第09章 教堂的建造
§1
第09章 教堂的建造
§2
Chap. 9—The Building of Meetinghouses
§3
在任何乡镇或城市，若有人对真理发生了兴趣，我们就应当继续培养此兴趣，应在该处彻底作工，直到建立一座简朴的礼拜堂作为一个标志、上帝安息日的一个纪念、道德黑暗中的一个亮光。这些纪念场所应在多处为真理作见证。上帝本着祂的慈悲，已安排福音的使者要到各国各方各民去，直到真理的大旗树立在人间各处。{6T100.1}[1]
§4
When an interest is aroused in any town or city, that interest should be followed up. The place should be thoroughly worked until a humble house of worship stands as a sign, a memorial of God’s Sabbath, a light amid the moral darkness. These memorials are to stand in many places as witnesses to the truth. God in His mercy has provided that the messengers of the gospel shall go to all countries, tongues, and peoples until the standard of truth shall be established in all parts of the inhabited world.?{6T 100.1}[1]
§5
无论何处，只要兴起了一群信徒，就当建立一个敬拜的场所。工人们若没有作成此事，便不该离开此地。{6T100.2}[2]
§6
Wherever a company of believers is raised up, a house of worship should be built. Let not the workers leave the place without accomplishing this.?{6T 100.2}[2]
§7
在许多地方，信息已经传开，人们也接受了，但他们因环境所限，以致不能获得优势使圣工显出特色。这种情形往往使工作难以发展。当人们对真理发生兴趣之时，他们听到其他教会的传道人说这以下的话，——并且这些话已常被教会的信徒附和流传着：——“这些人没有教堂，你们也没有敬拜的地方。你们人数太少，又贫穷又没有学问。不久之后，传道人会走掉，你们的兴趣就要消沉。那时，你们就要放弃所接受的这些新思想了。”{6T100.3}[3]
§8
In many places where the message has been preached and souls have accepted it, they are in limited circumstances and can do but little toward securing advantages that would give character to the work. Often this renders it difficult to extend the work. As persons become interested in the truth, they are told by the ministers of other churches—and these words are echoed by the church members: “These people have no church, and you have no place of worship. You are a small company, poor and unlearned. In a short time the ministers will go away, and then the interest will die down. Then you will give up all these new ideas which you have received.”?{6T 100.3}[3]
§9
我们设想一下，这些话对于那些明白我们信仰的缘由，并被上帝圣灵感化而归向现代真理的人，岂不是很强烈的试探吗？应当常常反复提醒，大事业是从小发起的。在建设救主国度的大业上，我们若显出明智圣洁的判断及精明干练的领袖才干，就当尽一切所能地向众人保证本我们工作的稳定性。应当兴建简朴的圣所，使凡接受真理的人，有地方可以本其良心的指示敬拜上帝。{6T100.4}[4]
§10
Can we suppose that this will not bring strong temptation to those who see the reasons of our faith and are convicted by the Spirit of God in regard to present truth? It has to be often repeated that from a small beginning large interests may grow. If wisdom and sanctified judgment?and skillful generalship are manifested by us in building up the interests of our Redeemer’s kingdom, we shall do all in our power to assure the people of the stability of our work. Humble sanctuaries will be erected where those who accept the truth may find a place to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience.?{6T 100.4}[4]
§11
只要有可能，我们就应把会堂奉献给上帝而无债务之累。当一个教会兴起时，就要让信徒们起来建造礼拜堂。传道人须征求其他同工的建议，新近悔改的人当在他的指导之下亲手作工，说：“我们需要一所礼拜堂，我们必需建造它。”上帝要祂的子民在圣工上，甘心愉快地合作努力。总要把这事作成，不久即可听到感谢的声音，说：“看哪，主行了何等的大事。”{6T101.1}[5]
§12
Whenever it is possible, let our church buildings be dedicated to God free of debt. When a church is raised up, let the members arise and build. Under the direction of a minister who is guided by the advice of his fellow ministers, let the newly converted ones work with their own hands, saying: “We need a meetinghouse, and we must have it.” God calls upon His people to make cheerful, united efforts in His cause. Let this be done, and soon will be heard the voice of thanksgiving: “See what the Lord hath wrought.”?{6T 101.1}[5]
§13
然而有时一些初立的教会或许不能立刻负起建设礼拜堂的全部责任。在这种情形之下，别处教会的弟兄就该来帮助他们。在有些地方即使借款来建筑，也比不建筑为佳。如果一个有钱的人，在尽己力为这事捐输之后，若还可借一笔款项给教会，不论无利息还是取利甚微，教会都可以运用此款，直到债务得到清偿。但是我要重说：如果可能的话，教会建筑物在奉献之时，应无债务之累。{6T101.2}[6]
§14
There are some cases, however, in which a young church may not be able at once to bear the whole burden of erecting a house of worship. In these cases let the brethren in other churches help them. In some cases it may be better to hire some money than not to build. If a man has money, and, after giving what he can, will make a loan, either without interest or at a low rate, it would be right to use the money until the indebtedness can be lifted. But I repeat: If possible, church buildings should be dedicated free of debt.?{6T 101.2}[6]
§15
在我们的教堂中不应出租席位。不可尊重富人过于尊重穷人。要一视同仁。因为“你们都是弟兄。”{6T101.3}[7]
§16
In our churches the pews should not be rented. The wealthy are not to be honored above the poor. Let no distinction be made. “All ye are brethren.”?{6T 101.3}[7]
§17
我们不应设法使我们的建筑物外表炫耀；因为这并不促进圣工。我们的节约应证明我们的原则。我们当采用非出于短暂利益的工作方法。一切都当建造得结实牢固，经得起今生和来生的考验。{6T101.4}[8]
§18
In none of our buildings should we seek to make a display; for this would not advance the work. Our economy should testify to our principles. We should employ?methods of work that are not transient. Everything should be done solidly for time and for eternity.?{6T 101.4}[8]
§19
我蒙指示，见到一些教会对借款及欠债有不慎的情形。有些地方，教堂一直在欠债，并须不住的付利息。这些事是不应该和不必要的。如果人能照上帝所要求的，为主显出聪明机警及热忱，这些情形必要改观，债务亦可清偿。上帝叫凡能出钱的人捐出款来，甚至较穷的信徒也可尽其微力。舍己的精神可使人人都出一些力。不论老幼，父母与子女，都可以用行为显出他们的信心来，应当向信徒们极力表明人人要尽一分责任。每一个人都当竭其所能。只要有志，上帝必开路。祂无意看到圣工为债务所困阻。{6T102.1}[9]
§20
The lax way which some churches have of incurring debts and keeping in debt was presented before me. In some cases a continual debt is upon the house of God. There is continual interest to be paid. These things should not, and need not, be. If there is that wisdom and tact and zeal manifested for the Master which God requires, there will be a change in these things. The debts will be lifted. God calls for offerings from those who can give, and even the poorer members can do their little. Self-denial will enable all to do something. Both old and young, parents and children, are to show their faith by their works. Let the necessity of each acting a part be most strenuously impressed upon the members of the church. Let everyone do his best. When there is a will to do, God will open the way. He does not design that His cause shall be trammeled with debt.?{6T 102.1}[9]
§21
上帝呼吁我们要自我牺牲。这会带来经济和属灵方面的兴旺。因为舍己与自我牺牲会在教会的属灵进步上产生奇迹。{6T102.2}[10]
§22
God calls for self-sacrifice. This will bring not only financial but spiritual prosperity. Self-denial and self-sacrifice will work wonders in advancing the spirituality of the church.?{6T 102.2}[10]
§23
上帝不喜欢我们的教会被债务所累。“万军之耶和华说：银子是我的，金子也是我的”（该2:8）。当金银被用来满足自私的目的，来满足野心或骄傲或是任何自私放纵的欲望时，上帝便受到羞辱。当上帝的选民装饰自己的房子并把祂的钱投在自私的满足上，而任由上帝的圣工萧条时，他们是不能得到祝福的。{6T102.3}[11]
§24
It is displeasing to God for our churches to be burdened with debt. “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 desire for any selfish indulgence, God is dishonored. When the people chosen by God embellish their own houses and invest His money in selfish gratification, leaving His cause to languish, they cannot be blessed.?{6T 102.3}[11]
§25
当你把主放在首位，并且决定不再让祂的家因债务受辱时，上帝就会赐福你。每个星期都要尽力为这个目的攒一些在十分之一以外的钱。为这个目的专门准备一个盒子。向你的孩子们解释说，这是舍己的盒子，要把实际生活必需品以外的每块钱和每分钱放在里面。这是专为主的房子预备的，为了把敬拜之所羞辱上天的债务还清。在这样奉献的时候，全家的每个成员都会得到赐福。{6T103.1}[12]
§26
When you place the Lord first, and determine that His house shall no longer be dishonored by debt, God will bless you. Every week endeavor to lay aside something for this object, something in addition to your tithe money. Have a box for this purpose. Explain to your children that it is the self-denial box, in which you place every dollar and every penny that is not required for actual necessities. It is for the Lord’s house, to lift the heaven-dishonoring debt from the place of worship. In making this offering, every member of the family will receive a blessing.?{6T 103.1}[12]
§27
上帝洞悉人的每一个念头，注意人的每一个行动。凡怀着恳切的目的为推进祂的圣工所做的一切都会蒙祂赐福。本着爱心和同情献上的两个小钱，一杯凉水，都会使今生的善行有效，并会带来来生的赏赐。{6T103.2}[13]
§28
God reads every thought. He notes every action. Everything done with sincere purpose for the advancement of His work will be blessed by Him. The two mites, the cup of cold water, presented in sympathy and love, will be made effective in doing good here and will bring a reward hereafter.?{6T 103.2}[13]
§29
每个基督徒都应扪心自问的考验性问题是：“在我心灵的深处是否以爱基督为至上呢？我爱祂的圣幕吗？我若以主的圣所为首，主岂不因此而被尊荣么？我爱上帝和救赎主的心是否强烈得足以令我舍己呢？当试探临到，引诱我寻欢作乐与贪图自私享受之时，我能否拒绝说：不行，在上帝的家被债务所累时，我决不费分文以满足自己呢？”{6T103.3}[14]
§30
The test question for every Christian to ask himself is: “Have I, in my inmost soul, supreme love for Christ? Do I love His tabernacle? Will not the Lord be honored by my making His sacred institution my first consideration? Is my love for God and my Redeemer strong enough to lead me to deny self? When tempted to indulge in pleasure and selfish enjoyment, shall I not say: No, I will spend nothing for my own gratification while the house of God is burdened with debt?”?{6T 103.3}[14]
§31
我们救赎主所应当得着的，远过于我们所给祂的。自我提出它的欲望要居首位；但主却要求我们的全部心思和爱情。祂不会作为第二进入我们心中。我们岂不当以基督为第一、为最高的考虑事项么？难道祂不当要求这种显明我们崇敬与效忠的表号吗？这些事乃是我们在家庭圈子与教会中真实的内心生活的基础。我们若将心、灵魂、力气、生命，完全投诚于上帝，将爱情全部奉献给祂，就会在我们的一切服务中以祂为至上了。我们若是与上帝和谐一致，就必在一切别的事情之先想到祂的名誉和荣耀。也会宁愿奉献礼物和供物给他，过于给任何人。我们就领会与基督在神圣事业上合作的意义。{6T103.4}[15]
§32
Our Redeemer claims far more than we give Him. Self interposes its desire to be first; but the Lord claims the whole heart, the entire affections. He will not come in as second. And should not Christ have our first and highest consideration? Should He not demand this token of our respect and loyalty? These things underlie our very heart life, in the home circle and in the church. If?the heart, the soul, the strength, the life, are surrendered wholly to God, if the affections are given wholly to Him, we shall make Him supreme in all our service. When we are in harmony with God, the thought of His honor and glory comes before everything else. No person is preferred before Him in our gifts and offerings. We have a sense of what it means to be partners with Christ in the sacred firm.?{6T 103.4}[15]
§33
上帝每个忠心的儿女，必以上帝与祂子民相会之所为宝贵为圣洁。他们必不让它为债务所拖累，不然，这就几乎象否认你的信仰了。你必随时准备作出重大的个人牺牲，只要能有一处无债务之累的所在，在那里上帝可与其子民相会，并赐福他们。{6T104.1}[16]
§34
The house where God meets with His people will be dear and sacred to every one of His loyal children. It will not be left crippled with debt. To allow such a thing would appear almost like a denial of your faith. You will be ready to make a great personal sacrifice if only you may have a house free from debt, where God can meet with and bless His people.?{6T 104.1}[16]
§35
若是教会的成员教友能聪明地制定计划，真诚热心地努力清偿债务，每一所礼拜堂的每一笔债务就都可付清了。每次债务清偿之时，都可开一个感恩会，重新把上帝的家奉献给祂。{6T104.2}[17]
§36
Every debt upon every house of worship among us may be paid if the members of the church will plan wisely and put forth earnest, zealous effort to cancel the debt. And in every case where a debt is lifted, let there be a service of thanksgiving, which shall be as a rededication to God of His house.?{6T 104.2}[17]
§37
上帝考验祂子民的信心，来试验他们的品格。那些在紧急时刻乐意为祂做出牺牲的人，正是祂要尊荣、使他们与祂同工的人。那些不乐意实行自我牺牲以便完成上帝旨意的人，必要受到考验，好使他们在人眼前显出的行为，与在鉴察人心的主的眼中显出的一样。{6T104.3}[18]
§38
God tries the faith of His people to test their character. Those who in times of emergency are willing to make sacrifices for Him are the ones whom He will honor with a partnership in His work. Those who are unwilling to practice self-denial in order to carry out God’s purposes will be tested, that their course may appear to human eyes as it appears to the eyes of Him who reads the heart.?{6T 104.3}[18]
§39
何时主看到祂的百姓约束自己想象中的需要，实行克己，不是像罗得的妻子离开所多玛时带着的忧伤惋惜的精神，而是为基督的缘故欢喜快乐，那时圣工就会带着能力向前推进。{6T104.4}[19]
§40
When the Lord sees His people restricting their imaginary wants, practicing self-denial, not in a mournful, regretful spirit, as Lot’s wife left Sodom, but joyfully for Christ’s sake, then the work will go forward with power.?{6T 104.4}[19]