3. Manna issue 89 - Helping the Youth Cultivate a Love for the Truth 幫助青年培養追求真理的愛
Samuel Kuo—Flushing, New York, USA 美國紐約法拉盛 Samuel Kuo
During the week before His crucifixion,
Jesus Christ spoke of
“the sign of [His] coming, and of the end of the age”
(Mt 24:3).
Amid sharing several signs and prophecies,
one consistent message that Jesus emphasized was to not be deceived:
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive,
if possible, even the elect”
(Mt 24:24).
在耶穌被釘十字架的前一周，
耶穌基督談到“你降臨和世界的末了有甚麼豫兆呢？”
(太 24：3)
在分享幾個徵兆和預言的過程中，
耶穌一直強調的信息，就是不要被欺騙：
“24因為假基督、假先知將要起來，顯大神蹟、大奇事，倘若能行，連選民也就迷惑了。”
(太 24：24)
Since we are living in the end time,
as the day of the Lord approaches,
it is imperative for us to cultivate a love for the truth so as not to be deceived.
This is especially so for the younger members in the church.
We have been entrusted with an unchanging truth;
we also aim to have an unchanging faith.
How can we help our youth to love the truth?
These are some suggestions based on the Bible and personal experience.
既然我們生活在末世，
隨著耶和華的日子逐漸臨近，
很重要的是，我們必須培養對真理的熱愛，以免上當受騙。
尤期，對於教會中的年輕信徒來說，更是如此。
我們被託負了不變的真理；
我們還致力於擁有不變的信仰。
我們如何幫助自已的青年熱愛真理？
這些是基於聖經和個人經驗的一些建議。
YOUTH-CENTRIC SUGGESTIONS 青年為主的建言
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CONTACT 早期接觸的重要性
When we brainstorm ways to encourage the youth to love the truth,
we should first and foremost examine the nature of love.
By definition, love is not forced.
As the Song of Songs thrice repeats:
“Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases”
(Song 2:7, 3:5, 8:4).
It is an affection that arises organically
and is confirmed through free-will commitment.
當我們集思廣益，思考鼓勵年輕人熱愛真理的方法時，
我們應該首先檢視愛的本質。
根據定義，愛不是強迫的。
正如聖經雅歌三次重複：
“不要驚動、不要叫醒我所親愛的，等他自己情願
（不要叫醒……情願：或譯不要激動愛情，等他自發）。”
（歌 2:7、3:5、8:4）。
這是一種有機自主產生的感情
並通過自由意志的承諾加以實踐。
While the youth cannot be forced to love the truth,
love can only have an opportunity to be awakened through contact and exposure.
How can they love someone they have never encountered?
Therefore, while believers are still in their childhood years,
it is important for them to come into contact with the truth.
The church and, more importantly, their parents
are to build up a Christian worldview within their young minds.
The religious education (RE) system
and the family altar become essential tools
to help them establish their own budding relationship with the true and living God.
雖然不能強迫年輕人熱愛真理，
愛情只有通過接觸沉溺其中，才有機會被喚醒。
他們怎麼可能，會愛上一個自已從未遇到過的人呢？
因此，只有信徒還是小孩時代的時候，
他們能夠接觸真理就很重要。
更重要的是，
教會和他們的父母，
要在他們年幼的腦海中，型塑出基督教的世界觀。
宗教教育（RE）系統，
和家庭祭壇成為非常重要的工具，
幫助他們建立自己與永生真神的關係，可以萌芽。
Isaac is one such example in the Bible.
As a young second-generation believer,
he observed how his father worshiped the LORD.
Thus, when he was at Moriah,
he was able to recognize that they lacked the lamb for the burnt offering
(Gen 22:7).
This fledgling faith eventually blossomed into a mature one,
as seen in his patient prayers for his wife’s infertility
(Gen 25:20, 21, 26)
and in how he blessed Jacob in faith
(Gen 28:3–4).
God eventually called Himself
“the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”
when He revealed Himself to Moses hundreds of years later
(Ex 3:6, emphasis added).
以撒就是聖經中，這樣的例子。
作為年輕的二代信徒，
他觀察父親如何敬拜耶和華。
因此，當他去摩利亞山的時候，
就能夠認清，缺少了獻燔祭的羔羊
（創 22:7）。
這剛萌芽的信仰，最後盛大綻放，化為成熟的信仰，
就從他為了妻子的不孕症，耐心祈禱的行為，就可以看出
（創 25:20, 21, 26）
以及他如何憑信心祝福雅各
（創 28：3-4）。
神最終稱呼自己就是，
“亞伯拉罕的神，以撒的神，雅各的神”
而數百年後，當他向摩西顯現時，就這樣說
（出 3:6，加入強調之處）。
Timothy is another example.
He was a third-generation Christian.
The genuine faith
“dwelt first in [his] grandmother Lois and [his] mother Eunice”
(2 Tim 1:5)
and eventually dwelt in Timothy himself.
This was partially because
“from childhood [he had known] the Holy Scriptures”
(2 Tim 3:15).
He later also learned about the Scriptures from Paul
(2 Tim 3:14).
This early contact caused a love for the truth to bud,
so much so that he dedicated his life to evangelism and ministering to the churches
—so that they too could grow to love the truth.
提摩太是另一個例子。
他是第三代基督徒。
真實的信仰
“5這信是先在你外祖母羅以和你母親友尼基心裡的。”
(提後 1:5)
並最終亦得在提摩太自己心裡。
這一部分是因為
“15並且知道你是從小明白聖經”
（提後 3:15）。
後來他也從保羅那裡了解聖經
（提後 3:14）。
這種早期的接觸，產生一種對真理的喜愛萌芽，
非常喜愛以至於，他終生致力於傳福音和服事教會
—因為這樣，教會眾信徒也能長大成熟，變為熱愛真理。
With early exposure,
our young members would also be given the opportunity
to love the truth that we have received.
It is strongly advised
that children always attend Sabbath services, RE services, and other church gatherings.
Moreover, children need to be raised amid a culture of fearing
and worshiping God in their own homes.
Have them read the Bible with you.
Have them learn to pray alongside you.
Have them understand and know Christian values.
As Proverbs 22:6 says:
“Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
因為年青時就接觸真理，
我們的年輕信徒也將有機會，
喜愛自已所領受的真理。
強烈建議，
兒童總要參加安息日聚會、宗教教育聚會，和其他時間教會的聚會。
此外，孩子需能在自己的家中，育養出一種敬畏神，敬拜神的文化。
讓他們和你一起讀聖經。
讓他們學習與你一起禱告。
讓他們了解明白基督教的價值觀。
正如箴言 22 章 6 節所說：
“6教養孩童，使他走當行的道，就是到老他也不偏離。，”
THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCE 體驗的重要性
One aim of early exposure is for the youth to be captivated by the truth
and enraptured by God, or in other words, to experience God Himself.
提早接觸真理的目的之一，就是要讓年輕人，可以真理迷住，
並得到從神而來的喜樂，或而換言之，自己親自體驗神。
The Psalmist invites us: “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!”
(Ps 34:8).
The apostle John likewise reminds us that
the truth he declares is
“that which was from the beginning, which we have heard,
which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked upon,
and our hands have handled”
(1 Jn 1:1–3).
These are passages on having direct, life-changing experiences with the one true God.
詩篇的詩人邀請我們：
“8你們要嘗嘗主恩的滋味，便知道他是美善！”
（詩篇 34:8）。
使徒約翰同樣提醒我們，
他所宣佈的真理是
“就是我們所聽見、所看見、親眼看過、親手摸過的。”
（約壹 1：1-3）。
這些都是有關，與獨一真神有直接連結、改變生命體驗的經節。
Jacob’s transformation was clearly marked by his experience at Bethel,
where he had a dream of a heavenly ladder,
with angels ascending and descending on it
(Gen 28:12).
It instantly caused him to make a vow to God
(Gen 28:20).
He never forgot that dream, even on his deathbed
(Gen 48:3; cf. 28:19).
雅各在伯特利的體驗，很清晰地顯示出他的轉變，
在那裡他夢見了天梯，
有天使在梯子上，爬上爬下
（創 28:12）。
這讓他馬上向神立誓
（創 28:20）。
他從來未曾忘記過那個夢，即使到了他快要臨終的時候
（創 48:3；參見 28:19）。
When Peter beheld the transfigured Jesus in all His glory,
he declared,
“Lord, it is good for us to be here”
(Mt 17:4).
He proposed building three shelters on an otherwise deserted mountain for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus,
completely neglecting himself!
In his old age, he used this majestic experience
to encourage others who doubted the legitimacy of the power
and coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
(2 Pet 1:16–21).
當彼得看見耶穌改變形象充滿榮耀的時候，
他高呼，
“主阿，我們在這裡真好！”
（太 17:4）。
他提議在這原本荒涼的山上為摩西、以利亞和耶穌建造三個遮蔽所，
完全忽略了自己也需要！
到他晚年的時候，他運用這次尊貴偉大的體驗，
鼓勵那些其他懷疑主耶穌基督權力合法性，祂已經降臨的人
（彼後 1：16-21）。
It is vital that the youth also experience God,
so that what was originally just theory becomes reality.
However, having an experience is not fully within our control.
In the end, it is God who chooses when, where,
and how He reveals Himself to us
(Rom 9:18–21; 2 Cor 12:9).
Nevertheless, we should always encourage the youth
to pray with faith and reach out to God in any circumstance
(Heb 11:6).
Each experience, no matter how trivial,
builds up their faith, knowledge, and love in the invisible God.
青年也必須體驗有神，這一點至關重要，
才會使原本只是理論的東西，變成現實。
但是，能夠有體驗，並不完全是在我們自已控制的範圍。
最終，這完全是神的選擇，讓人何時，何地，
以及人們是如何遇見神的顯現
（羅 9:18-21；林後 12:9）。
儘管如此，我們應該總要鼓勵年輕人，
帶著信心禱告，無論任何情況之下，都面向神伸出雙手
（來 11:6）。
每一次經歷，無論有多麼微不足道，
都會建立他們對那看不見的神，產生的信心、認知和喜愛。
THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING ROOT 札根的重要性
While divine experiences certainly leave deep impressions,
they are not enough.
It is likely that we all know some members who had many spiritual experiences
and yet still somehow departed from the truth.
In the end, we must be rooted in God’s truth itself
(Col 2:6–7).
雖然神聖體驗，一定會留下讓人深刻的印象，
但若只有體會還不夠。
很可能我們都認識，有一些有具有很多靈性體驗的信徒，
然而，他們還是以某種方式，遠離了真理。
到最後，我們必須紮根於神的真理本身
（西 2：6-7）。
This is akin to the five thousand who were fed by the Lord Jesus Christ and immediately proclaimed,
“This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world”;
and yet moments later, they
“walked with Him no more”
(Jn 6:14, 66).
In the end, the vast majority were not attracted by truth;
they merely followed Jesus for the physical blessings
(Jn 6:26).
這就好像是，五餅二魚的五千人，領受主耶穌基督的餵養，並馬上宣佈：
“這真是那要到世間來的先知！”；
然而片刻之後，他們
“不再和他同行。”
（約 6:14, 66）。
最終，絕大多數人並沒有被真理所吸引；
他們只為了得到物質上的祝福，而跟隨耶穌
（約 6:26）。
This is a distinction that we must make clear to our youth.
Ultimately, we must answer these questions:
who is Jesus to us?
Is He just a teacher, prophet, miracle-worker, or our Lord and Savior
—the one true God Himself?
這是，我們必須向青年說明清楚的區別。
最後，我們都必須回答這些問題：
耶穌對我們來說是誰呢？
祂只是一位教師？先知？會行神蹟的人？還是我們的主和拯救者？
—還是獨一真神呢？
Theological training is imperative for every youth.
Not only do church seminars expose us to the truth
and grant us prime opportunities to experience God in prayer,
but they also help to root us in the faith.
The systematic study of Bible doctrines
and Bible books at church seminars
like student spiritual convocations or the National Youth Theological Seminar (NYTS)
is seldom matched in weekly church activities.
Classes are often interactive, helping participants to iron out doubts and questions.
As seminars are extended church gatherings,
they are conducive in forming deeper spiritual friendships,
so that the youth can navigate the journey of faith together.
After attending such spiritual events,
many youth proclaim how these are like heaven on earth.
Through them, they can grow to appreciate and love the truth.
神學訓練班對每個青年來說，都是有必要加以強制的。
教會講習會不僅會讓我們了解真理，
並給予我們於禱告中，體驗到神的絕佳機會，
而且它們也有助於，讓我們在信仰紮根。
而在教會講習會上，可以對聖經教義及聖經各種參考書藉的系統性研究，
就好像學生靈恩會，或是全國青年神訓班 (NYTS)，
這在比起每週的教會聚會，是很難比得上的。
課程通常是具有互動性，可以幫助學員消除各種疑慮和問題。
由於講習會是教會聚會的延伸，
他們有利於同靈可以形成更深的屬靈情誼，
使青年能一起踏上尋找信仰的旅程。
一經參加過這樣的靈恩會之後，
許多青年會宣稱，這裡就好像在地如天。
通過這些體驗，他們可以成長茁壯，渴慕喜愛真理。
MINISTER-CENTRIC SUGGESTIONS 事奉為主的建言
THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LIVING 真實基督生活的重要性
As for church ministers, or those in a pastoral role,
including parents, not only do we encourage the youth to live according to the truth,
but we must also look within and improve ourselves.
When the younger generations observe us,
do they see people whose lives are consistent with the truth
and who sincerely love the truth?
至於教會長執負責人，或那些需要擔任牧養工作角色的人，
包括了父母在內，我們不僅鼓勵青年要按真理而活，
而且我們也必須自我省查，並自我改進。
當以後更年輕一代看到我們的時候，
他們是否會看到有人，能夠在生活行為吻合真理，
可以真正懇切喜愛真理？
We seek to spend time with those we love.
We are willing to make sacrifices for them and we strive to please them.
Given that these actions are manifestations of love,
how then does our love for the truth and for God manifest itself?
Unfortunately, we may often live with hypocrisy,
and our religious actions may stem from pretense rather than genuine discipleship.
我們會尋求與自已所愛的人共度美好時光。
我們樂意為他們付出犧牲，並努力取悅他們。
鑑於這些行為都是愛的表現，
然後，我們對真理與神的喜愛，是怎麼表現出來的呢？
不幸的是，我們可能經常生活在虛偽之中，
自已的宗教行為，可能出自於偽裝，而不是真正具有神門徒的精神。
Over time, the youth are able to differentiate between
what is authentic and what is false.
They may recognize a difference between their parents’ behavior in church and on the car ride home.
They may notice contradictions
if their ministers preach a godly message but convey the opposite through their actions.
Our love for the truth, whether genuine or otherwise,
will eventually be revealed, just as Paul said to Timothy:
隨著時間的流逝，年輕人才能夠區分
什麼是真實，什麼是虛假。
他們就可以分辨出，父母教會裡面，以及開車回家路上的行為差異。
如果父母的事奉，是傳揚關於神的信息，然而他們的行為，卻傳達了相反的意思，
青年就可能會注意到行為前後不一致。
我們對真理的喜愛，無論是真真實實，還是其他的目的，
最後終將顯露出來，正如保羅對提摩太所說的：
Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment,
but those of some men follow later.
Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident,
and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
(1 Tim 5:24–25)
24有些人的罪是明顯的，如同先到審判案前；有些人的罪是隨後跟了去的。
25這樣，善行也有明顯的，那不明顯的也不能隱藏。
(提前5：24-25)
Hypocrisy is a major stumbling block for the youth.
They reason that if this two-faced behavior is the result of the so-called “truth,”
then they want no part of it.
Here, Jesus’ warning is worth repeating:
虛偽是青年人的一大絆腳石。
他們推論，如果這種兩面人行為，是所謂“真理”表現結果的話，
那麼他們就不想要變成那樣。
在這裡，耶穌警告值得用再次提醒我們：
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble,
it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck,
and he were thrown into the sea.”
(Mk 9:42)
“42凡使這信我的一個小子跌倒的，倒不如把大磨石拴在這人的頸項上，扔在海裡。”
(可 9：42)
Therefore we should examine ourselves for signs of hypocrisy
and correct our mistakes before God.
Otherwise, the price to be paid by us and the next generation would be far too great.
因此，我們應該省查自己，是否有虛偽的跡象，
並在神面前糾正自已的錯誤。
否則，我們及下一代，所要付出的代價就太大了。
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING THE TIME 明白時機的重要性
Apart from authentic godly living,
it is also important to understand the time.
David’s army was described as having men from the tribe of Issachar,
“who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do”
(1 Chr 12:32).
As wise stewards of God’s household,
we must also understand the times His sheep are living in,
so as to give them “food in due season”
(Mt 24:45).
“32有都通達時務，知道以色列人所當行的”
(代上 12：32)
除了有真正敬虔的生活，
了解時間也很重要。
大衛軍隊被描述為，具備薩迦支派的人，
“32有都通達時務，知道以色列人所當行的”
(代上 12：32)。
作為神家裡聰明的管家，
我們也必須了解神羊群生活的這個時代，
以便能給他們“按時分糧”
（太 24:45）。
The Germans have the term zeitgeist,
meaning, “the spirit of the time”.
We must have a good grasp of the current zeitgeist.
In other words, what are the ideas, philosophies and values
that permeate the culture enveloping our youth?
Every time and space and every generation and community will vary slightly.
However, observing, understanding and analyzing the times will help us to know
how to best educate our youth,
particularly when the zeitgeist directly contradicts the truth.
德國人有一個術語“zeitgeist”，
意思是“時代的精神”。
我們必須好好地把握當前的時代精神。
換句話說，有什麼現今的思想、哲學和價值觀，
已經滲透進入我們青年的文化中了呢？
不同的時間，不同的場合，每個世代和團體都會稍有不同。
然而，若有觀察、理解和好好分析時代的情況，將有助於我們了解，
能如何最好地教育我們的青年，
特別是當現今時代精神直接會與直理，有互相矛盾的情況。
For example, developed western countries have become increasingly secular,
essentially becoming post-Christian societies.
Fewer young westerners go to church with each passing year.
Secular humanism is the pervading worldview, dominating most forms of entertainment.
A moral revolution has already taken place
—things that were once shameful are now celebrated;
things that were once celebrated are now shameful.
The internet has amplified its influence.
Are we prepared to combat these ideas that our youth are exposed to every day?
Have we been giving them “food in due season”
so that they stand strong in whatever ideological storm they face?
例如西方發達國家越來越世俗化，
本質上成為了後基督教社會。
每年去教堂的年輕西方人越來越少。
世俗人文主義，是普遍存在的世界觀，主導著大多數娛樂的形式。
這一場道德革命已經正在發生
—曾經被認為可恥的事情，現在得到了喝釆慶祝；
而曾經人們認為值得慶祝的事情，現在變得可恥。
網路擴大了其影響力。
我們是否準備好，要與這些我們的年輕人，每天所接觸的思想觀念戰鬥了嗎？
我們有沒有給他們“按時分糧”，
使他們無論在任何意識形態的風暴之中，都能站穩腳跟？
Countries in the Eastern Hemisphere, developing Africa, or other regions
may have other primary influencing beliefs and ideas.
However, regardless of the country, the principle is the same.
We need to understand the times
so that we vaccinate our youth against these ideological pathologies:
東半球的國家、非洲發展中國家，或其他地區，
可能會有其他影響的主要思潮和想法。
但是，無論哪個國家，面對的原理都是一樣的。
我們需要了解當時的年代，
以便我們為青年事先接種疫苗，可以抵抗這些意識形態的病態情況：
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal
but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
(2 Cor 10:4–5)
4我們爭戰的兵器本不是屬血氣的，乃是在神面前有能力，可以攻破堅固的營壘，
5將各樣的計謀，各樣攔阻人認識神的那些自高之事，
一概攻破了，又將人所有的心意奪回，使他都順服基督。
(林後10：4-5)
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERCESSION 代禱的重要性
Finally, as Christian ministers and parents,
we must always intercede for those under our care.
Paul’s letters are full of his intercessions for the church
(Rom 1:9; Eph 1:16; Col 1:9–12; Phil 1:9–11)
and co-workers like Timothy
(2 Tim 1:3)
and Philemon
(Phm 4).
Epaphras likewise
“labored fervently for [the Colossians] in prayers”
so that they could be spiritually mature
(Col 4:12).
最後，作為基督徒職務會負責人和父母，
我們必須常常為自已照顧的小孩代禱。
保羅的書信，充滿了他為教會的代禱
（羅 1：9；弗 1：16；西 1：9-12；腓 1：9-11）
以及像提摩太這樣的同工
(提後 1:3)
和腓利門
(門 4)。
同樣也有以巴弗，他
“12常為你們[歌羅西人]竭力的祈求”
使他們能在靈性上更成熟
（西 4:12）。
We do not know if the next generation will love the truth,
but we must exert our best effort,
and then cry out for the mercy of God in prayer.
The Bible tells us that God does not desire that anyone should perish
(2 Pet 3:9; Ezek 33:11).
We must wholeheartedly appeal to that heart of God in prayer.
However, at the same time,
God acknowledges the personal freedom of every individual to make his own decision.
我們不知道，下一代會不會喜愛真理，
但我們必須盡最大努力，
然後在禱告中祈求神的憐憫。
聖經告訴我們，神不希望任何人滅亡
（彼後 3:9；結 33:11）。
我們必須在禱告中，全心全意懇求神那樣的愛心。
然而，與此同時，
神亦認同，每個人都有自己做決定的選擇自由。
Will our children choose to love God and the truth?
We do not know.
That decision is theirs to make.
However, may God, who has mercy on people like me and you,
also grant the same incredible mercy to every True Jesus Church youth.
In the end, we can only humbly surrender ourselves to our heavenly Father.
我們的孩子會選擇喜愛神和真理嗎？
我們不知道。
這個是他們自己要做的決定。
然而，願神憐憫像你我這樣的人，
也給予每一個真耶穌教會青年，有同樣奇妙的憐憫。
最後，我們只能謙卑下來，俯伏下來把自己交給天父。
As Jesus told us, the end is nigh.
May He
“who is able to keep [us] from stumbling,
and to present [us] faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy”
guide us till the last day
(Jude 24).
正如耶穌告訴我們，末日已近，
願那些人祂
“24那能保守你們不失腳、
叫你們無瑕無疵、歡歡喜喜站在他榮耀之前”
帶領我們直到末日。
(猶 24)
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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