Dr. Stephen Tong Q&A: Fasting and Prayer

15、请问唐牧师,你对“禁食祷告‘的看法是什么呢?
  答:禁食以后大吃,那不叫禁食,那个叫做“等以后吃”;禁食时不祷告,不叫“禁食祷告”;只祷告不禁食,也不叫“禁食祷告”。那禁食祷告是什么?
  第一、“禁食”是表示我不依靠食物,我要更专心依靠上帝。
  第二、“禁食”不是要建立功劳,是要完全领受神的功劳。
 
 所以禁食不是建立功劳,是要废除人的功劳。这是基督教禁食和其它宗教不同的地方。所有其它的宗教都以为禁食以后人就更有功劳,基督教是在禁食中间否定人
的功劳,更多依靠上帝。所以禁食祷告就是——把我对吃饭的依靠,吃饭得到的供应,吃饭所用的时间都带到神面前来,更多依靠他,更多仰望他,
  这个叫做禁食祷告。

第三、圣经没有明文规定禁食祷告需要多长的时间,也没有说明到底共有哪些事情需要禁食。
 
 所以有好几次我感到争战特别大的时候我就禁食。但是我妈妈和我不同,我妈妈自己规定每一个礼拜天早晨她不吃饭,她每个礼拜天清早起来就为全世界所有要站
讲台的牧师、传道祷告。我又发现她这么做了二十多年还不够,后来连礼拜——她也不吃?说:“妈妈,你为什么不吃?”“因为每个礼拜一我为我五个孩子奉献作
传道祷告。”这是我母亲的习惯,和我不一样的。

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Homosex Freedom

Of course it's against the Bible's teaching. There's no need to argue about it. Just like stealing, killing, etc.

But America's freedom law is based on the fact that as long as you're not hurting anyone, it is okay. It doesn't matter if you are doing something God doesn't like. Because the American god is the god that likes everything as long as it doesn't hurt people.

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Science

Science is the categorization of knowledge through the research of wonders and principles hidden within the operation of God created nature, using the reasoning power and intellect within us given by God. -Dr. Stephen Tong.

My English translation.

科学是人用上帝给人的理性与智能当作工具去研究上帝创造的大自然奇妙的安排及各样的定律所产生出来分门别类一科—科的学问,所以科学是一科一科的学问。

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Luke 11:18

The Western culture has not much experience in spiritual matters in ancient times, hence such verses are expounded in more details by Chinese commentators.[@more@]

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Nietzsche: Ubermensch

Eventhough some would attribute Hollywood's Superman, taken from comics, to Nietzsche's Overman. But it is hard to deny that all these superheros notions are at some level inspired by his conception. Nietzsche thought he could raise his nose above christianity by this notion of his.

Will to Power.

In fact, as noted by Dr. Tong, such phrase is merely a plagiarism from the Bible. Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

When one realizes this, one could see, no matter how much hollywood effects are bestowed to these films, one could see a great flaw, eternity but not really eternity, hopeful but actually limited.

The film Superman Returns is yet to come, but it will prove my point. As Batman Begins has. It could have great quotes, dramatic effects (After all, men are created in the image and likeness of God), but in the end, we see the actual strength could only come from God. The true and only everlasting sovereignty. The glory of men is nothing but a mere mixture of the corrupting of the likeness of God with the desires of men. Seeking eternal glory which is actually of God, but would never reach it because of the lustful desires of men's hearts.

We christians must be active. The power within comes from the Holy Spirit.

Here's what I have summarized from the film Batman Begins:

Click the picture to view the video clip.

It's not about what movie you watch, it's about how you interpret the movie that matters.

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Agony of the Heart

The past, the love of flesh, sometimes comes to haunt us, tempt us. Males or females. Lost love, love sick, jealousy, loneliness, these will invite temptations. The men will look for pleasure of flesh, the women will look for pleasure of fantasy.

It is through the perseverance of the Holy Spirit within us that strengthen us against such. Therefore prayer is important, so are the things we do each day.

It goes to as simple as this, things we once loved doing versus things we are lazy to do but that are good for us. Soon, we started to doubt the things which are profitable for us, and the temptation turns into desire and into sin.

It's much worse if we try to rationalize them, falling into more confusion unknowingly.

Bottom line is, if one is doing the right thing, his/her mind is very clear and in peace, thankful to the Lord for such grace.

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The Omen

Do you really know who the devil is? Do you really know Satan?

So many has been misguided. You think Satan is one who do you harm. Think of who Jesus called "Satan".

The only canon is the word of God. Pray harder.

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On Man and Woman

A recent conversation with a certain someone has indirectly rekindled something "supressed" within me for a while.

I
believe as many would, that a man and a woman in love could have a bond
so great that its unbreakable. Nonetheless, however unbreakable it is,
this bond is nothing if it's not kept in check under the love and
commandments of God.

This feeling I had was from of old. One
might ask if I have girlfriend or if I am married. I believe I could
have had such, had I not paid too much attention on academics. I had
valued knowledge over everything, a grave mistake. I have never started
any relationship more than friendship. However, I wasn't like that
before. I loved to have such relationship at an age when most boys and
girls were still immaturely disgusted by each other. I have watched one
great opportunity go by after another. The heartache was unbearable. I
could do nothing but swallow the pain. In college, love and the grace
of God has forbidden me to interfere a future of a past which I have
not made. I have come to see that old fashion saying "Don't encourage
your kids to date or they won't study well" to be flawed. It is crucial
that parents need to reconsider this.Nevertheless, it is unwise to not minding who your children are dating.

I really don't like to use the terms "dating" or "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" because many have used these as a cultural excuse to enjoy satisfaction over temperance, avoiding commitments and being hurt. But what other words could I use in English. Language is just a symbol. The words "Pat-Toh" from my mother dialect has a less corrupted definition.

If this relationship is well, it WILL affect one's academics. But not worse. In fact, it will be better, one could study harder with his/her partner, encouraging each other. It's the pre-"leap of faith".

If however such relationship in prevented, one would be affected by his/her loneliness and perhaps even jealousy. These, against the will to do any other crucial moments in life. One could turn out to be very depressed or self-righteous in denial, or both.

It is not good for a man to be alone....God said that. Of course, every child, male or female, does not have the same perspective at the same age. Some could share love with each other at a younger age than some others, while some would have more to share when they meet at a later life. Age, any age, is relative.

As for characters, it doesn't necessary have to be the same. In fact it could be just the opposite. Different interests, different attitudes, etc. Last but not least, most important of all, different in sex. Some differences could turn into admirations instead of jealousy and boredom due to toleration in similarities. Of course, similarities are also good for encouragement too.

It's useless to cry over it for a long time. Why do we fall? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.

In fact, a christian should meditate on the fact that we are weak, we are sinners and we are enemies of God when suffering depression. Romans 5:6-11.

Hence, how could I despise such relationship? Is it not a blessing from God since the creation? For those who envy, do not be jealous. It doesn't matter if you are male or female, just take the initiative.

As for me, how could I not want this wonderful blessing? Who would reject a beatiful blessing unless they are blind? No, I'm not rejecting it. However, I have a burden to carry, a burden I'm prepared to die for, but not so soon. This is all I have to say here.

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Rue - Short Confession

Inedicabilis.

Since a child, I have been curious;

The mysteries which may have been falsely revealed:

Mentis, carneus et connubialis,

I never did get any answers I asked for...

As if occultus, consilio! Inedicabilis.

Anger, rage, invidia repletus mei sinus.

So close but yet so far...In fact, unreachable...

Why the lies? Anger upon anger I grew within, unnoticeably.

The desire has reaped within me, my sinful nature grew towards the end...Death.

Oh, but a forte that God has not let me alone in His absolute will.

Why the jealousy? Why to hate? God has revealed His true mystery unto an unworthy soul like me.

I prayed but never truly prayed. I repented but never truly repented.

My pride and my lust, disguised as my righteousness.

If not elect Thou me, how far would my satisfaction go? How long would I wear my mask?

If not elect Thou me, would I abhor my mask and let my soul renew?

What great preacher art Thou,

Why is my heart in such awe?

What faith has a kumarion,

If not Thy grace first revealed.

What promises dare I seal,

If not of Thy faithful words.

Why is my heart in such awe?

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Why Do We Fall?

Why do we fall?

So we can learn to pick ourselves up.

-- From <Batman Begins 2005> also,

It's not who you are underneath; it's what you do that defines you.

What glory is this, if we do not attribute it to God? For such are merely studies of common revelation from above.

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