The person who wrote the page made a very very big mistake.
The alternate definitions are not definitions for a christian teen...they are definitions that the normal 'teen' has come up with! The alternate definition propose what 'teens' think about an issue not what we as Christians should think.
in the zondervan teen study bible 1998...Witnessing: alternate definition - telling your friends about God and sometimes having them laugh at you.
Most teens (with the exception of those that already have it instilled properly in them) will see the "laugh at you" and not heed anything else.
The purpose of the alternate definition is to show what the normal average teen thinks...it does not promote or encourage that thought...on the contrary it shows why that is wrong.
How does it show that is wrong?
Brother Roger,
I can tell you've never physically picked up a Teen Study Bible before or else you would never have asked those questions.
I have had the Teen Study Bible for 6 years. I find many of the issues discussed to be very mediocre ones and the way in which the study bible tries to be "fit, hip, and cool" to be very superficial. In my opinion, it is not a good study bible.
However, there is nothing wrong with the study bible and it does not imply what that link was saying. I strongly...very strongly suggest you reread that thing very very closely. Read between the lines and you will find the real motive of the author. I challenge everyone to find out what that is. Hint: the author is very green.
Here is what the graphic sheet for witnessing says just to show you exactly and entirely what it says (in fact...if i could show you all of the graphic sheets in its entirety...you will find out that what the author states in the link is obviously wrong)
Witnessing: to see or hear or experience something and to testify to its occurrence
Alternate Definition: telling your friends about God and sometimes having them laugh at you
"How do i lead my friends ot Christ without them getting mad at me? Why is it so hard? How can I witness to my friends? How do I talk to them about God without being too nosy? What if they laugh at me?"
What did you say?
Keep the focus on Jesus. He's the one who died to win your forgivenss. He's the one who brings you to God. He's the one to whom you want to introduce your friends.
Roamns 10:14
How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
Matthew 10:19-20
Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
You can earn the right to witness by being real. By taking an honest interest in tohers. By being friendly. By stating what you believe without attacking others or putting them down. When you earn respect some may still laugh, but they'll listen to what you say.
That is the text scattered on teh graphics sheet for witnessing. Apparently, the alternate definition is not exactly what the author of the link described.
For any teen or person reading the graphic sheets...it is readily obvious that the alternate definition is not something we're suppose to take heed of. Brother Roger, I think this would answer both your questions.
Remember that the Teen Study Bible is put in the perspective of teens. Unfortunately I find it a little naive and mediocre but this aims to cover 13 to 19 year olds. I think this bible is better for 13, 14, 15 than 16 +.
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