Year: 2023

22/11/2023

引言：什么是最强的见证？真实的经历很重要！

一、信心的恒常祷告（18:1-8）

主要人恒心且常常祷告，不要灰心。意思说一切冤屈都必得蒙伸张，只要人不放弃对神的坚定信靠。神必垂听人坚信不移的祷告。

建昌信主的例子，信心坚持到底的结果。

二、罪人的自卑祷告（18:9-14）

法利赛人是敬虔派宗教人士，但是这正是他们的黑暗面。律法与宗教，缺了生命树的真光。

上个主日我们说到‘公鸡型’的男人会自我感觉良好，自以为义。自义自高的人是主所厌恶的，当人的心态不对时，这人的祷告也不蒙垂听。反而是谦卑自责的罪人的祷告更蒙神悦纳、更蒙怜悯、祷告得蒙垂听。

三、谁能承接神的国？（18:15-34）

1.单纯像小孩的人（V15-17）

主说：让小孩子到我这里来！人会把婴孩、小孩带去那里呢？托儿所？保姆家？交给帮佣？为什么不是带到神的家、神的教会、神的面前呢？神国里的人就是要像小孩那样的单纯。越单纯爱主越蒙福！

2.权贵更加要爱主（V18-25）

一个有权又有钱的官长，要显明自己够格而问主耶稣，我该作什么才可以承受永生？人这样问就不是单纯的相信，以为要靠自己做了些什么？那是困难的。于是主说在守诫命之余，变卖你所有的，分给穷人。他就忧愁了。

主曾说你的钱在哪里，心就在那里。越有钱的人越容易为钱盘算：如何保持有钱？如何赚取更多？如何管理钱财？如何经营投资等等。意思说财主需要花很多心思去筹划钱财的事情，想神国的事相对的就少了。但是说实在的，没有钱的人是不是就更多想神的事？也更容易热心爱主呢？也不一定！人人都要爱主，神若给你更多钱，你越有机会爱主、服事主不是吗？

3.人都要为主而摆上（V26-30）

愿意为神放下一切的，怎能不被神记念呢？这里的撇下不一定是实质上的丢弃房子妻儿，而是一种对比上的心志。否则神国里的热心者岂不都成为抛弃妻儿的负心郎吗？那又如何体现信仰见证，和实践诫命呢？这也是优先次序上的先神后人。

4.主耶稣全然的摆上（V31-34）

主耶稣自己也以身作则的展现了完全摆上的见证。如果连主都可以为犯罪的我们而全然摆上，我们还有什么是不能为主摆上的呢？这是我们的榜样和目标不是吗？

四、渴望看见得神国（18:35-43）

瞎子渴望看见，而且不单是看见世界，更重要是看见弥赛亚和祂的作为，看见神的国。我们同样需要‘看见’，看见神永恒的国，我们不单要住在其中，更是要与主一同作王治理万民。

总结：看见神国临到

看见神国降临就是看见神迹奇事！看见神掌权在我们的生命中，于是我们就服从圣灵的感动和带领。

Luke Chapter 18: Experiencing Prayer to See the Kingdom of God
GK611 Morning Devotion
22/11/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Rev David Tan

Introduction: What is the strongest testimony? Real experiences are important!

1. The Constant Prayer of Faith (V18:1-8)

The Lord wants us to pray consistently and often, not to be discouraged. This means that all grievances will be redressed, as long as the person does not give up his firm trust in God. God will hear one’s steadfast prayers.

The example of Abraham’s conversion is the result of perseverance in faith to the end.

2. The sinner’s prayer of humbling himself (18:9-14)

The Pharisees were godly religious people, but this was their dark side. The law and religion were missing the true light of the tree of life.
Last Sunday we talked about the ‘rooster type’ of man who is self-conscious and self-righteous. Self-righteousness and self-exaltation are an abomination to the Lord, and when a man’s heart is not right, the man’s prayers are not heard. On the contrary, the prayers of the humble and self-accused sinner are more pleasing to God, more merciful, and are heard.

3. Who can take on the kingdom of God? (18:15-34)

(1) Those who are simply like children (V15-17)

Let the little children come to me, says the Lord! Where will people bring babies and children? A daycare center? Nanny’s house? To a maid? Why not bring them to God’s house, God’s church, God’s presence? People in the kingdom of God are meant to be as simple as children. The simpler you love the Lord, the more blessed you will be!

(2) The powerful and rich should love the Lord even more (V18-25)

A powerful and rich official wants to show that he is worthy and asks Jesus, “What should I do to receive eternal life? To ask this question is not to simply believe that you have to rely on what you have done. That is difficult. So the Lord said, “Sell what you have and give to the poor, while keeping the commandments”. And he was troubled.

The Lord had said for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The richer a person is, the easier it is for him to think about money: How do I stay rich? How do I make more? How to manage money? How to run investments, etc. It means that the wealthy person needs to spend a lot of thought on planning about money, and relatively little on thinking about the kingdom of God. But honestly, is it true that people without money think more about God’s things? Are they also more likely to love the Lord passionately? Not necessarily! Everyone must love the Lord. If God gives you more money, the more opportunities you have to love and serve the Lord, isn’t it?

(3) All men must lay down their lives for the Lord (V26-30)

How can those who are willing to lay down everything for God not be remembered by Him? The setting aside here is not necessarily a substantial discarding of wives and children, but a contrasting mindset. Otherwise wouldn’t all the zealots in the kingdom of God become heartless men who abandon their wives and children? And how would that reflect the testimony of faith, and the practice of the commandments? This is also prioritising God before man.

(4) Jesus’ total offer up (V31-34)

The Lord Jesus Himself demonstrated by example the testimony of total surrender. If even the Lord can be fully laid down for us who have sinned, what is there that we cannot be laid down for the Lord? This is our example and goal, isn’t it?

4. Desire to see and receive the kingdom of God (18:35-43)

The blind man longed to see, and not just the world, but more importantly the Messiah and His works, the kingdom of God. We likewise need to ‘see’, to see the eternal kingdom of God, in which we are not only to dwell, but to reign with the Lord over the nations.

Conclusion: Seeing the kingdom of God comes

To see the kingdom of God coming is to see signs and wonders! Seeing God’s power in our lives, we submit to the moving and leading of the Holy Spirit.

21/11/2023

引言：信则有，不信则无？

1.要常饶恕不绊倒人 (V1-4)

主耶稣教导门徒要警醒，不要因自己的过失让他人犯罪。宽恕应该是基督徒的属性，即是面对一天七次得罪我们的人，也要饶恕他们。

其实我们在不知不觉中，一定也做过不少得罪人、绊倒人的事情，如果别人都跟我们斤斤计较，我们可能早就无地可容。基于神和人对我们的饶恕，我们也要尽力去饶恕和接纳别人。

2.要拥有真实的信心（V5-6）

门徒都感到要无条件的饶恕实在太难了，需要有极大的信心，所以‘求主加增信心’。但主耶稣的回答带出：人所需要的不是更多的信心，而是真实的信心！哪怕我们只有像芥菜种那么小的信心，当他们凭信心遵行神的吩咐，都要看见神会透过我们，去成就又大又难的事。

3.要有仆人服事心态（V7-10）

主耶稣接着说明，服事神应该如同仆人服事主人，不是希望主人非要特别报答我们、感谢我们；而是将一切的服事，都当是自己应尽的本分和义务，认真负责地完成工作。

主耶稣在世上的服事，不是为自己得奖赏，而是为‘那摆在前面的喜乐’—就是拯救祝福人！所以，我们在服事神的时候，都要有仆人服事的心态，效法主以祝福别人为我们应尽的本分和喜乐！

4.要凡事感谢荣耀神（V11-19）

这里记载了主耶稣医好了十个痲疯病人，但十个人之中只有一个撒玛利亚人回来归荣耀给神并感谢耶稣。

我们生命得着医治、救赎，是因着我们愿意用信心‘去’回应神，结果生命才得以改变。所以，得着了神的祝福之后，要‘回来’大声感谢荣耀神，因为一切都是神的恩典！

二、神国就在你们中间（V20-37）

1.神的国几时会来到 (V20-21)

法利赛人问主耶稣神的国几时来到，意思是说，你既然自认是弥赛亚，应该是神的国几时会来到。主耶稣回答，神的国是不会让不信的人看见。但是是因为人子在那里，神的国就在他们中间！

2.人子将突然的降临(V22-29)

然后主转向祂的门徒，谈论将要临到他们的事，到时祂将不会像从前一样在他们中间。并且当基督再来的时候，大部分世人将像挪亚和罗得的日子，照常吃喝嫁娶、买卖建造，毫不理会神的警告，毫无准备，结果当人子在不知不觉中突然显现，施行审判，他们就灭亡了！

3.为主再来做好预备 (V30-37)

主耶稣在这里警告门徒，不要被世上的事物缠绕，像罗得的妻子不舍得这个世界，结果自己也灭亡了。只顾今世生活的人，不为永恒打算，结果‘必丧掉生命’！只有接受救恩、遵守神旨意的人，才可免去灾难的审判。

总结：

我们已经接受了救恩，神的国就在我们的中间。所以，让我们按神国的要则生活，随时准备好等候主再来！被主牵引进入永恒的神国！

Luke Chapter 17: The Kingdom of God is in our midst
GK611 Morning Devotion
21/11/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Daniel Kew

Introduction: Believe it or not?

1. Essential principle of life in the kingdom of God (V1-21)

(1) Always forgive and do not stumble (V1-4)

Jesus taught his disciples to be vigilant not to let others sin through their own faults. Forgiveness should be a Christian attribute, even in the face of those who offend us seven times a day.

In fact, we must have done quite a few things to offend and trip people up without even realising it, and if everyone else had been catty with us, we might have been left with no place to go. Based on God’s and man’s forgiveness of us, we must also try our best to forgive and accept others.

(2) To have true faith (V5-6)

The disciples all felt that it was too difficult to forgive unconditionally, and that it required great faith, so they ‘asked the Lord to increase their faith’. But the Lord Jesus’ reply brings out that what one needs is not more faith, but real faith! Even if we have as little faith as a mustard seed, when they do God’s commands by faith, they will see that God will work through us to accomplish great and difficult things.

(3) A Servant’s Mentality (V7-10)

Lord Jesus goes on to explain that serving God should be like a servant serving his master, not expecting the master to repay us or thank us, but treating all service as one’s own duty and obligation, and completing the work conscientiously and responsibly.

Jesus’ earthly service was not for his own reward, but for ‘the joy that was set before Him’ – that is, to save and bless people! Therefore, when we serve God, we all need to have the mentality of a servant’s ministry, and follow the Lord’s example of blessing others as our due diligence and joy!

(4) Giving thanks and honouring God in all things (V11-19)

It is recorded here that the Lord Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one of the ten, a Samaritan, returned to glorify God and thank Jesus.

Our lives are healed and saved because we are willing to ‘go’ in faith in response to God, and as a result our lives are changed. Therefore, after receiving God’s blessings, we should ‘come back’ and glorify God with loud thanksgiving, because everything is God’s grace!

2. The kingdom of God is in your midst (V20-37)

(1) When will the kingdom of God come (V20-21)?

The Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come, meaning that since you recognise yourself as the Messiah, you should know when the kingdom of God will come. Jesus replied that the kingdom of God would not be seen by unbelievers. But because the Son of Man is there, the kingdom of God is in their midst!

(2) The Son of Man will come suddenly (V22-29)

Then the Lord turns to His disciples and talks about what is coming to them, when He will not be in their midst as He was before. And when Christ returns, most of the world will be like the days of Noah and Lot, eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, and building as usual, paying no attention to God’s warnings, and being unprepared, with the result that when the Son of Man appears suddenly and unknowingly, and executes His judgment, they will perish!

(3) Prepare for the Lord’s return (V30-37)

Jesus here warns his disciples not to be entangled in the things of this world, like Lot’s wife who did not give up the world, and consequently perished herself. Those who live only in this world and do not plan for eternity ‘shall lose their lives’! Only those who accept salvation and abide in God’s will are spared the judgment of disaster.

Conclusion:

We have received salvation and the kingdom of God is in our midst. Therefore, let us live according to the essential principle of the Kingdom of God and be ready to wait for the Lord’s return! Be drawn by the Lord into the eternal Kingdom of God!

17/11/2023

引言：

读圣经和读马经的不同在哪儿？前者讲人生的终极方向，后者讲发财的机会···！

一、聪明之子为将来准备（16:1-9）

主所说的故事中之不义的管家被形容为【今世之子】，而【光明之子】是在对比属神的儿女。故事中所形容的那位‘不义的管家’其实是更有远见、更聪明的；当然这里所谓的聪明是指懂得为将来作准备。很显然，这故事的重点不在乎管家与主人之间做事的对错，而是看管家做事背后的目的，为自己的将来作准备。很显然基督徒既然得了永恒的国，我们今生的一切作为显然要为将来的国准备，那才是明智之举。

主所看重的是【永存的帐幕】！这不正是将来的新耶路撒冷吗？作为有永生应许的光明之子，理当在凡事上以此为准备啊！

二、现实的事与永世的事（16:10-18）

1.何谓真忠心？（V10-12）

在小事上是否忠于托付？这才是主所看重的真忠心。与属神的事相比的时候，地上的事其实是小事。但是神看一个人是否忠心，往往是透过人在地上做事的表现而显明出来。

世上的钱财都被形容为‘不义的钱财’，因为是世上短暂的东西。‘真实的钱财’是指天上的产业，神所要给予的奖赏，或者神要给予的管理权。（下一章经文就说到这概念，忠于托付者也授权管五座城、十座城···）人若在地上这些世界的小事上不忠心，神怎么会把真正属于我们的‘真实钱财’给我们呢？

2.什么更重要？（V13-15）

主耶稣把神与钱作对比，两者是两个主、两种人生追求的目标与重心！神重要还是钱重要？魔鬼曾以世界的荣华和选择敬拜神作为选项来试探耶稣。耶稣选择敬拜神，耶稣得胜了；我们呢？你更看重什么？

3.努力进神国（V6-18）

律法的总结在基督身上；先知的预言也以基督为终极焦点。基督神国的福音就此开始了，人人都要努力进入，因为这是十字架的窄门和小路啊！律法不是废弃了，主说天地废弃比律法废弃还更容易，意思说我们如今要领受心版诫命，而非石板律法。

三、一睹死后阴间的面目（16:19-31）

财主在世享宴乐，时间一到脱离阳间进入阴间。关键在于有生之年是否有为永世作准备？否则将面临永恒中的火焰和极其痛苦无尽。
要饭的拉撒路在生时受尽委屈困苦，但是死后却去到尊贵的先祖，亚伯拉罕怀里，一同等候将来的新天新地（V9所形容的永存的帐幕），永远的福乐。当然永福也不是因为是在今生受苦的结果，而是在乎他所信的是谁？所看重的是谁？因为认定神、属于神、如亚伯拉罕所信的，所以才得着如此的结局。

总结：确保你积极为主而活

不是守住律法规条、石板诫命，而是活出有永恒价值的心版真理生命。

Luke Chapter 16: Current Life and Eternity
GK611 Morning Devotion
17/11/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Rev David Tan

Introduction：

What is the difference between reading the Bible and reading the horse racing news? The former talks about the ultimate direction of life, and the latter talks about opportunities to make a fortune…!

1. The wise son prepares for the future (16:1-9)

The unjust steward in the story told by the Lord is described as the “sons of this world”, while the “sons of light” are in contrast with the children of God. The ‘unjust steward’ described in the story is actually more far-sighted and wiser; of course, the so-called wise here means knowing how to prepare for the future. Obviously, the focus of this story is not about what is right or wrong between the steward and the master, but about the purpose behind what the steward does and how to prepare for his future. Clearly, since Christians have obtained the eternal kingdom, everything we do in this life must be prepared for the future kingdom, and that is a wise move.

What the Lord values is the “everlasting tabernacle”! Isn’t this the future New Jerusalem? As sons of light who have the promise of eternal life, we should be prepared for this in everything!

2. Real things and eternal things (16:10-18)

(1) What is true loyalty? (V10-12)

Are you loyal to small things that were entrusted to you? This is the true loyalty that the Lord values. Earthly things are actually small things when compared with the things of God. But God sees a person’s faithfulness as often revealed through the person’s performance on earth.

Money in this world is described as ‘unrighteous money’ because it is a temporary thing in this world. “Real money” refers to the heavenly inheritance, the rewards God gives, or the stewardship God gives. (The next chapter talks about this concept. Those who are loyal to the entrustment are also authorised to take charge of five cities and ten cities…) If people are not loyal to these small things of the world on earth, how can God give the ‘real money’ that truly belongs to us?

(2) What is more important? (V13-15)

The Lord Jesus compared God and money. They are two masters, two goals and focuses of pursuit in life! Which is more important, God or money? The devil tempted Jesus with the glory of the world and chose to worship God as an option. Jesus chose to worship God, and Jesus prevailed; what about us? What do you value more?

(3) Work hard to enter the kingdom of God (V6-18)

The conclusion of the law is in Christ; the prophetic prophecies also have Christ as the ultimate focus. The gospel of the kingdom of God in Christ begins here. Everyone must work hard to enter because this is the narrow gate and path of the cross! The law is not abolished. The Lord said that it would be easier for heaven and earth to be abolished than for the law to be abolished. This means that we now have to receive the Heartified Ten Commandments, not the laws written on the stone tablets.

3. A glimpse of the underworld after death (16:19-31)

The rich man enjoys pleasures in this world, but when the time comes, he leaves the world of heaven and enters the underworld. The key is whether you have prepared for eternity in your lifetime. Otherwise, you will face eternal flames and endless agony.

Lazarus, a beggar, suffered many grievances and hardships during his lifetime, but after his death, he went to the arms of his noble ancestor, Abraham, and waited together for the future new heaven and new earth (the eternal tabernacle described in V9) and eternal happiness. Of course, eternal happiness is not the result of suffering in this life but depends on who he believes in, and who he values. Because he believed in God and belonged to God, as Abraham believed, he got this ending.

Conclusion: Make sure you are proactively living for the Lord

It is not about abiding by laws and regulations and Ten Commandments on stone tablet, but about living a life of heartified truth that has eternal value.

16/11/2023

引言：寻人启事

一、有影响力的生命树（v1-2）

法利赛人却觉得税吏和罪人不圣洁，所以要远离他们，免得被污染。但对主耶稣而言，祂是圣洁的，无论多么不洁的人靠近祂，耶稣生命里的圣洁就能使他们变成洁净。

求主帮助我们，让我们这棵生命树是充满主耶稣的气息，活出真实的信仰。生命影响生命的去吸引许多人来靠近耶稣。

二、寻回生命中的失落（v3-32）

1.寻回失落的身份（v3-7）

文士和法利赛人本来就是神的选民。可是却常常自以为义的以为自己是亚伯拉罕的后裔，拒绝耶稣的救恩。因此，失去了当有的尊贵身份。

神按自己的形象造人，代表人拥有一个专属神的身份和地位。但罪却使人丢失了这原有的身份。感恩透过主的救恩能恢复神原先的心意。然我们竭力去帮助人寻回这身份。

2.寻回生命的价值（v8-10）

要知道自己是贫穷的。不然丢失了一块钱时，我们会不当一回事的。不警醒的人会像慢火煮青蛙一样，被生命的软弱逐渐吞噬，发现时已太迟了。

当钱遗失了，不管面值是$1，$10，$1000，它是没有价值的。只有当钱被找回来，它才真正有价值。弟兄姐妹，你找到自己生命存活的价值吗？

3.寻回失落的关系（v11-32）

（1）小儿子要悔改归正（v12-19）

小儿子为什么要离家出走？不想委身、轻看父子关系。要争取自主权，作自己生命的主人。不想顺服在权柄的遮盖下，也没有尊容父亲。

我们是浪子吗？从与父母、权柄、小组长的关系，还有是否听见圣灵的感动就顺服去行动就能知晓。

让我们对准生命树，该悔改的就要悔改，并勇敢地去修复破坏了的关系。

（2）父亲有无尽的恩慈（v20-24）

父亲不计算儿子的恶，反兴奋的向仆人发出连串命令：“快！把那上好的袍子拿出来，给他穿，把戒指戴在他指头上，将鞋穿在他脚上，把那肥牛犊牵来宰了，吃喝快乐。”

这就是天父！今天不管我们的生命有多糟糕，要记得有一位、也是唯独一位创造我们、爱我们的天父爸爸，无条件的天天站在家门口观望，早已预备好恩典，等待我们回家。

（3）大儿子要真实连结（v25-32）

v29 “服事” 与v26 “仆人” 是相同根字

大儿子是一个悲剧人物，不知道自己已经迷失。身为家中长子的他，竟然活得像仆人一样。他跟父亲的关系是完全被扭曲的。他也鄙视弟弟，觉得弟弟不配回家。

好行为不是得救的关键。神是看重关系的神，耶稣来正是为了让我们与天父的关系能被修复，重新连结。

总结：倾心吐意

不管大儿子或小儿子，他们都是浪子。他们是浪子皆因为跟父亲的关系出了问题。弟兄姐妹，你的生命中有浪子的影子吗？让我们一起来到神的面前，来向祂倾心吐意。

Luke Chapter 15: Lost and Found
GK611 Morning Devotion
16/11/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Deborah Tan

Introduction: Wanted notice

1. The influential tree of life (v1-2)
The Pharisees, however, felt that tax collectors and sinners were unholy, so they had to stay away from them lest they be contaminated. But to the Lord Jesus, He is holy, and no matter how unclean people come near Him, the holiness in Jesus’ life is able to turn them into cleanliness.

Pray that this tree of life would be filled with the breath of Jesus and that we would live out our true faith. Life influences life to draw many people to Jesus.

2. Recovering the Lost in Life (v3-32)
(1) Recovering a Lost Identity (v3-7)
The scribes and Pharisees were God’s chosen people. However, they often thought they were Abraham’s descendants and rejected the salvation of Jesus. As a result, they lost their honourable status.

God created man in His own image, and on behalf of man, he has an identity and status that is exclusively God’s. But sin has caused man to lose this identity. But sin has caused man to lose this original identity. We are thankful that through the Lord’s salvation we can restore God’s original will. We are thankful that through the Lord’s salvation, God’s original will can be restored, but we try our best to help people to recover this identity.

(2) Find the value of life (v8-10)
Know that you are poor. Otherwise, when we lose a dollar, we will not take it seriously. Those who are not alert will be like slow-boiled frogs, gradually consumed by the weakness of life, and realise it is too late.

When money is lost, it has no value, no matter if the face value is $1, $10, $1000. It is only when it is recovered that it has any real value. Brothers and sisters, have you found the value of your own existence?

3. Recovering the lost relationships (v11-32)
(1) The younger son will repent and return to righteousness (v12-19)
Why did the younger son run away from home? Didn’t want to commit himself, despised the father-son relationship. Wanted to fight for autonomy and be the master of his own life. Didn’t want to submit to the covering of authority and didn’t honour his father.

Are we prodigal sons? We can tell by our relationship with our parents, authority, cell leaders, and whether or not we obey and act when we hear the Holy Spirit moving us.

Let’s align ourselves with the tree of life, repent of what we should repent of, and boldly repair the broken relationships.

(2) The Father is infinitely gracious (v20-24)
Instead of counting the evil of his son, the father excitedly issued a series of commands to his servant, “Quickly! Bring out the fine robe and put it on him, put a ring on his finger, put shoes on his feet, bring the fatted calf and slaughter it, eat and drink and be merry.”

That’s our Heavenly Father! No matter how bad our lives are today, remember that there is one and only one Heavenly Father who created us and loves us, unconditionally standing at the door of our home every day watching and long ago preparing the grace to wait for us to return home.

(3) The older son is to be authentically connected (v25-32)
v29 “serve” is the same root word as v26 “servant”.

The eldest son is a tragic figure, unaware that he is lost. Being the eldest son in the family, he lives like a servant. His relationship with his father is completely distorted. He also despises his brother and feels that he does not deserve to be home.

Good works are not the key to salvation. God is a God of relationships and Jesus came so that our relationship with the Heavenly Father could be restored and reconnected.

Conclusion: Pour out your heart
Whether the older son or the younger son, they are all prodigals. They were prodigals because their relationship with their father have issue. Brothers and sisters, do you have a prodigal son in your life? Let’s come before God and pour out our hearts to Him.

15/11/2023

引言：基督徒···

一、跟随主的人 (14:1-24)

1. 体恤弱小（V1-6）

主耶稣用行动告诉硬心的法利赛人，怜勉不是看这个人对自己的价值有多少，而是要活出生命树的价值爱人如己。

2. 谦卑待人 （V7-11）

谦卑是基督的本性。我们要效法耶稣基督的谦卑，活出真实的生命。

3. 乐善好施 （V12-15）

耶稣教导这位主人，真正的慷慨是不期望别人的回报才是真正的善行。而最大的赏赐在神那里。

4. 广传福音 （V16-24）

天国的邀请是神的恩典。受邀请而不接受的将失去这一恩典。仆人再受命出去，这正是给我们今天传福音的榜样，叫我们也尽心竭力引人来赴这救恩的筵席。

二、活出生命树 （14:25-35）

1. 愿意和耶稣同行 V25

自我认知，愿意最重要。因为生命树转化的生命，首先就是愿意和主同行，走永生的道路。

2. 愿意爱耶稣更深 V26

主为我们舍命，用祂的宝血将我们救赎，因主爱的激励，我们不应再为自己而活，乃为我们死而复活的主活。

3.愿意为主付代价 V27-35

背十字架的意义是钉死自己和肉体，专心跟从主，因为我们不能凭自我的意志，情感、肉体、私欲和血气跟从主。

总结：主所要的是全部···

Luke Chapter 14 Following Jesus and living out the Tree of Life
GK611 Morning Devotion
15/11/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Brother Bezalel Tan

Introduction: Christians…

1. Those who follow the Lord (V1-24)

1) Sympathy for the weak (V1-6)

The Lord Jesus used actions to tell the hard-hearted Pharisees that mercy does not depend on the person’s value to himself but to live out the value of the Tree of Life and love others as yourself.

2) Treat others with humility (V7-11)

Humility is the nature of Christ. We must imitate the humility of Jesus Christ and live a true life.

3) Be kind and generous (V12-15)

Jesus taught this master that true generosity is a true act of kindness without expecting anything in return from others. And the greatest reward is with God.

4) Spread the gospel (V16-24)

The invitation to heaven is the grace of God. Those who are invited but do not accept will lose this grace. The servant was commanded to go out again. This is an example for us to preach the gospel today so we should also do our best to invite people to this feast of salvation.

2. Live out the Tree of Life (V25-35)

1) Willing to walk with Jesus （V25）

Self-awareness and willingness are the most important. This is because the life transformed by the Tree of Life is primarily a willingness to walk with the Lord and take the path of eternal life.

2) Willing to love Jesus more deeply （V26）

The Lord laid down His life for us and redeemed us with His precious blood. Inspired by the Lord’s love, we should no longer live for ourselves but for the Lord who died and was resurrected.

3) Willing to pay the price for the Lord （V27-35）

The meaning of carrying the cross is to crucify oneself fleshy desires and follow the Lord wholeheartedly, because we cannot follow the Lord based on our own will, emotion, physical, lust, and flesh.

Conclusion: What the Lord wants is everything…

14/11/2023

引言:

这章经文是关于悔改和神国奥秘的探索。这些真理是要激起自我反省，并激发对神国的理解与信心，唤醒我们：悔改要及时 努力进神国！

一、及时悔改以免灭亡（V1-9）

1.不定人罪及时悔改 (V1-5)

主耶稣用两个当时的事件：彼拉多屠杀献祭的加利利人，和西罗亚塔倒塌压死18人的意外死亡，传达关于悔改要及时，而不是看受难者更有罪。

人往往喜欢谈论，谁比谁更有罪，很喜欢去定人的罪。主耶稣将他们拉回关注自己的生命，说：你们若不悔改，都要如此灭亡！我们是习惯对别人的错误指指点点，觉得罪有应得？还是愿意在神面前好好地省察自己？

2.悔改结果以免被砍 (V6-9)

耶稣用无花果树不结果子的比喻，回应前面二个天灾人祸的事件，清楚地传达，不悔改的人，就像是不结果子的无花果树。要让我们知道‘悔改’之后，才有可能结出‘果子’。

神对人是有不放弃的耐心和爱心，会一再地给人机会悔改。如果人一再错过神给的机会，最终就要面临审判。

二、主显明律法的本质（V10-17）

主耶稣在安息日医治了18年弯腰的妇人，但却是受到管会堂的责备。对当时的宗教领袖来说，一个人得到医治似乎并不重要，重要的是对律法的严格遵守。

主耶稣向我们显明了律法的本质是‘爱’！律法绝不是要使人成为冷漠无情的人，而是要让人感受到神的爱，让人在真理中得释放！得自由！

三、主揭开神国的奥秘（V18-21）

主耶稣通过芥菜种和面酵的两个比喻，揭开了神国的奥秘和发展，这两个神国比喻的共同点是‘由小变大’。

我们看到主耶稣的门徒们，原本是一群不受社会重视的人，但在神的国度里却可带来广大而深远的影响。这也提醒我们，神国对我们生命的影响，我们也可以给这个世界带来的影响！

四、要努力进神国窄门（V22-30）

当主耶稣被问到得救的人数时，祂只是回答了‘你们要努力进窄门’。窄门就是神国永生的门，到了家主起来关门，就没有任何人可以进去。

努力进神国不是修行，不是靠自己的力气。努力的意思是需要付上代价，认真听从神的话，可能会有挣扎痛苦，但不改变跟随神的心志。在这个时代，有许多干扰我们跟随神的诱惑，主的教导提醒我们专注于永恒，并尽一切努力走在神的道路上，得以有分在神国的坐席！

五、为神国度甘心舍己（V31-35）

主耶稣说：今天、明天、后天，我必须向前走。这表明耶稣仍会继续祂的使命，朝着耶路撒冷前进并被杀，应验神的拯救计画！主耶稣的话显明了慈爱救主的心，愿意为神国、为祂子民的救赎，甘心舍己！

主耶稣所走的路、所经历的事，也是今天我们要走的窄路、是必须要舍己，才能好好地跟从主。

总结：

我们信主不代表就与神很有关系，不代表我们便是合神心意。我们是要努力才能进入神国！

Luke 13: Repent in time and strive to enter the Kingdom of God!
GK611 Morning Devotion
14/11/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Daniel

Introduction：

This chapter is about repentance and the exploration of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. These truths are meant to inspire self-reflection, inspire understanding and confidence in the Kingdom of God, and awaken us: to repent and work hard to enter the Kingdom of God in a timely manner!

1. Repent in time to avoid destruction (V1-9)

1) Don’t condemn people and repent promptly (V1-5)

The Lord Jesus used two events at that time: Pilate massacred the Galileans who were offering sacrifices, and the accidental death of 18 people when the Tower of Siloam collapsed and killed them, to convey the message that repentance should be timely, rather than looking at the victims as more sinful.

People often like to talk about who is more sinful than others, and they like to condemn others. The Lord Jesus drew them back to their own lives and said: Unless you repent, you will all perish in this way! Are we used to pointing out other people’s mistakes and feeling that they deserve it? Or are you willing to examine yourself well before God?

2) Result of repentance to avoid being cut down (V6-9)

Jesus used the parable of a fig tree that bears no fruit to respond to the previous two natural and man-made disasters. He clearly conveyed that people who do not repent are like a fig tree that bears no fruit. Let us know that only after repentance can we bear ‘fruit’.

God has patience and love for people who never give up and will repeatedly give people opportunities to repent. If a person repeatedly misses the opportunities given by God, he will eventually face judgment.

2. The Lord reveals the nature of the law (V10-17)

The Lord Jesus healed a woman who had been bent down for 18 years on the Sabbath but was rebuked by the synagogue ruler. To the religious leaders of those days, it did not seem to matter that a person was healed; what mattered was strict observance of the law.

The Lord Jesus showed us that the essence of the law is ‘love’! The law is never meant to make people indifferent, but to make people feel the love of God and to be released in the truth! Be free!

3. The Lord reveals the mystery of the kingdom of God (V18-21)

The Lord Jesus revealed the mystery and development of the Kingdom of God through the two parables of the mustard seed and leaven. What these two parables of the Kingdom of God have in common is ‘from small to large’.

We see that the disciples of the Lord Jesus were originally a group of people who were not valued by society, but they can bring vast and far-reaching influence in the kingdom of God. It also reminds us of the impact God’s Kingdom has on our lives and the impact we can have on this world!

4. We must strive to enter the narrow gate of the kingdom of God (V22-30)

When the Lord Jesus was asked about the number of people who would be saved, He simply answered, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” The narrow gate is the eternal door of the kingdom of God. When the owner of the household gets up and closes the gate, no one can enter.

Striving to enter the Kingdom of God is not cultivation, and it is not about relying on one’s own strength. Effort means that you need to pay a price and listen carefully to God’s words. You may struggle and suffer, but you shall not change your determination to follow God. In this era, there are many temptations that interfere with our following God. The Lord’s teachings remind us to focus on eternity and make every effort to walk in God’s way so that we can participate in the Kingdom of God!

5. Willingly sacrifice yourself for the kingdom of God (V31-35)

The Lord Jesus said: today, tomorrow, and the day following, I must move forward. This shows that Jesus will continue His mission, march towards Jerusalem and be killed, fulfilling God’s plan of salvation! The words of the Lord Jesus reveal the heart of the loving Savior, who is willing to sacrifice Himself for the kingdom of God and the salvation of His people!

The path that the Lord Jesus walked and the things that he experienced are also the narrow path that we must walk today. We must deny ourselves to follow the Lord well.

Conclusion：

Just because we believe in the Lord does not mean that we have a close relationship with God, nor does it mean that we are in line with God’s will. We must work hard to enter the Kingdom of God!