Year: 2023

14/04/2023

宣信【使徒信经】

我信上帝，全能的父， 创造天地的主。

我信我主耶稣基督，上帝的独生子；
因着圣灵感孕，从童贞女马利亚所生；
在本丢彼拉多手下受难，被钉在十字架上，受死，埋葬；
降在阴间；第三天从死里复活；
升天，坐在全能父上帝的右边；
将来必从那里降临，审判活人，死人。

我信圣灵；
我信圣而公之教会；我信圣徒相通；
我信罪得赦免，
我信身体复活；

我信永生。阿们！

一、我信神创造世界（11:1-3）

我相信神造天地万物，这样的一位创造主是一切科学探索的终极源头，是人生与永世的最终答案。祂是我们的主，更是我们的父，你想想这是何等恩典啊！我们当如何以感恩的心委身事奉这位天地的主呢？

二、先贤之信蒙神悦（11:4-34）

这段经文列举了圣经中的许许多多信心伟人的事迹，我们也并列其中，这是何等感恩的事啊！

1.得神喜悦的信心（V6）
要得神的喜悦不但是相信有神，更是相信祂是听祷告和成就祷告的神。神赏赐那寻求祂的人，既是说神乐于成全我们的需要不是吗？因此我们可以大大张口，主当然可以大大充满。只有求了才会有经历！

2.信得更美的家乡（V13-16）
神所设计和建造的房子，一个没有忧伤痛苦，罪恶烦扰和瑕疵的神国社区。哪里是我们永恒的住处，更美的家乡。想想我们在圣经中所读到的历史伟人，他们都一同住在哪里。我的邻居是摩西、是大卫、是彼得、是保罗···。哇！何等奇妙不是吗？关键就是【信】，相信神所说的话，相信神的应许。

3.信得刚强的力量（V33-34）
信心的对象是神，信神的结果是神出手为人争战，结果是一连串的胜利、转化、能力与荣耀的彰显。

三、因信忍受大苦难（11:35-40）

前面的经文让我们看到一连串的得胜，但是这里却让我们看到信心考验的另外一面。真信心要经历许多的艰难和试炼，而且甚至是坚信到死都还没有看见事情成就，但是信心跨越时空，应许总不落空。就像亚伯拉罕被誉为信心之父，但是对于神的国，他即使活了175岁还是没有看到成就。而是要等到几百年后的约书亚时代才应验。这是更有深度的信心。

总结：我们与以色列同受应许（V40）

我们宣告事情的成功与蒙福，那是因着神的应许和信心的宣告。但是有人却说这是一种“成功神学”，好像教会只有成功才是神的祝福。其实他们误解了，我们一样强调信心的考验，甚至到死都没有得到所宣告的事，但是只要我们坚持相信，其实这也是成功的信心。正如上古先贤的经历不是吗？

Hebrews 11: I believe
GK611 Morning Devotion
14/04/2023
The Morning Devotion Speakers: Rev David Tan

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

1. I believe that God created the world (V1-3)

I believe that God made all things in heaven and earth, and that such a Creator is the ultimate source of all scientific inquiry and the ultimate answer to life and eternity. He is our Lord and moreover our Father. Think of what a grace this is! How should we commit ourselves to serve this Lord of heaven and earth with a grateful heart?

2. The faith of the sages is pleasing to God (V4-34)

This passage lists many of the great men of faith in the Bible, and we list them together! How thankful it is!

(1) Faith that pleases God (V6)
To be pleasing to God is not only to believe that there is a God, but also to believe that He is a prayer-hearing and prayer-fulfilling God. God rewards those who seek Him, which means that God is pleased to fulfill our needs, doesn’t it? So we can open our mouths greatly, and the Lord can certainly fill them greatly. Only by asking will we experience!

3. Enduring Great Suffering by Faith (V35-40)

The previous verses show us a series of victories, but here we see another side of the test of faith. True faith goes through many hardships and trials, and is convinced even to death that it has not seen things accomplished, but faith crosses time and space, and the promises are always fulfilled. Just like Abraham was known as the father of faith, but he did not see the fulfillment of the kingdom of God even after living 175 years. Instead, it was not fulfilled until hundreds of years later in Joshua’s time. This is a much deeper faith.

Conclusion: Share promises with Israel

We proclaim the success and blessing of things by the promises of God and by the declaration of faith. But some say this is a “prosperity theology,” as if the only blessing of God is the success of the church. In fact, they misunderstand. We emphasize the test of faith just as much as we do, even to the point of death without receiving what is proclaimed, but as long as we persist in believing, this is actually faith of success. Just like the experience of the ancient sages, isn’t it?

13/04/2023

引言：旧拖鞋

一、一次献上使人完全（v1-18）

1.律法的献祭断不能除罪（v1-9）
经文已开始就以“影儿”和“真像”来对比旧约和新约。旧约律法只不过是将来要发生、美好事情的影子，不是本身的真像。将来美事就是使我们成圣完全，能进入天上的会幕，到神的面前。既然律法不是本物的真像，人就不能藉着每年献一样的祭物，得到完全的赦罪、良心得洁净。如果人的罪可以靠着大祭司在赎罪日牵着牛羊，独自进入至圣所为百姓赎罪，就可以除去的话，那就不需要每一年都献赎罪祭了。此外，律法的献祭断不能除罪， v3这些祭物是叫人每年想起罪来。就好像那旧拖鞋一样，被领养的孩子，每次看到旧拖鞋时，就让他想到自己的孤儿身份。人的罪与牛和羊的血之间并没有真正的关系。如果牛和羊能说话，相信他们一定会抗议。既然如此，神在旧约里，为什么要百姓献祭呢？V5-9，整个旧约的献祭，不是神最终的心意，只是要让人看到自己是有罪的罪，并且自己，甚至世上的大祭司，都无法使自己脱离罪。因此旧约的献祭是为了预表耶稣基督，将来为人类献上自己。耶稣是那更美的祭，且是能够使我们永远完全的祭。

2.基督一次献上永远赎罪（v10-18）
经文说到，基督一次以自己的身体献祭，叫我们能被分别为圣与神的关系得以修复。V12 基督献了一次永远有效的赎罪祭，就坐在神的右边。这表明基督一次的献祭是有永远除罪的果效。为什么基督的一次献上能使我们完全的呢？

第一、基督的献上是完全遵行了神的旨意。因着基督的顺服，我们蒙恩得救赎。其次，基督是无罪的，但却成为代罪羔羊，流血将自己的生命一次过完全献上，为我们成就了完美的赎罪祭。并且，v13等候他仇敌成了他的脚凳。所以是得胜的献上。基督已经得胜仇敌，坐在神的右边。我们信祂的也一样得胜了仇敌。

我们既蒙了这么大的恩典，成为那得以成圣的人，成圣不仅是我们的身份地位，也该是我们的生活表现，所以我们应当天天继续不断地靠着圣洁的灵，圣别我们的思想、爱好、言语和行为，作个坚守指望实践信仰的圣徒。

二、坚守指望实践信仰（v19-31）

1.靠主献上入至圣所 （v19-23）

‘又新又活’原文意思是‘被新鮮屠宰’，所以這是一條新鮮、有生命的路。

当耶稣在十字架上断气时，圣所与至圣所之间的幔子就从上而下地裂开；所以主的死，不但救赎我们，洗净我们的良心和身体，是我们的灵魂体成圣，祂更是为我们开了前往至圣所，让我们穿过祂血淋淋的身体，进入至圣所亲近神。所以，弟兄姐妹，主既然为我们付了这么大的代价，打破了身体，为我们开通了前往至圣所的道路，我们就应当给与回应，竭力时时存着诚心和充足的信心，进入至圣所来亲近神。以至于我们能在各种的环境都能胜过，走在属神的路上而不走向世界的道路

2.在神家中彼此相顾（v24-25）
实践信仰是主希望祂每个儿女们在生活都能真实活出的生命。而且最基本的是从神的家开始。耶稣是教会的头，我们都是祂的身体。因此，主要我们先在祂的身体里操练爱心。人与人之间要有真实互动，才会学习到爱和包容，磨出谦卑柔和的生命。今天我们能回到实体聚会、小组，我们真的要珍惜，因为这是神的心意。也是操练和建造我们属灵敬虔生命的平台。如果我们觉得我在网上听道也一样啊，那也许我们还不是真正的基督徒，而只是个有基督教知识的人罢了。对神的认识只停留在理论。但真正的基督徒，明白主的心意，并知道主期盼我们是万民做主门徒。

3.不故意犯罪藐视神（v26-31）
基督信仰没有一次得救永远得救的圣经真理。一个“得知真道以后”的人，如果还心存不良动机的故意习惯性地持续犯罪，不悔改，他就是将耶稣踩在脚下、藐视神和侮辱圣灵，经文告诉我们，这样的人，结局就是地狱的火湖（V27）。让我们常存谦卑的心，拥有悔改的生命。

三、勇敢前进得大赏赐（v32-39）

1. 勇敢面对大争战（v32-35）
当时的信徒在信主之后，曾经为着福音遭受逼迫，忍受大争战的各样苦难，被毁谤，遭患难，成了戏景被人耻笑、受羞辱。虽然如此，他们仍然体恤了那些被捆锁的人。甚至家业被人抢去，也甘心忍受、没有怨天尤人。因为他们知道自己有更美长存的家业在天上，所以轻看地上的损失。有大争战时，就必有神预备的大赏赐。所以我们要靠主基督勇敢的迎战。

2. 忍耐前进不后退（v36-39）
很多人走不下去是因为退后的路太容易了。我们身上有很多不属神的地方、性格、一直在不断被更新调整，很多伤害神要医治、很多试探是从恶者而来，要诱惑我们。这一切都会使我们退后。

今天，整个世界的局势，让我们意识到那要来的就来，并不迟延。黑暗权势都在做最后的垂死挣扎，拼命攻击混乱神的儿女。在这样的光景里，我们不但要为真理勇敢地不妥协于世界和仇敌的攻击，更当在越困难的环境中忍耐前进不后退。因为耶稣已经为我们成就了得胜的应许。

总结：以生命回应主

基督为我们连生命都可以献上，把整个天堂的丰盛和荣耀都给了我们。我们当怎样来回应这位深爱我们的主呢？没有什么比用生命来回应祂更有意义。让我们常常奔入神的至圣所，与神建立美好关系。且靠主在生活中实践我们的信仰，竭力活出圣洁讨神喜悦的生命。在逆境中勇敢前进不后退，直到的见主面。阿门！

Hebrews 10: Response to Christ’s offering
GK611 Morning Devotion
13/04/2023
Speakers: Ps Deborah

Introduction: Old Slippers

1. One offering makes men perfect (v1-18)

(1) The law of sacrifice can never take away sin (v1-9)
From the very beginning of the scriptures, the Old Testament and the New Testament are compared with the “shadow” and “reality”. The Old Testament law is only a shadow of good things that will happen in the future, not the real image itself. The good things in the future will make us sanctified and perfected so that we can enter the heavenly Tabernacle and come before God. Since the law is not the true image of things, people cannot obtain complete forgiveness of sins and cleanse their consciences by offering the same sacrifice every year. If people’s sins could be removed by solely relying on the high priest to lead the cattle and sheep on the Day of Atonement and enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people, then there would be no need to offer sin offerings every year. Furthermore, the law of sacrifices could never take away sins, v3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. Just like the old slippers, the adopted child, every time he sees the old slippers, reminds him of his orphan status. There is no real relationship between human sin and the blood of cattle and sheep. If cattle and sheep could talk, I believe they would protest. That being the case, why did God ask the people to offer sacrifices in the Old Testament? V5-9, the sacrifices in the whole Old Testament are not God’s ultimate intention, they are just to make people see that they are guilty of sin and that they, even the high priests of the world, cannot free themselves from sin. Therefore, the sacrifices in the Old Testament were to foreshadow Jesus Christ, who would sacrifice himself for mankind in the future. Jesus is the better sacrifice and the sacrifice that can make us perfect forever.

(2) Christ’s once-for-all atonement (v10-18)
The scriptures say that Christ sacrificed His body once so that we can be sanctified and our relationship with God can be restored. V12 But Christ after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. This shows that the one sacrifice of Christ had the effect of taking away sin forever. Why does one sacrifice of Christ make us perfect?

First, the offering of Christ fully complied with the will of God. Through the obedience of Christ, we are saved by grace. Second, Christ was innocent but became a scapegoat, who shed his blood and sacrificed His life once and for all, making a perfect sin offering for us. And v13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. So, it is a victorious offering. Christ has overcome the enemy and is seated at the right hand of God. We who believe in Him also overcome the enemy.

Since we have received such great grace and become the ones who can be sanctified, Sanctification is not only our status, but should also be the expression of our life. so we should continue to sanctify ourselves daily by the Holy Spirit, consecrate our thoughts, hobbies, words, and deeds, and be a saint who holds fast to hope and practices the faith.

2. Hold fast to hope and practise faith (v19-31)

(1). Consecrated into the Holy of Holies by the Lord (v19-23)
“a new and living” in the original text mean “freshly butchered,” so this is a fresh and living path.

When Jesus died on the cross, the veil between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom; so the death of the Lord not only redeemed us but also cleansed our conscience and body, sanctifying our soul and body, He even opened the way for us to go to the Holy of Holies, allowing us to pass through His bloody body and enter the Holy of Holies to get closer to God. Therefore, brothers and sisters, since the Lord has paid such a great price for us, broke the body, and opened the way for us to go to the Holy of Holies, we should respond to it and do our best to always enter the Holy of Holies with sincerity and sufficient faith, to draw near to God. So that we can overcome all kinds of environments and walk on the path of God instead of the path of the world.

(2) Care for each other in the family of God (v24-25)
Practising faith is the life that the Lord wants each of His children to truly live out in their lives. And the most basic thing is to start with the family of God. Jesus is the head of the church, and we are all His body. Therefore, the Lord wants us to first practice love in His body. Only when there is real interaction between people can they learn love and tolerance and cultivate a humble and gentle life. Today we can return to physical gatherings and cell groups. We really must cherish it because this is God’s will. It is also a platform to practice and build our spiritual and godly life. If we feel that it is the same when listening to sermons online, then maybe we are not real Christians, but just people with Christian knowledge. The knowledge of God is only theoretical. But true Christians understand the heart of the Lord and know that the Lord expects us to be disciples of all nations.

(3) Do not sin intentionally and defy God (v26-31)
Christianity does not have the biblical truth of once saved always saved. If a person “after learning the truth” continues to sin intentionally and habitually with bad motives and does not repent, he has as if trampled Jesus under his feet, despise God and insult the Holy Spirit. The scriptures tell us that for such a person, the ending is the lake of fire in hell (V27). Let us always have a humble heart and a life of repentance.

3. Great Reward for Going Forward (v32-39)

(1) Facing a Great Controversy (v32-35)
After believing in the Lord, believers at that time suffered persecution for the sake of the gospel, endured all kinds of sufferings in the Great War, were slandered, suffered tribulations, and became ridiculed and humiliated by others. Even so, they showed sympathy for those in chains. Even when his family property was robbed, he willingly endured it without complaining. Because they know they have a better and lasting inheritance in heaven, they despise earthly losses. When there is a great battle, there will be a great reward prepared by God. Therefore, we must rely on the Lord Christ to face it bravely.

(2) Forward with patience and not backward (v36-39)
Many people can’t go on because the way back is too easy. There are many ungodly places and characters in us that are constantly being renewed and adjusted, many injuries God wants to heal, and many temptations come from the evil one to tempt us. All of this will make us retreat.

Today, the situation in the whole world makes us realise that what is coming will come without delay. The forces of darkness are making their last dying struggle, desperately attacking the children of God. In such a situation, we should not only bravely and uncompromisingly resist the attacks of the world and the enemy for the truth, but we should also advance unwearyingly and not retreat even in a more difficult environment. Because Jesus has fulfilled the promise of victory for us.

Conclusion: Responding to the Lord with life

Christ gave His life for us and gave us the fullness and glory of heaven. How should we respond to the Lord who loves us so much? Nothing is more meaningful than responding to Him with your life. Let us often enter God’s holiest place and establish a beautiful relationship with God. And rely on the Lord to practice our faith in our lives and strive to live a holy life that pleases God. Go forward bravely in the face of adversity and never retreat until you finally meet the Lord. Amen!

12/04/2023

引言：升级的人生

我们的人生就像一段不断运行的软件，不断地在运行和工作，但也需要不断地升级和更新。升级人生就像升级软件一样，需要勇气和决心去面对挑战和迎接变化。

耶稣基督的献上就像是我们人生的一个更新包，让我们可以脱离老我和世界的限制，进入更完全的人生。透过不停地更新，进入一个完全里。

一、脱离地上有限的侍奉（V1-10）

1. 地上帐幕的预备（V1-5）
“礼拜”（V1）和“行拜神的礼”（V6）指的是敬拜，这个帐幕让人进去敬拜神，进去献祭，再次与神建立关系。

预备帐幕里的每一样物件，都有重要的属灵象征意义。但是作者并没有多细说荣耀物件的意义，因为他接下来要说的是表达帐幕事奉的有限。

2. 地上有限的侍奉（V6-8）
作者在这里表达的是，即使有地上大祭司的服事，但进入至圣所的路尚未显明，我们还是不能进到至圣所，是软弱无力的，这也只是一个表征。这那么重要的事情都还没显明，那么其他饮食和诸般洗濯的规矩，都不过是属肉体的条例。

虽然帐幕里面非常荣耀，但里面的事奉却非常有限。说明了连大祭司的服事也未能把人带进神那里，那么更不用谈这些属肉体的礼节仪式。

3. 地上有限的献祭（V9-10）
在地上的帐幕里，献祭不能洁净敬拜者良心。那第一层帐幕是现今时代的一个预表,
表示所献的礼物和祭物都不能使敬拜的人在良心上得以完全（V9）。旧约是有瑕疵的，不管旧约的帐幕和敬拜礼仪有多荣耀，但所献的礼物和祭物只有外表礼仪的果效，并不能洁净人的良心。

二、耶稣基督 – 更完全的祭（V11-28）

1.耶稣的献祭比地上更美（V11-14）
耶稣基督进入了天上的圣所，赎罪的效果更美。那更大更全备的帐幕，就是更大更有力的帐幕，意思指耶稣是好的大祭司，因祂并非在地上的帐幕服事，乃经过更全备的帐幕。

耶稣基督献上了真正的祭物，洁净的效果更美。洁净良心并不是目的，目的是为了让人可以亲近神、事奉讨神的喜悦。

2. 基督的献祭确立了新约（V15-28）
基督一次进入圣所，是天上永远的圣所，一次献上自己为祭（V12）。耶稣基督是新约中保的，因为祂献上自己为祭，使人的罪得赦免、良心得洁净的恩典。 耶稣把无瑕无疵的自己献给神，是更有力，更有效的，祂的宝血永远有效。唯有祂才是我们永远的救赎，并让我们得着永远的基业。

总结：脱离地上宗教的限制，进入耶稣基督完全的约。

我们很容易被过去的老我，很多宗教的仪式框住，未能认识耶稣基督并靠着祂进入永恒的约里面。让我们不但外表和行动上更新，而是靠着耶稣基督，心里和灵里也不停更新，不断升级，成为复兴的一代！

Hebrews 9- Freedom from restrictions, enter into perfectness
GK611 Morning Devotion
12/04/2023
Asher Chang

Introduction: A Life of Upgrades

Our life is like a piece of software that is constantly running and working, but it also needs to be constantly upgraded and updated. Upgrading life is like upgrading software, it takes courage and determination to face challenges and embrace changes.

The offering of Jesus Christ is like a renewal package for our life, so that we can break away from the limitations of our old self and the world and enter into a more complete life. Through constant renewal, we enter into a fullness.

1. Departure from the limited service on earth (V1-10)

(1) Preparation of the earthly tabernacle (V1-5)
The words “service” (V1) and “performing the services.p” (V6) refer to worship. This tabernacle allows people to go in and worship God, go in and offer sacrifices, and enter into a relationship with God again.

Each of the objects in the tabernacle of preparation had a significant spiritual symbolism. But the author does not go into detail about the significance of the glorified objects, because what he is about to say is to express the limited nature of the ministry of the tabernacle.

(2) The limited service on earth (V6-8)
What the author expresses here is that even with the earthly high priestly service, the way into the Most Holy Place has not yet been revealed, and we are still unable to enter the Most Holy Place, being weak and powerless, and this is only a symptom. If this important thing has not yet been revealed, then all the other rules of food and drink and all the rules of washing are just carnal regulations.

Although the tabernacle was very glorious inside, the ministry inside was very limited. It shows that even the service of the high priest failed to bring people to God, not to mention the fleshly rituals and ceremonies.

(3) The limited sacrifice on earth (V9-10)
In the earthly tabernacle, sacrifices do not cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. That first tabernacle is a foreshadowing of the present age.
The first tabernacle is a foreshadowing of the present age, indicating that both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience (V9). The Old Testament was flawed, and no matter how glorious the Old Testament tabernacle and worship rituals were, the gifts and sacrifices offered had only a ceremonial effect, and did not cleanse the conscience.

2. Jesus Christ – A more perfect sacrifice (V11-28)

(2) The sacrifice of Jesus is more beautiful than on earth (V11-14)
Jesus Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary with a more beautiful effect of atonement. The greater and more perfect tabernacle is the greater and more powerful tabernacle, meaning that Jesus is the good High Priest, for He did not serve in the earthly tabernacle, but passed through the more perfect tabernacle.

Jesus Christ offered the true sacrifice, and the cleansing effect was more beautiful. The cleansing of the conscience is not the purpose, but the purpose is that one may draw near to God and serve to please Him.

(2) The sacrifice of Christ establishes the new covenant (V15-28)
Christ entered the sanctuary once for all, the eternal sanctuary in heaven, and offered Himself as a sacrifice once for all (V12). Jesus Christ is the Mediator of the New Covenant because He offered Himself as a sacrifice for the grace of the forgiveness of sins and the cleansing of consciences. Jesus’ offering of Himself without blemish to God is more powerful and effective, and His blood is valid forever. He alone is our eternal salvation, and gives us an eternal foundation.

Conclusion: Break away from the limitations of earthly religion and enter into the full covenant of Jesus Christ.

It is easy to get caught up in the old self, in the rituals of many religions, and fail to know Jesus Christ and enter into the eternal covenant through Him. Let us be renewed not only in appearance and action, but also in heart and spirit through Jesus Christ, and become a revived generation!

11/04/2023

一、我们天上的祭司耶稣 (V1-6)

1.主在真帐幕里服事 (V1-2)
这里提醒信徒们，第一要紧的就是我们已经有一位照麦基洗德的等次，凭神起誓而立的一位完全的大祭司。祂已经一次完成赎罪的工夫，但祂仍然在天上的服事人，为信靠祂的祈求（来7:25）。

2.主献上是更美的祭 (V3-5)
凡大祭司都是为献礼物和祭物设立的，所以主耶稣这位大祭司也必须有所献。耶稣代表了一个更优越的祭司职任，献上了更美的祭物—就是献上祂自己为祭，舍弃自己的生命为世人赎罪。

3.主是更美之约的中保 (V6)
主耶稣所得的祭司职任更美，是凭更美之应许所立的更美之约的中保！更美之约就是神的恩典之约，而且主动立了儿子耶稣为中保，为了使新约的应许保证成就，把人带到父神面前。

二、更美新约取代旧约 (V7-13)

1.旧约是有瑕疵之约 (V7-9)
所谓旧约有瑕疵的意思，不是指律法本身不完全。但立约之人有一方不守约言时，对整个“约”来说，就有了瑕疵。旧约之所以有瑕疵，乃是因为人的软弱，没有恒心遵守所立的约。V8所以主指责他的百姓说 ：日子将到，我要与以色列家和犹大家另立新约…

2.新约之下从心开始 (V10-11)
新约优于旧约是：旧约是刻在石版上，而新约乃是“写在他们心上”。神要从心开始，将律法放在人心里，更新人的心思意念，使人有顺服神的心，从最小的到至大的，每个人都能够亲自认识神，经历神的慈爱，乐意遵行神的旨意。

3.新约之下一笔勾销 (V12)
主耶稣作更美之约的中保，是要让人的罪得着神的赦免。神不单赦免百姓的罪愆，神更是不再记念百姓的罪。这一笔勾销的恩典得以成就，全靠主耶稣为我们献上了生命！

三、跟从耶稣进入新约 (V13)

现在新约已经生效了，旧约也就旧了。所以作者对那些想要回到犹太信仰的基督徒说，他们不能回到一个‘次等的约’去，这个旧约就要快归无有了！唯有跟从主耶稣进入更美的新约，才能得到永生的应许！

总结：

这个更美之新约，是指在新约中，有一位拯救我们到底的大祭司和中保。所以活在新约之中，如果神的律法不在我们心上，我们只是勉为其难地守规条。新约讲求人跟主要有更美的个人关系，是从内到外，以至我们能成为一个更新的美好见证人！

Hebrews 8: A New and Better Covenant
GK611 Morning Devotion
11/04/2023
Speaker: Ps Daniel

1. Jesus, our heavenly priest (V1-6)

(1) The Lord served in the true tabernacle (V1-2)
The believers are reminded here that the most important thing is that we already have a perfect high priest who was promised by God according to the standard of Melchizedek. He has done once and for all the work of atonement, but He is still serving in heaven, interceding for those who believe in Him (Hebrews 7:25).

(2) The Lord offered a better sacrifice (V3-5)
All high priests are appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices, so the Lord Jesus, the High Priest, must also offer something. Jesus represented a greater priesthood and offered a better sacrifice—that is, offering himself as a sacrifice, giving His life to atone for the sins of the world.

(3) The Lord is the guarantor of a better covenant (V6)
The priesthood received by the Lord Jesus is even better, the guarantor of a better covenant with better promises! The better covenant is God’s covenant of grace, and He took the initiative to appoint His son Jesus as the guarantor, to ensure the fulfilment of the promises of the new covenant, and to bring people before God the Father.

2. The Better New Testament replaces the Old Testament (V7-13)

(1) The Old Testament is a covenant with flaws (V7-9)
The so-called flaws in the Old Testament do not mean that the law itself was imperfect. But when one of the covenants fails to keep the covenant, it will be flawed to the whole “covenant”. The reason why the old covenant has flaws is because people were weak and did not persevere in keeping the covenant. Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—

(2) In the New Covenant, start from the heart (V10-11)
The advantage of the New Testament over the old is that the Old Testament was written on tablets of stone, but the New Testament was “written in their hearts.” God wants to start from the heart, put the law in people’s hearts, renew people’s minds and thoughts, and make people obey God. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone can know God personally, experience God’s love, and be willing to do the will of God.

(3) Written off under the New Covenant (V12)
The Lord Jesus as the guarantor of a better covenant is to allow people to receive God’s forgiveness of their sins. God not only forgives the sins of the people, but God also no longer remembers the sins of the people. This grace of forgiveness was accomplished only because the Lord Jesus gave His life for us!

3. Following Jesus into the New Covenant (V13)

Now that the new covenant has come into effect, the old covenant is also obsolete. So, the author said to those Christians who want to go back to the Jewish faith, they can’t go back to a ‘secondary covenant’, this old covenant is about to disappear! Only by following the Lord Jesus and entering into the more beautiful new covenant can we obtain the promise of eternal life!

Conclusion：

This better new covenant means that in the new covenant, there is a high priest and guarantor who will save us to the uttermost. So, living in the new covenant, if the law of God is not in our hearts, we are just obeying the rules reluctantly. The New Testament emphasizes that people have a better personal relationship with the Lord, from the inside to the outside, so that we can become a new and beautiful witness.

06/04/2023

引言：

从第7章开始至第10章都在讨论基督照麦基洗德的等次（位份）为祭司的事。为了要证实麦基洗德是王也是祭司，是基督为大祭司也为王的预表。

一、麦基洗徳的等次（V1-10）

1.是王又是祭司（V1-3）
这段经文指出了麦基洗德的双重身分——他既是撒冷王，同时又是至高神的祭司。经文也描述他无父、无母，甚至在创世记第14章或其它任何地方，都没有提到麦基洗德的家谱。然而在经文的最后却描述他乃是与神的儿子相似。在第1节最后写到，他长远为祭司。今天，我们知道耶稣基督也长远活着、永远作大祭司，并直到永远。

2.有尊贵的位份（V4-10）
犹太教徒与基督徒都承认亚伯拉罕的尊贵地位，但蒙神应许的亚伯拉罕却向一位神秘的君王兼祭司麦基洗德献上十分之一，证明麦基洗德的位份比亚伯拉罕更大。这充分表明麦基洗德的祭司职任远远超过亚伯拉罕以及他所有的后裔，包括利未子孙在内。

二、祭司制度的改变（V11-19）

1.耶稣成为大祭司（V11-17）

神的百姓并不能借利未人祭司，亚伦的职任得完全，也就是不能进到神面前。过去，利未人祭司职任，只能叫人想起罪来，断不能除罪。因此旧的祭司职任必须更改，需要另外兴起一位「照麦基洗德的等次」的祭司，他才能使人得完全。而耶稣就是这位更高的祭司。

2.耶稣成全了律法（V18-19)
在利未祭司制度基础上的献祭、礼仪条例都不能让人得完全。而且，律法并不是用来救人，而是用来显明人的罪。并指向基督。如今，我们知道救恩由基督而来，因着耶稣基督的牺牲，我们的罪得
以赦免。我们的指望是在耶稣里，而不是在摩西的律法里，也不是在于我们遵守律法的能力。

三、永远的祭司职任(V20-28)

1.成为中保，拯救到底（V20-25)
大祭司的职任都是暂时的，而且是根据律法条例设立的，而耶稣为祭司是根据神的誓言，就是由约而设立的。因为主耶稣的祭司职任是起誓立的永远职任，所以就保证了以这职任为基础的新约是永
远有效的，也才能达到约的目的，就是建立并维持神与人之间的相交关系，成为中保。

2.一次献上，成全救赎（V26-28）
主耶稣是圣洁，即神性情的完全彰显。祂没有犯罪、也不会被罪玷污，也是永远常存的。因此，祂正是我们所需要的大祭司，最适合为我们完成救赎的工作。所以耶稣在十字架上将自己献上，就能
代赎所有信靠祂的罪人；并且祂只一次将自己献上，就把这事成全了，果效是存到永远。

总结：靠主进到父面前

今天，耶稣基督已成为我们的大祭司。因此，我们不要再回到旧的献祭制度当中去，而要在新约当中跟随耶稣，这位永远的大祭司。因为唯有透过耶稣，我们才能进到神面前。

Hebrews 7: Jesus – Our Eternal High Priest

GK611 Morning Devotion

06.04.2023

Speaker: Ps Stella + Rev David Tan

Introduction

Chapter 7 to Chapter 10 discusses Christ based on the standard (position) of Melchizedek being a priest. This is to prove that Melchizedek is both king and priest and is chosen by Christ as high priest and king.

1. The standard of Melchizedek (v1-10)

(1) Both king and priest (v1-3)

This passage points out Melchizedek’s double role – he was both king of Salem and priest of God Most High. The scriptures also describe him as without father, without mother, without genealogy, even in Genesis 14 or anywhere else. Yet at the end of the scripture, it was described that he is like the Son of God. At the end of verse 1, it is written that he is a priest forever. Today, we know that Jesus Christ also lives forever, as High Priest forever, and forever.

(2) Have a dignified position (v4-10)

Both Jews and Christians recognise the honourable status of Abraham, but Abraham, who was promised by God, offered a tenth to a mysterious king and priest, Melchizedek, proving that Melchizedek’s status was greater than Abraham’s. This fully shows that Melchizedek’s priesthood far surpassed that of Abraham and all his descendants, including the descendants of Levi.

2. Changes in the priesthood (v11-19)

(1) Jesus becomes High Priest (v11-17)

God’s people could not use the Levitical priests, and Aaron’s position to be perfect, that is, they could not enter before God. In the past, the priesthood of the Levites could only remind people of sins but could never remove them. Therefore, the old priesthood had to be changed, and another priest “based on the standard of Melchizedek” was needed to make man perfect. And Jesus is this higher priest.

(2) Jesus fulfilled the law (v18-19)

The sacrifices and ceremonial regulations based on the Levitical priesthood cannot make people complete. Moreover, the law is not used to save people but to reveal people’s sins. and point to Christ. Today, we know that salvation comes through Christ, and because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven. Our hope is in Jesus, not in the law of Moses, nor in our ability to keep it.

3. The Eternal Priesthood (v20-28)

(1) Become a guarantor and save to the end (v20-25)

The position of the high priest is temporary and established according to the laws and regulations, but Jesus’ priesthood is established according to God’s promise, that is the covenant. Because the priesthood of the Lord Jesus is an eternal promise, it guarantees that the New Covenant based on this position is valid forever, and only then can the purpose of the covenant be achieved, which is to establish and maintain the relationship between God and man and become a guarantor.

(2) Once offered, fully redeemed (v26-28)

The Lord Jesus is holy, that is, the full expression of God’s nature. He did not sin, was not defiled by sin, and existed forever. Therefore, He is exactly the High Priest we need, the most suitable to accomplish the work of redemption for us. Hence, when Jesus offered himself on the cross, he could redeem all the sinners who believed in him; he only offered himself once to accomplish this, and the effect lasts forever.

Conclusion: Rely on the Lord to come before the Heavenly Father

Today, Jesus Christ is our High Priest. Therefore, instead of going back to the old sacrificial system, we must follow Jesus, the eternal high priest, in the new covenant. Because only through Jesus we can come before God.