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為主撒種

教牧心聲 2024. 11 02 03
歐陽鑽玲傳道

當將你的糧食撒在水面,因為日久必能得著。早晨要撒你的種,晚上也不要歇你的手,因為你不知道哪一樣發旺;或是早撒的,或是晚撒的,或是兩樣都好。 傳 11:1;6)

傳道書提醒我們,人生就是播種和收穫,亦是關乎我們要撒播什麼樣的種籽。我們的生活就像一塊田地,或是一座花園,每天我們都在這片田地裡播種,無論我們是否意識到,我們的思想就是種籽。我們的言語也是種籽。無論我們的生活發生什麼,一切所臨到我們的,都是播種在我們的思想和內心中。我們處人處事,所撒出的是什麼樣的種籽,收的就是什麼樣的果實。

在另一方面,播種和收穫的法則可以適用於撒播上帝話語的道種或與他人分享福音。當我們成為基督的跟隨者時,我們也被呼召成為上帝話語的播種者,為神的國度播下種籽,帶領人認識神,得著最寶貴的福份。

我曾在沙省有兩年時間,在一間教會擔任義務傳道。曾遇到一位在福音單張協會事奉的姊妹,她向我分享以下的見證:一群正在田裡耕作的農夫,在一列火車經過時,有人伸出手來把一些撕碎的紙張丟掉,紙碎隨著風吹到田裡,這群農夫一時興起,很好奇想知究竟是甚麼,他們把拾到的紙碎拼合起來,就在大家一起讀這被丟棄的單張時很受感動,要信耶穌。於是寄信到福音單張協會,請他們幫助,帶領他們決志信主。

有時在我們向人傳福音時,可能未必看到即時的果效,又或許有些種子隨水流失,我們永遠看不到結果。但記得主耶穌說:收割的人得工價,積蓄五 穀到永生,叫撒種的和收割的一同快樂。 約 4:36) 。有時是『那人撒種,這人收割』。但聖經鼓勵我們,衡量播種是否成功的標準不是我們所看到的。只要我們盡我們所能撒種,種子就會在神的時間裡發芽,成長。又或許要等待在天家時才收到果效。

我們生活在即時文化中,在很多方面我們都忘記瞭如何等待,一切都太快了。我們以前寫信要等幾天甚至幾週才能得到回覆,現在電子郵件和“ WhatsApp ”及“微信”通話與信息頻道,讓我們可以立即得到回覆,我們漸漸已失去忍耐等待的藝術。

這種即時的期望會影響我們與神的關係。也會影響我們為神行事及祂想在我們身上結出的果實。由於這種期望,我們有時會跑在神的前面,試圖讓事情按照我們的方式、在我們自己的時間發生。讓我們彼此勉勵:只管為神擺上,神自會負責後果 。

做個祝福別人的人

2023.12.02/03
歐陽鑽玲傳道

最近收到一個鼓勵我們去祝福別人的信息,感到很值得提倡及鼓勵大家一起實行,讓自己及家人和認識的人,也同得著神的賜福。該文引述民數記6:24-26的祝福,教導我們去祝福別人,特在此與各位分享。以下是內文撮要:

民6:24-26是神教導祭司亞倫及他的兒子為以色列人的祝福:「願耶和華賜福給你,保護你。願耶和華使他的臉光照你,賜恩給你。願耶和華向你仰臉,賜你平安。」這祝福也是一個禱告。

禱告的第一部分是祈求保護。因為神的全能,祂是我們終極的保護者。唯有祂能真正保護我們免受邪惡侵害。

第二部分是祈求神的恩典。求神的臉光照人,就是祈求祂加添恩惠在對方身上。但要神成就這一點,我們需要與祂建立關係。我們應當每天花時間與神一起,向祂學習,並藉著聖靈接受祂的恩典。

禱告的最後一部分是求神向我們仰臉。這意味著求神顧念我們的益處。當神看顧我們、保護我們,並與我們同在時,我們才能真正得到平安。我們不能靠做任何事來贏得神的恩待,因為那是祂白白賜予的。

我常教導查經班的組員,要為自己及家人禱告:祈求主做我們的盾牌保護我們,和我們的家人。這是防守性的禱告,防範於未然,不是等到事情發生了才懂得禱告。

若我們有時感到心緒不寧,似乎大禍臨頭,卻不知所謂何事?那就是需要禱告的時候。我們可以對主說:主,我不知為何心緒不寧?祈求主保守我,也保守我的家,做我們的盾牌保護我們,保護我們的教會,保護我們的弟兄姊妹。

鼓勵各位時常用民數記中的這個祝福來為自己禱告,然後也為其他人做同樣的禱告。感謝神對你生命的恩待及祂賜給你的救恩;感謝祂在你生命中的每個時刻都做你的保護者和供應者。

「願耶和華賜福給你,保護你。願耶和華使他的臉光照你,賜恩給你。願耶和華向你仰臉,賜你平安。』

願您蒙福!願您和您一家蒙福!願您認識的人也都蒙神賜福!阿們!

信仰的傳承

2023.10.21/22

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

保羅記載提摩太的出身很特別,父親是希臘人、母親是猶太人,外祖母羅以早已相信基督。提摩太自小在基督化的家庭長大,其後與保羅同為福音辛勞、成為為神所重用的僕人。從提前1:5短短幾句的形容,可見提摩太從家庭得到信仰的傳承與造就。這傳承源自他的外祖母羅以和他的母親友妮基。她們兩人在提摩太身上有很深的影響。

我也十分感謝神,我也自小在基督化的家庭長大,能從父母親及外祖母的身上得到信仰的傳承與造就,每每想到這恩典,也令我對神滿心感謝。以下分享我家祖母的見證,以彼此鼓勵為人禱告切勿灰心,到了時候就可見神的作為。

外婆以前還未信耶穌,家母為她禱告多時,她總不肯相信。一天她作了一個夢,夢中見到一位穿白色長袍、白色鬍鬚的老者,面紅十分慈祥。他勸婆婆,你快點兒走過那一道橋,否則便會太遲了!外婆醒來不明白夢的意思便去告訴媽媽,媽媽立刻說那穿白色長衣有白鬍鬚的老人家是主耶穌,他勸你快點兒信耶穌,接受救恩!外婆便跟媽媽回教會聽福音,後來信了耶穌並且受洗。她那年代認為女子無才便是德,並沒有受過教育,所以不懂怎樣閱讀。但是她為了可以讀聖經,便勤力學習認字,漸漸她就學會讀聖經並且每天也朗讀廣東話聖經。她從前十分虔誠,篤信觀音菩薩及其他偶像,但信了耶穌以後就十分虔誠。常常禱告讀經,常常背誦金句、常常奉獻及參加聚會,並且每天早上四點鐘便起來開聲禱告,每天如是!可見神改變生命的大能!

若你家人尚未信主,請不住為他們禱告,切勿放棄!

主僕,
歐陽鑽玲傳道

“Seen” versus “Unseen”

Sep 2/3, 2023

From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Jeanie Auyueng

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Matthew 6 is part of Jesus’ teaching known as “Sermon on the Mount.” In this chapter, Jesus contended against the teachings of his contemporary scholars (scribes) and religious pietists (Pharisees). Judaism in Jesus’ time advocated three things as demonstrations of one’s piety: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Jews at that time made every effort to do these things, sometimes just for the sake of showing off. Jesus spoke on the same three things. Nevertheless, he instructed us not to be content with those outward religious conducts, but to seek for a genuine relationship with God (righteousness which exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees). The essence of being a Christian is not to get familiarized with religious rituals or observe religious regulations. It is by no means concerned only with a set of ceremonial rites, but is to pursue a close relationship with God the Father.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Mat 6:6 NIV).
This verse says, “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (some manuscripts read ‘will reward you in public’).” “in secret” and “in public,” in other words, are “seen” and “unseen.” Our lives consist of aspects which are seen and aspects which are unseen. This verse is the most important verse in Matthew 6. It reminds us that we should focus on those unseen aspects of life and have a genuine communion with God the Father.
“go into your room, close the door and pray…” This teaches us that when we pray, we should separate ourselves from the outside world, putting aside all worldly thoughts and things so that we can enter into a state to be focused on our communion with God. It is the hardest thing to do in our multitasked daily life.

“Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The most precious thing to a Christian is God’s willingness to have a close relationship with us. The Father’s reward does not stop at his granting us what we ask for. One way to experience his reward is that when we draw near to him, we receive grace from him, have genuine satisfaction and strength, and are enabled to face all the challenges of life.
What is internal has an impact on what is external. What is “unseen” has an impact on what is “seen.” This is the most important admonition to a Christian. It is the Source by which we overcome temptations and are empowered to live a victorious life. The reason that many times in our lives we fail to live like Jesus is usually that we depart from the Source from which we receive power. Jesus said, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4 NIV).

Let us get into the habit of drawing near to God through prayer each day before we start our mundane work. It is truly rewarding!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Jeanie Auyueng

“看得見”與“ 看不見”

2023.09.02/03

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

馬太福音6章是主耶穌在“登山寶訓”教導的一部份,與當時的經學家(文士)和敬虔的宗教人士(法利賽人)所教導的抗衡。祂針對當時猶太教的教導:敬虔生活有三種表達,分別是施捨、禱告和禁食,但只重外表的實行,更是刻意做給人看。主耶穌藉著這三方面教導我們要跨越外在的敬虔表達,追求與神關係的實在(勝過法利賽人和文士的義)。作為基督徒的真義,不是學習一些宗教禮儀,持守一些宗教規條,而是我們追求與天父的關係,絕不是單單徒有外表的一套儀節。

“你禱告的時候,要進你的內屋,關上門,禱告你在暗中的父;你父在暗中察看,必然報答你。”(太6:6)

這節經文提到:“你父在暗中察看,必然報答你(有古卷:必在明處報答你)”:“暗中”及“明處”英文是“Seen” 和“Unseen”, (即:“看得見”及“ 看不見”)。我們的生活包含了:“看得見”及“看不見”兩方面。這節聖經是馬太福音6章中最重要的提醒/經文,就是我們需要著重在看不見的生活中,與天父有真實的相交。

要進你的內屋,關上門禱告,就是禱告時必須與外界隔絕,從紛擾世情中抽離出來,進入和天父專注的相交,這是在我們整天諸多事務要兼顧中最難做到的。

“你父在暗中察看,必然報答你。”作為基督徒的寶貴就是神樂意與我們親近,“父的報答”其中的一個體驗就是:神不單單成就我們所祈求的,親近神必經歷神的恩典,得著內心的真正滿足與力量,得著能力變面對人生的挑戰。

內在影響外在,“看不見”的影響“看得見”的,這是基督徒生活中最重要的提醒,是我們勝過誘惑,得能力的源頭,活出得勝生活的秘訣。反省我們多少時候不能活出主的樣式,往往是因為離開了得力的源頭。主耶穌說:“常在我裡面的,我也常在他裡面,這人就多結果子;因為離了我,你們就不能做什麼。”(約15:3)

在每天開始一日生活之先,養成禱告親近神的習慣,你必經歷神的賞賜(truly rewarding)!

主僕,
歐陽鑽玲傳道

Learn to give thanks on the ordinary days of life

2023.05.27/28

From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Jeanie Auyeung

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Psalm 103:1-2 Bless the LORD, O my soul; bless his holy name, all that is in me. Bless

the LORD, O my soul; forget not all his goodness. (New Bible translation)

The poet David repeatedly spoke to his own heart, reminding himself not to forget God’s

grace!

During the fellowship gathering of the past week, we offered thanksgiving to God through music and hymns. Our time is filled with joy when we give thanks to God.
The church’s annual year-end thanksgiving meeting also encourages brothers and sisters to count the blessings that God has bestowed on us over the past year, but we often hear people say that there is nothing special to be grateful for. In fact, we often have the wrong idea that we need to be grateful only when something special or important happens.

The Bible teaches us to give thanks in everything. “Everything” includes all things big and small. Not just the things that we think are good, which includes bad times, and also to give thanks for things that we may have taken for granted.

Some years ago, a family brought their two children to church to attend VBS. The two

daughters accepted Christ at VBS and they prayed to thank our Heavenly Father for dinner. The father got angry and scolded the child for not thanking him. But rather thanking God because the father was the one who provided their living. Later on, the parents also believed in the Lord and they was finally knew to pray and thank our Heavenly Father before meals.

Many times, we take things for granted we don’t realize, and don’t think of it as being

God’s grace. When I visited patients in the hospital, I deeply felt that being

able to eat and taste the delicious food is not an ability that we will always have. We often don’t know how to thank God and treasure something until we lose it.

I once saw an interesting news item — a 4-week-old little squirrel in the UK was

seriously injured by an owl attack in 2019. A wildlife rescue

organization discovered her and entrusted her to the Harrison family, who was experienced in caring for squirrels. They gave the little squirrel a cute name “Bella” and took good care of her until she recovered. In the spring of 2010, the squirrel recovered well and they released her into the wild. Usually, squirrels who have just left home for a week will return home. But after they have returned to the wild, they will no longer approach humans. Unexpectedly, one day, a familiar little figure was sitting at the front door of the Harrison’s home. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Bella! Later, Bella went home to visit them without fail for the next 8 years after she

was released into the wild. She even went home when she was pregnant. After giving birth to 3 cute baby squirrels and when they grew stronger, they returned to the woods together.

This heart-warming story reminds us that even a squirrel never forgot the kindness of those who took care of her. How can we, who have received the Lord’s love so freely, forget the Lord’s kindness? Let us learn from David and count the Lord’s grace one by one. God’s grace is truly innumerable to us, to our family, and to the church. Because of all the grace bestowed by God, we must offer thanks and praise to Him from the bottom of our hearts!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Jeanie Auyeung

學習在平凡中謝恩

2023.05.27/28

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

詩103:1-2“我的心哪!你要稱頌耶和華;在我裡面的一切,都要稱頌他的聖名。我的心哪!你要稱頌耶和華;不可忘記他的一切恩惠。”(聖經新譯本)

詩人大衛重複地對自己的心說話,提醒自己不要忘記神的恩典!

在過去一週的團契聚會中,我們以感恩為主題,藉著詩歌一同向神獻上感恩。教會每年的年終感恩會也鼓勵弟兄姊妹數算神在過去一年內向我們所施的恩典,但常聽到人說沒有甚麼很特別需要感恩的事情可以分享。其實,我們常有錯覺,以為有特別或大事發生才要感恩。

聖經教導我們要“凡事謝恩”。“凡事”包括了所有的大小事情,也包括了我們認為好與不好的所有事情,更是包括了我們認為是理所當然的事。

一個家庭多年前曾把兩個孩子帶到教會,參加暑期兒童聖經班。兩女兒在兒童聖經班信了主,回家吃飯時禱告多謝天父。作父親的很生氣,罵孩子不多謝他,卻多謝天父。後來,他夫婦倆也信了主,知道吃飯時禱告多謝天父。

許多時候,我們對於一些習以為常的事情認為是理所當然,不曉得,也不覺得是神的恩典。在醫院探病時,深深感到:原來,能吃飯、能嘗到食物的美味,不是必然的。我們往往在失去時再復得,才能感受到,才懂得感謝神。

曾看到一則有趣的新聞 - 英國一隻只有4週大的小松鼠,於2019年被貓頭鷹攻擊受了重傷,野生動物救援組織發現後,將牠託付給照護松鼠經驗豐富的哈里森一家。他們替小松鼠取了個可愛的名字「貝拉」,並細心照顧直到牠康復。2010年春天,松鼠已恢復健康,他們便將牠帶到野外放生,回歸大自然。一般來說,剛「離家」一星期的松鼠們都還會不時回家走走,但不久後就回歸野性,不再接近人類。沒想到有一天,一個熟悉的小小身影端坐在哈里森家前門,仔細一看,居然是貝拉!其後,貝拉竟然在野外放生後接著的8年,從沒間斷地回家「探親」。生孩子時更「回娘家」待產。生了3隻可愛的小松鼠寶寶、等到孩子們都長得強壯後,才一起重返樹林。

這溫馨故事提醒我們,連松鼠也會不忘恩,我們這白白蒙受主恩主愛的人,豈可忘記主恩?我們要學習大衛,逐一數算主恩。神的恩典在我們個人、家庭、教會身上實在實在難以盡數,因著神所賜的一切恩惠,我們要從心底向神獻上感恩讚美!

主僕
歐陽鑽玲傳道

How blessed we are in Christ

2023.04.08/09

From the Pastor’s Desk:Pastor Jeanie Auyeung

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Recently, I read a testimony of a newly baptized sister. She shared about how God spoke to her through His word and walked with her in her ldaily struggles. She had gained comfort and strength to carry on. She had experienced how real God is in her life.

God is real and He lives! Not like any other religions. Jesus was not a mere religious figure who was here and then left. Not only does His impact continue, but He Himself lives on. We worship a living Savior Who indwells His church and all believers even now. Those who truly believe in Christ, will experience a glorious transformation and become a new creation in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). All believers can see how God leads and walks with us in life.

As the lyrics of the hymn “He lives” says, I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, Whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He’s always near. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart.

“He Lives” was written by Rev. A. H. Ackley. The hymn has encouraged and strengthened God’s children for many years to growin their faith to God. It is also a challenge to all who seek God to experience how real He is. My heart echoes with the lyrics. Yes, He loves us, cares for us and walks with us always. He will never change, yesterday, today and forever!

The OMF prayer group during my school days always ended with the Lancashire Sunday School song: “How good is the God we adore, Our faithful unchangeable Friend: Whose love is as great as His power, And knows neither measure nor end!”

It is a true blessing to know Christ, to have Him as our Savior. Our God is so real. Let us follow Him closely and trust Him whole-heartedly.

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Jeanie Auyeung

認識基督是多麼蒙福!多麼美好!

2023.04.08/09

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

最近,我讀到一位新受洗姊妹的見證,她分享了神怎樣透過祂的話語,藉著聖經對她說話,並在她生命的掙扎中與她同行。她得著了安慰和繼續前進的力量。她能夠經歷到神在她的生活中是多麼的真實,體驗神何等愛她。

我們所信的神是又真又活的,祂活著!不像其他宗教,耶穌不是一個僅僅曾活在世上,卻已死去了的宗教始祖或代表人物。祂的影響不僅繼續存在,祂本身就是又真又活,永遠存在的神。我們敬拜一位活著的救主,他現在就住在祂的教會和所有信徒裡面。那些真正相信耶穌基督的人,都會經歷神改變生命的大能,在祂裡面成為新造的人(林後5:17)。所有信靠耶穌基督的人都可以時刻體驗到神如何在生活中帶領並與我們同行。

正如一首詩歌“主活著”的歌詞所言:

我所事奉復活主,祂今在世活著;我知道祂確實活著,不管人怎麼說;我看見祂憐憫的手,聽見祂溫柔安慰聲,每次當我需要祂,祂總必答應。基督耶穌,今天仍然活著! 在人生的窄路上,祂伴我同行,與我交談。主活著!祂活著,我要傳揚,救恩臨到萬民!若問我怎麼知道祂活著:祂活在我心中!

“主活著”由 A. H. Ackley 牧師所寫。多年來,這首讚美詩一直在鼓勵和加強神兒女對祂的信心。對於所有真心尋求神的人,定能體驗和經歷神是多麼真實和寶貴。每唱此詩歌,我的心也會和應著歌詞的實在。是的,神愛我們,關心我們,一直與我們同行人生之路。祂永遠不會改變,昨日,今日,直到永遠,可信可靠到底!

我在亞省讀神學的時候參加了OMF (海外基督使團)定期為宣教士代禱的禱告會,他們的祈禱總會以“蘭開夏郡主日學校”的短歌作為結束:“我們所崇拜的神多麼美好,我們忠實不變的朋友:祂的愛與祂的大能同樣深廣無邊,祂的深切明瞭無疆無界!”有神真好!感謝祂的愛!

認識基督,有祂成為我們的救主是何等有福!我們的神是如此真實美好。讓我們緊緊跟隨祂,全心全意地信靠祂。

主僕
歐陽鑽玲傳道

“The fire on the altar must be kept burning “

2023.02.11/12

From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Jeanie Auyeung

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

The weather has been cold recently, so many people like to enjoy hotpot at home or to share hotpot at a restaurant. Sitting in front of the hotpot, you can enjoy the food, and also enjoy the warm atmosphere. Due to the dry weather in winter, everyone should try to be careful about the fire, and be sure to put out the fire immediately after enjoying the hot-pot.

In contrast, the responsibility of the priests in the Old Testament was to offer sacrifices for the people every day. But after the priests offered the evening sacrifice, God commanded that “the fire on the altar should always be kept burning and never be quenched.” The ongoing fire was so important that it was directly started  by God: “Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown” (Lev 9:24). The fire on the altar, therefore, served as a constant reminder of God’s power. It was a gift from heaven. The priest was to kindle the fire again every morning to ensure that the holy fire on the altar would continue to burn. This command is mentioned three times in Leviticus chapter 6 (Lev 6:8,12,13), which shows its importance.

The responsibility of the priest was not only to offer sacrifices for the people, but also to watch over the altar. It is also a reminder to us to be watchful for God’s house. Let us not forget to pray for the church and the family of God. Joining the prayer meeting is a good opportunity to watch for God’s family and each other.

“The fire on the altar shall always burn and shall not be quenched.” This command also reminds us today that we must keep our hearts fervent in serving God. The teaching of Romans 12:11 is: ” Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord!”

For God loves us so much that he even poured out his life for us. How can we take it for granted? May the love of the Lord always inspire us, and draw us closer to Him. May we always adore the Lord and respond with love to His deep and wide love without fathom.

What grace is this that God wants us to love Him? How can we deserve to love Him? Paul said, “If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed!” (I Cor 16:22)

An old hymn from long ago :”O sacred Head, now wounded” is a Christian Passion hymn based on a Latin text written during the Middle Ages. It originates from  a long medieval poem attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux. There is one sentence at the 3rd stanza written as: “Oh let me never, never outlive my love to Thee”. It always grips my heart when I sing it. May this be my prayer and be your prayer – “Oh let me never, never outlive my love to God”!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Jeanie Auyeung