第805号 上帝许可试炼的目的
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第805号 上帝许可试炼的目的
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MR No. 805 - Gods Purpose in Permitting Trials
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【利非订的经历】
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现在有许多人以为自己一旦开始了基督徒的生活，就会摆脱一切缺乏和困难。然而每一个背起自己的十字架跟从基督的人都要都要有利非订的经历。上帝对祂的子民说，不要效法以色列人一遭遇困难就表现出不信的行为。因为“你们所遇见的试探，无非是人所能受的。上帝是信实的，必不叫你们受试探过于所能受的。在受试探的时候，总要给你们开一条出路，叫你们能忍受得住”（林前10:13）。……{10MR115.1}[1]
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【 Rephidim Experiences 】
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Many today think that when they begin their Christian life they will find freedom from all want and difficulty. But everyone who takes up his cross to follow Christ comes to a Rephidim in his experience. God says to His people, Do not imitate the conduct of the children of Israel by showing unbelief when brought into difficulties, for there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). . . . {10MR 115.1}[1]
§7
但正如古时主曾带领祂的子民来到利非订，现在祂也会将我们带到那里，以考验我们对祂的信心和忠诚。祂本着自己的怜悯，不会总是将我们放在最轻松之处。如果祂这么做，我们出于自负，会在需要的时候忘记主是我们的帮助者。然而祂渴望在我们的紧急之时显现自己，供大量的资源给我们使用，以克服我们的环境。主允许沮丧和磨难临到我们，是为了让我们认识到自己的无助，学会如同孩童在饥渴时呼唤地上父亲那般呼求主的帮助。{10MR115.2}[2]
§8
But just as the Lord led His people to Rephidim of old, so He may bring us there also, in order to test our faithfulness and loyalty to Him. In mercy to us He does not always place us in the easiest places. If He did, in our self-sufficiency we would forget that the Lord is our helper in our time of necessity. But He longs to manifest Himself to us in our emergency, and reveal the abundant supplies that are at our disposal, independent of our surroundings. Disappointment and trial are permitted to come upon us that we may realize our own helplessness, and learn to call upon the Lord for help as a child, when hungry and thirsty, calls upon an earthly father. {10MR 115.2}[2]
§9
我们的天父有能力把顽石转化为振作人心的赐生命之泉。到了我们与上帝面对面的时候，我们就会看到并知道一切，如同主看到并知道我们一样。那时我们才知道祂为我们背负了多少重担，又有多少重担原是祂乐意替我们承担的，只要我们怀着孩子般的信心将重担卸给祂。{10MR115.3}[3]
§10
Our heavenly Father has the power of turning the flinty rock into a life-giving and refreshing stream. We shall never know, until we are face to face with God, when we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known, how many burdens He has borne for us, and how many burdens He would have been glad to bear, if with childlike faith, we had brought them to Him. {10MR 115.3}[3]
§11
在急难之时，我们无法指望从自身获得力量。我们的双眼应抹上属天的眼药，使我们能认识到自己属灵的贫乏和信心的不足。上帝在与祂子民的一切交往中都已宣告，无论是在逆境和疾病，在沮丧和磨难，还是在兴旺之中，我们都应以清明的双目，仰望显在耶稣基督面上的上帝荣光，信靠祂的指引之手。要牢记上帝过去为我们显现的大能和慈爱。“上帝爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生”（约3:16）。那么祂会找不到使我们摆脱困境的方法吗？……“我还有末了的话，你们要靠着主，倚赖祂的大能大力，作刚强的人。要穿戴上帝所赐的全副军装，就能抵挡魔鬼的诡计。因我们并不是与属血气的争战，乃是与那些执政的，掌权的，管辖这幽暗世界的，以及天空属灵气的恶魔争战。（两争战原文都作摔跤）所以要拿起上帝所赐的全副军装，好在磨难的日子抵挡仇敌，并且成就了一切，还能站立得住。所以要站稳了，用真理当作带子束腰，用公义当作护心镜遮胸。又用平安的福音当作预备走路的鞋穿在脚上，此外又拿着信德当作藤牌，可以灭尽那恶者一切的火箭”（弗6:10-16）。{10MR116.1}[4]
§12
In the hour of need we can gain no power by looking to ourselves. Our eyes need to be anointed with the heavenly eye-salve, that we may discern our spiritual poverty and lack of faith. God is declared in all His dealings with His people, and with clear unclouded eye; in adversity and sickness; in disappointment and in trial, as well as in prosperity, we are to behold the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, and trust to His guiding hand. Remember the power and love God has shown us in the past. He so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Then will He not find a way for us out of our difficulties? . . . [Ephesians 6:10-16 quoted.] {10MR 116.1}[4]
§13
所有信奉基督圣名的人都要反复阅读这段圣经，并问：我是否穿上了上帝的全副军装，使我能有效地与基督同工？我们越了解自己，越多检验自己的动机与愿望，就会越由衷地意识到我们自己没有能力凭自己的力量参与主的战斗，我们就越会感到需要“用真理当作带子束腰”（弗6:14），以便拥有纯正的目的，知道我们不是在侍奉自己，而是在侍奉主耶稣基督。{10MR116.2}[5]
§14
Let everyone who names the name of Christ read this Scripture over and over again, and then inquire: Am I clothed with the whole armor of God, that I may be a successful co-laborer with Christ? The more we know of ourselves, and the more we prove our motives and desires, the more heartfelt will be the consciousness of our own inability to fight the battles of the Lord in our own strength, and the more we will feel the need of having our loins girt about with truth, in order that we may have purity of purpose, and know that we are not serving ourselves, but the Lord Jesus Christ. {10MR 116.2}[5]
§15
圣经说：“此外又拿着信德当作藤牌，可以灭尽那恶者一切的火箭”（16节）。要坚固你们的心，相信上帝知道你们在反抗罪恶的战斗中会遇到的一切磨难和困境，因为任何藉着不信之言论轻视祂大能的人都是侮辱了上帝。{10MR116.3}[6]
§16
Above all, declared the inspired Word, taking the shield of faith, wherewith we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (verse 16). Stablish your hearts in the belief that God knows all the trials and difficulties you will encounter in the warfare against evil, for God is dishonored when any soul belittles His power by talking unbelief. {10MR 116.3}[6]
§17
这个世界是上帝伟大的工作园地。祂用祂独生子的宝血购买了那些住在里面的人，祂希望祂慈怜的信息会传递给每一个人。那些奉命做这项工作的人会经受试炼和磨难，但他们要始终牢记上帝在近旁勉励和支持着他们。祂没有要求我们去依靠任何不可靠之人。我们不应寻求任何世人的帮助。但愿我们不要将人置于上帝所应处的位置。祂已应许帮助我们，在主耶和华里才有“永恒的力量”。……{10MR117.1}[7]
§18
This world is Gods great field of labor. He has purchased those who dwell in it with the blood of His only begotten Son, and He means that His message of mercy shall go to everyone. Those who are commissioned to do this work will be tested and tried, but they are always to remember that God is near to strengthen and uphold them. He does not ask us to depend upon any broken reed. We are not to look for any human aid. God forbid that we should put man in the place where God should be. He has promised to help us, and in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.. . . {10MR 117.1}[7]
§19
（在施洗约翰的门徒面前）行使那些大能奇迹的耶稣，也是我们今天的救主。祂乐意为我们彰显祂的大能，如同祂为施洗约翰所作的那样。当我们被逆境所困，被我们似乎无法克服的困难所包围时，我们不应抱怨，而要回想主过去的百般仁慈。我们要仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣，存忍耐之心，如同看见那不能看见的主。这样，我们的心就不会被不信的阴影所遮蔽了。……{10MR117.2}[8]
§20
That same Jesus who wrought those mighty works [before the disciples of John the Baptist], is our Saviour today, and is as willing to manifest His power in our behalf as He was in the behalf of John the Baptist. When we are hedged about by adverse circumstances, surrounded by difficulties which it seems impossible for us to surmount, we are not to murmur, but to remember the past loving-kindness of the Lord. Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, we may endure as seeing Him who is invisible, and this will keep our minds from being clouded by the shadow of unbelief. . . . {10MR 117.2}[8]
§21
“你这小信的人哪，为什么疑惑呢？”基督已证明自己是常与我们同在的救主。祂了解我们一切的磨难，我们在需要之时难道不能祈求上帝将祂圣灵赐予我们，使我们想起祂为我们而彰显的大能吗？难道我们不相信祂乐意像以前那样帮助我们吗？祂过去对待祂仆人的故事不应从我们的记忆中褪去，对它们的记忆要永远鼓舞和激励我们。{10MR117.3}[9]
§22
O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Christ has already proved Himself to be our ever-present Saviour. He knows all about our trials, and in the hour of need can we not pray that God will give us His Holy Spirit to bring to mind His manifestations of power in our behalf? Can we not believe that He is as willing to help us as on former occasions? His past dealings with His servants are not to fade from our minds, but the remembrance of them is ever to strengthen and uphold us. {10MR 117.3}[9]
§23
再多的磨难也不能将我们与基督分开。如果祂要带我们去利非订，那是因为祂将之视为我们的利益和荣耀祂的圣名。如果我们愿意以倚赖的信心仰望祂，祂就会在自己的时间里将玛拉的苦水变为甘甜。祂能破开坚硬的磐石，使凉爽的溪水流出。难道我们不该高声赞美，感恩主过去待我们的慈爱，向前迈进，确信祂是我们在患难中随时的帮助吗？在我们过去的经历中，祂一直与我们同在。祂对我们说：“我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”（太28:20）。（《信函》1896年24号，5-13页，致库兰邦的教会，1896年5月23日）{10MR117.4}[10]
§24
No amount of tribulation can separate us from Christ. If He leads us to Rephidim, it is because He sees that it is for our good and for His names glory. If we will look to Him in trusting faith, He will, in His own time, turn the bitterness of Marah into sweetness. He can open the flinty rock, and cause cooling streams to flow forth. Then shall we not lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for past mercies, and go forward with full assurance that He is an ever-present help in time of trouble? He has been with us in our past experience, and His word to us is Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). --Letter 24, 1896, pp. 5-13. (To the Church at Cooranbong, May 23, 1896.) {10MR 117.4}[10]
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【亚伯拉罕的大考验】
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当上帝吩咐亚伯拉罕离开家园和朋友时，他原可推断和质疑上帝这么做的目的。但他却表明自己完全相信上帝在带领他；他没有询问那个国家是否富饶宜人，是否会令他安逸。他便按着上帝的命令出发了。这对于我们每一个人都是个教训。当责任仿佛与我们的兴致相悖时，我们要对上帝有信心。……{10MR118.1}[11]
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【 Abrahams Great Test 】
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When God bade Abraham to leave his country and friends, he might have reasoned and questioned the purposes of God in this. But he showed that he had perfect confidence that God was leading him; he did not question whether it was a fertile, pleasant country, or whether or not he should have ease. He went at Gods bidding. This is a lesson to every one of us. When duty seems to lead us contrary to our inclinations, we are to have faith in God. . . . {10MR 118.1}[11]
§29
但亚伯拉罕还要接受另一项试炼。夜间上帝传来信息说：“你带着你的儿子，就是你独生的儿子，你所爱的以撒，……把他献为燔祭”（创22:2）。我们可以对上帝要求的这个试炼有点小想法。当亚伯拉罕与以撒前往摩利亚山时，他每一步都要从看得见的事物转视看不见的事物。当以撒在他旁边同行——他陪伴了他整整三天——时，仇敌有关这个考验的试探对他汹涌而来。我们可以想像当以撒说：“父亲哪，……请看，火与柴都有了，但燔祭的羊羔在哪里呢”（7节）时，那位父亲的感受。{10MR118.2}[12]
§30
But there was still another test that Abraham was to bear. The message came from God in the night season: Take now thy son, thine only son, Isaac, whom thou lovest, . . . and offer him . . . for a burnt offering (Genesis 22:2). We can have some little idea of this test required of God. As Abraham walked with Isaac to Mount Moriah, he had at every step to look away from things that are seen to things that are unseen. As Isaac walked by his side--and he had three whole days with him by his side--the temptations of the enemy poured in upon him in regard to this test. We can imagine the feelings of that father when Isaac said, My father, . . . Behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? (verse 7). {10MR 118.2}[12]
§31
以撒直到那时仍然不知道自己将要被献。亚伯拉罕的眼睛每天都朝天上仰视，希望有取消那个要求的命令传来。但他来到上帝说“我要指示你”的地方，看到那就是要献上他亲爱儿子的地方。他曾回答以撒的问题说：“上帝会预备燔祭。”但如今这位父亲觉得自己已经临到最后时刻。他把所有的事情都告诉了以撒，而以撒则答应被献。这是上帝的要求，他愿意将自己当作祭物献给上帝。以撒便被捆了起来，置于柴堆之上。正当亚伯拉罕要拔刀杀死自己儿子时，天上传来声音说，够了。他奉命住手，不要伤害他的儿子（见创22:10,11）。{10MR119.1}[13]
§32
Up to that time Isaac did not know that he was to be offered. Every day the eyes of Abraham had been directed toward heaven, hoping that some command would come countermanding that order. But he comes to the very place of which God has said, I will show thee and there he sees the very place where he is to offer up his darling son. He had answered the question of Isaac, God will provide the offering, but now the father sees that he has come to the last point, and he opens the whole matter to Isaac, and Isaac consents to the sacrifice. It was God who had required it, and he would even offer up himself as a sacrifice to God. And Isaac is bound and placed upon the wood and there as Abraham draws the sword to slay his son, there comes a voice from heaven to say it is enough. He is commanded to stay his hand and do no harm to his son. (See Genesis 22:10, 11.) {10MR 119.1}[13]
§33
有很多人讲道为上帝辩护，证明祂向亚伯拉罕提出这种献祭要求的合理性。所有这些讲道都涉及一个问题，就是上帝是否应当这样要求亚伯拉罕。上帝有权利要求我们任何一个人，而任何人都不应询问这是否正确，上帝是否应对我们采取这种或那种做法。那些完全信任天上的主上帝的人，绝不会就祂如何对待祂的子民产生疑问。祂给予祂儿女重要的经验，且按祂自己的方式赐给他们这样的经验。现在亚伯拉罕真切地信了，并且实际上在心中作出了牺牲。这般信心使他被算为义。他思考并告诉以撒：上帝能使他死而复生，且能从起初看到末后。我们每一个人也应当对天上的主上帝抱有这般信心。我们了解亚伯拉罕的故事，和上帝带他经过的地方，是为了给我们带来力量、勇气和信心。主希望我们每一个人相信祂是我们最好的朋友。亚伯拉罕每一步都信靠上帝，他的信心是完美的。……{10MR119.2}[14]
§34
There are sermons preached in order to excuse God and make it all right on his side that He should require this offering of Abraham. Now all these discourses imply a question whether God should require this of Abraham. God has a right to every one of us, and it is not for anyone to question whether it is right, whether God should take this course or that course with us. Those who have perfect confidence in the Lord God of heaven will never question any of His dealings with His children. He has important experiences to give His children and He gives them this experience in His own way. Now Abraham verily believed and made the sacrifice to all intents and purposes in his heart. And that very faith was counted to him for righteousness. He thought and taught Isaac that God was able to raise him up from the dead and could see the end from the beginning. This is the very faith that we should have, every one of us, in the Lord God of heaven. We have the history of Abraham, and the ground the Lord brought him over, in order to give us strength and courage and faith. The Lord wants every one of us to believe that He is the very best friend we have. Abraham trusted God at every step and his faith was perfect. . . . {10MR 119.2}[14]
§35
要不是这些代表人物和上帝待他们的作为呈现我们面前，我们该怎么办呢？我们的路线不一定都在愉快的地方。我们要被带到能感受上帝试炼和考验的地方。如果今天我们能了解这里每一个人的过去，了解他们不顾自身的喜好而服从上帝的带领，我们就能得到一些有价值的经验。天上上帝会考验我们以了解我们是否赏识祂的眷爱，相信祂的应许以及我们是否会不计后果地信靠那些应许。这就是试炼会临到许多接受不受欢迎之现代真理的人之处。{10MR120.1}[15]
§36
What should we do if it were not for these representative men that are presented before us, and the dealing of God with them? Our lines are not to be always cast in pleasant places. We shall be brought where we shall feel the test and proof of God. If we could know the history of everyone that is here in this house today, there would be some valuable experiences brought out, where they followed the leadings of God irrespective of inclination. The God of heaven will test us to see if we appreciate His favor and believe His promises and [whether we] will rely upon them irrespective of consequences. Here is where the trial will come with many who accept the unpopular truth for this time. {10MR 120.1}[15]
§37
如果上帝要求我们任何人离开我们有兴趣从事的工作，而我们按着上帝赐予我们的光前行，主知道所有相关的一切。尽管亚伯拉罕蒙应许会拥有整个迦南地，上帝说过：“你起来，纵横走遍这地，因为我必把这地赐给你”（创13:17），但他还未曾拥有属于自己的一寸土地。即使我们还未实现此生中的任何成功，我们仍拥有未来永生的期许。圣经论到亚伯拉罕说：他等候上帝所经营所建造的城。他要埋葬撒拉的时候，并不拥有所需的墓地。他必须花钱购买。但当上帝向他展示他的家园——新天新地的永生时，他就心满意足了。我们每一个人也是如此。我们在这世界只是寄居的客旅。我们也在寻求亚伯拉罕所等候的城，是上帝所经营所建造的。我们并不期待在今生获得一切的地土和金银财富，但我们所盼望的是永远的荣耀。（《文稿》1886年19号1,5-7页，“亚伯拉罕人生的教训”，1886年3月13日讲道）{10MR120.2}[16]
§38
If God were to call any of us to leave positions where it is for our interest to retain them and we go according to the light God gives us, why, the Lord knows all about that. Although Abraham was promised that he should have the whole of Canaan, God said, Walk through the land in the length of it and the breadth of it, yet he had not a foot of it in his possession. If we do not realize any very wonderful prosperity in this life, yet we have the claim of the future, immortal life. It is stated of Abraham that he looked for a city whose builder and maker was God. When he buried Sarah, he did not have so much as a piece of land in which to put his dead. He had to buy it. But when the Lord opened before him the view of immortal life, of this earth purified, which was to be his home, he was satisfied. So with every one of us. We are only pilgrims and strangers in this world. We are seeking the city which Abraham looked for, whose builder and maker is God. We do not expect all the reward here in possessions, in land, in gold, or in silver, but we expect an eternal weight of glory.--Manuscript 19, 1886, pp. 1,5-7. (Lessons From the Life of Abraham, a sermon preached on March 13, 1886.) {10MR 120.2}[16]
§39
【要把圣经真理结合到日常生活之中】
§40
圣经的真理如果与心灵不进行实际的接触，就可能成不了我们的真理。光有真理的知识的不够的。我们的信心必须把握真理深刻的原则。我们必须理解真理，并将之结合到我们日常的实际生活之中。（《文稿》1897年48号第2页，“致一个处于背道边缘的人”1897年5月）{10MR121.1}[17]
§41
【 Bible Truth Must Be Woven Into Everyday Life 】
§42
The truth of the Bible may be no truth to us if these words of God are not brought into actual contact with the soul. It is not enough that we have a knowledge of the truth. Our faith must grasp its deep principles. We must perceive the truth and weave it into our practical everyday life.--Manuscript 48, 1897, p. 2. (To One Verging on Apostasy, May, 1897.) {10MR 121.1}[17]
§43
【如何应付试炼】
§44
我们遭遇试炼时，不要专注于困难的严重性，认为我们不能在主里面喜乐。我们的情绪确实会有变化。我们会有灰心和沮丧的时候。但我们的生活是凭情绪还是凭信心呢？我们的弟兄与朋友若出言不慎，使我们感到忧伤，我们不要沮丧。但愿我们记住，我们是处在一个充满试炼与困苦，悲伤与失望的世界。我们遭遇这样的经历，应促使我们投奔基督。否则我们就会蒙受损失。{10MR121.2}[18]
§45
【 How to Relate to Trials 】
§46
When trials come to us, let us not dwell upon the greatness of the difficulties, and feel that we cannot have joy in the Lord. It is true we will have changes of feelings. There will come to us times of discouragement and depression. But shall we live by feeling or by faith? When our brethren and friends speak unadvisedly, and cause us grief, let us not be cast down. Let us remember that we are in a world of trial and grief, of sorrow and disappointment. When these experiences come to us, they should drive us to Christ. If they do not, we meet with loss. {10MR 121.2}[18]
§47
当我们在灰心和困难之下受到试探想要放弃时，我们当研究基督的人生和经验。祂必须与黑暗的权势作斗争，免得为其所胜。我们也有同样的战斗要参加，同样的胜利要争取。“上帝爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生”（约3:16）。我们有特权握住主的能力；凡靠着祂进到上帝面前的人，祂都能拯救到底。祂邀请你把自己的案件呈到施恩的宝座前，将你无能为力的心灵交托祂。{10MR121.3}[19]
§48
When tempted to give up under discouragement and difficulty let us study the life and experiences of Christ. He had to contend against the powers of darkness that He might not be overcome. We have the same battle to fight, the same victories to win. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). It is our privilege to lay hold on the strength of One who is able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. He invites you to present your case at the throne of Grace, and cast your helpless soul on Him. {10MR 121.3}[19]
§49
经受修剪并不愉快。但愿我们记住基督曾来到这个世界，披上人性，要忍受人类必须忍受的苦难，成为在各样试炼之下忠诚忍耐的榜样。上帝要我们认识到自己是人类大家庭的一分子，必须忍受人类的诸般试炼。我的弟兄姐妹们：要以你的人性握住神性，奔往上帝施恩的脚凳前说，“主啊，我将我无能为力的心灵交托给你。求主帮助我控制自己的言语。教导我得胜。”基督会赐给你得胜的勇气。{10MR122.1}[20]
§50
The purging is not pleasant, but let us remember that Christ came to our world and took humanity that He might bear the afflictions that humanity must bear, and be an example of faithful endurance under every form of trial. God wants us to realize that we are a part of the great human family, and that we must bear its tests. My brethren and sisters, let your humanity lay hold of divinity. Go to the footstool of Gods grace, and say, Lord, I hang my helpless soul on Thee. Help me to control my speech; teach me to overcome. Christ will give you a spirit of overcoming. {10MR 122.1}[20]
§51
圣经说：“弟兄胜过它，是因羔羊的血，和自己所见证的道”（启12:11）。你可以作出一个与撒但要你所作相反的见证。你可以藉着顺从真理而保持心怀意念的圣洁。要在早晨、晌午与晚间仰望祂。使心怀意念时常专注于祂。这是你的特权。基督的受苦和受死已经付上你得救赎的代价。你可以藉着信靠祂而得胜。（《文稿》1909年79号1-3页，“叫枝子多结果子”，在堪萨斯州康瑟尔格罗夫的讲道，1909年8月26日）{10MR122.2}[21]
§52
They overcame him, we read, by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). You may bear a testimony the opposite to that which Satan would have you bear. You may keep heart and mind sanctified by obedience to the truth. Look to Him, in the morning and at noon, and at night. Keep heart and mind fastened upon Christ. This is your privilege. The suffering and death of Christ has paid the price for your redemption, and through faith in Him you may overcome.--Manuscript 79, 1909, pp. 1-3. (That It May Bring Forth More Fruit, a sermon preached at Council Grove, Kansas, August 26, 1909.) {10MR 122.2}[21]
§53
【建造第二个圣殿的教训】
§54
百姓（以色列人）既懒散又自私。（在第二圣殿建造完毕之时）主没有把他们称为“我的子民”，因为他们没能在有机会的时候表现出甘心乐意。他们没有立即听从上帝的话。他们借口拖延。他们试图给出为什么拖延的理由。他们巧于辩解。他们的工作有了开头，却因仇敌的阻碍而中断。他们推断说，这证明建造的时机尚未成熟。他们宣称主已经用困难来责备他们的草率。但他们没有真正的理由去中断工作。当最严厉的反对出现之时，那正是建造的时机。他们真正的动机是自私的，不喜欢额外的麻烦和代价，不愿意因惹起仇敌的反对而遭遇危险。他们未能拥有那为所望之事的实底、未见之事的确据的信心（见来11:1）。他们不想凭信心行动，而是行事为人凭着眼见，不再前行。因此他们很容易放弃工作。这段历史将要重演。因为人缺乏信心，宗教将会败落。他们既然着眼于看得见的事，就觉得寸步难行。然而在上帝凡事都能。唯有凭信心才能推进上帝的伟大圣工。……{10MR122.3}[22]
§55
【 Lessons From the Building of the Second Temple 】
§56
The people [Israelites] were sluggish and selfish. The Lord did not call them My people [at the time the second Temple was built] because they had not shown themselves willing in the day of their opportunity. They had not obeyed promptly the word of the Lord. They made pleas for delay. They tried to present a reason why they should delay. They were ingenious in framing excuses. They had begun, but they were broken off in their work because of the hindrance of their enemies. This, they reasoned, proved that it was not the proper time to build. They declared that the Lord had interposed difficulties to reprove their hot haste. But they had no real excuse for leaving the work. When the heaviest objections were raised, this was the time to build. Their real motive was a selfish dislike to go to extra trouble and expense, and encounter danger by arousing the opposition of their enemies. They did not possess that faith that is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. (See Hebrews 11:1.) They did not want to move by faith, but to walk out by sight, and no farther. Therefore they were easily turned aside from the work. This history will be repeated. There will be religious failures because men have not faith. When they look at the things that are seen, impossibilities present themselves, but God knows nothing of impossibilities. The great work of God will advance only by the push of faith. . . . {10MR 122.3}[22]
§57
上帝会成为所有服侍祂而不服侍自己之人随时的帮助。当主注意使祂的子民有心遵着祂的旨意行时，他们就必晓得这教训。祂就必与他们同在。上帝的同在包含了一切。我们有一个可靠的避难所，一位永远可靠的朋友。{10MR123.1}[23]
§58
He [God] will be a present help to all who will serve Him in preference to serving themselves. When the Lord sees that there is a heart to do His will, His people will know of the doctrine. He will be with them. The presence of God includes everything. We have a sure refuge, a never-failing Friend. {10MR 123.1}[23]
§59
由于百姓败坏了自己的行为，第一圣殿不能蒙主赐福。从第一圣殿的毁灭到第二圣殿的兴建，相隔了七十年时间。尽管有人抱怨第二圣殿比较低劣，主仍宣称它要成为优越的，因为它要在一种特殊的意义上与弥赛亚有联系。“我必震动万国。作万国所羡慕的必来到，我就使这殿满了荣耀。这是万军之耶和华说的”（该2:7）。“圭必不离犹大，杖必不离他两脚之间，直等细罗（就是赐平安者）来到，万民都必归顺”（创49:10）。“耶和华说，……你当刚强，……因为我与你们同在”（该2:4）。{10MR123.2}[24]
§60
From the destruction of the first Temple which the Lord could not bless because the people had corrupted their ways, till the second was built, there was a space of seventy years. Though some murmured over the inferiority of the second Temple, the Lord declared it to be superior, because it was to be connected in a special sense with the Messiah. I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts (Haggai 2:7). The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be (Genesis 49:10). Be strong, . . . saith the Lord, . . . for I am with you (Haggai 2:4). {10MR 123.2}[24]
§61
【我们的教会有没有被债务所累？】
§62
我们的教堂若为债务所累，就使上帝蒙羞。这种局面是不必存在的。这表明管理工作自始至终都是错误的，并且羞辱了天上的上帝。务要虔诚地阅读和研究《撒迦利亚书》第四章。然后阅读《哈该书》第一章，看看这些话是不是适用于你们身上。你们既然专顾自己和个人的利益，要么就忽略了起来建造，要么就借钱建造，并没有通过捐献来清偿建造教堂的债务。你们有没有想过自己的责任呢？年复一年，只作出极少的牺牲来减轻债务。利息吞没了应该用来偿还本金的钱。{10MR124.1}[25]
§63
【 Shall Our Churches Be Weighed Down With Debt? 】
§64
It is dishonoring to God for our churches to be burdened with debt. This state of things need not exist. It shows wrong management from beginning to end, and it is a dishonor to the God of heaven. Read and study prayerfully the fourth chapter of Zechariah. Then read the first chapter of Haggai, and see if this representation does not apply to you. While you have thought much of your own selves, of your own selfish interests, you have either neglected to arise and build, or have built on hired money, and have not made donations to free the church buildings from debt. Will you consider what it is your duty to do? Year after year passes by, and very little sacrifice is made to lessen the debt. The interest swallows up the means that should be used to pay off the principal. {10MR 124.1}[25]
§65
在教会中懒惰的仆人受到上帝的指责。当神圣的事物处于凋零遭忽视的状态时，祂的旨意就没有得到实行。每一个教会如果实行克己牺牲，是能叫局面改观的。“万军之耶和华说：银子是我的，金子也是我的”（该2:8）。金银如果像过去那样用于自私的目的，满足野心和骄傲，或者自我放纵，那就是羞辱了上帝。人间的代表岂能酣睡，不明白现在的事态乃是他们忽略本分的结果？上帝所拣选的子民明知要用钱把上帝的殿保持在最佳的状况，也知道不可用库房的钱来支付日常的费用，却仍为了满足私欲而装饰房子，把上帝的金钱投资在自行车和各种事情上。这样，他们就不能蒙福。{10MR124.2}[26]
§66
Slothful servants is the charge that God makes of those in the churches. His will is not done when sacred things are left to remain in a withered, neglected condition. Self-sacrifice, self-denial in every church would change the order of things. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts (Haggai 2:8). When that gold and silver is used for selfish purposes, to gratify ambition or pride or selfish indulgence, as had been done, God is dishonored. Can those who are representative men be so sound asleep that they do not comprehend that the state of things that exists is a result of neglect on their part? When the people chosen by God embellish their own houses, and invest Gods money in bicycles and various things for selfish gratification, knowing that the very means thus used should be used to keep the house of God in the very best condition, that no means may be taken from the treasury to defray running expenses, they cannot be blessed. {10MR 124.2}[26]
§67
我从上帝那里获得一道信息。各教会应该从他们麻痹的状态中醒来，思考这些事。“万军之耶和华说：银子是我的，金子也是我的。”我们的家庭有没有为了自私的目的而使用上帝的金子银子，对减轻教堂的债务坐视不理呢？教会为债务所累，并非无法清偿，而是因为教会肢体们的自私放纵。这种忽略羞辱了上帝。倘若祂限制你们的资源，其原因并不难理解。{10MR125.1}[27]
§68
I have a message from the Lord. The churches must awaken from their torpor, and think of these things. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts. Are we as families appropriating the Lords silver and gold to selfish purposes, and doing nothing to lighten the debt on His house? The churches are burdened with debt, not because it is impossible for them to be freed, but because of selfish indulgence on the part of the members. By this neglect God is dishonored, and if He binds about your resources, be not blind as to the cause. {10MR 125.1}[27]
§69
当你把上帝摆在首位，意识到祂的殿因债务而蒙羞时，上帝就会赐福给你。如果肢体们没有像现在这样麻木不仁，不能以最真挚热心的努力去计划解除债务，敬拜场所的各项债务现在可能已经还清。做到了这一点，还清了教堂的债务，就要把它重新奉献给上帝为祂的家。{10MR125.2}[28]
§70
When you place the Lord first, and realize that the Lords house is dishonored by debt, God will bless you. Every debt upon every house of worship might now have been paid if the members had not been in a state of torpor, unable to devise and plan with the most earnest, zealous effort to cancel the debt. When this is done, rededicate the church, without a debt upon it, to God as His house. {10MR 125.2}[28]
§71
“现在万军之耶和华如此说，你们要省察自己的行为。你们撒的种多，收的却少。你们吃，却不得饱。喝，却不得足。穿衣服，却不得暖。得工钱的，将工钱装在破漏的囊中。……你们盼望多得，所得的却少。你们收到家中，我就吹去。这是为什么呢？因为我的殿荒凉，你们各人却顾自己的房屋。这是万军之耶和华说的。所以为你们的缘故，天就不降甘露，地也不出土产”（该1:5,6,9,10）。{10MR125.3}[29]
§72
Now therefore saith the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. . . . Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man to his own house. Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit (Haggai 1:5, 6, 9, 10). {10MR 125.3}[29]
§73
高收入的人要自愿作出与他们的工资相称的奉献。低收入的人也要关心这件事。要尽你们能做的，除了你们的什一，再捐出一些来。你们有为这个目的设一个箱子吗？要对你们的孩子解释说这是个克己箱，你们要把所获得的不需花在实际必需品上的每一分每一毛都放入其中。这是为主的殿而存的。这是神圣的克己金，是献给上帝的礼物，是用来解除聚会场所令上帝蒙羞之债务的。做到这一点，每一个家人都会蒙福。（《文稿》1897年116号8,9,12-15页。“建造主的殿”，无日期）怀爱伦著作托管委员会1980年7月22日发布于华盛顿{10MR126.1}[30]
§74
Let those that have work bringing the highest wages come forward and act a part proportionate to the wages they receive. Let the men who have limited wages have an interest in this matter also. Do what you can, and lay aside something besides your tithe money. Have you a box for this purpose? Explain to your children that it is the self-denial box, in which you lay aside every penny, every shilling, that you can obtain and do not need to spend for actual necessities. It is for the Lords house. It is sacred self-denial money. It is a gift to the Lord, to lift the God-dishonoring debt from the meeting house. Doing this, every member of the family will be blessed.--Manuscript 116, 1897, pp. 8,9,12-15. (The Building of the Lords House, no date.) White Estate Washington, D. C. July 22, 1980 {10MR 126.1}[30]