举（启示录 3:20, 22:16-17; 箴言 8:4, 9:1-6; 以赛亚书 55:1-3, 31:4; 约翰福音 17:21-24、17:13、20:17、17:26-27；马太福音 11:28-30、26:29；路加福音 22:30；加拉太书 4:4-6）。  Examine your faith. Have you cast off duties, particularly difficult ones (Job 27:10), been swallowed up by worldly interest, developed inordinate affection for money or sensual enjoyment (Luke 14:26, 1 John 3:9), or shifted off the responsibility of doing what is right?
Earnestly watch, pray, and strive to be in His grace and not to fall into temptation. In light of your weakness and your powerful enemies, ask God to help us stand firm, particularly in times of trial (Acts 14:22, 11:23, 13:43; Luke 21:34, 36; Ephesians 6:13-14). Seek deeper roots (Ephesians 3:16-17) and bear fruit (2 King 19:30, Joshua 13:5-7). But many of us are like uncultivated ground, full of seeds and roots of thorns (Matthew 13:7, 22) that have never been plowed. The thorns grow spontaneously. Our worldly hearts—inordinate affections towards worldly pleasure (lust of the flesh), profits (lust of the eyes), and honor (pride of life)—choke off the words of God, so fruit cannot grow (Jeremiah 4:3, 1 John 2:15, 1 John 2:16, Mark 4:18-19, Luke 8:14). After the fall, hearts bring forth such thorns (Genesis 3:17-18). Intense worldly concern, affection and pursuits naturally grow. We focus on being superior to others, greed over gain, and carnal pleasures. Not knowing any better happiness, we pursue worldly things above all else. They become the idol we worship. Unfortunately, such naturally and spontaneously growing thorns are useless (Psalm 4:6), bearing no fruit (Isaiah 55:2, Jeremiah 17:11, Job 20:15), and ending in death (Romans 6:21). Furthermore, such pernicious growth wounds the soul, brings no peace nor rest (Ecclesiastes 5:12), and causes intense conflicts and pain among people (James 4:1, Micah 7:4, 2 Samuel 23:6-7). Our uncultivated ground needs to be plowed to create good soil (Matthew 13:7, Jeremiah 4:3). Conviction of our sins and repentance can break up our hardened hearts. See the vile nature of sin against God’s glory. Be convinced of the vanity of the world to break us from them. Deny ourselves and renounce our self-righteousness to kill the thorns. Then the seed of the gospel can flourish and bear abundant fruits. Summary of sermons by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De_4qb15wQQ 荆棘窒息上帝的话 当察验我们的信仰，省察自己是否放弃了职责, 例如那些特别困难的职责（约伯记 27:10），是否被世俗兴趣所吞噬，是否对金钱或肉体上的享受过分依恋（路加福音 14:26，约翰壹书 3:9）或者逃避做正確事情的責任？ 真诚地儆醒, 祷告，努力进入上帝的恩典中，不要陷入迷惑。鉴于自己的软弱和强大的敌人，我们当祈求神帮助站立得稳，尤其是在受试炼的时候（使徒行传 14:22, 11:23, 13:43；路加福音 21:34, 36；以弗所书 6:13-14 ）。向下扎更深的根基（以弗所书 3:16-17），向上结出佳美的果实（列王纪下19:30，约书亚记 13:5-7）。 但许多人的心就像荒地，满了荆棘的种子和杂根（马太福音 13:7, 22），从来没有被翻耕过。 荆棘会自发地生长蔓延。我们属世的心钟情于世俗的享乐（肉体的情欲）、个人的利益（眼目的情欲）和自己的尊荣（生命的骄傲）。这些都是窒息上帝話语的荆棘，因此果实不能生长（耶利米书 4:3，约翰壹书 2:15-16，马可福音 4:18-19，路加福音 8:14）。 人心在堕落之后长出这样的荆棘（创世记3：17-18）。对世俗的忧虑,热恋和追求自然而然地增长。人热衷于超越他人、贪婪利益以及肉体的快乐。当不知道更好的幸福时，便追求世界和世界上的情欲高于一切，使之成为崇拜的偶像。 不幸的是这种自然生长的荆棘毫无用处（诗篇 4:6），不会结出任何果实（以赛亚书 55:2，耶利米书 17:11，约伯记 20:15），最后只有以死亡告终（罗马书 6:21）。此外，这种有害的生长伤害人的灵魂，使他没有平安，不得休息（传道书 5:12），并且在人与人之间造成激烈的冲突和痛苦（雅各书 4:1，弥迦书 7:4，撒母耳记 23:6-7）。 未开垦的土地需要靠耕种变成良好的土壤（马太福音 13:7，耶利米书 4:3）。类似的，只有通过认罪悔改才能粉碎我们刚硬的心。让我们为上帝所憎恨的罪深感内疚，看清它们敌对上帝荣耀的邪恶本质，识破世界的虚荣，摆脱它的辖制. 舍弃自己，弃绝自以为义，摧毁心里的荆棘，这样福音的种子才能发旺生长，结出丰硕的果实。  Many seek wisdom, but our wisdom cannot lead us to God. Our redemption depends entirely on Him, so that no one can boast (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). Instead, God is glorified in our dependence.
First, the redeemed absolutely depend on God; He is the source of all the good in the redeemed. Redemption is from God. The Father gave us Christ and has accepted Christ’s life for ours. God is not obligated to redeem us; He could have rejected us like He did the fallen angels. Our redemption is God’s grace, a gift that we cannot repay. Our faith in God is also from God (Ephesians 2:8). God gives us wisdom to know Him. We are considered good and holy before God because of God. (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). We are reborn, like being raised from the dead, through the redemption (Ephesians 1:19, 2:10, 5:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17). We are given the Holy Spirit, as promise by the Father, enabling Christ to be in us (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). With the Holy Spirit in us, rivers of living water will flow from us. The Holy Spirit also serves as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (Galatians 3:13-14; Luke 24:49; Ephesians 1:13; John 4:14, 7:38-39; Revelation 2:1; 2 Corinthians 1:22). We are preserved and protected by God (1 Peter 1:5). We are sufficient because of God (2 Corinthians 4:7). He is not just the source of all that is good, but the medium through whom we receive it. Through Christ, our mediator provided by Father, we receive our redemption (Hebrews 7:27, 9:26), and we are reborn, becoming good (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 8:6). God is not just the purchaser, He also has paid the price with the ultimate sacrifice. Not just the source of all good and the medium to get them, God is the good itself. Everything good that sustains us and brings us joy—such as food, health, etc.—is in God. All that is good within us—the excellency of our soul, our divine nature, our holiness, and our happiness—comes from God, who resides in us as the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:4, Hebrews 12:10). Second, God is glorified in the work of our redemption. The more we depend on God, the more we see God and God’s glory. We see God’s greatness and our nothingness. So, we must rely on God alone for our redemption. Trust Him absolutely. Praise and exalt God alone. Ascribe all glory to God. Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbQQtpoIwMM 上帝从人的倚赖得荣耀 许多人寻求智慧，但人的智慧无法将他引到上帝那里。救赎完全取决于上帝， 因此没有人可以自夸。 相反地，上帝从我们的倚赖而得荣耀 (哥林多前书 1:29-31)。 首先，被救赎的人绝对倚赖上帝。 上帝是被赎者一切美好的源头。 救赎来自上帝。父神将基督赐给我们，以基督的生命代替我们的生命。上帝没有义务救赎我们，原本可以拒绝我们像拒绝堕落的天使一样。救赎是上帝的恩典，是我们无法偿还的礼物。 人对上帝的信心也来自祂（以弗所书2：8）。上帝赐人智慧来认识祂。因为上帝，我们在祂面前被认为是良善和圣洁的 (哥林多前书 1:29-31）。 我们籍着救赎得以重生，就像从死里复活一样（以弗所书 1:19、2:10、5:24；哥林多后书 5:17）。 我们被赐予圣灵，就是天父所应许的圣灵，使基督能在我们里面（哥林多前书 1:29-31）。有了圣灵在里面，活水的江河就会从中流出。圣灵也作为凭据，保证将要发生的事（加拉太书 3:13-14；路加福音 24:49；以弗所书 1:13；约翰福音 4:14,7:38-39；启示录 2:1；哥林多后书 1:22）。 上帝一直在托住我们，保护我们（彼得前书 1：5）。我们因为上帝而充充足足（哥林多后书4：7）。 上帝不只是一切美善的源头，还是获得美善的唯一渠道。 我们籍着父神所提供的中保基督得到救赎（希伯来书 7:27, 9:26），重生成为良善的人（哥林多后书 5:21, 哥林多前书 8:6）。上帝不只是买主，祂也付出最终的牺牲作为代价。 上帝不只是获得一切美善的源头和渠道，祂就是美善的本身。 在我们之外带来快乐的一切美好事物，例如食物、健康等，都在上帝里面。在我们内里所有的美好，灵魂的卓越、神圣的本性、圣洁和幸福，也都在上帝里面（彼得后书1：4，希伯来书12：10）。 其次，上帝在救赎我们的工作上得着荣耀。 我们越倚靠上帝，就越能看见上帝和祂的荣耀，看见上帝的伟大浩瀚以及自己的虚无渺小。 所以，必须单单倚靠上帝的救赎，完全绝对地相信上帝，唯独赞美和高举祂，将一切荣耀归于祂。  Our sovereign God decides to whom He wants to give mercy. For example, He picked Isaac over Ishmael. He hardened Pharaoh. He chose Jacob over Esau before the twins were born. God bestows or denies as He pleases (Romans 9:9-18).
His divine will and pleasure also determine the salvation of humans. For those rejected by God, He withholds His Spirit from them, leaving them in their own ways. Christ ignored the rich and intelligent, such as the knowledgeable and religious Pharisees. Though they had seen His miracles and heard His teachings, they hardened their hearts to Him. God was obligated to keep His word and condemn them. Those elected to be saved go to the Father through Christ. They may be wicked, but their salvation does not compromise His words, holiness, majesty, truth, justice, goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. Through Christ, Father can save the greatest sinners without approving their wickedness. Father bestows salvation to the poor and foolish, the corrupted tax collectors, the prostitutes, the criminal next to Christ on the cross, and some hearing Christ’s teachings only once (Romans 9:23, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31). God chose to give the Jews the opportunities of His grace, leaving to perish gentiles, like the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. But when the Jews rejected the Messiah, Father replaced them with other nations (Deuteronomy 7:7, Malachi 1:2-3). So, for those saved, be humble and praise God. Out of His sovereign pleasure, He chose them before they were born. One’s salvation and righteousness depend on His will and sovereignty (Deuteronomy 32:39, Psalm 115:3, Daniel 4:34-35, Matthew 11:25, 1 Corinthians 1:29-31, 6:9,11). But don’t count on God’s mercy and continue to sin. Beware that salvation is not under our control, though Father is bound by His word that anyone can go to Him through Christ (Hebrews6:13-20, 3:15). On the other hand, don’t be discouraged because of your wickedness. God can bestow salvation to the worst without compromising any of His attributes. God designs creation to glorify Himself and manifest His glory in all His characteristics, including His holiness, wisdom, mercy, justice, and sovereignty. It pleases God to exercise His sovereignty and bestow salvation. Glorifying Himself in our salvation pleases Him greatly. Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr5DfgaIe1I 神在救恩中的主权 至高无上的上帝决定祂要怜悯谁就怜悯谁。例如祂拣选以撒而不是以实玛利，祂使法老刚硬，在双胞胎出生之前祂拣选雅各而不是以扫。上帝随心所欲地赐予或拒绝（罗马书 9:9-18）。 祂的神圣意志和喜悦也决定了人的救恩。 对于那些被弃绝的人，祂保留祂的灵不给他们，让他们偏行己路。基督选择忽略富有和聪明人，例如那些知识渊博和虔诚的法利赛人。他们中的许多人虽然见过基督的神迹，听过祂的教导，却不理会祂，导致他们的心更加刚硬。上帝需要信守祂的话语, 定他们的罪。 那些被拣选得救的人藉着基督到父神那里去。虽然他们可能是邪恶的，但他们的救恩并没有妥协上帝的话语、祂的圣洁、威严、真理、公义、良善、怜悯和信实。藉着基督，天父可以拯救最大的罪人而无需认可他们的邪恶。天父将救恩赐给贫穷愚拙之人、腐败的税吏、被人蔑视的妓女、十字架上钉在基督旁边的罪犯以及有些只听过一次基督教导的人（罗马书 9：23，哥林多前书 1：26-31）。 神拣选犹太人，给他们施恩的机会，让外邦人灭亡，如埃及人、波斯人、希腊人和罗马人。但当犹太人拒绝弥赛亚时，天父便用其它国家代替犹太人（申命记7：7，玛拉基书1：2-3）。 所以，对于那些得救的人，要心存谦卑，敬拜赞美上帝。 上帝出于至高无上的喜悦，在出生之前已经选择了他们。 一个人的救恩和公义取决于祂的旨意和主宰。（申命记 32：39; 诗篇 115：3; 但以理书 4：34-35; 马太福音 11：25; 哥林多前书 1：29-31，6：9,11）。 但不要指望上帝的怜悯而继续犯罪。救恩不在我们的控制之下, 虽然天父受自己话语约束, 任何人都可以藉着基督进到祂那里（希伯来书 6:13-20, 3:15）。 另一方面，不要因为你的邪恶而气馁。上帝可以在不妥协祂任何属性的情况下将救恩赐给最坏的人。 上帝设计创造来荣耀祂自己，并在祂所有的特征中彰显祂的荣耀，包括祂的圣洁、智慧、怜悯、公义和主权。上帝喜欢行使祂的主权赐下救恩，祂也非常乐意在我们的救恩中荣耀自己。  Our God is truly mighty. Unlike impotent idols, He knows we are weak and needy, and He hears and answers our prayer requests (Psalms 65:2, 1 Corinthians 8:4). For example, God granted Jacob safety from Esau (Genesis 32:7-12) and Moses safety from Egypt; He gave Samson water and later strength after he was blinded (Judges 16:25-30); He empowered Joshua to stop the sun (Joshua 10:12-14); and He enabled Elijah to stop the rain (1 King 17-18).
Because of His infinite grace and mercy, we—the worthless—can boldly and confidently go to Him for everything we need. God likes to hear from us, particularly if we are righteous (Hebrew 4:16, Song of Solomon 2:14, James 5:16). Prayer acknowledges our dependance on His power and prepares us to give Him glory. God commands us to pray. He requires prayers to bestow mercy. Though He knows our needs, He wants to appear to be swayed by our prayers, acting in response to them (Proverbs 2:1-5, James 1:5, Acts 8:22). We are instructed to ask the Father through Christ, our mediator at His right hand. Christ’s obedience to Him has atoned for our sins and earned us His ears (Revelation 8:3-4, Luke 1:10). But God doesn’t answer requests with wrong motives, such as those born from pride or selfishness. These requests, if granted, can become our idols, later used to oppose Him. Insincere requests also are ineffective, such as asking God to purge our sins while indulging in them, or or asking humbly while being arrogant inside (James 4:3). And He won’t listen to requests not good for us. He knows what is best and will give much more than our requests (Isaiah 65:24, Habakkuk 2:3, James 1:5-6, Psalm 86:5, Romans 10:12, 1 King 3:10-13, Ephesians 3:20). Ask and it will be given to you. Don’t be anxious about anything. Give God no rest till He answers your requests, like Jacob not letting God go till getting His blessing, or the blind man shouting for Christ till Christ responded (Matthew 7:7; Luke 18:1-8, 35-43; Luke 11:5-8; Philippians 4:6-7). So, alertly, persistently, and earnestly pray at all times, without ceasing. Don’t give up. God answers prayers. Summary of a Jonathan Edwards’ sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzoKCj6r4Ig 聆听并应允祷告的神 上帝是全能的主，与一切无能的偶像不同。 祂知道我们的软弱和需要，聆听并应允我们的祈求 (诗篇 65:2, 哥林多前书 8:4)。祂聆听雅各的祷告, 保护他免受以扫的伤害（创世记 32:7-12）；祂聆听摩西的祷告, 保护他对抗埃及；祂聆听参孙的祷告, 赐给他泉水和失明后的力量（士师记 16:25-30）；祂聆听约书亚的祷告, 停止太阳的转动（约书亚记 10:12-14）；祂聆听以利亚的祷告, 使天停止下雨（列王纪上17-18）。 因为上帝无限的恩典和怜悯，我们这些毫无价值的人也可以坦然无惧，大有信心地为一切所需来祈求。上帝喜欢听到信徒祈求的声音，特别当我们行事公义的时候(希伯来书 4:16, 雅歌 2:14, 雅各书 5:16)。 祷告承认信徒依赖上帝的能力，预备将荣耀归给祂。 上帝命令我们祷告。祂要求信徒祈祷，好使自己赐下怜悯。虽然上帝知道人的需要，但祂希望看起来似乎被祈祷所影响，因祈祷而行动 (箴言 2:1-5, 雅各书 1:5, 使徒行传 8:22)。 此外，当籍着基督祈求天父。 基督在上帝的右边作中保。祂顺从天父为世人舍命赎罪，使天父的耳能垂听我们的祈祷 (启示录 8:3-4, 路加福音 1:10)。 但上帝不会应允怀着错误动机的祈求，例如那些出于骄傲和自私的祷告。如果祂满足这样的请求，这些蒙应允的事可以成为偶像，以后被用来敌对祂。 上帝也不听虚伪的祈求，例如在沉迷于罪中的同时祈求上帝清除自己的罪，或者虽然外面的祷告谦卑，内心是狂妄自大 (雅各书 4:3). 如果所求的对人不利，祂也不会应允。上帝知道什么是最好的，祂赐下的超过我们所求所想 (以赛亚书 65:24, 哈巴谷书 2:3, 雅各书 1:5-6, 诗篇 86:5, 罗马书 10:12, 列王纪上 3:10-13, 以弗所书 3:20)。 祈求就给你们。应当一无挂虑，不住地祷告，不让神休息，直到祂回达祈求，就像雅各不让神离开，直至得到祂的祝福；又好像那瞎子不断呼叫基督，直到祂回应自己 (马太福音 7:7; 路加福音 18:1-8,35-43; 路加福音 11:5-8, 腓立比书 4:6-7)。 总而言之，当时常警醒, 坚持不懈, 并认真恳切地不住祷告。 不要放弃，上帝是聆听并应允祷告的主。  Time is precious. Once gone, it can’t be recovered, and we are never guaranteed more of it. Though we see no signs of approaching death, today may be our last (Job 16:22, 9:25-26; James 4:14). Nothing is more precious than time, and yet we waste it like nothing else.
Don’t waste time because God is near (Isaiah 55:6, 2 Corinthians 6:2). Don’t waste time on meaningless or useless things. Don’t be lazy and merely talk, having nothing to share with those in need. (Proverbs 19:15, 23:21, 14:23, 18:9; Ephesians 4:28). Don’t spend time on evil things, hurting yourself and others, increasing eternal misery and damnation. Don’t spend time only in worldly pursuits, neglecting your soul and eternity. What do we really gain from pursuing the world? This time is for the eternity that follows it. Our welfare depends on how wisely we use our time. Have we filled our time with eternal good? We are accountable to God for our words, deeds, and how we have used our time, because we are God’s servants (Matthew 12:36). When God asks for an account of our time, what can we give? Have we made the best use of it for God and for our soul? So, hasten and don’t delay obeying God (Psalm 119:60). Make the most of our opportunities, particularly those more important for our eternal life. This includes Sunday public worship in communion with God and His words. We should use time not just for ourselves, but also to rescue others from their evil ways. So, God may defer anger, allowing such people to be redeemed from destruction. Work is good, but so is rest and recreation. Use them to refresh for the work you are called to do. In any case, we may have already wasted a lot of our time. As we get older, our opportunity, availability, and ability to do good diminish. It will be too late if our eyes are finally opened on our death beds. Even worse, if after death we end up in the fire of hell, then we will be left only with sorrow and regrets. Whether we are young or old, we should diligently redeem time. Make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16). Use time to prepare for our eternity. Beware that the day of judgment is coming soon (Revelation 10:5-6). Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt6XUf5ikfQ 赎回时间 时间宝贵，一去不复返。 无人能确定自己还有明天。虽然没有看到死亡濒临的迹象，但今天可能就是最后的一天 (约伯记 16:22, 9:25-26; 雅各书 4:14). 没有什么比时间更为宝贵，然而浪费最多的就是时间。 不要浪费现今的时光, 亲近上帝吧，因为我们能与祂相近 (以赛亚书 55:6, 哥林多后书 6:2)。 不要把时间浪费在无意义或无用之处。 不要懒惰，不要嘴上多言浪费时间，以致没有什么可以与有需要的人分享 (箴言 19:15, 23:21, 14:23, 18:9; 以弗所书 4:28)。 不要把时间花在邪恶的事情上：不要伤人害己为自己增加永恒的痛苦和诅咒。 不要只把时间花在世俗的追求上而忽视自己的灵魂和永恒。从世俗追求中真正得到什么呢？如今的时光当为以后的永恒来准备。 人的福祉取决于如何智慧地使用时间。将时间投资倾注在永恒的事物上了吗？ 每个人都要为自己的言行和如何利用时间向上帝负责，因为我们是祂的仆人 (马太福音 12:36)。当上帝要求对过去的时间交代时，如何回答呢？是否为了上帝和自己的灵魂充分地利用好时间呢? 所以要快快地遵守上帝的命令，不要再拖延 (诗篇 119:60)。充分利用现今宝贵的机会，尤其那些对自己永生更为重要的机会，包括与上帝和祂的话语相交的主日敬拜。 不仅将时间用于自己身上，还应该用时间将他人从邪恶中拯救出来。 这样上帝就可以延迟祂的忿怒，使这些人有机会从毁灭中得到救赎。 工作固然是一件美事，但也需要休息和娱乐。 让休息和娱乐使我们重新得力，去做蒙召要做的事。 可能已经浪费了很多时间. 随着年龄增长，每个人的机会、可用的时间和作善工的能力也不断地减少。 如果在临终前才睁开眼睛领会明白那就太晚了。更糟糕的是如果死后最终落入地狱之火中，剩下的只有永远的悲伤和遗憾了。 因此无论年轻还是年老，殷勤努力地赎回时间吧。 当爱惜光阴，利用尚存的时间为永恒作准备(以弗所书 5:16)。留心审判的日子即将来临 (启示录 10:5-6)。 |