Home昔日真理報2017年 真理報文章2017 年 1 月【事事關心】新年的一線曙光

【事事關心】新年的一線曙光

 

Sam

安省歷史上最年輕的省議員(MPP) Sam Oosterhoff

 

過往 20 年來,加拿大和美國思想保守的基督徒在公開競選中越來越難被選上,原因是大眾傳媒和學術界塑造出樣樣都要改變的社會風氣,以致很多傳統的良好觀念都通通被廢掉,不單不再被大眾認同,更認為是製造社會分化和歧視他人的思維。

然而,去年 11 月在加國安省 Niagara West 選區補選中勝出的,乃一位年僅19歲的基督徒 Sam Oosterhoff, 他是就讀於 Brock University 政治學一年級的學生,而且沒有在一般中學畢業,卻在自己的家庭受教育(home-schooled)。他之所以能當選,是在競選運動中得到他所屬的「改革宗」(Reform Church) 教會大力支持,擊敗幾個資深的黨內對手之後取得黨內提名,並最終在 Niagara West 選區中勝出,成為該省歷史上最年輕的省議員(MPP)。

這位新進省議員曾經令一些記者驚訝:他拒絕在星期日接受採訪,因為他認為主日是休息的日子,要放下日常的工作。再者,他公開在其「臉書」上表明自己對傳統家庭模式的尊崇: "永不會動搖我對家長作為首要的施教者,而且致力於確認家長在於教育上的權利受到尊重。"( Never waver in my support of parents as primary educators, and I will strive to ensure that parental rights are respected in education.)

他更在其「臉書」上寫下 "我們可結束墮胎",並且引用聖經表達出「人容易自以為義的行徑」:"有一條路,人以為是正路,走到盡頭卻是死亡之路。" (新譯本,箴言14:12)

固然,基督徒處身於世俗的生活或工作環境中,需要有智慧地與沒有基督教信仰的人相交,在政治制度或政府機關中需要更高深的與人商討的智慧。所以,這位新進基督徒省議員 Oosterhoff 需要很多的信徒在精神上和輿論上大力支持和勸諫,否則,他也會和一般政客那樣,不能勝過所遇到的試探 ,或者經不起圈內人士或社會輿論的壓力而半途而廢。關於圈內的壓力,他需要與黨領和黨員通力合作,否則,不能達成該政黨的施政目標。但若該黨的政策有違背基督教信仰之處,他就遇到真正的考驗,這是基督徒從政最艱難之處。所以,黨內同伴是否對基督教或聖經教導有好感或敬重是達成通力合作之一個重要因素。

關於這一點,就要論及美國下任總統特朗普(Donald Trump)等待國會通過的內閣人選,這個內閣可以說是由副總統 Mike Pence 大力促成。根據一些基督教傳媒機構的報導,副總統 Pence 本人是個敬虔的基督徒﹔幕僚長 Reince Preibus 在社交媒體 Tweeter 寫下:"基督的捨身功績成為我們的榜樣。讓我們和詩人一同頌讚祂向我顯明生命之道"。

司法部長 Jeff Sessions 在自己教會中是一位主日學老師﹔房屋及城市發展部長  Ben Carson 不畏在公開場合表明其基督信仰,並且宣稱:"上帝告知他 特朗普是下一任的總統"。還有,教育部長 Betsy DeVos 曾向教會領袖透露,自己委身於 "藉著教育傳承神的國度"﹔中央情報局長 Mike Pompeo 是長老會的會員, 兩年前曾教導信徒在面對伊斯蘭教的影響時,說:"要堅持、抵抗,確信耶穌基督是救主,是這世界的唯一出路"﹔國務卿 Rex Tillerson、駐聯合國大使 Nikki Haley,環保局長 Scott Pruitt 都是虔誠的基督徒。

由以上 9 位人選可見,對比近 30 年美國的總統內閣,這位新的總統將會有最多基督徒在其左右,所以,對比民主黨的希拉莉,基督徒可以比較放心總統的政策,而且,他挑選誰來填補最高法院的席位,應該可以比較迎合基督徒的心意。所以,最近一些美國基督教會牧師在私人媒體中大量流傳: "人不能想像一個一身銅臭的商人,居然打倒一個在政壇據有 '江湖地位' 的參議員兼前任總統夫人!"

筆者也相當同意。 也許,這是上帝要美國人重新思考祂在美國的存在和地位。也許,這次選舉也是再一次見到上帝的奇妙作為,叫美國人不要依靠人為諮詢決定時局的發展﹔叫美國人不要自傲,民意調查絕不可一面倒地信靠!

加拿大的基督徒可藉著美國去年 11 月大選學到一點功課,不隨便相信主流傳媒的資訊擺佈,不因民意調查令我們對不如意的社會趨勢而灰心,因為上帝透過這句話勉勵我們:

"有一條路,人以為是正路,走到盡頭卻是死亡之路。" (箴言14:12)

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

Go to top