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事奉类 › 建造神家的事奉 › 第三篇　事奉的四大项－生命、真理、召会、福音

第三篇　事奉的四大项－生命、真理、召会、福音

建造神家的事奉

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　　我们的事奉该着重注意的，共有四大项，就是生命、真理、召会和福音。我们要就这四项有些交通。
　
　　我们首要注意的，乃是属灵的生命，这是一切的基础。不仅属灵的事是以生命为基础，就是世界上任何的事，也都是以生命为基础。有什么样的生命，才能作什么样的事。在召会生活中，我们不能有宗教的事奉，也不能有组织的活动，只能有生命的事奉，和出乎生命的活动。召会的事奉，召会的见证，完全是出乎生命的。所以在召会的事奉里，我们无法忽略生命，无法与生命脱节。我们所有的事奉，都该以生命作基础，为根源，都该出自于生命。我们是凭着这个生命活在神面前，我们是在这个生命里过这样的生活，作这样的人，有这样的事奉。
　　已过的一些年间，我们在主的怜悯中，对于生命的认识与经历，曾有过够多的注意。我们盼望不光讲一些生命的道，还能实实际际的学生命的功课。所以在已过，我们曾带弟兄姊妹追求灵命四层，学习从得救起，在主面前好好操练每一个生命的功课。我们了结已往的事，把自己完全献给主，学习活在主面前，照着灵而行，在一切事上遵行主的旨意。我们说到如何对付罪，对付世界，对付我们的良心、肉体、己和灵。我们也学习在积极方面，认识什么叫作住在主里面，和主有交通；什么叫作活在幔子里，一直与主过相调的生活。更深一点，我们也学习看见召会乃是基督的身体。我们不是在天然的生命里，成全这个身体的生活；我们乃是在基督复活的生命里，和众圣徒同作肢体，配搭成为一个身体，有一个身体的事奉。我们学习在这身体里，守住肢体的地位，有属灵的争战，属灵的对付。这些功课，圣徒们多少都学了一些。我们在这些功课上学了多少，就断定我们的事奉有多少基础，多少分量。我们的事奉完全是以这个作基础。
　　此外，我们也说了很多关乎十字架的事。因为众人在召会中要有共同的事奉，要有配搭的事奉，就必须接受十字架的破碎。若是十字架没有够多的应用在我们身上，让我们的肉体、血气、己、天然，有够多的破碎，我们就不容易在召会中，和众圣徒一同配搭，和谐一致的有身体的事奉。这些年间，在主的怜悯里，圣徒中间一直有和谐，有一个蒙祝福的光景，很大的原因就是弟兄姊妹都受了这个带领，认识十字架如何了结肉体、血气、己、天然。我们是在十字架的了结下，和众圣徒一同配搭，一同事奉。所以不要说没有争吵或意见，即使是一点点不同的见解，也被我们踩在脚底下。因此，我们要敬拜主，主在我们中间实在是作了元首，实在是得到了该得的地位，也得着了我们众人的高举，得着了召会的敬拜。我们虽然有诸般的软弱，但感谢主，所有的力量都能用在积极方面，没有一点消极的难处在消耗召会事奉的力量。这些都是关乎生命的。
　　所以，无论如何我们不能忽略生命的基础。我们所盼望于各负责弟兄的，首要的还是这个生命。每一位负责弟兄，在主面前都得厉害的学生命的功课。最低限度，要有灵命四层头两层（即在基督里与住在基督里）的经历（详见《生命的经历》上册）。我们要和主有交通，在主面前有对付，奉献，对付罪、世界、良心，顺服膏油涂抹的教训。这是我们事奉的基础。我们不光自己不能忽略，还得把这生命的追求带到各分家聚会里，带领众圣徒也追求生命的长进。在每一个分家里的圣徒，不光要热心爱主，更要有一种光景，追求认识主在里面作生命，学习活在这个生命里，而了结一切在这生命之外的事。我们在各分家聚会中，都应该有这样的追求，这样的带领，这样的空气。这是原则方面，至于细则方面应该怎样作，弟兄姊妹可以随主引导往前。
　
　　第二个重点，我们必须注意真理。真理是我们的法则和宪法，我们所说的真理就是圣经。我们一切的生活、行动、事奉、聚会中的行政，都不能凭着我们自己的看法，也不能随从世界的光景，更不能跟随走样的基督教情形。我们必须把一切都带到圣经里。我们里面的圣灵需要外面的圣经，外面的圣经也需要里面的圣灵。里面的圣灵是我们的生命，外面的圣经是我们的真理。所以，每一分家的事奉，都该有一种空气，给人觉得我们的所作所为，是照真理而行。每一件事无论大小、原则或细则，都当尽力照圣经的真理而行。我们不是随意提议一件事，随意发起一件事，随意创造一件事，也不是随意决断一件事，我们所有的一切，都该以圣经为根据。
　　因此盼望所有背负责任的弟兄姊妹，自己要有读经的习惯，读经的空气，也要带全体圣徒都有读经的空气，和读经的习惯。我们不光愿意从圣经里，得着生命的喂养，生命的粮食，也愿意从圣经里读出真理的亮光，叫我们在一切生活、行动、工作、事奉上，知道主的法则。我们的所作所为，都是以真理为准则。在我们中间没有组织的规则，也没有所谓的宗教信条，全数没有。我们只有这本圣经。我们的事奉要尽所能的，照着圣经的真理而行。
　　我们这样活在生命中，又照着真理而行，就是一条最稳妥、最活泼的路。里面的生命是活的，外面的真理是稳的；兼有这两者，我们的事奉就不容易出问题。若不是这样，我们就相当危险。我们若偏于外面字句的道理，忽略里面的生命，会非常发死；或者偏于里头的生命，轻忽外面的真理，就会失去保障，容易有越轨的行动，与不合常理的举动。比方，火车要开动，里头要有火，有水，有气，外面也要有铁轨，火车才能稳当而快速的往前行驶。照样，我们的事奉必须建造在生命和真理这两面配合的基础上，才能又活泼又稳妥，非常正常的往前。
　
　　第三，我们所以要有生命，有真理，乃是为着要有一个召会。这一个召会就是一个事奉，一个见证，也就是我们基督徒的生活。基督徒的生活、见证、事奉，就是召会。若没有召会，认真说就没有基督徒的生活。请想想看，若是全地上没有第二个基督徒，只有你这一个基督徒，你就无法过基督徒的生活。我们的生活就是召会。有召会才有生活，没有召会就没有生活。同样的原则，为主作见证虽然是个人的事，但若是召会中只有一个基督徒，还是无法作见证。所以，见证也是召会。
　　同样，事奉更是召会。你我里头所得着的生命，不仅是一个圣别的生命，也是一个事奉的生命。我们光过圣别的生活，里头不满足，必须也过事奉的生活，里头才满足。虽然许多时候我们觉得，事奉是一件相当累人的事，但是若把我们的事奉停了，叫我们作一个不事奉的基督徒，相信每一位弟兄姊妹，就是得着千万金银，还是不会满足。我们不事奉，里头就不舒服。我们肉身的生命如何需要喝水，不喝水就不舒服；照样，我们属灵的生命也要事奉，不事奉里头就不满足，就干渴。然而，一个人凭自己无法事奉，要事奉就必须在召会中。
　
　　召会是我们的生活，是我们的见证，也是我们的事奉。我们所以活在生命中，随从真理而行，就是为要有召会这个事奉。在召会这个事奉里，从实行方面说，首要的一件事就是聚会。我们必须有聚会，并且必须会聚会。因此，圣徒们都得注意聚会这件事。分家的情形到底是好，是差；是活，是死；是强，是弱；大部分要以你们聚会的光景来断定。并且你们那一分家的事奉，能不能带下祝福，大部分也是根据聚会的光景如何而定。聚会如果强，如果活，如果好，那一个分家就能带下很多祝福。所以，要注意召会的事奉，就必须注意聚会。各种的聚会都得加强，都得丰富，都得新鲜，都得活泼。负责弟兄都必须学习如何聚会。聚会若是能聚得活，聚得新鲜、刚强、活泼、丰富，圣徒的光景一定强。
　
　　在召会的事奉里，还有一项是探望。探望一差，召会就受很大的亏损。召会如同一个家庭。若是一个家庭里，都是三十多岁到五十岁的成年人，这个家庭的前途不见得有希望，因为这些人慢慢都要老了，死了。一个家庭要兴隆、蓬勃，这个家里要有老人、中年人，更要有少年人、小孩子。一个家有二十口人，只有五、六口是大人，十多口都是小孩子，这个家的前景就非常可期待。
　　若是这一家都是成人，就不需要看顾，不需要照料。一个召会也是如此，若是我们这里的召会，大家都是老练的基督徒，也不像是召会了。召会乃是一个家庭，里面老老少少都有，并且初得救的越多越好。若是初得救的多，那需要多少的探望，多少的照料！在这里，就看见责任的重大。
　　召会的事奉首要在于聚会，其次在于探望。探望，是浅显的说法，其含意是指圣经里所说的牧养和教导。牧养是给粮食，教导是给真理。这就是圣经所说，有牧人和教师恩赐的人所作的事（弗四11）。我们不能盼望每一位圣徒都作牧人或教师，但我们应该盼望家排负责的弟兄姊妹，都能作一点牧养或教导的事。这就如家庭里的大哥大姊，应该能替弟妹们预备一点饭食，或是辅导他们功课。
　　我们必须看见，在召会中，若是这一部分工作作不好，召会就无法建造。然而在堕落、走样的基督教里，不讲究这事。天主教靠神甫，更正教靠牧师，但是在主的召会里，乃是众肢体各尽其职，来供应同作肢体的人。家排负责是比较年长的圣徒，在主面前总是多学了一些功课，就要尽所能供应幼嫩的圣徒。这样的供应有两面，一面是在聚会中供应，另一面是在私下探望时供应。这个探望就是牧养，就是教导。
　　家排负责的事奉，主要是带领聚会，以及探望众圣徒。一到聚会时，家排负责要带领这个聚会。虽然不是包办，却是在那里带领，把整个聚会带活了，带刚强了。在平时，家排负责需要配搭成为一个探望的网，顾到所有圣徒。无论是软弱的、退后的、久不聚会的、生病的，或是失业的，在经济上有需要的，家庭里有难处的，在婚姻上有问题的，甚至有死丧之事的，都需要照顾；无论是人生的需要，或是属灵的需要，家排负责都得明了，都得给圣徒适切的带领和帮助。
　　这个作法并非只是一种理想，乃是完全可以实行出来的。若是我们的事奉能这样周到，顾到一切得救的人，就会有许多事奉的机会，让每一位有心的弟兄姊妹，都有机会事奉；不光在聚会中有机会发表、发挥、活动，就是在私下里也都有机会。只要稍微有一点长进的人，就可以照他长进的程度，给他一点事奉的责任，叫他去照顾别人。等过了一段时间，再有一些福音活动，又带进新的人，这些新的人也学会这样顾到别人。这就会有一个家风，大家都有属灵的生活，能产生出属灵的子孙，慢慢的召会就扩充出去了。
　
　　第三，在召会的事奉里，还要尽力的交通。要有召会的事奉，非有交通不可。聚会前、聚会后，都要和弟兄姊妹接触交通。家负责的人常常要彼此交通接触，家负责和排负责也要常常交通，常常谈论。交通的范围不限于那一面，或者谈说某弟兄这些日子不聚会，该怎么办？或者谈说最近没有传福音，该怎么传法？学校已经开学了，许多青年人需要福音，是不是要设法把福音传给他们？就这样，随着主的引导，无论是生命的追求、真理的认识、或召会事奉的推动，什么事都可以谈论，都可以交通。
　　不仅如此，有时也要借着爱筵和弟兄姊妹有交通。甚至可以请全分家聚会的人一起爱筵，有时也可以到弟兄姊妹家爱筵。比方，我是一个排负责的弟兄，就把我这一排的弟兄们请来，在我家一同有交通。如果我是一个排负责的姊妹，就把我自己排里的姊妹们请来，到我家有交通。有时也可以我这一家，请王家和张家的弟兄姊妹来在一起有交通。总之，众人要尽力的有交通。这样的交通，常常能把弟兄姊妹家里不信的人，交通得信主了，把不爱主的人，交通得爱主了。若是家排负责的弟兄姊妹，能注意聚会，注意探望，也注意交通，这三项都注意得够了，这个分家的聚会定规是活的、强的、新鲜的。
　　反之，无论哪一个分家缺少了这三项，或者缺少了其中一项，定规作不强。若是一个分家没有聚会，那一个分家就死了；但如果光有聚会，而探望很差，交通根本没有，那个分家聚会也一定很弱。所以一定要有聚会，还要加上探望，再配上交通，并且交通要越多越好，越透越好。
　　在召会中若是遇到问题，不要太去解决；有了难处，也不必太去排解，只要尽力交通。交通一多，一切问题自然解决；交通就是身体里的血液循环。作医生的人告诉我们，血液循环得越正常，身体就越健全，越不容易出问题。若是弟兄姊妹缺少交通，你遇到他们中间有意见时，把有意见的人请来谈判，就会越谈问题越多，越谈越摸着死亡，越要解决难处越发生难处。所以不要靠谈判，乃要靠交通。血液要循环，生命的恩典要流通，圣徒们中间一直要有交通。有的误会是因不交通而有的，有的不了解是因不交通才有的，有的意见不同也是因为不交通才产生的。一多有交通，你的变作我的，我的变作你的，大家的意见自然相同、融合、调和了。总而言之，弟兄姊妹中间一切的难处，都可以在交通里得着解决。
　　聚会乃是为着供应、开展、启发、带领；探望乃是牧养、教导；而交通是互相交流，叫生命在我们中间排解万难，并供应一切的需要。所以，关于召会事奉这一面，每一个分家都得注意聚会、探望和交通这三件事。我乃是站在一个弟兄的地位，把我所学习、所认识的，交通给你们。盼望每一个分家负责人，都到分家聚会里注意这三项，聚会要刚强，探望要普遍，交通也要透切。
　
　　第四项就是传福音。有了活泼的生命，有了稳固的真理，有了上轨道的聚会、探望和交通，就是我们该传福音的时候。福音乃是这样传出去的。圣徒们都活起来，都来事奉了，到这时就必须往外开展主的国度，尽力传福音。圣徒们家里若有尚未得救的，无论是父母、儿女、妻子、丈夫、兄弟或姊妹，都要鼓励圣徒对家人有负担，带他们得救。圣经的话明说，“当信靠主耶稣，你和你一家都必得救。”（徒十六31）圣徒们即使是痛哭，也得哭到叫这个应许成全。甚至禁食，也得禁食到叫这个应许成全。要向主迫切祈求，叫这句话得到成全。等到把家里的人带得救了，还要去带亲友、邻舍、同事、同学得救。总要推动弟兄姊妹，把福音传出去。
　　所以，我们必须有福音活动。有时候可以在分家聚会里传福音，有时候可以约弟兄姊妹在主日下午，带着单张或福音小册到附近，家家户户的分发，也可以在马路上贴一些标语。有时候也要到弟兄或姊妹家里传福音，一个晚上可以去许多家传福音。这一种传福音，不一定请什么人传讲，可以很自由的请一些亲友来，唱一点诗歌，有人作一点见证，有人读读圣经，彼此谈谈；有时也可以请朋友发言，说说他的感觉，然后照他的感觉，带他接受救恩。这种家庭福音，虽然不一定能立刻结很多果子，但是得救的人都能得救得很透切。
　　此外，有时候还可以几个分家合在一个会所里传，也可以几个会所合起来，有一个大的福音活动。总之，要积极的传福音。
　　这些不过是一个纲领。任何一个地方召会或分家聚会的事奉，所该注意的就是这四面：生命、真理、召会和福音。我再说，这不是道理，乃是一点交通，一点实行的路。盼望各分家的圣徒，都能积极的在这四方面往前去。
　　讲于台北家负责事奉聚会（讲时不详）
　　原刊于一九六四年一月“话语职事”第一百五十一期
　　我们的事奉该着重注意的，共有四大项，就是生命、真理、召会和福音。我们要就这四项有些交通。
　
　　我们首要注意的，乃是属灵的生命，这是一切的基础。不仅属灵的事是以生命为基础，就是世界上任何的事，也都是以生命为基础。有什么样的生命，才能作什么样的事。在召会生活中，我们不能有宗教的事奉，也不能有组织的活动，只能有生命的事奉，和出乎生命的活动。召会的事奉，召会的见证，完全是出乎生命的。所以在召会的事奉里，我们无法忽略生命，无法与生命脱节。我们所有的事奉，都该以生命作基础，为根源，都该出自于生命。我们是凭着这个生命活在神面前，我们是在这个生命里过这样的生活，作这样的人，有这样的事奉。　　已过的一些年间，我们在主的怜悯中，对于生命的认识与经历，曾有过够多的注意。我们盼望不光讲一些生命的道，还能实实际际的学生命的功课。所以在已过，我们曾带弟兄姊妹追求灵命四层，学习从得救起，在主面前好好操练每一个生命的功课。我们了结已往的事，把自己完全献给主，学习活在主面前，照着灵而行，在一切事上遵行主的旨意。我们说到如何对付罪，对付世界，对付我们的良心、肉体、己和灵。我们也学习在积极方面，认识什么叫作住在主里面，和主有交通；什么叫作活在幔子里，一直与主过相调的生活。更深一点，我们也学习看见召会乃是基督的身体。我们不是在天然的生命里，成全这个身体的生活；我们乃是在基督复活的生命里，和众圣徒同作肢体，配搭成为一个身体，有一个身体的事奉。我们学习在这身体里，守住肢体的地位，有属灵的争战，属灵的对付。这些功课，圣徒们多少都学了一些。我们在这些功课上学了多少，就断定我们的事奉有多少基础，多少分量。我们的事奉完全是以这个作基础。　　此外，我们也说了很多关乎十字架的事。因为众人在召会中要有共同的事奉，要有配搭的事奉，就必须接受十字架的破碎。若是十字架没有够多的应用在我们身上，让我们的肉体、血气、己、天然，有够多的破碎，我们就不容易在召会中，和众圣徒一同配搭，和谐一致的有身体的事奉。这些年间，在主的怜悯里，圣徒中间一直有和谐，有一个蒙祝福的光景，很大的原因就是弟兄姊妹都受了这个带领，认识十字架如何了结肉体、血气、己、天然。我们是在十字架的了结下，和众圣徒一同配搭，一同事奉。所以不要说没有争吵或意见，即使是一点点不同的见解，也被我们踩在脚底下。因此，我们要敬拜主，主在我们中间实在是作了元首，实在是得到了该得的地位，也得着了我们众人的高举，得着了召会的敬拜。我们虽然有诸般的软弱，但感谢主，所有的力量都能用在积极方面，没有一点消极的难处在消耗召会事奉的力量。这些都是关乎生命的。
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使徒行传十章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
使徒行传一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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　　所以，无论如何我们不能忽略生命的基础。我们所盼望于各负责弟兄的，首要的还是这个生命。每一位负责弟兄，在主面前都得厉害的学生命的功课。最低限度，要有灵命四层头两层（即在基督里与住在基督里）的经历（详见《生命的经历》上册）。我们要和主有交通，在主面前有对付，奉献，对付罪、世界、良心，顺服膏油涂抹的教训。这是我们事奉的基础。我们不光自己不能忽略，还得把这生命的追求带到各分家聚会里，带领众圣徒也追求生命的长进。在每一个分家里的圣徒，不光要热心爱主，更要有一种光景，追求认识主在里面作生命，学习活在这个生命里，而了结一切在这生命之外的事。我们在各分家聚会中，都应该有这样的追求，这样的带领，这样的空气。这是原则方面，至于细则方面应该怎样作，弟兄姊妹可以随主引导往前。
　
　　第二个重点，我们必须注意真理。真理是我们的法则和宪法，我们所说的真理就是圣经。我们一切的生活、行动、事奉、聚会中的行政，都不能凭着我们自己的看法，也不能随从世界的光景，更不能跟随走样的基督教情形。我们必须把一切都带到圣经里。我们里面的圣灵需要外面的圣经，外面的圣经也需要里面的圣灵。里面的圣灵是我们的生命，外面的圣经是我们的真理。所以，每一分家的事奉，都该有一种空气，给人觉得我们的所作所为，是照真理而行。每一件事无论大小、原则或细则，都当尽力照圣经的真理而行。我们不是随意提议一件事，随意发起一件事，随意创造一件事，也不是随意决断一件事，我们所有的一切，都该以圣经为根据。　　因此盼望所有背负责任的弟兄姊妹，自己要有读经的习惯，读经的空气，也要带全体圣徒都有读经的空气，和读经的习惯。我们不光愿意从圣经里，得着生命的喂养，生命的粮食，也愿意从圣经里读出真理的亮光，叫我们在一切生活、行动、工作、事奉上，知道主的法则。我们的所作所为，都是以真理为准则。在我们中间没有组织的规则，也没有所谓的宗教信条，全数没有。我们只有这本圣经。我们的事奉要尽所能的，照着圣经的真理而行。　　我们这样活在生命中，又照着真理而行，就是一条最稳妥、最活泼的路。里面的生命是活的，外面的真理是稳的；兼有这两者，我们的事奉就不容易出问题。若不是这样，我们就相当危险。我们若偏于外面字句的道理，忽略里面的生命，会非常发死；或者偏于里头的生命，轻忽外面的真理，就会失去保障，容易有越轨的行动，与不合常理的举动。比方，火车要开动，里头要有火，有水，有气，外面也要有铁轨，火车才能稳当而快速的往前行驶。照样，我们的事奉必须建造在生命和真理这两面配合的基础上，才能又活泼又稳妥，非常正常的往前。
　
　　第三，我们所以要有生命，有真理，乃是为着要有一个召会。这一个召会就是一个事奉，一个见证，也就是我们基督徒的生活。基督徒的生活、见证、事奉，就是召会。若没有召会，认真说就没有基督徒的生活。请想想看，若是全地上没有第二个基督徒，只有你这一个基督徒，你就无法过基督徒的生活。我们的生活就是召会。有召会才有生活，没有召会就没有生活。同样的原则，为主作见证虽然是个人的事，但若是召会中只有一个基督徒，还是无法作见证。所以，见证也是召会。　　同样，事奉更是召会。你我里头所得着的生命，不仅是一个圣别的生命，也是一个事奉的生命。我们光过圣别的生活，里头不满足，必须也过事奉的生活，里头才满足。虽然许多时候我们觉得，事奉是一件相当累人的事，但是若把我们的事奉停了，叫我们作一个不事奉的基督徒，相信每一位弟兄姊妹，就是得着千万金银，还是不会满足。我们不事奉，里头就不舒服。我们肉身的生命如何需要喝水，不喝水就不舒服；照样，我们属灵的生命也要事奉，不事奉里头就不满足，就干渴。然而，一个人凭自己无法事奉，要事奉就必须在召会中。
　
　　召会是我们的生活，是我们的见证，也是我们的事奉。我们所以活在生命中，随从真理而行，就是为要有召会这个事奉。在召会这个事奉里，从实行方面说，首要的一件事就是聚会。我们必须有聚会，并且必须会聚会。因此，圣徒们都得注意聚会这件事。分家的情形到底是好，是差；是活，是死；是强，是弱；大部分要以你们聚会的光景来断定。并且你们那一分家的事奉，能不能带下祝福，大部分也是根据聚会的光景如何而定。聚会如果强，如果活，如果好，那一个分家就能带下很多祝福。所以，要注意召会的事奉，就必须注意聚会。各种的聚会都得加强，都得丰富，都得新鲜，都得活泼。负责弟兄都必须学习如何聚会。聚会若是能聚得活，聚得新鲜、刚强、活泼、丰富，圣徒的光景一定强。
　
　　在召会的事奉里，还有一项是探望。探望一差，召会就受很大的亏损。召会如同一个家庭。若是一个家庭里，都是三十多岁到五十岁的成年人，这个家庭的前途不见得有希望，因为这些人慢慢都要老了，死了。一个家庭要兴隆、蓬勃，这个家里要有老人、中年人，更要有少年人、小孩子。一个家有二十口人，只有五、六口是大人，十多口都是小孩子，这个家的前景就非常可期待。　　若是这一家都是成人，就不需要看顾，不需要照料。一个召会也是如此，若是我们这里的召会，大家都是老练的基督徒，也不像是召会了。召会乃是一个家庭，里面老老少少都有，并且初得救的越多越好。若是初得救的多，那需要多少的探望，多少的照料！在这里，就看见责任的重大。　　召会的事奉首要在于聚会，其次在于探望。探望，是浅显的说法，其含意是指圣经里所说的牧养和教导。牧养是给粮食，教导是给真理。这就是圣经所说，有牧人和教师恩赐的人所作的事（弗四11）。我们不能盼望每一位圣徒都作牧人或教师，但我们应该盼望家排负责的弟兄姊妹，都能作一点牧养或教导的事。这就如家庭里的大哥大姊，应该能替弟妹们预备一点饭食，或是辅导他们功课。
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弗4:11  
祂所赐的，有些是使徒，有些是申言者，有些是传福音者，有些是牧人和教师，
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　　我们必须看见，在召会中，若是这一部分工作作不好，召会就无法建造。然而在堕落、走样的基督教里，不讲究这事。天主教靠神甫，更正教靠牧师，但是在主的召会里，乃是众肢体各尽其职，来供应同作肢体的人。家排负责是比较年长的圣徒，在主面前总是多学了一些功课，就要尽所能供应幼嫩的圣徒。这样的供应有两面，一面是在聚会中供应，另一面是在私下探望时供应。这个探望就是牧养，就是教导。　　家排负责的事奉，主要是带领聚会，以及探望众圣徒。一到聚会时，家排负责要带领这个聚会。虽然不是包办，却是在那里带领，把整个聚会带活了，带刚强了。在平时，家排负责需要配搭成为一个探望的网，顾到所有圣徒。无论是软弱的、退后的、久不聚会的、生病的，或是失业的，在经济上有需要的，家庭里有难处的，在婚姻上有问题的，甚至有死丧之事的，都需要照顾；无论是人生的需要，或是属灵的需要，家排负责都得明了，都得给圣徒适切的带领和帮助。　　这个作法并非只是一种理想，乃是完全可以实行出来的。若是我们的事奉能这样周到，顾到一切得救的人，就会有许多事奉的机会，让每一位有心的弟兄姊妹，都有机会事奉；不光在聚会中有机会发表、发挥、活动，就是在私下里也都有机会。只要稍微有一点长进的人，就可以照他长进的程度，给他一点事奉的责任，叫他去照顾别人。等过了一段时间，再有一些福音活动，又带进新的人，这些新的人也学会这样顾到别人。这就会有一个家风，大家都有属灵的生活，能产生出属灵的子孙，慢慢的召会就扩充出去了。
　
　　第三，在召会的事奉里，还要尽力的交通。要有召会的事奉，非有交通不可。聚会前、聚会后，都要和弟兄姊妹接触交通。家负责的人常常要彼此交通接触，家负责和排负责也要常常交通，常常谈论。交通的范围不限于那一面，或者谈说某弟兄这些日子不聚会，该怎么办？或者谈说最近没有传福音，该怎么传法？学校已经开学了，许多青年人需要福音，是不是要设法把福音传给他们？就这样，随着主的引导，无论是生命的追求、真理的认识、或召会事奉的推动，什么事都可以谈论，都可以交通。　　不仅如此，有时也要借着爱筵和弟兄姊妹有交通。甚至可以请全分家聚会的人一起爱筵，有时也可以到弟兄姊妹家爱筵。比方，我是一个排负责的弟兄，就把我这一排的弟兄们请来，在我家一同有交通。如果我是一个排负责的姊妹，就把我自己排里的姊妹们请来，到我家有交通。有时也可以我这一家，请王家和张家的弟兄姊妹来在一起有交通。总之，众人要尽力的有交通。这样的交通，常常能把弟兄姊妹家里不信的人，交通得信主了，把不爱主的人，交通得爱主了。若是家排负责的弟兄姊妹，能注意聚会，注意探望，也注意交通，这三项都注意得够了，这个分家的聚会定规是活的、强的、新鲜的。　　反之，无论哪一个分家缺少了这三项，或者缺少了其中一项，定规作不强。若是一个分家没有聚会，那一个分家就死了；但如果光有聚会，而探望很差，交通根本没有，那个分家聚会也一定很弱。所以一定要有聚会，还要加上探望，再配上交通，并且交通要越多越好，越透越好。　　在召会中若是遇到问题，不要太去解决；有了难处，也不必太去排解，只要尽力交通。交通一多，一切问题自然解决；交通就是身体里的血液循环。作医生的人告诉我们，血液循环得越正常，身体就越健全，越不容易出问题。若是弟兄姊妹缺少交通，你遇到他们中间有意见时，把有意见的人请来谈判，就会越谈问题越多，越谈越摸着死亡，越要解决难处越发生难处。所以不要靠谈判，乃要靠交通。血液要循环，生命的恩典要流通，圣徒们中间一直要有交通。有的误会是因不交通而有的，有的不了解是因不交通才有的，有的意见不同也是因为不交通才产生的。一多有交通，你的变作我的，我的变作你的，大家的意见自然相同、融合、调和了。总而言之，弟兄姊妹中间一切的难处，都可以在交通里得着解决。　　聚会乃是为着供应、开展、启发、带领；探望乃是牧养、教导；而交通是互相交流，叫生命在我们中间排解万难，并供应一切的需要。所以，关于召会事奉这一面，每一个分家都得注意聚会、探望和交通这三件事。我乃是站在一个弟兄的地位，把我所学习、所认识的，交通给你们。盼望每一个分家负责人，都到分家聚会里注意这三项，聚会要刚强，探望要普遍，交通也要透切。
　
　　第四项就是传福音。有了活泼的生命，有了稳固的真理，有了上轨道的聚会、探望和交通，就是我们该传福音的时候。福音乃是这样传出去的。圣徒们都活起来，都来事奉了，到这时就必须往外开展主的国度，尽力传福音。圣徒们家里若有尚未得救的，无论是父母、儿女、妻子、丈夫、兄弟或姊妹，都要鼓励圣徒对家人有负担，带他们得救。圣经的话明说，“当信靠主耶稣，你和你一家都必得救。”（徒十六31）圣徒们即使是痛哭，也得哭到叫这个应许成全。甚至禁食，也得禁食到叫这个应许成全。要向主迫切祈求，叫这句话得到成全。等到把家里的人带得救了，还要去带亲友、邻舍、同事、同学得救。总要推动弟兄姊妹，把福音传出去。
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徒16:31  
他们说，当信靠主耶稣，你和你一家都必得救。
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　　所以，我们必须有福音活动。有时候可以在分家聚会里传福音，有时候可以约弟兄姊妹在主日下午，带着单张或福音小册到附近，家家户户的分发，也可以在马路上贴一些标语。有时候也要到弟兄或姊妹家里传福音，一个晚上可以去许多家传福音。这一种传福音，不一定请什么人传讲，可以很自由的请一些亲友来，唱一点诗歌，有人作一点见证，有人读读圣经，彼此谈谈；有时也可以请朋友发言，说说他的感觉，然后照他的感觉，带他接受救恩。这种家庭福音，虽然不一定能立刻结很多果子，但是得救的人都能得救得很透切。　　此外，有时候还可以几个分家合在一个会所里传，也可以几个会所合起来，有一个大的福音活动。总之，要积极的传福音。　　这些不过是一个纲领。任何一个地方召会或分家聚会的事奉，所该注意的就是这四面：生命、真理、召会和福音。我再说，这不是道理，乃是一点交通，一点实行的路。盼望各分家的圣徒，都能积极的在这四方面往前去。
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何西阿书一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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　　讲于台北家负责事奉聚会（讲时不详）　　原刊于一九六四年一月“话语职事”第一百五十一期
　In our service we should pay attention to four major items—life, the truth, the church, and the gospel.
　
LIFE
　We need to pay attention to life, the divine life. This is the base of all things. Not only spiritual matters are based on life; worldly matters are also based on life. The things that we do depend on the life that we have. In the church life we cannot have religious services or organized activities. Our service can come only from life. The service of the church and the testimony of the church are based on life. Hence, we cannot neglect life, nor should we be detached from life. We should take Christ as the base and the source of our service, and our service should be the issue of life. It is by the divine life that we live before God, and it is in this life that we have our being, our living, and our service.
　By the Lord’s mercy, we have paid sufficient attention to the knowledge and experience of life. We have given messages concerning life, and we have learned practical lessons on life. The saints have been led to pursue the four stages of life and have properly learned the lessons in each stage. We have terminated the things of the past and offered ourselves to the Lord. We are learning to live before Him, walk according to the Spirit, and do His will in all things. We have given messages concerning dealing with sins, the world, our conscience, the flesh, the self, and our spirit. We are learning to abide in the Lord, to fellowship with Him, to live within the veil, and to have a mingled living with the Lord. On a deeper level we are learning that the church is the Body of Christ. We are not perfecting the Body life with the natural life. In the resurrection life of Christ we are fellow members with the saints, we are coordinated into one Body, and we have the service of the Body. We are learning to keep our position as members in the Body, and we are learning spiritual warfare and spiritual dealings. The saints have learned some lessons in all these matters. These lessons determine the basis of our service and give our service weight. Our service is based on learning these lessons.
　We have also spoken concerning the cross. In order to serve in coordination, we must receive the breaking of the cross. If we do not apply the cross to deal with our flesh, the self, and the natural life, it will not be easy for us to coordinate with other saints and serve in harmony and in oneness. By the Lord’s mercy, in the past we were blessed with harmony because the saints were led to know that the cross has terminated our flesh, our self, and our natural life. As a result, we coordinated and served together under the termination of the cross. We did not quarrel or express opinions. Even the slightest differing views were trampled beneath our feet. We worship the Lord because He has indeed been the Head among us. He has obtained the position He deserves, He has obtained our exaltation, and He has obtained the church’s worship. Although we have many weaknesses, our little strength has not been consumed with negative problems. The above points are related to life.
　Therefore, we must not neglect the base of life. Every responsible brother must learn serious lessons concerning life. He should at least have the experience of the first two stages of being in Christ and of abiding in Christ (see The Experience of Life). We need to fellowship with the Lord, have dealings, and consecrate ourselves. We also need to deal with sins, the world, our conscience, and obey the teaching of the anointing. These experiences are the base of our service. We must not neglect these experiences. Furthermore, we should bring this pursuit of life to our various localities so that the saints may also be led to pursue the growth in life. The saints should not only love the Lord zealously but also pursue to know the Lord as life and learn to live in this life. Such a pursuit, leading, and atmosphere should be in every home meeting. This is the principle. The responsible saints should follow the Lord’s leading concerning the details of carrying out this principle.
　
THE TRUTH
　We must pay attention to the truth. The truth is our constitution. When we speak of the truth, we are referring to what is revealed in the Bible. Our living, walk, service, and administration of the church should not be according to our own view, the world, or deformed Christianity. We must do everything according to the Bible. The indwelling Spirit needs the Bible in our hands, and the Bible needs the Spirit within us. The Spirit within is our life, and the Bible is our truth. The atmosphere of our service should give people the impression that everything we do is according to the truth in the Bible. Every matter, no matter how great or small, should be done according to the truth. We would not propose, initiate, create, or decide any matter according to our will. Rather, everything we do should be based on the Bible.
　The responsible saints should have the habit and atmosphere of reading the Bible, and they should bring the saints into the habit and atmosphere of reading the Bible. We want to receive the nourishment of life, the bread of life, from the Bible. We also want to see light in the truth of the Bible so that we may know the Lord’s way in our living, walk, work, and service. Everything that we do should have the truth as its standard. We are not an organization with regulations, nor do we follow a creed. We have only the Bible. As much as possible, we should endeavor to serve according to the truth.
　We will be enlivened when we live in the divine life and walk according to the truth. Furthermore, our service will be secure. The divine life enlivens us, and the truth protects us. When we have both life and the truth, we will not easily encounter problems in our service. Otherwise, we will be in peril. If we emphasize the truth and neglect the divine life, we will become dead. If we emphasize the divine life and neglect the truth, we will lose our protection and be vulnerable to improper activities and unsound behavior. A locomotive needs the supply of fire, water, and air in order to move. It also needs railroad tracks to secure its movement. Likewise, our service must be built on two bases—life and truth—in order for our service to be full of life and secure.
　
THE CHURCH
　On the one hand, we need life and the truth for the church, which is our service, our testimony, and our Christian living. On the other hand, our Christian living is not practical without the church. Our living is the church. Without the church there is no living. In the same principle, although testifying for the Lord is an individual matter, if there were only one Christian in the church, there would not be a testimony. Therefore, our testimony is also the church.
　Similarly, our service is the church. The life that we have received is not only a holy life; it is a serving life. We cannot be satisfied with only a holy living. We need a serving life in order to be satisfied. Although we may often feel that serving is tiring, if we stopped our service, nothing would satisfy us, and we would be restless. Our physical life needs water; hence, we feel thirsty when we do not drink. Likewise, our spiritual life needs service; otherwise, we will be thirsty. However, a Christian cannot serve by himself. In order to serve, he must be in the church.
　
Meeting
　The church is our living, our testimony, and also our service. Our living in life and walking according to the truth are for the service of the church. The first item concerning the service of the church is the meetings. We must have meetings, and we must know how to meet. Whether the condition of a locality is good or bad, living or dead, or strong or weak depends on the condition of the meetings. Whether or not the service in a locality can bring in blessing depends on the condition of the meetings. If the meetings in a locality are strong and living, there will be much blessing. Therefore, in order to take care of the service of the church, we must pay attention to our meetings. The various meetings must be strengthened, enriched, refreshed, and enlivened. The responsible brothers must learn how to meet. If the meetings can be carried out in a living, fresh, strong, and rich way, the saints will be strong.
　
Visitation
　Another item in the service of the church is visitation. When we neglect visitation, the church suffers a great loss. The church can be likened to a family. A family with only adults between the ages of thirty and fifty does not have a promising future, because its members will gradually get older and die. In order for a family to prosper and flourish, its members need to include the elderly, the middle-aged, the young people, and the children. A family with six adults and many children has a promising future.
　A family with only adults does not need much care. This is also true of the church. It is not normal for every believer in a locality to be an experienced Christian. The church is a family with older believers and younger believers. A locality with many newly saved believers needs much visitation and care. This is our responsibility.
　In the church, meetings are of primary importance, followed by visitation. The word visitation implies shepherding and teaching. To shepherd is to give food, and to teach is to impart the truth. The gifts to the Body include shepherds and teachers (Eph. 4:11). We cannot expect every saint to function in this way, but we should at least expect every responsible saint to do the work of shepherding and teaching. This can be likened to the older siblings in a family being able to prepare food for their younger siblings or to help them with their homework.
　A church that lacks proper shepherding and teaching cannot be built up. Degraded and deformed Christianity does not care for shepherding and teaching. Catholics rely on priests, and Protestants rely on pastors, but in the Lord’s churches every member should function to supply their fellow members. The responsible saints are more experienced and have learned more lessons before the Lord. Hence, they should endeavor to supply the younger saints in the meetings and in private visitations. Such visitation is shepherding and teaching.
　The responsible ones should serve mainly by leading the meetings and visiting the saints. The responsible ones should not run the meetings. They should lead the meetings so that the meetings are living and strong. The responsible ones should also have thorough coordination concerning care for the saints. All the saints—whether they are weak, backsliding, dormant, sick, unemployed, have financial needs, family troubles, marital problems, or have suffered the loss of a family member—should receive shepherding and care. The responsible ones must have a clear understanding of the human and spiritual needs of every saint in order to provide proper leading and help.
　Visiting the saints and thorough fellowship are not merely an ideal; they are practical. If we can care for every brother and sister, there will be many opportunities for them to be active and serve both in the meetings and individually. According to his growth, a brother can be given some responsibility to serve in visiting others. The purpose of our gospel activities is to bring in more new ones who can learn to take care of other believers. This is our family custom. Every saint should have a spiritual living and produce spiritual children. Then the church will gradually spread.
　
Fellowship
　There must be fellowship in order to have church service. Hence, we should endeavor to fellowship. We should contact and fellowship with the saints before and after the meetings. In addition, the responsible ones need to fellowship with one another often. Our fellowship should not be limited to a particular matter. Our fellowship might be concerning a brother who has not been meeting lately or concerning the gospel. According to the Lord’s leading, we can fellowship about anything, whether it is concerning the pursuit of life, the knowledge of the truth, or motivating others for church service.
　Sometimes we need to invite the saints to a love feast in order to fellowship with them. We can invite everyone in the district to the love feast or have love feasts in the homes of the brothers and sisters. For instance, I can invite the brothers in my group meeting to have fellowship in my home, a responsible sister might invite the sisters in her group meeting to have fellowship in her home, or I can invite two families to my home for fellowship. Every responsible one should endeavor to fellowship with the saints. Through such fellowship unsaved family members can be brought to salvation, and the love of those who are cold can be rekindled. If the responsible ones in a locality focus on the meetings, visitation, and fellowship, the locality will be living, strong, and fresh.
　A locality that neglects the meetings, visitation, or fellowship will not be strong. A locality that does not have meetings will be dead, and a locality without visitation and fellowship will be weak. Therefore, we must have meetings, visitation, and fellowship. The more fellowship we have the better.
　In the church life we do not try to solve problems, but we endeavor to fellowship. Every problem is resolved with fellowship, for fellowship is the blood circulation of the Body. Doctors say that a person with normal blood circulation is healthy and less vulnerable to disease. A lack of fellowship issues in opinions and negotiation, which in turn produce problems. Therefore, we should not rely on negotiation but on fellowship. Fellowship is the means by which the spiritual blood circulates; that is, the grace of life flows. Hence, there should be continual fellowship among the saints. Misunderstandings, ignorance, and opinions are the result of a lack of fellowship. When we have thorough fellowship, your thought becomes mine, my thought becomes yours, and we spontaneously have the same blended and mingled thought. All the problems among the saints can be solved through fellowship.
　The meetings are for supplying, propagating, motivating, and perfecting. Visitation is for shepherding and teaching. Fellowship is communion that lets life both solve the problems among us and supply our needs. In the church service every locality should pay attention to these three matters: meeting, visitation, and fellowship. I hope that the responsible ones in every local church will focus on these three items so that the meetings will be strong, the visitations extensive, and the fellowship thorough.
　
THE GOSPEL
　When we are in life, then the truth is secure, the meetings, visitations, and fellowship are strong, and it is time to preach the gospel. This is how the gospel is preached. When the saints are enlivened and are serving, we must spread the Lord’s kingdom by endeavoring in the gospel. If the saints have unsaved family members, we must encourage the saints to bring their family members to salvation. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). The saints should be so burdened that they would weep before the Lord until this promise is fulfilled. The saints might also fast and petition the Lord desperately so that this word may be fulfilled. After our family is saved, we need to bring our other relatives and our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and schoolmates to salvation. We must motivate the saints to spread the gospel.
　We should have gospel activities. We can have a gospel meeting for the whole church, distribute tracts and gospel booklets to our neighbors, or post gospel banners. Sometimes we may preach the gospel in the homes of the saints. The saints should not wait on a particular person in order to preach the gospel. A brother should be free to invite family and friends to his home in order to sing hymns with them. A sister might want to give her testimony to her family and friends or to read the Bible with them. We should also ask our gospel friends to speak, and then, according to their speaking, bring them to salvation. Preaching the gospel in the homes is not a quick way to bear fruit, but those who are saved in the homes experience a thorough salvation.
　In addition, we can sometimes combine several group meetings and preach the gospel together, or two localities can have a large gospel activity. We must actively preach the gospel.
　This fellowship is merely an outline. Every local church should pay attention to life, the truth, the church, and the gospel. This is not doctrine. This fellowship must be our practice. I hope that the saints in every church can be involved in these four matters.
 
　　我们的事奉该着重注意的，共有四大项，就是生命、真理、召会和福音。我们要就这四项有些交通。
 
　In our service we should pay attention to four major items—life, the truth, the church, and the gospel.
　　我们首要注意的，乃是属灵的生命，这是一切的基础。不仅属灵的事是以生命为基础，就是世界上任何的事，也都是以生命为基础。有什么样的生命，才能作什么样的事。在召会生活中，我们不能有宗教的事奉，也不能有组织的活动，只能有生命的事奉，和出乎生命的活动。召会的事奉，召会的见证，完全是出乎生命的。所以在召会的事奉里，我们无法忽略生命，无法与生命脱节。我们所有的事奉，都该以生命作基础，为根源，都该出自于生命。我们是凭着这个生命活在神面前，我们是在这个生命里过这样的生活，作这样的人，有这样的事奉。

　　已过的一些年间，我们在主的怜悯中，对于生命的认识与经历，曾有过够多的注意。我们盼望不光讲一些生命的道，还能实实际际的学生命的功课。所以在已过，我们曾带弟兄姊妹追求灵命四层，学习从得救起，在主面前好好操练每一个生命的功课。我们了结已往的事，把自己完全献给主，学习活在主面前，照着灵而行，在一切事上遵行主的旨意。我们说到如何对付罪，对付世界，对付我们的良心、肉体、己和灵。我们也学习在积极方面，认识什么叫作住在主里面，和主有交通；什么叫作活在幔子里，一直与主过相调的生活。更深一点，我们也学习看见召会乃是基督的身体。我们不是在天然的生命里，成全这个身体的生活；我们乃是在基督复活的生命里，和众圣徒同作肢体，配搭成为一个身体，有一个身体的事奉。我们学习在这身体里，守住肢体的地位，有属灵的争战，属灵的对付。这些功课，圣徒们多少都学了一些。我们在这些功课上学了多少，就断定我们的事奉有多少基础，多少分量。我们的事奉完全是以这个作基础。

　　此外，我们也说了很多关乎十字架的事。因为众人在召会中要有共同的事奉，要有配搭的事奉，就必须接受十字架的破碎。若是十字架没有够多的应用在我们身上，让我们的肉体、血气、己、天然，有够多的破碎，我们就不容易在召会中，和众圣徒一同配搭，和谐一致的有身体的事奉。这些年间，在主的怜悯里，圣徒中间一直有和谐，有一个蒙祝福的光景，很大的原因就是弟兄姊妹都受了这个带领，认识十字架如何了结肉体、血气、己、天然。我们是在十字架的了结下，和众圣徒一同配搭，一同事奉。所以不要说没有争吵或意见，即使是一点点不同的见解，也被我们踩在脚底下。因此，我们要敬拜主，主在我们中间实在是作了元首，实在是得到了该得的地位，也得着了我们众人的高举，得着了召会的敬拜。我们虽然有诸般的软弱，但感谢主，所有的力量都能用在积极方面，没有一点消极的难处在消耗召会事奉的力量。这些都是关乎生命的。

　　所以，无论如何我们不能忽略生命的基础。我们所盼望于各负责弟兄的，首要的还是这个生命。每一位负责弟兄，在主面前都得厉害的学生命的功课。最低限度，要有灵命四层头两层（即在基督里与住在基督里）的经历（详见《生命的经历》上册）。我们要和主有交通，在主面前有对付，奉献，对付罪、世界、良心，顺服膏油涂抹的教训。这是我们事奉的基础。我们不光自己不能忽略，还得把这生命的追求带到各分家聚会里，带领众圣徒也追求生命的长进。在每一个分家里的圣徒，不光要热心爱主，更要有一种光景，追求认识主在里面作生命，学习活在这个生命里，而了结一切在这生命之外的事。我们在各分家聚会中，都应该有这样的追求，这样的带领，这样的空气。这是原则方面，至于细则方面应该怎样作，弟兄姊妹可以随主引导往前。
 
　We need to pay attention to life, the divine life. This is the base of all things. Not only spiritual matters are based on life; worldly matters are also based on life. The things that we do depend on the life that we have. In the church life we cannot have religious services or organized activities. Our service can come only from life. The service of the church and the testimony of the church are based on life. Hence, we cannot neglect life, nor should we be detached from life. We should take Christ as the base and the source of our service, and our service should be the issue of life. It is by the divine life that we live before God, and it is in this life that we have our being, our living, and our service.

　By the Lord’s mercy, we have paid sufficient attention to the knowledge and experience of life. We have given messages concerning life, and we have learned practical lessons on life. The saints have been led to pursue the four stages of life and have properly learned the lessons in each stage. We have terminated the things of the past and offered ourselves to the Lord. We are learning to live before Him, walk according to the Spirit, and do His will in all things. We have given messages concerning dealing with sins, the world, our conscience, the flesh, the self, and our spirit. We are learning to abide in the Lord, to fellowship with Him, to live within the veil, and to have a mingled living with the Lord. On a deeper level we are learning that the church is the Body of Christ. We are not perfecting the Body life with the natural life. In the resurrection life of Christ we are fellow members with the saints, we are coordinated into one Body, and we have the service of the Body. We are learning to keep our position as members in the Body, and we are learning spiritual warfare and spiritual dealings. The saints have learned some lessons in all these matters. These lessons determine the basis of our service and give our service weight. Our service is based on learning these lessons.

　We have also spoken concerning the cross. In order to serve in coordination, we must receive the breaking of the cross. If we do not apply the cross to deal with our flesh, the self, and the natural life, it will not be easy for us to coordinate with other saints and serve in harmony and in oneness. By the Lord’s mercy, in the past we were blessed with harmony because the saints were led to know that the cross has terminated our flesh, our self, and our natural life. As a result, we coordinated and served together under the termination of the cross. We did not quarrel or express opinions. Even the slightest differing views were trampled beneath our feet. We worship the Lord because He has indeed been the Head among us. He has obtained the position He deserves, He has obtained our exaltation, and He has obtained the church’s worship. Although we have many weaknesses, our little strength has not been consumed with negative problems. The above points are related to life.

　Therefore, we must not neglect the base of life. Every responsible brother must learn serious lessons concerning life. He should at least have the experience of the first two stages of being in Christ and of abiding in Christ (see The Experience of Life). We need to fellowship with the Lord, have dealings, and consecrate ourselves. We also need to deal with sins, the world, our conscience, and obey the teaching of the anointing. These experiences are the base of our service. We must not neglect these experiences. Furthermore, we should bring this pursuit of life to our various localities so that the saints may also be led to pursue the growth in life. The saints should not only love the Lord zealously but also pursue to know the Lord as life and learn to live in this life. Such a pursuit, leading, and atmosphere should be in every home meeting. This is the principle. The responsible saints should follow the Lord’s leading concerning the details of carrying out this principle.
　　第二个重点，我们必须注意真理。真理是我们的法则和宪法，我们所说的真理就是圣经。我们一切的生活、行动、事奉、聚会中的行政，都不能凭着我们自己的看法，也不能随从世界的光景，更不能跟随走样的基督教情形。我们必须把一切都带到圣经里。我们里面的圣灵需要外面的圣经，外面的圣经也需要里面的圣灵。里面的圣灵是我们的生命，外面的圣经是我们的真理。所以，每一分家的事奉，都该有一种空气，给人觉得我们的所作所为，是照真理而行。每一件事无论大小、原则或细则，都当尽力照圣经的真理而行。我们不是随意提议一件事，随意发起一件事，随意创造一件事，也不是随意决断一件事，我们所有的一切，都该以圣经为根据。

　　因此盼望所有背负责任的弟兄姊妹，自己要有读经的习惯，读经的空气，也要带全体圣徒都有读经的空气，和读经的习惯。我们不光愿意从圣经里，得着生命的喂养，生命的粮食，也愿意从圣经里读出真理的亮光，叫我们在一切生活、行动、工作、事奉上，知道主的法则。我们的所作所为，都是以真理为准则。在我们中间没有组织的规则，也没有所谓的宗教信条，全数没有。我们只有这本圣经。我们的事奉要尽所能的，照着圣经的真理而行。

　　我们这样活在生命中，又照着真理而行，就是一条最稳妥、最活泼的路。里面的生命是活的，外面的真理是稳的；兼有这两者，我们的事奉就不容易出问题。若不是这样，我们就相当危险。我们若偏于外面字句的道理，忽略里面的生命，会非常发死；或者偏于里头的生命，轻忽外面的真理，就会失去保障，容易有越轨的行动，与不合常理的举动。比方，火车要开动，里头要有火，有水，有气，外面也要有铁轨，火车才能稳当而快速的往前行驶。照样，我们的事奉必须建造在生命和真理这两面配合的基础上，才能又活泼又稳妥，非常正常的往前。
 
　We must pay attention to the truth. The truth is our constitution. When we speak of the truth, we are referring to what is revealed in the Bible. Our living, walk, service, and administration of the church should not be according to our own view, the world, or deformed Christianity. We must do everything according to the Bible. The indwelling Spirit needs the Bible in our hands, and the Bible needs the Spirit within us. The Spirit within is our life, and the Bible is our truth. The atmosphere of our service should give people the impression that everything we do is according to the truth in the Bible. Every matter, no matter how great or small, should be done according to the truth. We would not propose, initiate, create, or decide any matter according to our will. Rather, everything we do should be based on the Bible.

　The responsible saints should have the habit and atmosphere of reading the Bible, and they should bring the saints into the habit and atmosphere of reading the Bible. We want to receive the nourishment of life, the bread of life, from the Bible. We also want to see light in the truth of the Bible so that we may know the Lord’s way in our living, walk, work, and service. Everything that we do should have the truth as its standard. We are not an organization with regulations, nor do we follow a creed. We have only the Bible. As much as possible, we should endeavor to serve according to the truth.

　We will be enlivened when we live in the divine life and walk according to the truth. Furthermore, our service will be secure. The divine life enlivens us, and the truth protects us. When we have both life and the truth, we will not easily encounter problems in our service. Otherwise, we will be in peril. If we emphasize the truth and neglect the divine life, we will become dead. If we emphasize the divine life and neglect the truth, we will lose our protection and be vulnerable to improper activities and unsound behavior. A locomotive needs the supply of fire, water, and air in order to move. It also needs railroad tracks to secure its movement. Likewise, our service must be built on two bases—life and truth—in order for our service to be full of life and secure.
　　第三，我们所以要有生命，有真理，乃是为着要有一个召会。这一个召会就是一个事奉，一个见证，也就是我们基督徒的生活。基督徒的生活、见证、事奉，就是召会。若没有召会，认真说就没有基督徒的生活。请想想看，若是全地上没有第二个基督徒，只有你这一个基督徒，你就无法过基督徒的生活。我们的生活就是召会。有召会才有生活，没有召会就没有生活。同样的原则，为主作见证虽然是个人的事，但若是召会中只有一个基督徒，还是无法作见证。所以，见证也是召会。

　　同样，事奉更是召会。你我里头所得着的生命，不仅是一个圣别的生命，也是一个事奉的生命。我们光过圣别的生活，里头不满足，必须也过事奉的生活，里头才满足。虽然许多时候我们觉得，事奉是一件相当累人的事，但是若把我们的事奉停了，叫我们作一个不事奉的基督徒，相信每一位弟兄姊妹，就是得着千万金银，还是不会满足。我们不事奉，里头就不舒服。我们肉身的生命如何需要喝水，不喝水就不舒服；照样，我们属灵的生命也要事奉，不事奉里头就不满足，就干渴。然而，一个人凭自己无法事奉，要事奉就必须在召会中。
 
　On the one hand, we need life and the truth for the church, which is our service, our testimony, and our Christian living. On the other hand, our Christian living is not practical without the church. Our living is the church. Without the church there is no living. In the same principle, although testifying for the Lord is an individual matter, if there were only one Christian in the church, there would not be a testimony. Therefore, our testimony is also the church.

　Similarly, our service is the church. The life that we have received is not only a holy life; it is a serving life. We cannot be satisfied with only a holy living. We need a serving life in order to be satisfied. Although we may often feel that serving is tiring, if we stopped our service, nothing would satisfy us, and we would be restless. Our physical life needs water; hence, we feel thirsty when we do not drink. Likewise, our spiritual life needs service; otherwise, we will be thirsty. However, a Christian cannot serve by himself. In order to serve, he must be in the church.
　　召会是我们的生活，是我们的见证，也是我们的事奉。我们所以活在生命中，随从真理而行，就是为要有召会这个事奉。在召会这个事奉里，从实行方面说，首要的一件事就是聚会。我们必须有聚会，并且必须会聚会。因此，圣徒们都得注意聚会这件事。分家的情形到底是好，是差；是活，是死；是强，是弱；大部分要以你们聚会的光景来断定。并且你们那一分家的事奉，能不能带下祝福，大部分也是根据聚会的光景如何而定。聚会如果强，如果活，如果好，那一个分家就能带下很多祝福。所以，要注意召会的事奉，就必须注意聚会。各种的聚会都得加强，都得丰富，都得新鲜，都得活泼。负责弟兄都必须学习如何聚会。聚会若是能聚得活，聚得新鲜、刚强、活泼、丰富，圣徒的光景一定强。
 
　The church is our living, our testimony, and also our service. Our living in life and walking according to the truth are for the service of the church. The first item concerning the service of the church is the meetings. We must have meetings, and we must know how to meet. Whether the condition of a locality is good or bad, living or dead, or strong or weak depends on the condition of the meetings. Whether or not the service in a locality can bring in blessing depends on the condition of the meetings. If the meetings in a locality are strong and living, there will be much blessing. Therefore, in order to take care of the service of the church, we must pay attention to our meetings. The various meetings must be strengthened, enriched, refreshed, and enlivened. The responsible brothers must learn how to meet. If the meetings can be carried out in a living, fresh, strong, and rich way, the saints will be strong.
　　在召会的事奉里，还有一项是探望。探望一差，召会就受很大的亏损。召会如同一个家庭。若是一个家庭里，都是三十多岁到五十岁的成年人，这个家庭的前途不见得有希望，因为这些人慢慢都要老了，死了。一个家庭要兴隆、蓬勃，这个家里要有老人、中年人，更要有少年人、小孩子。一个家有二十口人，只有五、六口是大人，十多口都是小孩子，这个家的前景就非常可期待。

　　若是这一家都是成人，就不需要看顾，不需要照料。一个召会也是如此，若是我们这里的召会，大家都是老练的基督徒，也不像是召会了。召会乃是一个家庭，里面老老少少都有，并且初得救的越多越好。若是初得救的多，那需要多少的探望，多少的照料！在这里，就看见责任的重大。

　　召会的事奉首要在于聚会，其次在于探望。探望，是浅显的说法，其含意是指圣经里所说的牧养和教导。牧养是给粮食，教导是给真理。这就是圣经所说，有牧人和教师恩赐的人所作的事（弗四11）。我们不能盼望每一位圣徒都作牧人或教师，但我们应该盼望家排负责的弟兄姊妹，都能作一点牧养或教导的事。这就如家庭里的大哥大姊，应该能替弟妹们预备一点饭食，或是辅导他们功课。

　　我们必须看见，在召会中，若是这一部分工作作不好，召会就无法建造。然而在堕落、走样的基督教里，不讲究这事。天主教靠神甫，更正教靠牧师，但是在主的召会里，乃是众肢体各尽其职，来供应同作肢体的人。家排负责是比较年长的圣徒，在主面前总是多学了一些功课，就要尽所能供应幼嫩的圣徒。这样的供应有两面，一面是在聚会中供应，另一面是在私下探望时供应。这个探望就是牧养，就是教导。

　　家排负责的事奉，主要是带领聚会，以及探望众圣徒。一到聚会时，家排负责要带领这个聚会。虽然不是包办，却是在那里带领，把整个聚会带活了，带刚强了。在平时，家排负责需要配搭成为一个探望的网，顾到所有圣徒。无论是软弱的、退后的、久不聚会的、生病的，或是失业的，在经济上有需要的，家庭里有难处的，在婚姻上有问题的，甚至有死丧之事的，都需要照顾；无论是人生的需要，或是属灵的需要，家排负责都得明了，都得给圣徒适切的带领和帮助。

　　这个作法并非只是一种理想，乃是完全可以实行出来的。若是我们的事奉能这样周到，顾到一切得救的人，就会有许多事奉的机会，让每一位有心的弟兄姊妹，都有机会事奉；不光在聚会中有机会发表、发挥、活动，就是在私下里也都有机会。只要稍微有一点长进的人，就可以照他长进的程度，给他一点事奉的责任，叫他去照顾别人。等过了一段时间，再有一些福音活动，又带进新的人，这些新的人也学会这样顾到别人。这就会有一个家风，大家都有属灵的生活，能产生出属灵的子孙，慢慢的召会就扩充出去了。
 
　Another item in the service of the church is visitation. When we neglect visitation, the church suffers a great loss. The church can be likened to a family. A family with only adults between the ages of thirty and fifty does not have a promising future, because its members will gradually get older and die. In order for a family to prosper and flourish, its members need to include the elderly, the middle-aged, the young people, and the children. A family with six adults and many children has a promising future.

　A family with only adults does not need much care. This is also true of the church. It is not normal for every believer in a locality to be an experienced Christian. The church is a family with older believers and younger believers. A locality with many newly saved believers needs much visitation and care. This is our responsibility.

　In the church, meetings are of primary importance, followed by visitation. The word visitation implies shepherding and teaching. To shepherd is to give food, and to teach is to impart the truth. The gifts to the Body include shepherds and teachers (Eph. 4:11). We cannot expect every saint to function in this way, but we should at least expect every responsible saint to do the work of shepherding and teaching. This can be likened to the older siblings in a family being able to prepare food for their younger siblings or to help them with their homework.

　A church that lacks proper shepherding and teaching cannot be built up. Degraded and deformed Christianity does not care for shepherding and teaching. Catholics rely on priests, and Protestants rely on pastors, but in the Lord’s churches every member should function to supply their fellow members. The responsible saints are more experienced and have learned more lessons before the Lord. Hence, they should endeavor to supply the younger saints in the meetings and in private visitations. Such visitation is shepherding and teaching.

　The responsible ones should serve mainly by leading the meetings and visiting the saints. The responsible ones should not run the meetings. They should lead the meetings so that the meetings are living and strong. The responsible ones should also have thorough coordination concerning care for the saints. All the saints—whether they are weak, backsliding, dormant, sick, unemployed, have financial needs, family troubles, marital problems, or have suffered the loss of a family member—should receive shepherding and care. The responsible ones must have a clear understanding of the human and spiritual needs of every saint in order to provide proper leading and help.

　Visiting the saints and thorough fellowship are not merely an ideal; they are practical. If we can care for every brother and sister, there will be many opportunities for them to be active and serve both in the meetings and individually. According to his growth, a brother can be given some responsibility to serve in visiting others. The purpose of our gospel activities is to bring in more new ones who can learn to take care of other believers. This is our family custom. Every saint should have a spiritual living and produce spiritual children. Then the church will gradually spread.
　　第三，在召会的事奉里，还要尽力的交通。要有召会的事奉，非有交通不可。聚会前、聚会后，都要和弟兄姊妹接触交通。家负责的人常常要彼此交通接触，家负责和排负责也要常常交通，常常谈论。交通的范围不限于那一面，或者谈说某弟兄这些日子不聚会，该怎么办？或者谈说最近没有传福音，该怎么传法？学校已经开学了，许多青年人需要福音，是不是要设法把福音传给他们？就这样，随着主的引导，无论是生命的追求、真理的认识、或召会事奉的推动，什么事都可以谈论，都可以交通。

　　不仅如此，有时也要借着爱筵和弟兄姊妹有交通。甚至可以请全分家聚会的人一起爱筵，有时也可以到弟兄姊妹家爱筵。比方，我是一个排负责的弟兄，就把我这一排的弟兄们请来，在我家一同有交通。如果我是一个排负责的姊妹，就把我自己排里的姊妹们请来，到我家有交通。有时也可以我这一家，请王家和张家的弟兄姊妹来在一起有交通。总之，众人要尽力的有交通。这样的交通，常常能把弟兄姊妹家里不信的人，交通得信主了，把不爱主的人，交通得爱主了。若是家排负责的弟兄姊妹，能注意聚会，注意探望，也注意交通，这三项都注意得够了，这个分家的聚会定规是活的、强的、新鲜的。

　　反之，无论哪一个分家缺少了这三项，或者缺少了其中一项，定规作不强。若是一个分家没有聚会，那一个分家就死了；但如果光有聚会，而探望很差，交通根本没有，那个分家聚会也一定很弱。所以一定要有聚会，还要加上探望，再配上交通，并且交通要越多越好，越透越好。

　　在召会中若是遇到问题，不要太去解决；有了难处，也不必太去排解，只要尽力交通。交通一多，一切问题自然解决；交通就是身体里的血液循环。作医生的人告诉我们，血液循环得越正常，身体就越健全，越不容易出问题。若是弟兄姊妹缺少交通，你遇到他们中间有意见时，把有意见的人请来谈判，就会越谈问题越多，越谈越摸着死亡，越要解决难处越发生难处。所以不要靠谈判，乃要靠交通。血液要循环，生命的恩典要流通，圣徒们中间一直要有交通。有的误会是因不交通而有的，有的不了解是因不交通才有的，有的意见不同也是因为不交通才产生的。一多有交通，你的变作我的，我的变作你的，大家的意见自然相同、融合、调和了。总而言之，弟兄姊妹中间一切的难处，都可以在交通里得着解决。

　　聚会乃是为着供应、开展、启发、带领；探望乃是牧养、教导；而交通是互相交流，叫生命在我们中间排解万难，并供应一切的需要。所以，关于召会事奉这一面，每一个分家都得注意聚会、探望和交通这三件事。我乃是站在一个弟兄的地位，把我所学习、所认识的，交通给你们。盼望每一个分家负责人，都到分家聚会里注意这三项，聚会要刚强，探望要普遍，交通也要透切。
 
　There must be fellowship in order to have church service. Hence, we should endeavor to fellowship. We should contact and fellowship with the saints before and after the meetings. In addition, the responsible ones need to fellowship with one another often. Our fellowship should not be limited to a particular matter. Our fellowship might be concerning a brother who has not been meeting lately or concerning the gospel. According to the Lord’s leading, we can fellowship about anything, whether it is concerning the pursuit of life, the knowledge of the truth, or motivating others for church service.

　Sometimes we need to invite the saints to a love feast in order to fellowship with them. We can invite everyone in the district to the love feast or have love feasts in the homes of the brothers and sisters. For instance, I can invite the brothers in my group meeting to have fellowship in my home, a responsible sister might invite the sisters in her group meeting to have fellowship in her home, or I can invite two families to my home for fellowship. Every responsible one should endeavor to fellowship with the saints. Through such fellowship unsaved family members can be brought to salvation, and the love of those who are cold can be rekindled. If the responsible ones in a locality focus on the meetings, visitation, and fellowship, the locality will be living, strong, and fresh.

　A locality that neglects the meetings, visitation, or fellowship will not be strong. A locality that does not have meetings will be dead, and a locality without visitation and fellowship will be weak. Therefore, we must have meetings, visitation, and fellowship. The more fellowship we have the better.

　In the church life we do not try to solve problems, but we endeavor to fellowship. Every problem is resolved with fellowship, for fellowship is the blood circulation of the Body. Doctors say that a person with normal blood circulation is healthy and less vulnerable to disease. A lack of fellowship issues in opinions and negotiation, which in turn produce problems. Therefore, we should not rely on negotiation but on fellowship. Fellowship is the means by which the spiritual blood circulates; that is, the grace of life flows. Hence, there should be continual fellowship among the saints. Misunderstandings, ignorance, and opinions are the result of a lack of fellowship. When we have thorough fellowship, your thought becomes mine, my thought becomes yours, and we spontaneously have the same blended and mingled thought. All the problems among the saints can be solved through fellowship.

　The meetings are for supplying, propagating, motivating, and perfecting. Visitation is for shepherding and teaching. Fellowship is communion that lets life both solve the problems among us and supply our needs. In the church service every locality should pay attention to these three matters: meeting, visitation, and fellowship. I hope that the responsible ones in every local church will focus on these three items so that the meetings will be strong, the visitations extensive, and the fellowship thorough.
　　第四项就是传福音。有了活泼的生命，有了稳固的真理，有了上轨道的聚会、探望和交通，就是我们该传福音的时候。福音乃是这样传出去的。圣徒们都活起来，都来事奉了，到这时就必须往外开展主的国度，尽力传福音。圣徒们家里若有尚未得救的，无论是父母、儿女、妻子、丈夫、兄弟或姊妹，都要鼓励圣徒对家人有负担，带他们得救。圣经的话明说，“当信靠主耶稣，你和你一家都必得救。”（徒十六31）圣徒们即使是痛哭，也得哭到叫这个应许成全。甚至禁食，也得禁食到叫这个应许成全。要向主迫切祈求，叫这句话得到成全。等到把家里的人带得救了，还要去带亲友、邻舍、同事、同学得救。总要推动弟兄姊妹，把福音传出去。

　　所以，我们必须有福音活动。有时候可以在分家聚会里传福音，有时候可以约弟兄姊妹在主日下午，带着单张或福音小册到附近，家家户户的分发，也可以在马路上贴一些标语。有时候也要到弟兄或姊妹家里传福音，一个晚上可以去许多家传福音。这一种传福音，不一定请什么人传讲，可以很自由的请一些亲友来，唱一点诗歌，有人作一点见证，有人读读圣经，彼此谈谈；有时也可以请朋友发言，说说他的感觉，然后照他的感觉，带他接受救恩。这种家庭福音，虽然不一定能立刻结很多果子，但是得救的人都能得救得很透切。

　　此外，有时候还可以几个分家合在一个会所里传，也可以几个会所合起来，有一个大的福音活动。总之，要积极的传福音。

　　这些不过是一个纲领。任何一个地方召会或分家聚会的事奉，所该注意的就是这四面：生命、真理、召会和福音。我再说，这不是道理，乃是一点交通，一点实行的路。盼望各分家的圣徒，都能积极的在这四方面往前去。

　　讲于台北家负责事奉聚会（讲时不详）

　　原刊于一九六四年一月“话语职事”第一百五十一期
 
　When we are in life, then the truth is secure, the meetings, visitations, and fellowship are strong, and it is time to preach the gospel. This is how the gospel is preached. When the saints are enlivened and are serving, we must spread the Lord’s kingdom by endeavoring in the gospel. If the saints have unsaved family members, we must encourage the saints to bring their family members to salvation. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). The saints should be so burdened that they would weep before the Lord until this promise is fulfilled. The saints might also fast and petition the Lord desperately so that this word may be fulfilled. After our family is saved, we need to bring our other relatives and our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and schoolmates to salvation. We must motivate the saints to spread the gospel.

　We should have gospel activities. We can have a gospel meeting for the whole church, distribute tracts and gospel booklets to our neighbors, or post gospel banners. Sometimes we may preach the gospel in the homes of the saints. The saints should not wait on a particular person in order to preach the gospel. A brother should be free to invite family and friends to his home in order to sing hymns with them. A sister might want to give her testimony to her family and friends or to read the Bible with them. We should also ask our gospel friends to speak, and then, according to their speaking, bring them to salvation. Preaching the gospel in the homes is not a quick way to bear fruit, but those who are saved in the homes experience a thorough salvation.

　In addition, we can sometimes combine several group meetings and preach the gospel together, or two localities can have a large gospel activity. We must actively preach the gospel.

　This fellowship is merely an outline. Every local church should pay attention to life, the truth, the church, and the gospel. This is not doctrine. This fellowship must be our practice. I hope that the saints in every church can be involved in these four matters.

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