11. Manna issue 85 - A Letter to Our Youths the Next Twenty Years 給下個20年青年的信
If we were given another
twenty years of youth, how
would we use them?
如果給我們另一個二十歲的青年時光，我們會怎麼來使用呢？
Nathaniel Chin—Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 馬來西亞 亞庇 陳拿但業
Greetings of peace to our youths. 願主內青年平安
Have you ever considered your role as a youth in the True Jesus Church?
您是否曾經考慮過，在真耶穌教會中，身為青年的角色？
In the eyes of God, youths occupy a particularly important position.
From the Bible, we can see how God continually selected, delivered,
and employed youths as important vessels for His work.
When seventy-five-year-old Abram was called by God to depart from Haran,
he was accompanied by a youthful Lot (Gen 12:4).
From Joseph and Daniel and his friends in the Old Testament,
to Timothy and Titus in the New Testament,
the young servants raised by God became blessings to others in their respective generations.
在神的眼中，青年佔據著特別重要的位置。
從聖經裡來看，我們可以看到神如何不斷地選擇青年，解救青年，
運用青年人作為祂工作的重要工具。
當神召喚75歲的亞伯蘭離開哈蘭時，
他身旁陪伴著年輕的羅得（創 12：4）。
在舊約中，約瑟夫和但以理，以及他的朋友們，
直到新約的提摩太和提多，
神所培養的年輕僕人，成為了他們各自世代裡，其他人可以感受到的祝福。
So what role do youths play in the True Jesus Church, now that we have passed our centennial?
In this end time, Satan will not accept failure without a fight;
he will do all he can to disrupt God’s plan of salvation for man.
And he will have the vulnerable youths in his sights.
He will take advantage of their naive, stubborn and curious natures to inflict great destruction,
tempting them with wealth, fame, status and sex (Rom 1:24; 2 Pet 2:10–18).
Some youths will depart from safety and step blindly into the “danger zone,”
where prowling lions seek to bring them into the bondage of sin (2 Pet 2:19).
If such youths fail to turn back,
they will eventually defile their holy status and lose their blessings (Heb 12:16–17).
Judgement is the ultimate consequence (Heb 10:26–27).
Sadly, countless youths have fallen into this horrendous state.
If we have another twenty years, how should we, as shepherds,
help the youths escape these snares to enter into the everlasting life of God?
那麼，既然我們已經過去了一百週年，那麼年輕人在真耶穌教會中，扮演什麼角色呢？
在這末後的時間裡，撒旦將不會接受不戰而敗；
他會竭盡全力，破壞神為救人類的救贖計劃。
他將利用那些他眼中的軟弱青年。
他將利用它們天真，頑固和好奇的天性造成巨大破壞，
用財富，名望，地位和女色來吸引他們
（羅 1：24；彼後 2：10-18）。
一些年輕人會脫離安全區，盲目踏入“危險地帶”，
而那裡有四處尋覓的獅子，試圖將他們帶入罪惡的束縛中
（彼後 2:19）。
如果這些年輕人無法回頭，
他們最終將會沾污自己的聖潔地位，並失去祝福
（來 12：16-17）。
審判是最終迎來的結果
（來 10：26-27）。
可悲的是，無數的年輕人陷入了這種可怕的狀態。
如果我們再有二十年，作為牧羊人，我們應該如何
幫助年輕人擺脫這些網羅，進入神的永生？
Recognize Crises Faced by Youths 認識青年面臨的危機
The twenty-first century is an age of ever-increasing knowledge (Dan 12:4),
materialism (Gal 5:17), evil and sin (Rom 1:21–24).
Men deceive and try to outwit one another, abandoning virtues like honesty and kindness (Rom 1:28–29).
Living in such a society, some youths become so indifferent toward their life of faith
that they cannot discern when they are heading for danger,
even when they have already fallen into captivity (Rom 3:11–12).
Seeing this happen to certain youths is greatly distressing.
二十一世紀是知識不斷增長的時代（但 12：4），
物質主義（加 5:17），罪惡（羅 1：21-24）。
人們互相欺騙，並試圖彼此取勝，放棄了誠實和善良之類的美德（羅 1：28-29）。
生活在這樣一個社會中，一些年輕人對自己的信仰生活變得如此冷漠，
他們無法分辨自己何時會面臨危險，
即使他們已經處於被囚禁的情況（羅 3：11-12）。
看到這種情況發生在某些年輕人身上，實在令人沮喪。
Unfortunately, youths who are trapped on this downward spiral get into the habit of not attending services (Heb 10:25).
They alienate themselves from the church,
eventually departing from God and losing the ability to discern.
They are no longer able to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad,
just like one who is unable to discern the face of the sky and the earth (Lk 12:54–56).
At the same time, false teachers who have crept in unnoticed (Gal 2:4; Jude 4)
have replaced sound doctrine with human philosophy,
and even substituted biblical truth for erroneous teachings.
Youths who are distanced from God are unable to identify these false teachers.
To such youths, trusting in God can seem like an act of superstition.
They put their faith in science rather than the true God.
Some have even acknowledged the devil as their father (1 Jn 4:2–3),
embarking on a self-righteousness path that eventually leads to destruction.
不幸的是，被困在這種下降趨勢中的年輕人，養成了不參加聚會的習慣（來 10:25）。
他們與教會疏遠，
最終離開了神，失去了辨別能力。
他們不再能夠區分是非，好與壞，
就像人無法分辨天空和地球的面貌一樣（路 12：54-56）。
同時，虛假的老師悄悄地潛入其中（加 2：4；猶 4）
用人類哲學代替了聖經正常的教導，
甚至用錯誤的教導取代聖經的真理。
遠離神的青年，無法識別這些假教師。
對於這樣的年輕人，相信神似乎是一種迷信。
他們相信科學而不是真神。
有些人甚至認魔鬼作為他們的父親（約壹 4：2-3），
走上一條自以為是的道路，但最終卻導致破壞。
Furthermore, because young people tend to be more affected by strong emotions,
they can be misled by their feelings.
This is something they must be vigilant to guard against.
Youth is a golden stage of life, but it is also a dangerous time.
Their immature minds, coupled with a lack of life experience,
can cause some youths to drift with the tide (Heb 2:1) and fall into temptation.
This can lead to the inability to discern the wickedness in man’s heart,
to distinguish between the wolf and the shepherd (Isa 11:6),
and to identify the false teachers, who Peter calls “natural brute beasts” (2 Pet 2:12).
In this unpredictable world, some youths act without considering the consequences and dangers ahead.
But those with such an easygoing attitude may eventually find themselves in a hopeless situation,
where it is too late for regrets, and there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins (Heb 10:26).
此外，由於年輕人易於受到強烈情緒的影響，
他們會被自己的感受所誤導。
他們必須對此保持警惕。
青年是人生的黃金階段，但也是危險的時期。
他們的思想不成熟，再加上缺乏生活經驗，
可能會使一些年輕人隨波逐流（來2：1）並陷入誘惑。
這可能陷入無法辨別人心中的邪惡，
不能區分惡狼和牧羊人（賽 11：6），
並認出假教師，彼得將其稱為“天生殘忍的野獸”（彼後 2:12）。
在這個變幻莫測的世界中，一些年輕人的行動沒有考慮到未來的後果和危險。
但是那些態度如此隨和的人，最終可能會陷入絕望無助的局面，
到那個時候，後悔已經來不及了，再也沒有任何獻祭可以來贖罪了（來 10：26）。
Today, there are also youths who think they are knowledgeable and have no need for guidance.
In the end, they will fall into the power of darkness, blinded by the god of this age (2 Cor 4:4).
They become disorientated and unable to find the right path.
Yet, because they do not want to feel the shame of correction,
they continue to stumble about in the valley of darkness (Job 12:25).
They charge ahead on paths that they think are bright and hopeful, but end up becoming even more lost.
如今，也有年輕人認為他們是有知識的，不需要指導。
最終，他們落入黑暗的力量掌握，被這個時代的神所蒙蔽（林後 4：4）。
他們變得迷失方向，無法找到正確的道路。
但是，由於他們感覺不到改正的羞愧，
他們繼續仍在黑暗的山谷中仆倒（伯 12:25）。
他們在自認為是光明和充滿希望的道路上往前衝，但最終變得更加迷茫。
Youths in this end time face unprecedented temptations and danger.
Because Satan knows his end is drawing near (Rev 12:12),
he is wildly pouncing on this weak, ill-equipped flock.
By employing deception and the lure of wealth, beauty and glory—i.e.,
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:16)
—Satan sets up many hidden traps that are difficult to guard against (Ps 18:5).
These traps include fornication, homosexuality, computer games, ubiquitous advertising,
prostitution, gang violence, gambling, alcoholism, and drug abuse.
Youths who fall into these snares find it hard to free themselves (Prov 1:17).
The sad conclusion to this is not only loss and shame in this life,
but also rejection at the heavenly gate.
在這個末日的青年，面臨到前所未有的誘惑和危險。
因為撒但知道自己的末日臨近（啟 12:12），
他瘋狂地撲向那些弱小的，裝備不足的羊群。
通過運用欺騙手段，以及財富，美麗和榮耀的引誘
-也就是，肉體的慾望，眼目的情慾和今生的驕傲（約壹 2:16）
-撒但設立了許多隱蔽的陷阱，讓人難以防範（詩 18：5）。
這些陷阱包括通姦，同性戀，電玩，無處不在的廣告，
賣淫，幫派暴力，賭博，酗酒和吸毒。
陷入這些網羅的青年很難擺脫自我（箴1:17）。
可悲的結論是，這不僅是人一生中的損失和恥辱，
而且還要被天國之門所拒絕。
If youths caught up in such snares continue on the same path,
what good would another twenty years do them?
How do we, as shepherds, feel when we see individuals in such a wretched state?
如果陷入這種網羅的青年，繼續走同樣的道路，
再過二十年，他們會怎樣呢？
作為牧羊人，當我們看到他們處於這種悲慘狀態的時候，感覺如何？
Listen to the Bible’s Warnings 聽從聖經的警告
Nowadays, society promotes the idea that poverty is shameful,
while wealth represents the pinnacle of success and virtue.
But Jesus said, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world,
and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
(Mt 16:26).
Jesus also said, "Take heed and beware of covetousness,
for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Lk 12:15).
Alas, some youths fail to use the words of Jesus as a compass in their life.
Instead, they live their lives according to worldly values,
and become caught in harmful desires.
Such youths find it hard to resist the allure of riches.
如今，社會提倡貧困是可恥的觀念，
財富代表成功和美德的巔峰。
耶穌卻說：“人得了整個世界，這對他有什麼好處，
失去自己的靈魂？ 否則，人會為自己的靈魂付出什麼呢？”
（太 16:26）。
耶穌還說：“當心，謹防貪婪，
因為一個人的一生不在於他擁有的東西豐富”（路 12:15）。
唉啊，有些年輕人在他們的生活中沒有使用耶穌的話作為指南針。
相反，他們按照世俗的價值觀生活，
並陷入有害的慾望中
這樣的年輕人很難抗拒財富的誘惑。
The rich young ruler who once talked with Jesus had kept the law since he was young.
He had wealth, status and honor, but all these could not fill the emptiness in his heart.
That was why he sought after eternal life (Mk 10:17–22).
When he was instructed by Jesus to sell all he had to give to the poor,
and to follow Him, the young man’s countenance changed and he departed sorrowfully.
His reaction was enough to show that he was someone who had reached the gate of the heavenly kingdom;
yet he allowed eternal life to slip away, and turned towards the palace of death.
Why did he do this?
Because he could not let go of his riches.
How pitiable indeed!
For us, the blessing of twenty more years is neither a platform
nor an opportunity to gain the whole world.
這位富有的年輕統治者，曾經與耶穌交談過，他自小就遵守律法。
他擁有財富，地位和榮譽，但所有這些都無法填補他內心的空虛。
這就是他尋求永生的原因（可 10：17-22）。
當耶穌指示，他必須賣掉一切給窮人，並且跟隨他，
這個年輕人的臉就變色，他悲哀地離開了。
他的反應，就表明他已經走到了天國的大門；
然而他卻讓永生溜走了，轉身走向死亡的宮殿。
他為什麼要這樣做？
因為他不能放棄自己的財富。
這真的很可憐！
對我們來說，二十多年來祝福，既沒有成為好平台，
也沒有把握到機會，來贏得整個世界。
Read More, Reflect More, Pray More 更多讀經，反省，禱告
If given another twenty years of life,
youths ought to make use of their time to read more Christian publications,
especially those published by the church.
A habit of Bible reading must be cultivated.
Moreover, youths must live by the teachings of the Bible and put them into practice (Jas 1:25).
Only with more Bible reading will we be able to understand the heart of God;
only with more reflection will we be able to internalize the words of God;
only with more prayers will we be able to fulfill the work of God.
We should heed the apostle Paul’s message to Timothy:
“Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them,
that your progress may be evident to all”
(1 Tim 4:15).
With the limited time they have,
youths ought to put in more effort in matters concerning the salvation of souls.
Youth is like the infinite sky and uncharted territory.
In this stage of life, youths should aim to reach as much sky
and conquer as much territory as they can.
They must reach their pinnacle—by becoming soldiers of Christ—
and put in another twenty years to proclaim the gospel of the heavenly kingdom to the ends of the earth!
如果再活二十年，
年輕人應該利用自己的時間，閱讀更多的基督教刊物，
特別是教會出版的書藉。
必須養成讀聖經的習慣。
此外，青年人必須照著聖經的教導生活，並且付諸實踐（雅 1:25）。
只有更多地閱讀聖經，我們才能理解神的心。
只有多加反思，我們才能內化神的道；
只有更多的祈禱，我們才能完成神的工作。
我們應該留意使徒保羅給提摩太的信息：
15這些事你要殷勤去做，並要在此專心，使眾人看出你的長進來。
（提前 4:15）。
在有限的時間內
青少年應該花費更多的心力，在有關靈魂得救的事情上。
青春就像無限的天空和無限的新領域。
在生活的這個階段，年輕人應該集中精神，盡可能接觸寬廣的天空
儘量征服更多可能的領土。
他們必須成為巔峰，成為基督的士兵，
再用二十年的時間，將天國的福音傳到地極！
Obey, Obey and Obey 順服 x 3
We often sing the hymn Trust and Obey, with the lyrics:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.[1]
There is truly only one way to be happy in life: to obey God!
我們經常唱歌詞讚美詩《信靠順服》，歌詞如下：
信靠順服，此外別無他路，
要在主裡得喜樂，惟有信靠順服。[1]
人生中只有一種幸福快樂的方法：順服神！
It is indeed true that the Bible has set the most difficult benchmark for us—obedience.
I earnestly hope that all youths will accept this benchmark.
The greater our ideals, the more people will ridicule us for setting such high standards.
If we fail to live up to worldly ideals, nothing severe will happen and our life will go on.
However, if we fall short of God’s ideals by not submitting to Him,
that would be the greatest mistake of our lives (Gen 32:9–13)!
的確，聖經為我們設定了最困難的標準-順服。
我衷心希望，所有青年都能接受這一準則。
我們的理想越大，就會有更多的人嘲笑我們制定如此高的標準。
如果我們無法成就世間的理想，也不會發生任何嚴重的事情，生活還是會繼續下去。
但是，如果我們因為不順服，而達不到神的理想境界，
那將是我們一生中最大的錯誤（創 32：9-13）！
Some Final Words 一些結語
As time passes, the difficulties faced by this generation of youths become more and more evident.
For this reason, the heavenly Father groans and weeps for them,
while the Holy Spirit toils for their souls.
Should we not also be concerned for them?
隨著時間的流逝，這一代年輕人面臨的困難越來越多，越明顯。
因此，天父為他們哀傷呻吟，並且哭泣，
聖靈為他們的靈魂存活而勞力不止。
我們難道還不應該關心他們嗎？
In the next twenty years, today’s youths will become central to the development of the gospel work.
They are the ones who can best understand the requirements of the work ahead of them.
We must work alongside and pray earnestly for the youths.
In the meantime, they must learn to rely on the Lord
to bring Satan into bondage and free their hearts from his sway,
so that they can return to Jesus.
This is how we should nurture our successors in faith
to ensure that the work and the blessings continue.
If we can work together in this way, heaven and earth will rejoice
when we receive the second coming of Jesus.
And if we are given another twenty years, it would not be a day too many!
在未來的20年中，今的的年輕人將成為福音工作發展的核心。
他們是最能了解，橫在他們面前，那些工作需要有什麼要求的人。
我們必須並肩作戰，並認真為青年禱告。
同時，他們必須學會依靠神，
使撒但陷入束縛，使青年的心，可以從魔鬼的控制中解脫出來，
這樣他們才能返回耶穌面前。
這就是我們應該用什麼樣的方式，來培養我們的下一輩，
以確保教會的聖工，以及從神而來的祝福可以持續下去。
如果我們能以這種方式共同努力，天地就會歡欣
直到我們等到耶穌的第二次再臨。
如果再給我們二十年，那麼每一天就不會白費而過！
[1] By John H Sammis (1846–1919).
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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