有个矿泉水的广告词：“我们不生产水，我们只是大自然的搬运工。”意思是他们将大自然的矿泉水‘原汁原味’地运输到客户面前，满足人们喝天然水的需求，仅赚个辛苦钱。听起来很温馨是不是？硬广告时代的宣传让人一目了然，给人一种身临其境的感觉和跃跃欲试的购买欲，OK，广告效果达到了。然而，福音传播绝不仅仅是圣经知识的‘搬运工’，还需要更多的心灵传递和见证。
    在今天的自媒体潮流下，福音传播与硬广告看起来相似但却不尽相同，好像也没有那句话可以让人产生跃跃欲试的欲望去了解福音，因为福音传播绝不仅仅是圣经知识的‘搬运工’，需要把圣经中的‘活水’原汁原味地输送给门徒，还要把传播者与神美好的关系和为此付出的爱和感动给听道的门徒做见证。能够传播的圣经真理一定是由圣灵做载体实现的，如同圣经中喝水的比喻：因为“凡喝这水的还要再渴；人若喝我所赐的水就永远不渴。我所赐的水要在他里头成为泉源，直涌到永生。”(约 4:13-14 和合本)，若非圣灵如活水般的流淌，福音的传递便失去了味道。

    这活水也是来自天父上帝的爱，没有爱的传递，门徒便不会因为福音传播人分享的知识而体会到神或圣灵的感动，单纯的分解经文只能是‘搬运工’，甚至在搬运过程中污染了水，也就是让人听道之后仍然会‘渴’，这样的传递便不是活水的管道。不过本人并不是否定深入查经、解经的益处，只是想从福音传播的角度说一下讲道，以及社交平台上宣传福音需具备的条件，期待与弟兄姐妹们交流：

福音传播人须注意什么？

    ‘福音传播人’泛指牧师、执事、服事同工、传福音的事工等，他们的责任在于按照正义分解圣经的道理，引导门徒正确理解并应用到生活中。选取的经文如下，括号里的英文是取自KJV版本单词做参考：

• 他所赐的，有使徒，有先知，有传福音的(evangelist)，有牧师(pastor)和教师， (以弗所书4:11 和合本)
• 于是把书卷起来，交还执事(minister)，就坐下。会堂里的人都定睛看他。 (路加福音4:20 和合本)
• 基督耶稣的仆人保罗和提摩太写信给凡住腓立比、在基督耶稣里的众圣徒，和诸位监督(bishop)，诸位执事(deacon)。 (腓立比书1:1 和合本)
• 第二天，我们离开那里，来到凯撒利亚，就进了传福音的腓利家里，和他同住。他是那七个执事(evangelist)里的一个。 (使徒行传21:8 和合本)

    圣经里的许多比喻和隐含意思需要福音传播人结合门徒的生活实际讲解出来，否则会给门徒带来不正确的理解，使得圣经的道理在门徒生活中难以实际应用。

1. 解读比喻的意义

    圣经中有许多比喻，这些比喻在不同的历史和文化背景下有其独特的意义。例如，耶稣在《马太福音》13章中讲述了许多关于天国的比喻，如撒种的比喻、芥菜种的比喻和面酵的比喻。福音传播人需要详细解释这些比喻的背景、内容和寓意，使门徒能够理解耶稣所传递的信息。例如，撒种的比喻说明了神的话语在不同心田中产生的不同效果，而芥菜种的比喻则展示了天国从微小的开始到伟大结果的过程。

2. 结合实际生活解释圣经教导

    福音传播人不仅要解释圣经的教导，还要提供具体的生活指导，帮助门徒在现实中应用这些教导。例如，在面对家庭冲突时，福音传播人可以引用《以弗所书》4:26-27：“生气却不要犯罪，不可含怒到日落，也不可给魔鬼留地步。”他可以指导门徒如何在家庭冲突中保持冷静，通过沟通和祷告解决问题，避免让愤怒破坏家庭关系。还比如，《以弗所书》4:29说：“污秽的言语一句不可出口，只要随事说造就人的好话，叫听见的人得益处。”福音传播人可以解释如何在工作场所和家庭生活中应用这段经文，鼓励门徒用言语造就他人，建立和谐的人际关系。

3. 预防错误理解和应用经文

    不正确的理解和应用圣经教导可能带来负面影响。福音传播人需要引导门徒避免断章取义，防止将圣经教导曲解为支持个人偏见或错误行为的依据。例如，某些人可能会错误地使用《哥林多前书》7:1-9中的内容来支持不健康的婚姻观念。福音传播人应当详细解释保罗在这段经文中的真实意图，强调夫妻之间的互爱互敬，避免误解和滥用经文。

4. 警惕碎片化个人‘感动’分享的影响

    福音传播人往往在各自的群体和亲朋好友中有一定的影响力，尤其是‘德高望重’的牧者，当他们把自己灵修、学习时看到的一些对自己有感动的句子分享到朋友圈时，往往会因为众人的经历差异，以至其他人在看后产生其他的想法，甚至会认为这样的言语和自己的实际生活境遇大相径庭，让人感觉自己永远达不到这样的境界，从而失去了对神的信心。

    如果想‘让感动你的灵，加倍感动别人’，建议多将自己对这些话语的的理解和省察自己的结果摆到众人面前，防止‘搬运工’式的分享给他人带来的片面理解。在耶稣基督面前，每个人都需应当省察，心怀谦卑‘搬运’祂的教导，尤其不能借着那些看似高深的‘金句’抬高自己在众人心目中的属灵高度。时刻提醒自己，‘因为世人都犯了罪，亏缺了　神的荣耀，’(罗马书 3:23 和合本)，唯有求主使用自己，让自己的每一次分享都成为众人与神之间的那个仆人式的向导，而不是一个取代神位置或窃取神荣耀的法利赛人。

做活水的管道能救命吗？

    上面是讲福音传播人在讲道、传递福音信息时需提醒爱心传道人的几点，说实话，谁也不能保证每一次的分享都做到这一切，但可以做个标记，无论是对讲道人还是听众都是一个监督。在做主门徒的道路上我们需要做的事情很多，不必着急，毕竟做成活水的管道也是每个人灵命历练的过程，当我们肯放下自己的‘聪明才智’静下来时，我们的主一定愿意与我们共同面对接下来发生的一切，这样的生命岂不强大？补充下面几点：

1. 敬畏神的见证：

    展示自己对神的敬畏和忠诚。通过实际行动表明自己是如何遵循神的教导，如何在每一个决定中寻求神的旨意。《箴言》9:10说：“敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端，认识至圣者便是聪明。”福音传播人应当以身作则，展示对神的敬畏和遵循神的智慧。很多门徒对敬畏神不知所措，不知‘神’会何种形式出现：是乌云密布的天空中伴随闪电和丁达尔光出现吗？还是哈利波特用魔法棒画完了圈后出现？都不是。

    当你从另一个角度理解就明白了：虚己，向外看！是的，当我们面对生活、工作甚至是急难险阻的情况时，把自己的情绪、判断暂且放下，只需说：主啊，求你带领我！然后，等待、聆听你内心的声音和感动你就会有答案去做什么。如果还不知道怎么办？......要进你的内屋，关上门，祷告你在暗中的父。你父在暗中察看，必然报答你。(马太福音 6:6 和合本)这就是祷告的力量和魔力，祷告意味着一个人愿意放下所有的心思意念并全身心俯伏在祂面前祈求，天父在喜悦之余定会赐下拯救生命的粮。

2. 爱与关怀：

    福音传播人的讲道和写作分享应充满对会众的爱与关怀。通过关心会众的实际需求和生活状况，给予他们实际的帮助和鼓励。正如《约翰福音》13:34-35所言：“我赐给你们一条新命令，乃是叫你们彼此相爱；我怎样爱你们，你们也要怎样相爱。你们若有彼此相爱的心，众人因此就认出你们是我的门徒了。”

    福音传播人及教会同工藉着彼此间同心合一的交流分工，通过实际的关怀行动展示对会众的爱和安慰，在这个过程中共同学会放下以自我为中心的骄傲，弃绝以自己为神、高高在上的虚假伪装。让每个人意识到，我们所传播的福音不是高不可攀的条文，而是可以化作我们生命源泉的力量。这份爱与关怀所展现出来的不是我们个人的爱心，而是在不知不觉中成为了天父之爱管道后鲜活生命的样子。

结语

    福音传播人的使命不仅是教导圣经的真理，更是通过自己的生活见证和对神的敬畏，激励会众更深刻地理解和实践信仰。通过分享真实的生活经历和感受，福音传播人能够让听道的人在神的带领下，找到生活的动力和快乐，活出信仰的美好和力量。
    那句广告词是不是可以改成：我们不可手持真理居高自傲，我们只是天父活水的管道。

    愿每一位福音传播人都能成为会众心中的明灯，引导他们在信仰的道路上，勇敢前行，荣耀神的名。阿们。

    让我们一起为此祷告！

（如有建议敬请留言讨论，邮箱：[email protected]）

Self-Media Gospel: From Conveyors of Truth to Conduits of Living Water

There is a slogan for a bottled water ad: “We don’t produce water; we’re merely the transporters of nature.” The idea is that they deliver nature’s pure mineral water directly to customers, satisfying people’s need for natural water while only earning an honest living. It sounds very heartwarming, doesn’t it? In the era of overt advertisements, such straightforward messaging gives a vivid, immersive impression and sparks an eager desire to purchase—an effective ad, indeed. However, the spreading of the Gospel is not merely about “transporting” biblical knowledge; it requires much more: the transmission of the living message of the spirit and heartfelt testimony.

Under today’s self-media trend, the way the Gospel is disseminated might look similar to hard-sell advertising yet is fundamentally different. There seems to be no catchy phrase that instantly excites someone to learn about the Gospel. Gospel transmission is not just about carrying biblical knowledge—it must deliver the “living water” contained in Scripture to disciples in its full, authentic form, while also testifying to the beautiful relationship with God, the love invested, and the deep emotional impact on the hearers. The biblical truth that can be spread is always made effective through the work of the Holy Spirit. Just like the metaphor about water in Scripture:

“Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.””(John 4:13-14 NKJV)

Without the Holy Spirit flowing like living water, the transmission of the Gospel loses its flavor.

That living water comes from the love of the Heavenly Father. Without the transmission of love, disciples will not experience the moving power of God or the Holy Spirit simply through the sharing of biblical knowledge. Breaking down verses on their own reduces one to being merely a “transporter,” and if the water becomes polluted during its transport—that is, if after hearing the message people still feel “thirsty”—then it is not a conduit of living water at all. I am not denying the benefits of in-depth Bible study or exegesis; rather, I want to offer some observations from the perspective of Gospel dissemination on preaching and on the conditions necessary for sharing the Gospel via social platforms. I look forward to discussing these points with fellow brothers and sisters:

What Should the Gospel Messenger Pay Attention To?

The term “Gospel messenger” broadly refers to pastors, deacons, ministry coworkers, evangelistic workers, and others engaged in spreading the Gospel. Their responsibility is to break down the truths of Scripture in a righteous manner and lead disciples to understand and apply them correctly in life. Consider the following biblical passages (the English words in parentheses are taken as reference from the NKJV):

• “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:11)
• “And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.” (Luke 4:20)
• “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:…” (Philippians 1:1)
• “On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him…” (Acts 21:8)

Many of the parables and hidden meanings in the Bible need to be expounded by the Gospel messenger in conjunction with the actual life circumstances of the disciples. Otherwise, it can lead to misunderstandings and prevent Scripture’s truths from being practically applied in the lives of believers.

1. Interpreting the Meaning of Parables

The Bible contains many parables which, in different historical and cultural contexts, carry unique meanings. For instance, in Matthew 13, Jesus tells several parables about the kingdom of heaven—such as the Parable of the Sower, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, and the Parable of the Yeast. Gospel messengers need to carefully explain the background, content, and allegorical significance of these parables so that disciples can understand the message Jesus was conveying. For example, the Parable of the Sower reveals how God’s word produces varied results in different hearts, while the Parable of the Mustard Seed demonstrates the process by which the kingdom of heaven grows from something small into a mighty presence.

2. Explaining Biblical Teachings in the Context of Real Life

Gospel messengers are not only required to explain biblical teachings, but also to offer concrete life guidance that helps disciples apply these teachings in reality. For example, when facing family conflicts, a Gospel messenger might cite Ephesians 4:26-27:

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

They could then advise disciples on how to remain calm during family disputes, to solve problems through communication and prayer, and to prevent anger from damaging family relationships. Similarly, Ephesians 4:29 states:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

A Gospel messenger might explain how to apply this verse at work and at home—encouraging disciples to use their words to build up others and to foster harmonious relationships.

3. Preventing Misinterpretations and Misapplications of Scripture

Incorrect understanding and application of biblical teachings can bring about negative consequences. Gospel messengers need to guide disciples to avoid taking verses out of context or distorting biblical teachings to support personal biases or erroneous behaviors. For example, some might mistakenly use passages from 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 to justify unhealthy views on marriage. The Gospel messenger should carefully explain Paul’s true intent in those verses, emphasizing mutual love and respect between spouses, and thereby preventing misunderstandings or misuse of Scripture.

4. Being Wary of Fragmented, Personal “Inspirational” Shares

Gospel messengers often have considerable influence within their communities and among friends, especially those esteemed pastors. When they share a few sentences that moved them during their devotional time on social media or in groups, differing personal experiences can lead others to form divergent interpretations. Some might even feel that such words are at odds with their own life situations, leaving them feeling they could never reach that level—thus weakening their faith.

If you wish “to let what moves your spirit move others even more,” it is recommended that you share not only the moving words but also your understanding of them and the insights you’ve gleaned through personal reflection. This prevents the “conveyor” style of sharing from giving others a one-sided view. In the presence of Jesus Christ, every individual must examine themselves, humbly “convey” His teachings, and avoid using seemingly profound “golden sentences” as a means to elevate one’s own spiritual stature in the eyes of others. Always remind yourself that

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NKJV)

Only by asking the Lord to use you can each share be transformed into a guiding example—a servant-like guide—between people and God rather than the work of a Pharisee who usurps God’s place or steals His glory.

Can Being a Conduit of Living Water Save Lives?

The above points are meant to remind Gospel messengers what to keep in mind when preaching and sharing Gospel messages. Frankly, no one can guarantee that every sharing will achieve all these aims, but setting such markers helps both the messenger and the audience maintain oversight. On the journey of being a disciple of the Lord, there are many things to be done, and there is no need to be in a rush. Becoming a true conduit of living water is itself a process of spiritual maturation. When we are willing to set aside our own “wisdom” and quiet our hearts, our Lord will be willing to face whatever comes next with us. Isn’t that kind of life powerful? Consider the following additional points:

1. Testimony of Reverence for God

Demonstrate your reverence for and loyalty to God. Show through your actions how you follow God’s teachings and seek His will in every decision. Proverbs 9:10 states:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Gospel messengers should lead by example, showing reverence for God and adhering to divine wisdom. Many disciples feel unsure about what “reverence for God” truly means or what form God might take: do we expect thunder and lightning accompanied by beams of sunlight in a dark sky, or should we picture a Harry Potter–like magical spectacle? Neither is the case.

From another perspective, it is about humbling oneself and looking outward. When faced with life, work, or dire circumstances, set aside your emotions and judgments and simply say, “Lord, please lead me!” Then wait and listen for the inner prompting and inspiration that tells you what to do. And if you still don’t know what to do… then “go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”(Matthew 6:6 NKJV)

This is the power and mystery of prayer—it means that a person is willing to lay aside every thought and devote themselves wholly in humble supplication before Him, and the Father in heaven, pleased by such devotion, will surely provide the bread that saves lives.

2. Love and Care

The preaching and writing of Gospel messengers should be filled with genuine love and concern for the congregation. By caring for the real-life needs and situations of people, offering practical help and encouragement, the messenger demonstrates how Christ’s love works. As Jesus said in John 13:34-35:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

When Gospel messengers and church coworkers share their tasks in unity and division of labor through caring actions, they display love and comfort toward the congregation. In the process, they learn to set aside self-centered pride and discard any false, elevated façade. This helps everyone realize that the Gospel we share isn’t some unattainable set of doctrines but is the living power that becomes the source of our life. The love and care expressed are not merely reflections of our personal affection but, in unknowingly becoming conduits of the Heavenly Father’s love, become the vibrant manifestation of that living life.

(Testimony of Life-Influencing Witnesses: Being a Conduit for God’s Living Water)

Conclusion

The mission of a Gospel messenger is not only to teach biblical truth but also to inspire the congregation—with a personal life testimony and a deep reverence for God—to understand and practice their faith more profoundly. By sharing genuine life experiences and heartfelt impressions, Gospel messengers can help the hearers, under God’s guidance, find the motivation and joy to live out the beauty and power of their faith.

Perhaps we can change that water ad’s slogan to: “We must not hold the truth aloft in pride; we are merely the conduits of the Heavenly Father’s living water.”

May every Gospel messenger become a beacon in the hearts of the congregation, guiding them on their journey of faith with courage and bringing glory to God’s name. Amen.