2 John 1-13

　　It is believed that this short letter was written by the Apostle John during his advanced years as he addressed himself as “the elder” (v.1). The style of writing and much of the content surrounds the theme love which reminds one of the book of John (v. 5-6).

　　John addressed the letter to the chosen lady and her children (v. 2) probably referring to a local church and its members. The church could be near to where John was since he seemed to know some of the members of the church, planned to visit them (v.4, v.12) and have learnt about what had happened in that community (v.7, v.10)

　　The heart of the letter was to encourage the believers to hold fast to the commands of Jesus (truths and love) without being deceived by some heretical teachings regarding Jesus’ identity. Apparently there were some traveling Gnostic teachers who taught that Jesus could not be man and god (v. 7). John was concerned these false teachers might wormed their way into the homes of believers and washed their brains. John warned them not to fall into their trap and jeopardize their full heavenly reward (v. 8-9). This reminded me of the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses who spread their false teachings by door-to-door witnessing and handing out the printed materials of their faith such as the Watchtower of Jehovah Witnesses. Believers must strengthen their faith by carefully studying the Bible. By doing so, we will be able to recognize the false teachings of other faiths or cults which oftentimes use familiar lingo in the Christian community but deviates from the truth taught in the Bible.

　　John warned the believers of the church not to receive such a person into their homes. These traveling false teachers depended on the provisions and hospitality of the people (v.10). John did not want the church to propagate the heretical teachings unintentionally. John also equated showing hospitality to the false teachers is like sharing in their wicked works (v. 11). This is a sobering reminder for believers to cut off anything that will jeopardize their faith. If we are unsure how to answer to such a person without falling into his trap or ignorance, then it is better not to associate with him.

　　John’s genuine love for the church members in his letter as well as his eagerness to meet with them (v. 12) encouraged me to follow in his example. May the love of God flow through me to others, especially to fellow believers for the glory of God! 　　　— Lai Yee Leong

约翰一书 1 John 5:1-21 (Scroll down for English)

第五章的难题

6 这借着水和血而来的就是耶稣基督。不是单用水，乃是用水又用血。

　　如果不清楚本书背景，这几节经文可以叫人读来云里雾里地迷糊。首先第六节：耶稣基督借着水和血而来，不单用水，乃是用水又用血。约翰在说什么呢？

　　要知道，使徒约翰写这封叫《约翰一书》的书信，重要目的之一，是对付当时嚣尘肆上的异端诺斯底主义。这个异端宣扬的耶稣之一是，耶稣是个人，在他受浸时，基督(the Christ)降临在他身上，在他钉十架之前，基督离他而去。

　　约翰一书的证道是：耶稣基督的来临，是“借着水和血”；水，指他在约旦河受施洗约翰的浸，从此开始他在地上的事奉。血，指他在十字架上流血，成就了救赎大工。针对诺斯底主义的邪说，约翰强调说：不是单用水，乃是用水又用血”，这一位借着水和血而来，一样也不少的，就是救主耶稣基督，他在地上的救赎工作，三年半的事奉，由水开始，以血终结。在本书起首 1:1-4，约翰以使徒的身份为耶稣基督作见证。

7. 并且有圣灵作见证，因为圣灵就是真理。

　　第七节还真得花上一些功夫。按钦定本KJV和新钦定本NKJ，第七节的内容是： “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” 但其它各主要英译本，如NIV, NET, ESV, NAU等等，却展现不同的内容：“For there are three that testify.” 查手上两个版本的希腊文本，BGT和BYZ，是

与NIV等后四个英文版本相符。于是读者又觉得茫无头绪。

　　据圣经研究，原来BGT和BYZ版所展示的内容，存在于14世记之前的手稿中，KJV所翻译过来的内容，只见于14世记之后的手稿。多出的文字，很可能是抄写手稿的文士把个人对经文的理解写在空白处，之后被编辑当作正文收入，成为了KJV第七节，NKJ沿袭KJV，也照旧排版。所以， 较为“年轻”的其他英文版本根据圣经研究，按更可靠的14世记前文本翻译，因此出现版本间的参 差。与路德和加尔文同时期的学者Erasmus在重新整理拉丁文武加大本圣经 (the Vulgate) 的过程中便遇上这一难题，多番周折，不赘。

　　如果有异端耶和华见证人上门，请不要使用KJV/NKJ的约壹5:8与他们较劲，因为他们被训练知道这节经文的翻译背景，很容易就可以摸出原文本来否定KJV/NKJ的第八节内容，然后“证实” 说，我们错了，他们才对。鬼蜮伎俩。

8 作见证的原来有三，就是圣灵，水，与血。这三样也都归于一。

　　律法有见证人的要求。这里的见证，有圣灵。圣灵感动先知，预言基督耶稣受施洗约翰的浸，然后他要在十架上受苦受死，代表他在地上事奉的起始和终结。“我们既领受人的见证，神的 见证更该领受了。”这是来自神的见证，准确无误，如果拒绝如诺斯底异端所为，那就是以神为说 谎的，罪莫大焉。

16 人若看见弟兄犯了不至于死的罪，就当为他祈求，神必将生命赐给他。有至于死的罪，我不说当为这罪祈求。

　　这节经文所承载的信息，“不至于死的罪”，看来好像与保罗“罪的工价就是死”（罗 6:23）相悖。为这困惑，我曾请教一位圣经学者，他的回答是：约翰知道什么是“不至于死的罪”，但我们不知道。因此，聪明的做法是，任何罪都别犯。可惜，这是不可能的。主的门徒不要罪中之乐，但有可能“偶然被过犯所胜”。（加 6:1）那么这一节经文，又当如何理解与应用？

18 我们知道凡从神生的必不犯罪。从神生的必保守自己，（有古卷作那从神生的必保护他），那恶者也就无法害他。

　　第一句的“不犯罪”，原文

是进行时态，即，“凡从神生的必不习惯性地犯罪”，不会在罪中之乐中不可自拔。恰当理解这一节经文，就可以明白另一节难解的经文 15 节。当中的关系，卖个关子，留给大家思考，并且以神为乐。（大卫王是现成的参考案例）　　　— David Yip

About Some Exegetical Issues, 1 John 5

NKJ 1 John 5:6,  This is He who came by water and blood — Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.

　　Without the background knowledge, it is not easy to understand John’s terms water and blood. The one of the main goals for the epistle is to fight against the Gnosticism. As a cult, their false theology asserts that Jesus is a man and the Messiah possessed him at his baptism, and departed before Jesus the man was crucified.

　　The verse nullifies the Gnosticism theology. It maintains the truth that Jesus Christ came “by water and blood”. Water indicates his baptism by John the Baptist, marking the beginning of his earthly ministry; and blood signifies he bled and died on the cross, successfully completing his ministry of salvation. Against the Cultic theology John, the author of the epistle, emphasizes “not only by water, but by water and blood”. As the savior, Jesus Christ perfectly completed his earthly ministry. John himself testified earlier in 1:1-4 with his unique identity as one of the physical and spiritual followers of Jesus the Christ.

7. NIV 1 John 5:7 For there are three that testify.

　　Not only NIV, some other versions such as NAU, NET, ESV also renders identical text. However, KJV and NKJ are found to present a different text, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” The textual variation is likely to puzzle the serious Bible students.

　　Two of the original Greek versions are available in my personal library and both are looked into for verification. Identically, the Greek text from both versions, the BGT and the BYZ, is

The NIV, ASU, NET, and ESV rendering is thought to fit the Greek text more than that of the KJV and NKJ.

　　Why there is such a discrepancy? It is reported that the Greek text quoted above is in the many manuscripts prior to the 14 century. Not until after that time that the Greek variation, which is adopted and translated by the KJV start is emerging. Therefore, the more contemporary English versions render according to the more reliable pre-fourteenth century resources, whereas the NKJ decides to follow her predecessor KJV. This is why such a discrepancy exists among the different versions. Regardless, there is no harm, whatsoever, to the truth of God.

　　One side note is that it is not recommended to debate against the JW cult with the version of the KJV family. They are trained to know the above background, and they will go around with the Greek text to “prove” that they are more “biblical” than you.

8. For there are three that bear witness, the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. (NAU)

　　The Law requires witnesses. The Holy Spirit is the witness to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit breathed to prophesy that Jesus would be baptized by John the Baptist, and he would suffer and die on the cross, foretelling about his complete ministry on earth. “f we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for the witness of God is this, that He has borne witness concerning His Son.” This is a precise and inerrant witness from God for His Son. If reject as does the Gnostics, what they are doing is telling that God is a liar.

16. If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.

　　The message “a sin which does not lead to death” tends to be a statement of interest, because it seems to be contradictory to the apostle Paul’s famous teach, “a sin which does not lead to death.” (Rom 6:23) I once sought help from a scholar. His opinion was that the author knew what that sin was, but we did not know. So, the best thing we could do would be to not sin. I was still in a great dissatisfaction after the conversation, for I knew that it would be hardly possible to not sin, even if we had been saved by grace.

　　How, then, should this verse be fathomed and understood? Please continue to read…

18. We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.

　　Praise be to God for this verse so priceless, and the good work from the NIV team to render accurately. While many other versions render simple present tense for the verb

“sin”, the NIV correctly shows its tense as present continuous. With this kept in mind, the NIV’s rendering is much appreciated, i.e. the one who was born of God may be “caught in a sin”, (Gal 6:1) but he/she will not continue to sin. One is suggested to pay attention to its singular form, “a sin”. Note that “a sin” also appears in v. 16.

　　Now, we should be able to praise God again for the light to understand both vv.16 and 18.　　　— David Yip

約翰一書4:1-21

諸靈需要經過鑑別（v1-6）

　　這世上有各種各樣靈存在，有聖靈也有邪靈。鑑別的方法是看此靈是否認（相信）耶穌。不信的就是敵基督的，是邪靈。曾經聽一個朋友說過，她家人被鬼附，有一位所謂大師聲稱能趕鬼，這位家人花了大錢找他施法后，情况一时确实好转了，但不久之后却又复发犯病。我觉得这位所谓大师是有邪灵的，我劝朋友去说服家人去教会，她也没行动，结果那位被鬼附的家人至今依然无法正常生活。

神是爱（v7-21）

　　神的本性就是爱，神子降世救人显明神的爱，与神相交的人也能表现神的爱；人能相爱才证明自己与神相交。

　　世俗的爱，诸如爱情，亲情，友情都是有限的，有条件的，人们只爱爱我们的人和可爱之人；而圣爱，即上帝之爱是无限的，无条件的。神在我们还是罪人（不认识神）的时候，就让他的独生爱子耶稣基督为我们的罪死在十字架上，我们只要認耶稣基督为主，罪就得赦免，就能与神和好，我们就得到了永生的应许。这是多么伟大的爱，我们是多么有福！我祈求：我们都有一颗爱神和爱弟兄的心，因为这是神的命令。

　　感谢主！　　　— Jinhua Yang

1 John 3:1-24

　　This chapter continues the theme started in 1 John 2:18-27 of overcoming the antichrist(s) by confession of God’s Son. In verses 1-10, John gives the believer reason to celebrate – ‘Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!’ From verse 2, we are His ‘beloved’, we will be like Him, we shall see Him as He is. Such joy is found in these verses. And wonder builds in verse 3 as John tells us that Hope in Christ purifies us as He is pure! That statement is nearly beyond comprehension because of our fallen nature and the world we live in.

　　There is warning too, as we are reminded that ‘the world does not know us’ as it does not know Him. Verse 4 tells us that sinfulness is lawlessness. If someone recklessly and habitually violates the anointing placed in them, then they: have not ‘seen or known’ Him and do not ‘abide’ in Him. It becomes evident who is a child of God and who is a child of the devil. The one who does not practice righteousness and does not love his brother is not God’s child.

　　We overcome evil by loving one another and by listening to the Apostle John as explained in verses 11-24. Cain’s example of murdering Able is recounted and John tells us that if we even hate our brother, we are murderers. Here is how we know LOVE: He laid down His life for us and we ought lay down our lives for the brothers. Jesus path to the cross marks the selfless, self-giving way of life to which His followers are called. When our heart condemns of sin, we know that God is greater than our heart and grants us assurance that He has forgiven us through the atoning work of Christ.

　　Obedience leads to a clean heart – the type of heart that God hears and is pleased with. When we ask of Him, He answers. We pray in faith, with patience, in obedience and in submission to God’s greater wisdom.

　　As I studied this chapter, I felt so much thanksgiving for the men and women who lay down their lives each week to teach the children of GCBC about Jesus and His love for them. I know it is our prayer that each child we touch will know Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Though none of us live sinless lives, I believe, as this chapter in 1 John states, God hears our prayer and is pleased that we ask.　　　— Mary Mauderer

約翰一書2:1-29；詩篇146:1-10

　　本章使徒約翰連續11次用「寫給」、「寫信給」受信的教會，可見是多麼情詞懇切；而一開始就說「是要叫你們不犯罪」，可見是教會有了問題；又在12-14節連續兩次指明受信的「小子們」、「少年人」、「父老」，可見教會的問題是出在老、中、青全年齡的全會眾。到底教會出了什麼問題？或說教會全會眾犯到底了什麼罪？在此處並沒有明說，這或許是因為約翰是滿有慈愛憐憫的使徒，不像使徒保羅寫給哥林多教會的信，直言不諱。但我從本章的教導中有一些如下的理解。

　　v1-6，基督徒不應該犯罪。但人都是軟弱的，都會犯罪，既使心中不想犯罪，行出來卻由不得自己。如果犯罪後以憂傷痛悔的心向主耶穌基督認罪悔改，祂是我們得救的中保，罪就得赦，弟兄姊妹就該接納他。使徒約翰特別提醒，信主的人，就必定要認識主的誡命，既認識主的誡命，就必須要遵行。所以信主就要愛主，就有主住在我們裡面，愛主就要照主所行的去行。

　　v7-17，這是本章的核心信息，約翰以使徒之尊，「命令」教會全會眾，務要謹守主耶穌基督所吩咐的命令，就是主內弟兄姊妹要「彼此相愛」，絕對不可以「恨弟兄」，因為恨弟兄的人是離開了光，行在黑暗中。而隨從「世界的事」正是造成教會問題的起源，v15, 16人若愛世界，愛父的心就不在他裏面了。因為凡世界上的事，就像肉體的情慾，眼目的情慾，並今生的驕傲，都不是從父來的，乃是從世界來的。因此，基督徒務要遵行神的旨意，剛強謹守神的道，就能勝了那惡者。

　　v18-27，使徒約翰提醒教會，務要防範「敵基督的」在教會興風作浪，擄掠人心，把基督徒從神的面前奪走。要謹慎的是，那「敵基督的」是出自於教會中，不是外來的。（當然，敵基督的就是撒旦、就是撒旦的同夥，用「世界的事」把教會裡的人擄走，也成為敵基督的。）v22不認父與子的，這就是敵基督的。如何不認？不相信整本聖經就是神的話，不相信聖經就是至高絕對的真理，不遵行聖經的真理，用世俗的方式處理教會的教政、事工，以及主內弟兄姊妹相處之道。v27你們從主所受的恩膏常存在你們心裏，並不用人教訓你們，自有主的恩膏在凡事上教訓你們。約翰說的「恩膏」，就是指著神的話語通過聖靈在基督徒心中所發出的感動，就是順服聖靈的引導，遵行神的旨意與誡命，就是遵行聖經的真道。

　　v28-29，蒙恩得救的基督徒既已蒙主應許得永生，就當謹守聖潔生命，直到主再來時，得以坦然無懼的站在基督台前，與主耶穌基督同坐席。

　　此時讀詩篇146篇，正是對約翰一書二章教訓的回應禱告──

詩篇146:1-10

我們要讚美耶和華！我的心哪，你要讚美耶和華！
我一生要讚美耶和華！我還活的時候要歌頌我的神！
我們不要倚靠君王，不要倚靠世人；他一點不能幫助。
以神為幫助、仰望耶和華神的，這人便為有福！
耶和華要作王，直到永遠！神要作王，直到萬代！我們要讚美耶和華！阿們！　　　— Solomon Liu

约翰一书1:1-10

　　认识我们的神，约翰一书1:5中讲“神就是光，在他毫无黑暗”。神是完全圣洁的、毫无瑕疵的，只有祂能够引导我们脱离黑暗和罪恶。当我们认识到这一点的时候，才能感觉到自己原本的不配和神长阔高深的爱。

　　我们要行在光明中，当我们行在光明中的时候，才能与神相交。约翰一书1:6“我们若说是与神相交，却仍在黑暗里行，就是说谎话，不行真理了”我们在黑暗中行，就不能与神相交。罪使我们与神隔绝。

　　行在神的光明中，让神的话语来到我们心里，影响我们的生命。约翰一书1:8 “我们若说自己无罪，便是自欺，真理不在我们心里了”神的话语不仅是知识，更是要我们记在心里，诗篇1:2“惟喜爱耶和华的律法，昼夜思想，这人便为有福”我们思想神的话语，让神的话语指导我们的心思意念，我们的决定、判断。

　　来到神的面前认罪悔改，才能行在光明中。人常常会陷入过犯中，不太承认自己曾经的过错，用世界的标准或者自己定义的标准判断自己，认为自己是个好人，没有什么过犯，但来到神面前，当神的光照到我们里面的时候，就会发现自己里面一团糟，知道自己行在黑暗中，知道自己需要神的饶恕和拯救。当我们来到神面前认罪的时候，神不需要我们为自己的罪付出代价，因为耶稣基督的宝血已经洗净了我们一切的罪和不义，只要来到神面前认罪悔改，我们就可以重新恢复与神的相交。　　　— Lihua Wang

Malachi 4:1-6

　　When those who live by their faith see around them the worldly success of the ungodly, and the lack of consequence on the wicked, they may begin to wonder if it is worthwhile to persevere in their walk with God. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:19: If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.  Surely, the day is coming when every evildoer will pay for their actions (v.1-3). We know punishment awaits those who commit sins with no fear for God. Their end has been spelled out: they shall be cut down like a stubble and thrown into the fire with no hopes of being revived (v.1).  On the other hand, those who honor God will receive their reward of healing from their Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It was Jesus who was pierced for our transgressions and by His wound we are healed- Isaiah 52:5.  Let us encourage each other so that we will not grow weary,  and to press on to win the heavenly prize which God has called us in Christ Jesus.

　　Jesus, the sun of righteousness (v.2) shall also be to us our everlasting light- Isaiah 60:19. Jesus is like the sun, giving light to the world- whoever who follows Him will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12). Believers who were previously held in bondage of their sins are now free like calves released from the stall. Their frolicking leap will trample the wicked into ashes (v. 2-3). The day will come when believers will reign with Jesus in heaven, perhaps we will partake in expressing our approbation with a sense of justice at the condemnation of the wicked (1 Cor 6:2).

　　The Israelites were to recall the law given to them by God through Moses (v.4). They were to live according to it, holy and separated from the world. God would send them the prophet Elijah who could be seen as a fulfillment in John the Baptist (v.5). John the Baptist who ministered in the spirit and power of Elijah preached the message of repentance to the Israelites. The great and dreadful day of the Lord could also be referring to the end times when one of the two witnesses is thought to be Elijah (Rev. 11:3). Once again, the prophet Elijah will prophesy to turn the people to God (v.5-6).  As chosen people of God, who had been given the law, the Israelites ought to respond to the prophecy by encouraging and turning their heart to their new and old generations in order that they will keep their faith in God (v.6). Their failure to respond will lead to God’s punishment upon their land with a curse (v. 6). It is a sobering reminder to me that as a Christian, I have too been given “light” just as the Israelites have been given the law and prophecy, I will be held accountable for what I do with the knowledge given to me. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked- Luke 12:48. May the Lord enable me to live up to all that have been entrusted to me for His glory! 　　　— Lai Yee Leong

玛拉基书3:1-18

　　人类有今日，古人唤作‘天地为炉兮，造化为工；阴阳为炭兮，万物为铜。’（贾谊《鵩鸟赋》）意思是说，地上万物都在炉中饱受煎熬。贾谊他老却是知其然不知其所以然，原因是：伊甸园中，始祖不把神的诫命当回事儿，创世记第三章道尽其中始末，不赘。

　　以色列被掳，有国破山河在的劫难，同是因为效法始祖，不把神的诫命当回事儿。（为今日我辈诫）以色列民之所以有被掳70年的劫难，原因当然繁多，其中之一，是因为以色列不守神所颁下的安息年。神的命令是，以色列在自己土地产业耕耘收获，每六年的耕作之后，须当守第七年为安息年。这安息年可让地土休养生息，也可让土地在安息年所出产，供“仆人，婢女，雇工人，并寄居的外人当食物”。（参利25，26）以色列人却把神的诫命当儿戏，既不让地安歇，也不让穷人收取，有四百九十年之久，其间合共亏欠神七十个安息年，硬着心的民，七十次不把神的诫命当回事儿。神的回报，公正而恰如其份：作息的土地由神赐下，你们既却在其上任意而行，那么好，神就把你们从这地土上挪移开七十年，是有以色列“刚好”七十年的被掳。落下先知“先前满有人民的城，现在何竟独坐。先前在列国中为大的，现在竟如寡妇。先前在诸省中为王后的，现在成为进贡的”的悲歌一曲。（哀1:1）

　　七十年后，百万犹太人中大约五万人回归犹大。他们有一腔热枕重建先祖之地，但仇敌环伺，阻拦很快临到，他们失去动力，于是个人转而忙碌在建造自己的家园房屋，把建殿的计划置之脑后：明天再说罢。这过程当中，神兴起三个人鼓励、拯救以色列于仇敌的虎视眈眈：哈该、撒迦利亚、和以斯帖。圣殿终于在516 B.C.建成。

　　但圣殿的落成并不代表人心的归正。玛拉基书中处处记载以色列民对神的斗胆顶撞。当神指责他们心术不正，所行乖谬，他们的标准反应不是认罪悔改，而是还嘴。神说：‘万军之耶和华说，从你们列祖的日子以来，你们常常偏离我的典章，而不遵守。现在你们要转向我，我就转向你们。你们却问说：‘我们如何才是转向呢？’（7）千辛万苦，换取圣殿竣工，以色列人也许觉得是功德完满，但立约的神（耶和华有“立约的神”之意）并不满足，他要的是以色列人的心归向他。今天，我们每礼拜天会来到教会，是‘礼拜如仪’，还是‘心灵诚实（真理）’？神一直在尋找后者。（约4:23原文）

　　神直斥以色列民之非：8“人岂可夺取神之物呢？你们竟夺取我的供物。”以色列人揣着明白当糊涂：‘你们却说：‘我们在何事上夺取你的供物呢？’神斥责他们：‘就是你们在当纳的十分之一，和当献的供物上。’事态严重，神说：9‘因你们通国的人，都夺取我的供物’，呜呼，通国的人因蒙怜悯而归回，不识感恩，却在神面前作强盗，‘咒诅就临到你们身上。’

　　下三节经文是信实的神应许，大家都很熟悉，而且很喜欢：“10 万军之耶和华说，你们要将当纳的十分之一，全然送入仓库，使我家有粮，以此试试我，是否为你们敞开天上的窗户，倾福与你们，甚至无处可容。11 万军之耶和华说，我必为你们斥责蝗虫（蝗虫原文作吞噬者），不容它毁坏你们的土产。你们田间的葡萄树在未熟之先，也不掉果子。12 万军之耶和华说，万国必称你们为有福的，因你们的地必成为喜乐之地。”神的信实，也临到我身上，于此不得不作感恩分享，数算一下我信主几十年来领受数不清的祝福中的一个。

　　话说刚信主时，得知要奉献。不知奉献的意义，但也不好意思一毛不拔不是？此时的奉献，几个铜板，三数零碎而已。慈爱的主没有计较，但有带领。

　　信主后，但觉恩福日多，喜乐充盈，渐渐地，先前的“不好意思”越来越被奉献的喜乐所取代，于是喜乐的奉献也作指数式叠增，主很快领我进入“当纳的十分之一，全然送入仓库”的阶段。

　　不旋踵到美国来念书。一介书生，清风两袖，收入靠周末到餐馆当跑堂的。此时也曾犹豫过一下：环境改变，是不是应该多留下几个蹦子儿，聊补游子的无米之炊？但依靠神的供应，胜过人生的小九九小聪明。十一奉献后，生活必须，似也不见短缺，那情景，恰似一个寡妇的家当：“妇人就照以利亚的话去行。她和她家中的人，并以利亚，吃了许多日子。坛内的面果不减少，瓶里的油也不缺短，正如耶和华借以利亚所说的话。”（王上17:15-16）哈啊，不减少，不短缺，足矣，夫复何求？

　　眨眼到了大学三年级，那是信主后五年，也领受了神信实的带领和供应五年。此时另一层次的试炼临到。那学期修16个学分，学习压力山大；老大恰好呱呱坠地，需要抚养；同一学期，我所在的大学查经班筹备成立教会。

　　俺浑身是铁，也打不了几根钉，自问没三头六臂，去应付学习、育婴、和事奉的同时挑战。于是面临抉择：三者之中，如何取舍是好？我毫不犹豫地决定：孩子和教会。学业呢？交给神了，大不了不及格重修。

　　那一学期最要命的一科电子学（Electronics），由一位行内权威的比利时教授执教，结果是期待中的F。但孩子照料得好，教会也建立了。我心释然，可对恩主托付。

　　“万军之耶和华说：‘我必为你们斥责蝗虫（蝗虫原文作吞噬者），不容它毁坏你们的土产。你们田间的葡萄树在未熟之先，也不掉果子。’”下学期重修这不及格一科，神赐我成绩是A。由F到A，感谢神。这还不止。当我们献上自己，作为活祭，神要“倾福与你们，甚至无处可容。”且看在我身上，如何无处可容法。（我至今依然珍藏着大学一年级上学期的五份数学考试卷，其中记载着神一步步的带领，让我走过从第一次考试的不及格到最后一次的96分，从F到A的路。神的右臂，多次伸出。）

　　大学终于毕业了。申请了十所大学的研究院，全告不予接收。正纳闷间，一天，偶然回到本校本系大楼，走廊上遇到一位熟悉的教授，劈头就一句：‘你要当助教（TA）吗？’
愣了一下：‘还没申请研究院呢。’我告诉她。
‘不要紧 ’，她说：‘下学期你教电路学好了，现在，你申请研究院。’

　　搔搔脑袋，明白了为何神关闭其它十所研究院十扇门。本校本系打开的门，得来全不费工夫，神早就为我预备好了。门里头，是旁人争得头破血流的助教职位，是作为助教而免掉的研究院生所有学、杂费，是助教的安稳收入，是许多人艳羡的实验室和各种未曾相识的仪器，是和学生们一同做学问以及分享人生的喜乐……。这是一所州立大学，当我第一次把印着州标记的薪水支票拿在手上，禁不住，心中响起一首诗歌：‘The highest praise, no to see and yet believe you died for me, sometimes in the night I thank you silently for all you do……’（The Highest Praise）

　　研究院还没毕业，通过一位基督徒教授的牵引，以及我在研究院的研究项目，我得到了一间大公司的职位。这是神为我准备的职位。走出象牙塔，这下子是来真的了。随着世界的起落，公司也经历一波又一波的解雇潮，许多聪明人惶惶不可终日。这当中，我曾被两年内提升三级，也经历过其它公司的高薪挖角，但经历神，我知谁掌管时代。
我的公开宣言是这样：如果神不叫我离开，谁也撵我不走；但如果神要我离开，谁也留我不住！指着神夸口么。就这样，依靠神，我在同一公司工作，二十多年任凭解雇员工的风浪此起彼伏，因为主同在，这条船看似起伏跌宕，但既不翻侧，也不沉没，我也有二十多年工作的悠然望南山，偶有惊人之作，但从来不曾跳槽，所谓“从一而终”。

　　常常悄悄地感恩说：主啊，仆人不就献上F一次吗？但因为这不足道的摆上，神的祝福倾泻而来，上尖下流。神不改变，他是信实的。献上给他，他必祝福。不学以色列人，我们效法使徒保罗。　　　— David Yip

瑪拉基書2:1-17

　　本章上帝嚴厲地譴責以色列民不忠之行為，以民從祭司到一般民眾都將因此受到責罰。

一、嚴責祭司違命負約（v1-10 ）祭司們本應該尊重神賦予他們的神聖職分，按規矩獻祭。但他們掉以輕心，故他們將受責罰，他們為人的祝福要成咒詛；他們將被眾人藐視。

二、責猶大背約崇邪（v11-16）神斥責百姓休妻娶外邦女子為妻的罪。這種行為不但破壞了與神立的約，也破壞了與妻子立的盟約。與異族的通婚本是律法上所禁止的，而且這些外邦女子將邪教風俗帶進以色列，褻瀆了純正的信仰。這些人將被神剪除。

三、責其煩言瀆主（v17）百姓犯了罪却反而抱怨神，百姓所行的惡已经令神厌恶。

　　日光之下無新事。當今的普世教會與兩千多年前的舊約時期一樣犯同樣的錯誤。從宗教領袖到普通基督徒（包括我自己）真正忠心事奉神的人少之又少，我們每個人都應該儆醒禱告，不被世俗潮流影響或裹挾，讓我們每一天都滿懷感恩的心活在神的心意中。求主看顧！　　　—Jinhua Yang

Malachi 1:1-14

　　Vs 1 – Malachi means ‘my messenger’ and in Chapter 1, Malachi begins to deliver a powerful message from the Lord.

　　Vs 2-5 – God had greatly provided for Israel by providences and ordinances; but it seems by the complaining they did, that they received the grace of God in vain. They were very ungrateful to God for His favor towards them. They were careless and remiss in the observance of His Law, the priests especially so. God had made a covenant with Jacob that greatly expressed His love for His chosen even though they did not appreciate it. However, God rejected Esau. Esau’s people became the Edomites, and they participated in Israel’s overthrow. When the Chaldean army ravaged the country where Edom was and it was laid to ruin, God decreed they would never return – ‘They may build, but I will demolish’ promised God in verse 4.　

　　Edom’s ruins were lasting, and the desolation perpetual; but a difference was made between Jacob and Esau, between the righteous and the wicked. Jacob’s cities were laid waste, but they were rebuilt; Edom’s were laid waste, and never rebuilt. The sufferings of the righteous will have an end and will end well; all their grievances will be addressed, and their sorrow turned into joy; but the sufferings of the wicked will be endless and remediless, as Edom’s desolation. Heaven or Hell. Eternal Life or Eternal Suffering. We are made righteous ONLY through the blood of Jesus and acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior.

　　Vs 6-14 – Malachi begins to call the priests to account, and the people as well. God is speaking to unfaithful ministers whose words and actions do not bring life to those that follow them. The priests were profaning the holy things of God, with which they were entrusted, and the people also were guilty of this. They had the best, with which to serve and honor him, but they put him off with the worst, and thought that good enough for Him. This was the fault of the people, but the priests secretly allowed it, and indulged them in it.

　　Self-examination is necessary at this point. Where do I give of unacceptable sacrifice instead of bringing the best God has given me? How much time do I spend in His Word and let it mold me into a worthy servant? As I reflect solemnly on this, I look at myself with sober judgement. And, although I observe great shortcomings, I will rejoice in God’s grace and His loving correction. His ‘Name WILL be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets’. Jesus has commissioned me and you to be a part of that. May I (and my brothers and sisters) continue to grow in our faith to lay the very best before God as He gave His very best – His Son – for us.　　　— Mary Mauderer