 Christianity is the counter-culture (1 Peter 2:11). To the general public, many Christian principles are considered radical, including our views on property, sex, family, life after death, and our priorities during our life on earth. Some argue such beliefs could lead to terrorism. But Christ when insulted didn’t retaliate, when suffered made no threat. Instead, He served and died for His enemies. Genuine followers of Christ couldn’t become terrorists. Christ’s disciples didn’t give in to the surrounding culture, nor did they withdraw from it. Holding onto their faith in Christ, they engaged with and served their communities. Though recognizing their good deeds, their society rejected them (1 Peter 2:12). How did the disciples maintain such a balance? First, they recognized Christ as their foundation, the cornerstone they built their life on (1 Peter 2:7). Some people build their foundation on sand, whether it be one’s intellect, physical ability, fame, or beauty—sooner or later all of which will fail them. The disciples built themselves on Christ—the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Following Him, they lived joyful and fruitful lives. Second, the disciples knew Christ was on their side. They saw the creator of the heavens and earth, being rejected, suffer, and lay down His life for them. Christ persevered to the end because He loved them and considered them precious. With the almighty God on their side, they didn’t need affirmation from people around them. By trusting in Christ, they would not be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6). Third, the disciples were united with other Christians under Christ, forming a deeply interconnected community that supported each other and built each other up. In conclusion, God loves us, and we are precious to Him. With Christ as our foundation, Christians are deeply united as a body under Christ. Although we are foreigners or aliens to the current culture, where the general public could attack and malign us, we can still engage with and serve our communities. Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon. http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQVhZXBIETo 基督教，以基督为根基的逆主流文化群体
基督教是逆主流文化的（彼得前书2:11）。 对于普通大众而言，许多基督教的原则都被视为激进，包括基督徒对财产，性，家庭，死后的生命以及他们在世生命优先次序的看法。 有些人认为这种信念可能导致恐怖主义。但是基督被骂不还口，受害不说威吓的话。相反地，祂服侍祂的仇敌，为他们而死。真正的基督追随者不会成为恐怖分子。 基督的门徒没有屈服于主流文化，也没有从中撤离出来。他们坚持对基督的信仰，参与社区并为社区服务。尽管当时的社会认识到早期基督徒的善行，它们还是拒绝了他们 （彼得前书2:12）。 基督的门徒如何保持这种平衡呢？ 首先，认识基督是根基，是建立生命的基石 （彼得前书2：7）。有些人把根基建立在沙土上，无论是智力、体能、名声还是美貌--所有这些迟早都会令其失望。 门徒以基督为根基来建造自己, 基督是他们的道路, 真理和生命 （约翰福音14：6）。门徒跟随祂，过着喜乐而结果子的生活。 第二，门徒知道基督站在他们这边。他们看到天地的创造者被拒绝，受苦并且为他们舍命。基督至死不移地爱他们, 视他们为珍宝。全能的神站在他们的一边。门徒不需要周围人的接纳和确认。他们因信靠基督而不至于羞愧 （彼得前书2：6）。 第三，门徒在基督之下与其他信徒团结, 成为紧密相连, 相互支持，彼此建立的群体。 总而言之, 上帝爱我们，视我们为珍为宝。以基督为根基, 基督徒在祂之下团结一致。虽然主流文化将我们视为客旅或寄居的，虽然我们可能受到众人攻击和诽谤，我们依然参与和服侍我们的社区。
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