Introduction引言
The Latin word, “credo” means “I believe,” and it speaks of the deepest convictions an individual can hold to. What is your creed? What is your belief-system?
拉丁字“credo”意思是“我信，”是在讲一个人所拥有、灵魂最深处的确据。你的信条是什么？你的信仰体系是什么？
As you enter into this brief theological journey, you will explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and to hold the belief-system of Christianity as your deepest conviction – your creed.
随着你在这个简短的上帝学旅程路上不断进深，你将会发现成为耶稣基督的门徒并且将基督信仰体系作为你最深处的确据（即信条）意味着什么。
This study is not enough! A genuine investigation of the Christian faith takes a lifetime. Our goal will be simply to begin the conversation. We encourage you to continue this process of discovery as you dig deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ. We also encourage you to seek out a small group of fellow-believers, who can walk with you and help you explore and live-out your faith!
这个学习是不足够的！对基督信仰的真诚探索需要一生的时光。我们课程的目标简单地说，就是开启这个旅程。我们鼓励你，随着你与耶稣基督的关系不断进深，仍然继续这探索的进程。我们也同时鼓励你找到一个由共同信仰者组成的小组，他们可以与你一同行走，帮助你探索，并且活出你的信仰！
Our study will follow an ancient outline of the Christian Faith, found in Luther’s Small Catechism. We will read the entire original catechism (but not all of the additional questions and answers) and cover each of the catechism’s 6 Chief Parts (The Ten Commandments, The Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, Communion, Confession & Absolution)
我们的学习会沿用在路德信仰小问答中可以找见的基督信仰古老框架。我们会读整个的信仰问答原著（但并不是包括所有的解释性问答）和覆盖信仰问答的六个主要部分（十诫，信条，主祷文，洗礼，圣餐，认罪&赦罪）
As a companion to this course, you will receive a copy of Luther’s Small Catechism as well as additional supporting materials.
和这个课程一起，你将会收到一本路德信仰小问答，以及其它辅助性资料。
Our outline is as follows:
我们的课程大纲如下：
Part 1-The Life of Faith: The Gospel & The Creed
部分1.信心的生命：福音和信经（信条）
Part 2-Spiritual Life: Worship, Baptism, Confession, and Communion
部分2. 属灵的生命：敬拜，洗礼，认罪，和圣餐
Part 3- The Obedient Life: Ten Commandments & The Lord’s Prayer
部分3. 顺服的生命：十诫和主祷文
Part 4-The Missional Life: Your Calling and the Mission of God
部分4. 宣教的生命：上帝对你的呼召（即天职）和使命
Are you ready? Then let’s begin our journey!
你准备好了吗?让我们一同行走在这个旅程中！
Part 1 – The Life of Faith: The Gospel & The Creed
部分1-信心的生命：福音和信条
There are a lot of BIG QUESTIONS to be answered in our world. A lot of people choose to ignore the big questions, preferring just to “enjoy life” in blissful ignorance. But even those who wish to ignore the BIG questions cannot ultimately avoid them.
在我们生活的世界中，有许多很大的问题需要答案。很多人选择忽略这些重大的人生问题，更喜欢在似乎幸福的麻木中“享受人生。”但是即使这些想要忽视这些重大问题的人也不能完全逃避它们。
Six Questions that need to be answered:
需要回答的六个问题：
Origins – How did everything come to exist? (Genesis 1:1-3)
起源-每个事物如何存在的？（创1:1-3）
Identity – Who am I? (Genesis 1:26-27, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
身份-我是谁？（创1:26-27; 林后5:17）
Purpose – Why do I exist? (Micah 6:8, Ephesians 2:10)
目的-我为何存在？（弥6:8, 弗2:10）
Problem – What’s wrong with the world? What’s wrong with me? (Genesis 3:17-19, 23; Romans 8:20)
问题-这个世界出了什么问题？我出了什么问题？（创3:17-19,23; 罗8:20）
Solution – Can the problem be solved and how? (Romans 3:23-25, Romans 8:21)
解决-问题能够解决吗？怎么解决？（罗3:23-25, 罗8:21）
Destiny – What happens when I die? (Revelation 21:5-8)
归宿-我死后会发生什么？（启21:5-8）
Briefly discuss how the world (including different religions and philosophies) might answer each of the questions above. Then read the Bible passages associated with each question and discuss how God answers these questions.
简单地探讨下这个世界（包括不同的宗教和哲学）是如何回应以上每个问题的。然后查考每个问题相关的经文，并讨论上帝是如何回答这些问题的。
God’s answers are found in HIS story – the Bible!
上帝的答案可以在祂的故事(History)-圣经中找到！
God answers the biggest questions in our lives by telling us all about history and His actions throughout time. God’s story is told in three movements:
上帝告诉我们关于历史的全部以及祂在历史进程当中的作为，并藉此回答我们生命当中的重大问题。上帝的故事以三种方式阐述：
Creation (Genesis 1-2) Creation answers the questions of Origins, Identity and Purpose. God, the Father, by His creative Word brought all things into being. He is the source and the cause of our existence. He establishes our identity. And He created us with a purpose.
创造（创世纪1-2章）创造回答了起源，身份和目的这些问题。上帝，圣父，藉着祂具有创造能力的道来使万物从无到有。祂是源头，也是我们存在的始因。祂赋予我们身份。祂带着一个目的创造了我们。
The Fall (Genesis 3) The fall answers the question of Problem – What’s wrong with the world and what’s wrong with me? SIN! Selfish rebellion against God and the resulting physical effects are devastating. Having been enticed by the devil and his lies, our fall into sin has distorted our understanding of Origins, Identity and Purpose, corrupting us, and leading us in paths of destruction. The Bible says that we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1) – in other words, sin is a problem that we cannot solve.
堕落（创世纪3章）堕落回答了“问题”这个题目-这个世界出现了什么状况？我出了什么状况？罪！对上帝的自私反叛和由此带来的结果是具有摧毁性的。由于一直受到魔鬼和他谎言的引诱，我们深陷罪中，这使得我们对起源、身份以及目的的理解变得扭曲，败坏着我们，带领我们走在灭亡的路上。圣经说我们在罪中是死的（以弗所书2:1）-换句话说，罪是一个我们不能克服的问题。
Redemption & Sanctification (Genesis 4 – Revelation 22) Redemption & Sanctification answers the questions of Solution and Destiny. Since sin is a problem that we cannot solve, the only solution can come from outside of us. And Jesus, the only son of God, is that solution. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again conquering sin, death and the devil. He is our victory and by His Holy Spirit, He sets us on a new path, in which our understanding of Origins, Identity and Purpose are renewed and we have confidence in our eternal destiny.
救赎和成圣（创世纪4章至启示论22章）救赎和成圣回答了如何解决罪和人归宿的问题。因为罪是一个我们不能自己解决的问题，所以那唯一的解决方式可以在我们以外兴起。耶稣，上帝的独生儿子，就是那问题解决的道。祂曾经毫无瑕疵地活在地上，代替我们死在十字架上，并且从死里复活，胜过了罪、死亡和魔鬼。祂是我们得胜的王，藉着祂的圣灵，祂给我们开了一条新的路，好叫我们对起源、身份以及目的的理解可以更新，并且对我们永恒的归宿有确据。
A Personal Problem, A Personal Promise
一个针对你个人的问题，一个针对你个人的应许
The story of Scripture, from Creation through the Fall and up to Redemption and Sanctification may be one that you’ve heard many times before (we confess it together each week in the words of the Creed!), or this may be the first time you’ve ever really heard it. Either way we shouldn’t leave today without understanding the personal nature of this story.
圣经故事，从创造，到堕落，再到救赎和成圣，你可能已经听过许多遍了（我们每周都在信经中告白它），或许这是你第一次真正地听到。不论怎样，我们今天离开时，不应该没有对这个故事有针对个人之属性的理解。
God’s story is not just ancient history with no bearing on your life! It’s not some empty, mindless and heartless religious practice. God answers your questions. God addresses your fears, your doubts! The story is for you and about you.
上帝的故事并非只是古老的历史，好像对你的生命没有什么印记一样！也不是一些空洞的，毫无思想和头脑的宗教操练。上帝回应你的问题。上帝回应你的恐惧，你的疑惑！这故事是为你而写的，也是关于你的。
It shows you your problem: SIN (we call this the LAW)
它向你显明你的问题：罪（我们称之为律法）
It shows you God’s solution: OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST (we call this the GOSPEL)
它向你显明上帝的解决之道：我们的救赎主，耶稣基督（我们称之为福音）
Studying the Scriptures:
查考经文：
Read Ephesians 2:1-10
读以弗所书2:1-10
What does this tell us about humanity?
这段经文告诉我们关于人的什么？
What does this tell us about God?
这段经文告诉我们关于上帝的什么？
How do we see both LAW and GOSPEL in this passage?
我们如何在这段经文中同时看见律法和福音？
God’s promise to you in Jesus Christ is this: He died in your place, taking the punishment for your sins, and because of His death and His resurrection from the dead, you are forgiven. By faith in Him and His promises, you have the assurance of a loving relationship with God, everlasting life, and the calling to walk in the works that God has prepared for you.
上帝在耶稣基督里赐给你的应许是：耶稣基督替你死，担负你的罪所带来的惩罚，并且因着祂的死亡和从死里复活，你被赦免。藉着在祂和祂应许里面的信心，你可以有与上帝在爱中相交、享受永生的确据，并且蒙受呼召行走在上帝已经为你预备的善工中。
In the Catechism:
在信仰问答里：
Read the Apostle’s Creed and explanations from Luther’s Small Catechism.
读路德信仰小问答中的使徒信经及其解释部分。
Creeds are statements of faith. When we confess the Creed we say, “I agree— this is what I believe to be true.”
信经（信条）是信仰的陈述。当我们告白信经时，我们说，“我同意…这是我所信为真实的。”
The Apostle’s Creed is divided into three main segments, each concerning a person of the Holy Trinity and His actions in History and in our lives. First, the Father who creates; Second, the Son who redeems; Third, the Spirit who sanctifies.
使徒信经分为三个版块，每一个版块是关于圣三一真上帝中的一个位格，以及祂在历史和我们生命中的作为。首先是圣父创造；其次是圣子救赎；最后是使人成圣的圣灵。
How does the Creed answer our questions and retell God’s story?
信经如何回答我们的问题，以及它是如何重述上帝的故事的？
What words or phrases jump out at you as you read the creed and its explanation?
当你读信经和它的解释时，哪些单词或者句子对你印象最深？
Do you have more questions about the Bible, forgiveness and what it means to have a personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ? Please speak up. Ask in class, stay afterward to talk with the pastor, or send an email.
你有更多关于圣经，赦罪以及与耶稣基督建立个人信仰关系的问题吗？请讲出来。在课堂上问，或者结束后留下来与牧师交谈，也可稍后发邮件询问。
Part 2 – Spiritual Life: Worship, Baptism, Confession, and Communion
部分2. 属灵的生命：敬拜，洗礼，认罪，圣餐
In Part 1 we looked at the foundation of Faith, rooted in hearing and believing God’s Word – both the Law and the Gospel! In Part 2 we will explore what it means to live the “Spiritual Life.” When we hear the term, “Spiritual Life,” we often think of a list of practices or disciplines that we perform in order to be more spiritual. But true Christian Spirituality is not rooted in us, but in God. Living the spiritual life means experiencing the power and presence of God’s life-giving Spirit through Worship, Baptism, Confession & Absolution, and The Lord’s Supper. These gifts of God comprise the rhythm of Worship and the Spiritual life, as we meet with God and receive His blessings each day.
第一部分我们探讨了信仰的基础，是植根于聆听和信从上帝的道-包括律法和福音！接下来第二部分我们会探讨什么是活出“属灵的生命。”当我们听到这个“属灵的生命”时，我们通常会想到一个我们可以为了更加属灵来进行的操练或纪律清单。但是真正的基督徒生命不是植根于我们自己，乃是上帝。活出属灵的生命意思是藉着敬拜，洗礼，认罪和赦罪，还有圣餐来经验赐生命的圣灵上帝的权能和同在。随着我们每一天与上帝相遇并且领受祂的祝福，这些上帝的恩赐就包括了敬拜的旋律和属灵的生命。
Re-read the Third Article of the Apostle’s Creed and its Explanation
再读使徒信经第三版块及其解释
The Creed and Explanation paint a picture of the Holy Spirit as the one who gives and sustains our faith. The means by which the Spirit works are His Word and the Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper). For this reason, Christian Worship is comprised of and defined by the Word and Sacrament.
信经和解释将圣灵描绘成那位赐予并供应我们信心的上帝。圣灵作工的媒介就是祂的道和圣礼（洗礼和圣餐）。因着这个原因，圣道和圣礼组成并定义基督信仰的敬拜。
What is Worship?
什么是敬拜？
Worship begins with God. It is the Divine Service because God serves us in worship. He serves us His Word, including both Law and Gospel. He serves us by washing (even drowning and reviving) us in Baptism and by affirming our Baptism through Confession and Absolution. He serves us a meal of forgiveness and fellowship through the Lord’s Supper.
敬拜开始于上帝。敬拜是“神圣的供养”因为上帝在敬拜中服侍我们。祂喂养我们祂的道，包括律法和福音。祂藉着在洗礼中洗净（甚至淹死，重生）我们，和藉着透过认罪和赦罪来坚振我们的洗礼服侍我们。祂透过圣餐服侍给我们一个满有赦罪恩典和团契相交的筵席。
Of course, we do act in Worship. We sing songs of praise and thanksgiving, we pray with gratitude and expectation, and we confess our faith and our sin. And again, God acts, hearing and answering our prayers, forgiving our sins, and calling us to live a new life in His power.
当然，我们也在敬拜中参与。我们唱赞美和感恩的诗歌，我们以感恩和期盼来祷告，并且我们告白我们的信仰和我们的罪。同时，上帝也参与其中，祂聆听并且回应我们的祷告，赦免我们的罪，呼召我们在祂的权能里面活出一个新的生命。
Is worship meant to be a corporate or an individual practice/experience? (Read Ephesians 2:19-22, Hebrews 10:24-25)
敬拜是公众式的，还是个人式的操练/经验？（读以弗所书2:19-22，希伯来书10:24-25）
The means of Grace
恩典的媒介
God uses means to communicate His grace – that is, His unconditional love and promises – to you and to me. These means are the Word and the Sacraments.
上帝藉着媒介来赐下祂的恩典（祂无条件的爱和应许）给你和我。这些媒介就是圣道和圣礼。
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17
读提摩太后书3:16-17
What important truth does this passage teach us about the Bible?
这段经文教导我们什么关于圣经的重要真理？
Read Romans 10:11-17
读罗马书10:11-17
How does this passage convey the importance of God’s Word as a means of grace?
这段经文如何传达上帝的道作为一个恩典媒介的重要性？
Read 1 John 1:5-10
读约翰一书1:5-10
What specific truths does God’s Word convey to us in this passage?
上帝的道在这段经文中传达给我们什么特别的真理？
What about the Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper)?
圣礼是如何的（洗礼和圣餐）？
There are two extreme positions regarding the Sacraments. One is to treat them as magical rites that impart grace to whomever receives them, with or without faith. The other extreme is to regard them as symbolic rites, devoid of God’s power and presence.
关于圣礼有两种极端的立场。一种是将之视为具有魔法效力的仪式，可以传递恩典给任何领受圣礼的人,无论是带着信心，或者不带着信心的。另一种极端是将之视为符号式的仪式，毫不具备上帝的权能和同在。
We seek to avoid both extremes as we recognize that:
我们避免这两种极端，且认信：
Jesus Himself ordained and instituted the Sacraments.
耶稣祂自己吩咐并设立了圣礼。
They include the promise of God – namely, the Gospel.
圣礼包含上帝的应许-即福音。
The promise is tied to and conveyed by a physical element.
应许附着于一个实在的质并藉着它传递。
For these reasons, the Sacraments carry with them the same power as the Gospel itself. Like the Gospel, when received by faith, the Sacraments work forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. Because God uses the Sacraments as a means of grace, we now have God’s presence and promise in a tangible form. The Sacraments are powerful because in them God serves us and by His Spirit, works faith and salvation in us.
因着这些原因，圣礼和福音本身一样携带着同样的权柄能力。正如福音一样，当藉着信心被领受时，圣礼也生发赦罪，生命和救赎。因为上帝使用圣礼作为恩典的媒介，我们现在能够以一种可见的方式享受上帝的同在和应许。圣礼是满有能力的，因为上帝藉着圣礼服侍我们，靠着祂的圣灵，在我们里面生发信心和救赎。
Studying the Scriptures and the Catechism:
查考经文和信仰问答：
Read the sections on Baptism and the Lord’s Supper in Luther’s Small Catechism
读路德信仰小问答中的洗礼和圣餐部分
What questions or thoughts did you have as you read these sections?
当你读这些的时候，有什么问题或想法吗？
How do the Baptism and the Lord’s Supper meet the three requirements above? (see Matthew 26:26-28, Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 6:1-4)
洗礼和圣餐如何满足以上列出的三个条件？（读马太福音26:26-28；28:18-20，罗马书6:1-4）
What role should the Sacraments play in our Spiritual Life? (Read John 6:53-58 & John 13:8)
圣礼在我们的属灵生命中扮演什么角色？（读约翰福音6:53-58; 13:8）
Read the section on Confession and Absolution in Luther’s Small Catechism
读路德信仰小问答中的认罪和赦罪部分
The power in Confession and Absolution is the personal application of God’s promise. You confess to God and you receive forgiveness. The Gospel is for YOU. Christ’s work on the cross paid the price for YOUR salvation and YOUR sins are forgiven.
认罪和赦罪中的权能就是上帝应许的个人式应用。你向着上帝认罪，然后领受赦罪恩典。福音是赐给你的。基督在十字架上的工作为你的救赎付了代价，好叫你的罪得赦免。
That God chooses to use pastors as the messengers of forgiveness, does not elevate a man, but makes the proclamation of forgiveness all the more personal.
上帝选择使用牧师作为赦罪信息的传达者，这并不是要抬举一个人，乃是要使得赦罪福音的宣扬更加个人化。
As you reflect on what we’ve discussed in Part 2, how would you define or describe the Spiritual life?
反思我们已经在第二部分中探讨的内容，你会如何定义或者描述属灵生命呢？
Do you have more questions about spirituality or do you desire private confession and absolution? Please stay afterward to talk with the pastor, or send an email.
你有更多关于属灵方面的问题，或者你渴望个人的认罪与赦罪吗？请稍后留下来与牧师交谈，或者发邮箱联系。
Part 3 – The Obedient Life: Ten Commandments & The Lord’s Prayer
部分3- 顺服的生命：十诫和主祷文
So far we’ve explored the life of faith and the life of the Spirit. In Part 3 we’ll explore how God’s Word guides us in our understanding of daily life in this world. We’ll look particularly at the 10 Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer as guides for a daily life of obedience to God.
至此，我们已经探讨了信心的生命和圣灵引导的生命。接下来在第三部分中，我们将会探讨上帝的道（话语）如何引导我们对这个世界中日常生活的理解。我们会着重读十诫和主祷文，将之作为过一个顺服上帝日常生活的标杆。
Law and Gospel foundation
律法和福音基础
When we speak of a life of obedience to God, we never want to lose sight of the central message and purpose of the Scripture as it teaches us both the Law and the Gospel.
当我们谈起一个顺服上帝的生命时，我们绝不想忽视那同时教导我们律法和福音之圣经的中心信息和目的。
How would you describe the purpose of the Law (see Part 1 for a reminder)?
你如何描述律法的目的呢？（回顾第一部分内容）
How would you describe the purpose of the Gospel (see Part 1 for a reminder)?
你如何描述福音的目的呢？（回顾第一部分内容）
Three uses of the Law:
律法的三个功用：
So far we have talked about one use of God’s Law. But when we speak of obedience, we are actually concerned with the third use of the Law.
到目前为止，我们已经谈了上帝律法的其中一个功用。但当谈起顺服时，我们实际上是关注律法的第三个功用。
- The Law is a curb or restraint against wickedness in the world.
律法是对世界败坏的一个缰绳或者约束。 - The Law shows us our sin.
律法向我们显明我们的罪。 - The Law is a guide for Christian living.
律法是基督徒生活的一个标杆。
Remember: Obedience is never a way to earn God’s favor or to gain or keep our salvation. Rather, obedience is the result of the Spirit’s sanctifying work in us as we cease to live for ourselves and begin to live for Christ. (2 Cor. 5:15)
请记住：顺服永远不是一种赚取上帝恩惠或者保守我们得救的方式。相反地，顺服是圣灵在我们里面做成圣功夫的结果，即我们停止为我们自己活，并开始为着基督而活。（林后5:15)
Read Romans 12:1-2, 9-21 and 1 Peter 1:13-25
读罗马书12:1-2; 9-21和彼得前书1:13-25
How do these passages maintain a proper of balance of Law and Gospel as it calls for obedience to God?
这些经文在呼召我们顺服上帝的时候，是如何持守律法和福音之间的恰当平衡呢？
What particular commands does God give us in these passages?
上帝在这些经文中赐给我们什么特别的命令？
Describe the character and lifestyle of a Godly man or woman mentioned in these passages.
请描述在这些经文中出现的敬虔弟兄或姊妹的品格和生活方式。
The Commandments of God
上帝的诫命
The Law of God is structured as follows:
上帝的律法可归类如下：
First is the Great Commandment: Mark 12:28-31 (cf. Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18b). The Great Commandment deals with 1) our relationship with God, and 2) our relationships with one another.
首先是最大的诫命：马可福音12:28-31（参 申命记6:5，利未记19:18b).最大的诫命涉及1）我们与上帝的关系 和2）我们彼此之间的关系
Second is the Ten Commandments: Exodus 20:3-17. The Ten Commandments also deal with (1-3) our relationship with God and (4-10) our relationships with one another.
其次是十诫：出埃及记20:3-17.十诫也涉及到（1-3诫命）我们人与上帝的关系，和（4-10诫命）我们人彼此之间的关系
Third is the “Case” Law: These commands are found throughout the Bible and describe specific ways (cases) in which the people of God were/are meant to live out their relationship with God and with one another.
第三是“境况”律法：这些命令在圣经中到处都可以找到，描述了特定的方式（境况），上帝的百姓在过去和现在都被要求以这些方式或境况活出他们与上帝的，及他们彼此之间的关系。
Studying the Scriptures and the Catechism:
查考圣经和信仰问答：
Read through the Ten Commandments and their explanations in Luther’s Small Catechism
读路德信仰小问答中的十诫和解释部分
For each commandment/explanation identify the action that is prohibited and the action that is required.
每一条诫命/解释都定规了禁止的行为，和当作的行为。
What new things did you hear about God’s call to holy, obedient living?
关于上帝对圣洁，顺服生命的呼召，你听到了什么新的内容？
Which of the Commandments did you find most convicting and why?
你发现哪一条诫命是最具有说服力的，为什么？
Read through the Lord’s Prayer and its explanation in Luther’s Small Catechism
读路德信仰小问答中的主祷文及其解释
The Lord’s Prayer is not a list of commands, but of petitions we make to God. But there is a strong relationship between the petitions and our patterns of life. The prayer teaches something about our fundamental relationship to God and it calls upon God to form us and make us into the people He desires us to be.
主祷文不是上帝给出的一串吩咐，而是我们向着上帝所做的祈求。但是在祈求和我们生活的方式之间有一种很强的关系。祷文教导一些关于我们与上帝之间本质关系的事情，并且它是在呼求上帝来塑造我们，使我们成为祂所期望我们成为的人。
As you read through the petitions and explanations, what new things did you hear?
当你读主祷文和解释部分时，你有什么新发现呢？
Which of the petitions did you find most powerful and personal today?
现在你来讲出哪一条祷文对你来说是最有能力，最切身的？
Do you have more questions about what it means to live a life that is pleasing and obedient to God? Please stay afterward to talk with the pastor, or send an email.
你有更多关于什么是活出一个顺服、喜悦上帝的生命的问题吗？请稍后留下来与牧师交谈，或者发邮件。
Part 4 – The Life of a Follower: Your Calling and the Mission of God
部分4. 一个跟随主的生命：上帝对你的呼召和负担
In Parts 1-3, we looked at the life of Faith, the life of the Spirit, and the life of Obedience to God. In each case, we recognized the fundamental truth that “it is God who works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) In our final session, we will explore the Mission of God and consider how the Great Commission is meant to be lived out by every Christian, everywhere, every day.
在部分1-3中，我们查考了信心的生命，圣灵引导的生命，以及顺服上帝的生命。每一部分中，我们看见那最根本的真理，就是“因为你们立志行事，都是上帝在你们心里运行，为要成就他的美意。”（腓立比书2:13）在我们的最后这部分中，我们将要探索上帝所赐的负担，并思考上帝如何透过最大诫命来呼召每一个基督徒，在任何地方，任何时候活出这样的生命。
What’s your calling?
你的呼召是什么？
Do you know what your calling is? Many people have never asked that question or never found a satisfying answer and so rather than live with purpose, they just live day by day, fulfilling their immediate desires or requirements.
你知道上帝对你的呼召是什么吗？许多人从来没有问过这个问题，或者从来没有找到一个满意的答案，以至于他们不再带着使命活着，而是仅仅过一天算一天，满足他们即时的愿望或要求。
How would you answer the question, “What is your calling?”
你如何回答这个问题，“什么是你的呼召？”
In the Lutheran Church, we view calling (vocation) as the unique way in which God calls us to live out the two great commandments (1. Love God; 2. Love your neighbor). Our calling includes things we choose, and things that God expects of us based upon our situation in life. In the catechism, the section on “Table of Duties,” describes some of those Biblical expectations.
在路德会里面，我们将呼召（天职）视为特殊的方式，藉着它，上帝呼召我们活出两个最大的诫命（1.爱上帝；2. 爱你们的邻舍）。我们的呼召包括我们选择的东西，和上帝基于我们的生活境况从我们身上期许的东西。在信仰问答中，信徒职责录版块描述了这样一些遵照圣经的期望。
As people describe their calling or purpose they often think of one or more of the following categories / aspects:
当人们描述他们的呼召或者目的时，他们通常会想到下面类别/方面中的一个或更多：
Personal happiness or fulfillment. (I want to be happy.)
个人的幸福或满足。（我想要快乐。）
Relational happiness or fulfillment. (I want my family to be happy.)
关系中的幸福或满足。（我想要我的家人快乐。）
Helping or serving people in need. (I want to help people.)
帮助或服侍有需要的人。（我想要帮助人。）
Pointing others to God. (I want people to know God, who forgives and gives life and help to all who trust Him.)
带领他人归向上帝。（我想要人认识那位赦免人的罪，赐给人生命并且乐于帮助所有信靠祂之人的上帝。）
How do you see each of these aspects of “calling” at work in your life?
你如何看待你生命中“呼召”的这些方面？
What does it mean for you to point others to God?
带领人归向上帝是什么意思？
“Christianity is one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread.” (D.T. Niles)
“基督信仰就是一个乞丐告诉另一个乞丐他在哪里寻找到了面包。”（但.塔.奈尔斯）
The Great Commission
大使命
Read the following passages and describe what each passage teaches us about the calling of God’s people:
读下面的经文，并描述每一段教导我们关于上帝百姓的呼召的什么：
Matthew马太福音 28: 18-20
Acts 使徒行传1:8
1 Peter 彼得前书2:9
What impresses or scares you about the calling of God’s people?
关于上帝百姓的呼召，有什么使你印象深刻或者震惊的？
How can you live out the calling of “priest,” loving God and your neighbor?
你如何能够活出“祭司”职分的呼召，去爱上帝，爱你的邻舍呢？
Who can you pray for? (Going to God for the sake of others)
你能够为谁祷告呢？（为了他人的益处来到上帝面前）
Who can you spend time with? (Being in the World, but not of the World)
你能够和谁在一起呢？（在世界中，但不属于这个世界）
Who can you serve? (Being good news through sacrificial service in your context)
你能够服侍谁呢？（在你的境况中透过牺牲的服侍来成为好消息）
Who can you share your faith with? (Proclaiming the good news of Christ.)
你能够与谁分享你的信仰呢？（宣扬基督的好消息.)
Joining God’s Mission in your Neighborhood!
将上帝所赐的使命带进你的社区！
God is on a mission to bring forgiveness and life to the world through His Son, Jesus Christ. And He has called us, His people, to join Him on that mission. We join Him by embracing our identity and our calling as Christians and by living out that identity and calling in the situations and vocations that God has placed us in.
上帝在行使一个负担，那就是藉着祂的儿子，耶稣基督将赦罪和赐生命的恩典带给这个世界。祂也呼召我们，祂的百姓，来加入到这个使命当中。我们藉着拥抱我们作为基督徒的身份和呼召，并且在上帝将我们放置的环境和职业中活出那个身份和呼召，与祂同工。
Start in your own neighborhood / context. In the diagram to the right, draw yourself in the middle square.
从你自己的社区/境况中开始。将你自己放在右边图示中的正中方格里面。
Name 8 unbelievers who God has put around you. They could be friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, etc. How can you get to know them better? Have you asked them to allow you to pray for them? How can you begin a spiritual conversation?
列出上帝放在你身边的8个未信主者。他们可以是朋友，亲人，邻居，同事，等等。你如何更好地认识他们呢？你有问过他们是否愿意你为他们祷告吗？你如何开启一个关乎灵魂的谈话呢？
As you seek to live in God’s mission, always ask yourself: 1)What is God doing here? 2)How can I join him?
Do you have more questions about what it means to live a life of missional purpose? Please stay afterward to talk with the pastor, or send an email.
当你竭力活在在上帝的使命中时，总是要问你自己：1）上帝正在这里做什么？2）我如何与祂同工呢？
你有更多关于什么是活出一个有使命导向的生命的问题吗？请稍后留下来与牧师交谈，或者发邮件沟通。
Conclusion
结论
We hope you have been enriched by this four-part study of Christian Theology and the teachings of the Lutheran Church. This class is just a beginning. It’s important that from here you take some next steps:
我们所盼望的就是你能够从这些分为四部分的基督教神学内容和路德宗教义中得着喂养和坚固。这个课程仅仅是一个开始。你从这里出发并接着走下面的路是很重要的：
Next Steps:
接下来的路程：
CONNECT with God’s People in Faith and Life Together
与上帝的百姓在信仰和生活上一起连结
GROW in your Faith Relationship with God
在你与上帝的信仰关系中成长
GO to your Friends, Family, Neighbors and Co-Workers and share God’s love through Word and Deed.
去到你的朋友，亲人，邻居和同事当中，藉着圣道和好行为来分享上帝的爱
We want to encourage you to take a next step in each of these areas. Your group leader will have additional information to share with you about upcoming opportunities to take next steps with the local church community.
我们想鼓励你在这些领域的每一项中更向前一步。关于当地教会社区中你可以参与的服侍机会，你的小组领袖会有更多的信息分享。
Affirmation of Faith
信仰坚证
Having completed this brief course, the only thing left is to affirm your own faith and commitment to Christ. For many of you this is simply a reaffirmation of what you already have believed and confessed for years. For others, this is the first time you have formally affirmed your faith.
完成这个简短的课程后，唯一还没做的就是坚证你自己对基督的信仰和委身。这对你们当中的大部分人来说，仅仅是对你已经相信和告白很多年的东西的一个重新坚振。对其他人来说，这是第一次正式地坚证你的信仰。
Confession of Faith (For a formal rite of Confirmation, open to LSB 272-274)
信仰告白（若需正式的坚振礼，请打开LSB路德宗崇拜手册272-274页）
Do you believe that God makes a covenant with you in Baptism? Yes / No
你相信上帝在圣洗礼中与你立约吗？ 是/否
Do you renounce the devil, and all his works and ways? Yes / No
你愿意弃绝撒旦，和他一切的工作和方式吗？ 是/否
Do you believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, His only Son, and the Holy Spirit? Yes / No
你相信圣父，祂的独生子耶稣基督，和圣灵三位一体的上帝吗？ 是/否
Do you believe the Bible to be the true and inspired Word of God? Yes / No
你相信圣经是真实无误，并且是上帝所默示的话语吗？ 是/否
Do you believe the teachings of the Christian Faith as you have learned them
from Luther’s Small Catechism to be biblically faithful and true? Yes / No
你相信这些从基督信仰小问答学到的基督信仰教导是忠实于圣经，
并且是真实的吗？ 是/否
Do you desire and intend to hear the Word of God
and receive the Lord’s Supper faithfully? Yes / No
你渴望并且意愿听上帝的道，和忠实地领受圣餐吗？ 是/否
Do you intend, by the grace of God, to remain steadfast in your confession of faith,
and to conform your life with the teachings of the divine Word,
walking in faith and truth, even unto death? Yes / No
你意愿，靠着上帝的恩典，持守你的信仰告白，照着圣道的教导来生活，
在信心和真理中行走，即使要付上生命为代价吗？ 是/否
Completion of CREDO Classes: Completed?
认信课程完成情况： 完成？
Session 1 – The Life of Faith: The Gospel & The Creed
部分1.信心的生命：福音与信经
Session 2 – Spiritual Life: Worship, Baptism, and Confession, Communion
部分2. 属灵的生命：敬拜，洗礼，认罪，圣餐
Session 3 – The Obedient Life: Ten Commandments & The Lord’s Prayer
部分3. 顺服的生命：十诫&主祷文
Session 4 – The Missional Life: Your Calling and the Mission of God
部分4. 宣教的生命：上帝对你的呼召和使命
Your affirmation of this faith and your intention to practice it by the grace of God and the power of His Holy Spirit, make you a confirmed Lutheran. If this is the first time you have made such an affirmation, please sign and date this page below and share it with your Pastor.
你对这信仰的坚证和意愿藉着上帝的恩典以及祂圣灵的能力来操练之，使得你成为一位坚证的路德宗基督徒。如果这是你第一次做出这样的坚证，请签署下面内容，并递交给你的牧师。
Confirmand Pastor
受坚证人 牧师
________________________ ________________________
Print Name打印名字 Date日期 Print Name打印名字 Date日期
________________________ ________________________
Sign Name手签名字 Date日期 Sign Name 手签名字 Date日期
Note: This CREDO was originally written by a Lutheran Pastor(LCMS); translated into Chinese by Gary, proofread by Wendy
备注：该认信课程英文原版由一位路德宗牧师(LCMS)所写，中文版由Gary 翻译，Wendy校对！
2016.09.09
Lutheran Translation Society路德宗翻译社(Public Domain版权开放）
lutheranchina@gmail.com https://lutheranchina.org