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第十八篇　操练平时与主交通，以及人人尽功用

祭司职分与神的建造

📖 研读 📊 汇集 🇬🇧 English 📋 对照
　
　　在分班聚会中，我们要多花一点时间，加强圣徒对主的认识，以及对父的认识。在头一个时期，我们需要用三周，交通对主的认识，第四周注意对父的认识。由于对主的认识重点比较多，所以开始的头一年，我们只需题大纲，后面的细点一年一年再加上去。比方，有些细点说到主是女人的后裔、以马内利、为女子所生。赛九6说到：“有一婴孩为我们而生，有一子赐给我们；…祂的名称为奇妙的策士、全能的神、永远的父、和平的君。”我们若是这样一点一点把主的特点提出来，会相当帮助弟兄姊妹认识主。至于对父的认识，重点没有这么多，所以只需要用－以赛亚四分之一的时间，交通对父的认识。
　
　　这样的分班聚会，有诸多的益处。比方，从前圣徒们来聚会，听完一篇道后，因为没有借着祷告扎实的消化，信息在他们身上似乎没有多少作用。现在有分班带领，除了少数人因为时间关系先离开，大体的弟兄姊妹还是留下来，借祷告消化所听见的信息。这在他们灵里，就能留下扎实的印象。
　　另有一个相当的好处，就是借着分班，分家的负责人与弟兄姊妹的接触比较频繁，彼此就能多有认识。从前圣徒们只是来聚会中听道，甚至只是来擘饼；尽管分家人数不多，大家彼此交通的机会还是很少。这样分班追求、带领，无形中对弟兄姊妹的接触更为实际。总而言之，弟兄姊妹在灵里、在交通上，就会得到相当的帮助。所以，我们应该靠着主的恩典一直作下去。
　
　　今后我们释放信息，最多用三分之二、或五分之三的时间，其他时间要让众人有一点追求和交通。这样作比较扎实，并且也合乎召会共同事奉的路。从前没有这样分班追求，在讲道聚会中，只有站讲台的弟兄讲信息，以及少数的弟兄姊妹帮忙招待和事奉。除此之外，其他人都没有多少事奉。
　　实行分班追求后，圣徒们不只是聚会听道，更是在学习事奉，特别是在主的话上有学习。这是个非常好的机会，叫全体圣徒都在主的话上尽职。不仅受带领的圣徒得益处，所有事奉的人也都作了好榜样，实际的用主的话帮助弟兄姊妹。这比带圣徒们在招待、整洁上有一点祷告和事奉好多了。
　　若是各分家的弟兄姊妹，都受这样的带领，一段时间之后，也许主带他们到别处，他们也能作同样的事。这与从前一个人受浸后就坐着听道，完全不同。人一直听道，久而久之，就会觉得自己没有什么功用，只能作一个听道的人。现在这样实行分班，自然就改了观念。圣徒们会看见，负责弟兄们不一定个个都有讲道的恩赐，但个个都能为主说话。
　　人类中间的话语，可分为两种，一种是普通的说话，人人都会说；除了哑巴以外，没有一个人不会说话。还有一种是演讲，这并不是每一个人都能说的。在属灵的话语上，也是这样。每一个神的儿女都能说一点属灵的话，都能讲解一点圣经，说一点神的恩典，或赞美神的话，或为主作一点见证。在这原则下，不该有弟兄或姊妹得救几年了什么都不会说，那就等于是属灵的哑巴。这是不对的。每一个神的儿女，不一定都有讲道的恩赐，但是个个都应该会开口，替神说话，为神作见证。
　　另一面，在神的儿女中，神的确设立一些人是有话语恩赐的。除此之外，每一个神的儿女都应该会说话。所以，我们不必要求特别的一分，只要站在神儿女的地位上，就能为神说话。你若是在主面前受过这个训练和带领，对于属灵的事有一点认识，对圣经也有一点了解，你就能为神说话。我们要把基督教里坐着等牧师讲道的观念改掉。若是圣徒们受过这个带领，即使到了别处，也能这样帮助别人。这个后果影响所及，将会是非常的广远。
　
　　这样的实行，并不是一时之间就能作好。我们从主摸着的这条路，乃是一条没有走过的新路。我们都是一点一点的学，一点一点的改进。至于要学到什么地步，没有一个人能预知；因为我们不知道日后主要怎样带领我们。我们在这里只有一个存心，就是每一周、每一天忠心的为这些事祷告，寻求主的意思，清楚主的引导，该如何作下去。
　　我们这样实行，并不是要标新立异，弄一个与别人不同的新花样。我们乃是觉得应该脱去老旧基督教的那套仪文，因为那种宗教仪式，叫人相当受捆绑，使主的恩典不能释放出去。好些弟兄姊妹觉得，虽然目前的带领才起步不久，但弟兄姊妹的灵活起来了。所以，我们要继续寻求主的心意，知道该如何一周一周的往前去。
　
　　在分班带领时，要灵活不呆板。作法不一定每次都一样，必须视对象而定。在聚会中，要注意那些不常聚会的；到了分班带领时，就得分出一点时间关心他们，但是不要作得太显明。因为若是把整个时间都用在他们身上，反而会叫他们受压。
　　比方，在分班里提了一项重点，大家就要一同祷告。这时，比较有操练的人要先祷告，因为这样的祷告会开人的灵，也会把祷告的空气带进来。同时，你不妨和不常聚会的圣徒稍微有点交通，或者带他有点祷告，但不要硬逼他。或许他还不会祷告，你就一句一句的带着他，对他说，“弟兄，好不好，我祷告一句，你跟我祷告一句。”或许这样一来，他就被带活了。如同我们传福音，末了带人祷告一样。虽然不是每个人都得救，但凡经过祷告的人，大多活过来了。这样的圣徒在刚开始时，一面觉得自己不太会祷告，一面觉得自己祷告得不好听，不好意思开口。结果你这样带他，他一祷告，胆量就冲开了。慢慢的，一次、两次，他就能自己祷告，他的蒙恩也就多了。
　　在你用一种智慧、温柔的方式带领他之后，你还要花一点时间介绍他，例如他是什么时候受浸的，好让大家彼此有认识。这如同身体里的血液循环，若是有一个地方不流通，就会百病丛生。借着这样一点交通，让众人里头彼此畅通，自然所有的病就消失了。这看起来虽然像是一件很小的事，影响却非常大。我们稍微带带他，他下次就会继续来，而且不仅自己来，可能还会带别人来。本来他需要别人的帮助，现在他也能帮助别人了。
　　我们在带领人时，要注意因人而异。不能呆板的定规头五分钟要怎样作，后五分钟该怎样作，乃必须随机应变并灵活应用。圣徒们的程度高一点，我们的交通就随着高一点。若是他们的程度低一点，我们也要随着低一点，但要比他们高一点。就如教书，你和学生接触时，要就着学生的程度授课，但是要给他们稍微高一点的功课，好叫他们不仅跟得上，还能有兴趣往上学。
　
　　我们不要有一个定型的作法，以为我们的聚会就是有一个讲台信息，然后大家散开，在分班里一同祷告。我们一有这个观念，就无法进步。我们众人要把分班看作是一种新的尝试。我们都不知道要怎么作，实在是如履薄冰；我们乃是一面作，一面学。
　　此外，我担心这样的交通，成了纸上谈兵，虽有理想却不切实际。所以，我们应当和弟兄姊妹调在一起作，然后一起有交通。盼望我们所交通的，能抛砖引玉。弟兄姊妹有学习的灵，也有学习的机会。若是他们在交通分享中得着益处，我们就要鼓励他们学习去操练。那他们所得的，会比听道得到的更多。若是我们众人都采取这一种态度、这一种灵，相信是有很多可学的。
　　今后我们的讲台也该有所改进，第一是重点要清楚，其次一定要带着教育性。我们每一次讲话都有几个重点，让人清楚、明了。我们一讲就要把印象打到人里面，叫人受感动，并且也要叫人在属灵的知识上受教育。这样，属灵的印象和知识，就建造在弟兄姊妹里面。对于常讲道的人而言，长篇大论似乎不是难事，但是实行分班后，时间缩短了，要在短时间内说出重点，打到人心里，叫人有印象，就需要更多的操练。
　
　　每一个分班带领的人，必须是平日操练灵的人。这样灵才能强，能活，还能出去。我们的灵若只有敞开还不够，我们的灵必须出得去。当然，这是表演不来的，我们不能平日不用灵，与主交通不多，到了分班带领时，却向人示范如何运用灵。这是演戏，不是真实的。
　　你们要操练，即使在百忙中，灵里仍然能和主交通。没有一个人是空闲的，每个人都有许多事务要忙，有家庭、孩子要照顾。经历告诉我们，每天要划出半小时或一小时专一的祷告，实在非常不容易。姊妹们要顾家，从早起来就一直忙到晚。在职的弟兄也一样，每天都有许多为难、烦琐的事要处理，常常是应接不暇。虽然大家都期望每天能划出一段时间，好好安静的亲近主，但实在不容易。
　　我们都知道那样作非常好，也应该那样作，但有时候环境实在不许可。所以，我们应该两面并进，一面尽力划出时间亲近主，一面即使在忙碌时，也要操练亲近主。比方，你坐公车上班时，无论站着或坐着，你尽可以天不管，地不管，不管外在环境如何，只专心与主交通。在办公室里，甚至在其他别的地方，也一样可以操练联于主。
　　操练的方式，就是里头一直向主说话。你只要稍微有一点时间，就要在里头和主交通。不要以为这是小事。表面看，我们身体每日没有多少机会作运动；事实上，我们每天都有很多活动。若是你生病躺在床上，半年之后，你连下床走路都会感到吃力。即使是走一小段路，也会没有力量，气喘吁吁。所以，不要小看每天在家中的走动，抹椅子，擦台子，这些都是身体的活动。当然，你能出外运动是最好，但时间若是不许可，环境作不到，也可以在家中扫地，擦玻璃，整理床铺。这些都是很好的活动，对身体都是有益的。
　　属灵的事，也是同样的原则。我们每天划出一段时间，专特在主面前操练我们的灵，确实是好得无比。然而，有好多人实在有为难，环境不许可，但还得找出可能的办法。所以，只要一有机会就要运用灵。无论在什么场合，都要学习运用灵。要记得，你是一个属主的人，你里面有至圣所，主今天住在你里面，你和主的交通可以不受时间或空间的限制。
　　有的弟兄姊妹虽然想摆脱一切，什么事都不作，只专一的祷告亲近主，却有点像脱离俗世，到深山修行的味道。请记得，那样作反而不灵。在召会历史中，曾有一班所谓的修道士，完全离开世俗，隐居旷野或深山。他们在那里专一祷告寻求主，但是很希奇，这些修道士都没有属灵的后裔。他们的历史并不长久，因为他们无法有真实地学习。
　　千万不要以为你是个生意人，工作太忙，没有办法亲近主。要相信主的安排总是最好的，或许你就是需要这样的环境，才能受造就。有好些姊妹说，若是能单身没有家庭，就可以像马利亚一样了。事实上，这只是个理想；因为即使你没有家庭，你也不会像马利亚。反而在百忙中，有丈夫缠累，有儿女搅扰，你受到的成全更多。有时，连家里的用人也是主用来成全你的。可能你才刚训练她可以作点事，她就要辞职了。然而，乃是在这些为难里，我们才有真实地学习。你想划出专特的时间祷告，环境不一定许可，然而就在那不可能的环境里，在那么多的为难和折磨里，你里头和主有了一点真实地交通，你就学到实在的功课了。
　
　　这一种与主交通的生活，必须成为我们的所是。然后，我们才能据此给弟兄姊妹成全和帮助。我们只能作我们所是的。我们不是那种人，就不能作那种事，不能作那种工。不然，我们就变作唱戏的人。我们对弟兄姊妹所说的，应该是我们所学习的。我们摆在人前的，就当是我们在主面前实际的生活。我们是这样学，这样生活，我们到会中给弟兄姊妹的带领，也就是这样。你我即使能装得很属灵，但你我的工作永远不能属灵。有一位前面弟兄说得非常好，你所作的永远不能超过你所是的。你是这么多、这么高，你所作的就是那么多、那么高。直到今天，我不只接受这话，更是完全印证这话。你我所作的工作，给人的带领，永远不能超过你我自己所学习、所生活的。我们学了多少，我们的生活如何，我们就只能照着那个情形供应人。
　　我们虽然有一些带领的技术和方法，但仍必须从根本着手，就是操练在主面前过生活。中国人有句话说得很好：“诚于中而形于外；”而主耶稣有句话，说得比这话更清楚：“心里所充满的，口里就说出来。”（太十二34）这意思是，你里头所有的，外面一定彰显出来，你想怎样隐藏都没有办法。主耶稣在地上的时候，一面来说，是把祂的荣耀用肉身的幔子遮罩起来。另一面，主虽然尽力隐藏祂的荣耀，但是不知不觉的，祂的荣耀还是满溢了出来。好像杯里的水是满的，稍微一动，水就溢出来。主里面满了丰富和荣耀，所以祂只要稍微一动，荣耀就显出来。人只要和祂稍一接触，就感觉祂是生命。
　
　　我们这样操练和神接触之后，到分班带领时，就能供应圣徒。然而这个供应的基本条件，是我们和主有好的交通。我们里面若是满了主，我们的灵活而新鲜，与主没有间隔，我们一来到弟兄姊妹中间，就能运用灵和人接触。我们不只愿意向主敞开，更愿意让灵出去，好供应人。所以，一有机会我们就要祷告，就要赞美，并且开口说话供应人。我们需要有这样的灵，就是新鲜、活泼、刚强、敞开、容易出去的灵。你我若这样操练，人就要看见你我不只是个活过来的人，还是个在主手里有用的人。
　　我们需要不断操练我们的灵，好叫我们灵的功用得着加强，就像我们身上的肢体越操练，功用就越强、越丰富。这是圣经的原则。路八18说，“凡有的，还要加给他；凡没有的，连他自以为有的，也要从他夺去。”你越操练，灵就越强，功用也越有、越丰富。然而，你越不操练就越没有。所以，盼望所有的负责弟兄，为这缘故，要和主多有交通，并多有操练。
　
　　在每一个分家里，所有的弟兄姊妹都要注意尽上你们的功用，供应你们所有的那一分。比方，你在会中要注意什么人来了，什么人没来，而来的人又是什么光景。如果你发现某位不常聚会的弟兄来了，你就要关心他。若是一次来了四、五位不常聚会的，众人都要一同留心。
　　当你注意到有位弟兄几次没来，就应该去看望并邀请他。当他来的时候，你就要说几句关心问候的话，会后再陪他走到巷口。有时就是这样简单地关心，神就在他身上作工了，下次他又来了。这就像身体里的血液流通，虽不是大举动，但后来的影响却很大；或许就是因为有流通，免去了一场大病。弟兄姊妹这样作一次、两次，周周尽功用，就活了，就会影响别人。所以千万不要以为自己不是带头的，就无事可作，其实是相当有可为的。
　　此外，你们也可以在分班里作供应的人。有时一位弟兄或姊妹的祷告有点弱，我们要改正他并不容易。这时，你可以跟随他，再加上一个祷告，加强他的祷告。这就是给他一个示范，无形中他就有所学习。若是一班三十个人，只有两个带头的在交通，大多数的人响应不热烈，其他人就要一同堆加上去，这样的供应才会丰富。
　　有时候在话语交通后，可能需要再加强几个重点。当有人把一个重点打出来时，你有感觉要跟，就要顺那个点加强的打下去。我们需要学习这样的配搭，到一个地步，众人如同一人，完全能彼此配搭。好比打篮球，不仅要训练个人球技，还要操练有默契，有联结。篮球比赛如何不是个人赛，而是团体赛，照样我们今天事奉，也不是个人单独事奉，而是众人一起事奉，是一个体系的事奉。打篮球时，球在大家手中传，你要传给我，我就得跟上；我要传给你，你也要配合。我们在聚会中，也要这样彼此配搭。
　　盼望大家心里都有一个重的感觉，这不是一两位带头弟兄的事，乃是全体弟兄姊妹的事。众人应该把灵摆上，把肩膀放进去。即使担子很重，个人的力气很小，只要大家一同分担，就不觉得重了。重量一分担，压力就减轻了。在带领上也是如此。若是有三十个人在这里，却只有一两个人带领，带领的人心理上就觉得吃重。但若有几位一同分担，他们立刻会觉得轻松。因为有其他人在话语、祷告、和交通的事上，一同配搭。这些虽然都是微不足道的小事，但分班作得成功与否，就在这些小事上。这些小点能作成功，分班一定成功。
　
　　现在我们所作的，就如同一部机器，里面有许多小螺丝联络、结合；这些小螺丝一缺，机器就无法运作。因此，当我们去分班带领时，就像去上螺丝一样，这里需要就上一个，那里缺欠也上一个，结果才能正常运作没有毛病。工作是否能作得细，作得深刻，都在于这些小螺丝。
　　关于分班的事，有三个重点值得注意。第一，是分班聚会之前的讲台信息。讲台的人一定要强，不能像从前那样依照旧例讲道。第二，分班带头的人很重要，要灵活不呆板。第三，其他圣徒要好好配合。这三步若是都能作到，我们的分班一定有果效，许多弟兄姊妹也能因此被托住。
　　所以，请求弟兄姊妹看重这事，把这事当作一件新事，是从前没有经验，也没有作过的，并且一点不要有老旧的感觉。特别是弟兄们，千万不要倚老卖老，以为已经站了十年、八年的讲台，没什么希奇。不要有这个观念。我们的灵必须是活而新鲜的，我们绝对要有新的感觉，和弟兄姊妹在灵里有真实地交通。从前的讲台聚会，是把所有的时间放在讲台信息上，现在最少有三分之一的时间留给大家交通，这是更宝贵的。我们必须有一个新的起头。弟兄们不只要带头作，带头祷告，还要凡事作得好，作得透，作得周到，作得完美。若是我们作不好，就不能有多少果效。
　　虽然每次分班聚会时间不长，但我们不能轻易的让聚会一次次过去，乃要抓住时间，抓住每一次机会，和素日不太聚会的弟兄姊妹交通。然而，这不能临时起意，需要平日有点准备，和主多有交通，先寻求到聚会中该怎么作。不要以为自己太忙了，那有工夫去想。我们都得操练，带手作事。上班途中，坐在公车上可以想想；下班后，走在路上也可以想。或许主给我们感觉，上次聚会在某一点上较弱，需要和一同背负责任的人有交通，大家切磋如何往前，研究如何提升。这其中就有许多可学的功课。
　
　　对于擘饼聚会，我根据我所观察到的，有一点感觉和想法。首先，大家的灵都很强、很活，争先恐后的祷告、交通，这是很好。但因着训练不够，配搭不得当，就好像一部汽车开足了马力，却横冲直撞，没有方向。所以，聚会虽然非常丰富，却丰富到一个地步，像一个杂货摊。有人讲作祭司、至圣所、宝座；有人讲活水、恩典；有人讲永远、亘古、阿拉法、俄梅嘎，真是应有尽有。不仅祷告时如此，唱诗也是如此。不要以为我是在说笑话；我是要点出我们众人还需要多操练。因为操练多了，慢慢就会正常。好像人学开车，只要愿意学，到末了就会步入正轨。
　　我们曾说到，擘饼聚会要注意对主与父的认识。然而，圣徒们对这点还不太会应用。盼望弟兄姊妹读了有关认识主的材料之后，到擘饼聚会时要应用得当。不是要把这些材料祷告给别人听，乃是里面真的因着认识而有感觉，里面觉得我们虽是在这里，在时间里擘饼，却摸着一个永远的源头，因此能祷告出主的永远性。我们摸着主，主自己就是永远，所以主所给我们的都是永远的；祂在我们身上所作的，也都是永远的。主的赦罪是永远的，主的救赎是永远的，主给我们的生命是永远的，主与我们的同在是永远的，主给我们的带领也是永远的；因为主就是永远。我们虽然在空间和时间里，但是时间、空间会过去，主却是永远、不会过去的。
　　所以，我们首先需要对主有客观的认识。这不是照着我们的感觉、经历和地位认识祂；乃是在客观上认识关于主自己的真理。所以，我们的材料仅仅是给大家一个客观的认识。但每一个真实对主有客观认识的人，一定会对主有主观的经历，并且也会主观的应用它。弟兄们在讲台上讲到对主的认识，是客观的陈明真理；但在分班时，家负责弟兄姊妹就要在带领上，帮圣徒们开窍，给他们一点说明，作一点应用上的示范，带他们有一点操练。
　　无论是在会所的大聚会，或在分家的小聚会，原则都一样。盼望要有带领，但不要给大家太多改正，因为改太多会使他们的灵受影响。犯了小错没关系，但我们要像训练学徒一样，不是听凭他错，乃是有错就稍微改一点。若是众人的灵都是活的，我们就能够往前去。我们若持续这样操练，一定会有长进。
　　一九六一年四月三日讲于台北家排负责人聚会
　
　　在分班聚会中，我们要多花一点时间，加强圣徒对主的认识，以及对父的认识。在头一个时期，我们需要用三周，交通对主的认识，第四周注意对父的认识。由于对主的认识重点比较多，所以开始的头一年，我们只需题大纲，后面的细点一年一年再加上去。比方，有些细点说到主是女人的后裔、以马内利、为女子所生。以赛亚九章六节说到：“有一婴孩为我们而生，有一子赐给我们；…祂的名称为奇妙的策士、全能的神、永远的父、和平的君。”我们若是这样一点一点把主的特点提出来，会相当帮助弟兄姊妹认识主。至于对父的认识，重点没有这么多，所以只需要用四分之一的时间，交通对父的认识。
--------本段经节汇集--------
赛9:6  
因有一婴孩为我们而生，有一子赐给我们；政权必担在祂的肩头上；祂的名称为奇妙的策士、全能的神、永远的父、和平的君。
------------------------
　
　　这样的分班聚会，有诸多的益处。比方，从前圣徒们来聚会，听完一篇道后，因为没有借着祷告扎实的消化，信息在他们身上似乎没有多少作用。现在有分班带领，除了少数人因为时间关系先离开，大体的弟兄姊妹还是留下来，借祷告消化所听见的信息。这在他们灵里，就能留下扎实的印象。　　另有一个相当的好处，就是借着分班，分家的负责人与弟兄姊妹的接触比较频繁，彼此就能多有认识。从前圣徒们只是来聚会中听道，甚至只是来擘饼；尽管分家人数不多，大家彼此交通的机会还是很少。这样分班追求、带领，无形中对弟兄姊妹的接触更为实际。总而言之，弟兄姊妹在灵里、在交通上，就会得到相当的帮助。所以，我们应该靠着主的恩典一直作下去。
　
　　今后我们释放信息，最多用三分之二、或五分之三的时间，其他时间要让众人有一点追求和交通。这样作比较扎实，并且也合乎召会共同事奉的路。从前没有这样分班追求，在讲道聚会中，只有站讲台的弟兄讲信息，以及少数的弟兄姊妹帮忙招待和事奉。除此之外，其他人都没有多少事奉。　　实行分班追求后，圣徒们不只是聚会听道，更是在学习事奉，特别是在主的话上有学习。这是个非常好的机会，叫全体圣徒都在主的话上尽职。不仅受带领的圣徒得益处，所有事奉的人也都作了好榜样，实际的用主的话帮助弟兄姊妹。这比带圣徒们在招待、整洁上有一点祷告和事奉好多了。　　若是各分家的弟兄姊妹，都受这样的带领，一段时间之后，也许主带他们到别处，他们也能作同样的事。这与从前一个人受浸后就坐着听道，完全不同。人一直听道，久而久之，就会觉得自己没有什么功用，只能作一个听道的人。现在这样实行分班，自然就改了观念。圣徒们会看见，负责弟兄们不一定个个都有讲道的恩赐，但个个都能为主说话。　　人类中间的话语，可分为两种，一种是普通的说话，人人都会说；除了哑巴以外，没有一个人不会说话。还有一种是演讲，这并不是每一个人都能说的。在属灵的话语上，也是这样。每一个神的儿女都能说一点属灵的话，都能讲解一点圣经，说一点神的恩典，或赞美神的话，或为主作一点见证。在这原则下，不该有弟兄或姊妹得救几年了什么都不会说，那就等于是属灵的哑巴。这是不对的。每一个神的儿女，不一定都有讲道的恩赐，但是个个都应该会开口，替神说话，为神作见证。　　另一面，在神的儿女中，神的确设立一些人是有话语恩赐的。除此之外，每一个神的儿女都应该会说话。所以，我们不必要求特别的一分，只要站在神儿女的地位上，就能为神说话。你若是在主面前受过这个训练和带领，对于属灵的事有一点认识，对圣经也有一点了解，你就能为神说话。我们要把基督教里坐着等牧师讲道的观念改掉。若是圣徒们受过这个带领，即使到了别处，也能这样帮助别人。这个后果影响所及，将会是非常的广远。
　
　　这样的实行，并不是一时之间就能作好。我们从主摸着的这条路，乃是一条没有走过的新路。我们都是一点一点的学，一点一点的改进。至于要学到什么地步，没有一个人能预知；因为我们不知道日后主要怎样带领我们。我们在这里只有一个存心，就是每一周、每一天忠心的为这些事祷告，寻求主的意思，清楚主的引导，该如何作下去。　　我们这样实行，并不是要标新立异，弄一个与别人不同的新花样。我们乃是觉得应该脱去老旧基督教的那套仪文，因为那种宗教仪式，叫人相当受捆绑，使主的恩典不能释放出去。好些弟兄姊妹觉得，虽然目前的带领才起步不久，但弟兄姊妹的灵活起来了。所以，我们要继续寻求主的心意，知道该如何一周一周的往前去。
　
　　在分班带领时，要灵活不呆板。作法不一定每次都一样，必须视对象而定。在聚会中，要注意那些不常聚会的；到了分班带领时，就得分出一点时间关心他们，但是不要作得太显明。因为若是把整个时间都用在他们身上，反而会叫他们受压。　　比方，在分班里提了一项重点，大家就要一同祷告。这时，比较有操练的人要先祷告，因为这样的祷告会开人的灵，也会把祷告的空气带进来。同时，你不妨和不常聚会的圣徒稍微有点交通，或者带他有点祷告，但不要硬逼他。或许他还不会祷告，你就一句一句的带着他，对他说，“弟兄，好不好，我祷告一句，你跟我祷告一句。”或许这样一来，他就被带活了。如同我们传福音，末了带人祷告一样。虽然不是每个人都得救，但凡经过祷告的人，大多活过来了。这样的圣徒在刚开始时，一面觉得自己不太会祷告，一面觉得自己祷告得不好听，不好意思开口。结果你这样带他，他一祷告，胆量就冲开了。慢慢的，一次、两次，他就能自己祷告，他的蒙恩也就多了。　　在你用一种智慧、温柔的方式带领他之后，你还要花一点时间介绍他，例如他是什么时候受浸的，好让大家彼此有认识。这如同身体里的血液循环，若是有一个地方不流通，就会百病丛生。借着这样一点交通，让众人里头彼此畅通，自然所有的病就消失了。这看起来虽然像是一件很小的事，影响却非常大。我们稍微带带他，他下次就会继续来，而且不仅自己来，可能还会带别人来。本来他需要别人的帮助，现在他也能帮助别人了。　　我们在带领人时，要注意因人而异。不能呆板的定规头五分钟要怎样作，后五分钟该怎样作，乃必须随机应变并灵活应用。圣徒们的程度高一点，我们的交通就随着高一点。若是他们的程度低一点，我们也要随着低一点，但要比他们高一点。就如教书，你和学生接触时，要就着学生的程度授课，但是要给他们稍微高一点的功课，好叫他们不仅跟得上，还能有兴趣往上学。
　
　　我们不要有一个定型的作法，以为我们的聚会就是有一个讲台信息，然后大家散开，在分班里一同祷告。我们一有这个观念，就无法进步。我们众人要把分班看作是一种新的尝试。我们都不知道要怎么作，实在是如履薄冰；我们乃是一面作，一面学。　　此外，我担心这样的交通，成了纸上谈兵，虽有理想却不切实际。所以，我们应当和弟兄姊妹调在一起作，然后一起有交通。盼望我们所交通的，能抛砖引玉。弟兄姊妹有学习的灵，也有学习的机会。若是他们在交通分享中得着益处，我们就要鼓励他们学习去操练。那他们所得的，会比听道得到的更多。若是我们众人都采取这一种态度、这一种灵，相信是有很多可学的。　　今后我们的讲台也该有所改进，第一是重点要清楚，其次一定要带着教育性。我们每一次讲话都有几个重点，让人清楚、明了。我们一讲就要把印象打到人里面，叫人受感动，并且也要叫人在属灵的知识上受教育。这样，属灵的印象和知识，就建造在弟兄姊妹里面。对于常讲道的人而言，长篇大论似乎不是难事，但是实行分班后，时间缩短了，要在短时间内说出重点，打到人心里，叫人有印象，就需要更多的操练。
　
　　每一个分班带领的人，必须是平日操练灵的人。这样灵才能强，能活，还能出去。我们的灵若只有敞开还不够，我们的灵必须出得去。当然，这是表演不来的，我们不能平日不用灵，与主交通不多，到了分班带领时，却向人示范如何运用灵。这是演戏，不是真实的。　　你们要操练，即使在百忙中，灵里仍然能和主交通。没有一个人是空闲的，每个人都有许多事务要忙，有家庭、孩子要照顾。经历告诉我们，每天要划出半小时或一小时专一的祷告，实在非常不容易。姊妹们要顾家，从早起来就一直忙到晚。在职的弟兄也一样，每天都有许多为难、烦琐的事要处理，常常是应接不暇。虽然大家都期望每天能划出一段时间，好好安静的亲近主，但实在不容易。　　我们都知道那样作非常好，也应该那样作，但有时候环境实在不许可。所以，我们应该两面并进，一面尽力划出时间亲近主，一面即使在忙碌时，也要操练亲近主。比方，你坐公车上班时，无论站着或坐着，你尽可以天不管，地不管，不管外在环境如何，只专心与主交通。在办公室里，甚至在其他别的地方，也一样可以操练联于主。　　操练的方式，就是里头一直向主说话。你只要稍微有一点时间，就要在里头和主交通。不要以为这是小事。表面看，我们身体每日没有多少机会作运动；事实上，我们每天都有很多活动。若是你生病躺在床上，半年之后，你连下床走路都会感到吃力。即使是走一小段路，也会没有力量，气喘吁吁。所以，不要小看每天在家中的走动，抹椅子，擦台子，这些都是身体的活动。当然，你能出外运动是最好，但时间若是不许可，环境作不到，也可以在家中扫地，擦玻璃，整理床铺。这些都是很好的活动，对身体都是有益的。　　属灵的事，也是同样的原则。我们每天划出一段时间，专特在主面前操练我们的灵，确实是好得无比。然而，有好多人实在有为难，环境不许可，但还得找出可能的办法。所以，只要一有机会就要运用灵。无论在什么场合，都要学习运用灵。要记得，你是一个属主的人，你里面有至圣所，主今天住在你里面，你和主的交通可以不受时间或空间的限制。　　有的弟兄姊妹虽然想摆脱一切，什么事都不作，只专一的祷告亲近主，却有点像脱离俗世，到深山修行的味道。请记得，那样作反而不灵。在召会历史中，曾有一班所谓的修道士，完全离开世俗，隐居旷野或深山。他们在那里专一祷告寻求主，但是很希奇，这些修道士都没有属灵的后裔。他们的历史并不长久，因为他们无法有真实地学习。　　千万不要以为你是个生意人，工作太忙，没有办法亲近主。要相信主的安排总是最好的，或许你就是需要这样的环境，才能受造就。有好些姊妹说，若是能单身没有家庭，就可以像马利亚一样了。事实上，这只是个理想；因为即使你没有家庭，你也不会像马利亚。反而在百忙中，有丈夫缠累，有儿女搅扰，你受到的成全更多。有时，连家里的用人也是主用来成全你的。可能你才刚训练她可以作点事，她就要辞职了。然而，乃是在这些为难里，我们才有真实地学习。你想划出专特的时间祷告，环境不一定许可，然而就在那不可能的环境里，在那么多的为难和折磨里，你里头和主有了一点真实地交通，你就学到实在的功课了。
　
　　这一种与主交通的生活，必须成为我们的所是。然后，我们才能据此给弟兄姊妹成全和帮助。我们只能作我们所是的。我们不是那种人，就不能作那种事，不能作那种工。不然，我们就变作唱戏的人。我们对弟兄姊妹所说的，应该是我们所学习的。我们摆在人前的，就当是我们在主面前实际的生活。我们是这样学，这样生活，我们到会中给弟兄姊妹的带领，也就是这样。你我即使能装得很属灵，但你我的工作永远不能属灵。有一位前面弟兄说得非常好，你所作的永远不能超过你所是的。你是这么多、这么高，你所作的就是那么多、那么高。直到今天，我不只接受这话，更是完全印证这话。你我所作的工作，给人的带领，永远不能超过你我自己所学习、所生活的。我们学了多少，我们的生活如何，我们就只能照着那个情形供应人。　　我们虽然有一些带领的技术和方法，但仍必须从根本着手，就是操练在主面前过生活。中国人有句话说得很好：“诚于中而形于外；”而主耶稣有句话，说得比这话更清楚：“心里所充满的，口里就说出来。”（太十二34）这意思是，你里头所有的，外面一定彰显出来，你想怎样隐藏都没有办法。主耶稣在地上的时候，一面来说，是把祂的荣耀用肉身的幔子遮罩起来。另一面，主虽然尽力隐藏祂的荣耀，但是不知不觉的，祂的荣耀还是满溢了出来。好像杯里的水是满的，稍微一动，水就溢出来。主里面满了丰富和荣耀，所以祂只要稍微一动，荣耀就显出来。人只要和祂稍一接触，就感觉祂是生命。
--------本段经节汇集--------
太12:34  
毒蛇之种，你们既是恶的，怎能说出善来？因为心里所充满的，口里就说出来。
马太福音一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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　　我们这样操练和神接触之后，到分班带领时，就能供应圣徒。然而这个供应的基本条件，是我们和主有好的交通。我们里面若是满了主，我们的灵活而新鲜，与主没有间隔，我们一来到弟兄姊妹中间，就能运用灵和人接触。我们不只愿意向主敞开，更愿意让灵出去，好供应人。所以，一有机会我们就要祷告，就要赞美，并且开口说话供应人。我们需要有这样的灵，就是新鲜、活泼、刚强、敞开、容易出去的灵。你我若这样操练，人就要看见你我不只是个活过来的人，还是个在主手里有用的人。　　我们需要不断操练我们的灵，好叫我们灵的功用得着加强，就像我们身上的肢体越操练，功用就越强、越丰富。这是圣经的原则。路加八章十八节说，“凡有的，还要加给他；凡没有的，连他自以为有的，也要从他夺去。”你越操练，灵就越强，功用也越有、越丰富。然而，你越不操练就越没有。所以，盼望所有的负责弟兄，为这缘故，要和主多有交通，并多有操练。
--------本段经节汇集--------
路8:18  
所以你们要留心怎样听；因为凡有的，还要加给他；凡没有的，连他自以为有的，也要从他夺去。
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　　在每一个分家里，所有的弟兄姊妹都要注意尽上你们的功用，供应你们所有的那一分。比方，你在会中要注意什么人来了，什么人没来，而来的人又是什么光景。如果你发现某位不常聚会的弟兄来了，你就要关心他。若是一次来了四、五位不常聚会的，众人都要一同留心。　　当你注意到有位弟兄几次没来，就应该去看望并邀请他。当他来的时候，你就要说几句关心问候的话，会后再陪他走到巷口。有时就是这样简单地关心，神就在他身上作工了，下次他又来了。这就像身体里的血液流通，虽不是大举动，但后来的影响却很大；或许就是因为有流通，免去了一场大病。弟兄姊妹这样作一次、两次，周周尽功用，就活了，就会影响别人。所以千万不要以为自己不是带头的，就无事可作，其实是相当有可为的。　　此外，你们也可以在分班里作供应的人。有时一位弟兄或姊妹的祷告有点弱，我们要改正他并不容易。这时，你可以跟随他，再加上一个祷告，加强他的祷告。这就是给他一个示范，无形中他就有所学习。若是一班三十个人，只有两个带头的在交通，大多数的人响应不热烈，其他人就要一同堆加上去，这样的供应才会丰富。　　有时候在话语交通后，可能需要再加强几个重点。当有人把一个重点打出来时，你有感觉要跟，就要顺那个点加强的打下去。我们需要学习这样的配搭，到一个地步，众人如同一人，完全能彼此配搭。好比打篮球，不仅要训练个人球技，还要操练有默契，有联结。篮球比赛如何不是个人赛，而是团体赛，照样我们今天事奉，也不是个人单独事奉，而是众人一起事奉，是一个体系的事奉。打篮球时，球在大家手中传，你要传给我，我就得跟上；我要传给你，你也要配合。我们在聚会中，也要这样彼此配搭。　　盼望大家心里都有一个重的感觉，这不是一两位带头弟兄的事，乃是全体弟兄姊妹的事。众人应该把灵摆上，把肩膀放进去。即使担子很重，个人的力气很小，只要大家一同分担，就不觉得重了。重量一分担，压力就减轻了。在带领上也是如此。若是有三十个人在这里，却只有一两个人带领，带领的人心理上就觉得吃重。但若有几位一同分担，他们立刻会觉得轻松。因为有其他人在话语、祷告、和交通的事上，一同配搭。这些虽然都是微不足道的小事，但分班作得成功与否，就在这些小事上。这些小点能作成功，分班一定成功。
　
　　现在我们所作的，就如同一部机器，里面有许多小螺丝联络、结合；这些小螺丝一缺，机器就无法运作。因此，当我们去分班带领时，就像去上螺丝一样，这里需要就上一个，那里缺欠也上一个，结果才能正常运作没有毛病。工作是否能作得细，作得深刻，都在于这些小螺丝。　　关于分班的事，有三个重点值得注意。第一，是分班聚会之前的讲台信息。讲台的人一定要强，不能像从前那样依照旧例讲道。第二，分班带头的人很重要，要灵活不呆板。第三，其他圣徒要好好配合。这三步若是都能作到，我们的分班一定有果效，许多弟兄姊妹也能因此被托住。　　所以，请求弟兄姊妹看重这事，把这事当作一件新事，是从前没有经验，也没有作过的，并且一点不要有老旧的感觉。特别是弟兄们，千万不要倚老卖老，以为已经站了十年、八年的讲台，没什么希奇。不要有这个观念。我们的灵必须是活而新鲜的，我们绝对要有新的感觉，和弟兄姊妹在灵里有真实地交通。从前的讲台聚会，是把所有的时间放在讲台信息上，现在最少有三分之一的时间留给大家交通，这是更宝贵的。我们必须有一个新的起头。弟兄们不只要带头作，带头祷告，还要凡事作得好，作得透，作得周到，作得完美。若是我们作不好，就不能有多少果效。　　虽然每次分班聚会时间不长，但我们不能轻易的让聚会一次次过去，乃要抓住时间，抓住每一次机会，和素日不太聚会的弟兄姊妹交通。然而，这不能临时起意，需要平日有点准备，和主多有交通，先寻求到聚会中该怎么作。不要以为自己太忙了，那有工夫去想。我们都得操练，带手作事。上班途中，坐在公车上可以想想；下班后，走在路上也可以想。或许主给我们感觉，上次聚会在某一点上较弱，需要和一同背负责任的人有交通，大家切磋如何往前，研究如何提升。这其中就有许多可学的功课。
　
　　对于擘饼聚会，我根据我所观察到的，有一点感觉和想法。首先，大家的灵都很强、很活，争先恐后的祷告、交通，这是很好。但因着训练不够，配搭不得当，就好像一部汽车开足了马力，却横冲直撞，没有方向。所以，聚会虽然非常丰富，却丰富到一个地步，像一个杂货摊。有人讲作祭司、至圣所、宝座；有人讲活水、恩典；有人讲永远、亘古、阿拉法、俄梅嘎，真是应有尽有。不仅祷告时如此，唱诗也是如此。不要以为我是在说笑话；我是要点出我们众人还需要多操练。因为操练多了，慢慢就会正常。好像人学开车，只要愿意学，到末了就会步入正轨。　　我们曾说到，擘饼聚会要注意对主与父的认识。然而，圣徒们对这点还不太会应用。盼望弟兄姊妹读了有关认识主的材料之后，到擘饼聚会时要应用得当。不是要把这些材料祷告给别人听，乃是里面真的因着认识而有感觉，里面觉得我们虽是在这里，在时间里擘饼，却摸着一个永远的源头，因此能祷告出主的永远性。我们摸着主，主自己就是永远，所以主所给我们的都是永远的；祂在我们身上所作的，也都是永远的。主的赦罪是永远的，主的救赎是永远的，主给我们的生命是永远的，主与我们的同在是永远的，主给我们的带领也是永远的；因为主就是永远。我们虽然在空间和时间里，但是时间、空间会过去，主却是永远、不会过去的。　　所以，我们首先需要对主有客观的认识。这不是照着我们的感觉、经历和地位认识祂；乃是在客观上认识关于主自己的真理。所以，我们的材料仅仅是给大家一个客观的认识。但每一个真实对主有客观认识的人，一定会对主有主观的经历，并且也会主观的应用它。弟兄们在讲台上讲到对主的认识，是客观的陈明真理；但在分班时，家负责弟兄姊妹就要在带领上，帮圣徒们开窍，给他们一点说明，作一点应用上的示范，带他们有一点操练。　　无论是在会所的大聚会，或在分家的小聚会，原则都一样。盼望要有带领，但不要给大家太多改正，因为改太多会使他们的灵受影响。犯了小错没关系，但我们要像训练学徒一样，不是听凭他错，乃是有错就稍微改一点。若是众人的灵都是活的，我们就能够往前去。我们若持续这样操练，一定会有长进。
--------本段经节汇集--------
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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　　一九六一年四月三日讲于台北家排负责人聚会
　
STRENGTHENING THE SAINTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD AND THE FATHER
　When we meet in the smaller “classes,” we should spend time to strengthen the saints’ knowledge of the Lord and the Father. We should use the first three weeks to fellowship about knowing the Lord and the fourth week to focus on knowing the Father. There are many crucial points related to knowing the Lord, but in the first year we should present only a brief outline. More details can be added in subsequent years. For example, there are fine points concerning the Lord being the seed of a woman, being Emmanuel, and being born of a woman. If we focus on these additional points in a gradual way, the brothers and sisters will be greatly helped to know the Lord. There are not as many crucial points related to the Father, so we do not need to devote as much time for fellowship concerning them.
　
DIGESTING THE MESSAGES AND INCREASING THE MUTUAL FELLOWSHIP
　Meeting in small classes has numerous advantages. For example, in the past the saints did not have the time to digest the message that was given in a meeting. Consequently, the message did not have much impact. Now that we are meeting in small groups, the saints can pray and digest the message, and this will leave a solid impression in their spirit.
　Another benefit is that the brothers and sisters have more contact with one another. In the past the saints came to the meeting to listen to messages or to break the bread, and even though the number in a district was small, there was little opportunity for mutual fellowship. In our pursuing in the small classes, there is more contact between the saints, and this contact is more spontaneous and practical. In short, the saints are receiving much spiritual help in this fellowship. We must continue in this way by the Lord’s grace.
　
HELPING THE SAINTS TO SPEAK FOR GOD
　We should use no more than two-thirds or three-fifths of the meeting time for the release of a message, with the remainder of the time being for fellowship among the saints. This is a way for everyone to serve in the church. Without this practice of pursuing in classes, only the speaking brother who gives a message and a small number of brothers and sisters who help in ushering and other practical matters have an opportunity to serve.
　Since we began the practice of pursuing and fellowshipping in classes, all the saints are learning how to serve. In particular, after gaining some understanding of the Lord’s Word, they have an opportunity to function by ministering the Lord’s word in their speaking to one another. In this way all the saints receive benefit. This is far better than leading the saints to serve in just ushering and cleaning.
　If the brothers and sisters in each district receive this kind of leading, they will be able to do the same thing when they are led by the Lord to move to another place. This is a totally different situation from what we have seen in the past. For example, a new believer no longer comes to a meeting just to sit and listen to a message, which only makes him feel as if he has no function. Our concepts are being changed because the saints now see that everyone can speak for the Lord.
　There are two categories of speaking among human beings. Everyone has the capacity for the first kind of speaking, which is ordinary speaking. Unless a person is physically dumb, everyone has the capacity for ordinary speech. The second kind of speaking is related to a more formal speaking, especially public speaking to others. Not everyone can do this. These two kinds of speaking can be seen in the spiritual realm. Every child of God can speak some spiritual words, explain a little about the Bible, share something concerning God’s grace, utter words of praise to God, or give a brief testimony for the Lord. It is not right if a brother or a sister cannot speak something for the Lord after being saved for a few years; this is equivalent to being spiritually dumb. Every believer should be able to open his mouth to speak for God and to testify for God, even if he does not have the capacity to give a message.
　Among God’s children, God has appointed some to speak the word. These, however, are not the only ones who can speak, because every child of God is able to speak something. In order to speak, we do not need to ask for a special portion of grace. As long as we stand in our position as a child of God, we can speak for God. If we have received some training and perfecting before the Lord and have some knowledge of spiritual things and some understanding of the Bible, we can also speak for God in the way of ministry. We must change our concept of sitting and waiting for a “pastor” to give a sermon; this is a concept in Christianity. If we are perfected to speak as children of God, we can bring other saints into this exercise wherever we are or wherever we move to. This will have a far-reaching impact.
　
DROPPING RITUALS AND SEEKING THE LORD’S LEADING
　This kind of practice cannot be done properly within a short period of time. The way that we have received from the Lord is a new way, a way that we have never taken previously. We are learning one step at a time and making improvements as we go. We do not even know the extent of what we should learn because we do not know how the Lord will lead us. We have to set our heart on praying faithfully for these matters every day and every week, seeking to become clear concerning the Lord’s leading.
　We are not taking this way simply to be different. Instead, we are dropping the ways of Christianity because religious rituals put believers into bondage and hinder the Lord’s grace from being released. Many brothers and sisters have been enlivened in their spirits, even though we have been practicing this way for only a short time. We will continue to seek the Lord’s leading as we go forward.
　
BEING FLEXIBLE AND BEING AWARE OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
　In our classes we should be flexible and avoid rigidity. We do not have to do things the same way every time; rather, we should consider what to do based on who is present. During the message time we should consider who is present, especially those who do not come regularly. In our time of fellowship we can set aside some time to care for them, but we do not have to spend all our time with one person because this may cause him to feel as if he is being pressured.
　If a crucial point is mentioned, everyone can pray together. Those who are more exercised should pray first, because their prayer can open up others’ spirits and bring in an atmosphere of prayer. When we fellowship with a saint who does not meet regularly, we may be able to lead him to pray, but we should not force him. If he does not know how to pray, we can lead him to pray sentence by sentence. We can say, “Brother, what if I pray a sentence, and you repeat after me?” Perhaps, in this way he will be enlivened. This is the same as leading a person to pray after preaching the gospel to him. Anyone who prays is likely to be enlivened. Initially, a saint who feels that he does not know how to pray or that his prayer is inadequate will hesitate to open his mouth. But if we can help him open his mouth to pray, he will become bolder. Gradually, he will be able to pray by himself and will be blessed a great deal.
　After helping him in a wise and gentle manner, we should introduce him to the other saints, telling them, for example, the year that he was baptized. This can be compared to blood circulating in our body. If our blood is blocked in a certain place, various diseases will develop. With this kind of fellowship there will be a flow among the saints, and many diseases will be eliminated spontaneously. This practice, though seemingly trivial, will have a great impact. If we help a brother just a little, he will come back, and when he comes back, he will bring others with him. This shows that he was helped and that he wants to help others.
　We must also pay attention to individual differences. We cannot have a rigid plan to do something for the first five minutes and then something else for the next five minutes. We must be flexible and make adjustments according to the actual situation. If the saints are more advanced, our fellowship should be more advanced. If the saints are new believers, we should adjust our fellowship to their level but still be a little more advanced in our speaking. This can be compared to teaching. When a teacher speaks to his students, his lessons should be according to their level of comprehension, but they should also be slightly more advanced so that the students will be interested in advancing further.
　We should not have a fixed way to practice in the small classes, thinking that someone should first give a message and that we should then pray. Once we have such a concept, we will have no way to progress. We should regard our meeting in the small classes as an experiment. We should also be watchful because none of us fully knows what to do. We are learning while doing.
　I am concerned that this fellowship will become mere talk; that is, we may be idealistic yet impractical. Therefore, we should practice with the brothers and sisters in a blended way and fellowship together after our class times. Such fellowship will bring out many things that will improve our times together. The saints should have a learning spirit and an opportunity to learn. If they receive any benefit in the fellowship and sharing, we should encourage them to practice it. In this way they will receive much more than they would from merely listening to a message. If we have this attitude and spirit, I believe that we will learn a great deal.
　We should also improve the way that we give messages. The main points of a message must be clear, and the messages must be educational. Every time we speak, there should be several clear and understandable points. Whenever we speak, the saints should be touched and educated in spiritual matters. A spiritual sense and some spiritual knowledge should be imparted into the saints. It is not difficult for brothers to speak for a long time, especially those who have been giving messages, but now that we are meeting in smaller groups, the messages need to be shortened. The brothers need more training so that they can cover the main points in a shorter time but still impart something spiritual into the saints.
　
EXERCISING TO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD REGULARLY
　Everyone who bears responsibility in a class must exercise his spirit regularly. This will strengthen, enliven, and enable his spirit to be easily released. It is not enough to merely be open; he must also be able to release his spirit. He cannot perform. If he does not exercise his spirit to fellowship with the Lord regularly, his exercise in the class will only be a performance.
　We must practice to fellowship with the Lord in our spirit even in the midst of our busy schedules. Everyone is busy with many things. According to our experience, it is very difficult to set aside half an hour each day to pray. Sisters are busy from morning until evening taking care of their families, and brothers have difficult situations and work-related matters that often overwhelm them. Although we all desire to set aside time to contact the Lord, it is not easy. We can solve this problem by setting aside a little time to contact the Lord every day and by practicing to contact the Lord when we are busy doing practical things. For example, when we are riding the bus to work, or when we are waiting for something, we should do our best to ignore the outward environment and focus on fellowshipping with the Lord. We can practice being joined to the Lord in our office or in other places.
　The way to practice this is by speaking to the Lord. When we have a little time, we should fellowship with Him. This is not a small thing. In terms of bodily exercise, it may seem as if we have no opportunity to exercise, but actually we do many physical things every day that we do not notice. For example, a person who has been sick and in bed for a long time will have a difficult time walking long distances when he gets out of bed, because he has not been “practicing” to walk. However, before he was sick, he had no difficulty walking. This shows that we should not belittle the routine walking that we do every day. Even household chores, such as wiping the chairs and tables, involve physical activity. Of course, it is best if we can devote some time specifically to physical exercise, but if our time or circumstances do not allow this, we can still sweep the floor, clean the windows, or make our beds. These activities are beneficial to the body.
　The same principle applies to spiritual things. It is good to set aside some time every day to exercise our spirit in fellowship with the Lord. However, if this is too difficult because of time and circumstances, we must still find other opportunities to exercise. We should learn to exercise our spirit in every circumstance. We must remember that we belong to the Lord and that the Lord is dwelling in our spirit, which is the Holy of Holies. Thus, our fellowship with the Lord need not be limited by circumstances related to time or space.
　Some brothers and sisters desire to be free of every earthly entanglement so that they can fully concentrate on praying and contacting the Lord. This reflects a desire to seek spiritual cultivation by leaving the secular world and “going to the mountains.” This never works. In church history there have been groups of ascetic monks who left the secular world to live the life of a hermit in the wilderness or on a mountain. They devoted themselves solely to prayer and to seeking the Lord. It is quite strange, however, that none of these had any spiritual descendants, and their history did not last very long.
　We should not think that we are unable to contact the Lord because we are busy with work. We must believe that the Lord’s arrangement is the best environment for us to be built up. Many sisters say that if they were single, they would be like Mary. This is a simplistic thought, because being like Mary does not depend upon a sister’s marital status. On the contrary, even in the midst of a busy schedule, involving taking care of her husband and children, it is possible for a sister to contact the Lord and receive some perfecting. Sometimes even a maid, who quits as soon as she is trained to do household chores, can be used by the Lord to perfect a sister. Similarly, when a situation arises that prevents us from fellowshipping with the Lord at a set time, the difficulties and hardships can still be an opportunity for us to have real fellowship with the Lord.
　
WHAT WE DO DEPENDING ON WHAT WE ARE
　In order to perfect and help the brothers and sisters, a living in fellowship with the Lord must become part of our very being. We can only perfect others according to what we are. A person can only perfect someone to be like him; anything other than this involves acting. We can encourage the brothers and sisters only with what we have learned. What we present to others should come out of our actual living before the Lord. If we learn this way and live this way, we will be able to lead the brothers and sisters in the same way. If we only pretend to be spiritual, our work will never be spiritual. A senior brother once said, “Our work can never surpass what we are,” and I can fully confirm this word. Our work and our leading can never surpass our living and our learning. We can only supply others according to what we have learned and how we live.
　Although there are certain skills involved in leading others, the most fundamental point is that we need to exercise to live before the Lord. The Chinese have a good proverb, which says, “What is inward is reflected on the outward.” The Lord Jesus said something even better: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). This means that what we are within will be manifested without. We cannot hide what we are, even if we try. When the Lord Jesus was on the earth, His glory was revealed even though it was concealed behind the veil of His flesh and even though He did not seek to reveal it. When a person moves a glass of water that is filled to the brim, some water will spill over. The Lord was filled with God’s riches and glory to such an extent that whenever He moved or did anything, His glory was manifested. Everyone He contacted sensed the glory of His divine life.
　
BECOMING MORE USEFUL THROUGH MORE EXERCISE
　When we exercise to contact God, we will be able to supply the saints. The basic requirement for supplying others is our fellowship with the Lord. If we are filled with the Lord inwardly, our spirit will be living and fresh, and there will be no barrier between the Lord and us. Thus, whenever we are with the brothers and sisters, we will be able to contact them in spirit. It is not enough for our spirit to be released; our spirit needs to be released in order to supply others. We should take every opportunity to pray and praise; we should also speak and supply others. We need to have such a spirit, a spirit that is fresh, living, strong, open, and easily released.
　We need to exercise our spirit in order for its function to be strengthened, just as we need to exercise our physical body in order to strengthen our body. This is a principle in the Bible. Luke 8:18 says, “Whoever has, it shall be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” The more we exercise our spirit, the stronger our spirit will become and the richer its function will be. In contrast, the less we exercise, the weaker we will become. I hope that all the responsible brothers will fellowship with the Lord more and exercise more.
　
EVERYONE FUNCTIONING
　All the brothers and sisters should function and supply others according to their respective portions. We need to consider the condition of those who are in the meeting. If a brother who seldom comes to the meeting is present, we should show concern for him. If a brother is absent several times, we should visit him and invite him to come again. When he comes to the meeting, we should speak a few words of concern and greeting, and after the meeting we can walk with him to the street. Sometimes because of this simple care, the Lord will lead him to come to the meeting the following week. This can be compared to the circulation of blood in the body. Even a small amount of blood circulation can have a great influence and prevent a serious illness. If we function to care for people, we will become living and be able to supply others. Hence, we should not think that we are unable to do anything because we are not a leading one. There are many things that we can do.
　In the small classes everyone can be a supplier. Sometimes the prayer of a brother is a little weak, but it is still possible to add to and strengthen his prayer; there is no need to correct him. This will be a helpful demonstration to him, and unconsciously, he will learn something. The fellowship in the class should not fill the time to the point that the saints are unresponsive; everyone should endeavor to add something according to their portion. In this way there will be a rich supply.
　Sometimes after the fellowship there may still be a need to strengthen the crucial points. When someone brings out a crucial point and we have a feeling to follow him, we should strengthen the point. We need to learn to coordinate to the point that we are speaking as one person. A basketball player needs training in both personal skills and in coordination with others. Basketball is not a game for individuals; it is a team sport. Similarly, our priestly service is not a matter of individual service; it is a matter of corporate service. A basketball team passes the ball around, and in our meetings we should mutually coordinate in this way.
　The only way to bear this burden is to bear it together. We should labor together. When everyone is serving to carry this burden, the burden will not be too heavy for anyone. Once the weight of a heavy load is distributed among those who are bearing the burden, the weight will not be heavy for just a few. The more we share the burden together, the lighter it will be. We need to coordinate in matters related to the word, to prayer, and to fellowship. These may seem like small, trivial matters, but the success of our practice depends on these details. If we take care of these details, our classes will be profitable.
　
PAYING ATTENTION TO THREE CRUCIAL POINTS
　Concerning the small classes, we must pay attention to three crucial points. First, in regard to the message, the speaker must be very exercised and should not speak in a routine manner. Second, the ones bearing responsibility in the classes must be flexible, not rigid. Third, the saints should cooperate in a good way. If we can take care of these three points, the classes will be effective, and as a result, many brothers and sisters will be supported and built up.
　We need to treat this matter seriously; it is not something that we have done before. The brothers who have been speaking for the past eight or ten years should not think that they have experience in this new way. Please do not have this concept. Our spirit must be living and fresh; we must absolutely have a sense of newness and have genuine fellowship with the saints. Formerly, the entire time of our message meeting was devoted to the message; now at least one-third of the time must be devoted to fellowship among the saints. We must have a new beginning. The brothers must take the lead not only to practice and to pray but also to do it well and to do it thoroughly. If we cannot do it well, there will be no change.
　Although the time devoted to the classes is not that long, we cannot afford to let the time slip away. We should grasp the opportunity to fellowship with the saints who do not meet regularly. However, we should not do anything impulsively; instead, we should prepare by having fellowship with the Lord and by seeking to advance in what we do in the meeting. We should not think that we are too busy to consider such things. We should exercise and prepare during the week. On our way to work we can consider these matters. After work, while walking on the street, we can consider them. Perhaps the Lord will give us a feeling that a certain aspect in the previous meeting was somewhat weak and that we need to fellowship with others about it. There are many lessons that we can learn from taking this way.
　
IMPROVING THE BREAD-BREAKING MEETING
　Concerning the bread-breaking meeting, I will share some feelings and thoughts based on my observation. First, the saints are strong and living in spirit, and they are even vying for opportunities to pray and fellowship. This is very good. However, the saints do not coordinate with one another in their speaking because of a lack of training. This situation can be compared to a car that is running at full speed but without a definite direction. Even though the meeting is very rich, the riches are displayed as if they are separate items on a grocery stand, which have not been coordinated together to produce a fully satisfying meal. For example, one person may share about being a priest, another about the Holy of Holies, and still another about the throne. Others share about living water and grace and still others share about eternity, the ancient times, and the Alpha and the Omega. We not only pray in this way, but we also sing in this way. I simply want to point out the fact that we need more exercise. With more exercise we will become more coordinated, and our “driving” will become more focused.
　In the bread-breaking meeting we must pay attention to our worship of the Lord and of the Father. Many saints do not know how to apply their knowledge of the Lord and of the Father in prayer and praise. When we gain some knowledge of the Lord, we should be able to apply it in the bread-breaking meeting. Our prayers should speak of the eternal nature of the Lord because we have knowledge of the Lord in this aspect and some consciousness of it as we are breaking the bread. The Lord is eternal, and when we touch Him, what He gives is eternal and what He works into us is also eternal. The Lord’s forgiveness of sins is eternal, His redemption is eternal, the life He gives is eternal, His presence within us is eternal, and His leading in us is eternal. Although we live in time and space, eventually time and space will end, but the Lord is eternal.
　Therefore, we need to know the truth related to the Lord. Our knowing cannot be entirely subjective according to our feeling, experience, or standing; we need to know the objective truths concerning the Lord Himself. The material for our classes provides us with this objective knowledge. Any believer, however, who has some genuine, objective knowledge of the Lord, must also have some subjective experience of Him in relation to these truths so that the truths can be applied. When the brothers speak of knowing the Lord, they are presenting objective truths. In the classes, however, the saints need to be given some explanation and demonstration so that they can apply these truths in their daily exercise.
　We should follow this principle in every meeting, whether it is a big meeting in the meeting hall or in a small meeting in the districts. We need to lead the saints but avoid giving too much correction. Too much correction affects the spirits of the saints, and it truly does not matter if the saints make some small mistakes. This does not mean that we should not be aware of the situation but only that our adjustments should be slight. If the spirits of the saints are living, we will move past any mistakes and make progress.
 
　　在分班聚会中，我们要多花一点时间，加强圣徒对主的认识，以及对父的认识。在头一个时期，我们需要用三周，交通对主的认识，第四周注意对父的认识。由于对主的认识重点比较多，所以开始的头一年，我们只需题大纲，后面的细点一年一年再加上去。比方，有些细点说到主是女人的后裔、以马内利、为女子所生。以赛亚九章六节说到：“有一婴孩为我们而生，有一子赐给我们；…祂的名称为奇妙的策士、全能的神、永远的父、和平的君。”我们若是这样一点一点把主的特点提出来，会相当帮助弟兄姊妹认识主。至于对父的认识，重点没有这么多，所以只需要用四分之一的时间，交通对父的认识。
 
　When we meet in the smaller “classes,” we should spend time to strengthen the saints’ knowledge of the Lord and the Father. We should use the first three weeks to fellowship about knowing the Lord and the fourth week to focus on knowing the Father. There are many crucial points related to knowing the Lord, but in the first year we should present only a brief outline. More details can be added in subsequent years. For example, there are fine points concerning the Lord being the seed of a woman, being Emmanuel, and being born of a woman. If we focus on these additional points in a gradual way, the brothers and sisters will be greatly helped to know the Lord. There are not as many crucial points related to the Father, so we do not need to devote as much time for fellowship concerning them.
　　这样的分班聚会，有诸多的益处。比方，从前圣徒们来聚会，听完一篇道后，因为没有借着祷告扎实的消化，信息在他们身上似乎没有多少作用。现在有分班带领，除了少数人因为时间关系先离开，大体的弟兄姊妹还是留下来，借祷告消化所听见的信息。这在他们灵里，就能留下扎实的印象。

　　另有一个相当的好处，就是借着分班，分家的负责人与弟兄姊妹的接触比较频繁，彼此就能多有认识。从前圣徒们只是来聚会中听道，甚至只是来擘饼；尽管分家人数不多，大家彼此交通的机会还是很少。这样分班追求、带领，无形中对弟兄姊妹的接触更为实际。总而言之，弟兄姊妹在灵里、在交通上，就会得到相当的帮助。所以，我们应该靠着主的恩典一直作下去。
 
　Meeting in small classes has numerous advantages. For example, in the past the saints did not have the time to digest the message that was given in a meeting. Consequently, the message did not have much impact. Now that we are meeting in small groups, the saints can pray and digest the message, and this will leave a solid impression in their spirit.

　Another benefit is that the brothers and sisters have more contact with one another. In the past the saints came to the meeting to listen to messages or to break the bread, and even though the number in a district was small, there was little opportunity for mutual fellowship. In our pursuing in the small classes, there is more contact between the saints, and this contact is more spontaneous and practical. In short, the saints are receiving much spiritual help in this fellowship. We must continue in this way by the Lord’s grace.
　　今后我们释放信息，最多用三分之二、或五分之三的时间，其他时间要让众人有一点追求和交通。这样作比较扎实，并且也合乎召会共同事奉的路。从前没有这样分班追求，在讲道聚会中，只有站讲台的弟兄讲信息，以及少数的弟兄姊妹帮忙招待和事奉。除此之外，其他人都没有多少事奉。

　　实行分班追求后，圣徒们不只是聚会听道，更是在学习事奉，特别是在主的话上有学习。这是个非常好的机会，叫全体圣徒都在主的话上尽职。不仅受带领的圣徒得益处，所有事奉的人也都作了好榜样，实际的用主的话帮助弟兄姊妹。这比带圣徒们在招待、整洁上有一点祷告和事奉好多了。

　　若是各分家的弟兄姊妹，都受这样的带领，一段时间之后，也许主带他们到别处，他们也能作同样的事。这与从前一个人受浸后就坐着听道，完全不同。人一直听道，久而久之，就会觉得自己没有什么功用，只能作一个听道的人。现在这样实行分班，自然就改了观念。圣徒们会看见，负责弟兄们不一定个个都有讲道的恩赐，但个个都能为主说话。

　　人类中间的话语，可分为两种，一种是普通的说话，人人都会说；除了哑巴以外，没有一个人不会说话。还有一种是演讲，这并不是每一个人都能说的。在属灵的话语上，也是这样。每一个神的儿女都能说一点属灵的话，都能讲解一点圣经，说一点神的恩典，或赞美神的话，或为主作一点见证。在这原则下，不该有弟兄或姊妹得救几年了什么都不会说，那就等于是属灵的哑巴。这是不对的。每一个神的儿女，不一定都有讲道的恩赐，但是个个都应该会开口，替神说话，为神作见证。

　　另一面，在神的儿女中，神的确设立一些人是有话语恩赐的。除此之外，每一个神的儿女都应该会说话。所以，我们不必要求特别的一分，只要站在神儿女的地位上，就能为神说话。你若是在主面前受过这个训练和带领，对于属灵的事有一点认识，对圣经也有一点了解，你就能为神说话。我们要把基督教里坐着等牧师讲道的观念改掉。若是圣徒们受过这个带领，即使到了别处，也能这样帮助别人。这个后果影响所及，将会是非常的广远。
 
　We should use no more than two-thirds or three-fifths of the meeting time for the release of a message, with the remainder of the time being for fellowship among the saints. This is a way for everyone to serve in the church. Without this practice of pursuing in classes, only the speaking brother who gives a message and a small number of brothers and sisters who help in ushering and other practical matters have an opportunity to serve.

　Since we began the practice of pursuing and fellowshipping in classes, all the saints are learning how to serve. In particular, after gaining some understanding of the Lord’s Word, they have an opportunity to function by ministering the Lord’s word in their speaking to one another. In this way all the saints receive benefit. This is far better than leading the saints to serve in just ushering and cleaning.

　If the brothers and sisters in each district receive this kind of leading, they will be able to do the same thing when they are led by the Lord to move to another place. This is a totally different situation from what we have seen in the past. For example, a new believer no longer comes to a meeting just to sit and listen to a message, which only makes him feel as if he has no function. Our concepts are being changed because the saints now see that everyone can speak for the Lord.

　There are two categories of speaking among human beings. Everyone has the capacity for the first kind of speaking, which is ordinary speaking. Unless a person is physically dumb, everyone has the capacity for ordinary speech. The second kind of speaking is related to a more formal speaking, especially public speaking to others. Not everyone can do this. These two kinds of speaking can be seen in the spiritual realm. Every child of God can speak some spiritual words, explain a little about the Bible, share something concerning God’s grace, utter words of praise to God, or give a brief testimony for the Lord. It is not right if a brother or a sister cannot speak something for the Lord after being saved for a few years; this is equivalent to being spiritually dumb. Every believer should be able to open his mouth to speak for God and to testify for God, even if he does not have the capacity to give a message.

　Among God’s children, God has appointed some to speak the word. These, however, are not the only ones who can speak, because every child of God is able to speak something. In order to speak, we do not need to ask for a special portion of grace. As long as we stand in our position as a child of God, we can speak for God. If we have received some training and perfecting before the Lord and have some knowledge of spiritual things and some understanding of the Bible, we can also speak for God in the way of ministry. We must change our concept of sitting and waiting for a “pastor” to give a sermon; this is a concept in Christianity. If we are perfected to speak as children of God, we can bring other saints into this exercise wherever we are or wherever we move to. This will have a far-reaching impact.
　　这样的实行，并不是一时之间就能作好。我们从主摸着的这条路，乃是一条没有走过的新路。我们都是一点一点的学，一点一点的改进。至于要学到什么地步，没有一个人能预知；因为我们不知道日后主要怎样带领我们。我们在这里只有一个存心，就是每一周、每一天忠心的为这些事祷告，寻求主的意思，清楚主的引导，该如何作下去。

　　我们这样实行，并不是要标新立异，弄一个与别人不同的新花样。我们乃是觉得应该脱去老旧基督教的那套仪文，因为那种宗教仪式，叫人相当受捆绑，使主的恩典不能释放出去。好些弟兄姊妹觉得，虽然目前的带领才起步不久，但弟兄姊妹的灵活起来了。所以，我们要继续寻求主的心意，知道该如何一周一周的往前去。
 
　This kind of practice cannot be done properly within a short period of time. The way that we have received from the Lord is a new way, a way that we have never taken previously. We are learning one step at a time and making improvements as we go. We do not even know the extent of what we should learn because we do not know how the Lord will lead us. We have to set our heart on praying faithfully for these matters every day and every week, seeking to become clear concerning the Lord’s leading.

　We are not taking this way simply to be different. Instead, we are dropping the ways of Christianity because religious rituals put believers into bondage and hinder the Lord’s grace from being released. Many brothers and sisters have been enlivened in their spirits, even though we have been practicing this way for only a short time. We will continue to seek the Lord’s leading as we go forward.
　　在分班带领时，要灵活不呆板。作法不一定每次都一样，必须视对象而定。在聚会中，要注意那些不常聚会的；到了分班带领时，就得分出一点时间关心他们，但是不要作得太显明。因为若是把整个时间都用在他们身上，反而会叫他们受压。

　　比方，在分班里提了一项重点，大家就要一同祷告。这时，比较有操练的人要先祷告，因为这样的祷告会开人的灵，也会把祷告的空气带进来。同时，你不妨和不常聚会的圣徒稍微有点交通，或者带他有点祷告，但不要硬逼他。或许他还不会祷告，你就一句一句的带着他，对他说，“弟兄，好不好，我祷告一句，你跟我祷告一句。”或许这样一来，他就被带活了。如同我们传福音，末了带人祷告一样。虽然不是每个人都得救，但凡经过祷告的人，大多活过来了。这样的圣徒在刚开始时，一面觉得自己不太会祷告，一面觉得自己祷告得不好听，不好意思开口。结果你这样带他，他一祷告，胆量就冲开了。慢慢的，一次、两次，他就能自己祷告，他的蒙恩也就多了。

　　在你用一种智慧、温柔的方式带领他之后，你还要花一点时间介绍他，例如他是什么时候受浸的，好让大家彼此有认识。这如同身体里的血液循环，若是有一个地方不流通，就会百病丛生。借着这样一点交通，让众人里头彼此畅通，自然所有的病就消失了。这看起来虽然像是一件很小的事，影响却非常大。我们稍微带带他，他下次就会继续来，而且不仅自己来，可能还会带别人来。本来他需要别人的帮助，现在他也能帮助别人了。

　　我们在带领人时，要注意因人而异。不能呆板的定规头五分钟要怎样作，后五分钟该怎样作，乃必须随机应变并灵活应用。圣徒们的程度高一点，我们的交通就随着高一点。若是他们的程度低一点，我们也要随着低一点，但要比他们高一点。就如教书，你和学生接触时，要就着学生的程度授课，但是要给他们稍微高一点的功课，好叫他们不仅跟得上，还能有兴趣往上学。
 
　In our classes we should be flexible and avoid rigidity. We do not have to do things the same way every time; rather, we should consider what to do based on who is present. During the message time we should consider who is present, especially those who do not come regularly. In our time of fellowship we can set aside some time to care for them, but we do not have to spend all our time with one person because this may cause him to feel as if he is being pressured.

　If a crucial point is mentioned, everyone can pray together. Those who are more exercised should pray first, because their prayer can open up others’ spirits and bring in an atmosphere of prayer. When we fellowship with a saint who does not meet regularly, we may be able to lead him to pray, but we should not force him. If he does not know how to pray, we can lead him to pray sentence by sentence. We can say, “Brother, what if I pray a sentence, and you repeat after me?” Perhaps, in this way he will be enlivened. This is the same as leading a person to pray after preaching the gospel to him. Anyone who prays is likely to be enlivened. Initially, a saint who feels that he does not know how to pray or that his prayer is inadequate will hesitate to open his mouth. But if we can help him open his mouth to pray, he will become bolder. Gradually, he will be able to pray by himself and will be blessed a great deal.

　After helping him in a wise and gentle manner, we should introduce him to the other saints, telling them, for example, the year that he was baptized. This can be compared to blood circulating in our body. If our blood is blocked in a certain place, various diseases will develop. With this kind of fellowship there will be a flow among the saints, and many diseases will be eliminated spontaneously. This practice, though seemingly trivial, will have a great impact. If we help a brother just a little, he will come back, and when he comes back, he will bring others with him. This shows that he was helped and that he wants to help others.

　We must also pay attention to individual differences. We cannot have a rigid plan to do something for the first five minutes and then something else for the next five minutes. We must be flexible and make adjustments according to the actual situation. If the saints are more advanced, our fellowship should be more advanced. If the saints are new believers, we should adjust our fellowship to their level but still be a little more advanced in our speaking. This can be compared to teaching. When a teacher speaks to his students, his lessons should be according to their level of comprehension, but they should also be slightly more advanced so that the students will be interested in advancing further.

　We should not have a fixed way to practice in the small classes, thinking that someone should first give a message and that we should then pray. Once we have such a concept, we will have no way to progress. We should regard our meeting in the small classes as an experiment. We should also be watchful because none of us fully knows what to do. We are learning while doing.

　I am concerned that this fellowship will become mere talk; that is, we may be idealistic yet impractical. Therefore, we should practice with the brothers and sisters in a blended way and fellowship together after our class times. Such fellowship will bring out many things that will improve our times together. The saints should have a learning spirit and an opportunity to learn. If they receive any benefit in the fellowship and sharing, we should encourage them to practice it. In this way they will receive much more than they would from merely listening to a message. If we have this attitude and spirit, I believe that we will learn a great deal.

　We should also improve the way that we give messages. The main points of a message must be clear, and the messages must be educational. Every time we speak, there should be several clear and understandable points. Whenever we speak, the saints should be touched and educated in spiritual matters. A spiritual sense and some spiritual knowledge should be imparted into the saints. It is not difficult for brothers to speak for a long time, especially those who have been giving messages, but now that we are meeting in smaller groups, the messages need to be shortened. The brothers need more training so that they can cover the main points in a shorter time but still impart something spiritual into the saints.
　　我们不要有一个定型的作法，以为我们的聚会就是有一个讲台信息，然后大家散开，在分班里一同祷告。我们一有这个观念，就无法进步。我们众人要把分班看作是一种新的尝试。我们都不知道要怎么作，实在是如履薄冰；我们乃是一面作，一面学。

　　此外，我担心这样的交通，成了纸上谈兵，虽有理想却不切实际。所以，我们应当和弟兄姊妹调在一起作，然后一起有交通。盼望我们所交通的，能抛砖引玉。弟兄姊妹有学习的灵，也有学习的机会。若是他们在交通分享中得着益处，我们就要鼓励他们学习去操练。那他们所得的，会比听道得到的更多。若是我们众人都采取这一种态度、这一种灵，相信是有很多可学的。

　　今后我们的讲台也该有所改进，第一是重点要清楚，其次一定要带着教育性。我们每一次讲话都有几个重点，让人清楚、明了。我们一讲就要把印象打到人里面，叫人受感动，并且也要叫人在属灵的知识上受教育。这样，属灵的印象和知识，就建造在弟兄姊妹里面。对于常讲道的人而言，长篇大论似乎不是难事，但是实行分班后，时间缩短了，要在短时间内说出重点，打到人心里，叫人有印象，就需要更多的操练。
 
　Everyone who bears responsibility in a class must exercise his spirit regularly. This will strengthen, enliven, and enable his spirit to be easily released. It is not enough to merely be open; he must also be able to release his spirit. He cannot perform. If he does not exercise his spirit to fellowship with the Lord regularly, his exercise in the class will only be a performance.

　We must practice to fellowship with the Lord in our spirit even in the midst of our busy schedules. Everyone is busy with many things. According to our experience, it is very difficult to set aside half an hour each day to pray. Sisters are busy from morning until evening taking care of their families, and brothers have difficult situations and work-related matters that often overwhelm them. Although we all desire to set aside time to contact the Lord, it is not easy. We can solve this problem by setting aside a little time to contact the Lord every day and by practicing to contact the Lord when we are busy doing practical things. For example, when we are riding the bus to work, or when we are waiting for something, we should do our best to ignore the outward environment and focus on fellowshipping with the Lord. We can practice being joined to the Lord in our office or in other places.

　The way to practice this is by speaking to the Lord. When we have a little time, we should fellowship with Him. This is not a small thing. In terms of bodily exercise, it may seem as if we have no opportunity to exercise, but actually we do many physical things every day that we do not notice. For example, a person who has been sick and in bed for a long time will have a difficult time walking long distances when he gets out of bed, because he has not been “practicing” to walk. However, before he was sick, he had no difficulty walking. This shows that we should not belittle the routine walking that we do every day. Even household chores, such as wiping the chairs and tables, involve physical activity. Of course, it is best if we can devote some time specifically to physical exercise, but if our time or circumstances do not allow this, we can still sweep the floor, clean the windows, or make our beds. These activities are beneficial to the body.

　The same principle applies to spiritual things. It is good to set aside some time every day to exercise our spirit in fellowship with the Lord. However, if this is too difficult because of time and circumstances, we must still find other opportunities to exercise. We should learn to exercise our spirit in every circumstance. We must remember that we belong to the Lord and that the Lord is dwelling in our spirit, which is the Holy of Holies. Thus, our fellowship with the Lord need not be limited by circumstances related to time or space.

　Some brothers and sisters desire to be free of every earthly entanglement so that they can fully concentrate on praying and contacting the Lord. This reflects a desire to seek spiritual cultivation by leaving the secular world and “going to the mountains.” This never works. In church history there have been groups of ascetic monks who left the secular world to live the life of a hermit in the wilderness or on a mountain. They devoted themselves solely to prayer and to seeking the Lord. It is quite strange, however, that none of these had any spiritual descendants, and their history did not last very long.

　We should not think that we are unable to contact the Lord because we are busy with work. We must believe that the Lord’s arrangement is the best environment for us to be built up. Many sisters say that if they were single, they would be like Mary. This is a simplistic thought, because being like Mary does not depend upon a sister’s marital status. On the contrary, even in the midst of a busy schedule, involving taking care of her husband and children, it is possible for a sister to contact the Lord and receive some perfecting. Sometimes even a maid, who quits as soon as she is trained to do household chores, can be used by the Lord to perfect a sister. Similarly, when a situation arises that prevents us from fellowshipping with the Lord at a set time, the difficulties and hardships can still be an opportunity for us to have real fellowship with the Lord.
　　每一个分班带领的人，必须是平日操练灵的人。这样灵才能强，能活，还能出去。我们的灵若只有敞开还不够，我们的灵必须出得去。当然，这是表演不来的，我们不能平日不用灵，与主交通不多，到了分班带领时，却向人示范如何运用灵。这是演戏，不是真实的。

　　你们要操练，即使在百忙中，灵里仍然能和主交通。没有一个人是空闲的，每个人都有许多事务要忙，有家庭、孩子要照顾。经历告诉我们，每天要划出半小时或一小时专一的祷告，实在非常不容易。姊妹们要顾家，从早起来就一直忙到晚。在职的弟兄也一样，每天都有许多为难、烦琐的事要处理，常常是应接不暇。虽然大家都期望每天能划出一段时间，好好安静的亲近主，但实在不容易。

　　我们都知道那样作非常好，也应该那样作，但有时候环境实在不许可。所以，我们应该两面并进，一面尽力划出时间亲近主，一面即使在忙碌时，也要操练亲近主。比方，你坐公车上班时，无论站着或坐着，你尽可以天不管，地不管，不管外在环境如何，只专心与主交通。在办公室里，甚至在其他别的地方，也一样可以操练联于主。

　　操练的方式，就是里头一直向主说话。你只要稍微有一点时间，就要在里头和主交通。不要以为这是小事。表面看，我们身体每日没有多少机会作运动；事实上，我们每天都有很多活动。若是你生病躺在床上，半年之后，你连下床走路都会感到吃力。即使是走一小段路，也会没有力量，气喘吁吁。所以，不要小看每天在家中的走动，抹椅子，擦台子，这些都是身体的活动。当然，你能出外运动是最好，但时间若是不许可，环境作不到，也可以在家中扫地，擦玻璃，整理床铺。这些都是很好的活动，对身体都是有益的。

　　属灵的事，也是同样的原则。我们每天划出一段时间，专特在主面前操练我们的灵，确实是好得无比。然而，有好多人实在有为难，环境不许可，但还得找出可能的办法。所以，只要一有机会就要运用灵。无论在什么场合，都要学习运用灵。要记得，你是一个属主的人，你里面有至圣所，主今天住在你里面，你和主的交通可以不受时间或空间的限制。

　　有的弟兄姊妹虽然想摆脱一切，什么事都不作，只专一的祷告亲近主，却有点像脱离俗世，到深山修行的味道。请记得，那样作反而不灵。在召会历史中，曾有一班所谓的修道士，完全离开世俗，隐居旷野或深山。他们在那里专一祷告寻求主，但是很希奇，这些修道士都没有属灵的后裔。他们的历史并不长久，因为他们无法有真实地学习。

　　千万不要以为你是个生意人，工作太忙，没有办法亲近主。要相信主的安排总是最好的，或许你就是需要这样的环境，才能受造就。有好些姊妹说，若是能单身没有家庭，就可以像马利亚一样了。事实上，这只是个理想；因为即使你没有家庭，你也不会像马利亚。反而在百忙中，有丈夫缠累，有儿女搅扰，你受到的成全更多。有时，连家里的用人也是主用来成全你的。可能你才刚训练她可以作点事，她就要辞职了。然而，乃是在这些为难里，我们才有真实地学习。你想划出专特的时间祷告，环境不一定许可，然而就在那不可能的环境里，在那么多的为难和折磨里，你里头和主有了一点真实地交通，你就学到实在的功课了。
 
　In order to perfect and help the brothers and sisters, a living in fellowship with the Lord must become part of our very being. We can only perfect others according to what we are. A person can only perfect someone to be like him; anything other than this involves acting. We can encourage the brothers and sisters only with what we have learned. What we present to others should come out of our actual living before the Lord. If we learn this way and live this way, we will be able to lead the brothers and sisters in the same way. If we only pretend to be spiritual, our work will never be spiritual. A senior brother once said, “Our work can never surpass what we are,” and I can fully confirm this word. Our work and our leading can never surpass our living and our learning. We can only supply others according to what we have learned and how we live.

　Although there are certain skills involved in leading others, the most fundamental point is that we need to exercise to live before the Lord. The Chinese have a good proverb, which says, “What is inward is reflected on the outward.” The Lord Jesus said something even better: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). This means that what we are within will be manifested without. We cannot hide what we are, even if we try. When the Lord Jesus was on the earth, His glory was revealed even though it was concealed behind the veil of His flesh and even though He did not seek to reveal it. When a person moves a glass of water that is filled to the brim, some water will spill over. The Lord was filled with God’s riches and glory to such an extent that whenever He moved or did anything, His glory was manifested. Everyone He contacted sensed the glory of His divine life.
　　这一种与主交通的生活，必须成为我们的所是。然后，我们才能据此给弟兄姊妹成全和帮助。我们只能作我们所是的。我们不是那种人，就不能作那种事，不能作那种工。不然，我们就变作唱戏的人。我们对弟兄姊妹所说的，应该是我们所学习的。我们摆在人前的，就当是我们在主面前实际的生活。我们是这样学，这样生活，我们到会中给弟兄姊妹的带领，也就是这样。你我即使能装得很属灵，但你我的工作永远不能属灵。有一位前面弟兄说得非常好，你所作的永远不能超过你所是的。你是这么多、这么高，你所作的就是那么多、那么高。直到今天，我不只接受这话，更是完全印证这话。你我所作的工作，给人的带领，永远不能超过你我自己所学习、所生活的。我们学了多少，我们的生活如何，我们就只能照着那个情形供应人。

　　我们虽然有一些带领的技术和方法，但仍必须从根本着手，就是操练在主面前过生活。中国人有句话说得很好：“诚于中而形于外；”而主耶稣有句话，说得比这话更清楚：“心里所充满的，口里就说出来。”（太十二34）这意思是，你里头所有的，外面一定彰显出来，你想怎样隐藏都没有办法。主耶稣在地上的时候，一面来说，是把祂的荣耀用肉身的幔子遮罩起来。另一面，主虽然尽力隐藏祂的荣耀，但是不知不觉的，祂的荣耀还是满溢了出来。好像杯里的水是满的，稍微一动，水就溢出来。主里面满了丰富和荣耀，所以祂只要稍微一动，荣耀就显出来。人只要和祂稍一接触，就感觉祂是生命。
 
　When we exercise to contact God, we will be able to supply the saints. The basic requirement for supplying others is our fellowship with the Lord. If we are filled with the Lord inwardly, our spirit will be living and fresh, and there will be no barrier between the Lord and us. Thus, whenever we are with the brothers and sisters, we will be able to contact them in spirit. It is not enough for our spirit to be released; our spirit needs to be released in order to supply others. We should take every opportunity to pray and praise; we should also speak and supply others. We need to have such a spirit, a spirit that is fresh, living, strong, open, and easily released.

　We need to exercise our spirit in order for its function to be strengthened, just as we need to exercise our physical body in order to strengthen our body. This is a principle in the Bible. Luke 8:18 says, “Whoever has, it shall be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” The more we exercise our spirit, the stronger our spirit will become and the richer its function will be. In contrast, the less we exercise, the weaker we will become. I hope that all the responsible brothers will fellowship with the Lord more and exercise more.
　　我们这样操练和神接触之后，到分班带领时，就能供应圣徒。然而这个供应的基本条件，是我们和主有好的交通。我们里面若是满了主，我们的灵活而新鲜，与主没有间隔，我们一来到弟兄姊妹中间，就能运用灵和人接触。我们不只愿意向主敞开，更愿意让灵出去，好供应人。所以，一有机会我们就要祷告，就要赞美，并且开口说话供应人。我们需要有这样的灵，就是新鲜、活泼、刚强、敞开、容易出去的灵。你我若这样操练，人就要看见你我不只是个活过来的人，还是个在主手里有用的人。

　　我们需要不断操练我们的灵，好叫我们灵的功用得着加强，就像我们身上的肢体越操练，功用就越强、越丰富。这是圣经的原则。路加八章十八节说，“凡有的，还要加给他；凡没有的，连他自以为有的，也要从他夺去。”你越操练，灵就越强，功用也越有、越丰富。然而，你越不操练就越没有。所以，盼望所有的负责弟兄，为这缘故，要和主多有交通，并多有操练。
 
　All the brothers and sisters should function and supply others according to their respective portions. We need to consider the condition of those who are in the meeting. If a brother who seldom comes to the meeting is present, we should show concern for him. If a brother is absent several times, we should visit him and invite him to come again. When he comes to the meeting, we should speak a few words of concern and greeting, and after the meeting we can walk with him to the street. Sometimes because of this simple care, the Lord will lead him to come to the meeting the following week. This can be compared to the circulation of blood in the body. Even a small amount of blood circulation can have a great influence and prevent a serious illness. If we function to care for people, we will become living and be able to supply others. Hence, we should not think that we are unable to do anything because we are not a leading one. There are many things that we can do.

　In the small classes everyone can be a supplier. Sometimes the prayer of a brother is a little weak, but it is still possible to add to and strengthen his prayer; there is no need to correct him. This will be a helpful demonstration to him, and unconsciously, he will learn something. The fellowship in the class should not fill the time to the point that the saints are unresponsive; everyone should endeavor to add something according to their portion. In this way there will be a rich supply.

　Sometimes after the fellowship there may still be a need to strengthen the crucial points. When someone brings out a crucial point and we have a feeling to follow him, we should strengthen the point. We need to learn to coordinate to the point that we are speaking as one person. A basketball player needs training in both personal skills and in coordination with others. Basketball is not a game for individuals; it is a team sport. Similarly, our priestly service is not a matter of individual service; it is a matter of corporate service. A basketball team passes the ball around, and in our meetings we should mutually coordinate in this way.

　The only way to bear this burden is to bear it together. We should labor together. When everyone is serving to carry this burden, the burden will not be too heavy for anyone. Once the weight of a heavy load is distributed among those who are bearing the burden, the weight will not be heavy for just a few. The more we share the burden together, the lighter it will be. We need to coordinate in matters related to the word, to prayer, and to fellowship. These may seem like small, trivial matters, but the success of our practice depends on these details. If we take care of these details, our classes will be profitable.
　　在每一个分家里，所有的弟兄姊妹都要注意尽上你们的功用，供应你们所有的那一分。比方，你在会中要注意什么人来了，什么人没来，而来的人又是什么光景。如果你发现某位不常聚会的弟兄来了，你就要关心他。若是一次来了四、五位不常聚会的，众人都要一同留心。

　　当你注意到有位弟兄几次没来，就应该去看望并邀请他。当他来的时候，你就要说几句关心问候的话，会后再陪他走到巷口。有时就是这样简单地关心，神就在他身上作工了，下次他又来了。这就像身体里的血液流通，虽不是大举动，但后来的影响却很大；或许就是因为有流通，免去了一场大病。弟兄姊妹这样作一次、两次，周周尽功用，就活了，就会影响别人。所以千万不要以为自己不是带头的，就无事可作，其实是相当有可为的。

　　此外，你们也可以在分班里作供应的人。有时一位弟兄或姊妹的祷告有点弱，我们要改正他并不容易。这时，你可以跟随他，再加上一个祷告，加强他的祷告。这就是给他一个示范，无形中他就有所学习。若是一班三十个人，只有两个带头的在交通，大多数的人响应不热烈，其他人就要一同堆加上去，这样的供应才会丰富。

　　有时候在话语交通后，可能需要再加强几个重点。当有人把一个重点打出来时，你有感觉要跟，就要顺那个点加强的打下去。我们需要学习这样的配搭，到一个地步，众人如同一人，完全能彼此配搭。好比打篮球，不仅要训练个人球技，还要操练有默契，有联结。篮球比赛如何不是个人赛，而是团体赛，照样我们今天事奉，也不是个人单独事奉，而是众人一起事奉，是一个体系的事奉。打篮球时，球在大家手中传，你要传给我，我就得跟上；我要传给你，你也要配合。我们在聚会中，也要这样彼此配搭。

　　盼望大家心里都有一个重的感觉，这不是一两位带头弟兄的事，乃是全体弟兄姊妹的事。众人应该把灵摆上，把肩膀放进去。即使担子很重，个人的力气很小，只要大家一同分担，就不觉得重了。重量一分担，压力就减轻了。在带领上也是如此。若是有三十个人在这里，却只有一两个人带领，带领的人心理上就觉得吃重。但若有几位一同分担，他们立刻会觉得轻松。因为有其他人在话语、祷告、和交通的事上，一同配搭。这些虽然都是微不足道的小事，但分班作得成功与否，就在这些小事上。这些小点能作成功，分班一定成功。
 
　Concerning the small classes, we must pay attention to three crucial points. First, in regard to the message, the speaker must be very exercised and should not speak in a routine manner. Second, the ones bearing responsibility in the classes must be flexible, not rigid. Third, the saints should cooperate in a good way. If we can take care of these three points, the classes will be effective, and as a result, many brothers and sisters will be supported and built up.

　We need to treat this matter seriously; it is not something that we have done before. The brothers who have been speaking for the past eight or ten years should not think that they have experience in this new way. Please do not have this concept. Our spirit must be living and fresh; we must absolutely have a sense of newness and have genuine fellowship with the saints. Formerly, the entire time of our message meeting was devoted to the message; now at least one-third of the time must be devoted to fellowship among the saints. We must have a new beginning. The brothers must take the lead not only to practice and to pray but also to do it well and to do it thoroughly. If we cannot do it well, there will be no change.

　Although the time devoted to the classes is not that long, we cannot afford to let the time slip away. We should grasp the opportunity to fellowship with the saints who do not meet regularly. However, we should not do anything impulsively; instead, we should prepare by having fellowship with the Lord and by seeking to advance in what we do in the meeting. We should not think that we are too busy to consider such things. We should exercise and prepare during the week. On our way to work we can consider these matters. After work, while walking on the street, we can consider them. Perhaps the Lord will give us a feeling that a certain aspect in the previous meeting was somewhat weak and that we need to fellowship with others about it. There are many lessons that we can learn from taking this way.
　　现在我们所作的，就如同一部机器，里面有许多小螺丝联络、结合；这些小螺丝一缺，机器就无法运作。因此，当我们去分班带领时，就像去上螺丝一样，这里需要就上一个，那里缺欠也上一个，结果才能正常运作没有毛病。工作是否能作得细，作得深刻，都在于这些小螺丝。

　　关于分班的事，有三个重点值得注意。第一，是分班聚会之前的讲台信息。讲台的人一定要强，不能像从前那样依照旧例讲道。第二，分班带头的人很重要，要灵活不呆板。第三，其他圣徒要好好配合。这三步若是都能作到，我们的分班一定有果效，许多弟兄姊妹也能因此被托住。

　　所以，请求弟兄姊妹看重这事，把这事当作一件新事，是从前没有经验，也没有作过的，并且一点不要有老旧的感觉。特别是弟兄们，千万不要倚老卖老，以为已经站了十年、八年的讲台，没什么希奇。不要有这个观念。我们的灵必须是活而新鲜的，我们绝对要有新的感觉，和弟兄姊妹在灵里有真实地交通。从前的讲台聚会，是把所有的时间放在讲台信息上，现在最少有三分之一的时间留给大家交通，这是更宝贵的。我们必须有一个新的起头。弟兄们不只要带头作，带头祷告，还要凡事作得好，作得透，作得周到，作得完美。若是我们作不好，就不能有多少果效。

　　虽然每次分班聚会时间不长，但我们不能轻易的让聚会一次次过去，乃要抓住时间，抓住每一次机会，和素日不太聚会的弟兄姊妹交通。然而，这不能临时起意，需要平日有点准备，和主多有交通，先寻求到聚会中该怎么作。不要以为自己太忙了，那有工夫去想。我们都得操练，带手作事。上班途中，坐在公车上可以想想；下班后，走在路上也可以想。或许主给我们感觉，上次聚会在某一点上较弱，需要和一同背负责任的人有交通，大家切磋如何往前，研究如何提升。这其中就有许多可学的功课。
 
　Concerning the bread-breaking meeting, I will share some feelings and thoughts based on my observation. First, the saints are strong and living in spirit, and they are even vying for opportunities to pray and fellowship. This is very good. However, the saints do not coordinate with one another in their speaking because of a lack of training. This situation can be compared to a car that is running at full speed but without a definite direction. Even though the meeting is very rich, the riches are displayed as if they are separate items on a grocery stand, which have not been coordinated together to produce a fully satisfying meal. For example, one person may share about being a priest, another about the Holy of Holies, and still another about the throne. Others share about living water and grace and still others share about eternity, the ancient times, and the Alpha and the Omega. We not only pray in this way, but we also sing in this way. I simply want to point out the fact that we need more exercise. With more exercise we will become more coordinated, and our “driving” will become more focused.

　In the bread-breaking meeting we must pay attention to our worship of the Lord and of the Father. Many saints do not know how to apply their knowledge of the Lord and of the Father in prayer and praise. When we gain some knowledge of the Lord, we should be able to apply it in the bread-breaking meeting. Our prayers should speak of the eternal nature of the Lord because we have knowledge of the Lord in this aspect and some consciousness of it as we are breaking the bread. The Lord is eternal, and when we touch Him, what He gives is eternal and what He works into us is also eternal. The Lord’s forgiveness of sins is eternal, His redemption is eternal, the life He gives is eternal, His presence within us is eternal, and His leading in us is eternal. Although we live in time and space, eventually time and space will end, but the Lord is eternal.

　Therefore, we need to know the truth related to the Lord. Our knowing cannot be entirely subjective according to our feeling, experience, or standing; we need to know the objective truths concerning the Lord Himself. The material for our classes provides us with this objective knowledge. Any believer, however, who has some genuine, objective knowledge of the Lord, must also have some subjective experience of Him in relation to these truths so that the truths can be applied. When the brothers speak of knowing the Lord, they are presenting objective truths. In the classes, however, the saints need to be given some explanation and demonstration so that they can apply these truths in their daily exercise.

　We should follow this principle in every meeting, whether it is a big meeting in the meeting hall or in a small meeting in the districts. We need to lead the saints but avoid giving too much correction. Too much correction affects the spirits of the saints, and it truly does not matter if the saints make some small mistakes. This does not mean that we should not be aware of the situation but only that our adjustments should be slight. If the spirits of the saints are living, we will move past any mistakes and make progress.

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