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当预备迎见你的神 - 白寶座末日審判 (一)

>> Wednesday, December 30, 2009

『白寶座末日審判』。魔鬼撒但終於成為我主耶穌基督的腳凳,牠的國度在轉眼之間,便全部宣告崩潰毀滅;牠和牠的差役,都一同被扔在火湖裏,永無翻身之日。最後勝利,終屬萬王之王,萬主之主耶穌基督,祂得勝又得勝!哈利路亞!當祂要展開永不震動的榮耀國度之先,祂要審判一切不敬虔的人 而這個曾被魔鬼玷污過的舊天地,都要被烈火焚燒。「現在的天地,還是憑著那命存留,直留到不敬虔之人受審判,遭沉淪的日子,用火焚燒。親愛的弟兄阿!有一件事你們不可忘記,就是主看一日如千年,千年如一日。主所應許的尚未成就,有人以為祂是耽延,其實不是耽延,乃是寬容你們,不願有一人沉淪,乃願人人都悔改。但主的日子要像賊來到一樣,那日天必大有響聲廢去,有形質的都要被烈火銷化,地和其上的物都要燒盡了。」〈彼後 三:7/10〉舊的天地都要逃避了,我主耶穌基督要坐在白色大寶座上,施行末日公義的大審判。

「因為祂(耶穌)是人子,就賜給祂行審判的權柄。你們不要把這事看作希奇,時候要到,凡在墳墓裏的,都要聽見祂的聲音就出來,行善的復活得生,作惡的復活定罪。」〈約 五:27/29〉兩種的死人,聞主的聲音都要復活。第一種人是主的朋友、忠僕、真基督徒,他們復活是光榮、快樂。第二種人是主的仇敵、不信主的人、假信徒,他們復活是羞辱、悲慘。信主的人免永死(身死是睡覺),有永生。不信主的人得不著永生,身死、魂死、靈死,永遠沉淪。故今生有信主機會,便當緊緊掌握,千萬不可錯失良機。信主後,還要被聖靈充滿,活在神的旨意中(遵行真理),若作假冒為善的教徒,難免要受到神公義的管教和懲罰。

「我又看見一個白色的大寶座,與坐在上面的,從祂前面天地都逃避,再無可見之處了。我又看見死了的人,無論大小,都站在寶座前,案卷展開了,並且另有一卷展開,就是生命冊,死了的人都憑著這些案卷所記載的,照他們所行的受審判。於是海交出其中的死人,死亡和陰間也交出其中的死人,他們都照各人所行的受審判。死亡和陰間也被扔在火湖裏,這火湖就是第二次的死。若有人名字沒有記在生命冊上,他就被扔在火湖裏。」〈啟 廿:11/15〉

那日,世上所有的不敬虔人都復活了,這些死人無論大小都從死亡陰間出來,(按:死亡陰間是不敬虔的人靈魂拘留所,他們死後必先來此,等候末日大審判時復活。)站在白色大寶座前受審。他們生前輕慢了主的救恩,拒絕接受主的慈憐救贖,而今在祂威嚴公義的寶座前,惟有戰兢恐懼,驚惶震慄的等候裁判、定罪、發落。

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当预备迎见你的神 - 基督必榮耀再臨 (五)

>> Monday, December 28, 2009

「當人子(耶穌)在祂榮耀裏,同著眾天使降臨的時候,要坐在祂榮耀的寶座上,萬民都要聚集在祂面前,祂要把他們分別出來,好像牧羊的分別綿羊山羊一般,把綿羊安置在右邊,山羊在左邊。於是王要向那右邊的說,你們這蒙我父賜福的,可來承受那創世以來為你們所豫備的國。……王又要向那左邊的說,你們這被咒詛的人離開我,進入那為魔鬼和牠的使者所豫備的永火裏去。……這些人要往永刑裏去,那些義人要往永生裏去。」〈太 廿五:31/34、41、46〉

那時,主耶穌要建立千禧年樂國在地上,祂以公義公平使國位堅定穩固,世上的國都成了我主耶穌基督的國,祂要作王直到永永遠遠。

魔鬼(撒但)要被捆綁一千年,扔在無底坑裏,將無底坑關閉,用印封上,使牠不得再迷惑列國〈啟 廿:2/3〉。那時,世界才有真正的平安,受造之物都脫離了敗壞的轄制,不再有戰爭殺戮,因那迷惑人的魔鬼已經不在了。而那些在世上曾經與主一同忍耐受苦的聖徒,在千禧年平安國裏,都要與主同掌王權,這是何等榮耀有福的指望。信徒們阿!想到這裏,我們就不該再在地上與世人斤斤計較物質利慾,以及爭奪一日之短長了。

等到「那一千年完了,撒但必從監牢裏被釋放,出來要迷惑地上四方的列國,就是歌革和瑪各,叫他們聚集爭戰,他們的人數多如海沙。他們上來遍滿了全地,圍住聖徒的營,與蒙愛的城,就有火從天降下,燒滅了他們。」〈啟 廿:7/9〉

「那迷惑他們的魔鬼,被扔在硫磺的火湖裏,就是獸和假先知所在的地方,他們必晝夜受痛苦,直到永永遠遠。」〈啟 廿:10〉這就是魔鬼最終的結局。

人類公敵萬惡魔鬼,知道牠自己的死期末日將至,故極力破壞人類與神和好的關係。牠極力利用那些五光十色的世物來迷惑信徒,指使他們離神隨牠去犯罪,與世俗行姦淫(教會本是基督新婦,務當與世俗完全分別,保守貞潔,等候新郎「基督」駕臨迎娶)。魔鬼更極力用各樣巧妙的手段,誘導教會離棄純正福音真理信仰,來隨從鬼魔的異端。我們既知牠的詭計,就不可上牠的當,務要謹慎提防,靠主恩典極力抵擋牠才是。主說:「你們已經有的,總要持守,直等到我來。」〈啟 二:25〉

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当预备迎见你的神 - 基督必榮耀再臨 (四)

>> Tuesday, December 15, 2009

當主臨到空中,那些在基督裏死了的人,都要從墳墓裏起來復活,得著一個永不朽壞的靈體,與基督榮耀的身體相似。正如樹木花草在嚴冬時,已經衰殘凋謝,但春天一來,又再復甦並欣欣向榮了。這都是神藉著祂所創造的自然界向我們顯示的「復活」真理。因神本是使無變有,叫死人復活的神。

論到活著的信徒身體改變被提,聖經也有話說:「我們不是都要睡覺(死),乃是都要改變,就在一霎時眨眼之間,號筒末次吹響的時候,因號筒要響,死人要復活成為不朽壞的,我們也要改變。這必朽壞的,總要變成不朽壞的,這必死的總要變成不死的。」〈林前 十五:51/53〉當主臨空中,活著未死之信徒,都要在霎時之間,身體改變,這軟弱羞辱的身體,必要變成強壯榮耀的身體,與主相似。正如,醜陋的幼蟲在霎時間變成美麗的蝴蝶一樣。這是神藉著祂手所造的昆蟲界向我們顯明的「身體改變」之真理。因「血肉之體不能承受神的國,必朽壞的不能承受不朽壞的。」〈林前 十五:50〉然而感謝神!因祂已為我們豫備了一個屬靈的身體來承受享用祂所賜給我們永恆天家的福樂。到那時,再沒有疾病、痛苦、軟弱、流淚、死亡了。主若今日再來,我們這些還存留活著的人,可免去肉身一死,霎時間身體改變,與復活的信徒一同被接到雲中與主相親相聚了。

到那時,在基督臺前,我們各人的工程都要被火試驗,凡為自己利益或憑自己意思力量去作的,都屬草木禾?的工程,是經不起火的,且必被燒毀,自己也要受虧損。而那些完全奉神旨意,靠聖靈能力和引導,全心為著榮耀基督而作的,都是金銀寶石的工程,必要存到永永遠遠,並且要得著賞賜〈林前 三:12/15〉。弟兄姊妹阿!請問我們的建造到底屬那一類的工程呢?是否對準神的心意,在主裏絕對順從聖靈的感動來作成神所要作的工呢?

想到這大日子將要臨近,每一位愛慕主顯現的信徒都要感到興奮,而那些不冷不熱的假信徒們卻要驚惶失措。我們常常唱詩禱告都說「願主快來!」但是到底實際上是否真正豫備好了呢?當神的號筒吹響時,你在那裏呢?在電影院?跳舞場?抑或是賭博荒宴的場合裏流連忘返呢?抑或是正在行各樣神所憎惡的事?你的耳朵若被世界情慾的聲音所充塞,恐怕你就不會聽到主在空中呼叫我們的聲音了啊!當主在天空點名的大日子,你能否應聲被提呢?抑或被各樣世俗罪樂所纏累,以致坐失被提的大好福分,因而被撇下在可怕大災難浩劫中?那時,哀哭懊悔都來不及了。故今信徒們都當被聖靈充滿,得著上頭而來的能力,遵守真理行主所喜悅的事,愛主事主,傳揚福音,更用聖潔敬虔生命見證基督,領人歸主。庶不致他日空手見主,便要羞愧了啊!

當聖徒被提到空中見主後,地上災難就要展開,災難日期滿足,主就要帶著眾聖徒從天降臨。「看哪!主帶著祂千萬聖者降臨,要在眾人身上行審判,證實那一切不敬虔的人所妄行一切不敬虔的事,又證實不敬虔之罪人所說頂撞祂的剛愎話。」〈猶:14/15〉「看哪!祂(耶穌)駕雲降臨,眾目要看見祂,連刺祂的人也要看見祂,地上的萬族都要因祂哀哭。」〈啟 一:7〉那時聖徒與主一同審判萬民,賞善罰惡的大日臨到了。

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当预备迎见你的神 - 基督必榮耀再臨 (三)

>> Sunday, December 13, 2009

那時許多人都因怕死而屈服在假基督的權下,但亦有好些人,因知道聖徒們都已經被迎接到天空中,便想起主耶穌再來果然是千真萬確的事實,雖然他們以前都是不肯順從真理,不相信救主再來審判的人,如今卻是靈竅大開,頓然覺悟來世救恩之真實寶貴。又憶起主所說的話:「那殺身體不能殺靈魂的不要怕他們,惟有能把身體和靈魂都滅在地獄裏的,正要怕他。」〈太 十〉於是他們寧願犧牲短暫身體(被殺害),都願保存永久靈魂(承認主名)。又因末後災期,以色列人在痛苦中求告主的名字,所以主為祂的選民,將日子減少了,正如主說:「那時必有大災難,從世界的起頭,直到如今,沒有這樣的災難,後來也必沒有。若不減少那日子,凡有血氣的,總沒有一個得救的;只是為選民,那日子必減少了。」〈太 廿四:21/22〉

所以人們都當趁著今天有機會就要切實悔改接受救恩。「當趁耶和華可尋找的時候尋找祂,相近的時候求告祂。惡人當離棄自己的道路,不義的人當除掉自己的意念歸向耶和華,耶和華就必憐恤他,當歸向我們的神,因為神必廣行赦免。」〈賽 五十五:6/7〉今天恩門大開,倘若你仍硬著心不肯承認接受救主,試問將來在假基督淫威暴虐的刀下,如何站立得住承認救主呢?若要免去將來大災難的劫運,今天必須離惡歸向真神。更有一件不可不知的事,就是如今末時,這不法的隱意已經發動了。許多不信又不傳寶血赦罪真理聖靈的禮拜堂,都是假基督的開路先鋒,人們應當提高警覺,務要謹防異端,信仰根基必須要建立在基督「血、水、聖靈」全備真理的磐石上,方才算得穩妥。

然而,那些經過儆醒等候,豫備好自己迎見主的基督徒們有福了,他們不必留在這可怕的災難浩劫中。因主有寶貴應許為愛慕祂顯現的人存留說:「你既遵守我忍耐的道,我必在普天下人受試煉的時候,保守你免去你的試煉。」〈啟 三:10〉「那日子要這樣臨到全地上一切居住的人。你們要時時儆醒,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。」〈路 廿一:35/36〉

因在災禍之前,主耶穌必先臨到空中,迎接我們,教會是基督的新婦(教會並不是屬物質的建築物,乃是每一位在基督裏真正悔改遵行真理的人所組合成的),在那時要被提到空中與主相會,永遠同主在一處了。「因為主必親自從天降臨,有呼叫的聲音,和天使長的聲音,又有神的號吹響,那在基督裏(注意『在基督裏』幾個字)死了的人必先復活,以後我們這活著還存留的人,必和他們一同被提到雲裏,在空中與主相遇;這樣,我們就要和主永遠同在。所以你們當用這些話彼此勸慰。」〈帖前 四:16/18〉

論到死人復活,聖經這樣說:「基督已經從死裏復活,成為睡了之人初熟的果了。死既是因一人而來,死人復活也是因一人而來。在亞當裏眾人都死了,照樣在基督裏眾人也都要復活。但各人是按著自己的次序復活。初熟的果子是基督,以後在祂來的時候是那些屬基督的。再後末期到了,那時基督既將一切執政的、掌權的、有能的都毀滅了,就把國交與父神。……若死人不復活,我們就喫喫喝喝吧,因為明天要死了,你們不要自欺。」〈林前 十五:20/24、32/33〉主耶穌說:「行善的(得勝的基督徒)復活得生(被提),作惡的(不敬虔的罪人)復活定罪(受審)。」〈約 五:29〉頭一次復活的是真基督徒,「那在基督裏死了(安睡)的人必先復活。」〈帖前 四:16〉第二次復活的是犯罪的人,他們都要受審。「死了的人,無論大小,都站在寶座前。」〈啟 廿:12〉兩次復活,其中相隔時間是一千年(千禧年國)之久。而「在頭一次復活有分的有福了,聖潔了,第二次的死在他們身上沒有權柄。」〈啟 廿:6〉

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当预备迎见你的神 - 基督必榮耀再臨 (二)

>> Thursday, December 10, 2009

論到主再來之先兆,多處必有饑荒、地震、瘟疫,民要攻打民,國要攻打國;無花果樹發嫩長葉(猶太人復國稱「以色列」國,而更深一步靈意是豫表教會—真以色列—復興,恢復五旬節初期信仰及事奉見證。)靈恩普及,聖靈澆灌施浸在眾信徒身上;又有好些假先知起來迷惑多人,信徒必有許多人跌倒,信心破產,愛心冷淡;必有離道反教的事發生,有假師傅私自引進陷害人的異端(即歪曲真理),連買他們的主,他們也不承認,聽從那引誘人的邪靈鬼魔的道理;又多有好譏誚的人說:「主降臨的應許在那裏呢?」不法的事增多,人要專顧自己、貪愛錢財、自誇、狂傲、謗讟、違背父母、忘恩負義、心不聖潔、無親情、不解怨、好說讒言、不能自約、性情兇暴、不愛良善、賣主賣友、任意妄為、自高自大、愛宴樂不愛神、有敬虔外貌;信徒被人陷在患難裏,被人殺害,被萬民恨惡;福音傳遍天下,對萬民作見證;天上顯現可怕異象和大神蹟,日月星辰要顯出異兆,天勢震動;人們又喫又喝、又嫁又娶、又耕種、又蓋造……〈太 廿四:7/14、32/33,路 十七:26/28、廿一:11、23/31,徒 二:17 /21,提前 四:1/4,提後 三:1/5,帖後 二:3,彼後 二:1、三:3〉。這些先兆現今正一一應驗在這黑暗邪惡淫亂悖謬到達絕頂的世代中,看到這些事情陸續發生,我們實在知道主來的日子近了。看哪!審判的主站在門前,一步就要踏進來了!

那時,只顧為今生積攢錢財的富足人有禍了。「富足人哪!應當哭泣號咷,因為將有苦難臨到你們身上……你們在這末世只知積攢錢財。……當耶和華發怒的日子,他們的金銀不能救他們,不能使心裏知足,也不能使肚腹飽滿,因為這金銀作了他們罪孽的絆腳石。」〈雅 五:1/3,結 七:19〉

那時,只顧宴樂輕慢救恩的世人也有禍了。「人正說平安穩妥的時候,災禍忽然臨到他們,如同產難臨到懷胎的婦人一樣,他們絕不能逃脫。」〈帖前 五:3〉

所以,主耶穌切切的叮囑屬祂的人說:「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;因為那日子要這樣臨到全地上一切居住的人。你們要時時儆醒,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。」〈路 廿一:34/36〉信徒們阿!「現今就是該趁早睡醒的時候,因為我們得救現今比初信的時候更近了。黑夜已深,白晝將近;我們就當脫去暗昧的行為,帶上光明的兵器。行事為人要端正,好像行在白晝;不可荒宴醉酒,不可好色邪蕩,不可爭競嫉妒。總要披戴主耶穌基督,不要為肉體安排,去放縱私慾。」〈羅 十三:11/14〉我們豈可再效法世上糊塗人醉生夢死,與他們同流合污奔往那放蕩無度的路呢?假若為此而失去被提機會,且要留在災難之中,豈不要哀哭切齒,後悔莫及了嗎?

因為教會被提後,地上便有空前絕後的可怖大災難發生,非人所能忍受得住的。因那時,假基督要顯露掌權,任意殺害那些求告主名的人。「那大罪人就是沉淪之子(假基督),顯露出來,他是抵擋主,高抬自己超過一切稱為神的,和一切受人敬拜的,甚至坐在神的殿裏,自稱是神。」〈帖後 二:3/4〉「一七之內,他(假基督)必與許多人堅定盟約,一七之半,他必使祭祀與供獻止息,那行毀壞可憎的如飛而來,並且有忿怒傾在那行毀壞的身上,直到所定的結局。」〈但 九:27〉教會留在空中的期間,正是假基督在地上任意毀壞橫行無忌之時,凡承認基督的人,都慘遭迫害殺戮。

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当预备迎见你的神 - 基督必榮耀再臨 (一)

>> Tuesday, December 8, 2009

『基督必榮耀再臨』。救主耶穌基督榮耀顯現(再來),是全部救恩的最高峰。當祂未釘十架之先,曾豫先告訴門徒說:「看哪!我們上耶路撒冷去,人子(主自稱)要被交給祭司長和文士,他們要釘祂死罪,又交給外邦人,將祂戲弄、鞭打,釘在十架上,第三日祂要復活。」〈太 廿:18/19〉後來,果然一一都應驗了。而祂與門徒臨別之先,又安慰他們說:「你們心裏不要憂愁,你們信神,也當信我。在我父的家裏,有許多住處;若是沒有,我就早已告訴你們了,我去原是為你們豫備地方去。我若去為你們預備了地方,就必再來接你們到我那裏去,我在那裏,叫你們也在那裏。」〈約 十四:1/3〉耶穌說祂回到父那裏,是為信祂的人豫備地方去的,祂還要再來接他們。當祂被接升天時,天使也向門徒們作見證說:「這離開你們被接升天的耶穌,你們見祂怎樣往天上去,祂還要怎樣來。」〈徒 一:11〉

有人統計過,全部聖經平均每廿五節便有一節論到主耶穌必要再來的訊息,所以,主再來實在是千古不易的真理。聖經中所記載關於耶穌降世、受死、被埋、復活、升天、降靈,都已成為千真萬確鐵一般的事實,祂的再來,也必然成為千真萬確之事實。雖然今天還未曾實現,但卻是必然要應驗,因聖經裏的話,沒有一句不應驗的。主說:「天地要廢去,我的話卻不能廢去。」〈路 廿一:33〉

主何時再來呢?聖經沒有明文記載,祂不願意我們知道那日子,為的是要我們時刻儆醒豫備。主說:「那日子,那時辰,沒有人知道,連天上的使者也不知道,子也不知道,惟有父知道。你們要謹慎,儆醒祈禱,因為你們不曉得那日期幾時來到。」〈可 十三〉所以我們都應該豫備好自己迎見我們的神。未信主的當趕快悔改,已信主的務要儆醒謹守,因想不到的時候,耶穌就來到,那時再悔改歸正,已是太遲了!

救主再臨,為要審判世上萬國萬民,對於信主的人(教會)、不信主的人(外邦人),以及以色列人(選民),莫不有極大的連帶關係。

對得救的真基督徒來說,這是一個最榮耀最有福的盼望,因為得贖的日子來到了,聖徒將要永遠與基督同享榮耀。「我們卻是天上的國民,並且等候救主,就是主耶穌基督,從天上降臨。祂要按著那能叫萬有歸服自己的大能,將我們這卑賤的身體改變形狀,和祂自己榮耀的身體相似。」〈腓 三:32/33〉

對那些未曾得救,有口無心的假信徒及那些未悔改信主的罪人來說,這是一個最可怕最絕望的日子,因為到那日,他們都不能逃避神的忿怒和審判。因「那時,主耶穌同祂有能力的天使,從天上在火燄中顯現,要報應那不認識神,和那不聽從我主耶穌福音的人,他們要受刑罰,就是永遠沉淪,離開主的面和祂權能的榮光。」〈帖後 一:20/21〉

對那些以色列(猶太)人來說,基督再臨地上,是他們全家得救的大日。救恩本是從猶太人出來的〈約 四:22〉,但因他們心裏剛硬,棄絕了他們的彌賽亞(基督),把祂釘在十架上,因而救恩才臨到我們這些外邦人,使我們有機會信主福音而得歸入耶穌基督的身體(教會)。然而「等到外邦人的數目添滿了,於是以色列全家都要得救。如經上所記,必有一位救主,從錫安出來,要消除雅各家的一切罪惡。」〈羅 十一:25/26〉

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天国的福音 - 怎样进神国 (二)

>> Thursday, November 19, 2009

二、两种不同福音
所谓两种不同福音,并非说福音有两种,其实福音就是神儿子耶稣基督的福音,但由于罗马天主教倔起,起初教会见证、信仰、真理、全備福音逐渐失落,以致成今日光景。我们就着今日的实际情形来说,可分为的就福音(僅僅得救)和进神国福音。当主耶稣在地上传福音时,开头就说:『天国近了,你们应当悔改。』今天许多传道人只晓得得救的福音,却不明白什么是天国福音、全備福音。由于传得不全備,许多基督徒亦只淺嘗救恩为止。因领受得不完全,就无法继续追求的胜,更深追求进神国真理。

今天基督教世界中有两种错谬的理论:第一种说法,人信主耶稣得救之后,就不能再犯罪,如果再犯罪,仍然要下硫磺火湖,沉沦灭亡。若果如此,那神的慈爱在哪里?基督徒犯错如果仍然要下火湖,可能没有几个基督徒能得救,这样就会使人失去福音的盼望,那又何必信耶稣?但经上告诉我们:『 我小子们哪,我将这些话写给你们,是要叫你们不犯罪。若有人犯罪,在父那里我们有一位中保,就是那义者耶稣基督。他为我们的罪作了挽回祭。不是单为我们的罪,也是为普天下人的罪』【约一2:1-2】 但信徒却不可故意犯罪,若故意犯罪,赎罪的祭就再没有了。【来10:26-27】 如果有人偶为过犯所胜,就当来到主前求主宝血遮盖,主的宝血是永远有功效的,他必要赦免你的罪。第二种说法,凡信主耶稣的人都能进天国,这正好与主所说的相反。主说:『凡称呼我主阿,主阿的人,不能都进天国。惟独遵行我天父旨意的人,才能进去。』【太7:21】 如果说凡信主耶稣的人都能进天国,那神的公義在哪里?例如使徒保罗和歷世歷代许多神重用的仆人和圣徒,他们为了神的道带锁链、坐监牢、冒死犯难、忍饥挨饿、赤身露体、被石头打死、被锯锯死、受试探、被刀杀、披着绵羊山羊皮各处奔跑。。。。。。他们进神国得赏赐是应该的;但今天还有许多基督徒奢华宴乐、贪图世界享受、与世俗为友,甚至犯罪作恶,抵挡神的真道,像这样的人也进神国、得赏赐,那神豈不是没有公義麽?但我们的神是慈爱的,也是公義的。主耶稣说:『天国是努力进入的,努力的人就得着了。』 这就是神的公義,因进入神的过必须经历许多艰难,必须付代价。基督徒啊!不要听信那些假牧师的谎言,免得失去了进天国的盼望。因为他们正当人前把天国的门关了,自己不进去,正要进去的人,他们也不容他们进去。【太23:13】

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天国的福音 - 怎样进神国 (一)

>> Friday, November 13, 2009

『从施洗约翰的时候到如今,天国是努力进入的,努力的人就得着了。』【太11:12】 『凡称呼我主阿,主阿的人,不能都进天国。惟独遵行我天父旨意的人,才能进去。』【太7:21】

一、两种不同国度
所谓两种不同的国度,就是地上的国度(人的国)和天上的国度(神的国)。一般人所知道的仅是地上的国度,歷世歷代英雄豪杰抛头颅,灑热血,完全是为了地上的国度,他们只知道当盡国民義务,執干戈以为国土。然而地上的国度,就是人国的巴比伦,是抵挡神的,是要被打碎灭绝的【但2:44】;惟独天上国度(神的国),乃是永存的国度,却很少有人认识,更不愿去为这国度牺牲。惟有那些有属天开启,被这天上国度荣耀所吸引的圣徒,他们甘愿为这国度付上生命的代价。

感谢神!因着他的大爱临到了我们,『 他救了我们脱离黑暗的权势,把我们迁到他爱子的国里。』【西1:13】 使我们因信主耶稣就得着权柄作神的儿女【约1:12】。我们理当照着神的旨意,将自己主权献上,全然圣别归神,在万民中作属神的子民,为主而活。我们既是天上的国民,暂时寄居在这地上的国度里,乃是等候主基督在临。『我们却是天上的国民。并且等候救主,就是主耶稣基督,从天上降临。』【腓3:20】 当主耶稣再来时,这班天上的国民,就是遵行天父旨意,为天国努力,忍受患难,至死不爱惜性命,儆醒等候主再来的得胜基督徒,主要将他们领进他天上荣耀国度里,与他一同作王,同享永远荣耀。但那些只会称呼主啊,主啊,却不遵行天父旨意的人,既不從世界罪恶里出来,将自己献给主,而專以地上的时为念,以自己的羞辱为荣耀,爱世界,不爱神,神荣耀的国度便于他们无份无关。所有基督徒都有进神国的盼望。但并非人人都可以进天国,惟有努力的才能进去。

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天国的福音 - 序言

>> Wednesday, November 4, 2009

这天国的福音,要传遍天下,对万民作见证,然后末期才来到。【太24:14】

魔鬼借着人的手制造了许许多多假神(金、银、铜、铁、木雕、泥塑、纸画偶像),又创办了许多人为的宗教,和用人的头脑写了许多假神学。弄瞎世人心眼,使人真假不分;不叫基督天国荣耀福音的光照着他们,以致世人奔向硫磺火湖灭亡道路而不知。就是在今天整个公会宗派,也把天国的福音更改了,变了质,打了折扣,降低了标准;使信徒们失去了天国荣耀福音的盼望。那些假传道人、家牧师正当人面前把天国的门关了,他们自己不进去,正要进去的人,也不容他们进去。主耶稣说: 『凡称呼我主阿,主阿的人,不能都进天国。惟独遵行我天父旨意的人,才能进去。』【太7:21】 那些假传道人对信徒们说:『凡信主耶稣的人都必进神国。』这与主耶稣所讲的正好相反。『耶稣回答说,我实实在在地告诉你,人若不重生,就不能见神的国。』【约3:3】 重生的人可以看见神的国,得救了,不必下硫磺火湖,但这不等于进神国。怎样才能进神国?『耶稣说,我实实在在地告诉你,人若不是从水和圣灵生的,就不能进神的国。』【约3:5】 主在这两处圣经明明把『见神国』与『进神国』分得清清楚楚的,是不同的两回事。但那些假传道人,分不清楚什么是见神国?什么是进神国?什么是重生?什么是水和靈生?他们大多缺乏水生和靈生的经历,所以不分皂白,干脆混为一谈,说:『重生就是水生,也就是靈生,见神国也就是进神国。』他们含糊笼统把主所讲的『见神国』与『进神国』真理,强解成为一件事,何等得罪神!如果是一件事,主就不必分开来讲了。他们所传的真是错误百出,迷惑了许多人。

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归附使徒

>> Saturday, October 17, 2009

【林后8:5】 并且他们所作的,不但照我们所想望的,更照神的旨意,先把自己献给主,又归附了我们。
II Corinthians8: 5 – And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

献给使徒乃是献给神的具体道路,献给使徒就是献给神。神接纳人对他的奉献,乃是借着他在教会中所设立的使徒。

归附使徒的重要性:
归附使徒是
1. 与宝座连结
a. 要与宝座联结,必须与使徒联结(约一:1-3)
b. 归附今日的使徒 (于今日的使徒联结)(太二十二:32)
2. 被造在基督身体(弗一:23、西二:9-10)
3. 保全生命(创六:19-20、创七:9,15-16,23)
4. 唯一进神国(林前十:1-2、帖前二:11-12、彼后一:10-11)
的道路

宝座 (Throne)<->使徒(Apostle)<->教会(Church)(圣徒 (Saints))

【约一1:1-3】 论到从起初原有的生命之道,就是我们所听见所看见,亲眼看过,亲手摸过的。(这生命已经显现出来,我们也看见过,现在又作见证,将原与父同在,且显现与我们那永远的生命,传给你们)。我们将所看见,所听见的,传给你们,使你们与我们相交。我们乃是与父并他儿子耶稣基督相交的。
I John 1: 1-3 – That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

归附使徒的表现
1. 思念使徒(腓四:8-10、林后七:7)
2. 纪念使徒、为使徒祷告(西四:3-4、林前十一:2、帖前二:9)
3. 效法使徒(林前十一:1、帖前一:6)

遵守使徒教训
1. 圣徒们当恆心遵守使徒教训(太二十八:20、帖前四:1-2、帖后二:15)
2. 使徒教训就是主的命令,不是人的教训(彼后三:2、帖前二:13)
3. 不尊守使徒教训的人,神如何对待抵挡使徒(帖前三:6、帖后三:14-15)

放下个人道路,归附使徒带领
1. 越是跟使徒同心往前,靈就越是高昂,靈的感觉越是敏锐,对属灵的事越有开启,靈命越有长進。
2. 众圣徒都应当放下个人的成见,放下个人的道路,同心把自己献给主,又归附使徒带领。这样一同往前,达到整体的建造,主耶稣就得荣耀,属靈的丰满就要出现。
3. 到时代器皿这里来。(出三十二:25-26、王上十八:30)

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使徒的重要性 The Importance of Apostle - part II

>> Saturday, September 12, 2009

四. 使徒是使众人在真道上合一的关键性职事。使徒是建造教会、关切教会(生教会、养教会、监护教会),把教会献给基督的职事。
4. Apostle is a ministry that unite all in true gospel. Apostle builds the church, concern for the church (born, support, guardianship church), dedicate church to Christ.

a. 生教会 (born the church)
【林前4:14-15】 我写这话,不是叫你们羞愧,乃是警戒你们,好像我所亲爱的儿女一样。你们学基督的,师傅虽有一万,为父的却是不多,因我在基督耶稣里用福音生了你们。
I Corinthians 4:14-15 – I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

【加4:19】 我小子阿,我为你们再受生产之苦,直等到基督成形在你们心里。
Galatians 4:19 – My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.

b. 养教会 (support the church)
【帖前2:6-8,11】 我们作基督的使徒,虽然可以叫人尊重,却没有向你们或向别人求荣耀,只在你们中间存心温柔,如同母亲乳养自己的孩子。我们既是这样爱你们,不但愿意将神的福音给你们,连自己的性命也愿意给你们,因你们是我们所疼爱的。你们也晓得我们怎样劝勉你们,安慰你们,嘱咐你们各人,好像父亲待自己的儿女一样。
I Thessalonians 2:6-8, 11 – We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,

【林后11:28】 除了这外面的事,还有为众教会挂心的事,天天压在我身上。
II Corinthians 11:28 – Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

【徒20:20】 你们也知道,凡与你们有益的,我没有一样避讳不说的。或在众人面前,或在各人家里,我都教导你们。
Acts 20:20 – You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

【林后12:14-15】 如今我打算第三次到你们那里去,也必不累着你们,因我所求的是你们,不是你们的财物。儿女不该为父母积财,父母该为儿女积财。我也甘心乐意为你们的灵魂费财费力。
II Corinthians 12:14-15 – Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

c. 监护教会 – 把教会如同童女许配给一个丈夫(基督) (Guardianship the church - betroth the church like a virgin to a husband (Christ)
【林后11:2】 我为你们起的愤恨,原是神那样的愤恨。因为我曾把你们许配一个丈夫,要把你们如同贞洁的童女,献给基督。我只怕你们的心或偏于邪,失去那向基督所存纯一清洁的心,就像蛇用诡诈诱惑了夏娃一样。
II Corinthians 11:2 – I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

【帖前2:19】 我们的盼望和喜乐,并所夸的冠冕,是什么呢?岂不是我们主耶稣来的时候,你们在他面前站立得住吗?因为你们就是我们的荣耀,我们的喜乐。
I Thessalonians 2:19 – For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

*Some English translation might not be so exact!

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使徒的重要性 The Importance of Apostle - part I

>> Monday, September 7, 2009

一.使徒是神在教会中设立的第一等属灵职份
1. In the church God has appointed first of all apostles

【林前12:28】 神在教会所设立的,第一是使徒。第二是先知,第三是教师。其次是行异能的。再次是得恩赐医病的。帮助人的。治理事的。说方言的。
I Corinthians 12:28 – And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

【弗4:11-12】 他所赐的有使徒,有先知。有传福音的。有牧师和教师。为要成全圣徒,各尽其职,建立基督的身体。
Ephesians 4:11-12 – It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

二.只有使徒才能立定教会的根基,并且成为神奥秘事的管家
2. Only apostle can build up the foundation of a church

【林前3:10】 我照神所给我的恩,好像一个聪明的工头,立好了根基,有别人在上面建造。只是各人要谨慎怎样在上面建造。
I Corinthians 3:10 – By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.

【弗2:20】 并且被建造在使徒和先知的根基上,有基督耶稣自己为房角石。
Ephesians 2:20 – Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

【弗3:5】 这奥秘在以前的世代,没有叫人知道,像如今借着圣灵启示他的圣使徒和先知一样。
Ephesians 3:5 – Which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.

三.使徒是神福音的执事,也是辩明福音的职事,真理的断案在于使徒
3. Apostle is the deacon of gospel, the one who identify the gospel, and the one who preaches the true gospel

【腓1:16】 这一等是出于爱心,知道我是为辩明福音设立的。
The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

【罗2:16】 就在神借耶稣基督审判人隐秘事的日子,照着我的福音所言。
This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

【加 1:6-9】 我希奇你们这么快离开那借着基督之恩召你们的,去从别的福音。那并不是福音不过有些人搅扰你们,要把基督的福音更改了。但无论是我们,是天上来的使者,若 传福音给你们,与我们所传给你们的不同,他就应当被咒诅。我们已经说了,现在又说,若有人传福音给你们,与你们所领受的不同,他就应当被咒诅。
Galatians 1:6-9 – I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

*Some English translation might not be so exact!

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John the Baptist

>> Sunday, September 6, 2009

He Accepted God’s Predestination on Him

The Bible speaks concerning the birth of John the Baptist saying: “He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). John the Baptist was the forerunner of Lord Jesus. He was able to open the way for Lord Jesus because he had the spirit and power of Elijah. Today, we have obtained God’s mercy to succeed the ministry of the latter-day Elijah (John the Baptist), to prepare the way for the Lord’s return. Therefore, it is imperative that we possess the spirit and power of Elijah.

John the Baptist was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness” (Matt. 3:3). He lived his entire life in the desert and assumed the ministry in the vast, barren wilderness, where you have to open up your own way. However, John the Baptist did not rejected or escape from God’s predestination. Instead, he accepted his fate bravely and willingly. In order that the Lord would have a prosperous way, he dared not hope for an easy or prosperous way. He was ready to face all the adverse circumstances. This is the spirit of Elijah.

Why do people often give up on the way of following the Lord? Because they feel that the way of the church is full of battles and hardships. What would you do if you were placed in desolate wilderness, without a single soul in sight and with nothing there to respond you? Would you still assume the ministry? Could you still preach? Not only did John preach, he shouted! Don’t you think it is foolish to assume the ministry this way? Why is he shouting if no one is listening? However, this is the way God wants us to work. This is not a theory. We must personally experience it with our lives.

Some people cannot withstand loneliness. For example, some may serve God well at the big churches and even speak eloquently at conventions. But say you are a university graduate, and you forsook everything to follow the Lord. If you were to be transferred to a small place with few people, would you still have the interest to serve? The sheep there are not only few and tender, but also sick. Would you feel that it is a waste of your time and your life to shepherd such sheep? You’d have to deal with a handful of sick and unresponsive sheep everyday. If you did get response, it would be a cold one. Serving the Lord in this kind of environment is just like being in the wilderness! Can you go on serving in this way? This requires the spirit of Elijah. This is to accept God’s predestination on you.

He Didn’t Build Up His Own Image, but Christ’s

John knew that he was the voice crying in the wilderness – once it passes, it is gone. It is good enough if the voice is heard. It does not matter how people react to it. Voice is without form or external beauty. So John, just like this voice, didn’t build up his own image, but Christ’s. He introduced Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who was baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, to the people of God. The Bible says, “I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water” (John 1:31).

The purpose of John’s ministry was to let people know Christ. As for himself, he was only a voice that would pass away. He only wanted people to have an impression of Jesus. This was the spirit of John the Baptist. When we have a spirit of willingly losing ourselves in God’s will and having no image of our own, the glorious image of Christ will be manifested, and God’s children will be able to know the Messiah prepared by God. This resembles the burnt offering of the Old Testament era – whether it was oxen or sheep, they had to be killed, skinned, and cut into pieces. And then they had to be burned on the altar into ashes. The original image was completely gone. This was also the way John the Baptist assumed his ministry – all he did was convey (impart) God’s voice and let people hear the voice of the Son of God, while losing his own identity completely. Such ministration satisfies God most.

He Didn’t Stumble because of the Lord

Since John the Baptist was also human, he encountered considerable trials assuming this ministry. When his disciples told him of the miracles performed by the Lord Jesus and the things He had done, he was very tried. He introduced the Messiah to people and because of this, many found grace: the blind saw; the lame walked; the lepers were cleansed; the deaf heard; the dead were raised, and the poor had the gospel preached to them. While everyone was enjoying God’s grace, the one who introduced the Messiah to them had to suffer in jail!

John was so tried that he sent someone to ask the Lord Jesus, “Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?” The Lord Jesus did not say anything except, “Blessed is he who does not stumble because of Me.” Brothers and sisters, if we were John, we probably would have said, “If you don’t save me from the prison, I will be stumble because of you!” Nevertheless, what the Lord Jesus meant to say was: I save the blind and the lame; as for you, I predestined you to be killed – beheaded.

What would you do? Would you be offended? Thank God that John the Baptist did not become offended because of the Lord. He did not compare himself with others, but accepted what God had destined for him. What would become of others was none of his concern. This was John’s mentality: if others find grace because if me, I thank God. If I am not prosperous on earth, I also thank God, because all these are predestined by Him. May the Lord increase and I decrease.

The Lord Jesus was also like this. When He was on the cross, people mocked Him, saying that He could save others but not Himself. Actually, the Lord was able to come down but God predestined Him to die on the cross. Otherwise, the salvation could not be accomplished. This is the way where people find grace. Do we want the Lord’s salvation to come upon the world? Do we want the dawn of God’s mercy to shine upon the earth? Then we must be like the Lord – able to save others and not ourselves.

From our own point of view, it may seem strange, but if we look at it from God’s predestination, it is not strange at all. This is the secret to bring salvation to people. Sometimes, when we look at the circumstances, it seems as though we cannot even save ourselves. So how could we possibly save others? However, the profound mystery of the cross is here – we can’t save ourselves. If we do, we can’t save others. Therefore, as we had said, Jesus Christ brought about a revolution by shedding His own blood, not others.

Do you imitate the Lord in sacrificing yourself to save other, or do you want others to die together with you just because you cannot save yourself? What would we do if God willed that we endure suffering and death to bring salvation to others? May we be able to say to the Lord, “I believe You will give me sufficient grace. Let the relationship between You and me be more intimate.”

John the Baptist finally finished assuming his ministry. He prepared the way of the Lord and let people of God know the Messiah. May God do on us as He had done on John the Baptist so that we may finish the course God predestined us to walk on and assume well the ministry of latter-day Elijah.

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John the Baptist - part V

“But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more then a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’ Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matt. 11:9-11). This is the witness that the Lord Jesus bore of John the Baptist. He said John the Baptist was more than a prophet, because he was specially sent to prepare the way and the people for the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and to bear witness of Him. This prophet was different from most prophets, for among those born of women there had not risen anyone greater than him. Today, this verse of the Bible will also be fulfilled in us. Therefore, if we have the insight, we will know how glorious and honorable our ministry is! Many people forsook this ministry for a little benefit of the world, such as marriage of fame. What a pity! There for, let us respect and honor our ministry.

Although John the Baptist was a great prophet, he also had his weaknesses. He doubted the Lord. “And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two disciples and said to Him, ‘Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” (Matt. 11:2-3). John the Baptist was bright and courageous, and had knowledge of the Messiah when he bore witness of the Lord Jesus. However, he later doubted Him and said, “Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?” We need to understand the circumstances John was in at that time. He was greatly afflicted in jail. In weaknesses, he may have thought: Since the Lord Jesus is the Messiah who is omnipotent and can raise the dead, why doesn’t He come and save me or visit me in jail? O lord, how can you be so merciless?...

Men have nothing to boast of. Anyone can become weak and have doubts while in hardships, afflictions and trials. John the Baptist also became weak but he did not stumble. That was God’s special mercy and grace. We are no different. Sometimes when God raises up a new circumstance, we tend to be weak and almost stumble. But today, it is all God’s mercy that we are still able to walk on this path of the cross and to stand on this position of serving God.

People who were greatly used by God, such as Moses, David, and Peter – all had moments of weaknesses. What more to say of us? Apostle Paul said, “Whenever I am weak, I am strong.” Those who really love God and the truth may also have weaknesses, but they will not stumble. John the Baptist was one of them. He sacrificed his life to bear witness of the Lord and accomplished God’s will. He finally completed the work entrusted by God and finished his course. Now, he is waiting for the reward in heaven.

The Lord Jesus said, “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” For the Lord Jesus was destined for the fall and rising of many. Today, the man raised up by God and the mountain chosen by Him in the end time are also destined for the fall and rising of many. Blessed are we if we are not offended by this man and this mountain. We will eventually accomplish God’s will and complete the work entrusted by Him.

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John the Baptist - part IV

“And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed” (Luke 6:17-18). This passage of the Bible lets us see that a prophet does not only preaches does not only preach the gospel but also rebuke sins and deals with the dominion of darkness. A prophet is not like the cowardly human kingdoms who dare not speak the truth. John the Baptist judge King Herod. He rebuked the king for unlawfully having his brother’s wife. Obviously, the mission of a prophet includes upholding justice and rebuking unrighteousness. When our Lord Jesus was on earth, He also rebuked the kings of their wrongdoings, and for this, He suffered many afflictions and persecutions.

“Immediately the King (Herod) sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother” (Mark 6:27-28). John the Baptist rebuked Herod and the adulterous woman Herodias, who hated him. However, Herod knew that John was a just and holy man, and that he should fear him, protect him, and listen to him. But one day this foolish king threw a birthday party for himself. The daughter of Herodias danced before him, and pleased him. So the king promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist!” What a wicked generation! They beheaded a great prophet over such a trivial manner. Therefore, the Lord Jesus said, “Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they wished.” For the sake of God’s will and for testifying for the Lord Jesus, this great prophet eventually sacrificed his life and finished his course on earth.

This latter Elijah was martyred, but today’s latter-day Elijah will be caught up in glory. Will he be caught up alone? No. This Elijah will make ready all the churches and saints so that we will all be changed and caught up together at the last trumpet. Therefore, let us be faithful like these two latter Elijah. After we have accomplished and fulfill God’s will, we will be caught up together with the latter-day Elijah in victory. Hallelujah!

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John the Baptist - part III

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens where opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Matt. 3:13-17).

Here it says that a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” God gave His only begotten Son to the world and prepared a salvation for all mankind. His great love is shown and His righteousness is fulfilled. Our Lord came to this world in the likeness of man. He humbled Himself and let John the Baptist baptize Him, saying, “…for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Even our Lord tried to meet God’s demand. The Son of God had no privileges, unlike the children of the kings and rulers of the world. The Lord was baptized in God’s will. His humbleness has become our good example.

When the Lord Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, what did it reveal? It revealed that the ministry of John the Baptist was transferred over to the Lord Jesus. This was a sign of handing over the mission. When the Lord Jesus came up from the water, it indicated that the ministry, mission, and entrustment of John the Baptist had been completed. Now, it was the Lord’s turn to assume ministry. The era of John the Baptist hand changed to the era of the Lord Jesus. That was a turning point in history and also the climax of revival. Since then, John, who was a good pioneer, completed his mission. Soon after that, he was imprisoned.

John the Baptist, the great prophet, had the spirit and power of Elijah. He was dauntless in confronting tyrants and tyrannies. For the sake of testifying for the Lord and His will (truth and righteousness), John feared not the king’s wrath or his evil power. He eventually walked into the prison of the human kingdom and stepped on to the way of martyrs. He was the first martyr after the Lord Jesus was born.

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John the Baptist - part II

>> Saturday, September 5, 2009

We were originally not God’s children. How, then, did we become His children? We became God’s children through promise just like Isaac and John the Baptist did. How do we prove that? By our faith. Galatians 3:14 says, “…that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” The blessing of Abraham was tremendous! It included all the blessings in heaven and on earth. This blessing of Abraham will also come upon all those born through promise.

How are we born through promise? It is by receiving the promised Holy Spirit by faith. After we receive the promised Spirit, we are like Isaac who was born through promise. Therefore, by faith, we are the seeds of Abraham – God’s children who will receive all the promises of Abraham. So, we must treasure this promise – the status of an honorable son, the heir of God. Galatians 4:28 says, “Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.” Here, it clearly says that we are not born according to the flesh, but through the promised Spirit, just like Isaac was. Therefore, we are blessed because we are children of promise who will inherit all the blessings.

John the Baptist was not only born through promise, his birth was also different from others. God made many prophecies to his father through an angel and they were all fulfilled later. John’s name was given by God. “John” means the gift of God. The birth of John was God’s gift to the Israelites in that generation. John’s very existence showed God’s mercy for that generation. When he came, he turned many children of Israel to the Lord their God. Therefore, the Lord called him Elijah and he was really the later Elijah.

“And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Why then do scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist” (Matt. 17:10-13). Here, the Lord Jesus spoke of John the Baptist saying that he was the latter Elijah who has to come. John came to restore all things and brought revival to that generation but they did not know him. They did to him whatever they wished and even killed him.

The preachers of the denominations say, “The latter Elijah was John the Baptist. How could someone come up with another latter Elijah?” They say this because they have no enlightenment or understanding. They only know the Bible literally. They do not know the principle of multiple fulfillments of the Bible, meaning that biblical prophesies could be fulfilled many times.

John the Baptist was the latter Elijah at the end of the Old Testament era, and also the last major prophet in the Old Testament. He came to end the Old Testament and brought in the New Testament. He ended the ministry of Moses and brought in the ministry of the Lord Jesus. He ended the ministration of the written code of the Jews and brought in the ministration of the Spirit of the New Testament. (He ended the law of the Old Testament and brought in the grace of the New Testament.)

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight’” (Matt. 3:1-3). The Bible says that John the Baptist was the pioneer who prepared the way as spoken by the prophet Isaiah. He prepared the way for the Messiah and introduced Him to that generation. John preached the gospel of heaven saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand!” What is meant by the kingdom of heaven is at hand? This means that Jesus Christ is coming. When Jesus Christ comes, the kingdom of heaven comes. On many occasions, John testified of the Lord introduced Him to people, saying, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). John had become the pioneer who made ready a way and a people prepared for the Lord’s coming.

Preaching the complete salvation is preparing the way and the people for the Lord. Rebuilding the glorious church, destroying tyrants and tyrannies, crushing human kingdoms… are all preparing His way. When the Lord’s servant preaches the truth on crushing human kingdoms; overthrowing the thrones of the kingdoms; destroying the strength of the nations; uprooting false doctrine; demolishing denominations and crushing idols – he is dispelling the clouds to let people see the light of the Lord. When he is preaching all these, he is paving the way for the Lord’s return.

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John the Baptist - part I

>> Monday, August 31, 2009

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for you prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many if the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” And Zacharias said to angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” (Luke 1:13 – 18)

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feed into the way of peace. (Luke 1:76 – 79)
John the Baptist was a great prophet, the letter-day Elijah, whose ministry was epochal, historical and unprecedented. He was called the prophet of the Highest, for he went before the face of the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins. He was a minister who dispelled the clouds so that people would see the sun, untying the knots in people’s hearts. He caused the Dayspring to shine upon the world from on high, giving light to those who sat in darkness and shadow of death, and guiding their feet into the way of peace. Through an angel, God prophesied to Zacharias, John’s father, that John would be great in the sight of the Lord and he would also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. All these testify that God has chosen John and sent him to accomplish the special mission of the era. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, even from him mother’s womb, and had gained the spirit and power of Elijah.

We know that our forefather Isaac was born through promise, but very few of us know that John the Baptist was also born through promise. Zacharias, John’s father, said to the angel, “I am an old man, and my wife is well advance in years.” To man, this old couple would never bear a child again. But God’s promise made it possible. Born through promise means not born according to the flesh, or by natural means of birth. It is beyond the knowledge of man. Let me ask, who else was born through promise besides Isaac and John the Baptist?

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