從《聖經》看新冠肺炎病毒和我們的信仰COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND OURCHRISTIAN FAITH: A BIBLICAL RESPONSE
講員：林慈信（2020.3.15 講於馬來西亞檳城。2020.3.28根據記錄稿增訂。）
(Webcast
from Penang, Malaysia, March 15, 2000.
Chinese version edited and revised from typescript, March 28, 2020. English version edited and revised from
typescript, March 30, 2020.)
I. 前所未有的災難？
I. UNPRECEDENTED DISASTER?
今天是2020年3月15日。過去一個星期，世界健康組織 (WHO) 終於宣布新冠肺炎是一個大流行，一個席捲全球的大流行 (pandemic)。美國下令禁止從歐洲的旅客不能入境。無論球賽或百老匯的戲劇，都大幅度的取消。過去一個半月，在中國的同胞和弟兄姐妹經歷了空前所沒有的封城。（筆者注：校對文稿時，美國的病患已超過十萬人。3月28日。）
Today
is March 15, 2020. During the past week,
we witnessed that the World Health Organization (WHO) finally declared the
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) to be a world pandemic. The United States banned travel by
non-Americans from Europe to the US.
Broadway shows, sporting events have been cancelled at last. And in the past one and a half months, our
brothers and sisters and kinsfolk in China have experienced isolation
quarantine in an unprecedented scale.
(As I write this manuscript, the number of cases in the US have
surpassed 136,000.)
這是前所未有的災難嗎？從某一些角度來看，我們可以說，新冠肺炎病毒這次的大流行是前所未有的。但也不完全沒有史前的先例。在歷史上有多次的瘟疫，過去二十年就有SARS，
MERS（中東肺炎），
EBOLA等。
Is
this an unprecedented disaster? From
certain perspectives, we can say that COVID-19 is unprecedented. But yet, we are not exactly without
precedent. There have been plagues
throughout history (Reformation leaders like Luther and Calvin instructed their
believers to minister to those so inflicted).
In the past twenty years, we lived through SARS (Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome), MERS (Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome), and EBOLA (Ebola virus disease).
這些的病毒，疫情提醒我們好幾件事。
These
disasters remind us of several things.
[1] 我們人類的知識和理解是有限的，雖然在過去五百年（歷史的現代期），在醫學，科技上人類有很大的進步。特別是不能了解病毒的來源。我們可以用基因工程去分析病毒，但是究竟從哪裡來，仍是一個奧秘。現代期和後現代期的人力，可能過分自信，傲慢。我們必須面對我們的有限。
[1]
The limits of human understanding, despite advances in medicine and technology
during the past 500 years. This is so
especially in understanding the cause of the virus. We can now do genetic analysis of the virus
itself, but where it comes from remains a mystery. People living in the modern and postmodern
periods tend to be overly self-confident and proud. We must face the limits to human
understanding.
[2] 病毒或其他的流行病也給我們看到，人類的需要和苦難是這麼大幅度的。慈善機構往往提到，捐款的，從事慈善的，會疲倦（fatigue）。
[2] Disasters remind us of
the scale of human need and suffering.
(As I write this manuscript, the US death toll has passed 2,400.) Charity organizations often mention the
“disaster fatigue,” including among donors, not to mention workers.
[3] 與這有關的是，我們整個地球的人類都是互相相關的。當然在這個傳媒發達的年代，我們都是互相連接的。這當然是全球化所帶來的一個結果。我們可以即時看到地球另一個角落所發生的事。全球化帶來很多好處，但也帶來不少不公義的現象。
[3] Related to this is the
fact that we are so connected globally.
Contributing to this interconnectedness is the availability of
media. This, of course, is a result of
globalization. We can instantly see what
is happening on the other side of the globe.
Globalization has its advantages.
But it also results in a certain amount of injustice.
[4] 有病毒，有災難的時候，我們看到很多奇妙的事，我們看到感人的愛心和英雄的犧牲。特別是醫療，救護人員。不分國族。《聖經》告訴我們，上帝是按祂的形象造人，造男造女的（創1：26-27）。很多人，雖然他們仍然需要耶穌基督，但是因為上帝的形象和上帝的普遍恩典，我們會看到很多人彼此幫助的真善美 （羅2：14-16）。
[4] Disasters often show up the wonder of
human compassion, heroism, and sacrifice.
The outstanding examples, of course, are the health workers and first
responders. There is no distinction in
race and nationality. (As I wrote the
Chinese manuscript two days ago, the first medical worker, a 48 year old male
nurse, died in New York.) The Bible
tells us that God made man and woman in his own image (Genesis 1:26-27). Although so many people still need Jesus
Christ, they are made in God’s image, and have common grace. Out of these, people will do good: they will
help one another. This is real, this is
good, this is beautiful (Romans 2:14-16).
[5] 災難讓我們看到人的罪是多麼真實。這包括個人的罪，群體的罪，甚至整個社會的罪（羅3：19）。
[5] Disasters help us see the reality of human
sin. This includes individual sin, and
corporate or societal sin (Romans 3:19).
[6] 很多時候有大災難就帶來一些倫理上的兩難(dilemma)。有些是令人心痛的，必須要作的選擇。譬如在美國，將來美國就要選擇：誰能夠用一個能偶維持生命的機器 (ventilator)？誰不能用？誰會存活，誰被犧牲掉？（注：筆者在校對筆錄稿時，這種現象已開始在美國的醫院裡發生。2020年3月28日。）
[6]
Disasters often result in certain ethical dilemmas. Some excruciating choices await us. In the US, for example, sooner or later (as I
write, it has already become reality), hospitals will have to choose who gets
to use a ventilator, and who does not.
[7] 最後，災難往往留下一些我們不懂得如何回答的問題。前所未有的災難嗎？不完全是。從某一個角度來看， 我們相信《傳道書》所說的：日光之下並沒有新事（傳1：9）。
[7] Disasters often leave us
with unanswered questions. Unprecedented?
Not quite. In some sense, we are
reminded by Ecclesiastes: “There is no new thing under the sin” (Eccl. 3:19).
II.
一些普遍的回應和觀點
II. COMMON RESPONSES AND
PERSPECTIVES
現在我們來看，有了病毒之後，人們一些流行的回應和一些觀點角度。
Let
us take a look at some common responses and perspectives toward COVID-19.
[1] 人們會慌張，慌張的時候就會搶購一些貨品。連如廁的衛生紙！這是什麼心態？
[1] Of course, there is a lot
of panic and panic buying. (Why do
people buy toilet paper?
[2] 太多的基督徒有這種回應：他們只是專注於自己或親愛的家人的幸福。他們會禱告，但是往往起初階段的禱告，都是為了醫治禱告，或為安全禱告。對很多基督徒來說，求上帝醫治（或讓自己免疫）這種禱告比較容易，可能也是因為，某些教會的教導只限於這點。但若要學習接受苦難這個事實，更藉著禱告活出這種『接納』（順服），對太多基督徒是一個非常難學的功課。甚至沒有想過。
[2] A response made by all
too many Christians is: they focus only on their welfare, and that of their
family and loved ones. As they pray,
especially during the first phase of their praying, they only pray for healing,
and for safety (immunity from the virus).
For so many Christians, it is easy (instinctual) to pray for health and
safety. Perhaps the teaching they have
received from their churches has been limited to this kind of prayer. It is much harder to accept suffering, and to
pray in a way which reflects this acceptance.
Perhaps they have never been taught to do this; perhaps it has not yet
been a key part of their Christian conviction.
[3] 宿命論和逃避主義。在某些地方，是的，能夠做到的事是非常有限的。有些人就開始絕望了。
[3]
Escapism and fatalism. For some people
indeed, there is nothing much more that they can do. So people respond by losing hope.
[4] 第四種回應是責怪別人，或者責怪政府。
[4] Blaming others. People will blame individuals and
governments.
[5] 第五方面，我們看到某些基督徒很直接，很勇敢，也很清晰地傳福音。他們宣講的，是從基督而來的安慰和盼望。我們為這些在這時刻挺身而出，傳福音的同工感謝主。但這些福音信息究竟有沒有包括基督徒如何看待苦難，是可以商討的問題。
[5] We see this especially in
China: Christians and churches engaged in directly, boldly, clearly, sharing
the gospel, and offering comfort and hope.
We praise God for these colleagues who stand up and proclaim the Good
News. Whether these messages are linked
to (or include) instruction on how the Bible views suffering, and how we are
taught to live in the midst of suffering, is another matter which can be
discussed.
上述是一些流行的，普遍的回應和觀點角度。
These
are some common responses and perspectives.
III.
我們的觀點角度：《聖經》的整套真理（教義）
III. OUR PERSPECTIVE: THE
SYSTEM OF BIBLICAL TEACHING (DOCTRINE)
我們的觀點角度是要這樣來問：整本《聖經》，《聖經》的全部，基督教信仰的全
部，怎樣指導我們對這個病毒流行病回應？怎樣解釋，分析？然後，怎樣在行動上回應？
We
take the following perspective. What
does the Bible say as a whole about all this?
How does the Christian as a whole
direct us as to how to interpret this pandemic?
How should we interpret it all, and how do we respond in lifestyle and
action?
這種觀點角度背後的前提是，我們意味著《聖經》有一套真理要教導我們；人生的意義，病痛苦難的意義，還有死亡的意義等這些真理。《聖經》不僅教導我們關於人生，病痛，苦難和死亡這些是，最重要的是，《聖經》告訴我們，宇宙的真神是誰？我們所相信的這位真神是怎樣一位永活的神？基督徒的立場是：我們必須認識，正確地認識這位真神，與他建立個人的關係，才能夠真正回應人生，病毒，苦難和死亡。而《聖經》告訴我們，什麼是真正盼望的來源。最後，《聖經》告訴我們，人生的意義是什麼？現在我們可以做什麼？我們有什麼工作要做？因此說，是『一套』真理，不僅是零碎的信念。更不是只靠『常識』(common sense)。
This
perspective implies that the Bible does have something to say about the meaning
of life, sickness, suffering, and
death. The Bible not only teaches us
about life, sickness, suffering and death; most importantly, the Bible proclaims
who the true God is. What kind of God is
this God whom we put our trust in?
Because, ultimately, we need to know this God truly, personally, in
order to face up to life, sickness, suffering, and death according to
truth. Of course, the Bible also teaches
us where is the true source of hope, and finally, what is the meaning of life
and what kind of work we can and should do now.
That is why we say a body of doctrine: not just a mix of isolated
teachings. And of course, we don’t only
go by common sense.
可能這是我們在這個時刻要強調的：因為我們有上帝，因為我們有耶穌基督，因此我們有盼望。在這個時刻，我們有工作要做 (There’s work to do)。
Perhaps,
this is a distinctive that needs to be stressed at this moment. Because we have God, because we have Christ,
we can have hope. This is work which we
can and must do at this moment.
IV. 上帝與
COVID-19
IV. GOD AND COVID-19
首先，讓我們來看，上帝與新冠肺炎的大流行病。上帝愛我們嗎？上帝是愛。根據《聖經》，上帝的愛有三種。這三種的愛達到三個不同的範圍。當然，上帝的愛，要和祂其他的屬性一起理解。（見下。）
Now
we turn to “God and COVID-19.” Does God
love us? God is love. According to the Bible, there are three kinds
of “love of God.” And the scope
encompassed by each of the three kinds of divine love is different. God’s love must be understood in connection
with all his other attributes. (See
below.)
[1] 首先，有上帝的普遍恩典。《使徒行傳》14：17：上帝把美善的事賜給全人類，祂『常施恩惠，從天降雨』。日光照在全人類身上，不論是好人歹人。《雅各書》1：17也是這樣說：『各樣美善的恩賜，和各樣全備的賞賜，都是從上頭來的，從眾光之父那裡降下來。』雖然人類都犯了罪，得罪了上帝，無望，無助 （羅5：12），上帝沒有讓人類的罪發揮最嚴重，最糟糕的地步。祂掌管罪和罪的權勢，約制它們的影響力。
[1] God is a God of mercy. The first kind of divine love is “common
grace.” Acts 14:17: God gives good
things to all mankind: “he did good by giving you rains from heaven and
fruitful seasons.” He causes the sun to
shine on the righteous and the wicked.
James 1:17 teaches the same truth: “Every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above, coming from the Father of lights.” This is true even though all mankind have
sinned against God, and is without hope and without help (Romans 5:12). God did not allow sin to exercise its full
influence on mankind, so as to bring about the worst, extreme
consequences. God restrained and
restricted sin and the power of evil.
我們從另一個角度可以看到上帝的普遍恩典，就是：人們仍然會願意犧牲的，願意拿出愛心，憐憫別人，照顧別人。無論他們屬於哪個宗教，甚至沒有宗教信仰。我們仍然看到普遍恩典是在運行的。我們感謝神！（在校對文稿時，消息傳來，紐約市已經有一位48歲的男護士死亡。）
We
can see evidence of this common grace from another (positive) perspective. People are still willing to sacrifice; they
are still willing to be compassionate, and lovingly care for the needy. This is true regardless of their religion, or
if they don’t have a religion. (As I
write, we see that the number of volunteer health workers who responded to the
UK and US governments both far exceeded the expectation. This should move us to tears. March 30, 2020.) We see common grace at work! Praise God.
上帝是憐憫人的上帝，我們也看到這麼多人有一個受造者的，有限度的憐憫。有限，是的，但這個憐憫是很真實的，因為上帝的普遍恩典，活生生地顯在我們眼前。
God
is a God of mercy. As humans, we have
the mercy of a creature, a limited mercy.
Limited, but real mercy and compassion, because God’s common grace is
real, it is alive among us.
上帝憐憫人類，是有目的的。祂要叫人類願意轉回，歸向祂，願意悔改認罪，來信靠祂的愛子耶穌基督。上帝是憐憫人的上帝！祂仍然向人發出忍耐，叫我們悔改，歸向耶穌基督（羅2：4）。
God’s
mercy on mankind has a purpose. He wants
men and women to return, repent and turn to him. He wants us to trust in his Son Jesus Christ
for salvation. God has compassion on
mankind! He is patient with us, so that
we may repent (Romans 2:4) and be converted to Jesus.
[2] 上帝是上帝。祂是掌主權的上帝。祂是掌管人類生死的上帝。所以，當災難臨到時，或當我們，無論誰，生病時，必須面對這個事實：上帝掌管我們的人生，掌管我們的身體狀態，掌管死亡。或者有些基督徒第一次面對這樣的挑戰；可能要從一個比較自我中心的信仰觀（只懂得求福），調整到一個以上帝為中心的信仰。從恐懼，憂傷，我們要學習敬畏這位掌管我們生與死的主宰。
[2]
God is God. God is a sovereign God. He sovereignly rules over life and
death. Therefore, when disaster strikes,
or when we, whoever we are, face sickness, we must come to terms with this
fact: God rules over our life, he rules over our sickness, he rules over
death. Perhaps for some Christians, this
is the first time you face up to this challenge: the challenge is to adjust
your faith, from being self-centered (only praying for health and welfare) to
being more God-centered. Through fear,
through sorrow, let us learn to fear this God who is sovereign over life and
death.
我們這樣說，目的是什麼？目的是：我們須要敬畏上帝，回轉，歸向祂。不要只顧自己的感受或幸福。是的，我們會看到上帝憐憫人的跡象。不錯，上帝有時也會應允我們所求的。但是，與上帝的憐憫同樣真實的，是上帝的主權。祂掌管生命和死亡。
Why
do we say all this? The goal is that we
may fear God. That we may be converted
(our minds be changed) and turn to him.
Don’t be concerned only about your feelings and your welfare. Yes, there are signs of God’s compassion
around us. Yes, God does answer our
prayers sometimes. But, equally real as
God’s compassion is his sovereignty. He
rules over life and death.
[3] 可能下面這點跟我們今天面對的新冠肺炎病毒直接有關。上帝不僅在人類生死上是掌主權的。上帝也是統管自然界的主宰。從個別的細胞到整個地球（和整個宇宙）。目的是什麼？目的就是要人順服在祂的主權之下，把我們自己交託給祂，作我們生命的主，然後為祂的榮耀，作自己生命的好管家，和地球的好管家（創1:27-28; 2：15）。
[3]
Perhaps this, our next point, is most directly related to the COVID-19
pandemic. God is not only sovereign over
human life and death. He is also
sovereign over nature. From the smallest
cell to the planet Earth (to the entire universe). What is his purpose? His purpose is that mankind will submit to
his lordship, and commit our lives to him, that he will be lord of our
lives. Then, we will live for his glory,
and be faithful stewards of ourselves and of the planet (Genesis 1:27-28,
2:15).
那麼，上帝如何具體地在自然界作主，作王？《聖經》有具體的教導。《羅馬書》8：18,
19：『我想，現在的苦楚比起將來要顯於我們的榮耀，就不足介意了。受造之物切望等候上帝的眾子顯出來。』《聖經》說：自然界在等候，在盼望。等候宇宙歷史的終結。（有一點擬人法，這並不表示自然界有靈魂。《聖經》並不支持新紀元的宇宙觀。）到時，上帝的兒女獲得榮耀，自然界也被解脫。從什麼解脫？請讀下去。
Then,
how does God concretely exercise his rule over nature? The Bible provides concrete teaching. Romans 8:18, 19: “For I consider that the
sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is
to be revealed to us. For the creation
waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” The Bible says, nature is waiting, it is
eagerly longing. It is waiting for the
end (consummation) of the universe.
(There is anthropomorphism here; but it does not mean that the natural
world has souls. Christians do not
accept the New Age worldview.) At the
end of history, God’s children will receive their glory; nature will be
liberated as well. Liberated from
what? Read on.
《羅馬書》8:20, 21：『因為受造之物服在虛空之下，不是自己願意，乃是因那叫他如此的。但受造之物仍然指望脫離敗壞的轄制，得享上帝兒女自由的榮耀。』大自然不僅在等候，盼望。自然界乃服在虛空和敗壞之下。這是罪的結果，是人類犯罪的結果。準確一點，是因為亞當一人犯罪，我們都成為罪人（羅5：12）；連自然界都承擔這個罪的後果。人類犯罪，承擔的後果是罪孽（罪名），審判，死。自然界承擔的後果是虛空和敗壞。
Romans
8:20, 21: “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but
because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set
free from its bondage to corruption, and obtain the freedom of the glory of the
children of God.” You see, nature is not
only waiting and longing. It has been
subjected to futility and corruption.
This is a consequence: the result of human sin. To put it more pointedly, as a result of one
man’s sin, Adam’s sin, we all have become sinners (Romans 5:12); even nature
itself has to bear the consequences. Man
sins, and the results for mankind are: guilt (being guilty before God and his
law), condemnation, and death. The results
for nature are: futility and corruption.
《羅馬書》8：22, 23：『我們知道一切受造之物一同嘆息，勞苦，直到如今。不但如此，就是我們這有聖靈初結果子的，也是自己心裡嘆息，等候得著自己的名份，乃是我們的身體得贖。』基督徒身體靈魂都得贖；自然界則從空虛，敗壞釋放。
Romans
8:22, 23: “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in
the pains of childbirth until now. And
not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the
Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption
of our bodies.” Christians will be saved, both body and soul. Nature will be liberated from futility and
corruption.
《羅馬書》教導我們：因為罪的緣故，世上有空虛，有敗壞，有死亡。但是從第三章開始，一直到第八章，《羅馬書》宣告，上帝處理了虛空，處理了敗壞，處理了死亡。（參考：《哥林多前書》15：20-51.）因為上帝處理了罪的問題，所以，連虛空，敗壞都處理了。
Romans
teaches us that, because of the fact of sin, there is futility, corruption, and
death in the world. But from chapter 3
all the way to chapter 8, Romans declares that God has dealt with
futility. God has dealt with
corruption. He has dealt with
death. (Refer to I Corinthians 15:20-51.) Because God has dealt with sin, he has also
dealt with futility and corruption.
罪，不僅僅是個人的罪。我們看到，根據上帝治理人的放啊，人類是以一個人為代表，為頭的。因為一個人，亞當，犯了罪，因此全人類，男女老少都成為罪人。亞當的罪：他的罪名（罪孽）歸算了給我們。結果是：我們要面對上帝的審判和死亡。（羅5：12，15-21。）不過，救恩也是從一個代表，一個頭：耶穌基督，臨到所有相信祂的人。
Sin
is not only individual sin. We see the
way in which God deals with mankind: he deals with us through a head, a
representative. Because the head, one
man Adam, sinned, all of us mankind became sinners. Adam’s sin – his guilt (his sentence) – has
been imputed (accounted) as ours. The
result is: you and I have to face God’s judgment, and to face death. (Romans 5:12, 15-21.) But, salvation also comes from a head, a
representative, to all of us who put our trust in him.
但是，奇妙的是，當上帝咒詛亞當，夏娃時，祂同時咒詛了自然界。《創世記》3:17-18 上帝對亞當說：『地必為你（亞當）的緣故受咒詛；你必終身勞苦才能從地裡得吃的。地必給你長出荊棘和蒺藜來…』上帝在自然界讓荊棘等長出來，成為人在地上工作的障礙。所以人生會有困難，有痛苦，工作會不順利，流汗滿日才能糊口。
But
we notice an amazing thing. At the same
time as God cursed and judged Adam and Eve (and mankind through Adam), he also
cursed the earth. In Genesis 3:7-18 God
told Adam: “… cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it
all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for
you.” God caused thorns and thistles to
grow, as a hindrance to man’s work on the planet. Therefore there is hardship and pain; work
will not be easy going. We get to eat
after sweating over our livelihood.
到了《新約聖經》，保羅在《羅馬書》第八章（上面讀過的經文）這樣描述，這個服在上帝的咒詛之下自然界：虛空，敗壞；仍在等候，盼望。
Thus
when we come to the New Testament, Romans chapter 8 (we studied it above) describes God’s curse over nature this way:
futility, corruption; still waiting, eagerly longing.
[4] 不過，正如罪為自然界帶來後果，耶穌基督所成就的救恩，也為自然界，為全宇宙帶來後果。一切信祂的人，上帝賜給他們作祂兒女的權利（這是上帝第二種愛：福音的邀請。）保羅怎樣描述這後果？他說，上帝的兒女們將得到自由，榮耀，釋放。我們的身體都要得贖（不僅是靈魂）。我們的身體會復活。所以我們絕對不可認為，我們僅僅是靈魂得救而已。
[4]
But the good news is: Just as sin brings about consequences on nature,
salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ also brings consequences on nature and
the entire universe. All who trust in
Christ are given the privilege to become children of God (John 1:12: this is
the second kind of divine love: he offers us the gospel invitation). How does Paul describe the consequences? God’s children will receive freedom,
redemption, glory. Our bodies – not just
our souls – will be saved. We will be
raised (resurrected) with a new body.
So never think that Jesus saves only our souls.
上帝關心我們的身體。上帝關心地球。但是上帝先咒詛了我們和這個地球（因為罪的緣故）。
God
cares about us humans. God cares about
our planet. But God first cursed us and
the planet, because of sin.
[5] 結果是：雖然我們相信耶穌基督的人，已經是得救，是蒙恩的罪人，但是仍然是生活在這個地球上：這個因為罪的緣故，被上帝所咒詛的地球。基督徒在今生仍然承擔著罪的後果，雖然我們已經得救。
[5] The result of all this
is: those of us who have been saved by grace, who are redeemed sinners, still
make our residence on this planet, this Earth which has been cursed by God
because of sin. We Christians still need
to bear the consequences of sin, even though we have been saved.
[6] 上帝並沒有放手不管。上帝仍然在自然界掌權。人的行動，為自然界帶來問題；特別是沒有好好作地球的管家時。人往往製造一些困難。我們作為這個大地，這個地球的管家（創1:18; 2:15），往往作出一些不公義，不討上帝喜悅，不照顧弟兄的事。人類有很多不公義的事（特別在這個全球化的時代）；連地球都在嘆息！但是上帝限制罪的不良影響。這也是普遍恩典的一面。
[6] God doesn’t just sit there in heaven. He cares.
He still rules over nature. Human
actions impact the natural world, especially when we do not faithfully exercise
our stewardship in caring for creation.
We humans create many difficulties and hardships. As stewards of the planet (Genesis 1:28,
2:15), we often do things which are unjust; these do not glorify God; they
violate our obligation to be compassionate to other people. There are many unjust things in the world
today, especially during this moment which we call “globalization.” Even the Earth is groaning! But God does not ignore things; he is
restraining the evil consequences of sin.
This is one aspect of common grace.
[7] 一方面，人繼續犯罪，上帝也繼續咒詛大地，與此同時，上帝賜普遍恩典，上帝更施行救贖。基督徒要同時拿捏這幾點。這並不容易，也不是我們習慣作的。
讓我重複：地球是服在上帝的咒詛之下。人類也繼續活出罪性來，玷污地球，傷害別人（參考：十誡），為地球帶來很多災難。但與此同時，在人類傷害別人，傷害地球之同時，上帝在施行普遍恩典。與此同時，上帝也把主耶穌成就的救恩，施行給地球各國的男女老少。
[7] So: On the one hand, human beings continue to
sin. God continues to curse the
earth. On the other hand, however, God
gives common grace. Even more
importantly, God is bringing (applying) redemption grace to people. Christians must learn to get a handle on
all these facts. This is not easy. We are not accustomed to think in this
multi-task way.
Let
me repeat: Earth has been subjected under God’s curse. Man continues to live out his sinful nature,
polluting the earth and hurting others (cf. The Ten Commandments, Exodus
chapter 20), thereby bringing more disasters on the plant. But at the same time as when we harm others
and bring harm on the Earth, God’s common grace is working. At the same time, God is bringing (applying)
the salvation, which has been accomplished by Jesus Christ’s death and
resurrection, to men and women and children around the world.
這三件事：普遍恩典，咒詛，與救贖，要同時考慮，同時拿捏。它們之間有張力。但是它們都是《聖經》的教導。就是因為一方面有人的罪與上帝的咒詛，另一方面有上帝的普遍恩典和救贖恩典，因此有一種緊張狀態（張力）。
There
are three things here: common grace, God’s curse, and redemption. Consider them together. Get a handle on them together. We sense there is tension between them. But they are all taught in the Bible. Just because on the one hand we see God’s
curse and man’s sin, and on the other we see God’s common grace and his
redemptive grace, we sense tension between the two.
[8] 有時候我們會感覺沒有盼望了。我們要放棄。或者（另一個極端）我們只傳一個使人靈魂得救的福音，向世人應許來生的盼望。（這是二十世紀初，民初，戰亂時期，和二十世紀中在台港等地往往會聽到的福音信息。正確，不完備。）
[8]
Sometimes we do feel hopeless. We want
to give up. On the other extreme, we
preach a gospel which only tells people Jesus saves their souls. This gospel does offer people hope in the
life to come. (This is message heard so
often during early 20th century in China, in the midst of war, famine and
revolution; and among churches in Taiwan and Hong Kong in mid-20th century,
among the refugees from revolution. A
correct gospel – but could be more complete.)
這兩個極端都說明：我們往往忽略，是的，我們已經得救了，但是我們是活在這個地球上的。我們仍然要負我們應負的責任。
These
two extremes show that: we neglect a glaring fact. True, we have been saved, but we still live
in this sin-cursed planet. So we must
fulfill our responsibilities.
[9] 是的，我們不明白病毒的來源。但是我們明白什麼是痛苦，什麼是虐待
(abuse)，什麼是人類囚禁其他的人 (slavery)，我們了解什麼是不公義。（特別是下一代的青年人，他們非常懂！非常清楚！教會對他們有信息可傳嗎？）在這一切不公義和痛苦之上，上帝仍然坐在祂的寶座上。上帝掌權，管理這個因罪而受咒詛的世界，上帝掌管罪人，上帝掌權管理人類，因為普遍恩典，人類會表達出一些良善來。
[9] No, we may not understand
the cause of the virus. But we do
understand – we understand what is pain, what is abuse, what is human
trafficking and slavery, what is injustice.
(Especially the younger generation in the church. They know it well! It’s crystal clear to them. For them, does the church have a
message?) Above all this human suffering
and injustice, God is still on the throne.
He remains King. God is
sovereign, he rules over this sin-cursed earth, he rules over our lives, he
rules over all mankind; and because of common grace, human beings will live out
compassion.
上帝管理得救，蒙恩的罪人。上帝管理地上的教會。上帝也要讓耶穌基督的救恩，彰顯出一些結果：信徒要活出憐憫，公義。因此，當災難臨到時，基督徒往往會與非基督徒並肩作戰，幫助有需要的人。我們在過去十幾年，看到這現象；這是必需的。現在因為全球化，人類的痛苦，需要，很快就傳出去；敏銳的基督徒採取行動時，會發覺，非基督徒是在作同樣的事，甚至作的比較早，比較快，人數也比較多。
God
rules over redeemed sinner, i.e. believers.
God rules over the church on earth.
God is also in the process of showing forth the impact of redemptive
grace: Christians must live out justice and mercy. So when disasters strike, Christians often
find themselves helping those in need, shoulder to shoulder in cooperation with
non-Christians. We have seen this
phenomenon during the past decades (e.g. earthquakes in China; Christian relief
and development agencies in the Third World and disaster areas). This is necessary. Because we live in an age of globalization,
news of disaster and human suffering spreads very fast. And when sensitive Christians take action,
they find that others, non-Christians, have taken action – earlier, faster,
with more participants.
普遍恩典感動非基督徒採取行動。救贖恩典催逼基督徒活出聖靈的果子。
Common
grace constrains non-Christians to take action.
Redemptive grace compels Christians to bear the fruit of the Holy
Spirit.
[10] 上帝不僅是憐憫的上帝，是掌管人生死的上帝，不僅是掌管地球，自然界的上帝。祂是聖潔的上帝，祂要來審判人類。是的，雖然有普遍恩典，但是普遍不能救人；地球和人類仍然是服在上帝的咒詛之下。有一天，上帝的確會回來，施行審判。
[10]
God is not only a God of mercy; he is not only sovereign over life and death;
he not only rules over nature, over the planet.
He is a holy God; he will come to judge the world. Yes, there is common grace, but common grace
does not save sinners. The earth and
humans remain under God’s curse. One day,
God will personally return. He will
execute judgment.
記得：審判不是由我們來充當。我們沒有權柄責怪誰，解釋上帝因著誰而讓苦難臨到我們。在這種時刻，某些少數的基督徒，傳道人，會指某些人，某些群體或機制，是上帝藉著病毒審判人的原因。基督徒必須避免作這樣的判斷（直截了當說，是：論斷。《馬太福音》7:1-2。）你若聽到這種信息，不要相信。上帝所，報應在祂，伸冤在祂。上帝是聖潔的，祂必來審判，在目前他也在審判。
Remember:
this judgment is not to be carried out by us.
We have no authority to blame others; we cannot authoritatively blame
any individual as causing disaster and suffering to come upon us. At moments like these, individuals (or
churches) may blame a certain individual or institution (let’s just say it: out
of a judging spirit, Matthew 7:1-2). If
you hear such messages, don’t believe them.
God says, vengeance is mine, I will repay. God is holy, he will come to judge; even now,
he is executing judgment.
上帝為什麼要我們知道祂是聖潔的？是要我們敬畏祂，而不是論斷別人。
Why
does God want us to know that he is holy?
That we may fear him, not that we may judge others.
[11] 上帝是施恩典的上帝，對那些相信耶穌基督的人，祂提供生命的潔淨（罪的赦免），和今生，來生的雙重盼望。祂愛我們，愛我們到底（《約翰福音》13：1；這是上帝第三種愛。）
[11]
God is a God of grace. To those who put
their trust in Jesus, he cleanses their lives (i.e. forgive our sins), and give
us double hope: hope in this life and in the next. He does love us; he loves us to the end
(John 13:1; this is the third kind of divine love.)
是的，必有審判；但是，今生就有盼望。不是一個廉價的盼望；不是膚淺的盼望（所謂『明天會更好』）。也不是狹義的盼望：脫離世界，與主同在。有基督徒在這時刻宣講《約翰福音》14章：不要憂愁，因為主耶穌為我們去預備地方；有一天祂回來接我們去那天家。這是非常美的事情。但是：我們同時要儆醒。我們的盼望不是盲目的盼望。不是廉價，不是膚淺的盼望。是根據基督復活的盼望（《哥林多前書》15：20-51）。
Yes,
judgment will surely come; but in this life, there is already hope. Not a cheap hope, not a shallow hope (e.g.
just saying “Tomorrow will be better”).
Also, not a truncated hope: not merely hoping that we can leave this
world and be with Jesus. At moments like
this, some Christians do preach John chapter 14: don’t sorrow, Jesus has gone
to prepare a place for us. One day he
will come and take us to our heavenly home.
Amen, that is a beautiful message indeed. But at the same time we need
to be sober (alert). Our hope is not
blind. It is not a cheap hope, not a
shallow kind of hope. Our hope is based
on the fact of Jesus’ resurrection (I Cor. 15:20-51).
這是個美好時光，考慮一下你人生的結局。你是否願意重新正視這位施憐憫，施審判，咒詛人類，卻救贖罪人聖潔的上帝？請讀《聖經》，面對這位耶穌基督，罪人的救主。我們邀請你來認識上帝；重新認識祂；把生命交託給祂，獻給祂，為祂而活。
This
is the best moment to consider the end, the destiny of our lives. Would you be willing to take a second,
serious look at this God: this God who shows mercy, executes judgment, this God
who curses mankind, but is holy and redeemers sinners? Open your Bible, face this Jesus, savior of
sinners. We invite you: come and know
God. Know him in a fresh way. Commit your life to him; give yourself to him
and live for him.
V.
基督徒信仰與COVID-19
V. CHRISTIAN FAITH AND
COVID-19
對我們這些已經認識耶穌基督作個人救主的信徒們，我們在這個時刻有工作要做。讓我們看一下，新冠肺炎與我們的信仰的關係。
For
those of us believers, who have come to know Jesus Christ as our Savior, we
have work for us to do at this moment.
Let us take a look at the relationship between COVID-19 and our
Christian faith.
[1] 反省，悔改。清教徒提醒我們，當有苦難，痛苦臨到時，是基督徒作自我反省的最佳時刻。我們有沒有什麼罪，要在上帝面前承認，悔改？我們是否貪愛世界，多過愛主耶穌？『不要愛世界和世界上的事。人若愛世界，愛父的心就不再他裡面了。』（《約翰壹書》2:15）我們的心是剛硬的或柔軟的，是聖靈可以塑造，改變的心嗎？這是自我反省的時刻。
[1] Do self-reflection, and
repent. The Puritans remind us that,
when disaster and suffering comes, it is the best moment to examine ourselves. Are there sins which we must confess before
God, which we must repent of? Do I love
this world more than I love Jesus? “Do
not love the world or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John
2:15). Have our hearts been
hardened? Or is it soft, which the Holy
Spirit can mold and change? It is time
for self-examination.
英國的一位演員 Thomas Fry，當最近接收BBC 訪問時，竟然提出傳統西方文學裡的七種致命的罪 (seven deadly sins) 。他引用的是希臘神話和異教的神明。因此，就算是一個喜歡希臘神話的藝員，也會想到，我們要回到這個位置上作反省，反省我們的內心。
A
British actor, Thomas Fry, was recently interviewed by BBC. He shared about the seven deadly sins in
traditional western literature! He
alluded to Greek literature and their pagan gods. So even a person who likes pagan Greek gods
would think about the need to return to this point: do self-reflection at this
moment.
[2] 榮神益人。一個基督徒的反省，不是極端的內向。當我們自我反省時，同時要考慮到人生的目標。《威敏斯特小要理問答》第一問：人生最重要的目的是什麼？答：人生最重要的目的，就是榮耀上帝，永遠享受祂。再問：《聖經》主要教導我們什麼？答：《聖經》主要教導我們，關於上帝，我們該信什麼；並且在上帝面前我們的責任是什麼。主耶穌告訴我們：律法的總綱就是盡心愛上帝，然後愛鄰舍如同愛自己。
[2]
Glorify God, serve others. A Christian’s
self-examination is not a matter of extreme retrospection. As we examine our hearts we must remember the
purpose of our lives. Westminster
Shorter Catechism Question 1: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy
him forever.” It further asks: What do
the Scriptures principally teach?
Scriptures principally teach what we should believe concerning God, and
our duties... Jesus taught us: the sum
(summary) of the law is: love the Lord with all our hearts…, and love our
neighbor as we love ourselves.
所以當我們反省時，我們要自問：上帝既然赦免我的罪，那麼我該怎樣更加全心愛祂？在這一刻，該如何更盡心愛鄰舍如愛自己？怎樣作一個有用的信徒？
So as
we do self-examination, let us also ask: Since God forgives our sins, how
should I live out more love to him? How
can I, at this moment, love my neighbor more, as I love myself?
榮神益人：人生的目標，律法的總綱！
Glorify
God, serve others: this is the purpose of life, this is the summary of God’s
law!
我們看到，非基督徒都因為普遍恩典，挺身而出，幫助別人。有些是醫療人員，有些是接送的，送必須品的。身為基督徒，我們有更崇高，更偉大的原因，為什麼要愛人，憐憫人，拿出我們的愛心來。我們有真神，祂是我們的創造主，我們的救主。祂既然愛我們，我們必須受到激勵，愛別人。
We
see how non-Christians have boldly stepped up to help others, out of common
grace. Many are health workers; others
are delivery workers, transporting necessary material. As Christians we have a higher motive, a
better reason why we should love others, and show our love and compassion with
action. We serve the true God, he is our
Creator, he is our Redeemer. Since he
loves us, his love constrains us to love others.
[3] 慈惠事工。教會在這時刻，需要發動，作從事慈惠（憐憫）事工。教會的任務不僅是慈惠事工，也必須傳講上帝的話。但是教會的任務不僅是傳講上帝的話，也要從事慈惠事工。請看《使徒行傳》第六章，和保羅書信，處處都看到慈惠的心懷和行動。保羅親自為猶太地的窮乏聖徒向馬其頓和亞該亞（希臘）教會募款。《雅各書》就更不用說了！
[3]
Ministries of Mercy. Churches at this
moment needs to mobilize and engage in ministries of mercy. No, ministries of mercy do not comprise the
whole of the church’s ministry; the church must proclaim God’s Word. Nevertheless, the church is called not only
to proclaim God’s Word; she is also commanded to do ministries of mercy. Read Acts chapter 6, read Paul’s epistles;
all over the New Testament, we find the apostolic church involved in ministries
of mercy – in heart and in deed. Paul
personally raised funds from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (Greece) to
relieve the poor saints in Judaea. And
need we mention the book of James!?
好些敬虔的，篤信《聖經》，重視禱告讀經的教會，在這方面嚴重的疏忽。讀讀《新約聖經》，效法新約（使徒時期）教會，就會得到光照，感動，迎頭趕上！
Some churches have a
beautiful tradition of piety; they pray and read the Bible; they thoroughly
trust the Bible as the Word of God. But
in some circles there seems to be a serious neglect in this area of mercy. Re-read the Bible; let the Holy Spirit shed
light; step up and take action.
[4] 提防措施。接下來是要有智慧地，作一些謹慎的提防性的措施。
[4]
Take precautionary measures. We must be
wise and take some precautionary measures.
這裡必須面對一個問題：可否線上（網上）敬拜？（筆者注：在中港台以外的很多國家，地區，兩個星期下來，已經沒有討論的餘地了！）
Here
we must face up to a question: what about online worship? (Note: in China, Hong Kong, the US and many
other places, this is no longer an academic exercise.)
過去十三年，我多次幫助CCNTV，在主日崇拜（網上）講道。美國加州時間星期六傍晚，等於中國，亞洲主日早上。我從來沒有認為這是一個網上教會。參加這些崇拜的，可能是在海外（包括中東，歐洲等）的一些信徒，他們孤零零的一個人，在那裡打工，主日打開電腦，（現在可以開手機）就可以與弟兄姐妹敬拜上帝。
In
the past 13 years, I have often assisted in the ministry of CCNTV, preaching at
the Sunday worship services. We conduct
worship Saturday evening, equivalent to Sunday morning in China and Asia. I never regarded it as an online church. Those who worship with us include those
working overseas, e.g. in the Middle East or Europe. They are all by themselves; but they can open
their computer (these days, their cell phone) and worship with other believers.
教會是上帝的子民，基督的身體。『教會』希伯來文是 qahal，希臘文是 ecclesia，是指聚集在一起的會眾。教會不僅是聚集在一起的會眾(the gathered
church)，也是分散在世界的會眾 (the scattered church)。在《使徒行傳》第八章，當司提反殉道之後，上帝的子民，基督的信徒：注意，是信徒，不是使徒們，離開耶路撒冷，分散在不同地方。他們可能是做生意的；到什麼地方，就傳起耶穌基督的福音來。那麼你可以想像，他們在乘船或騎駱駝時，有沒有主日崇拜？到了有猶太人會堂的地方，他們大可能去會堂守安息日，並盡他們所能，見證為他們復活的救主。因耶穌基督的復活，他們會在主日歡喜快樂，感恩，敬拜。當然例外的情況，孤獨的基督徒，找不到其他基督徒一起守主日的。或者兩三個人一起交通，敬拜。
The
church is the people of God, the body of Christ. The Hebrew word for church is qalal, the
Greek word is ecclesia. It refers to a
congregation which has been assembled.
The church is “the gathered church,” yes; the church is also “the
scattered church” as believers disperse into the world. In Acts chapter 8, after Stephen was
martyred, believers – note, believers, not apostles – scattered from Jerusalem
to different places. Many of them may be
businesspeople; wherever they went, they witnessed to the risen Savior
Jesus. You can imagine: as they set sail
on boats, as they rode on camelback, did they have Sunday worship services? When they went to towns with synagogues, they
might have gone there to observe the Sabbath, and did their best to witness
about Christ. Because Christ had risen
from the dead, they would rejoice, give thanks, offer praise. Of course there were exceptional cases where
a Christian is alone by him/herself, who could not find other believers to
worship together with. Or two or three
would gather to have fellowship and worship the Lord.
目前的情況呢？地上既然有設立的教會，有牧者，長老，教師，執事，這些僕人領袖們要動員信徒們散開，可以有家裡的小型敬拜。家庭教會不僅是中國才有的，過去幾十年，歐洲美國都有。（有一次我撿到一本報導歐洲人家庭教會的書。）目前這一刻，線上（網上）崇拜是供應聖徒需要的可行方法。
What
about the situation now? There are
churches on earth with shepherds, teachers, elders and deacons. These servant-leaders need to scatter
believers so that they can worship at home, on a small scale. House churches didn’t only exist in China; in
the past few decades, the house church movement has emerged in Europe and
America. (One time I picked up a book
which reported on the house church movement among Europeans.) At this moment, online worship is a viable
means to provide for the believers’ need to observe the Sabbath and worship
God.
分散的信徒，就要分頭去作提防的工作，憐憫（慈惠）的工作。
Christians
thus scattered will take precautionary measures, and engage in works of mercy.
[5] 生活簡樸化。這一切都意味著：我們面臨的挑戰，是更徹底過信心的生活。我們重洗派的弟兄姐妹(Anabaptists) 比較喜歡提倡這概念。他們往往過著簡樸的生活(simple lifestyle)，關心周圍的鄰居，照顧自己的孩子。（注：那些避世的，不用電力的 Amish，不是重洗派的全部。人數比較多的，在社會上生活的重洗派，主要是幾個門諾會 Mennonite的宗派。）
[5] Live a simple
lifestyle. All of the above implies that
we need to practice a more through-going faith in Christ. Our dear Anabaptist brothers and sisters tend
to put a lot of emphasis on this. Often
they live very simply, teach their children, love their neighbors. (Note: Those Anabaptists who are totally
separated from the world, who do not use electric power, are not the total of
the Anabaptist movement. The larger
portion do live in society, represented by several Mennonite denominations.)
記得在從前（三十至四十年前）牧養的教會有一對青年。十年前我再次拜訪他們。他們已經不去改革宗的教會，參加了重洗派的教會。他是一位充滿著愛心，很溫柔的弟兄。我問他，上帝在你人生目前階段給你的挑戰是什麼？你怎樣改變這個世界？他回答說：我目前關心的是如何改變我們住的這條街。
I
remember a couple; they used to belong to the church I started 35 years
ago. About 10 years ago I paid them a
visit. They no longer attend a Reformed
church; they have become part of a Mennonite community. This brother has always been very tender
and gentle. I asked him: What are the
challenges the Lord gives you at this stage in life? How can you take part in
changing the world? His answer: I am
trying to change my block (the street on which I live).
我們可以走極端。只顧幾個人，幾家人。（這不一定是走極端，作鹽作光總要從一個地方開始。）或者泛泛地去關心全地球。總之，愛我們的鄰居，是需要考慮，需要採取行動的。
We
can go to extremes, only care about our family and neighbors. (Actually, caring for our family and our
neighbors is indeed the place to start to live as salt and light of the world!) Or we can utter empty slogans about being
salt and light of the whole world. In
any case, action is needed.
另一方面：什麼是不必要的？
On
the other hand, what are some of the things we don’t need?
目前我在東南亞，看的是英美的電視新聞。令我驚訝（其實不應令我驚訝）的是，西方社會領袖們所關心的是財經 (finance，換言之，股票)，工商業(economics/business)，和消費 (consumption)，過於關心就業 (employment) 和公共健康 (public health)。
I am
living in Southeast Asia at this moment; I watch UK and US news on TV. What has been so amazing (it shouldn’t come
as a surprise to me) is: leaders in western societies seemed (initially, at
least) to care more about the financial crisis (stocks) and the economic crisis
(businesses), more than they do about the job crisis (unemployment) and the
public health crisis (not to mention the spiritual crisis!).
當世界監考組織（聯合國）宣佈全球大流行
(pandemic) 之後，一些非政府的行業 (private sector) 馬上採取行動。我們看到球賽取消；餐館空了，百老匯的戲劇院關門了。百老匯的燈光暗淡了，沒有戲劇，沒有歌劇。三天之內（指三月12日之後）我們看到，當看到病毒快要席捲美國時，那些不必要的東西馬上取消。
After
the WHO declared the global pandemic, parts of the US private sector
immediately took action. Sports events
were canceled; restaurants and Broadway theaters shut their doors. Within three days (after March 12), we find
that all unnecessary activities were canceled.
幾年前我在 Youtube 看過一個片子（約100分鐘），現在找不到了，名字是 End of the Empire。接收訪問的包括一些 World Bank, IMF 等的前任高級職員，華爾街的股票專家等。我從中學到的一件事是：當一個社會迷醉於看體育賽事 (spectator
sports)，娛樂和美食時，這象徵著這個帝國快要滅亡了。我補充一句：當球賽，美食，流行音樂，電影等佔一個經濟的這麼大的成分，是否一個帝國快要崩潰的預兆？這是一些具有豐富經驗的財經專家的分析。
A few
years ago, I watched a documentary on Youtube (100 minutes), which I cannot
find any more, called “End of an Empire.”
Those who were interviewed included IMF, World Bank and other world
economists, and Wall Street brokers. One
thing I took away from this video is: When a nation is immersed in spectator
sports, entertainment and gourmet foods, these are signs that this empire is
dying. Let me add to that: when
spectator sports, gourmet dining, music and movies occupy such a large
component of an economy, is this a sign that this empire is likewise
crumbling? This is the perspective of
world economic analysts.
[6] 什麼是必需要有的？當然，有些事是每一個社會都必需有的：除了基本建設以外，學校，醫療，建築，警衛等。
[6]
What are the things which we really need?
Of course, there are things which every society must have: basic infrastructure,
obviously; plus education, medical care, construction, security, etc.
我們不論是社會國家，或是家庭和教會，究竟投資了多少在『必需』的事上？特別是：投資了多少在教育上？十年樹木，百年樹人。教會種植一個主能用的門徒，基督工人，需要多少時間？
How
much have we, as a society and nation, or as a church, invested in what is
necessary? Especially investment in
educating ourselves? What are the things
which need to be increased? Prayer,
bible study, learning doctrines? Caring
for others? Training up church leaders
and missionaries for the next generation?
是的，在我們生活中，有哪些事物是不必要的？哪些能減少，除掉？而哪些事需要增加？讀經禱告？學習真理？關心別人？培養下一代的教會領袖，宣教士？
Especially
investment in educating ourselves? What
are the things which need to be increased?
Prayer, bible study, learning doctrines?
Caring for others? Training up
church leaders and missionaries for the next generation?
[8] 徹底門徒生活。1970年代，美國基督徒中間流行一個名詞，Radical Discipleship,
徹底的門徒生活。我們基督新教（Protestants）很慚愧，當在某些時刻需要講出社會倫理時，都是天主教領先（然後是基督教內的自由派）。目前，教宗 Pope Francis 已經呼籲他們的神職人員（神父，修士，修女等），不要停止照顧病人。四十年前，當艾滋病發作時，一些天主教的神父，修女，自願作白老鼠，作試驗品來測試這些新的治療方法。
[7] Radical
discipleship. In the 1970s there was a
popular slogan among American evangelicals, “radical discipleship.” We should be ashamed of ourselves, because at
any crisis moment which calls for messages of social ethic, the Roman Catholic
church has been so often ahead of ourselves (followed by liberal Protestants). During this pandemic crisis, Pope Francis has
already called upon the “religious” (priests, monks, nuns) not to stop caring
for the sick. Forty years ago, many
priests and nuns volunteered themselves, risking their lives, to be “guinea
pigs,” volunteers to receive AIDS treatment testing.
一個徹底的門徒生活。
Radical
discipleship.
我們不要去作一些不智慧的犧牲。我們要作提防的措施。畢竟，我們的身體是聖靈的點，我們要作好管家。但是與此同時，保羅告訴我們，無論活著或是死，都是屬主的人。
We
should not sacrifice ourselves foolishly.
We should take precautionary measures.
After all, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit; we should be
good stewards. But at the same time Paul
tells us, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
結論
CONCLUSION
日光之下沒有新事。新的是，人的罪性會用不同方式表達。不公義的事，越來越明顯，可能是因為傳媒發達，消息靈通。但是人的需要不改變。人的痛苦不會減少。上帝仍然坐在寶座上。我們要榮神益人。主再來的日子越來越近：這些，都不是新事。
There
is nothing under the sun. Human sin may
be expressed in ever so many new ways.
Injustices may become more sophisticated, and more quickly communicated
through media. But there is nothing new
about human beings’ need. Human
suffering hasn’t decreased. God is still
on the throne; that doesn’t change. We
should glorify God and serve others; that doesn’t change. The Lord’s return is near. This is nothing new.
Jesus
Christ is the light of the world, the hope of mankind. Through the local church.
主耶穌基督是世上的光，人類的盼望。透過地方上的教會，上帝救贖恩典要傳出去。透過上帝話語的傳講，透過信徒慈惠的事奉。病毒提醒我們這些蒙恩的人，要再次回到上帝面前，求潔淨，求差遣。榮神益人：有工作等著我們去作！藉我賜恩福 (Make me a
blessing)！
Through
the church, the gospel of redemptive grace must go forth, through the
proclamation of God’s Word and through ministries of mercy. The pandemic is a reminder for Christians to
return to God, ask for forgiveness, and ask to be sent into the world. The glory of God and compassion for others:
there’s work for us to do. Make me a
blessing!
March
30, 2020
Penang,
Malaysia
