MY Scripture Today 2012.1.18 Wednesday
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The Text: Mark 3:1-6.
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Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand.
They watched him closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him.
He said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up here before us."
Then he said to them, "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" But they remained silent.
Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out and his hand was restored.
The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
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My Reading Notes
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This can explain many things. One is the law. The other is the heart. Due to the hardness of their heart, they had insisted the law.
Should one save life against the law?
It needs a higher level of viewpoints to see that.
2012年1月17日 星期二
2012年1月1日 星期日
Is it a fairy tale?
My Sunday Scripture 2012.1.1.
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The Text: Luke 2:16-21.
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So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
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My Reading Notes:
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Is it a fairy tale or true story? It is the most difficult part for us believers.
I believe in Jesus. But this story is so fairy like, I cannot keep thinking to myself, I prefer to accept its inner meaning rather then the story itself.
In deed, there was a man named Jesus born on earth somewhere, sometime, bringing to us the messages from God.......
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The Text: Luke 2:16-21.
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So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
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My Reading Notes:
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Is it a fairy tale or true story? It is the most difficult part for us believers.
I believe in Jesus. But this story is so fairy like, I cannot keep thinking to myself, I prefer to accept its inner meaning rather then the story itself.
In deed, there was a man named Jesus born on earth somewhere, sometime, bringing to us the messages from God.......
2011年12月24日 星期六
Life is Light
My Sunday Scripture 2011.12.25
The Text: John 1:1-18.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God.
And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'"
From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father's side, has revealed him.
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My Reading Notes:
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It is always a puzzle to me, how can a "word' become God. However,
I can understand there are limitation to the human understanding, so I will not argue about this. With my limited brain power, I know I can not understand all things.
And the second difficult point is: life is light. And the still more interesting part is that darkness can not overcome life. That gives us hope.
It is important to have hope, as hope produces strength. And with strength, we can do what God commanded us to do.
The Text: John 1:1-18.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God.
And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'"
From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father's side, has revealed him.
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My Reading Notes:
-----------------
It is always a puzzle to me, how can a "word' become God. However,
I can understand there are limitation to the human understanding, so I will not argue about this. With my limited brain power, I know I can not understand all things.
And the second difficult point is: life is light. And the still more interesting part is that darkness can not overcome life. That gives us hope.
It is important to have hope, as hope produces strength. And with strength, we can do what God commanded us to do.
2011年12月17日 星期六
You are to conceive a son by God
My Sunday Scripture 2011.12.18
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The Text: Luke 1:26-38
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26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 He went in and said to her, 'Rejoice, you who enjoy God's favour! The Lord is with you.'
29 She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean,
30 but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour.
31 Look! You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David;
33 he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.'
34 Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?'
35 The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.
36 And I tell you this too: your cousin Elizabeth also, in her old age, has conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month,
37 for nothing is impossible to God.'
38 Mary said, 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said.' And the angel left her.
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My Reading Notes:
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No matter how strange this story is, that we must believe, that indeed everything was from God. If there is no God, there will be no nothing. This is the real meaning of the Scripture here.
Now that God had sent us Jesus by Mary.
It meant that God had sent us LOVE. That was the major teaching from Jesus, which is quite different from the Old Testaments.
God's will did change through the ages. It must be different in the Old Testaments and the New.
But the beauty did not change.
It was so beautiful that Mary answered God: 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said.'
(King James Version: And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the Angel departed from her.)
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The Text: Luke 1:26-38
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26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 He went in and said to her, 'Rejoice, you who enjoy God's favour! The Lord is with you.'
29 She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean,
30 but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour.
31 Look! You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David;
33 he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.'
34 Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?'
35 The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.
36 And I tell you this too: your cousin Elizabeth also, in her old age, has conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month,
37 for nothing is impossible to God.'
38 Mary said, 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said.' And the angel left her.
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My Reading Notes:
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No matter how strange this story is, that we must believe, that indeed everything was from God. If there is no God, there will be no nothing. This is the real meaning of the Scripture here.
Now that God had sent us Jesus by Mary.
It meant that God had sent us LOVE. That was the major teaching from Jesus, which is quite different from the Old Testaments.
God's will did change through the ages. It must be different in the Old Testaments and the New.
But the beauty did not change.
It was so beautiful that Mary answered God: 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said.'
(King James Version: And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the Angel departed from her.)
2011年11月26日 星期六
He will baptise you with the holy spirit
My Sunday Scripture 2011.12.4.
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The Text: Mark 1:1-8
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1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 It is written in the prophet Isaiah: Look, I am going to send my messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you.
3 A voice of one that cries in the desert: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 John the Baptist was in the desert, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins.
6 John wore a garment of camel-skin, and he lived on locusts and wild honey.
7 In the course of his preaching he said, 'After me is coming someone who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals.
8 I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.'
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My Reading Notes
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To be baptised with the Holy Spirit is totally different from Water.
One should have a totally different mind and character when he had the insight of God, or, the insight of seeing through a whole scenery of everything.
It is like an electric shock, or the re-format of the mind. And it is just like seeing from blindness. Before that, you are blind, now you are opened with an eyesight. It is a pity that few could admit his blindness.
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The Text: Mark 1:1-8
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1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 It is written in the prophet Isaiah: Look, I am going to send my messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you.
3 A voice of one that cries in the desert: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 John the Baptist was in the desert, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins.
6 John wore a garment of camel-skin, and he lived on locusts and wild honey.
7 In the course of his preaching he said, 'After me is coming someone who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals.
8 I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.'
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My Reading Notes
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To be baptised with the Holy Spirit is totally different from Water.
One should have a totally different mind and character when he had the insight of God, or, the insight of seeing through a whole scenery of everything.
It is like an electric shock, or the re-format of the mind. And it is just like seeing from blindness. Before that, you are blind, now you are opened with an eyesight. It is a pity that few could admit his blindness.
2011年11月19日 星期六
Where is God?
My Sunday Scriture 2011.11.20
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The text: Matthew 25:31-46
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31 'When the Son of man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory.
32 All nations will be assembled before him and he will separate people one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats.
33 He will place the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left.
34 Then the King will say to those on his right hand, "Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take as your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome,
36 lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me."
37 Then the upright will say to him in reply, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome, lacking clothes and clothe you?
39 When did we find you sick or in prison and go to see you?"
40 And the King will answer, "In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me."
41 Then he will say to those on his left hand, "Go away from me, with your curse upon you, to the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry and you never gave me food, I was thirsty and you never gave me anything to drink,
43 I was a stranger and you never made me welcome, lacking clothes and you never clothed me, sick and in prison and you never visited me."
44 Then it will be their turn to ask, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, a stranger or lacking clothes, sick or in prison, and did not come to your help?"
45 Then he will answer, "In truth I tell you, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it to me."
46 And they will go away to eternal punishment, and the upright to eternal life.'
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My Reading Notes:
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This is very important message from God.
He told us where we could find Him.
He is not in the altar, he is not in the church. But he is in a place in need.
That is where he is.
My question is: Is this true? Is this the reality of the "locations" of God, or is it simply a "teaching"?
To my humble knowledge, I can not tell. But I prefer both.
It is a teaching, and it is true.
Where is God?
Its answer is in the minds of those who have asked.
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The text: Matthew 25:31-46
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31 'When the Son of man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory.
32 All nations will be assembled before him and he will separate people one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats.
33 He will place the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left.
34 Then the King will say to those on his right hand, "Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take as your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome,
36 lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me."
37 Then the upright will say to him in reply, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome, lacking clothes and clothe you?
39 When did we find you sick or in prison and go to see you?"
40 And the King will answer, "In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me."
41 Then he will say to those on his left hand, "Go away from me, with your curse upon you, to the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry and you never gave me food, I was thirsty and you never gave me anything to drink,
43 I was a stranger and you never made me welcome, lacking clothes and you never clothed me, sick and in prison and you never visited me."
44 Then it will be their turn to ask, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, a stranger or lacking clothes, sick or in prison, and did not come to your help?"
45 Then he will answer, "In truth I tell you, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it to me."
46 And they will go away to eternal punishment, and the upright to eternal life.'
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My Reading Notes:
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This is very important message from God.
He told us where we could find Him.
He is not in the altar, he is not in the church. But he is in a place in need.
That is where he is.
My question is: Is this true? Is this the reality of the "locations" of God, or is it simply a "teaching"?
To my humble knowledge, I can not tell. But I prefer both.
It is a teaching, and it is true.
Where is God?
Its answer is in the minds of those who have asked.
2011年11月18日 星期五
Why should I stay awake? What is the meanig of staying awake?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.11.27
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The Text Matthew 13:33-37
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33 'Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come.
34 It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from his home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own work to do; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake.
35 So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow or dawn;
36 if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep.
37 And what I am saying to you I say to all: Stay awake!'
My Reading notes
There are always unknown factors ahead waiting. We never can be sure where we are, and what we are going to do, or where we are going.
Being awake is to aware the route always. One can always going on and on and on, every day is just like yesterday. But the world had secretly changed, without telling us.
Keep asking, keep reading, keep eyes open. Do not let the railway track betray you.
There are no fixed tracks ahead, and you should always search your way.
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The Text Matthew 13:33-37
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33 'Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come.
34 It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from his home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own work to do; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake.
35 So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow or dawn;
36 if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep.
37 And what I am saying to you I say to all: Stay awake!'
My Reading notes
There are always unknown factors ahead waiting. We never can be sure where we are, and what we are going to do, or where we are going.
Being awake is to aware the route always. One can always going on and on and on, every day is just like yesterday. But the world had secretly changed, without telling us.
Keep asking, keep reading, keep eyes open. Do not let the railway track betray you.
There are no fixed tracks ahead, and you should always search your way.
2011年11月10日 星期四
Am I an eating machine?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.11.13
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The Text Matthew 25:14-30
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14 'It is like a man about to go abroad who summoned his servants and entrusted his property to them.
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to a third one, each in proportion to his ability. Then he set out on his journey.
16 The man who had received the five talents promptly went and traded with them and made five more.
17 The man who had received two made two more in the same way.
18 But the man who had received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
19 Now a long time afterwards, the master of those servants came back and went through his accounts with them.
20 The man who had received the five talents came forward bringing five more. "Sir," he said, "you entrusted me with five talents; here are five more that I have made."
21 His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master's happiness."
22 Next the man with the two talents came forward. "Sir," he said, "you entrusted me with two talents; here are two more that I have made."
23 His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master's happiness."
24 Last came forward the man who had the single talent. "Sir," said he, "I had heard you were a hard man, reaping where you had not sown and gathering where you had not scattered;
25 so I was afraid, and I went off and hid your talent in the ground. Here it is; it was yours, you have it back."
26 But his master answered him, "You wicked and lazy servant! So you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered?
27 Well then, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have got my money back with interest.
28 So now, take the talent from him and give it to the man who has the ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but anyone who has not, will be deprived even of what he has.
30 As for this good-for-nothing servant, throw him into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth."
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My Reading Notes
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This is a concept we must take it as the basic principal of life. That life is productive. The non-productive life is meaningless, and will be punished.
However, some people are very aware of their productivity, while others do not.
And the difference lies in the question:
Am I an eating machine?
Do I have a real goal about the future?
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The Text Matthew 25:14-30
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14 'It is like a man about to go abroad who summoned his servants and entrusted his property to them.
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to a third one, each in proportion to his ability. Then he set out on his journey.
16 The man who had received the five talents promptly went and traded with them and made five more.
17 The man who had received two made two more in the same way.
18 But the man who had received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
19 Now a long time afterwards, the master of those servants came back and went through his accounts with them.
20 The man who had received the five talents came forward bringing five more. "Sir," he said, "you entrusted me with five talents; here are five more that I have made."
21 His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master's happiness."
22 Next the man with the two talents came forward. "Sir," he said, "you entrusted me with two talents; here are two more that I have made."
23 His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master's happiness."
24 Last came forward the man who had the single talent. "Sir," said he, "I had heard you were a hard man, reaping where you had not sown and gathering where you had not scattered;
25 so I was afraid, and I went off and hid your talent in the ground. Here it is; it was yours, you have it back."
26 But his master answered him, "You wicked and lazy servant! So you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered?
27 Well then, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have got my money back with interest.
28 So now, take the talent from him and give it to the man who has the ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but anyone who has not, will be deprived even of what he has.
30 As for this good-for-nothing servant, throw him into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth."
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My Reading Notes
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This is a concept we must take it as the basic principal of life. That life is productive. The non-productive life is meaningless, and will be punished.
However, some people are very aware of their productivity, while others do not.
And the difference lies in the question:
Am I an eating machine?
Do I have a real goal about the future?
2011年11月1日 星期二
She was sitting at the door......
My Sunday Scripture 2011.11.6
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The Text: The Book of Wisdom 6:12-16
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12 Wisdom is brilliant, she never fades. By those who love her, she is readily seen, by those who seek her, she is readily found.
13 She anticipates those who desire her by making herself known first.
14 Whoever gets up early to seek her will have no trouble but will find her sitting at the door.
15 Meditating on her is understanding in its perfect form, and anyone keeping awake for her will soon be free from care.
16 For she herself searches everywhere for those who are worthy of her, benevolently appearing to them on their ways, anticipating their every thought.
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My Reading Notes:
==================
This is the most beautiful verse I had read recently. She is like a girl, sitting at your door steps already. You need only to wake up and seek.
Yes this is the most important element of any culture. Wisdom is what we need.
======================================
The Text: The Book of Wisdom 6:12-16
======================================
12 Wisdom is brilliant, she never fades. By those who love her, she is readily seen, by those who seek her, she is readily found.
13 She anticipates those who desire her by making herself known first.
14 Whoever gets up early to seek her will have no trouble but will find her sitting at the door.
15 Meditating on her is understanding in its perfect form, and anyone keeping awake for her will soon be free from care.
16 For she herself searches everywhere for those who are worthy of her, benevolently appearing to them on their ways, anticipating their every thought.
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My Reading Notes:
==================
This is the most beautiful verse I had read recently. She is like a girl, sitting at your door steps already. You need only to wake up and seek.
Yes this is the most important element of any culture. Wisdom is what we need.
2011年10月25日 星期二
They do not practise what they teach
get away from them
My Sunday Scripture 2011.10.30
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The Text: Matthew 23:1-12
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1 Then addressing the crowds and his disciples Jesus said,
2 'The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses.
3 You must therefore do and observe what they tell you; but do not be guided by what they do, since they do not practise what they preach.
4 They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people's shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they!
5 Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader headbands and longer tassels,
6 like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues,
7 being greeted respectfully in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.
8 'You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one Master, and you are all brothers.
9 You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven.
10 Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ.
11 The greatest among you must be your servant.
12 Anyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be raised up.
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My Reading Notes:
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The most difficult part being a Christian is that you must have direct access to God, forgetting the "agents of God" for they are Pharisees sometimes. The chair of Moses was occupied by them.
Away from the Pharisees, they are evil. Pharisees cannot lead you to Heaven, but the other way. Away from them. What they promised are material entertainments only and that is the way to seek devil.
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The Text: Matthew 23:1-12
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1 Then addressing the crowds and his disciples Jesus said,
2 'The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses.
3 You must therefore do and observe what they tell you; but do not be guided by what they do, since they do not practise what they preach.
4 They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people's shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they!
5 Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader headbands and longer tassels,
6 like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues,
7 being greeted respectfully in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.
8 'You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one Master, and you are all brothers.
9 You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven.
10 Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ.
11 The greatest among you must be your servant.
12 Anyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be raised up.
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
The most difficult part being a Christian is that you must have direct access to God, forgetting the "agents of God" for they are Pharisees sometimes. The chair of Moses was occupied by them.
Away from the Pharisees, they are evil. Pharisees cannot lead you to Heaven, but the other way. Away from them. What they promised are material entertainments only and that is the way to seek devil.
2011年10月23日 星期日
Two Commandment
My Sunday Scripture 2011.10.23.
---------------------------
The Text: Matthew 22:34-40.
----------------------------
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together,
and one of them (a scholar of the law) tested him by asking,
Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?
He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandment
----------------------
My Reading Notes
----------------------
I shall love God with all my heart, my soul, my mind.
I shall love neighbor as myself.
---------------------------
The Text: Matthew 22:34-40.
----------------------------
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together,
and one of them (a scholar of the law) tested him by asking,
Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?
He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandment
----------------------
My Reading Notes
----------------------
I shall love God with all my heart, my soul, my mind.
I shall love neighbor as myself.
2011年10月9日 星期日
What shall we pay to God?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.10.16
-----------------------------
The text: Matthew 22:15-21
-----------------------------
15 Then the Pharisees went away to work out between them how to trap him in what he said.
16 And they sent their disciples to him, together with some Herodians, to say, 'Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in all honesty, and that you are not afraid of anyone, because human rank means nothing to you.
17 Give us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?'
18 But Jesus was aware of their malice and replied, 'You hypocrites! Why are you putting me to the test?
19 Show me the money you pay the tax with.' They handed him a denarius,
20 and he said, 'Whose portrait is this? Whose title?'
21 They replied, 'Caesar's.' Then he said to them, 'Very well, pay Caesar what belongs to Caesar -- and God what belongs to God.'
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
We all know what is the thing for Ceasar. But do we know, what is the thing belongs to God?
What shall we pay to God?
Please tell me, if you can.
-----------------------------
The text: Matthew 22:15-21
-----------------------------
15 Then the Pharisees went away to work out between them how to trap him in what he said.
16 And they sent their disciples to him, together with some Herodians, to say, 'Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in all honesty, and that you are not afraid of anyone, because human rank means nothing to you.
17 Give us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?'
18 But Jesus was aware of their malice and replied, 'You hypocrites! Why are you putting me to the test?
19 Show me the money you pay the tax with.' They handed him a denarius,
20 and he said, 'Whose portrait is this? Whose title?'
21 They replied, 'Caesar's.' Then he said to them, 'Very well, pay Caesar what belongs to Caesar -- and God what belongs to God.'
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
We all know what is the thing for Ceasar. But do we know, what is the thing belongs to God?
What shall we pay to God?
Please tell me, if you can.
2011年10月2日 星期日
those who were invited proved to be unworthy
My Sunday Scripture 2011.10.9.
--------------------
The Text:
Matthew 22:1-14
--------------------
1 Jesus began to speak to them in parables once again,
2 'The kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son's wedding.
3 He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come.
4 Next he sent some more servants with the words, "Tell those who have been invited: Look, my banquet is all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding."
5 But they were not interested: one went off to his farm, another to his business,
6 and the rest seized his servants, maltreated them and killed them.
7 The king was furious. He despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town.
8 Then he said to his servants, "The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy,
9 go to the main crossroads and invite everyone you can find to come to the wedding."
10 So these servants went out onto the roads and collected together everyone they could find, bad and good alike; and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 When the king came in to look at the guests he noticed one man who was not wearing a wedding garment,
12 and said to him, "How did you get in here, my friend, without a wedding garment?" And the man was silent.
13 Then the king said to the attendants, "Bind him hand and foot and throw him into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth."
14 For many are invited but not all are chosen.'
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
"those who were invited proved to be unworthy".....
Some people were chosen. And They are proved to be unworthy.
Then, What next?
Were The Choice wrong? It is because humans are free. They have a free choice. Even the chosen people can do bad things. And we can not say, the choice was wrong. We can only say, some people are unworthy of God's kind blessing.
--------------------
The Text:
Matthew 22:1-14
--------------------
1 Jesus began to speak to them in parables once again,
2 'The kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son's wedding.
3 He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come.
4 Next he sent some more servants with the words, "Tell those who have been invited: Look, my banquet is all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding."
5 But they were not interested: one went off to his farm, another to his business,
6 and the rest seized his servants, maltreated them and killed them.
7 The king was furious. He despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town.
8 Then he said to his servants, "The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy,
9 go to the main crossroads and invite everyone you can find to come to the wedding."
10 So these servants went out onto the roads and collected together everyone they could find, bad and good alike; and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 When the king came in to look at the guests he noticed one man who was not wearing a wedding garment,
12 and said to him, "How did you get in here, my friend, without a wedding garment?" And the man was silent.
13 Then the king said to the attendants, "Bind him hand and foot and throw him into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth."
14 For many are invited but not all are chosen.'
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
"those who were invited proved to be unworthy".....
Some people were chosen. And They are proved to be unworthy.
Then, What next?
Were The Choice wrong? It is because humans are free. They have a free choice. Even the chosen people can do bad things. And we can not say, the choice was wrong. We can only say, some people are unworthy of God's kind blessing.
Which nation will be the next Israel?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.10.2.
------------------------
The Text:
Matthew 21:33-43
------------------------
33 'Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyar
34 When vintage time drew near he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce.
35 But the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one, killed another and stoned a d; he fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad.
third.
36 Next he sent some more servants, this time a larger number, and they dealt with them in the same way.
37 Finally he sent his son to them thinking, "They will respect my son."
38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, "This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance."
39 So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?'
41 They answered, 'He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him at the proper time.'
42 Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this is the Lord's doing and we marvel at it?
43 'I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.'
----------------------
My Reading Notes:
----------------------
God is expecting us to do something always. He expected humans to work on the field and have some harvest.
Now the Israel is producing no harvest.
Which nation will be the next Israel? To produce enough fruit for the Kingdom of God?
------------------------
The Text:
Matthew 21:33-43
------------------------
33 'Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyar
34 When vintage time drew near he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce.
35 But the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one, killed another and stoned a d; he fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad.
third.
36 Next he sent some more servants, this time a larger number, and they dealt with them in the same way.
37 Finally he sent his son to them thinking, "They will respect my son."
38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, "This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance."
39 So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?'
41 They answered, 'He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him at the proper time.'
42 Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this is the Lord's doing and we marvel at it?
43 'I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.'
----------------------
My Reading Notes:
----------------------
God is expecting us to do something always. He expected humans to work on the field and have some harvest.
Now the Israel is producing no harvest.
Which nation will be the next Israel? To produce enough fruit for the Kingdom of God?
2011年9月25日 星期日
Did you go?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.9.25.
--------------------------
The Text: Matthew 21:28-32
--------------------------
What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.'
He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.
Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.
---------------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------------
The most important things here is the action, not the words.
It does not matter if he say yes or no, but whether you have go.
And that is the difference between a true Christian and a false Christian.
And the question is: Did you really go? Did you performed yourself in your life?
Did you live your life?
--------------------------
The Text: Matthew 21:28-32
--------------------------
What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.'
He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.
Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.
---------------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------------
The most important things here is the action, not the words.
It does not matter if he say yes or no, but whether you have go.
And that is the difference between a true Christian and a false Christian.
And the question is: Did you really go? Did you performed yourself in your life?
Did you live your life?
2011年9月18日 星期日
What is the meaning of first and last
My Sunday Scripture 2011.9.18
---------------------------
The Text: Matthew 20:1-16a
---------------------------
1 'Now the kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner going out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard.
2 He made an agreement with the workers for one denarius a day and sent them to his vineyard.
3 Going out at about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place
4 and said to them, "You go to my vineyard too and I will give you a fair wage."
5 So they went. At about the sixth hour and again at about the ninth hour, he went out and did the same.
6 Then at about the eleventh hour he went out and found more men standing around, and he said to them, "Why have you been standing here idle all day?"
7 "Because no one has hired us," they answered. He said to them, "You go into my vineyard too."
8 In the evening, the owner of the vineyard said to his bailiff, "Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last arrivals and ending with the first."
9 So those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came forward and received one denarius each.
10 When the first came, they expected to get more, but they too received one denarius each.
11 They took it, but grumbled at the landowner saying,
12 "The men who came last have done only one hour, and you have treated them the same as us, though we have done a heavy day's work in all the heat."
13 He answered one of them and said, "My friend, I am not being unjust to you; did we not agree on one denarius?
14 Take your earnings and go. I choose to pay the lastcomer as much as I pay you.
15 Have I no right to do what I like with my own? Why should you be envious because I am generous?"
16 Thus the last will be first, and the first, last.'
-------------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------------
I will learn not to worry if i am the last. For I know that God had given me enough to live for. In that case, first and last are the same. What not the same is my effort. If i have dedicate enough, i will be with God.
---------------------------
The Text: Matthew 20:1-16a
---------------------------
1 'Now the kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner going out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard.
2 He made an agreement with the workers for one denarius a day and sent them to his vineyard.
3 Going out at about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place
4 and said to them, "You go to my vineyard too and I will give you a fair wage."
5 So they went. At about the sixth hour and again at about the ninth hour, he went out and did the same.
6 Then at about the eleventh hour he went out and found more men standing around, and he said to them, "Why have you been standing here idle all day?"
7 "Because no one has hired us," they answered. He said to them, "You go into my vineyard too."
8 In the evening, the owner of the vineyard said to his bailiff, "Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last arrivals and ending with the first."
9 So those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came forward and received one denarius each.
10 When the first came, they expected to get more, but they too received one denarius each.
11 They took it, but grumbled at the landowner saying,
12 "The men who came last have done only one hour, and you have treated them the same as us, though we have done a heavy day's work in all the heat."
13 He answered one of them and said, "My friend, I am not being unjust to you; did we not agree on one denarius?
14 Take your earnings and go. I choose to pay the lastcomer as much as I pay you.
15 Have I no right to do what I like with my own? Why should you be envious because I am generous?"
16 Thus the last will be first, and the first, last.'
-------------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------------
I will learn not to worry if i am the last. For I know that God had given me enough to live for. In that case, first and last are the same. What not the same is my effort. If i have dedicate enough, i will be with God.
2011年9月10日 星期六
none of us
My Sunday Scripture 2011.9.11
----------------------------
The Text:
----------------------------
---------------------
Reading 2, Rom 14:7-9
---------------------
7 For none of us lives for himself and none of us dies for himself;
8 while we are alive, we are living for the Lord, and when we die, we die for the Lord: and so, alive or dead, we belong to the Lord.
9 It was for this purpose that Christ both died and came to life again: so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
-----------------------
My Reading Notes:
-----------------------
Paul said: "For none of us lives for himself and none of us dies for himself";
Take note on the word: "None". He is searching the basic element of mankind.
Life itself is not life. You need to have a reborn, then you will know what is life. To reborn, is to know the real meaning of life, is to know life is not only flesh, but the fighting spirit inside. It is this spirit that lives, the body is helping the spirit to work. It is important to have the spirit enlightened---that we could say, is re-born.
----------------------------
The Text:
----------------------------
---------------------
Reading 2, Rom 14:7-9
---------------------
7 For none of us lives for himself and none of us dies for himself;
8 while we are alive, we are living for the Lord, and when we die, we die for the Lord: and so, alive or dead, we belong to the Lord.
9 It was for this purpose that Christ both died and came to life again: so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
-----------------------
My Reading Notes:
-----------------------
Paul said: "For none of us lives for himself and none of us dies for himself";
Take note on the word: "None". He is searching the basic element of mankind.
Life itself is not life. You need to have a reborn, then you will know what is life. To reborn, is to know the real meaning of life, is to know life is not only flesh, but the fighting spirit inside. It is this spirit that lives, the body is helping the spirit to work. It is important to have the spirit enlightened---that we could say, is re-born.
2011年9月3日 星期六
They might be wrong
My Sunday Scripture 2011.9.4.
The Text: Matthew 18:15-20
15 'If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.
16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: whatever the misdemeanour, the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain the charge.
17 But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a gentile or a tax collector.
18 'In truth I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 'In truth I tell you once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them.'
My reading Notes
the message to day is only one line:
They are human, and they might be wrong.
The Text: Matthew 18:15-20
15 'If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.
16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: whatever the misdemeanour, the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain the charge.
17 But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a gentile or a tax collector.
18 'In truth I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 'In truth I tell you once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them.'
My reading Notes
the message to day is only one line:
They are human, and they might be wrong.
2011年8月27日 星期六
Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.
My Sunday Scripture 2011.8.28.
--------------------------------
The Text: Matthew 16:21-27
--------------------------------
21 From then onwards Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer grievously at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death and to be raised up on the third day.
22 Then, taking him aside, Peter started to rebuke him. 'Heaven preserve you, Lord,' he said, 'this must not happen to you.'
23 But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because you are thinking not as God thinks but as human beings do.'
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.
26 What, then, will anyone gain by winning the whole world and forfeiting his life? Or what can anyone offer in exchange for his life?
27 'For the Son of man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each one according to his behaviour
-------------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------------
This is a very basic teaching of Jesus Christ.
Any one who wants to keep his life will lose it, and any one who gives his life may have it.
Why?
And this is very very special among all other religion teachings, and even some Christians may have difficulties understanding it.
The point is: How do you "use" your life?
Do you want to use it, or do you want to waste it?
And what is waste?
just like candle burning.
Those who are willing to burn himself may have life. And those who refuse to burn, will have no life. Its simple and clear, however, not easy for many.
--------------------------------
The Text: Matthew 16:21-27
--------------------------------
21 From then onwards Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer grievously at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death and to be raised up on the third day.
22 Then, taking him aside, Peter started to rebuke him. 'Heaven preserve you, Lord,' he said, 'this must not happen to you.'
23 But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because you are thinking not as God thinks but as human beings do.'
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.
26 What, then, will anyone gain by winning the whole world and forfeiting his life? Or what can anyone offer in exchange for his life?
27 'For the Son of man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each one according to his behaviour
-------------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------------
This is a very basic teaching of Jesus Christ.
Any one who wants to keep his life will lose it, and any one who gives his life may have it.
Why?
And this is very very special among all other religion teachings, and even some Christians may have difficulties understanding it.
The point is: How do you "use" your life?
Do you want to use it, or do you want to waste it?
And what is waste?
just like candle burning.
Those who are willing to burn himself may have life. And those who refuse to burn, will have no life. Its simple and clear, however, not easy for many.
2011年8月20日 星期六
Who is Jesus?
My Sunday Scripture 20110821
--------------------------------
The text: Matthew 16:13-20
--------------------------------
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of man is?'
And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'
'But you,' he said, 'who do you say I am?'
Then Simon Peter spoke up and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'
Jesus replied, 'Simon son of Jonah, you are a blessed man! Because it was no human agency that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.
So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my community. And the gates of the underworld can never overpower it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.'
Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to say to anyone that he was the Christ.
My Reading Notes:
Who is Jesus? Is he God himself, or is he only a very talented man?
I believe he is God. I believe God had sent different messages to human beings through the ages, including Egypt and China, etc. But this time is the only time God had send himself to the earth, trying to give us some extra message.
--------------------------------
The text: Matthew 16:13-20
--------------------------------
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of man is?'
And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'
'But you,' he said, 'who do you say I am?'
Then Simon Peter spoke up and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'
Jesus replied, 'Simon son of Jonah, you are a blessed man! Because it was no human agency that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.
So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my community. And the gates of the underworld can never overpower it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.'
Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to say to anyone that he was the Christ.
My Reading Notes:
Who is Jesus? Is he God himself, or is he only a very talented man?
I believe he is God. I believe God had sent different messages to human beings through the ages, including Egypt and China, etc. But this time is the only time God had send himself to the earth, trying to give us some extra message.
2011年8月13日 星期六
She is free because of her faith
Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed from that hour.
My Reading Notes:
From the point of the supernatural meaning, she is healed.
From the point of parables, that one who has absolute faith, is free. One is free from all the obstacles on earth. This is the point of Zhuang zi the Chinese philosophy also. See my point about true love in my blog.
My Reading Notes:
From the point of the supernatural meaning, she is healed.
From the point of parables, that one who has absolute faith, is free. One is free from all the obstacles on earth. This is the point of Zhuang zi the Chinese philosophy also. See my point about true love in my blog.
2011年8月6日 星期六
Why did you doubt?
My Sunday Scritpture 2011.8.7
----------------------
The Text: Rom 9:1-5
----------------------
1 This is the truth and I am speaking in Christ, without pretence, as my conscience testifies for me in the Holy Spirit;
2 there is great sorrow and unremitting agony in my heart:
3 I could pray that I myself might be accursed and cut off from Christ, if this could benefit the brothers who are my own flesh and blood.
4 They are Israelites; it was they who were adopted as children, the glory was theirs and the covenants; to them were given the Law and the worship of God and the promises.
5 To them belong the fathers and out of them, so far as physical descent is concerned, came Christ who is above all, God, blessed for ever. Amen.
22 And at once he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he sent the crowds away.
23 After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 while the boat, by now some furlongs from land, was hard pressed by rough waves, for there was a head-wind.
25 In the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the sea,
26 and when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. 'It is a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, 'Courage! It's me! Don't be afraid.'
28 It was Peter who answered. 'Lord,' he said, 'if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.'
29 Jesus said, 'Come.' Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water,
30 but then noticing the wind, he took fright and began to sink. 'Lord,' he cried, 'save me!'
31 Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. 'You have so little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'
32 And as they got into the boat the wind dropped.
33 The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, 'Truly, you are the Son of God.'
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
I would say, I am a weak person. Jesus asked Peter: Why did you doubt? And that is my question too. Do I have such strong believe, then I could go anywhere and every where?
Please take off my weakness. So help me Lord.
----------------------
The Text: Rom 9:1-5
----------------------
1 This is the truth and I am speaking in Christ, without pretence, as my conscience testifies for me in the Holy Spirit;
2 there is great sorrow and unremitting agony in my heart:
3 I could pray that I myself might be accursed and cut off from Christ, if this could benefit the brothers who are my own flesh and blood.
4 They are Israelites; it was they who were adopted as children, the glory was theirs and the covenants; to them were given the Law and the worship of God and the promises.
5 To them belong the fathers and out of them, so far as physical descent is concerned, came Christ who is above all, God, blessed for ever. Amen.
22 And at once he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he sent the crowds away.
23 After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 while the boat, by now some furlongs from land, was hard pressed by rough waves, for there was a head-wind.
25 In the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the sea,
26 and when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. 'It is a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, 'Courage! It's me! Don't be afraid.'
28 It was Peter who answered. 'Lord,' he said, 'if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.'
29 Jesus said, 'Come.' Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water,
30 but then noticing the wind, he took fright and began to sink. 'Lord,' he cried, 'save me!'
31 Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. 'You have so little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'
32 And as they got into the boat the wind dropped.
33 The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, 'Truly, you are the Son of God.'
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
I would say, I am a weak person. Jesus asked Peter: Why did you doubt? And that is my question too. Do I have such strong believe, then I could go anywhere and every where?
Please take off my weakness. So help me Lord.
2011年7月30日 星期六
Should We Fight Herod?
My Sunday Scripture and My Reading Notes 2011.7.31.
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The Text: Matthew 14:13-21
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When Jesus received this news he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the crowds heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot.
So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.
When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, 'This is a lonely place, and time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.'
Jesus replied, 'There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.'
But they answered, 'All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.'
So he said, 'Bring them here to me.'
He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves he handed them to his disciples, who gave them to the crowds.
They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps left over, twelve baskets full.
Now about five thousand men had eaten, to say nothing of women and children.
__________________
My Reading Notes:
__________________
May be this is the most difficult part in Bible.
When Jesus heard the news of John, who was beheaded by Herod, Jesus did nothing, or say nothing.
It is very difficult to understand. Why Jesus did nothing to interfere? Later, Jesus himself was killed under the same King.
Should we fight for justice, or just accept it?
If we are to fight, in what manner should we fight?
I would be improved if I were to understand, that Herod is not the enemy or even the target of our aim. Something is more important, and Jesus was busy doing the more important thing, then to fight Herod.
-----------
The Text: Matthew 14:13-21
-----------
When Jesus received this news he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the crowds heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot.
So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.
When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, 'This is a lonely place, and time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.'
Jesus replied, 'There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.'
But they answered, 'All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.'
So he said, 'Bring them here to me.'
He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves he handed them to his disciples, who gave them to the crowds.
They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps left over, twelve baskets full.
Now about five thousand men had eaten, to say nothing of women and children.
__________________
My Reading Notes:
__________________
May be this is the most difficult part in Bible.
When Jesus heard the news of John, who was beheaded by Herod, Jesus did nothing, or say nothing.
It is very difficult to understand. Why Jesus did nothing to interfere? Later, Jesus himself was killed under the same King.
Should we fight for justice, or just accept it?
If we are to fight, in what manner should we fight?
I would be improved if I were to understand, that Herod is not the enemy or even the target of our aim. Something is more important, and Jesus was busy doing the more important thing, then to fight Herod.
2011年7月23日 星期六
What is the kingdom of heaven?
My Sunday Scripture and reading notes
---------------------------
The Text: Matthew 13:44-52.
---------------------------
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.
When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.
Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Do you understand all these things? They answered, "Yes."
And he replied, "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old."
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
If you ask me, what is the kingdom of heaven? or, if you ask me, what is heaven? I will probable tell you that is somewhere in the clouds.
But Jesus has a different answer. It must be thoutht clearly.
It seems that, heaven is a behaviour rather then a place.
Heaven is not only a behaviour but a good behaviour.
And the behaviour is so important, that by doing it, we reached heaven.
Now, we can examine, what are the important behaviours........
First you have found the treasure on earth. It is so important, you will trade very thing for it.
Now we must think: What is so important on earth? What is so important to you and to everyone??
With that in mind, the treasue you are willing to give your life for it, is heaven.
What is that particular treasure??
We must think.
---------------------------
The Text: Matthew 13:44-52.
---------------------------
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.
When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.
Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Do you understand all these things? They answered, "Yes."
And he replied, "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old."
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
If you ask me, what is the kingdom of heaven? or, if you ask me, what is heaven? I will probable tell you that is somewhere in the clouds.
But Jesus has a different answer. It must be thoutht clearly.
It seems that, heaven is a behaviour rather then a place.
Heaven is not only a behaviour but a good behaviour.
And the behaviour is so important, that by doing it, we reached heaven.
Now, we can examine, what are the important behaviours........
First you have found the treasure on earth. It is so important, you will trade very thing for it.
Now we must think: What is so important on earth? What is so important to you and to everyone??
With that in mind, the treasue you are willing to give your life for it, is heaven.
What is that particular treasure??
We must think.
2011年7月17日 星期日
Where is the Kingdom of Heaven?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.7.17
-------------------------------
The Text: Matthew 13:24-43.
-------------------------------
He proposed another parable to them. "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field.
While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.
When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.
The slaves of the householder came to him and said, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?'
He answered, 'An enemy has done this.' His slaves said to him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
He replied, 'No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.
Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, "First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn."'"
He proposed another parable to them. "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field.
It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the 'birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.'"
He spoke to them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened."
All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables,
to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation (of the world)."
Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."
He said in reply, "He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,
the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one,
and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
Just as weeds are collected and burned (up) with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.
They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.
_________________
My Reading Notes:
_________________
Where is the Kingdom of Heaven? Is it not in the wheat field? or Mustand seed? or Yeast?
Or is it not in you and me?
When we have done something good, we are in Heaven. Is it not the meaning of Jesus????
-------------------------------
The Text: Matthew 13:24-43.
-------------------------------
He proposed another parable to them. "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field.
While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.
When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.
The slaves of the householder came to him and said, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?'
He answered, 'An enemy has done this.' His slaves said to him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
He replied, 'No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.
Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, "First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn."'"
He proposed another parable to them. "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field.
It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the 'birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.'"
He spoke to them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened."
All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables,
to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation (of the world)."
Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."
He said in reply, "He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,
the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one,
and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
Just as weeds are collected and burned (up) with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.
They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.
_________________
My Reading Notes:
_________________
Where is the Kingdom of Heaven? Is it not in the wheat field? or Mustand seed? or Yeast?
Or is it not in you and me?
When we have done something good, we are in Heaven. Is it not the meaning of Jesus????
2011年7月9日 星期六
Why parables were used?
My Sunday Scritpure 2011.7.10
--------------------------
The Text: Matthew 13:1-23
--------------------------
1 That same day, Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside,
2 but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The people all stood on the shore,
3 and he told them many things in parables. He said, 'Listen, a sower went out to sow.
4 As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up.
5 Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up at once, because there was no depth of earth;
6 but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away.
7 Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
8 Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
9 Anyone who has ears should listen!'
10 Then the disciples went up to him and asked, 'Why do you talk to them in parables?'
11 In answer, he said, 'Because to you is granted to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not granted.
12 Anyone who has will be given more and will have more than enough; but anyone who has not will be deprived even of what he has.
13 The reason I talk to them in parables is that they look without seeing and listen without hearing or understanding.
14 So in their case what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah is being fulfilled: Listen and listen, but never understand! Look and look, but never perceive!
15 This people's heart has grown coarse, their ears dulled, they have shut their eyes tight to avoid using their eyes to see, their ears to hear, their heart to understand, changing their ways and being healed by me.
16 'But blessed are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear!
17 In truth I tell you, many prophets and upright people longed to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.
18 'So pay attention to the parable of the sower.
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom without understanding, the Evil One comes and carries off what was sown in his heart: this is the seed sown on the edge of the path.
20 The seed sown on patches of rock is someone who hears the word and welcomes it at once with joy.
21 But such a person has no root deep down and does not last; should some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, at once he falls away.
22 The seed sown in thorns is someone who hears the word, but the worry of the world and the lure of riches choke the word and so it produces nothing.
23 And the seed sown in rich soil is someone who hears the word and understands it; this is the one who yields a harvest and produces now a hundredfold, now sixty, now thirty.'
---------------------
My Reading Notes
---------------------
It was my wonderful feeling to know that may be all the truth were explosed to us human beings in the form of parables.
It was because we can not understand the things directly, so, Jesus could only tell us stories, like adults tell stories to children.
Do not think that you can know all, but that we can see into the world in a form of parables.
Do we have such "rich soil" in our mind, to learn the parables?
--------------------------
The Text: Matthew 13:1-23
--------------------------
1 That same day, Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside,
2 but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The people all stood on the shore,
3 and he told them many things in parables. He said, 'Listen, a sower went out to sow.
4 As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up.
5 Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up at once, because there was no depth of earth;
6 but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away.
7 Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
8 Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
9 Anyone who has ears should listen!'
10 Then the disciples went up to him and asked, 'Why do you talk to them in parables?'
11 In answer, he said, 'Because to you is granted to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not granted.
12 Anyone who has will be given more and will have more than enough; but anyone who has not will be deprived even of what he has.
13 The reason I talk to them in parables is that they look without seeing and listen without hearing or understanding.
14 So in their case what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah is being fulfilled: Listen and listen, but never understand! Look and look, but never perceive!
15 This people's heart has grown coarse, their ears dulled, they have shut their eyes tight to avoid using their eyes to see, their ears to hear, their heart to understand, changing their ways and being healed by me.
16 'But blessed are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear!
17 In truth I tell you, many prophets and upright people longed to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.
18 'So pay attention to the parable of the sower.
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom without understanding, the Evil One comes and carries off what was sown in his heart: this is the seed sown on the edge of the path.
20 The seed sown on patches of rock is someone who hears the word and welcomes it at once with joy.
21 But such a person has no root deep down and does not last; should some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, at once he falls away.
22 The seed sown in thorns is someone who hears the word, but the worry of the world and the lure of riches choke the word and so it produces nothing.
23 And the seed sown in rich soil is someone who hears the word and understands it; this is the one who yields a harvest and produces now a hundredfold, now sixty, now thirty.'
---------------------
My Reading Notes
---------------------
It was my wonderful feeling to know that may be all the truth were explosed to us human beings in the form of parables.
It was because we can not understand the things directly, so, Jesus could only tell us stories, like adults tell stories to children.
Do not think that you can know all, but that we can see into the world in a form of parables.
Do we have such "rich soil" in our mind, to learn the parables?
2011年7月3日 星期日
YOU have hidden these things from the wise
My Sunday Scripture 2011.7.3.
The Text: Matthew 11:25-30.
At that time Jesus said in reply, "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
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My Reading Notes:
-----------------
Yes, The truth has been hidden from the wise and the learned. They didnt know the ultimate truth. And the truth is revealed only to the childish people.
That means, you need to have a heart to learn things.
The Text: Matthew 11:25-30.
At that time Jesus said in reply, "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
-----------------
My Reading Notes:
-----------------
Yes, The truth has been hidden from the wise and the learned. They didnt know the ultimate truth. And the truth is revealed only to the childish people.
That means, you need to have a heart to learn things.
2011年6月25日 星期六
Why is the self not the self
My Sunday Scripture 2011.6.26
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The Text: John 6:51-58
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I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.'
Then the Jews started arguing among themselves, 'How can this man give us his flesh to eat?'
Jesus replied to them: In all truth I tell you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life, and I shall raise that person up on the last day.
For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in that person.
As the living Father sent me and I draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will also draw life from me.
This is the bread which has come down from heaven; it is not like the bread our ancestors ate: they are dead, but anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
That is one very important aspect of life: I am in you and you are in me.
IN this case, the one we are connected is God himself. Actually we are all connected. But the important part is that we are not only connected ourselves, but also with God. That means, our life has gone through all the world, to the another world. We are all one not only on this planet, but on every where in the universe. In such manner, we can see that the self is not the self, but a part of everything. What does that mean?
It means life is meaningful. It gives us courage.
If you are with God, you will fear nothing.
If you are with God, you will always be happy!
------------------------
The Text: John 6:51-58
------------------------
I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.'
Then the Jews started arguing among themselves, 'How can this man give us his flesh to eat?'
Jesus replied to them: In all truth I tell you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life, and I shall raise that person up on the last day.
For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in that person.
As the living Father sent me and I draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will also draw life from me.
This is the bread which has come down from heaven; it is not like the bread our ancestors ate: they are dead, but anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
That is one very important aspect of life: I am in you and you are in me.
IN this case, the one we are connected is God himself. Actually we are all connected. But the important part is that we are not only connected ourselves, but also with God. That means, our life has gone through all the world, to the another world. We are all one not only on this planet, but on every where in the universe. In such manner, we can see that the self is not the self, but a part of everything. What does that mean?
It means life is meaningful. It gives us courage.
If you are with God, you will fear nothing.
If you are with God, you will always be happy!
2011年6月18日 星期六
What is eternal life?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.6.19.
________________________
The Text: John 3:16-18
________________________
For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
For God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.
No one who believes in him will be judged; but whoever does not believe is judged already, because that person does not believe in the Name of God's only Son.
_________________________
My Reading Notes:
_________________________
To me, eternal life is not some where you go to after your death.
It is now and it is here.
If one has received the holy spirit, if one is jointed into the spirit,
then one is one. That means, one has jointed into the real life. And that is eternal.
________________________
The Text: John 3:16-18
________________________
For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
For God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.
No one who believes in him will be judged; but whoever does not believe is judged already, because that person does not believe in the Name of God's only Son.
_________________________
My Reading Notes:
_________________________
To me, eternal life is not some where you go to after your death.
It is now and it is here.
If one has received the holy spirit, if one is jointed into the spirit,
then one is one. That means, one has jointed into the real life. And that is eternal.
Receive the Spirit
My Sunday Scripture 2011.6.12
The Text: John 20:19-23.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, «Peace be with you.»
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
(Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
My Reading Notes:
Receive the Holy Spirit is the most important thing in one's life.
To have a spirit and to have not, is totally not the same.
Hope we all enjoy the spirit in us.
The Text: John 20:19-23.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, «Peace be with you.»
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
(Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
My Reading Notes:
Receive the Holy Spirit is the most important thing in one's life.
To have a spirit and to have not, is totally not the same.
Hope we all enjoy the spirit in us.
2011年6月4日 星期六
Life has such been a fuss with me.........
My Sunday Scripture 2011.5.29
The Text: John 14:15-21.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,
the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live.
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.
Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."
My Reading Notes:
Life has such been a fuss with me in the last week. I was so busy, and had almost forgotten my daily Bible. Now that when I sit down, trying to locate that particular daily reading from last week, and I couldnt find it in the catholic.org; though I still can locate it from my mails.
We are always like orphans in the world. This is a very vivid feeling for me always. I felt weak and unsafe. However, when I read this passage, I feel much stronger. Yes, the advocate is always IN me. Jesus will not and will never leave us orphans. This is the most comfortable words I hear in years.
The Text: John 14:15-21.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,
the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live.
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.
Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."
My Reading Notes:
Life has such been a fuss with me in the last week. I was so busy, and had almost forgotten my daily Bible. Now that when I sit down, trying to locate that particular daily reading from last week, and I couldnt find it in the catholic.org; though I still can locate it from my mails.
We are always like orphans in the world. This is a very vivid feeling for me always. I felt weak and unsafe. However, when I read this passage, I feel much stronger. Yes, the advocate is always IN me. Jesus will not and will never leave us orphans. This is the most comfortable words I hear in years.
2011年5月21日 星期六
What is the "Way"?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.5.22.
-------------------------
The Text: John 14:1-12
-------------------------
1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me.
2 In my Father's house there are many places to live in; otherwise I would have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you,
3 and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you to myself, so that you may be with me where I am.
4 You know the way to the place where I am going.
5 Thomas said, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?'
6 Jesus said: I am the Way; I am Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
7 If you know me, you will know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.
8 Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and then we shall be satisfied.' Jesus said to him,
9 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 'Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father"?
10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? What I say to you I do not speak of my own accord: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his works.
11 You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe it on the evidence of these works.
12 In all truth I tell you, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, and will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
I have been thinking about the quesion in my blog recently: What is the way for future human beings? Where are WE going? What should WE do?
Shall we Fight with each other, then peril in the several huge difficulties like the oil crisis, weather crisis, economic crisis?
Or simply love each other and WAIT for help from about and doing Nothing?
What is our WAY?
The point is, whether we understand what is the meaning behind the words of Jesus.
We have one way to connect each other, to connect all the human beings, to connect their will, their wisdom, their power, their love, too. The way is in Jesus. He is the way. That means we have to have some channel to connect.
And that means we should have build up some common believe in the whole world. the Common Believe I mention here is: We are all in one. we should love each other, we should share. We should share our wisdom, share our property, share those things all we have. Then that is the way to God, and the Way to future.
-------------------------
The Text: John 14:1-12
-------------------------
1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me.
2 In my Father's house there are many places to live in; otherwise I would have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you,
3 and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you to myself, so that you may be with me where I am.
4 You know the way to the place where I am going.
5 Thomas said, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?'
6 Jesus said: I am the Way; I am Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
7 If you know me, you will know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.
8 Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and then we shall be satisfied.' Jesus said to him,
9 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 'Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father"?
10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? What I say to you I do not speak of my own accord: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his works.
11 You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe it on the evidence of these works.
12 In all truth I tell you, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, and will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
I have been thinking about the quesion in my blog recently: What is the way for future human beings? Where are WE going? What should WE do?
Shall we Fight with each other, then peril in the several huge difficulties like the oil crisis, weather crisis, economic crisis?
Or simply love each other and WAIT for help from about and doing Nothing?
What is our WAY?
The point is, whether we understand what is the meaning behind the words of Jesus.
We have one way to connect each other, to connect all the human beings, to connect their will, their wisdom, their power, their love, too. The way is in Jesus. He is the way. That means we have to have some channel to connect.
And that means we should have build up some common believe in the whole world. the Common Believe I mention here is: We are all in one. we should love each other, we should share. We should share our wisdom, share our property, share those things all we have. Then that is the way to God, and the Way to future.
2011年5月14日 星期六
What is the "Gate"?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.5.15.
The Text: John 10:1-10.
Jesus said: «Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."
Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
So Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came (before me) are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
Why should be all, the human beings all, should come through the "gate" to be saved?
Should all other religions, all other nations, all human beings do the same?
Yes. It is definitely so.
For Jesus has brought us love. Without love, human can never be saved.
The Text: John 10:1-10.
Jesus said: «Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."
Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
So Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came (before me) are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
Why should be all, the human beings all, should come through the "gate" to be saved?
Should all other religions, all other nations, all human beings do the same?
Yes. It is definitely so.
For Jesus has brought us love. Without love, human can never be saved.
2011年5月7日 星期六
Why are the human hearts "slow"?
My Sunday Scritpure 2011.5.8.
--------------------------
The text: Luke 24:13-35.
--------------------------
That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,
and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.
And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them,
but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
He asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They stopped, looking downcast.
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?"
And he replied to them, "What sort of things?" They said to him, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.
But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place.
Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning
and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive.
Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see."
And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!
Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures.
As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther.
But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.
With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.
Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning (within us) while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?"
So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them
who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!"
Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
-----------------
My Reading Notes
-----------------
First, they could not recognise him. Sometimes even when Jesus were talking to you directly, and you can not recognise him.
They are looking downcast. Jesus knew that they did not understand what was going on. Jeses said, "How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!"
What is "Slow" and Why are we "slow"?
One thing is for sure, that the mind need some time to compute what is going on. Seeing is not believing, because it need the mind to compute and function. When the mind has a decision, then, there comes the believing.
It needs time. But if we know that it needs time, then we could have learn things better and faster.
--------------------------
The text: Luke 24:13-35.
--------------------------
That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,
and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.
And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them,
but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
He asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They stopped, looking downcast.
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?"
And he replied to them, "What sort of things?" They said to him, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.
But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place.
Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning
and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive.
Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see."
And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!
Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures.
As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther.
But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.
With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.
Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning (within us) while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?"
So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them
who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!"
Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
-----------------
My Reading Notes
-----------------
First, they could not recognise him. Sometimes even when Jesus were talking to you directly, and you can not recognise him.
They are looking downcast. Jesus knew that they did not understand what was going on. Jeses said, "How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!"
What is "Slow" and Why are we "slow"?
One thing is for sure, that the mind need some time to compute what is going on. Seeing is not believing, because it need the mind to compute and function. When the mind has a decision, then, there comes the believing.
It needs time. But if we know that it needs time, then we could have learn things better and faster.
2011年5月4日 星期三
What is the aim of my faith?
My Sunday Scritpure 2011.5.1
--------------------------
The text: 1 Peter 1:3-9
--------------------------
3 Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
4 and into a heritage that can never be spoilt or soiled and never fade away. It is reserved in heaven for you
5 who are being kept safe by God's power through faith until the salvation which has been prepared is revealed at the final point of time.
6 This is a great joy to you, even though for a short time yet you must bear all sorts of trials;
7 so that the worth of your faith, more valuable than gold, which is perishable even if it has been tested by fire, may be proved -- to your praise and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8 You have not seen him, yet you love him; and still without seeing him you believe in him and so are already filled with a joy so glorious that it cannot be described;
9 and you are sure of the goal of your faith, that is, the salvation of your souls.
------------------------
My Reading Notes
------------------------
What is the aim of Faith?
Peter said that is for the salvation of souls. If I believe, then, I would join the network of Souls in the universe. And I could be saved.
That could be a theory. But why do I believe in God?
It is because I felt it.
It is because I know there is a God.
--------------------------
The text: 1 Peter 1:3-9
--------------------------
3 Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
4 and into a heritage that can never be spoilt or soiled and never fade away. It is reserved in heaven for you
5 who are being kept safe by God's power through faith until the salvation which has been prepared is revealed at the final point of time.
6 This is a great joy to you, even though for a short time yet you must bear all sorts of trials;
7 so that the worth of your faith, more valuable than gold, which is perishable even if it has been tested by fire, may be proved -- to your praise and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8 You have not seen him, yet you love him; and still without seeing him you believe in him and so are already filled with a joy so glorious that it cannot be described;
9 and you are sure of the goal of your faith, that is, the salvation of your souls.
------------------------
My Reading Notes
------------------------
What is the aim of Faith?
Peter said that is for the salvation of souls. If I believe, then, I would join the network of Souls in the universe. And I could be saved.
That could be a theory. But why do I believe in God?
It is because I felt it.
It is because I know there is a God.
2011年4月23日 星期六
The Real Essence of Christianity
My Sunday Scripture 2011.4.25
-----------------------
The Text: John 20:1-9.
-----------------------
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
-----------------------
My Reading Notes
-----------------------
What is the real essence of Christianity?
That There is a God
That God has send his son to tell us something
That that something is we must love each other, and love God.
That the love is connection between every one, and the Center of the Universe, that is, God himself.
That when we are totally connected, that something wonderful will happen.
-----------------------
The Text: John 20:1-9.
-----------------------
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
-----------------------
My Reading Notes
-----------------------
What is the real essence of Christianity?
That There is a God
That God has send his son to tell us something
That that something is we must love each other, and love God.
That the love is connection between every one, and the Center of the Universe, that is, God himself.
That when we are totally connected, that something wonderful will happen.
2011年4月16日 星期六
why have you forsaken me?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.4.17
-----------------------
The Text: Matthew 27:46
-----------------------
And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, eli, lama sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
We do have such feelings sometimes. Feeling deserted, forsaken.
Why have you deserted me? This is very painful feeling,if we can not understand the way God chooses. It is because we can only see from a very low level, we cannot see clearly what is lying ahead.
God will never desert us. It is only that sometimes we are in pain and our eyes cannot be openned. So, We should pray for a clearer eyesight.
-----------------------
The Text: Matthew 27:46
-----------------------
And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, eli, lama sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
We do have such feelings sometimes. Feeling deserted, forsaken.
Why have you deserted me? This is very painful feeling,if we can not understand the way God chooses. It is because we can only see from a very low level, we cannot see clearly what is lying ahead.
God will never desert us. It is only that sometimes we are in pain and our eyes cannot be openned. So, We should pray for a clearer eyesight.
2011年4月9日 星期六
He cried in a loud voice, Lazarus, come out!
My Sunday Scritpure and reading notes 2011.3.10
The text:
When he had said this, he cried in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!'
The dead man came out, his feet and hands bound with strips of material, and a cloth over his face. Jesus said to them, 'Unbind him, let him go free.'
----------------
My Notes:
----------------
And this is the important part of faith.
If you can believe in this, your faith is complete.
If you dont, you can only partly understand the truth of God.
Many had lost their faith here.
The text:
When he had said this, he cried in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!'
The dead man came out, his feet and hands bound with strips of material, and a cloth over his face. Jesus said to them, 'Unbind him, let him go free.'
----------------
My Notes:
----------------
And this is the important part of faith.
If you can believe in this, your faith is complete.
If you dont, you can only partly understand the truth of God.
Many had lost their faith here.
2011年3月30日 星期三
worship the Father in spirit and truth
My Sunday Scripture 2011.3.27
------------------------
The Text John 4:5-42
------------------------
5 On the way he came to the Samaritan town called Sychar near the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6 Jacob's well was there and Jesus, tired by the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Give me something to drink.'
8 His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, 'You are a Jew. How is it that you ask me, a Samaritan, for something to drink?' -- Jews, of course, do not associate with Samaritans.
10 Jesus replied to her: If you only knew what God is offering and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me something to drink,' you would have been the one to ask, and he would have given you living water.
11 'You have no bucket, sir,' she answered, 'and the well is deep: how do you get this living water?
12 Are you a greater man than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself with his sons and his cattle?'
13 Jesus replied: Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again;
14 but no one who drinks the water that I shall give will ever be thirsty again: the water that I shall give will become a spring of water within, welling up for eternal life.
15 'Sir,' said the woman, 'give me some of that water, so that I may never be thirsty or come here again to draw water.'
16 'Go and call your husband,' said Jesus to her, 'and come back here.'
17 The woman answered, 'I have no husband.' Jesus said to her, 'You are right to say, "I have no husband";
18 for although you have had five, the one you now have is not your husband. You spoke the truth there.'
19 'I see you are a prophet, sir,' said the woman.
20 'Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, though you say that Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.'
21 Jesus said: Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know; for salvation comes from the Jews.
23 But the hour is coming -- indeed is already here -- when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: that is the kind of worshipper the Father seeks.
24 God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.
25 The woman said to him, 'I know that Messiah -- that is, Christ -- is coming; and when he comes he will explain everything.'
26 Jesus said, 'That is who I am, I who speak to you.'
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
Jesus had talked about "Truth" in different places. One is here, and the other is about baptism. John said that when the Messiah comes, the Mesiah will baptise us with "The holy spirit and fire"
And these are highly symbolic terms:
We shall worship God in "spirit" and "truth"
and We shall be baptised with "spirit" and "fire"
What is "Fire"? and What is "Truth"?
I can only say, I have but a very vague feeling in it. And I believe this is the most important point.
How are we to worship God?
Shall we do as the Scripts and Pharisee?
Shall we knelt in the churches without knowing what we are and where we are going?
Or, Shall we seek an answer? Shall we seek the truth? With the help of the spirit?
I believe we shall seek the truth. That is the proper way to worship God.
------------------------
The Text John 4:5-42
------------------------
5 On the way he came to the Samaritan town called Sychar near the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6 Jacob's well was there and Jesus, tired by the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Give me something to drink.'
8 His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, 'You are a Jew. How is it that you ask me, a Samaritan, for something to drink?' -- Jews, of course, do not associate with Samaritans.
10 Jesus replied to her: If you only knew what God is offering and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me something to drink,' you would have been the one to ask, and he would have given you living water.
11 'You have no bucket, sir,' she answered, 'and the well is deep: how do you get this living water?
12 Are you a greater man than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself with his sons and his cattle?'
13 Jesus replied: Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again;
14 but no one who drinks the water that I shall give will ever be thirsty again: the water that I shall give will become a spring of water within, welling up for eternal life.
15 'Sir,' said the woman, 'give me some of that water, so that I may never be thirsty or come here again to draw water.'
16 'Go and call your husband,' said Jesus to her, 'and come back here.'
17 The woman answered, 'I have no husband.' Jesus said to her, 'You are right to say, "I have no husband";
18 for although you have had five, the one you now have is not your husband. You spoke the truth there.'
19 'I see you are a prophet, sir,' said the woman.
20 'Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, though you say that Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.'
21 Jesus said: Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know; for salvation comes from the Jews.
23 But the hour is coming -- indeed is already here -- when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: that is the kind of worshipper the Father seeks.
24 God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.
25 The woman said to him, 'I know that Messiah -- that is, Christ -- is coming; and when he comes he will explain everything.'
26 Jesus said, 'That is who I am, I who speak to you.'
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
Jesus had talked about "Truth" in different places. One is here, and the other is about baptism. John said that when the Messiah comes, the Mesiah will baptise us with "The holy spirit and fire"
And these are highly symbolic terms:
We shall worship God in "spirit" and "truth"
and We shall be baptised with "spirit" and "fire"
What is "Fire"? and What is "Truth"?
I can only say, I have but a very vague feeling in it. And I believe this is the most important point.
How are we to worship God?
Shall we do as the Scripts and Pharisee?
Shall we knelt in the churches without knowing what we are and where we are going?
Or, Shall we seek an answer? Shall we seek the truth? With the help of the spirit?
I believe we shall seek the truth. That is the proper way to worship God.
2011年3月12日 星期六
When should we expect divine intervention?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.3.13.
The Text: Matthew 4:1-11.
At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'" Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
My Reading Notes:
The most important issue here is:
When should we expect divine intervention?
For example, in the height of an Earth quake, should we or could we expect an divine intervention?
How do we seperate the human effort and divine intervention?
There must be a balance between the two, thouhg we can not handle it well always. And the first important question is: Havent I well prepared?
Havent we done our best?
Yes you can ask always. But you have to ask yourself first.
The Text: Matthew 4:1-11.
At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'" Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
My Reading Notes:
The most important issue here is:
When should we expect divine intervention?
For example, in the height of an Earth quake, should we or could we expect an divine intervention?
How do we seperate the human effort and divine intervention?
There must be a balance between the two, thouhg we can not handle it well always. And the first important question is: Havent I well prepared?
Havent we done our best?
Yes you can ask always. But you have to ask yourself first.
2011年3月5日 星期六
I have only one word here: Act!
My Sunday Scripture 2011.3.6
The Text: Mathew 7:21-27
'It is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.
When the day comes many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, work many miracles in your name?"
Then I shall tell them to their faces: I have never known you; away from me, all evil doers!
'Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock.
Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock.
But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand.
Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!'
My Reading Notes:
I have only one word here: Act!
The Text: Mathew 7:21-27
'It is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.
When the day comes many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, work many miracles in your name?"
Then I shall tell them to their faces: I have never known you; away from me, all evil doers!
'Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock.
Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock.
But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand.
Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!'
My Reading Notes:
I have only one word here: Act!
Serve only one master
My Sunday Scritpure 2011.2.27
The Text: Matthew 6:24-34
------------------------------
'No one can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or be attached to the first and despise the second. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.
'That is why I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and what you are to wear. Surely life is more than food, and the body more than clothing!
Look at the birds in the sky. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they are?
Can any of you, however much you worry, add one single cubit to your span of life?
And why worry about clothing? Think of the flowers growing in the fields; they never have to work or spin;
yet I assure you that not even Solomon in all his royal robes was clothed like one of these.
Now if that is how God clothes the wild flowers growing in the field which are there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, will he not much more look after you, you who have so little faith?
So do not worry; do not say, "What are we to eat? What are we to drink? What are we to wear?"
It is the gentiles who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.
Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God's saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well.
So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'
My Reading Notes:
Yes, this is the most important lesson in life. If any could explain it well, he will pass the examination of the kingdom of God.
This is the meaning of Oneness
If there is fire, there will not be wax.
If you are but a drop of wax, if you wanted to burn yourself, your wax will be gone.
Life is for burning, for using, not for keeping.
It is either this or that. Only one matters.
If you can enlighten yourself with this flame, you will be happy in the rest of your burning.
Somehow, you will ask: Should I give up my job? Should I give away all my money? Yes, you should. But to use all your money and your strength in a meaningful way. Use it as a life should use. Use it as a flame should use.
If you really understand that the meaning of oneness, you will not be stupid enough to throw away all your money, even to put that money into some stupid organisation is not wise. Effort should put into the most needed place. Feeding the poor is only secondary important. To teach them how to feed themselves are much much important.
The Text: Matthew 6:24-34
------------------------------
'No one can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or be attached to the first and despise the second. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.
'That is why I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and what you are to wear. Surely life is more than food, and the body more than clothing!
Look at the birds in the sky. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they are?
Can any of you, however much you worry, add one single cubit to your span of life?
And why worry about clothing? Think of the flowers growing in the fields; they never have to work or spin;
yet I assure you that not even Solomon in all his royal robes was clothed like one of these.
Now if that is how God clothes the wild flowers growing in the field which are there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, will he not much more look after you, you who have so little faith?
So do not worry; do not say, "What are we to eat? What are we to drink? What are we to wear?"
It is the gentiles who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.
Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God's saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well.
So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'
My Reading Notes:
Yes, this is the most important lesson in life. If any could explain it well, he will pass the examination of the kingdom of God.
This is the meaning of Oneness
If there is fire, there will not be wax.
If you are but a drop of wax, if you wanted to burn yourself, your wax will be gone.
Life is for burning, for using, not for keeping.
It is either this or that. Only one matters.
If you can enlighten yourself with this flame, you will be happy in the rest of your burning.
Somehow, you will ask: Should I give up my job? Should I give away all my money? Yes, you should. But to use all your money and your strength in a meaningful way. Use it as a life should use. Use it as a flame should use.
If you really understand that the meaning of oneness, you will not be stupid enough to throw away all your money, even to put that money into some stupid organisation is not wise. Effort should put into the most needed place. Feeding the poor is only secondary important. To teach them how to feed themselves are much much important.
2011年2月20日 星期日
Fight the Devil and Love the Enemies
The Text: Matthew 5:38-48.
You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
----------------------
My Reading Notes
----------------------
I think this is the most difficult part in the theories of Christianity. Things had to be understood internally, not externally. You must fight devils, or else, devil will bring us to hell. But, you must love your enemies.
Are enemies devils? That remains only part of the question.
Some enemies are devils, some are not. Some of the enemies are only our competitor, or some one who took advantages of us.
Only the real devil would take us all to total destruction.
If you can see things from the true side, not the external side, you will know what to do. And we need to have a cool cool mind, and a real understanding, to handle such issues.
And the delicate point is here: What is truth? Do I know what is truth? Can I judge what is right and what is wrong?
All I can say is that, I can judge them from my own level of understanding, though I know the ultimate truth is in God's own hand, however, I will do what is necessary and I do hope God will bless the right choices, if I am wrong, I am willing to be punished.
You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
----------------------
My Reading Notes
----------------------
I think this is the most difficult part in the theories of Christianity. Things had to be understood internally, not externally. You must fight devils, or else, devil will bring us to hell. But, you must love your enemies.
Are enemies devils? That remains only part of the question.
Some enemies are devils, some are not. Some of the enemies are only our competitor, or some one who took advantages of us.
Only the real devil would take us all to total destruction.
If you can see things from the true side, not the external side, you will know what to do. And we need to have a cool cool mind, and a real understanding, to handle such issues.
And the delicate point is here: What is truth? Do I know what is truth? Can I judge what is right and what is wrong?
All I can say is that, I can judge them from my own level of understanding, though I know the ultimate truth is in God's own hand, however, I will do what is necessary and I do hope God will bless the right choices, if I am wrong, I am willing to be punished.
2011年2月12日 星期六
Could we explore the depths of God?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.2.13.
The Text:
Reading 1: Matthew 5:17-37
'Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.
In truth I tell you, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, is to disappear from the Law until all its purpose is achieved.
Therefore, anyone who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but the person who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven.
'For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven.
'You have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You shall not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court.
But I say this to you, anyone who is angry with a brother will answer for it before the court; anyone who calls a brother "Fool" will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and anyone who calls him "Traitor" will answer for it in hell fire.
So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering.
Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison.
In truth I tell you, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.
'You have heard how it was said, You shall not commit adultery.
But I say this to you, if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye should be your downfall, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of yourself than to have your whole body thrown into hell.
And if your right hand should be your downfall, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of yourself than to have your whole body go to hell.
'It has also been said, Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal.
But I say this to you, everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of an illicit marriage, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
'Again, you have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord.
But I say this to you, do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God's throne;
or by earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great King.
Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black.
All you need say is "Yes" if you mean yes, "No" if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the Evil One.
---------------------------------------------------
Reading 2, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
But still, to those who have reached maturity, we do talk of a wisdom, not, it is true, a philosophy of this age or of the rulers of this age, who will not last long now.
It is of the mysterious wisdom of God that we talk, the wisdom that was hidden, which God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began.
None of the rulers of the age recognised it; for if they had recognised it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
but it is as scripture says: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, what the mind of man cannot visualise; all that God has prepared for those who love him;
to us, though, God has given revelation through the Spirit, for the Spirit explores the depths of everything, even the depths of God.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
This is a bold finding from Paul: That there will be no secret between human and God, for the Spirit had granted us revelation, to explore the depths of God.
In such sense, that means God had given the truth. The question is that whether we believe it or not, or that whether we are smart enough to comprehend
The Text:
Reading 1: Matthew 5:17-37
'Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.
In truth I tell you, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, is to disappear from the Law until all its purpose is achieved.
Therefore, anyone who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but the person who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven.
'For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven.
'You have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You shall not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court.
But I say this to you, anyone who is angry with a brother will answer for it before the court; anyone who calls a brother "Fool" will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and anyone who calls him "Traitor" will answer for it in hell fire.
So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering.
Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison.
In truth I tell you, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.
'You have heard how it was said, You shall not commit adultery.
But I say this to you, if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye should be your downfall, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of yourself than to have your whole body thrown into hell.
And if your right hand should be your downfall, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of yourself than to have your whole body go to hell.
'It has also been said, Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal.
But I say this to you, everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of an illicit marriage, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
'Again, you have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord.
But I say this to you, do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God's throne;
or by earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great King.
Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black.
All you need say is "Yes" if you mean yes, "No" if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the Evil One.
---------------------------------------------------
Reading 2, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
But still, to those who have reached maturity, we do talk of a wisdom, not, it is true, a philosophy of this age or of the rulers of this age, who will not last long now.
It is of the mysterious wisdom of God that we talk, the wisdom that was hidden, which God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began.
None of the rulers of the age recognised it; for if they had recognised it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
but it is as scripture says: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, what the mind of man cannot visualise; all that God has prepared for those who love him;
to us, though, God has given revelation through the Spirit, for the Spirit explores the depths of everything, even the depths of God.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
This is a bold finding from Paul: That there will be no secret between human and God, for the Spirit had granted us revelation, to explore the depths of God.
In such sense, that means God had given the truth. The question is that whether we believe it or not, or that whether we are smart enough to comprehend
2011年2月6日 星期日
We are what we are
My Sunday Scripture 2011.2.6.
The Text: Matthew 5:13-16.
You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
---------------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------------
This is one of the best analogy to tell us what is life.
You are salt. The nature of salt is its taste. If a salt loses its taste, then it is not salt at all. The same may apply to other things. You are sugar. You are a tree. You are a flower. The myth is that we are what we are. Only human beings have such problems. Sometimes we forget what we are. A tree never forgets. Salt never forget. Animals never forget. They would grow, they would shine, they would live like themselves. Only human being sometimes would forget. We forget that we are light, we can shine and we should shine. Some times we tend to think that we are only wax. Like candles never lit.
The Text: Matthew 5:13-16.
You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
---------------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------------
This is one of the best analogy to tell us what is life.
You are salt. The nature of salt is its taste. If a salt loses its taste, then it is not salt at all. The same may apply to other things. You are sugar. You are a tree. You are a flower. The myth is that we are what we are. Only human beings have such problems. Sometimes we forget what we are. A tree never forgets. Salt never forget. Animals never forget. They would grow, they would shine, they would live like themselves. Only human being sometimes would forget. We forget that we are light, we can shine and we should shine. Some times we tend to think that we are only wax. Like candles never lit.
2011年1月29日 星期六
What are blessed and what are not
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.30
The Text: Matthew 5:1-12.
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
My Reading Notes:
The 8 categories are: the poor, those who mourn, the meek, those hunger for righteousness, the merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers, persecuted for righteousness,
and those represent God under persecution, thus totally are nine kinds of people who are blessed.
From the nine categories, we shall know what God expects us to do. We shall know what are blessed and what not blessed.
The Text: Matthew 5:1-12.
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
My Reading Notes:
The 8 categories are: the poor, those who mourn, the meek, those hunger for righteousness, the merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers, persecuted for righteousness,
and those represent God under persecution, thus totally are nine kinds of people who are blessed.
From the nine categories, we shall know what God expects us to do. We shall know what are blessed and what not blessed.
2011年1月23日 星期日
Why Should I Repent???
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.23.
The Text: Matthew 4:12-23.
When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
******************
My Reading Notes:
******************
Yes, If I can see what is right and what is wrong, and give up the wrong path, choosing the right one, then the Kingdom of heaven is at my side.
It is only as simply as that. That if I could find out the right path, that if I could give up the wrong path, that I could reach my dream, and it is a dream so beautiful, that you can say, it is heaven. Isn't that simple????
The Text: Matthew 4:12-23.
When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
******************
My Reading Notes:
******************
Yes, If I can see what is right and what is wrong, and give up the wrong path, choosing the right one, then the Kingdom of heaven is at my side.
It is only as simply as that. That if I could find out the right path, that if I could give up the wrong path, that I could reach my dream, and it is a dream so beautiful, that you can say, it is heaven. Isn't that simple????
2011年1月15日 星期六
baptize with the holy Spirit
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.16
The Text: John 1:29-34.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."
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My Reading Notes:
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In Matthew 3:1-12, John has expressed similar ideas:
"he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire." But the "fire" element here was omitted. Though the idea is still very clear: We need a cleaning. We need washing by something, more then water.
How to clean myself?
With water is one level. But we may need more then that. We need the holy Spirit to help us to obtain wisdom, to have an access to knowledge, to keep our minds clear and sound.
The Text: John 1:29-34.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."
-----------------
My Reading Notes:
-----------------
In Matthew 3:1-12, John has expressed similar ideas:
"he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire." But the "fire" element here was omitted. Though the idea is still very clear: We need a cleaning. We need washing by something, more then water.
How to clean myself?
With water is one level. But we may need more then that. We need the holy Spirit to help us to obtain wisdom, to have an access to knowledge, to keep our minds clear and sound.
2011年1月7日 星期五
"This is my Son"
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.9.
The Text Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus appeared: he came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John.
John tried to dissuade him, with the words, 'It is I who need baptism from you, and yet you come to me!'
But Jesus replied, 'Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that uprightness demands.' Then John gave in to him.
And when Jesus had been baptised he at once came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.
And suddenly there was a voice from heaven, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.'
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My Reading Notes:
----------------------
Jesus himself was baptised with water.
But he had once said: He will baptise us with truth and holy spirit.
I am always looking forward for such a day.
The Text Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus appeared: he came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John.
John tried to dissuade him, with the words, 'It is I who need baptism from you, and yet you come to me!'
But Jesus replied, 'Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that uprightness demands.' Then John gave in to him.
And when Jesus had been baptised he at once came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.
And suddenly there was a voice from heaven, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.'
----------------------
My Reading Notes:
----------------------
Jesus himself was baptised with water.
But he had once said: He will baptise us with truth and holy spirit.
I am always looking forward for such a day.
2011年1月1日 星期六
Where is the Messiah to be born?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.2.
(The text: Matthew 2:1-12.)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
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My Reading Notes:
Here is a very typical story on how the Christ was to be born.
The question is: Where is the Messiah to be born?
The typical answer was: In Bethlehem.
Now may we have a more modern answer: In Love.
Christ is born in love. Love is the salvation of the world.
(The text: Matthew 2:1-12.)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
______________________________________________________________
My Reading Notes:
Here is a very typical story on how the Christ was to be born.
The question is: Where is the Messiah to be born?
The typical answer was: In Bethlehem.
Now may we have a more modern answer: In Love.
Christ is born in love. Love is the salvation of the world.
2010年12月25日 星期六
What is after the silent night?
MY Sunday Scripture 2010.12.26
The Text: Matthew 2:13-15.19-23.
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazorean."
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My Reading Notes:
In my memory as a child, the song "Silent Night" was always a comfort for me. I would remember the time when I heard it, somewhere near my old primary school, some children singing, the night was so lovely. That moment of (k)uietness is so important that you will expect the life in the coming years will be always like that.
What made you cherish that particular moment was the things coming afterwards. Endless fighting, endless chase. (K)uietness is but a lovely dream. However, hoping that the dream would come true one day, one will keep on going. You search and search. and search.
The Text: Matthew 2:13-15.19-23.
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazorean."
----------------------------
My Reading Notes:
In my memory as a child, the song "Silent Night" was always a comfort for me. I would remember the time when I heard it, somewhere near my old primary school, some children singing, the night was so lovely. That moment of (k)uietness is so important that you will expect the life in the coming years will be always like that.
What made you cherish that particular moment was the things coming afterwards. Endless fighting, endless chase. (K)uietness is but a lovely dream. However, hoping that the dream would come true one day, one will keep on going. You search and search. and search.
2010年12月19日 星期日
What is Immanuel?
My Sunday Scritpure 2010.12.19
The text: Matthew 1:18-24
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Her husband Joseph, being an upright man and wanting to spare her disgrace, decided to divorce her informally.
He had made up his mind to do this when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.'
Now all this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:
Look! the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call Immanuel, a name which means 'God-is-with-us'.
When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home;
My Reading Notes:
I think of all the scripture, the line to explain what is christianity, is here:
God is with us.
And this idea is so vitally important, that all the cultural activities and all the quest in human kind, including the East and the West, is in such a recognition, know that all life on earth are linked up, and that the link is God himself.
God is with us. So that one can march forward, without fear or any selfishness, on the condition that God is with us, and we are not alone.
The text: Matthew 1:18-24
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Her husband Joseph, being an upright man and wanting to spare her disgrace, decided to divorce her informally.
He had made up his mind to do this when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.'
Now all this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:
Look! the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call Immanuel, a name which means 'God-is-with-us'.
When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home;
My Reading Notes:
I think of all the scripture, the line to explain what is christianity, is here:
God is with us.
And this idea is so vitally important, that all the cultural activities and all the quest in human kind, including the East and the West, is in such a recognition, know that all life on earth are linked up, and that the link is God himself.
God is with us. So that one can march forward, without fear or any selfishness, on the condition that God is with us, and we are not alone.
2010年12月11日 星期六
How to deal with the Law or the Prophets?
My Sunday Scripture 2010.12.12.
The texts are here, though a bit long, but there is something hidden inside:
Matthew 5:17-20
17 'Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.
18 In truth I tell you, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, is to disappear from the Law until all its purpose is achieved.
19 Therefore, anyone who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but the person who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven.
20 'For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 11:2-11
2 Now John had heard in prison what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him,
3 'Are you the one who is to come, or are we to expect someone else?'
4 Jesus answered, 'Go back and tell John what you hear and see;
5 the blind see again, and the lame walk, those suffering from virulent skin-diseases are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life and the good news is proclaimed to the poor;
6 and blessed is anyone who does not find me a cause of falling.'
7 As the men were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John, 'What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No?
8 Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces.
9 Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet:
10 he is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am going to send my messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you.
11 'In truth I tell you, of all the children born to women, there has never been anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.
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My reading notes:
-------------------
What is the difference between the old and new testament, are always a puzzling thing.
Though Jesus had said, do not expect him to challenge the Law. He said, those who infringes the Law will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Will you be the "least in the kingdom of Heaven"? It is a praise (or a title) much bigger then John the Baptist. Because Jesus had said, "yet the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. "
The books in the Old Jews tradition are not perfect, and need reconsideration. But in Jesus day, he is not going to challenge them. Am I right? I am trying to think it again.
And Jesus had said, if you can not go further beyond those of the old Jews, you will not succeed. "For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven."
Jesus had bring us "Love", though in the old time, there was only "Law" prevailed.
Should one challenge the old "Law"? Should we gain an new insight of "Love"??
Please so help me, to think it clearer.
The texts are here, though a bit long, but there is something hidden inside:
Matthew 5:17-20
17 'Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.
18 In truth I tell you, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, is to disappear from the Law until all its purpose is achieved.
19 Therefore, anyone who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but the person who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven.
20 'For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 11:2-11
2 Now John had heard in prison what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him,
3 'Are you the one who is to come, or are we to expect someone else?'
4 Jesus answered, 'Go back and tell John what you hear and see;
5 the blind see again, and the lame walk, those suffering from virulent skin-diseases are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life and the good news is proclaimed to the poor;
6 and blessed is anyone who does not find me a cause of falling.'
7 As the men were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John, 'What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No?
8 Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces.
9 Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet:
10 he is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am going to send my messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you.
11 'In truth I tell you, of all the children born to women, there has never been anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.
-------------------
My reading notes:
-------------------
What is the difference between the old and new testament, are always a puzzling thing.
Though Jesus had said, do not expect him to challenge the Law. He said, those who infringes the Law will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Will you be the "least in the kingdom of Heaven"? It is a praise (or a title) much bigger then John the Baptist. Because Jesus had said, "yet the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. "
The books in the Old Jews tradition are not perfect, and need reconsideration. But in Jesus day, he is not going to challenge them. Am I right? I am trying to think it again.
And Jesus had said, if you can not go further beyond those of the old Jews, you will not succeed. "For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven."
Jesus had bring us "Love", though in the old time, there was only "Law" prevailed.
Should one challenge the old "Law"? Should we gain an new insight of "Love"??
Please so help me, to think it clearer.
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