第16章 教会扩展运动
§1
第16章 教会扩展运动
§2
Chap. 16 - The Church Expansion Movement
§3
【上帝的计划】
§4
上帝的旨意并非叫祂百姓成群聚居于大的地方，基督的门徒原是祂在地上的代表，上帝期望他们遍布全国，散居于各城镇乡村之中，在黑暗中作世上的光。（《证言》卷八244页）{ChS 178.1}[1]
§5
【The Divine Plan】
§6
It is not the purpose of God that His people should colonize, or settle together in large communities. The disciples of Christ are His representatives upon the earth, and God designs that they shall be scattered all over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, as lights amidst the darkness of the world.--Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 244. {ChS 178.1}[1]
§7
聚居的计划，或者从只有一点力量或影响力的不同地区搬走，将许多人的影响力集中在一个地方，这种计划乃是在把亮光从上帝愿意让它照在的地方挪走。（《证言》卷二第633页）{ChS 178.2}[2]
§8
The plan of colonizing, or moving from different localities where there is but little strength or influence, and concentrating the influence of many in one locality, is removing the light from places where God would have it shine.-- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 633. {ChS 178.2}[2]
§9
如果基督的教会是在实行我们主的旨意，就必有光照耀一切坐在黑暗和死荫之地的人，信徒们就不会聚集在一处，逃避责任和十字架，而会分散到各地，让基督的光从他们的身上照耀出来，像基督那样从事救灵的工作，“这天国的福音”也就迅速传遍天下了。（《福山宝训》第42页）{ChS 178.3}[3]
§10
If the church of Christ were fulfilling the purpose of our Lord, light would be shed upon all that sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death. Instead of congregating together and shunning responsibility and cross-bearing, the members of the church would scatter into all lands, letting the light of Christ shine out from them, working as He did for the salvation of souls, and this gospel of the kingdom would speedily be carried to all the world.--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 42, 43. {ChS 178.3}[3]
§11
弟兄姊妹们，你们为什么徘徊在教会周围呢？请研究迷羊的比喻。要作为真牧人出发，寻找在罪恶旷野中的迷羊，拯救将要沉沦的人。（《评论与通讯》1893年12月12日）{ChS 178.4}[4]
§12
Brethren and sisters, why hover about the churches? Study the parable of the lost sheep, and go forth as true shepherds, seeking the lost one who is in the wilderness of sin. Rescue the perishing.--Review and Herald, Dec. 12, 1893. {ChS 178.4}[4]
§13
我们各教会的平信徒能完成一种他们几乎尚未开始的工作。无论何人都不应单为属世的益处，而迁居于新的地方；但何处一有了谋生的门路，那已经在真理上有根有基的家庭就可迁入，一两家在一地，在该处从事布道的事工。他们应感觉到一种对生灵的爱，一种为他们工作的负担，并要研究如何领人进入真理。他们可以分送我们的印刷品，在自己的家中召集聚会，设法与邻居结交，邀请他们参加这些聚会。这样，他们就能在好行为上将他们的光照在人前了。（《证言》卷八245页）{ChS 178.5}[5]
§14
The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which, as yet, they have scarcely begun. None should move into new places merely for the sake of worldly advantage; but where there is an opening to obtain a livelihood, let families that are well grounded in the truth enter, one or two families in a place, to work as missionaries. They should feel a love for souls, a burden of labor for them, and should make it a study how to bring them into the truth. They can distribute our publications, hold meetings in their homes, become acquainted with their neighbors, and invite them to come to these meetings. Thus they can let their light shine in good works.--Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 245. {ChS 178.5}[5]
§15
愿意改变生活地点，考虑上帝的荣耀，感到自己有责任向别人行善，使基督为之舍了自己宝贵生命之人受益和得救的弟兄，应该迁居到很少或没有亮光的城镇乡村去，他们在那里可以用自己的工作和经验作真实的服务并造福他人。布道士须要进入城镇乡村并高举真理的旗帜，这样，为上帝作见证的人就遍满全地，真理之光将穿透那些从无亮光照进的地方，真理的旗帜也会在原先不知晓它的地方得以高举了。（《证言》卷二第115页）{ChS 179.1}[6]
§16
Brethren who wish to change their location, who have the glory of God in view, and feel that individual responsibility rests upon them to do others good, to benefit and save souls for whom Christ withheld not His precious life, should move into towns and villages where there is but little or no light, and where they can be of real service, and bless others with their labor and experience. Missionaries are wanted to go into towns and villages and raise the standard of truth, that God may have His witnesses scattered all over the land, that the light of truth may penetrate where it has not yet reached, and the standard of truth be raised where it is not yet known.--Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 115. {ChS 179.1}[6]
§17
没有什么工作比为别人服务更能激发自我牺牲的热情，拓展和加强人的品格了。许多自称为基督徒的人在加入教会的时候，只为自己着想。他们享受教会的友谊和传道人的照顾。他们成了兴旺的大教会中的成员，满足于不为别人服务。他们就这样失去了最宝贵的福气。许多人只要牺牲他们快乐安逸的交际，就能得到很大的益处。他们应该到教会的工作需要他们出力的地方，学习如何承担责任。（《服务真诠》第151页）{ChS 179.2}[7]
§18
Nothing will so arouse a self-sacrificing zeal and broaden and strengthen the character as to engage in work for others. Many professed Christians, in seeking church relationship, think only of themselves. They wish to enjoy church fellowship and pastoral care. They become members of large and prosperous churches, and are content to do little for others. In this way they are robbing themselves of the most precious blessings. Many would be greatly benefited by sacrificing their pleasant, ease-conducing associations. They need to go where their energies will be called out in Christian work, and they can learn to bear responsibilities.--The Ministry of Healing, p. 151. {ChS 179.2}[7]
§19
在美国有数以千计尚未树起真理旗帜的地方，那里从来没有听到真理的宣扬，需要我们进去。有数以千计本来可以进入禾场收割的人，眼下在属灵上懒惰，结果带着残疾行走天路，表示怀疑自己是否是基督徒。他们需要与耶稣基督有活泼的联络。这样才能论到他们说：“你们是与上帝同工的。”我要对许多人说，你们在等待有人来把你们带到葡萄园去安排你们工作，或者把葡萄园带到你们这里来，使你们可以轻松劳动。你们将徒然等待。你们若举目观望，就可以看见庄稼已经成熟，等待开镰收割。不论你们往那里看，都会看到身边或远处有工可做。可是有多少人会在审判之日被基督称赞说：“你们这又良善又忠心的仆人”呢？末日临近，自称认识上帝和祂所差来的耶稣基督的人却挤在一起，定居下来，参赴各种聚会，觉得若没有大量讲道来使他们的心灵受惠、使教会刚强，他们就不满足，同时他们实际上却无所事事。我想众天使看到这幅景象会有何感想。……他们若搬家到未有真理传扬之处，或只有微弱亮光之地，即便他们在今生金钱物质方面不那么富足，他们岂不是正在作耶稣为救他们所作的工吗？（《总会公报》1893年第131页）{ChS 179.3}[8]
§20
There are thousands of places to be entered where the standard of truth has never been raised, where the proclamation of the truth has never been heard in America. And there are thousands who might enter the harvest field who are now religiously idle, and as a result, go crippling their way to heaven, expressing their doubt whether they are Christians. Their need is a vital union with Jesus Christ. Then it can be said of them, Ye are laborers together with God. I want to say to many, You are waiting for some one to carry you to the vineyard and set you to work, or to bring the vineyard to you, that you may experience no inconvenience in labor. You will wait in vain. If you will lift up your eyes, you will see the harvest ripe, ready for the sickle, whichever way you may look; you will find work close by and far off. But of how many will Christ say in the judgment, Good and faithful servants? I think how the angels must feel seeing the end approaching, and those who claim to have a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, huddle together, colonize, and attend the meetings, and feel dissatisfied if there is not much preaching to benefit their souls and strengthen the church, while they are doing literally nothing. . . . If their temporal, financial prospects are not as prosperous by moving to localities where the truth has not been proclaimed, or where there has been but a glimmering of light, will they not be doing just the work that Jesus has done to save them?--General Conference Bulletin, 1893, p. 131. {ChS 179.3}[8]
§21
我们看见不仅在外国，而且在我们身边的人中间，都极需开展传道工作。我们周围的许多城市村镇，尚未进行救灵之工。为什么认识现代真理的家庭不搬到这些城市村镇去定居，树起基督的旗帜，谦卑地工作，不是照自己的方法，而是照上帝的方法，将亮光带给尚未认识真理的人呢？{ChS 180.1}[9]
§22
We see the great need of missionary work to carry the truth not only to foreign countries, but to those who are near us. Close around us are cities and towns in which no efforts are made to save souls. Why should not families who know the present truth settle in these cities and villages, to set up there the standard of Christ, working in humility, not in their own way, but in Gods way, to bring the light before those who have no knowledge of it? {ChS 180.1}[9]
§23
教会若真拥有信息的精神，他们就会全力以赴救援基督所为之死的生灵。他们会进入新的园地。一些人虽然不是正式按立的传道人，却要与上帝同工，去访问各教会，努力坚固那剩下将要死的。将有平信徒搬到各村镇城市，及一些似乎偏僻的地区，让上帝赐给他们的亮光照耀别人。他们所遇到的一些人表面上毫无希望，但唯一的问题应当是：他们肯与基督和好吗？他们愿意感染祂的精神，藉着言传身教，呈现真理与公义之主的吸引力吗？{ChS 180.2}[10]
§24
When the church shall truly have the spirit of the message, they will throw all their energies into the work of saving the souls for whom Christ has died. They will enter new fields. Some who are not ordained ministers will be laborers together with God in visiting the churches, and trying to strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die. There will be laymen who will move into towns and cities, and into apparently out-of-the-way places, that they may let the light which God has given them, shine forth to others. Some whom they meet will not appear to be the most promising subjects, but the only question should be, Will they come into harmony with Christ? Will they become partakers of His spirit, so that their influence, in precept and example, will present the attractions of the Author of truth and righteousness? {ChS 180.2}[10]
§25
在真理尚未传播的地区，适合工作的弟兄们若可以租一间会堂，或其他宜于聚会的场所，召集凡愿意来的人，授之以真理。他们不必长篇说教，只要拿出圣经，让上帝从祂的圣言中直接说话。赴会的人如果不多，他们可以读一段“耶和华如此说”，不必兴奋激动，只须诵读和解释简明的福音真理，与他们唱诗祷告。（《评论与通讯》1891年9月29日）{ChS 181.1}[11]
§26
In places where the truth is not known, brethren who are adapted to the work, might hire a hall, or some other suitable place to assemble, and gather together all who will come. Then let them instruct the people in the truth. They need not sermonize, but take the Bible, and let God speak directly out of His Word. If there is only a small number present, they can read a Thus saith the Lord, without a great parade or excitement; just read and explain the simple gospel truth, and sing and pray with them.--Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1891. {ChS 181.1}[11]
§27
【亚伯拉罕的宝贵榜样】
§28
这个临到亚伯拉罕的试验实在不轻。所要他付出的牺牲也真不小。本地本族和父家对于他原有一种难以割舍的联系。可是他顺从了上帝的呼召，一点儿也没有迟疑。关于应许之地，他也没有发什么问题，──例如地土是否肥美？气候是否适于健康？是否有合宜的环境？是否有发财的机会等等。他认为上帝既已吩咐，祂的仆人就理当顺从。地上最幸福的地方就是上帝要他去的地方。{ChS 181.2}[12]
§29
【Abraham a Worthy Example】
§30
It was no light test that was thus brought upon Abraham, no small sacrifice that was required of him. There were strong ties to bind him to his country, his kindred, and his home. But he did not hesitate to obey the call. He had no question to ask concerning the Land of Promise,-- whether the soil was fertile, and the climate healthful; whether the country offered agreeable surroundings, and would afford opportunities for amassing wealth. God had spoken, and His servant must obey; the happiest place on earth for him was the place where God would have him to be. {ChS 181.2}[12]
§31
今日许多人也要像亚伯拉罕那样受到试验。他们虽然听不见上帝直接从天上向他们说话的声音，但是祂用圣经的教训和天意的安排呼召他们。上帝或许要他们放弃一个有希望得财富和享尊荣的事业，辞别意气相投的益友，并离开本族，到那表面上只有克已，艰辛和牺牲的路上去。上帝有一种工作要他们去作；但是安逸的生活和亲友的影响足以妨碍他们造就一个成全这工所必需的品格。上帝要他们离开人的影响和援助，使他们觉得需要祂的帮助，并单单依靠祂，以便祂可以向他们显示自己。{ChS 181.3}[13]
§32
Many are still tested as was Abraham. They do not hear the voice of God speaking directly from the heavens, but He calls them by the teachings of His Word and the events of this providence. They may be required to abandon a career that promises wealth and honor, to leave congenial and profitable associations, and separate from kindred, to enter upon what appears to be only a path of self-denial, hardship, and sacrifice. God has a work for them to do; but a life of ease and the influence of friends and kindred would hinder the development of the very traits essential for its accomplishment. He calls them away from human influences and aid, and leads them to feel the need of His help, and to depend upon Him alone, that He may reveal Himself to them. {ChS 181.3}[13]
§33
有谁准备响应上帝的呼召，而放弃原有的计划和亲密的朋友呢？有谁愿意接受新的责任，进入未传过福音的地区，以坚定和乐意的心作上帝的工作，并为基督的缘故把先前有益的事当作有损的呢？凡愿意这样作的人，就是有了亚伯拉罕的信心，也必与他同享“极重无比永远的荣耀。”“现在的苦楚，若比起将来要显于我们的荣耀，就不足介意了”(林后4:17;罗8:18)。（《先祖与先知》第126，127页）{ChS 181.4}[14]
§34
Who is ready at the call of Providence to renounce cherished plans and familiar associations? Who will accept new duties and enter untried fields, doing Gods work with firm and willing hearts, for Christs sake counting His losses again? He who will do this has the faith of Abraham, and will share with him that far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, with which the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared.--Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 126, 127. {ChS 181.4}[14]
§35
【你在这里作什么】
§36
上帝圣工的进展有赖乎忠实信徒的恒切努力；因此撒但必要千方百计地破坏上帝藉顺从祂的人所要贯彻的宗旨。撒但要使一些人忘记他们崇高而神圣的使命，并满足于今生的享乐。他使他们因生活安逸而懈怠，或因谋求更大的属世利益而离开他们所能发挥良好影响的地方。他使另一些人因遭受反对或逼迫而灰心丧志，以致离开工作岗位。但这一切的人乃是上帝所最温慈怜惜的。祂质问每一个中了仇敌的诡计而停止工作的儿女说：“你在这里做什么”（王上19:9）？曾差遣你往普天下去传福音，为上帝的大日预备合用的百性。你却在这里作什么呢？是谁差你来的？（《先知与君王》第171，172页）{ChS 182.1}[15]
§37
【What Doest Thou Here?】
§38
Much depends on the unceasing activity of those who are true and loyal; and for this reason Satan puts forth every possible effort to thwart the divine purpose to be wrought out through the obedient. He causes some to lose sight of their high and holy mission, and to become satisfied with the pleasures of this life. He leads them to settle down at ease, or, for the sake of greater worldly advantages, to remove from places where they might be a power for good. Others he causes to flee in discouragement from duty, because of opposition or persecution. But all such are regarded by Heaven with tenderest pity. To every child of God whose voice the enemy of souls had succeeded in silencing, the question is addressed, What doest thou here? I commissioned you to go into all the world and preach the gospel, to prepare a people for the day of God. Why are you here? Who sent you?--Prophets and Kings, pp. 171, 172. {ChS 182.1}[15]
§39
上帝向一些家庭和个人发问说：“你在这里做什么？”在许多教会里，有一些熟悉圣经真理的家庭，如果他们迁移到需要他们服务的地方去，就必能发挥更广大的影响力。（《先知与君王》172页）{ChS 182.2}[16]
§40
Of families, as of individuals, the question is asked, What doest thou here? In many churches there are families well instructed in the truths of Gods Word, who might widen the sphere of their influence by moving to places in need of the ministry they are capable of giving.--Prophets and Kings, p. 172. {ChS 182.2}[16]
§41
【对基督徒家庭的呼吁】
§42
荒芜的地方，需要传道的家庭去住。农民，金融家，建筑师和各种技术人员，都应该到荒僻的地方去开垦土地，建立实业，为自己盖起简陋的住宅，并帮助邻居。（《服务真诠》第194页）{ChS 182.3}[17]
§43
【The Call to Christian Families】
§44
Missionary families are needed to settle in the waste places. Let farmers, financiers, builders, and those who are skilled in various arts and crafts, go to neglected fields, to improve the land, to establish industries, to prepare humble homes for themselves, and to help their neighbors. --The Ministry of Healing, p. 194. {ChS 182.3}[17]
§45
上帝呼召基督徒们举家到那仍处在黑暗和错误中的地方去，在那里聪明而坚忍地为主作工。要应承这样的呼召须有牺牲的精神。当许多人正在迟疑不决，等待着先挪开各种障碍的时候，世人正在没有上帝，没有指望之中死亡！许许多多的人为了属世的利益，或者为了要求得科学的知识，而情愿冒险到瘴疠之地忍受艰难困苦。但是那为了要把救主传述与别人而甘愿这样行的人在哪里呢？有谁情愿迁居于那需要福音的地区，以便向那些黑暗中的人民，指明救赎主呢？（《证言》卷九33页）{ChS 182.4}[18]
§46
God calls for Christian families to go into communities that are in darkness and error, and work wisely and perseveringly for the Master. To answer this call requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, souls are dying without hope and without God in the world. Many, very many, for the sake of worldly advantage, for the sake of acquiring scientific knowledge, will venture into pestilential regions, and endure hardship and privation. Where are those who are willing to do this for the sake of telling others of the Saviour? Where are the men and women who will move into regions that are in need of the gospel, that they may point those in darkness to the Redeemer?--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 33. {ChS 182.4}[18]
§47
有许多人全家都可去做传道士，从事个人之工，以辛勤的双手和活跃的头脑为主劳力，并想出新的方法求得工作的成功。（《证言》卷九第40页）{ChS 183.1}[19]
§48
There are whole families who might be missionaries, engaging in personal labor, toiling for the Master with busy hands and active brains, devising new methods for the success of His work.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 40. {ChS 183.1}[19]
§49
假若有些家庭愿意迁往世上的黑暗地区，就是其中的百姓被灵性黑暗所笼罩的地区，并让基督人生的光辉从他们身上照射出来的话，就可能成就一番伟业。但愿他们以安静从容的方式开始他们的工作，等到许多人对真理发生了兴趣，而必需传道人帮助之时，才开始利用区会经济方面的支持。（《证言》卷六第442页）{ChS 183.2}[20]
§50
If families would locate in the dark places of the earth, places where the people are enshrouded in spiritual gloom, and let the light of Christs life shine out through them, a great work might be accomplished. Let them begin their work in a quiet, unobtrusive way, not drawing on the funds of the conference until the interest becomes so extensive that they cannot manage it without ministerial help.-- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 442. {ChS 183.2}[20]
§51
【移植需要聪明的园丁】
§52
要预备工人，派他们到大街小巷去。我们需要精明的园艺者，可以把树苗移植到各处并加以照料，使之成长。开辟新地区的工作是上帝百姓义不容辞的责任。我们应差派人员去开垦荒地，去建立新的影响中心。只要能打开门路，我们就应该召集具有真正传道热忱的工人，派他们出去把亮光和知识传遍远近各处。（《证言》卷九第118页）{ChS 183.3}[21]
§53
【Transplanting Requires Wise Nurserymen】
§54
Prepare workers to go out into the highways and hedges. We need wise nurserymen who will transplant trees to different localities, and give them advantages, that they may grow. It is the positive duty of Gods people to go into the regions beyond. Let forces be set at work to clear new ground, to establish new centers of influence wherever an opening can be found. Rally workers who possess true missionary zeal, and let them go forth to diffuse light and knowledge far and near.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 118. {ChS 183.3}[21]
§55
我们各大教会的许多信徒，比较地说来，是无所事事。他们如果不再群居一处，而愿分散到真理尚未进入之地去，就可作成美好的工作。树木若种得太稠密了，就不会生长茂盛；需要经过园丁的移植，方能有余地以发育成长，而不致矮小多病。这同一常例也通用于大的教会。许多信徒就因为缺少这种工夫，以致灵性濒于死亡。他们逐渐变为多病无能的了。然而一经移植，他们就会有余地而发育健壮起来。（《证言》卷八244页）{ChS 183.4}[22]
§56
Many of the members of our large churches are doing comparatively nothing. They might accomplish a good work if, instead of crowding together, they would scatter into places that have not yet been entered by the truth. Trees that are planted too thickly do not flourish. They are transplanted by the gardener, that they may have room to grow, and not become dwarfed and sickly. The same rule would work well for our large churches. Many of the members are dying spiritually for want of this very work. They are becoming sickly and inefficient. Transplanted, they would have room to grow strong and vigorous.-- Testimonies, vol. 8 p. 244. {ChS 183.4}[22]
§57
【保证必有效果】
§58
如果教会中的平信徒都觉悟起来，去从事力所能及的工作，自备粮饷，参与战斗，各人看自己在救人皈依耶稣的事上能完成多少的工作。这样，我们就必看到许多人离开撒但的阵营，来站在基督的旌旗之下。如果我们的信徒都按这些教训上所赐的亮光而行，我们就必定看见上帝的救恩。奇妙的奋兴必随之而来。罪人必悔改，许多人必加入教会。（《证言》卷八246页）{ChS 184.1}[23]
§59
【Assurance of Results】
§60
If the lay members of the church will arouse to do the work that they can do, going on a warfare at their own charges, each seeing how much he can accomplish in winning souls to Jesus, we shall see many leaving the ranks of Satan to stand under the banner of Christ. If our people will act upon the light that is given in these few words of instruction, we shall surely see of the salvation of God. Wonderful revivals will follow. Sinners will be converted, and many souls will be added to the church.--Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 246. {ChS 184.1}[23]
§61
我们教会的肢体对于国内和国外的布道工作，应感到深切的关心。他们若能舍身努力地去把真理的旌旗树立在新的地方，就必有很大的福乐临到他们。凡为这工作投下的资本，必获丰富的收成。新悔改的人因得着真道亮光而快乐，也就愿意拿出他们的财力，使别人同得真理之光。（《证言》卷九第49页）{ChS 184.2}[24]
§62
Our church members should feel a deep interest in home and foreign missions. Great blessings will come to them as they make self-sacrificing efforts to plant the standard of truth in new territory. The money invested in this work will bring rich returns. New converts, rejoicing in the light received from the Word, will in their turn give of their means to carry the light of truth to others.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 49. {ChS 184.2}[24]
§63
有些地区，情形实在令人难堪。使人丧志，以致许多职工均视为畏途，拒绝前往；可是这种地方一经舍己为人的平信徒加以努力之后，竟有了极其惊人的改进。这班谦卑的工人必大著成效，因为他们肯予以坚忍不拔的努力，不依靠世人的力量，只依靠那向他们施恩的上帝。他们所成就的善工，也是此世所不能明白的。（《证言》卷七22，23页）{ChS 184.3}[25]
§64
In fields where the conditions are so objectionable and disheartening that many workers refuse to go to them, most remarkable changes for the better may be brought about by the efforts of self-sacrificing lay members. These humble workers will accomplish much, because they put forth patient, persevering effort, not relying upon human power, but upon God, who gives them His favor. The amount of good that these workers accomplish will never be known in this world. --Testimonies, vol. 7 pp. 22, 23. {ChS 184.3}[25]
§65
【古代以色列人失败的教训】
§66
当以色列人进入迦南时，他们没有藉着占领全地实现上帝的旨意。在作了局部的征服之后，他们就定居下来，享受胜利的果实。他们因不信和贪爱安逸而聚居在已征服之地，没有推进胜利去占领新的领土。因而他们就开始背离上帝了。他们既没能实现祂的旨意，就使祂不可能实现应许给他们的祝福。现今的教会岂不是在做同样的事吗？虽有整个世界摆在他们面前需要福音，自称为基督徒的人们还是聚居在使自己可以享受福音特权的地方。他们不觉得有必要占领新的领土，把救恩的信息带入他们以外的地区。他们不肯实现基督的委托：“你们往普天下去，传福音给凡受造的听”（可16:15）。他们的罪责难道比犹太教会少吗？（《证言》卷八第119页）{ChS 184.4}[26]
§67
【A Lesson from the Failure of Ancient Israel】
§68
When the Israelites entered Canaan, they did not fulfil Gods purpose by taking possession of the whole land. After making a partial conquest, they settled down to enjoy the fruit of their victories. In their unbelief and love of ease, they congregated in the portions already conquered, instead of pushing forward to occupy new territory. Thus they began to depart from God. By their failure to carry out His purpose they made it impossible for Him to fulfil to them His promise of blessing. Is not the church of today doing the same thing? With the whole world before them in need of the gospel, professed Christians congregate where they themselves can enjoy gospel privileges. They do not feel the necessity of occupying new territory, carrying the message of salvation into regions beyond. They refuse to fulfil Christs commission, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Are they less guilty than was the Jewish church?--Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 119. {ChS 184.4}[26]