In this current age where people are no longer subjected to any fixed form of thinking but have a right to believe in what they want, people are always seeking what is the best for them by observing others around them. Christianity, being the faith with the most number of believers in the world, naturally becomes the hot “target” for people. In this essay, I will talk about how Christians, including Christian youths, can be a testimony to other non-believers, to share the gospel.
God loves us. We know that the Father loves us beyond what we can imagine, shown by the giving of his only Son Jesus Christ for us: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”(John 3:16) Therefore we as Christians should love people more than anyone else. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
God loves us. We know that the Father loves us beyond what we can imagine, shown by the giving of his only Son Jesus Christ for us: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”(John 3:16) Therefore we as Christians should love people more than anyone else. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
I feel that Christians should be at the forefront when it comes to helping the vulnerable and neglected in the society. Healthserve and Tamar Village are two organizations which extend a helping hand to people who are commonly neglected in Singapore. The former to the migrant while the latter to the street ladies. These people’s needs are often ignored and they do not feel loved by the public. This is where Christians across denominations should come together and show love to them. People can then see God’s love in Christians. Christians should not appear as being “different” and “separated” to non-believers. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 ESV)
One commonly asked question among Christian youths is this: Can Christians go clubbing? Liking the atmosphere, socializing and dancing in clubs are not wrong in themselves. The main issue is how Christians act in clubs and how they respond to the things they see in clubs. If Christians go to clubs and show others that they have self-control (like not getting drunk or involving in inappropriate activities) and responding correctly to the things they see (taking a stand when they see people, especially their friends doing inappropriate things in clubs), then they would be good testimony as Christians and show how Christians are not restricted by laws and have freedom. “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
One commonly asked question among Christian youths is this: Can Christians go clubbing? Liking the atmosphere, socializing and dancing in clubs are not wrong in themselves. The main issue is how Christians act in clubs and how they respond to the things they see in clubs. If Christians go to clubs and show others that they have self-control (like not getting drunk or involving in inappropriate activities) and responding correctly to the things they see (taking a stand when they see people, especially their friends doing inappropriate things in clubs), then they would be good testimony as Christians and show how Christians are not restricted by laws and have freedom. “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
That said, if Christians find that they cannot control themselves and thereby sin when they go to clubs, then they should reconsider about going to clubs again. The Bible says, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). It is best thus for Christians not to be in a position where they might fall to sin easily. Also, they should consider if their actions cause others to stumble. “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” (Romans 14:23 ESV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, ESV). Christians are instructed to share the gospel with people of the world. The question here is how? In this multicultural and multi-religious society, how should Christians spread the gospel?
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, ESV). Christians are instructed to share the gospel with people of the world. The question here is how? In this multicultural and multi-religious society, how should Christians spread the gospel?
I feel that the attitude when sharing the gospel in this current age is especially important: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV) Instead of comparing and condemning people with other beliefs, Christians should emphasize on how great the Christian faith is.
The visit to Healthserve made me realize that there are actually various ways to spread the gospel-migrant workers who come to faith in Singapore can share the gospel when they go back to their home country. Rev Tan Tiong Ann also shared another way of sharing the gospel apart from the 4 Spiritual Laws and the Bridge analogy. He mentioned that we should focus on the Birth, Death and Ascension of Jesus Christ, emphasizing Jesus’s life to others instead of being functional, i.e. Jesus came just to die for us. Christians should also bear in mind that ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit at work and not our own.
There is an increasing number of issues popping out in the society: euthanasia, LGBT, etc. However, I feel that no matter what issue arise, Christians should always go back to the Word of God and see what God has to say, thereby responding to issues in ways pleasing to God. Only when we are walking closely with God can we be the light to the world, showing them the way, just as Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”(Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)
There is an increasing number of issues popping out in the society: euthanasia, LGBT, etc. However, I feel that no matter what issue arise, Christians should always go back to the Word of God and see what God has to say, thereby responding to issues in ways pleasing to God. Only when we are walking closely with God can we be the light to the world, showing them the way, just as Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”(Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)
Yew Vei
STEP 2015
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