《以色列和大使命》讀書會圓滿結束 The Book Reading Groups on 'Israel and the Great Commission' Successfully Concluded
English version attached in the end.
報告家人們： 《以色列和大使命》讀書小組已經在2025年1月14日圓滿完成！
這次的讀書小組源自拿到翻譯書的姐妹的提議。2024年10月初，我翻譯完成這本書，開放免費下載，有姊妹說：「Esther不如你來帶我們一起讀這本書吧？」「好啊！那也歡迎其他人一起來！」免費開放報名後收到了積極的回應，最後，約有70位來自世界各地的華人讀者在不同程度上參與了這個讀書小組（北美、大陸、台灣、東南亞，等等）。
我們分為兩個小組進行，北美週一晚上和北美週二早上。每個小組每週Zoom見面一次，一共九次。這九次的讀書會涵蓋了書中所有的章節，以及一次作者親臨的分享會。每次小組原定一小時，但是討論得熱烈，每次都要兩小時才能結束。
每一章都有我和Cathy自發原創的學習指引包括章節概述、思考問題和禱告經文及禱告要點。每一次的小組以討論思考問題為主，鼓勵參與者運用書中內容，來思考、回答這些問題，並展開討論。在分享和討論中，經常會有見證、火花和啟示出來，造就到小組中的每一位，讓彼此的生命都被鼓勵、被建造。
（左圖為某一章的學習指引，右圖為讀書小組日程安排）
學習的最後，大家對大使命、全備的福音和神本身有了更清晰更深刻的理解，為以色列代禱的身量和愛主的身亮也不斷成長：
看到大使命是門訓列國預備耶穌的再來，這和以色列有著緊密的關係，而且以色列也是需要被宣教的「福音未得之地」；
也看到以色列和列國的大使命是從創世之初就在神的心意裡的，舊約裡有以色列也有列國，新約有外邦教會但更有以色列；
也更多看到我們的耶穌不僅是頭戴荊棘冠冕為我們罪而死的那位，他更是將要來的大君王、宇宙萬物的主宰和一切問題的最終答案，然後這樣的一位君王又炙熱地愛著我們每一位。
我很感謝本書作者書寫關於以色列的真理，極大地造就了華人肢體。感謝我讀書會的助教和編寫學習指引的隊友Cathy Chang ，感謝她與我美好的同工同行。無比感恩能和一群先鋒者一起閱讀這本書。以色列是神眼中的瞳人是他的長子，因為愛神所以我們愛祂所愛的以色列，特別在這樣一個中東戰火紛飛、圍繞以色列的主題充滿爭議的時刻，對齊神對以色列的心意是何等緊迫和重要。這些先鋒者也是對我們在禱告殿中晝夜不止息的禱告的回應——他們就是神所興起的那些在末後往來奔跑學習神話語的智慧人、並在城牆上為以色列禱告守望、和我們一起站立。
(上圖為本書作者來到我們中間分享 The session with the author joining us）
我們中間的一位馬來西亞牧者說：“這本書會極大釋放華人教會從替代神學中出來，看到宣教、大使命真正的含義⋯⋯也看到我們的頭戴荊棘冠面的救主耶穌，就是萬國的君王。”再次鼓勵大家閱讀這本書《以色列和大使命》，點擊此處免費下載最新修訂版。
這本書其實只是一個引子，它是濃縮和概括性的。作者後續寫了更多的書籍例如《一個君王》《終必成就的應許》等，不但對本書的內容展開說明，更進一步引申闡述其他尚未被涵蓋在本書的關於以色列的真理。我目前已經收到不少的關於翻譯下一本書的呼求、和更多關於以色列的教導的呼求，在禱告殿中禱告並領受下一步的過程中，您的奉獻和禱告將是對我服事的最大的支持：奉獻連結。
见证 TESTIMONIES
ENGLISH VERSION
Dear family and friends, I am excited to announce that the two book study groups on "Israel and the Great Commission" have successfully concluded on January 14, 2025!
This book study group originated from a sister's suggestion after receiving the free translated book. In early October 2024, I completed the translation of this book and made it available for free download. A sister said, "Esther, why don't you lead us in reading this book together?" I responded, "Sure! Others are welcome to join us too!" After opening free registration, we received a positive response, and ultimately, about 70 Chinese readers from around the world participated in this book study group to varying degrees (from North America, multiple cities from mainland China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, etc.).
Participants are divided into two groups: one meeting on Monday evenings and the other on Tuesday mornings. Each group met weekly via Zoom for a total of nine sessions. These nine study sessions covered all the chapters of the book, including one session with the author present for sharing. Each group was originally scheduled for one hour, but discussions were so spirited that they consistently extended to two hours.
Each chapter included self-created study guides by Cathy and me, comprising chapter overviews, reflective questions, and prayer scriptures and points. Each session primarily focused on discussing the reflective questions, encouraging participants to engage with the content of the book to think through and answer these questions, thereby facilitating discussion. In the sharing and discussions, testimonies, sparks of insight, and revelations frequently emerged, enriching every participant and encouraging and building up each other's lives.
(The left is one of the study guides we built, and the right is the syllabus of the book reading group)
By the end of the study, everyone gained a clearer and deeper understanding of the Great Commission, the fullness of the gospel, and God Himself, leading to continuous growth in the capacity for intercession for Israel and in the love for the Lord.
It is recognized that the Great Commission is a mandate to prepare the nations for the return of Jesus, which is closely related to Israel, a region that also requires evangelization as an “unreached nation";
It is further acknowledged that the Great Commission involving Israel and the nations has been in God's intent since the beginning of creation; the Old Testament includes both Israel and the nations, while the New Testament features the Gentile church but emphasizes Israel even more;
Moreover, we see that our Jesus is not only the one who wore a crown of thorns and died for our sins, but He is also the coming glorious King, the Sovereign of the universe, and the ultimate answer to all questions, and this King fervently loves each one of us.
I am very grateful to the author of this book for writing the truth about Israel, which has greatly edified the Chinese community. I thank my study group TA, Cathy Chang , for her wonderful collaboration with me on facilitating the group and building the study guides. I am immensely grateful to read this book alongside a group of pioneers. Israel is the apple of God's eye, His firstborn; because of our love for God, we love Israel, whom He loves, especially at such a time when the Middle East is filled with conflict and the topic surrounding Israel is fraught with controversy. It is urgent and essential to align with God's intentions towards Israel. These pioneers also respond to our unceasing prayers in the prayer room—they are the wise ones raised by God in the last days, who run and learn God's word and stand watch, praying for Israel on the walls.
(The session with the author joining us.)
A Malaysian Chinese pastor among us remarked, "This book will greatly liberate the Chinese church from replacement theology, revealing the true meaning of mission and the Great Commission⋯⋯also see our Jesus, crowned with thorns, is the King of all the nations.” I encourage everyone to read this book, "Israel and the Great Commission”. Click here to download the latest revised edition for free.
This book is just a beginning as it is condensed and summarizing. The author has written more subsequent works, such as "One King" and "It Must Be Finished", which not only elaborate on the content of this book but also further explore other truths about Israel that have not yet been covered within this book.I have already received quite a few requests regarding the translation of the next book and a systematic teaching on Israel. In the process of praying and discerning the next steps, your donations and prayers will be the greatest support for my ministry in Christ: Click Here for Donation.
