基督徒華商會(Blog)

2011年國際基督徒企業家大會

ccbausa — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:08:31 +0000

2011年國際基督徒企業家大會

(2010年9月27日修訂稿)

2011 International Christian Entrepreneurs Conference

(Revised on September 27, 2010)

1主題：回應神的呼召，做個屬神的企業家

Theme: Respond to His calling to be an entrepreneur belonging to God

2 時間： 2011年10月3日(禮拜一)至10月6日（禮拜四）

Date: October 3 (Monday) – 6 (Thursday), 2011

3 地點：美國得克薩斯州休士頓福遍中國教會

Location: Fort Bend Community Church, Houston, Texas, USA

4 異象：讓我們在末世中回應天職的呼召，在職場中作光作鹽，在普世中連接、擴展神的國度。

Vision: Let us respond to God’s calling, be the salt and light in the market place, network in the larger world and expand the Kingdom.

5目的：促進國際基督徒企業家之間交流、在聖經原則基礎上提昇後發達國家基督徒企業家經營智慧與能力、生命成長和靈性恩膏，并在世上作光作鹽、造福社會。除了卓越企業家、牧者、管理咨詢專家、企業牧者、企業家團契負責人講座外，并安排到美國基督徒經營的典型企業、教堂、神學院等參觀學習。

Objective: Improve communication among international Christian entrepreneurs, empower them with management wisdom and capability based on biblical principles for their spiritual growth and anointing, and be the salt and light

in the business world to glorify God and benefit people. In addition to

speeches and workshops presented by Christian entrepreneurs, pastors,

and business fellowship leaders, several routes of visiting typical Christian

operated companies, churches, seminaries, and

other related organizations will be arranged.

6主辦：基督徒華人商業協會（簡稱基督徒華商會）

Organizer: Chinese Christian Business Association (CCBA)

7 主題講員：美國加州生命河靈糧堂劉彤牧師

Keynote Speaker: Pastor Tong Liu, River of Life Church, California.

8 上午專題信息及講員：

Morning Messages and Speakers:

1) 基督徒企業家的世界觀（美國林肯基督教大學校長Keith Ray）

Worldview of Christian Entrepreneurs (LCU President K. Ray)

2) 基督徒企業家的領導力（美國林肯基督教大學校長Keith Ray）

Leadership of Christian Entrepreneurs (LCU President K. Ray)

3) 基督徒企業家團契的意義（美國C12團隊總裁Don Barefoot）

Business Fellowship of Christian Entrepreneurs (C12 Group President D. Barefoot)

4) 基督徒企業家的天國大任（美國方舟村有限公司總裁David Tai）

Kingdom Mandate of Christian Entrepreneurs (Villark President D. Tai)

5) 基督化企業的標誌（美國貝克特公司總裁John D. Beckett ）

Features of Christian Enterprises (Beckett Corporation President D. Beckett)

6) 美國企業牧師事工（美國企業牧師公司創辦人Mark Cress）

Corporation Chaplain Ministry (American Corporation Chaplain founder M. Cress)

9 下午專題討論: Workshop形式，每個專題討論重複一次

Afternoon Workshops: Each topic will be repeated once.

1) 基督徒企業家的個人靈性追求-方法探討

Christian Entrepreneur’s Spiritual Pursuit – Methodology Discussion

2) 基督徒企業家領導力的培養

Christian Entrepreneur’s Leadership Development – Practical approach

3) 基督徒企業家國度觀探討

Christian Entrepreneur’s Kingdom View– Application Discussion

4) 基督徒企業家團契模式探討

Christian entrepreneur fellowship mode – application discussion

5) 中國企業牧師事工探討

China Corporation Chaplain Ministry – Discussion

6) 10500天國大任-商業事工發展探討

Kingdom Mandate – Business Networking and Transaction Platform

7) 基督徒企業家的商業伦理準則探討

Christian Entrepreneur’s Business Ethics – Guidelines Discussion

8) 基督徒企業管理經營模式探討

Christian Enterprise Management Model – Discussion

9) 基督徒企業文化與社會責任探討

Christian Enterprise Culture and Community Responsibility – Discussion

10) 基督徒企業與宣教模式探討

Business As Mission – Model Discussion

11) 天國基金事工探討

Kingdom Funds Ministry – Discussion

12) 如何戰勝商場誘惑（提供個人輔導時間）

How to Overcome Temptations in Business Practice – Discussion

(Individual consultations will be provided.)

10 事工策商：針對具體事工項目進行策商具體實施步驟，具體事工項目包括

Discussion of Possible Post-Conference Projects: Planning

1) 基督徒企業家領導力培訓

Leadership Development Program

2) 基督徒企業家團契

Business Fellowship Program

3) 中國企業牧師

Corporation Chaplain Ministry

4) 基督徒企業管理經營咨詢

Business Management Consulting Program

5) 基督徒企業商業交易平臺

Business Transaction Platform Program

11會議安排：

Conference Schedule：

時間Time	10月3日（一）Oct 3 （Mon）	10月4日（二）Oct 4 (Tue)	10月5日（三）Oct 5 (Wed)	10月6日（四）Oct 6 (Thu)
7:00 – 7:30 am		Devotion 靈修	Devotion 靈修	Devotion 靈修
7:30 – 8:30 am		Breakfast 早餐	Breakfast 早餐	Breakfast 早餐
8:30 – 9:00 am		Bus to Church專車去會場	Bus to Church專車去會場	Bus to Church專車去會場
9:00 – 10:30am		Message 1 專題信息 1	Message 3 專题信息 3	Message 5 專题信息 5
10:30 – 10:45am		Coffee Break 咖啡休息	Coffee Break 咖啡休息	Coffee Break 咖啡休息
10:45 – 12:00pm		Message 2 專题信息 2	Message 4 專题信息 4	Message 6 專题信息 6
12:00 – 1:30pm		Lunch 午餐	Lunch 午餐	Lunch 午餐
1:30 – 3:00pm		Workshop I專題討論 I	Workshop II專題討論 II	Project Discussion事工討論
3:00 – 3:30pm		Coffee Break 咖啡休息	Coffee Break 咖啡休息	Coffee Break 咖啡休息
3:30 – 5:00pm	Registration報到入會	Workshop I Repeat專題討論 I重複	Workshop II Repeat專題討論II重複	Project Planning事工策劃
5:00 – 7:30pm	Dinner 晚餐	Dinner 晚餐	Dinner 晚餐	Back to Hotel
7:30 – 9:30pm	Theme Message 1主题信息 1	Theme Message 2主题信息2	Theme Message 3主题信息3	返回酒店6:30 – 9:30pm
9:30pm	Back to Hotel-rest返回酒店休息	Back to Hotel-rest返回酒店休息	Back to Hotel-rest返回酒店休息	Thanksgiving Dinner感恩晚宴

12會後四條訪問路線： 7天（2011年10月7-13日）

Four Post-Conference Visiting Routes: 7 Days (Oct 7-13, 2011)

1) 美國西海岸路線：以三藩市為中心，參觀訪問（座談）基督徒經營的典型企業，基督徒企業團契，以及有關基督徒機構及教會，并安排相應遊覽活動。

West Coast Route (San Francisco and vicinity) for visiting typical Christian operated companies, business fellowships, and related organizations with some sightseeing.

2) 美國東海岸路線：以華盛頓DC為中心，參觀訪問（座談）基督徒經營的典型企業，基督徒企業團契，以及有關基督徒機構及教會，并安排相應遊覽活動。

East Coast Route (Washington DC and vicinity) for visiting typical Christian operated companies, business fellowships, and related organizations with some sightseeing.

3) 美國中部路線：以芝加哥為中心，參觀訪問（座談）基督徒經營的典型企業，基督徒企業團契，以及有關基督徒機構及教會，并安排相應遊覽活動。

Central Route (Chicago vicinity) for visiting typical Christian operated companies, business fellowships, and related organizations with some sightseeing.

4) 美國南部路線：以休士頓-達拉斯為中心，參觀訪問（座談）基督徒經營的典型企業，基督徒企業團契，以及有關基督徒機構及教會，并安排相應遊覽活動。

South Route (Houston-Dallas) for visiting typical Christian operated companies, business fellowships, and related organizations with some sightseeing.

13宣教/商業項目對接交流平臺：

Mission and Business Project Networking Platform:

1) 目的是提供一個有關宣教（非盈利）和商業（盈利）項目對接交流平臺，達到促進天國資源更好聯結并為天國所用之目的。

The goal is to provide a network platform for mission (not for-profit) and business (for-profit) projects for sharing and better utilizing Kingdom’s resources.

2) 為了不影響與會人員參加專題講演或講座，有關項目介紹的時間不安排在與專題講演或講座時間衝突的時間。

These activities will not be scheduled in conflict with other sessions and workshops.

3) 採用展臺，布告欄，網站，項目清單等方式，在大會休息，用餐等時間開放給會眾交流。會後，採用網站和電子郵件繼續交流和連接。

Such forms as booths, boards, websites and lists of projects will be applied for the participants during breaks and meals. People may follow up via websites and emails after the conference.

4) 要求參與項目交流和對接公司，機構或個人，按固定格式提交項目介紹，并遵守具體項目交流和對接管理細則。

It is requested that companies, agencies or individuals who participate in projects sharing and connecting submit projects presentations following a certain form and abide by the concrete management rules guiding projects sharing and connecting.

14報名及有關事項：

Registration and Related Matters:

1）大會僅限重生得救之基督徒參加。報名者必須由所熟悉的牧者或工商團契負責人推薦，并收到基督徒華商會邀請函方可參加報名。具體報名方式將於2011年初發出正式通知。

Only believers who were reborn and saved by Christ may register. Registrants should be recommended by pastors or fellowship leaders who know them well and receive the invitation letter by CCBA. The registration details will be released in early 2011.

2）大會收繳會務費（包括大會期間食宿費用和相應交通費），參加大會之路費（包括機票，簽證等費用）自理。

Registration fees which include meals and accommodation plus traffic and visa expenses are the responsibility of the participants.

3）大會聯絡的方式將主要由各地的報名負責人進行聯絡。大會總聯絡人的郵箱為：CCBA2011Forum@gmail.com。

The way of contact for the conference will be taken care of by local coordinators for registration. The main contact for the conference is CCBA2011Forum@gmail.com.

15大會支持：

Conference Supports:

大會的各項籌備工作以及相關事工需要大量同工的支持，若您為本次大會的異象、使命與事工有感動，可以透過禱告、義工、及奉獻金錢的方式來嚮神獻上您對神的活祭。金錢奉獻支票可寄：

All preparatory work for the conference needs great support of co-workers. If you feel touched by the conference vision, mission and work, you may pray, volunteer, and make a monetary offering as your living sacrifice to God. Please make checks payable to:

Chinese Christian Business Association

6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1030

Houston, Texas 77036, USA

基督徒華人商業協會，英文為Chinese Christian Business Association（簡稱 CCBA）, 成立於2007年，總部設在美國德克莎斯州休斯頓市，是美國聯邦 政府註冊批准501(c)(3) 非營利組織。

Chinese Christian Business Association (CCBA) was founded in 2007 headquartered in Houston Texas with Federal 501(c)(3) status for non-profit organization.

16禱告事項：

Prayer Request:

請為大會的籌備工作及各地同工們的積極支持禱告，求神恩待與祝福這次大會！

Please pray for the preparatory work for the conference and active support of co-workers from various places that God may favor and bless this conference!

Protected: CCBA 04212008Board Meeting

ccbausa — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:56:00 +0000

This post is password protected. You must visit the website and enter the password to continue reading.

2008 CCBA budget

ccbausa — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:47:00 +0000

From: songcao@aol.com [mailto:songcao@aol.com] Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 5:20 PMTo: revwang75007@yahoo.com; finntster@gmail.com; tojulei@yahoo.comCc: jzhu@acadvance.comSubject: Re: CCBA Board Secretary

Dear CCBA Board Members,

As we discussed during last board meeting, we need to agree or approve our 2008 budget. Attached is the budget we proposed and submitted to IRS when we apply for IRS tax exempt status in late 2007. We could treat this as a draft and do any modifications we think necessary.

Please take a look and let’s discuss via Internet.

I am going to open our bank account. I need the accounting “rules” proposed by Jian and approved by the board.

Have a good Easter Holiday!

Song

Protected: CCBA’s Teleconference minutes Mar. 17, 2008

ccbausa — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:23:00 +0000

This post is password protected. You must visit the website and enter the password to continue reading.

Finn&Paul2008Philadelphia

ccbausa — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:21:00 +0000

曹松會長與葉醫生_Houston2008

ccbausa — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:56:00 +0000

祝平安在領會

ccbausa — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:53:00 +0000

songs

ccbausa — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:51:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLmNWkxuv8o&NR=1

《不一樣的效法》

ccbausa — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 01:13:00 +0000

經文：耶18:1-6; 拿1:1-3; CCC; 2008-2-10; Rev. Paul Wang

引言

信了耶穌基督以後，路該怎麼走？當然就是效法基督了！對不對？但是，你也效法，我也效法，他也效法，那麼到底什麼才是真正的效法呢？俗話說得好，沒有比較就沒有鑑別。我們今天就來個時空超越，看看耶利米與約拿兩位先知在效法主、跟隨主、及服事主的路上有什麼相同或不同的地方，從而我們可以怎樣學習，及吸取教訓。我們先來看第一點：

上帝話語的臨到

「耶利米書18:1耶和華的話臨到耶利米說」，及「約拿書1:1耶和華的話臨到亞米太的兒子約拿、說」

我們每天早上讀聖經的時候可能也是同樣會碰到這種情況，當我們讀到約15:12時，會有怎樣的感受呢？我們來試試：「你們要彼此相愛、像我愛你們一樣、這就是我的命令。」你是否會說，這是「耶和華的話臨到張三、或是李四」？

大家千萬不要以為這是一句簡單的陳述句！我們不妨自問，曾幾何時我們讀經禱告後會說，神今天藉著聖經對我說話。這裡需要信心、關係及行為。

信心是說我們讀經的時候要真信神是正在對你說話。不要把聖經只是當作某種好的文章、道德標準、美麗的言辭等。相信是神在對你說話，更重要的是要相信對你說話的是誰！

在這裡有幾種人是需要我們儆醒的。一是對神的話沒有興趣，因為他根本不真的信神！那不信神的人怎麼會到教會裡來呢？當然會！為什麼？因為教會裡也有名譽、地位、人脈、及各式各樣的滿足！這種人表現在平時沒有靈修的習慣，讀經禱告也沒有興趣，聽道聚會就更加提不起精神了。

二是對聖經有興趣，但對聖經裏面的上帝就不感興趣了。為什麼呢？因為將聖經與上帝分割開來，可以逃避順服。這種人表現在不順服權柄。約拿就是這樣的人，他對神的話非常了解，但他的言行生命卻是與神的心意背道而馳的。

三是對神很有感覺，也表現得很有愛心，但就是不願意在神的話語上下功夫。我稱這種人是淺嘗輒止式的靈命。耶穌基督說「我來了、是要叫羊〔或作人〕得生命、並且得的更豐盛。(約10:10)」耶利米或許屬於這樣的靈命。他對神甚至很有感覺。神派他作先知，傳講神的話。但因為沒有在神的話語上扎根下功夫，一遇到困難就後退。以色列人不聽他所傳的信息，他就要死要活的到神面前來耍賴。親愛的弟兄姊妹，「你們卻要在至聖的真道上造就自己、在聖靈裡禱告 (猶1:20」否則，是經不起風浪的。

以上三種情況你是屬於那一種呢？我的盼望是今後神在這三種人中間找不到我們教會的人。那我們教會的人都跑到那裡去了呢？有一個地方可以去，就是當神的話語臨到我們的時候，馬上轉化為關係與行為。

什麼意思呢？就是指我們的動機與果子。我們為什麼讀經？因為要親近神，享受神，及愛神。因此而帶來的果子，必然是與我們所信的福音相稱的悔改與持守。其中最明顯的印記就是順服。我們看第二點：

同樣都起來下到

「2你起來、下到窑匠的家裡去、我在那裡要使你聽我的話。3我就下到窑匠的家裡去、正遇他轉輪做器皿。」

耶利米起來沒有？起來了。約拿起來沒有？也起來了。我們看見神鼓勵人的方法都是一樣的：都是鼓勵我們在跌倒之時要起來，在軟弱之中當剛強！耶利米服事神到幾乎耗盡的地步，神的話語臨到他，鼓勵他要起來。起來的目的不是驕傲自大，乃是要謙卑，是要下到窑匠的家裏去。人在起來的時候是不容易下到比地面還低下的窑匠家，在黑暗中看窑匠手中所作的工。我們也是同樣，在凡事順利的時候是不容易居安思危的。特別是當我們曾經被神重用的時候，更加難以謙卑下來。你知道為什麼耶利米不容易謙卑下來嗎？因為他有一個屬靈的盲點：他以為神叫他起來，他起來了；神叫他下去，他也下去了。難道還不夠謙卑順服嗎？

這是耶利米。約拿怎樣呢？「2你起來往尼尼微大城去、向其中的居民呼喊、因為他們的惡達到我面前。3約拿卻起來、逃往他施去躲避耶和華．下到約帕」請留意，約拿也同樣是都「起來與下到」！所有的規定動作都完成了，該做的都做了。但約拿卻是悖逆的下到約帕，在那裡搭船要趕往他施去。

親愛的弟兄姊妹，我的重點並不是要論點是耶利米做得好些，或是約拿行得差些。我的重點是說，或好或差又怎樣？

保羅說：「我若將所有的賙濟窮人、又捨己身叫人焚燒、卻沒有愛、仍然與我無益。」

縱使耶利米下到窑匠的家裏去，卻不明白泥在窑匠的手中怎樣，以色列人在上帝的手中也怎樣，有何益處呢？

約拿的順服或掙扎，若是到頭來仍是不明白神所在乎的是那些分不清左右手的十二萬多個孩子及他們的家人，甚至牲畜，又有什麼意義呢？

親愛的弟兄姊妹，什麼是你今天的效法呢？是耶利米式的情緒呢？還是約拿式的倔強？或者是你自己獨特的另類？我們看第三點：

委身逃避的分野

雖然耶利米與約拿各有所短，但從以上的經文比較中我們還是可以看到兩人的一些區別，可以作為我們今天效法主的樣式的一些參考。

耶利米可能到最後還是不明白神那長闊高深的大愛，也無法參透神的偉大智慧，但他與約拿的區別是他聽神的話。神叫他起來，他就起來，叫他下去吧，他就下去！請留意，他不是觀念上的下去，乃是親身下去。他讓神的話一步一步帶領他，神說一句，他走一步。可能走的時候仍有軟弱，仍發怨言，還是以眼淚作為在神面前耍賴的武器。

但是，他與神同行，這一路他走下來了，而且是走到底。這是耶利米生命中「一生堅持」的委身。是他生命中最為寶貴的榜樣，也是我們最值得效法的精華。

約拿呢？我稱他為膽大包天的先知。他過份到一個地步，我都難於起齒，怎麼會有這麼失見證的先知？神叫他去尼尼微，為什麼？因為他們的惡達到我面前(1:2)，所以神派約拿去向其中的居民呼喊(1:2)。如果是你，會怎麼做？去嘛！服事神多好！若是有那個城市的人因為我喊一句話就得救，那該有多好！我們來看約拿老兄，他倒好，神指東他打西；神叫他往尼尼微大城去，他卻逃往他施去躲避耶和華。

親愛的弟兄姊妹，你認為你可以躲避耶和華神嗎？這麼一個如此簡單的道理為什麼約拿弄不明白呢？是什麼原因使得他竟如此糊塗呢？請留意躲避耶和華五個字。請問聖經還有什麼地方是人要躲避耶和華？還記得亞當夏娃犯罪後的光景嗎？我們看：「天起了涼風、耶和華神在園中行走。那人和他妻子聽見神的聲音、就藏在園裡的樹木中、躲避耶和華神的面。(創3:8)」

現在明白了？對了，是罪。是因為約拿生命中有可能連他自己也不完全認識的罪。我們單單從第二節是無法明白約拿逃跑的原因，好像有點莫名其妙！但約4:2將原因告訴我們了：「就禱告耶和華說、耶和華阿、我在本國的時候、豈不是這樣說麼．我知道你是有恩典、有憐憫的神、不輕易發怒、有豐盛的慈愛、並且後悔不降所說的災．所以我急速逃往他施去。」

看清楚了嗎？約拿居然有與福音宣教相背離的罪！在他的骨子裡是不願意看見別人得救的。他知道神有憐憫，卻不願意尼尼微人得憐憫！他知道神有豐盛的慈愛，甚至會後悔不降所說的災，這樣，尼尼微人可能就遭受不到神所降的災。所以我急速逃往他施去。這是什麼罪？我稱這種罪為「巴不得別人倒霉」的罪！

親愛的弟兄姊妹，知道嗎？當我們面對神福音、宣教使命無動於衷、逃避、一直都硬著心腸不去參與、甚至反對傳福音、宣教，那麼，我們和約拿的罪也相差無幾了。更加遺憾的是，在委身與逃避之間並沒有別的路，可以讓我們藏身的。那我們何不從今往後就委身主的大使命呢？主實在是近了！

結語

親愛的弟兄姊妹，我們效法主耶穌基督，有不一樣的效法：或是委身，或是逃避！你是如何面對神的話語，建立與神的關係，以及活出與神同行的生命，將成為我們效法主的基石。你是否願意用你一生的堅持，來見證主的大愛與聖靈的大能呢？

我們一同禱告……

《新舊更替的昇華》

ccbausa — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 00:58:00 +0000

經文：約翰福音2:1-11;
CCC; Rev. Paul Wang; Chinese New Year’s event 2-9-2008

引言

過大年，在華人文化裏絕對是件大事。我們有沒有想過，這過大年到底大在那兒呢？王安石的《元日》說：「爆竹声中一岁除，春风送暖入屠苏。千门万户曈曈日，总把新桃换旧符。」意思是說，過大年就必須要有更新替換與昇華。

我們今天會從剛才讀的經文中來看看，新舊更新有怎樣的昇華。我們先來看第一點：

第三日的奧秘

2:1第三日、在加利利的迦拿有娶親的筵席．耶穌的母親在那裡。為什麼是第三日？可不可以去掉這三個字？為什麼耶穌的母親也在那裡？如果去頭去尾，就只剩下在加利利的迦拿有娶親的筵席這句話。所以我們可以反過來問，為什麼在婚筵之前要有有一個三天的等待？而在這個等待的過程中有母親的陪伴？我們可能很快會進入主耶穌三天後從死裏復活的聯想，或者我們也會想到約拿在魚肚子裏三天的禱告，但好像都有些牽強。

我們知道約翰福音的主題是：耶穌是神的兒子！而這是耶穌所行的第一件神蹟。換言之，這是耶穌本身生命的改變！耶穌在約瑟及馬利亞的家中生活了三十年，如今，他要有一個改變！什麼改變你知道嗎？就是從人子向神子跨進！而在這個跨進過程中需要等待的時間、聖靈的大能、及見證神榮耀的人。

聖經的作者用第三日來表達耶穌的等待，用迦拿婚筵在預備聖靈大能的舞台，用耶穌的母親來見證神子的大能。

親愛的弟兄姊妹，你知道我們也需要改變嗎？我們的生命也要改變，我們的老我也需要改變，我們的習慣也需要改變，我們的品格也需要改變，我們的靈命更加需要改變。今年我們的主題是「靈命更新」，你是否已經作好第三日的準備？你是否願意藉著你與神的美好關係來任由聖靈發揮祂的大能？並且，你是否願意向你的親友見證神在你生命裏的榮耀？不要一個人去，要帶上你的同工，你的弟兄姊妹，你的屬靈同伴：「2:2耶穌和他的門徒也被請去赴席。」

你說：「主啊！我很願意被你改變，就是不知道從何做起？」知道嗎？這時你就需要一個人生的契機！

酒用盡的契機

人生的契機往往就是遇到某種絕處。「2:3酒用盡了、耶穌的母親對他說、他們沒有酒了。」今天的新年晚會，如果有人對你說，沒有菜沒有飯了，你會有什麼感受？會感到灰心失望嗎？你正在起房子，發現材料老也不到位，一查才知原來前用盡了，沒錢了。有一天，老板走到你面前來對你說，你的工作到今天為止。不管你的感覺或想法怎樣，我們都必須面對一個現實，就是從此，我們必須面對一個要改變的現實。

耶穌的現實是什麼？馬利亞的現實是什麼？似乎酒用盡了並不是耶穌的現實，反倒是馬利亞的現實。因為酒用盡了是主人的事，與客人是無關的。但似乎馬利亞有點兒喧賓奪主，甚至是反客為主了！這也是我們生命中常常出現的問題，一遇到有缺乏的時候，馬上就去抓、就去搶、就到處去說、去鬧、去哭、去申辯等等。而沒有想想到底神在這件事上的心意是什麼。我這裡沒有說馬利來向耶穌禱告不對，乃是說她是帶著一個血肉的目的來找耶穌。酒用盡了，應該去找這家的主人呀！為什麼來找耶穌？似乎馬利亞是知道耶穌能力的，或許她想讓兒子發點兒威，行點神蹟，好讓老娘的臉上有光。這種「望子成龍」的傳統觀念看來猶太人也有！但這一次，馬利亞錯了。她跟隨耶穌已經三十年，但還沒有真正認識主。親愛的弟兄姊妹，你跟隨主有多少年了呢？你認識主嗎？

你所認識的是作為人子的主呢？還是作為神子的主呢？當馬利亞將耶穌看作是自己肉身的兒子時，基督就以上帝兒子的身份來宣告祂的主權：「2:4耶穌說、母親、〔原文作婦人〕我與你有甚麼相干．我的時候還沒有到。」這裡給我們的提醒是，千萬不要走在神的前面！雖然我們從整個故事的過程來看，好像時間相差不遠。但一分一秒都是神所創造的，都需要我們來尊重祂！這也是馬利亞的生命：知錯就能悔改！她聽了主的話，馬上謙卑、順服。我們看第三點：

順服神的能力

「2:5他母親對用人說、他告訴你們甚麼、你們就作甚麼。」主叫幹啥就幹啥！這是順服的最高表現！不能光說不做，要將順服的生命活出來。怎麼活出來？就按照耶穌所吩咐的去行就是順服。耶穌說什麼？「 2:7耶穌對用人說、把缸倒滿了水．他們就倒滿了、直到缸口。」可不可以不要倒滿，倒半缸就好了嘛，何必那麼認真？為了倒滿，我還要多跑幾趟，算了吧，差不多就好了。
親愛的弟兄姊妹，你猜如果用人不倒滿，直到缸口，水會變成酒嗎？我想不會！等到有一天我們回到天家，可能會恍然大悟：原來順服是水變酒的藥引！這藥引還要加兩次：「2:8耶穌又說、現在可以舀出來、送給管筵席的．他們就送了去。」

親愛的弟兄姊妹，主所讓我們順服的，往往是與我們的老我所不相符合的。試想用人們明白水會變成酒的奧秘嗎？不明白！甚至連一句多餘的話都沒說。倒不是不能說話，而是有的時候說太多不順服、且不蒙神悅納的話了。

行神蹟的目的

「2:9管筵席的嘗了那水變的酒、並不知道是那裡來的、只有舀水的用人知道．管筵席的便叫新郎來、2:10對他說、人都是先擺上好酒．等客喝足了、纔擺上次的．你倒把好酒留到如今。」
管筵席的人有口無知，舀水的用人有知無口。一件驚天動地的神蹟落在人間，反倒成了市井小民茶餘飯後嚼舌頭的下腳料了。殊不知「2:11這是耶穌所行的頭一件神蹟、是在加利利的迦拿行的、顯出他的榮耀來．他的門徒就信他了。」原來這第一件神蹟的目的是為了叫人信耶穌基督是神的兒子！你信嗎？

結語

今天是2008年農曆年初三，也是一個第三日。親愛的朋友，你是否準備好了要心意更新而變化呢？無論你今天是在怎樣的光景中，相信都是神所賜予的契機，為的是要我們藉著順服神，認清原來耶穌基督是主。

我們一同禱告……

The Transition from Old to New (02/09/08)

Celebrating the Chinese New Year for Chinese is a big event. Did we ever think why this is such a big event? Wang An Shi’s writing Original Day says “Firecrackers sounds away the old year, spring wind bring warmth to the home, every households is shines, everyone changes to new”. The meaning is, celebrating the Big Year must have renewal, change, and transition.
Today, we will use the passage we read to see how to change from the old to the new.

The secret of the third day

2:1 “On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. Why is it the 3rd day? Can we take away these words? Why is Jesus’ mom there? If we take away the header and ending, then we just get “a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee”. We can ask from opposite end, why there needs to be a 3 days wait before the wedding? Is it during the waiting there’s his mother’s presence. We may quickly think about Jesus’ rising from the dead 3 days later. Or Jonah praying in the Fish’s belly for 3 days. But, these all seem too forced. We know the theme of John is that Jesus is Son of God. This is the first miracle Jesus performed. In other words, this is when Jesus’ original life changed. Jesus lived in the house of Joseph and Mary for 30 years. Now, He will get a change. What change, do you know? From Son of Man to the Son of God. This transition needs time for the power of the Holy Spirit and those who will witness God’s glory. The bible’s author uses “On the third day” to show Jesus’ waiting. Using the Wedding at Cana to prepare the stage for the power of Holy Spirit. Using Jesus’ mother to testify God’s Son’s power. Dear brother and sisters, do you know we need to change too? Our life needs change. Our old self needs change. Our habits need change. Our character needs change. Our spiritual life more needs change. This year’s theme is spiritual life renewal.
Do you have the third day preparation? Are you willing to have good relationship with God to let the Holy Spirit show His great power? Also, are you willing to testify to your loved ones the glory of God’s work in your life. Don’t go by yourself. You need to bring your coworkers, brothers and sisters, and spiritual companion. 2:2 Jesus and his disiciples had also been invited to the wedding. You say, “Lord! I am willing to be changed. But don’t know where to start. Do you know? This is when you need opportunity from life.

The opportunity presented after they ran out of wine.

The opportunity in life often happens at a dead end. 2:3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine”. If today’s CNY program, someone say to you there’s no more food, how would you feel? Would you be disappointed? Or you are building a house and found the materials are not coming. After you check why, you found your money ran out. No more money. Or one day your boss tells you this is your last day. No matter how you feel or think, we need to face the reality. From now, we need to face the reality of change.
What’s Jesus’ reality? What’s Mary’s reality? Running out of wine may not be Jesus’ reality. It is Mary’s reality. Running out of wine is the host’s business, not the business of the guests. But, isn’t Mary trying to be the host? From being the guest to being the host? This is the problem we have in life. Why we face lack, we immediately try to grab, to fight for it, to tell everyone, to make a big fuss, to cry, to argue, and not think what’s God’s heart in this matter. I’m not saying Mary coming to ask Jesus is wrong. But to say she comes to Jesus with a fleshly goal. Wine is gone. She should go find the house’s host, why come look for Jesus. Is it because she know Jesus’ power. Or she wants her Son to show off a little, to show some miracle. To let the old mom’s face get some glory. This Chinese tradition of parents wanting their children to be someone great, seem like the Jews have it too. But this time Mary’s wrong. She followed Jesus for 30 years. But not really know the Lord. Dear brothers and sisters, how long have you followed the Lord? Do you really know the Lord?
The One you know, is He the Son of Man or the Son of God? When Mary sees Jesus as her son of the flesh, Jesus announces his identity as Son of God. 2:4 “Dear woman, why do you involve me? Jesus replied, My time has not yet come.” Here, we are reminded. Never go before God. Even though from the whole story, it seems the time is not too far, but it is God who created every second and every minute. We need to honor Him. This is also Mary’s life. When she knows she is wrong, she can repent. She listened to the Lord’s words, immediately humbles herself and submits.

The power of being submissive to God

2:5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Whatever the Lord says, you do. This is the highest form of submission. Not just talk and not do it, need to live out the submission. How to live it out? Submission is doing what Jesus commands. What did Jesus say? Jesus said to the servants, 2:7 “Fill the jars with water; so they filled them to the brim. Can it not be full? Isn’t it enough to fill half way? Why be so serious? To get it full, I need to make a couple more trips. About full is good enough.
Dear brothers and sisters, if you guess the servants did not fill it full, would the water turn to wine? I think not. When one day we go to heaven, we will realize that submission is the prescription to turn water into wine. The prescription needs to add water twice. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” Dear brothers and sisters, what the Lord wants us to submit to many times is opposite of what our old self wants to do. Does the servants understand the secret of water turning to wine? No. They didn’t say one extra word. It’s not they can’t say anything, but many times they say what is not submissive, not pleasing to God.

The purpose of the miracle

2:9-10. And the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.
The host talks, but has no knowledge. The servants who drew the water has knowledge, but doesn’t talk. When this earth shattering miracle comes to the world, it becomes the topic of people’s small chatting after dinner. But they did not know, 2:11 “This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” Thus, the purpose of the first miracle is to tell people to believe in Jesus is the Son of God. Do you believe?

Conclusion

Today is the 3rd of 2008 Lunar New Year. It’s also the third day. Dear friends, are you prepared to be renewed and be transformed? No matter what situation you are in today, I trust this is the opportunity from God, for us to submit to God and to really know that Jesus Christ is the Lord.