Valley Life Chinese Baptist Church
生命谷華人浸信會
教會網站: www.vlcbc.church
(602) 492-8413
禱告Prayer
可Mk 6:4
“大凡先知，除了本地親屬、本家之外，
沒有不被人尊敬的。”
“A prophet is not without honor,
except in his hometown and
among his relatives and in his own household.”
This is the day, this is the day
that the Lord has made,
that the Lord has made;
we will rejoice,
we will rejoice and be glad in it,
and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day,
this is the day that the Lord has made.
讓我愛 曲、詞：倪柝聲Watchman Nee 1903—1972
讓我盡力而不被人記，讓我受苦而不被人睹。
只知傾酒不知飲酒，只想擘餅不想留餅，
不受體恤，不受眷顧，不受推崇，不受安撫，
願意以血淚作為冠冕的代價，
願意受虧損來渡旅客的生涯。
因為當你活在這裡時，你也是如此過日子，
欣然忍受一切的損失，好使近你的人得安適。
我今不知前途究有多遠，這條道路一去就不再還原，
所以讓我學習你那樣的完全，時常被人辜負心不生怨。
求你在這慘淡時期之內，擦乾我一切暗中的眼淚，
學習知道你是我的安慰，並求別人喜悅以渡此歲。
主題：付出代價跟隨基督
引言故事：「Chet叔叔的未竟使命與不止息的道」
這讓我想起我以前在德州儀器（TI）的同事兼主內同工 Thatcher。他曾跟我分享過他「Chet叔叔」的故事。
當 Thatcher 年輕時，他的宣教士家庭住在哥倫比亞，就住在Chet·比特曼（Chet Bitterman）隔壁，Thatcher 都叫他「Chet叔叔」。Chet的故事後來被記錄在《Called to Die》（呼召殉道）這本書中。
Chet·比特曼（Chet Bitterman）是一位年輕的威克理夫聖經翻譯會（Wycliffe Bible Translators）宣教士語言學家。他充滿熱情，渴望將神的話語帶給那些從未在自己母語中讀過聖經的族群。1981年，在哥倫比亞服事期間，Chet與同工試圖深入哥倫比亞叢林，接觸卡里霍納（Carijona）族人。然而，他卻被游擊隊綁架，對方因政治因素要求威克理夫宣教機構撤出該國。
在被囚禁的數星期裡，Chet的家人、朋友和所有宣教士不斷為他的釋放迫切禱告。其實，Chet在此之前就在日記中寫道：「或許神會呼召我在哥倫比亞為主殉道，我願意。」 然而，在 3 月 7 日，人們卻發現了他的遺體——他被槍殺，並被棄置在一輛公車上。
在世人眼裡，這看是一個悲慘的挫敗。但在那之後的幾個月裡，發生了一件令人驚嘆的事： 在哥倫比亞的一百多位威克理夫宣教士，每個人都被給予選擇轉往其他安全工場的機會，沒有一個人離開。 更奇妙的是，有兩百位新候選人自願申請，挺身而出接替Chet的職位。
這讓我深深想起提摩太後書二章9節所說的話：「然而，神的道卻不被捆綁。」 「Chet叔叔」的故事強烈地提醒我們：神的使命絕不會被逼迫、恐懼或死亡所攔阻。
Opening Story: “Uncle Chet's Unfinished Mission and the Unbound Word”
This reminds me of my former Texas Instruments (TI) coworker and brother in Christ, Thatcher. He once shared with me the story of his "Uncle Chet."
When Thatcher was young, his missionary family lived in Colombia, right next door to Chet Bitterman, whom Thatcher called "Uncle Chet." Chet’s story was later recorded in the book Called to Die.
Chet Bitterman was a young missionary linguist with Wycliffe Bible Translators. He was full of passion, eager to bring God's word to people who had never read the Bible in their own language. In 1981, during his service in Colombia, Chet and his colleagues attempted to venture deep into the Colombian jungle to reach the Carijona tribe. However, he was kidnapped by guerrillas who demanded, for political reasons, that Wycliffe withdraw its missionary organization from the country.
Throughout the weeks of his captivity, Chet's family, friends, and fellow missionaries prayed earnestly for his release. In fact, Chet had written in his journal earlier: "Perhaps God will call me to be martyred in His service in Colombia. I am willing." Yet, on March 7, his body was discovered—he had been shot and left behind on a bus.
To the world, this looked like a tragic setback. But in the months that followed, something remarkable happened: among the more than one hundred Wycliffe missionaries in Colombia, every single one was given the opportunity to transfer to another safe field, and not a single person left. Even more wonderfully, two hundred new candidates volunteered, stepping forward to take Chet’s place.
This deeply reminds me of the words in 2 Timothy 2:9: "The word of God is not bound." The story of "Uncle Chet" powerfully reminds us: God's mission will never be hindered by persecution, fear, or death.
I) 主題：付出代價跟隨基督
在馬可福音第五章中，我們看見耶穌的大能深入人心的最深處與絕望的困境 -- 格拉森被鬼附者、患血漏的婦女、睚魯的女兒，勝過了罪惡、痛苦與死亡的權勢。進入第六章，耶穌的服事從個人的拯救，延伸到差派門徒進入更廣闊的工場(7-13)，卻也同時迎來了全面的拒絕與挑戰——從家鄉拿撒勒人的不信與棄絕(1–6)、希律王為保全權勢而殺害施洗約翰(14–29)。
然而，正是在這一切的極限、世界的拒絕與資源的匱乏之中，耶穌反倒彰顯了祂超越一切環境的權柄與供應。跟隨主絕非一條順暢舒適的寬路，而是需要背起十字架、甘願付上代價的真實門徒道路；因此，這章呼召我們：縱然遭遇拒絕與逼迫，救主依然是唯一的答案，我們當放下自我、拒絕屬世的安逸，憑著單純的信心跨出腳步，在各樣的試煉中勇敢為主付上代價，經歷主真實的同在、供應與差派。
I) Theme: Paying the Price to Follow Christ
In Mark chapter 5, we see Jesus' power penetrating the deepest parts of the human heart and the most desperate situations—from the demon-possessed man in Gerasenes and the woman with the issue of blood, to Jairus's daughter. He triumphed over the powers of sin, suffering, and death.
Entering chapter 6, Jesus' ministry shifts from individual salvation to sending out the disciples into a broader harvest field (6:7–13), while simultaneously encountering comprehensive rejection and challenges—from the unbelief and rejection of His hometown people in Nazareth (6:1–6), to King Herod executing John the Baptist to preserve his political power (6:14–29).
Yet, precisely amid all these limitations, the world's rejection, and resource scarcity, Jesus instead manifested His authority and provision that transcend every circumstance. Following the Lord is never a smooth and comfortable broad road; rather, it is a genuine discipleship path that requires carrying the cross and willingly paying the price.
Therefore, this chapter calls us: Even when facing rejection and persecution, the Savior remains the only answer. We must put aside self, reject worldly comfort, step out in simple faith, bravely pay the price for the Lord through various trials, and experience the Lord's true presence, provision, and sending.
II.a) 拿撒勒人的厭棄The Rejection at Nazareth （可 Mk 6:1–6）
6 耶穌離開那裡，來到自己的家鄉，門徒也跟從他。
2 到了安息日，他在會堂裡教訓人。眾人聽見，就甚希奇，說：“這人從哪裡有這些事呢？所賜給他的是甚麼智慧？他手所做的是何等的異能呢？
3 這不是那木匠嗎？不是馬利亞的兒子雅各、約西、猶大、西門的長兄嗎？他妹妹們不也是在我們這裡嗎？”他們就厭棄他。
4 耶穌對他們說：“大凡先知，除了本地親屬、本家之外，沒有不被人尊敬的。”5 耶穌就在那裡不得行甚麼異能，不過按手在幾個病人身上，治好他們。6 他也詫異他們不信，就往周圍鄉村教訓人去了。
(1) 離開迦百農，大約往西南方行走了約 20 英里（約 32 公里），來到祂的家鄉拿撒勒
(2) 最親近的人: 到安息日，耶穌在會堂裡教訓人-- 親屬與鄉親因著過往對耶穌成長背景的熟悉 僵化了對祂身分的認知。甚希奇： 眾人聽見，就希奇這些事 – 祂所說智慧的話和所行異能的事大有能力 不像文士 。
(3)無法結合起來 – 這些事 祂現在所行的 與 他們所認識的那個卑微背景的耶穌 “木匠...馬利亞的兒子...” 充滿著偏見與輕視 就厭棄他 (被絆倒): 面對超越自己預期、或挑戰自己傳統與自尊的事物時 震撼的排斥感而被絆倒!! 羅 Ro 9:33 “我在錫安放一塊絆腳的石頭，跌人的磐石； 信靠他的人必不至於羞愧。”
(4-6) 救恩詫異 被厭棄拒絕: 神的心意是盼望人回轉 以色列/拿撒勒 鐵石心腸與不信 所以形成屬靈的盲目
打破成見，跨越阻隔
(1) Leaving Capernaum, [Jesus] traveled southwest for about 20 miles (approx. 32 kilometers) to His hometown of Nazareth.
(2) His Closest Kin: On the Sabbath, Jesus began to teach in the synagogue. Relatives and townspeople—familiar with Jesus’ upbringing—rigidly hardened their understanding of His identity. "They were astonished": When the crowd heard Him, they were amazed at these things—His wise words and miraculous deeds were unlike those of the scribes.
(3) Unable to Reconcile: What He was now doing could not be reconciled with the Jesus of humble background whom they knew: "The carpenter... Mary's son..." Filled with prejudice and contempt, they took offense at Him (were stumbled): When confronted with things that exceeded their expectations or challenged their traditions and pride, they stumbled out of a shocking sense of rejection! As Romans 9:33 states: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."
(4–6) The Astonishing Rejection of Salvation: God's intent was to hope for people to repent. Israel's hardheartedness and unbelief resulted in spiritual blindness.
反思： 在我們是否也有既定的成見、傳統或對屬世的依戀，成為攔阻主福音的絆腳石？
Reflection: Are there any preconceived notions, traditions, or worldly attachments in our own lives that hinder the spread and power of the Gospel?
II.b) 差派十二門徒Sending Out the Twelve Disciples （7–13）
7 耶穌叫了十二個門徒來，差遣他們兩個兩個地出去，也賜給他們權柄，制伏污鬼，
8 並且囑咐他們﹕“行路的時候不要帶食物和口袋，腰袋裡也不要帶錢，除了柺杖以外，甚麼都不要帶；9 只要穿鞋，也不要穿兩件褂子。”
10 又對他們說：“你們無論到何處，進了人的家，就住在那裡，直到離開那地方。11 何處的人不接待你們，不聽你們，你們離開那裡的時候，就把腳上的塵土跺下去，對他們作見證。”12 門徒就出去傳道，叫人悔改；13 又趕出許多的鬼，用油抹了許多病人，治好他們。
(7)屬天權柄 兩個兩個出去： 耶穌差遣門徒兩兩同行彼此守望「兩個兩個出去」，體現出團契、彼此扶持與互相問責的屬靈原則，在事奉中絕不孤單。傳 Ec 4: 9-10 9 兩個人總比一個人好，因為二人勞碌同得美好的果效。10 若是跌倒，這人可以扶起他的同伴；若是孤身跌倒，沒有別人扶起他來，這人就有禍了！
（8–9）放下屬世倚靠: 單純仰賴 刻意簡樸 – 不帶食物、口袋和錢財，不穿兩件掛。除了拐杖與鞋子外。箴Pr 30:8
（10-13）接待 隨遇而安 不接待跺下塵土： 接待 – 進了人的家就住在那裡，不挑剔環境，存著感恩與隨遇而安的心。不接待...塵土跺下– 象徵 拒絕福音 自行為向神負責。悔改(12) – 1:15 神的國近了！你們當悔改，信福音！– 天國近了
像門徒一樣盡忠傳揚福音，同時把結果交在主的手中
(7) Heavenly Authority & Sent Out Two by Two: Jesus sent out the disciples in pairs to watch over each other, "two by two," embodying spiritual principles of fellowship, mutual support, and accountability—ensuring they were never alone in ministry. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10: "9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
(8–9) Relinquishing Worldly Reliance: Pure trust and intentional simplicity—taking no bread, no bag, and no money in their belts, nor wearing an extra tunic, carrying nothing except a staff and sandals.
(10–13) The Kingdom is Near / Acceptance & Contentment / Rejection & Shaking Off the Dust: Whenever entering a house, stay there without being picky about conditions, maintaining a heart of gratitude and contentment. Shaking the dust off: Symbolizes that those who reject the gospel bear personal responsibility before God. Repentance (1:15): "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"
Faithfully proclaim the gospel like the disciples while entrusting the results entirely into the Lord's hands
反思： 我們是否能像門徒一樣盡忠傳揚福音，同時把結果交在主的手中？
Reflection: Can we faithfully proclaim the gospel like the disciples while entrusting the results entirely into the Lord's hands?
II.c) 施洗約翰之死 世界拒絕真理The Death of John the Baptist: The World Rejects the Truth（可 Mk 6:14–29）
14 耶穌的名聲傳揚出來。希律王聽見了，就說：“施洗的約翰從死裡復活了，所以這些異能由他裡面發出來。”15 但別人說：“是以利亞。”又有人說：“是先知，正像先知中的一位。”16 希律聽見卻說：“是我所斬的約翰，他復活了。”
17 先是希律為他兄弟腓力的妻子希羅底的緣故，差人去拿住約翰，鎖在監裡；因為希律已經娶了那婦人。18 約翰曾對希律說：“你娶你兄弟的妻子是不合理的。”19 於是希羅底懷恨他，想要殺他，只是不能。20 因為希律知道約翰是義人，是聖人，所以敬畏他，保護他，聽他講論，就多照著行，並且樂意聽他。21 有一天，恰巧是希律的生日，希律擺設筵席，請了大臣和千夫長，並加利利作首領的。22 希羅底的女兒進來跳舞，使希律和同席的人都歡喜。王就對女子說：“你隨意向我求甚麼，我必給你。”23 又對她起誓說：“隨你向我求甚麼，就是我國的一半，我也必給你！”24 她就出去對她母親說：“我可以求甚麼呢？”她母親說：“施洗約翰的頭！”25 她就急忙進去見王，求他說：“我願王立時把施洗約翰的頭放在盤子裡給我。”26 王就甚憂愁，但因他所起的誓，又因同席的人，就不肯推辭，27 隨即差一個護衛兵，吩咐拿約翰的頭來。護衛兵就去，在監裡斬了約翰，28 把頭放在盤子裡，拿來給女子，女子就給她母親。29 約翰的門徒聽見了，就來把他的屍首領去，葬在墳墓裡。
(14-16)天國權能與良心控告: 隨著耶穌說智慧的話和所行異能的事，民間與分封王 希律 安提帕紛紛對祂的身分多方揣測，認同祂如同a)復活的施洗約翰、b)以利亞再臨，或是c)古時的先知。面對這一切，希律因著 罪疚感陷入極大的恐懼，脫口而出：「是我所斬的約翰」
(17–29)直言真理與生命代價: 作為主耶穌的先驅，施洗約翰大膽直言，指責希律娶其兄弟之妻是不合理的，公然挑戰當時的道德底線與律法（利Lev 20:21），因而付上了寶貴的生命代價；反觀希律王卻為了面子、盲目誓言與政權利益，最終向罪惡妥協。
在受拒絕、遭逼迫或資源匱乏的試煉中，依然單單仰賴主。
(14–16) Kingdom Power and the Accusation of Conscience: As Jesus demonstrated immense authority, the common people and Herod Antipas, the tetrarch, speculated widely about His identity—equating Him to a resurrected John the Baptist, Elijah returned, or one of the ancient prophets. Confronted by all of this, Herod was plunged into deep fear driven by guilt, blurting out: "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised!"
(17–29) Speaking Truth Boldly and the Cost of Life: As the forerunner of the Lord Jesus, John the Baptist spoke out boldly, rebuking Herod by stating it was unlawful for him to take his brother’s wife. He openly challenged the moral boundaries and the Law of that time (Leviticus 20:21), paying the ultimate price with his life. In stark contrast, King Herod compromised with sin for the sake of save-face pride, rash vows, and political expediency.
Depend solely on the Lord even amidst trials of rejection, persecution, or scarce resources
反思：我們是否已準備好在受拒絕、遭逼迫或資源匱乏的試煉中，依然單單仰賴主，勇敢為主站立？
Reflection: Are we prepared to depend solely on the Lord and stand courageously for Him, even amidst trials of rejection, persecution, or scarce resources?
III) 結論：付上代價，跟隨基督 Conclusion: Paying the Price to Follow Christ
拿撒勒人的厭棄 (1-6)
打破成見，跨越阻隔： 省察並放下內心一切既定的成見、傳統與屬世依戀，不讓熟悉的安逸與自尊成為福音的絆腳石，乃是憑著單純的信心順服基督，讓天國的大能與權柄在我們生命中自由運行。
Rejection at Nazareth (1–6)
Overcoming Stumbling Blocks: Examine and lay down all preconceived notions, traditions, or worldly attachments that hinder the power of the Gospel. Rather than being stumbled by familiar comfort, we choose simple faith to let Christ’s authority work freely in and through us.
差派十二門徒 (7–13)
盡忠傳揚，完全交託： 回應主的呼召，放下對屬世資源的倚靠，在肢體守望與團契中跨出腳步。我們存著感恩與隨遇而安的心盡忠傳揚福音，並將一切事奉的果效與結果，完全交託在主的大能手中。
Sending Out the Twelve Disciples (7–13)
Faithful Stewardship and Full Reliance: Answer the Lord's call by stepping out in simple trust, abandoning worldly reliance, and working in accountable fellowship. We faithfully proclaim the truth in word and deed, completely entrusting every outcome and response into God's sovereign hands.
施洗約翰之死(14–29)
單單仰賴，勇敢站立： 在面對受拒絕、遭逼迫或資源匱乏的試煉中，拒絕向罪惡與世俗利益妥協；深信神的道絕不被捆綁，甘願付上門徒的代價，單單仰賴主，勇敢為真理站立到底。
The Death of John the Baptist (14–29)
Courageous Faith Amidst Trials: Stand firm and uncompromising for the truth of God, even when facing rejection, scarcity, or intense worldly opposition. Deeply assured that God’s Word is never bound, we willingly embrace the cost of discipleship, anchoring our lives entirely in the Lord’s presence and provision.
討論問題
我們是否能像門徒一樣盡忠傳揚福音，同時把結果交在主的手中？Can we, like the disciples, faithfully proclaim the gospel while placing the results entirely into the Lord's hands?
我們是否已準備好在受拒絕、遭逼迫或資源匱乏的試煉中，依然單單仰賴主，勇敢為主站立？ Are we prepared to rely solely on the Lord and stand courageously for Him, even amidst trials of rejection, persecution, or scarce resources?
Valley Life Chinese Baptist Church
生命谷華人浸信會
(www.vlcbc.church) | 10/25/2026
馬可福音 6a 付出代價跟隨基督
引言故事： 提摩太後書二章9節所說的話：「然而，神的道卻__________________。」
拿撒勒人的厭棄： 羅 Ro 9:33 “我在錫安放一塊__________________，跌人的磐石； 信靠他的人必不至於羞愧。”
差派十二門徒: 像門徒一樣_______________________福音，同時把結果交在主的手中
施洗約翰之死: 在受拒絕、遭逼迫或資源匱乏的試煉中，依然__________________主。
討論問題
我們是否能像門徒一樣盡忠傳揚福音，同時把結果交在主的手中？
我們是否已準備好在受拒絕、遭逼迫或資源匱乏的試煉中，依然單單仰賴主，勇敢為主站立？
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Valley Life Chinese Baptist Church
生命谷華人浸信會
(www.vlcbc.church) | 10/25/2026
Mark 6a: Paying the Price to Follow Christ
1. Introductory Story: As 2 Timothy 2:9 states: "But God’s word is ____________________."
2. The Rejection at Nazareth: Romans 9:33: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a ____________________ of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame."
3. Sending Out the Twelve Disciples: Like the disciples, ____________________ the gospel, while placing the results entirely into the Lord's hands.
4. The Death of John the Baptist: In trials of rejection, persecution, or scarce resources, still ____________________ on the Lord.
Discussion Questions
Can we, like the disciples, faithfully proclaim the gospel while placing the results entirely into the Lord's hands?
Are we prepared to rely solely on the Lord and stand courageously for Him, even amidst trials of rejection, persecution, or scarce resources?
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Valley Life Chinese Baptist Church
生命谷華人浸信會
(www.vlcbc.church) | 10/25/2026
馬可福音 6a 付出代價跟隨基督
引言故事： 提摩太後書二章9節所說的話：「然而，神的道卻__________________。」
拿撒勒人的厭棄： 羅 Ro 9:33 “我在錫安放一塊__________________，跌人的磐石； 信靠他的人必不至於羞愧。”
差派十二門徒: 像門徒一樣_______________________福音，同時把結果交在主的手中
施洗約翰之死: 在受拒絕、遭逼迫或資源匱乏的試煉中，依然__________________主。
討論問題
我們是否能像門徒一樣盡忠傳揚福音，同時把結果交在主的手中？
我們是否已準備好在受拒絕、遭逼迫或資源匱乏的試煉中，依然單單仰賴主，勇敢為主站立？
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Valley Life Chinese Baptist Church
生命谷華人浸信會
(www.vlcbc.church) | 10/25/2026
Mark 6a: Paying the Price to Follow Christ
1. Introductory Story: As 2 Timothy 2:9 states: "But God’s word is ____________________."
2. The Rejection at Nazareth: Romans 9:33: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a ____________________ of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame."
3. Sending Out the Twelve Disciples: Like the disciples, ____________________ the gospel, while placing the results entirely into the Lord's hands.
4. The Death of John the Baptist: In trials of rejection, persecution, or scarce resources, still ____________________ on the Lord.
Discussion Questions
Can we, like the disciples, faithfully proclaim the gospel while placing the results entirely into the Lord's hands?
Are we prepared to rely solely on the Lord and stand courageously for Him, even amidst trials of rejection, persecution, or scarce resources?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
