阅读与成长

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CV Global
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顺服神的带领,创造性地分享福音

创造力能否在不说教的情况下反映信仰? 贝利分享了他如何将音乐与使命连接,并通过艺术追求神的计划。

贝利 · 杰夫

冲浪者。 摄影师。 吉他手,对合成器充满好奇。 他正踏上旅程,探索自己创造力的表达方式与感受。

目前,这看起来像是一个名为“LUUNG”的音乐项目——旋律性的沉思,配以清脆的吉他声和柔和的合成器背景。

“我正在积极追求音乐事业,而这一切都是因为他(耶稣),我才能这样做。”

音乐确实是一个很不划算的投资。 你投入很多,却几乎没有回报,但我有一种感觉,祂在引领着这一切。” ——贝利

像许多艺术家一样,贝利的创造力根植于他内心深处的对话——关于他是谁以及他所信的对象。

“我个人的信仰旅程是在完成学业之后开始的。

我意识到,在学校你在别人眼中的那个样子,并不是我不需要成为的那个人。 我想耶稣就在那个时候进入了我的生命。 ——贝利

怀着将信仰和身份与创造力相连的热情,贝利在自己的恩赐中找到了内心的自信。

“离开学校后,我意识到神是真实存在的,祂造就了我这个独特的样子。

因为祂,我所拥有的恩赐和才能让我感到非常兴奋。 我不和别人比较,但我有宏大的梦想和想要实现的事情,我想勇敢地拥有这一切,因为我为此感到自豪,我知道神有祂的计划。 ——贝利

“福音音乐”作为传福音的一种方式,常常因其名不副实的内容略显尴尬,要么回避生命中的深层问题,要么充其量提供肤浅的答案。 贝利热衷于探索第三种可能:提出有深度的问题。

“我不觉得我做音乐是为了走到某人面前说,‘嘿! 你应该跟随耶稣。’

我不想到处引用经文,或者说,‘这就是我行善给你买咖啡的原因。’ 我觉得,不应该那么做的。 音乐足以能给你提供提出深刻问题的空间,同时也不会让人感到自己被排斥。 我想这就是我喜欢音乐的原因。” ——贝利

贝利对自己的艺术创作充满热情,同时也热衷于与神建立真实的关系,并让他的创造力成为内心的流露。

“我认为作为基督徒,可以获得许多灵感,

认识那位创造万物的神,真正的至高创造者。 所以我们理应创造出比没有信仰的人更优秀的作品。“ ——贝利

通过了解自己的使命、勇敢追求,您可以体验到目的,并相信上帝将创造机会来使用您并将他人带入与他的关系。

“找到你擅长的事,并全心全意去追求。

把它交托给神。 这很难,但祂同时知道自己在做什么。 我想这就是我被造在世上的使命——通过我的创作来表达我的信仰。 这很简单,但我也认为这就是信仰的意义所在。” ——贝利

CV Global
3
分钟读

打破隔阂,分享耶稣

生活在物理和情感的围墙里,会让分享信仰变得更加困难。 这篇文章探讨了一些实际的方法,帮助你与邻居建立联系、表达怜悯,并以简单而真诚的方式分享耶稣的爱。

你生活在一个四面围墙的世界里。 你很容易把自己封锁在一个封闭空间里,随意观看点播节目,把自己与外面的世界隔绝开来。

这些围墙不仅是物理上的,也是情感上的。 人们喜欢把他人拒之门外,因为那样会让他们感觉更有安全感。 这会使得向你的邻舍分享耶稣变得更具挑战性。 那么,我们该如何改变这种状况呢?

耶稣讲过一个关于好邻舍的故事。 一个犹太人被抢劫殴打,倒在路边。 一位祭司和一位圣殿工作人员从他身边走过,没有停下;但一位撒马利亚人却停下来帮助了他。 撒马利亚人与犹太人之间有着不好的历史,彼此多少带着敌意甚至仇恨。 但当撒马利亚人看到那位被抢的人时,尽管他们之间存在差异,他仍然动了慈心,伸出援手。 耶稣说这位撒马利亚人是一个好邻舍,并吩咐我们每一个人也要照样去行(路加福音 10:29-37)。

你有机会成为一个好邻舍。 那位撒马利亚人尽管与犹太人有分歧,仍然选择帮助了他。 差异不需要成为隔阂。 主动接触他们,并以怜悯的心对待他们。 找到一些共同点,并去服事他们。

从留心你所在社区正在发生的事情开始。 如果你愿意花时间去关注,你会惊讶地发现你周围邻居的生活中正发生着些什么。 试着花点时间在社区里走一走,观察一下。 边走边祷告。 有些家庭非常忙碌,难以顾及院子的打理。 有些人很孤独。 有些人正在因健康问题而抗争。 不要好管闲事,但要细心留意。

如果你注意到有人可能需要帮助,就以谦卑和真诚的态度去接近他们,主动提出为他们服务。 你可以主动提出帮他们割草,或者协助打理花园。 每周帮他们遛一次狗。 以具体实际的方式服事他们,让他们知道你在关心他们。 即使他们没有接受,他们仍然可能因你的主动关心而感到被鼓励。

有些人会单纯地喜欢与你相处。 在我们今天的文化中,孤独是一个很大的问题。 每周花一个小时与邻居交谈,对他们来说可能意义重大。 聆听并关心他们,如果有机会分享耶稣,就抓住机会去分享。

神把你安置在你现在所住的地方,是有祂的目的的。 聆听耶稣的话,做一个祂所喜悦的好邻舍。 主动出击,展现怜悯,用耶稣的方式去爱他们。

今天花点时间,留意你所居住的社区。 选定一位有需要的人,主动去关心他们。

CV Global
19 Jul
2023
4
分钟读

传福音:五个属灵操练

作为基督徒,我们都知道大使命。 当耶稣站在山顶上说:“你们要去使万民作我的门徒。” 这经常让人觉得说起来容易做起来难。 如果你想要分享耶稣,但感觉不自然又生硬,第一步是理解分享耶稣需要从与他的关系出发。 一个真诚亲密的关系。

作为基督徒,我们都知道大使命。 当耶稣站在山顶上说:“你们要去使万民作我的门徒。” 这经常让人觉得说起来容易做起来难。 如果你想要分享耶稣,但感觉不自然又生硬,第一步是理解分享耶稣需要从与他的关系出发。 一个真诚亲密的关系。

你是否渴望与上帝建立更亲密的关系,但有时却感到遥远而疏离?

就像任何关系一样,培养与上帝的联系需要关心、注意和有意的实践。 上帝赐予了许多实践和节奏,帮助你与他建立那种关系。 这些操练是基督教信仰的核心,并建立与耶稣的关系,从而自然地流出传福音。

以下是你可以立即开始的5个实践:

1. 阅读圣经

圣经是上帝的情书、指南和宣言。 其内容和教训是上帝所默示的,并有益于教导、责备、纠正和义中的训练(提摩太后书 3:16)。 换句话说,圣经展示了上帝的良善,他是谁以及你在他眼中是谁,并指导你如何过一个良好的生活。 今天就开始读圣经。 如果感觉困难,就从每天阅读15分钟开始,你会感到与上帝更接近。

2. 祷告

祷告是你与上帝沟通的方式。 你在祷告时并不是在打扰上帝; 他喜欢这样。 这在他看来如同甜美的馨香(诗篇 141:2)。 如果不确定该说什么,不用担心,圣灵会为你代求(罗马书 8:26-27)。 读圣经时,也要留些时间为祷告。 祷告有许多种不同的方式:口头祷告,写日记,祷告诗篇,为他人祷告,默想和独处,仅举几例。

3. 敬拜

敬拜不止是教会唱歌或Spotify上的音乐风格。 我们所做的一切都是为了敬拜上帝而设计的。 你对待陌生人的方式可以是敬拜,你对学习或工作的努力可以是敬拜,你对家人的爱可以是敬拜。

同样,神给了我们音乐来敬拜他(诗篇 33:1-4),他也给了我们生命来敬拜他(罗马书 12:1)。 所以,为什么不两者兼顾呢! 为你的早晨通勤或健身锻炼创建一个敬拜播放列表,选择那些彰显上帝伟大的歌曲。 同时,努力以令上帝喜悦的方式生活。 这需要时间(事实上,一生的时间),但你会感觉更接近上帝,因为这正是他创造你的目的。

4. 加入教会社区

教会对耶稣的心来说是如此珍贵,以至于他称它为新娘(启示录 21:9-11)。 这是上帝设计的一个社区,帮助你互相支持和鼓励,以好的方式并荣耀耶稣(希伯来书 10:24-25)。 参加教会礼拜是一个很好的开始,但只有你参与到教会的生活和基督徒的社区中时,你才开始更像耶稣。 寻找一个健康的教会,建立深厚的友谊并参与他们的生活。 如果你难以交朋友(有时人们可能会有小团体),请牧师帮助,或者找到一个你容易融入的教会。

5. 与人谈论耶稣

耶稣告诉他的门徒出去与全世界分享耶稣的故事(马太福音 28:18-20)。 培养与耶稣的关系的基础是对他的顺服。 这意味着你是耶稣的门徒,所以你被召唤与世界分享福音。 这并不意味着你必须到另一个国家旅行,但可能意味着要去到你的邻里、工作场所或社群。

如果你感到与上帝疏离,想要更深入地与他亲近,开始将这些实践融入你的周中;每天读圣经,每天祷告,每天敬拜,加入教会社群,并与人谈论耶稣。 记住,慢慢来。 最好的习惯是由小的进步积累而成,因此给自己一些鼓励。 在你生活的过程中,保持祷告的态度,寻找分享耶稣的机会。 你会惊讶于它们是如何自然发生的。

CV Global
19 Jul
2023
3
分钟读

如何克服对分享耶稣的恐惧

你有没有想过与某人分享你的信仰,但内心的那个小声音却让你止步不前? 问题在于,当我们在脑海中赋予恐惧念头力量时,它们就会开始影响我们的行为,甚至可能让我们无法对圣灵的引导说“是”。

你有没有想过与某人分享你的信仰,但内心的那个小声音却让你止步不前? 问题在于,当我们在脑海中赋予恐惧念头力量时,它们就会开始影响我们的行为,甚至可能让我们无法对圣灵的引导说“是”。

克服恐惧能带来更大的自由,也能更顺服于圣灵的旨意。 作为基督徒,我们被召唤要坚强勇敢;以信心迈步,信靠上帝。 但是,当恐惧的声音如此强烈时,我们该如何做到这一点呢?

你是否听说过“种瓜得瓜,种豆得豆”这个原则? 无论你对哪些思想投入最多注意力,它们都会成长。 确实如此! 你的大脑在不断变化和发展。 你的思维模式会创造物理性的神经通路,而那些变得更强、更自动的通路,就是使用最多的那些。 而那些被忽视或不被使用的通路则最终会消退。

你在“浇灌”哪些思想? 是希望、恩典、爱与勇气的思想? 还是恐惧、不安与消极的思想? 在谈论耶稣时,你是在赋予恐惧念力量,还是赋予你在基督里身份的思想力量?

你有掌控思维的能力 —— 你可以通过以神的事物充满内心来加强正确的思想。 使徒保罗谈及过这一点:

“总结起来,朋友们,我想你最能获益的方式就是以真实、高尚、声誉好的、真实、令人信服、仁慈的事物来充实你的头脑并冥想——最好的,不是最差的;美丽的,不是丑陋的;赞美的,不是诅咒的事物。 去实践从我那里学到的、听到的、看到的、意识到的事情。 做到这些,促成万事的上帝会将你导入最优秀的和谐。”
腓立比书 4:8-9

这里有一些关于如何克服恐惧和增强生命路径的实用建议:

步骤 1:注意并命名这个想法

通过注意并命名这个想法,你能够识别它是谎言,并对其说出真相。 这样做将帮助你将自己与恐惧分开,并打破它对你的力量。

步骤 2:放下这个想法

不要通过注意它来赋予这个想法力量;简单地放下它,把注意力重新回到当下。 有时,在这一点上让其他人参与会有价值。

步骤 3:做一些勇敢的事情,无论多么微小

你采取的每一个与恐惧本能相反的行动,都是通往基督的神经通路的一步。

下次当你有冲动要分享你的信仰时,不要让恐惧阻碍你。 你可以掌控你的思想! 深吸一口气,走出你的舒适区——你永远不知道你的勇气将对他人产生何种影响。

CV Global
12 Jul
2023
4
分钟读

Listening to the Holy Spirit: A Guide for Sharing Jesus

As a Christian, you may want to share Jesus, but sometimes it’s difficult to know what to say. You don’t want to “preach” at people, ruin the vibe of a conversation, or just seem plain weird. So, what should you do?

As a Christian, you may want to share Jesus, but sometimes it’s difficult to know what to say. You don’t want to “preach” at people, ruin the vibe of a conversation, or just seem plain weird. So, what should you do?

It’s easy to get so caught up in a moment that you forget you have a helper to guide you—the Holy Spirit, God Himself! (John 14:26). The secret to knowing how to bring up Jesus in the moment is to connect with the Holy Spirit and work in tandem with Him.

At first, listening to the Holy Spirit might seem intimidating or impossible. You might ask questions like, “How do I know it’s Him and not just me, or that the extra shot of coffee I had at lunch time?”

Learning to discern the Holy Spirit’s voice from the noise around you is key to sharing Jesus.

So let’s set some foundations:

  1. The Holy Spirit is God: To recognise and understand the Holy Spirit’s voice, we need to know who the Holy Spirit is. The Bible says that He is part of the God-head with the Father and Jesus. While He is a mysterious expression of God that we can’t fully understand, He is an active force and wants to guide us, just like He guided so many people in the Bible (Luke 2:27-32, 2 Peter 1:21, Acts 8:29-31). As part of the God-head, the Holy Spirit shares the same character as God the Father and Jesus, so what you hear will always line up with God’s nature—loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, and so on (Galatians 5:22).
  2. The Holy Spirit wants to be pursued: The Bible says that if we seek God, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13), and the same is true for the Holy Spirit. Spending time reading the Gospels or studying His character will help you learn to discern His voice—what He would and wouldn’t say (Romans 10:17). The Bible says that God’s word gives peace (Isaiah 32:17, John 14:27, Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:7), so if you hear something that you don’t feel peace about, you should question it. You can also pray that the voice of the Holy Spirit will become clear to you as you spend time with Him (John 10:27)—like being able to pick out a friends’ voice in a room even when you can’t see them.
  3. The Holy Spirit wants to fill you: The Bible tells us to be “filled” with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). In the original Greek language, this is an ongoing and active practice. This may require some mindset shifts, like learning to be thankful to God (Psalm 100:4), repenting and apologising for the wrong things we’ve done (Psalm 66:18), or silencing the negative thoughts the devil places in our minds (James 4:7). Overcoming these mental and emotional barriers can open us up to be more receptive and willing to what He’s asked. If you struggle with this, pray to God—He will help you.
  4. The Holy Spirit wants you to respond: The Bible encourages us to have open hearts when we hear His voice (Hebrews 3:15), and to be “doers of the word”, not just hearers (James 1:22). This requires action—we must learn to respond to the Holy Spirit. Usually, the Holy Spirit will show up as “promptings”—like suddenly recalling a Bible verse, a story or something your pastor once said. Sometimes it’s a strong feeling or urge to talk to someone, or mention a particular topic. God wants you to follow those prompts so He can show up in miraculous ways in your life, and in the lives of others.

If you still feel unsure about hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit, trust that He will train you in this. CS Lewis, quoting his favourite author George MacDonald, has a great saying about the nature of God: that He is easy to please but hard to satisfy. This means that the Holy Spirit is totally okay with how you come to Him–sensitive to His voice or not. But you can trust that He is satisfied with nothing less than your perfect ability to hear Him and follow Him.

Whether you’re aware of it or not, He’s been leading you your whole life, and He’s a big part of the reason you accepted Jesus in the first place. You can do this!

Sharing Jesus from the position of being led by the Holy Spirit takes the pressure off. It’s as simple as being aware that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you during your conversations and interactions with others. Listen and follow His voice the best you can. You can be confident knowing that salvation is His work – your work is to be sensitive to His voice and follow His lead.

CV Global
19 Jul
2023
3
分钟读

传福音的资格:只需做你自己

你曾经觉得自己完全不合格吗? 在工作中你被委派了一项任务,或是在大学有一项评估任务。 这会让你感到不知所措。 你可能觉得无从下手,因此一直拖延任务。 也许你对分享耶稣有这样的感觉。 你知道大使命的存在,但这任务看起来太过伟大,无法实现。

你曾经觉得自己完全不合格吗? 在工作中你被委派了一项任务,或是在大学有一项评估任务。 这会让你感到不知所措。 你可能觉得无从下手,因此一直拖延任务。 也许你对分享耶稣有这样的感觉。 你知道大使命的存在,但这任务看起来太过伟大,无法实现。

好消息是你不需要感到不合格,因为你并不这样。 上帝有意地创造了你,并给了你一个使命。 你有资格分享耶稣,因为上帝赋予你独特的个性和技巧,以便与身边的具体人群交流。

这是用来反驳你不配分享福音的谎言的真理。 你就是上帝想要创造的样子。 你不是一个错误。

“因为你制造了我的五脏腑;你在我母亲的腹中编织了我…… 我被奇妙可畏地造了” 。 (诗篇 139:13-14)

上帝已给了你恩赐、热情和个性,以完成他为你准备的分享耶稣的工作 (以弗所书 2:10)。

这里是基本点。 跟朋友谈论耶稣时,不需要成为别人。 成为上帝创造的‘你’。 例如,如果你喜欢举办派对和为人做饭,那就去做吧。 邀请人到你家中,为他们做饭,并利用这个时间彼此分享生活。 在你前行的过程中,寻找谈论耶稣的机会。 如果你是一个有创造力的人,寻找通过创造力分享耶稣的方法。 你可以用许多方式将你的恩赐、热情和个性转化为分享福音的机会 – 唯一的限制是你的想象力。

你在一个正确的地方,并且在合适的时间。 你的使命田地就在你周围。

想想你的朋友、家人、咖啡店的咖啡师、学习小组或体育俱乐部的人。 这些都是上帝放在你生命中让你分享耶稣的人。 就像旧约中对以斯帖说的话,你被召唤来进行“此时此刻”的使命 (以斯帖记 4:14)。 每天睁开眼睛看看你已身处的使命田地。

那么,你如何开始呢?

  1. 从为你世界中的人祷告开始,并求圣灵给予你机会进行对话和建立关系。
  2. 做盐做光。 让上帝在你生活中展现他的风味和颜色,当人们问起你与众不同的原因时,准备好回答,是耶稣在你生命中的作为。

上帝将你放在当下的位置是有原因的。 不要试图成为别人,做你自己。 想想你生活中那些你经常接触的人,如何通过你的恩赐、热情或个性来创意地分享耶稣?

CV Global
19 Jul
2023
2
分钟读

Why should you share about Jesus?

Do you remember how you felt when you first started following Jesus – when you first understood the gravity of the gospel? Not just in your mind, but deep in your heart? When the emptiness was filled with the fullness of love. Don’t forget that.

Do you remember how you felt when you first started following Jesus – when you first understood the gravity of the gospel? Not just in your mind, but deep in your heart? When the emptiness was filled with the fullness of love. Don’t forget that.

This gospel message of hope has been resounding throughout humanity since Jesus stood on that mountain and said to his 12 friends, “Go tell everyone! Don’t keep this to yourself.” This call wasn’t meant for them alone. It was meant for you. You’re not meant to keep hope to yourself.

You know you hold the answer. You know you have hope. So what’s holding you back? What would happen if you trusted Jesus and shared this hope?

Here’s 3 encouragements if you’re holding back from sharing Jesus and stepping into the calling of the Great Commission:

1. You have a purpose

If you’re feeling like your Christian journey could do with a bit more purpose, remember that sharing Jesus is not just an action – it’s a calling for all of us. By sharing His love, you’re stepping into the divine purpose that Jesus has for your life.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Romans 10:13-14

2. It starts with you

Evangelism is not just for a chosen few – it’s a call from Jesus to all of us. You have your own unique circle of people who trust and value your words. By sharing your faith in your own genuine way, you can make a significant impact on their lives.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21

3. You are not alone

Never forget that you’re part of something bigger. Sharing Jesus can seem daunting, especially when it feels like you’re swimming against the tide. But you’re part of a global movement of people sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Your contribution, no matter how small it may seem, is vital.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Hebrews 12:1

As you share the hope that you’ve found in Jesus, you’re stepping into your purpose as a follower of Jesus and taking your place in the greatest movement the world has ever seen. Participating in the salvation of your friends and family and building God’s kingdom on earth is the greatest privilege. Don’t hold back! You’re not alone. You’ve got this!

CV Global
13 Jul
2023
3
分钟读

How to share the gospel that people can’t argue

If you find yourself in a situation where you want to talk about Jesus but you don’t know what to say, just remember you have a story. Your story is a celebration of what Jesus has done in your life and He wants to use it to impact and change the people in your world. Stories have power; they have the ability to change and challenge you. Stories are often God’s chosen method for transformation.

If you find yourself in a situation where you want to talk about Jesus but you don’t know what to say, just remember you have a story. Your story is a celebration of what Jesus has done in your life and He wants to use it to impact and change the people in your world. Stories have power; they have the ability to change and challenge you. Stories are often God’s chosen method for transformation.

Sharing your story is as simple as telling others how Jesus has changed your life–sometimes we call it a testimony. It is something Jesus often encouraged those who he healed to do (Mark 5:19). Taking the time to consider and construct your testimony is time well spent. It can be a powerful tool in the hands of the Holy Spirit as He guides you in conversations with your friends.

Here are some helpful tips on how to build and clarify your Jesus-story.

Construct a statement and story for each of the following points:

  1. WHAT your life was like before Jesus? Without Jesus, our lives are void of identity and purpose. What was an area of identity or purpose that was lacking before you met Jesus? Perhaps you were filling your life with an addiction (social media, alcohol, bad relationships) because you lacked purpose. Or you felt lost in the world because you had no place to belong.
  2. WHY did you to follow Jesus? The moment Jesus broke into your world and changed your life is a powerful story. Sharing it helps you avoid cliches and it personalises the Gospel. When you share your story, focus on what was happening internally for you, not just the sequence of events.  People will be impacted by hearing about your change of heart. For example:
“I really believed that no one could ever love me but I was looking for it everywhere. It wasn’t until I heard the story of Jesus’s death that I started to comprehend that I was loved–even cherished.”
  1. HOW your life has changed since following Jesus? Jesus changes us. He gives us a new identity and purpose. Share how Jesus has impacted and changed your life. Focus particularly on the identity and/or purpose you were lacking in section one, then share how Jesus filled that lack. Share how His love and mercy has shaped your emotions (no longer angry, anxious, etc), or changed your actions for the better (love helping people, don’t react, forgive quickly).

5 Tips For Sharing Your Story

Be Fresh — Share what Jesus is doing in your life now. Jesus is always changing us, so take notice and be ready to share a recent story.

Be Honest — Authenticity is often the make or break for people. You don’t need to embellish or exaggerate. Instead, trust that the Holy Spirit will use what’s true to change the hearts of your friends.

Be Specific — Be vulnerable and include details–about the journey of your heart and the truth and lies that rose to the surface of your mind; this will help make your story relatable.

Be Normal — Use everyday language that your friends will understand. Avoid Christian cliches.

Be Sharp — A story that has a point is powerful. Be careful not to explore too many tangents, instead focus on the main thing Jesus has done in your life.

You have a story and the Holy Spirit is your helper. Get out there and start sharing your story. Trust the Holy Spirit will use your story to change people’s lives, just as He did with you.

CV Global
19 Jul
2023
3
分钟读

What to do when people have objections to Jesus

Conversations about faith and religion always bring important questions and objections to the surface. These objections can often be misinterpreted as scary, discouraging, negative moments. In reality, an objection isn’t something to be feared; it’s an opportunity to engage.

Conversations about faith and religion always bring important questions and objections to the surface. These objections can often be misinterpreted as scary, discouraging, negative moments. In reality, an objection isn’t something to be feared; it’s an opportunity to engage.

When it comes to addressing objections, often it’s as much about how we respond as it is about the response we give.

For example, someone might be resistant to faith because of the violence involved in the Crusades. But as you listen more closely you realise that behind their question is a personal experience where they were hurt by the church. Why would people who claim to love in the name of Jesus act so hurtfully? Often resolving a question doesn’t just mean giving “the right answers”.

Ever heard the old adage: “people don’t care what you know until they know that you care”? How we speak speaks volumes. At the same time how we discern what’s behind the question can hold more value than a masterful apologetic response.

Here are 4 tips so you can respond rather than react when objections are raised:

1. Don’t be surprised

If challenging questions are raised, don’t assume that you’re being attacked. There are many reasons that objections to Jesus and the Bible are raised. They can come from a place of hurt, misunderstanding or from competing worldviews. And often the most alienating way we can respond is with surprise or alarm. Don’t be surprised: invite conversation.

2. Engage

Don’t avoid objections when they’re raised, engage with them. Good questions are your superpower. They are an excellent conversational tool that you can bring out when an objection is raised. Ask often: “What makes you say that?” It slows down the conversation and makes the thought process more of a dialogue.

It also gives you space to listen, think, and pray. Let’s say someone says “I just don’t understand how a good God can allow so much pain in this world.” By asking “What makes you say that?” you will uncover the heart behind the objection. You might discover they have an illness, or a loved one died recently. Ultimately, you’re not answering a question, you’re answering a person.

3. Learn as you go

Getting completely stumped in a conversation is an opportunity to learn. Don’t try to be an expert or “get it perfect.” Admitting that you don’t know an answer can sometimes be the best answer to give. Say you’ll look into it and get back to them. This keeps the conversation going, shows humility, and helps build your knowledge and resources.

Remember – there’s more going on behind the scenes than just a conversation. The Holy Spirit is always at work. Be honest and trust Him.

4. Be ready

The Bible says to be ready to “make a defence to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Sharing Jesus and loving your neighbour means engaging in difficult conversations.

Spend time thinking about why you believe in Jesus–specifically. Why do you believe in Jesus rather than Buddha or Mohammad or nothing? Study the Bible and listen to a wide range of good apologetics podcasts (apologetics means defence of the faith). Include them in your weekly listening and study. Consider these things for yourself, and be ready to respond in gentleness and respect.

CV Global
19 Jul
2023
3
分钟读

How to share Jesus: a 3 part method

Talking about Jesus can feel weird or uncomfortable. Maybe you struggle to find the right opportunities to share, or feel that you lack the necessary knowledge. Perhaps you don’t want to cause tension in your relationships or be perceived as “pushy”.

Talking about Jesus can feel weird or uncomfortable. Maybe you struggle to find the right opportunities to share, or feel that you lack the necessary knowledge. Perhaps you don’t want to cause tension in your relationships or be perceived as “pushy”.

Life is increasingly feeling like a warzone of competing worldviews. This is an intimidating landscape to navigate when you’re attempting to share Jesus with people you care about. So what’s your gameplan? How do you go about sharing Jesus?

Here’s a simple 3 step approach to help set you up for sharing Jesus…

1. Pray — Be a Christian

The starting point for authentic evangelism is a current, honest and intimate relationship with Jesus. Think about it – if you don’t know Jesus well, it will feel weird and forced to share about Him. In any relationship, familiarity comes through communication, and life with Jesus is no different. Our modern idea of prayer can often be reduced to a one way conversation with God. But when it comes to being a disciple of Jesus, your prayer life needs to be more than that.

You need to know His voice to respond to opportunities to share the gospel and navigate conversations. You need to be familiar with Him to know how to call out lies that dress up as Him. You need to be familiar with Him to talk about Him to all kinds of people, and to respond any time, any place to questions about Him.

2. Connect — Be a friend

It may be stating the obvious, but you can’t share Jesus if you don’t have meaningful relationships – or at least a connection point – with non-Christians. There’s no judgment here – it’s just a good question to ask. Many of us are passionate about our faith and open to sharing Jesus, but because of our passion, we’re serving at church and running small groups or organising events and before you know it we’re stuck in a Christian bubble with no friends outside of church.

So if you’re looking for a way to share Jesus, find non-Christians in your everyday life. Focus on where you are already personally connected and start by intentionally growing natural friendships with these people.

3. Respond — Be a messenger

When you’re filled with the Holy Spirit through prayer, and connecting well with the people in your world, you’ll start to see natural opportunities to share Jesus. The Holy Spirit is already working in the hearts of people around you. Staying connected to Him and responding to what he asks you to do takes the pressure off of you.

It might look like being ready to pray with someone, telling your story, explaining the gospel, or inviting people to church. You might get asked why you’re different, or a conversation might suddenly turn towards topics like God and faith. Perhaps you’ll see someone that needs help, or the Holy Spirit will challenge you to do or say something. It could be anything! Participating in someone’s journey towards Jesus is a super exciting way to live.

If you’re struggling to make a start sharing your faith, begin with these simple steps. Build an authentic, honest relationship with Jesus, meaningful connections with non-Christians, and a prayerful willingness to respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

CV Global
5 Jul
2023
3
分钟读

在不知道说什么时如何分享耶稣

有些人似乎特别擅长谈论耶稣。 对他们来说似乎是轻而易举的事情,但老实说,对我们其余的人来说,这可能会让人有点沮丧。 加油,这里有一些关于如何分享耶稣的想法,如果你找不到合适的话。

有些人似乎特别擅长谈论耶稣。 对他们来说似乎是轻而易举的事情,但老实说,对我们其余的人来说,这可能会让人有点沮丧。 加油,这里有一些关于如何分享耶稣的想法,如果你找不到合适的话。

想想这个。 我们每个人都被特定的文化包围。 一开始可能不容易注意到,但一个人群或地方的价值观、语言、态度和共同经历决定了文化,而这种文化塑造了我们看待世界的方式。 当传教士进入一个陌生的文化时,他们会花费大量时间首先观察和理解文化和语言。 保罗在雅典时就这样做了,他以指向“给未知神”的祭坛开始了关于耶稣的对话,介绍耶稣是那个可知的神。 (使徒行传 17:23)

这里有个大想法:分享耶稣始于观察周围的文化,并寻找反映他特质的方法。

养成观察的习惯。 在文化中寻找能够体现耶稣核心特质的概念和语言;爱、怜悯、希望、救赎、拯救和牺牲。 例如,很容易找到那些拥有“耶稣形象”的电影 ——一个为了他人而牺牲自己的人。 花时间观察你的文化,看看如何使用文化语言和想法来指向耶稣。

在他著名的山上宝训中,耶稣告诉他的追随者(也包括你)他们要成为“地上的盐”。 你在食物上加盐是为了提升味道,让它更好吃。 在《圣经》的《信息》释义中,尤金·彼得森是这样说的:

让我告诉你为什么你在这里。 你在这里是为了成为“盐味调味料”,以释放这个世界的神的味道。 ……这就是另一种说法:你在这里是为了成为光,将神的色彩融入世界。 神不是一个需要隐藏的秘密。 我们将公开传达这件事,像山上的城一样公开。马太福音 5:13-14

以展示的方式生活。 不是以吸引注意力的方式,而是以显示神之美好的方式。 你可能想在社交媒体上开始分享你的信仰,录制一个视频见证,上帝如何对你施恩。 与朋友分享上帝如何回应了你的祷告,或者他如何亲自对你说话。

耶稣还告诉他的追随者成为山上的光。 光的奇妙之处在于黑暗无能为力。 只要给光一个发光的机会,它总能穿透并压倒黑暗。 我们能看到数百万光年之外的星光本身就证明了这一点。 你所发出的光也是如此。

让神的美好和力量从你身上闪耀出来,像山顶上的一道光。 让圣灵的果实展现在你的生活中;爱、喜乐、和平、耐心、仁慈、善良、温柔、忠诚和自制。 人们会看到它,有人会问为什么你与众不同。 成为盐和光自然地创造出与人们分享耶稣的机会。

CV Global
13 Jul
2023
6
分钟读

用四个词分享福音的方法

现在到了关键时刻。 你一直在与一位朋友分享耶稣。 他们真的很感兴趣,并想知道跟随耶稣对他们意味着什么。 你知道是时候分享福音了。 但你如何总结福音呢? 你怎样才能以一种更有帮助且不令人困惑的方式来表达? 没有剧本,你不想搞砸。

现在到了关键时刻。 你一直在与一位朋友分享耶稣。 他们真的很感兴趣,并想知道跟随耶稣对他们意味着什么。 你知道是时候分享福音了。 但是你如何总结福音呢? 你如何以一种比混乱更有帮助的方式讲述它? 没有剧本,你不想搞砸。

一个简单的分享福音的方式是记住这四个词:位置、问题、供应、部分

每一个词都描述了福音信息的重要部分,并伴随着问题以帮助开始谈话,以及简单的想法以为您提供帮助语言来解开每个部分。

位置:爱是上帝对我们的立场

上帝是爱,他是万物的创造者。 作为他丰盛之爱的流露,他创造了宇宙、世界及其中的一切。 因为上帝是爱,他爱每一个人,他的愿望是与他所创造的人建立关系。 对于我们,他的子民,与上帝的关系意味着生命、完整、充实,并与他人和睦相处。

问题:你认为爱是什么?

上帝就是爱。 上帝不仅仅表现出爱的行为。 他本身就是爱。 上帝爱他的所有创造。

“亲爱的,让我们彼此相爱,因为爱是来自神的,凡有爱的人是从神生的,并认识神。 任何不爱的人都不认识神,因为神就是爱。”
– 约翰一书 4:7–8

上帝的爱是无条件的。 这不是一种必须赚取或实现的爱,而是无条件给予的。

“因为神如此爱世人,以致将他的独生子赐给他们,使凡信他的不至灭亡,反得永生”
– 约翰福音3:16

问题:罪是我们的难题

神创造男人和女人与他和彼此生活在一起。然而,当人类犯罪时,我们的罪阻隔了与神的关系。 现在每个人都有一个灵性的心灵问题,这就是我们所说的罪。 罪是我们做出的任何选择,违背了上帝对我们生命的设计,这些选择从根本上破坏了我们与上帝的关系。

问题:你认为罪是什么?

罪是“自己的方式”的态度。 罪不仅仅是我们做的坏事,而是根本的态度,这种态度做出与上帝的生命设计相违背的选择。

“我们都像羊一样走迷了路,各人都偏行己路。”
– 以赛亚书 53:6

问题:罪的后果是什么?

罪使我们与神分离。 做出与上帝对我们生活的设计相违背的选择,破坏了我们与他的关系。 没有人能通过善行而恢复与神的关系,因为我们都是罪人。 罪使我们远离神,我们生命的源头,因此罪是我们最终都会死亡的原因。

“是你们的罪孽使你们与神隔绝。”
– 以赛亚书 59:2

供应:耶稣是上帝的供应

上帝想要恢复与他的关系,所以他找到了一个方法。 耶稣进入了世界。 他是神,所以他过了我们无法过上的完美生活,并死了我们应得的死亡。 他在坟墓中躺了三天,第三天,他再次复活,证明他是上帝,他的牺牲是被接受的。

问题:你认为耶稣是谁?

耶稣是上帝。 耶稣是神以人形出现。 他过着完美的生活,没有犯罪。

“谁看见我,就看见了父。”
– 约翰福音 14:9

问题:为什么耶稣必须死?

耶稣作为我们的替代物死去。 罪的后果是死亡。 然而,耶稣在十字架上代替我们而死,取消了人类的罪债。

“但神在这方面显明了他的爱,当我们还是罪人时,基督为我们死了。”
– 罗马书 5:8

部分:转向和信任是我们的部分

相信耶稣意味着离开罪恶并信任耶稣为你的主和救主。 圣经称之为悔改和信仰。 你不能只说这些词或只是做这些动作,因为上帝知道你的心。 你可以通过向上帝祈祷来做到这一点。

问题:你认为跟随耶稣意味着什么?

我们的回应是远离我们的罪孽。 这是悔改。 当我们承认自己的破碎并转身离开我们的罪转向耶稣时,他就会宽恕我们。

“看啊,我站在门外叩门。 如果有人开启门,我就进来。”

– 启示录 3:20

我们的回应还应该信任耶稣是神,且他为我们战胜了死亡。 这是信仰。 我们可以信任耶稣因为他无条件的爱我们,这已通过在我们的位置死亡得以证明。 当我们信任耶稣是神并且他为我们战胜了死亡时,他的不败生命现在活在我们之中。

“…如果你口里承认‘耶稣是主’,心里相信神使他从死里复活,你就会得救。”
– 罗马书 10:9

如果你的朋友想要决定跟随耶稣,你可以通过给他们提供话语来帮助他们。 尝试这样的祷告(让他们重复你的句子):

亲爱的上帝。 我知道您爱我。 我为我的罪感到抱歉,并为我已偏行己路而感到抱歉。 感谢您的儿子耶稣,他为我的罪死在十字架上,并复活。 今天我离开罪恶,单单信靠耶稣。 阿门。

向他们强调这些不是神奇的信,文本,而是心灵的表达并且上帝看到他们诚实的心。

这框架是为帮助您清晰地表达福音信息而设计的。 不要感到有压力要一次分享完所有内容。 事实上,要在一口气完成这些事情是很罕见的。 通常这是一个值得记住的结构,以帮助你诊断你的朋友可能需要听到什么。 举例来说,他们是否需要更多了解上帝是谁? 或者可能是对罪的性质的有用定义。 常常分享耶稣并不取决于一个解释完整福音的对话。 根据朋友的需求和问题,逐渐解释可能是有帮助的。

用一周的时间花在记住这些四个词及相关的问题,想法和经文,这样下次你有机会分享时,你会感到准备充分,可以清晰地表达福音的故事。

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