各位弟兄姊妹，平安！新年快樂！不知道各位有沒有發現禮拜五晚上的煙火還蠻多的？很多人大概都是在這個中國新年的時候把存下來的煙火都放出來了，所以禮拜五晚上反而感覺特別有年味。看到很多華人朋友都在恭賀新年的訊息，也感覺這個年過得蠻像樣的。
Dear brothers and sisters,Peace be with you! Happy New Year! Have you noticed that there were quite a lot of fireworks on Friday night? Many people probably released the fireworks they had saved up for this Chinese New Year, so Friday night felt particularly festive. Seeing many Chinese friends sending New Year greetings, it also feels like this year is going quite well.
我們暫時離開了申命記，現在開始進入馬可福音。在 Podcast 部分，我一直都跟上，而且為馬可福音做了一個緒論。我連英文的那個讀經的人都換了一個聲音，感覺這個聲音比較年輕，而且那個聲音更有活力，所以還是希望大家能夠花點時間去開始讀馬可福音，這本書很容易讀，也很好讀，並且非常珍貴。
We are temporarily leaving Deuteronomy and now entering the Gospel of Mark. In the podcast section, I have been keeping up, and I have provided an introduction to the Gospel of Mark. Even the English reader's voice has been changed to a younger one, which feels more energetic. So, I still hope everyone can take some time to start reading the Gospel of Mark. This book is easy to read, enjoyable, and extremely valuable.
所以，我們從第一章開始，讓我們來簡單介紹一下馬可福音的故事。
馬可並不是十二使徒中的其中一位，但是他的母親馬利亞，他的的表哥巴拿巴，使徒保羅和使徒彼得對他都有很大的影響。他留下的福音記錄對耶穌有著很個人化的描寫，因此相當珍貴。馬可福音也被稱為彼得福音，原因是馬可當時聽了彼得所述的福音記錄，寫下了這本福音書。所以，你會注意到這裡有很多的小細節，關於耶穌的生活、時間的記載或者動作等等，還有耶穌的情緒表達。在馬可福音裡，你會看到一個很人性化的耶穌基督。
So, starting from Chapter 1, let's briefly introduce the story of the Gospel of Mark.
Mark was not one of the twelve apostles, but he was greatly influenced by his mother Mary, his cousin Barnabas, and the apostles Paul and Peter. The Gospel he left behind provides a very personal portrayal of Jesus, making it quite valuable. Mark's Gospel is also known as the Gospel of Peter because Mark wrote down the gospel based on what he heard from Peter. Therefore, you will notice many details about Jesus' life, the timeline, actions, and even his emotional expressions. In the Gospel of Mark, you will encounter a very humane Jesus Christ.
此外，你會注意到馬可福音的寫作對象似乎主要是寫給外邦人。他引用舊約的次數比馬太少了一半，並且比較少提到猶太人的事情。即使提到了，他也會額外解釋其中的含義，甚至提到亞蘭文的含義。這表明馬可福音的讀者可能主要是外邦人。
In addition, you'll notice that the Gospel of Mark seems to be primarily written for a Gentile audience. He quotes the Old Testament less frequently than Matthew, about half as much, and he mentions Jewish customs and practices less often. Even when he does mention them, he provides additional explanations and even discusses the meanings in Aramaic. This suggests that the readers of Mark's Gospel were likely primarily Gentiles.
從神學的角度來看，四本福音書各有其特色。在每一本福音書中，耶穌所呈現的形象也各不相同。通常你會看到，在馬太福音中，主被描繪為獅子；在馬可福音中，主是牛 (奴僕)；在路加福音中，主被形容為人；而在約翰福音中，主則是飛鷹。
From a theological perspective, each of the four Gospels has its own characteristics. In each Gospel, the portrayal of Jesus varies. Typically, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is depicted as a lion; in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is symbolized by a bull (servant); in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is described as a man; and in the Gospel of John, Jesus is likened to an eagle.
另一種說法是，在馬太福音中，敘述的耶穌是君王；在馬可福音中，是奴僕；在路加福音中，是人子；而在約翰福音中，則是神的兒子。這也解釋了為什麼當我們閱讀四本福音書時，會發現每一本都有不同的描述角度、用詞，以及想要表達的主要訊息。因此，通過同時閱讀這四本福音書，我們可以獲得更完整、更全面的理解。
Another interpretation is that in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is portrayed as a king; in the Gospel of Mark, as a servant; in the Gospel of Luke, as the Son of Man; and in the Gospel of John, as the Son of God. This also explains why when we read the four Gospels, we find different perspectives, vocabularies, and main messages in each. Therefore, by reading these four Gospels together, we can gain a more complete and comprehensive understanding.
今天我們將在講道中開始探討馬可福音，開場就是提到施洗約翰，以及他所傳講的悔改的洗禮。
Today, as we begin our sermon, we will delve into the Gospel of Mark, starting with the mention of John the Baptist and his preaching of the baptism of repentance.
當約翰再傳這個洗禮的時候，我們會注意到一個有趣的事情。這個洗禮原本是為外邦人設計的，但是約翰卻勸導他的猶太同胞以色列人接受悔改的洗禮。因此，在這個時候，福音的本質已經彰顯出來了：福音不僅僅是給猶太人的，而且猶太人也不是上帝唯一的選民。上帝的工作在這個時候彰顯出他將福音傳給了猶太人，但在耶穌來到後，福音就是為萬民預備的。
When John was administering this baptism, we notice something interesting. This baptism was originally designed for Gentiles, but John urged his Jewish compatriots, the Israelites, to accept the baptism of repentance. Therefore, at this moment, the essence of the Gospel is revealed: the Gospel is not only for the Jews, and the Jews are not the exclusive chosen people of God. God's work at this time demonstrates that while he initially gave the Gospel to the Jews, with the arrival of Jesus, the Gospel is prepared for all people.
在舊約中，我們常常看到對耶穌的預言，例如在以賽亞書、瑪拉基書和詩篇中。這些預言都關於彌賽亞的降臨，以及萬邦萬國得救的話語。因此，在閱讀舊約時，我們可以發現上帝從一開始就希望萬民都得救，而以色列人只是傳福音的第一棒。
In the Old Testament, we often encounter prophecies about Jesus, such as those found in Isaiah, Malachi, and the Psalms. These prophecies all revolve around the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of all nations. Therefore, as we read the Old Testament, we can discern that from the very beginning, God desired the salvation of all people, with the Israelites serving as the first messengers of the Gospel.
所以，當我們看到約翰來到曠野，傳悔改的洗禮時，其中最關鍵的是悔改。如果一個人沒有悔改，如果他沒有真正地誠心面對自己，明白自己需要被拯救，那麼這樣的洗禮就失去了意義。這也是為什麼在受洗之前，我們有一個重要的課程要上，就是要了解受洗的前提是什麼。
Therefore, when we see John coming to the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance, the key aspect is repentance. If a person does not repent, if they do not sincerely face themselves, understand their need for salvation, then such a baptism loses its significance. That's why before baptism, we have an important course to attend, to understand what the prerequisite for baptism is.
受洗可不是像洗澡一樣泡個水，灑個水，自己就算受了洗禮。洗禮中最重要的是要有悔改的心，洗禮只是外在的呈現，讓眾人以及自己知道，我已經悔改歸向主，從此以後我要有不同的生活。我的價值觀要改變，我的心要改變，我不再以自己為主，而要以耶穌為主。這個轉變才是真正的重點，否則洗禮就只是一個泡泡水的事情，或者是沙子滴水的事情，這樣子其實會錯過洗禮的真義。
Baptism is not merely a ritual of immersing oneself in water or being sprinkled with water, thinking that one has received baptism. The essence of baptism lies in having a repentant heart. Baptism is just an outward expression, letting others and oneself know that I have repented and turned to the Lord, and from now on, I will live differently. My values will change, my heart will change, and I will no longer be my own master, but I will make Jesus my Lord. This transformation is the real essence of baptism. Without it, baptism is just a superficial act, missing its true meaning.
若要返回上帝那裡，人必須向三個方面認罪。上帝允許了赦罪，但這並不意味著我們可以無條件地得到。有一個重要前提，是要認罪。
首先，人必須認識自己的罪。因為我們的本性其實不想面對自己的行為，特別是對我們自己犯過的錯誤。當我們知道自己錯了，卻很難坦然面對並承認錯誤，但這卻是我們必須要面對的第一步。就像早上起來照鏡子一樣，如果不照鏡子，並不代表容貌就完整了，只是不想去面對那個糟糕的樣子。所以當你照鏡子時，不要批判鏡子，而是要坦然面對自己的樣子，才有機會改變和整理。
If we want to return to God, we must confess our sins in three aspects. Although God allows forgiveness, it doesn't mean we can obtain it unconditionally. There is an important prerequisite, and that is to confess our sins.
Firstly, we must acknowledge our sins. Our nature often avoids facing our actions, especially our mistakes. When we know we are wrong, it's difficult to confront and admit our mistakes, but this is the first step we must take. It's like looking in the mirror in the morning – avoiding it doesn't mean our appearance is flawless; it just means we don't want to face our flaws. So when you look in the mirror, don't criticize it; instead, confront your reflection honestly to have the chance to change and improve.
其次，我們必須向我們得罪過的人認罪，這一點也不簡單。除非我們誠懇地向那些被我們傷害過的人認罪，否則問題不會消失。耶穌在馬太福音的五章23到24節中告訴我們，在獻祭之前，若想起有人對我們懷恨在心，要先與他和解，然後再來獻祭。人與人之間的問題或不解不會自動消失，傷痕將一直存在。耶穌來到世間的目的之一就是移除我們與上帝之間的障礙，同時也希望我們能夠移除彼此之間的障礙。在彼此相愛之前，我們至少不能夠彼此相恨。人與人之間本來不應該有隔閡，但因為罪的影響，我們歷史上不斷發生的衝突證明了這一點。上帝給了我們彼此饒恕的機會，因為他已經饒恕了我們。所以只有當我們向彼此認罪悔改，我們才能夠彼此相愛。
Secondly, we must confess our sins to those we have wronged, and this is not easy. Unless we sincerely confess to those we have hurt, the problem will not disappear. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:23-24 that before offering a sacrifice, if we remember someone has something against us, we should first reconcile with them, then come and offer our sacrifice. Issues or misunderstandings between people won't vanish automatically; the scars will remain. One of Jesus' purposes in coming to the world was to remove the barriers between us and God, while also hoping we could remove the barriers between each other. Before loving each other, at least we shouldn't hate each other. There shouldn't be barriers between people, but the impact of sin, as evidenced by the conflicts throughout history, proves otherwise. God has given us the opportunity to forgive each other because He has forgiven us. So only when we confess and repent to each other can we truly love one another.
最後，人必須向上帝認罪。當我們知道自己有罪，知道自己不完美，知道自己得罪了上帝並需要他的饒恕時，他隨時樂意接受我們的悔改。他的恩典就像是父親樂意擁抱孩子。當孩子道歉的時候，父母不會多加責備。就像那個浪子回頭一樣，當他明白自己得罪了父親，回到家中時，父親沒有多加責備，只有直接的擁抱，並且將同樣的地位還給他。這就是上帝的心，當孩子回轉歸向上帝時，上帝的門永遠為他敞開。
Lastly, one must confess to God. When we acknowledge our sins, recognize our imperfections, and understand that we have offended God and need His forgiveness, He is always ready to accept our repentance. His grace is like a father eagerly embracing his child. When a child apologizes, parents do not heap on more blame. Just like the prodigal son, when he realized he had offended his father and returned home, the father did not scold him but instead embraced him warmly, restoring him to his rightful position. This is the heart of God. When a child turns back to God, His doors are always open.
贖罪是一時的，而改變是持續不斷的。當我們認清自己的問題，坦然面對並且看清自己的缺點，我們不需要每天自我責備，而是因著上帝的恩典，我們可以接納這樣不完美的自己，因為上帝也是這樣接納我們。因著福音的緣故，我們不再恐懼，不在自我批判。我們可以過一個新的生活。每天更多喜樂，每天更多寬恕，每天不斷修改自己，並且更多經歷上帝的愛。
Atonement is momentary, but transformation is continual. When we acknowledge our issues, face them openly, and recognize our flaws, we don't need to self-condemn every day. Instead, by God's grace, we can accept our imperfect selves because God accepts us just as we are. Through the Gospel, we no longer live in fear or self-criticism. We can live a new life, experiencing more joy, extending more forgiveness each day, continually refining ourselves, and encountering more of God's love.
基督教的信息具有強大的淨化力量。當每個人都意識到自己的不完美時，我們就更能夠包容他人；當我們知道自己有罪時，就會減少對他人的指責；當我們對自己的罪性敏感時，就會更少刻意犯罪。而當我們知道我們已經被寬恕，我們就更能夠寬恕別人的過錯。當我們知道上帝有應許、有恩典，並且今生的一切不是我們努力爭取的，我們就能夠更寬容地原諒彼此，並且彼此相愛。
The message of Christianity possesses a powerful purifying force. When each person becomes aware of their imperfections, we become more capable of understanding and accepting others. Knowing our own sinfulness reduces our tendency to blame others, and being sensitive to our own faults leads to a decreased inclination to commit wrongdoing intentionally. Moreover, when we understand that we have been forgiven, we are better able to forgive the faults of others. Understanding God's promises and grace, and realizing that everything in this life is not attained through our own efforts, enables us to forgive one another more readily and to love each other more deeply.
因此，基督教的信息具有強大的淨化人心的力量。一個社會如果擁有了寬恕的信息、愛的信息，並且知道有一位主宰，他不斷地饒恕我們，因著耶穌基督的緣故，我們可以不再懷恨，不再仇恨，這樣的信息是和平的信息，是能夠淨化人心的信息。
Therefore, the message of Christianity holds a powerful capacity to purify the human heart. A society that embraces the message of forgiveness, love, and acknowledges a sovereign God who continually forgives us through Jesus Christ, can let go of hatred and animosity. This message promotes peace and has the potential to cleanse the human heart.
即使在傳福音時，並非每個人都會接受，我們仍然應該懷抱信心。我們所學習到的話語是改變人心的重要信息。許多歷代的哲學家，智慧人，學者都在思考如何讓社會實現真正的和諧與和平。我們看見唯有在耶穌基督裡，這一件事情有實現的可能性。當我們悔改、改變自己時，才能真正接納彼此。唯有發自悔改，我們才能夠放下自己的驕傲，真正去愛別人。
Even though not everyone may accept the gospel when it's preached, we should still hold onto faith. The words we learn are significant messages that can change hearts. Throughout history, philosophers, wise individuals, and scholars have pondered how to achieve true harmony and peace in society. We see that it's only through Jesus Christ that this becomes possible. When we repent and change ourselves, we can truly accept one another. It's only through genuine repentance that we can set aside our pride and truly love others.
耶穌勸告我們，當悔改信福音。我們要向自己認罪，向彼此認罪，並向上帝認罪，因為唯有這樣，我們才能開始新的生活，過著在主裡的生活。我們先要明白自己的弱點，知道我們需要上帝的恩典，然後才能活出彼此相愛的生活。
Jesus advises us to repent and believe in the gospel. We must confess our sins to ourselves, to one another, and to God, for only then can we begin a new life, living in the Lord. We must first understand our weaknesses, acknowledge our need for God's grace, and then live a life of love towards one another.
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