第三篇　建造与破碎㈠

建造召会的异象、预表与实行

📖 研读 📊 汇集 🇬🇧 English 📋 对照

　　读经：弗二21~22，四15~16，腓二1~4，四2~3，林前一10，罗十二16。

　　神在宇宙中所要得着的，乃是一个建造的家。神在这新约时代特别专一的工作，就是建造祂的召会。太十六16给我们看见，主带领门徒认识祂是基督，是活神的儿子以后，立刻对西门巴约拿说，“你是彼得〔或，石头〕，我要把我的召会建造在这磐石上。”（18）这给我们看见，主不只要带领人认识祂是基督，是活神的儿子，并且祂要建造召会。主在新约时代里所成全的一切，不仅为给我们认识、接受并得着，其最终的目的是为使我们成为一块“石头”，好给祂用来建造祂的召会。

　　今天，真认识召会的人，实在很少。到底召会是什么？我们一再说过，召会乃是基督的身体（弗一23），是神的居所（二22），也是一个团体的新人（15）。这三种说法，都说出召会有建造的性质，有配搭的情形。所以，每一次我们提到召会时，都该深深地领会，召会是配搭的、是建造的。没有配搭怎样没有身体，没有配搭也同样没有召会；没有建造怎样没有一个居所，没有建造也同样没有召会。

　　今天在基督徒中间，在所谓的基督教中，不容易找到真实地配搭和建造。你能看见委员会、董事会、执事会、长老会等各种各样的会，但你看不见配搭。你进到他们中间，接触到的不是意见就是分争；实在不容易看见有一班圣徒配搭、建造在一起。曾有一次在一个所谓的执事会里，有成员将圣经抛过去打人。有的虽然没有抛圣经，却把圣经的话当作武器彼此攻击。你们或许以为我形容得太过，但这都是真实地故事。我说到这些消极的难处，不过是要众人看见，今天许多基督徒团体，没有配搭，没有建造，因此没有召会的实际。

　　说到建造配搭，以弗所四章有两句话说得非常好：“联络在－以弗所一起，并结合在－以弗所一起。”（弗四16）以会所的结构为例，无论是木架、窗户、门框，都联络得非常合式。因为联络得合式，所以就结合得非常坚固。一九五五年底，金弥尔（Angus I. Kinnear）弟兄和史百克（T. Austin-Sparks）弟兄来台时，看见我们的会所，觉得非常希奇。他问我说，“李弟兄，我只看见这么多的门和窗，却看不见柱子，这个会所到底是架在什么东西上面？”我就将柱子指给他看，说，“这不是一根根的柱子么？”他说，“这个怎能架得住？”我告诉他说，“弟兄，这些柱子、窗户、门框都联络得非常合式，所以这个会所虽然经过强烈的台风和厉害的地震，始终很牢靠，并且能完整的站立。”

　　会所的建筑所以能经得起风吹和地震，没有别的原因，乃是因为联络得合式，结合得坚固。如果光是一根木柱站在那里，不必风吹，不必地震，早就倒了。会所的构造虽然是用很平常的木料，但我们是把梁架、柱子联结起来，成为一个体系。个别来说，每块材料看起来都很单薄，但整体而言，因为联络得合式，就相当的坚固。所以，大风不容易吹倒，地震也不容易震垮。

　　许多人觉得很希奇，我们中间的弟兄们都是很平常的人，不像那些名传道、大牧师，有神学博士头衔。但是很奇妙，我们却非常有神的祝福。我常以人的身体为例，告诉他们：人所以是个结实的人，全在于一副很结实的骨架。在这个骨架里没有多少大骨头，多半是些小骨头。这些骨头若是一一散开，就一文不值。然而它们配搭在一起，经过建造，成了一个体系，就很有功用。我们所以有神的祝福，也是同样的道理。虽然我们都很平常，但我们配搭起来，就有神的祝福。

　　我们的会所虽然不堂皇，却很实用。试想，若是整个会所拆毁了，解体了，个别的木料就完全变作废料，没有多少用处。然而，这些木料配搭结合在一起，建造在一起，就成功一所很有用的会所。这就是配搭、建造的宝贝之处。

　　多年前，台北召会各会所都传福音。有几位公会里的传道人特地到各会所看看。看了几个晚上，他们很希奇为什么我们没有在报上登广告，也没有替讲道的人宣传，还会有这么多人来听福音。我笑着告诉他们，我们的讲道人既没有名气，也没有学位，所以不值得登广告。有时聚会快要开始，甚至快要讲道了，圣徒们还不知道是谁讲。连招待的人，在路口发单张的人，也不知道。这对他们来说很奇妙，但对我们而言，这就像把一些没有显出多少用处的木头，配搭在一起，变成一栋有用的房子一样。

　　举这些例子能帮助我们清楚看见，我们已往所以能带下一点神的祝福，完全在于我们中间有一点建造的光景。当然，今天我们在配搭建造上还是不够。若是我们建造得更结实，神的祝福定规要更多倾倒下来。我们的福音聚会实在就是如此，诗歌唱过了，就要讲道了，但很多人还不清楚是谁要讲。乃是等到一位弟兄站上讲台，大家才知道。这是对的，我们不该在意是谁讲，只该注意我们有没有配搭、建造。能带下祝福的，不是谁讲道，乃是建造。

　　海外圣徒常以为，在台北召会只有我讲道，但我要告诉大家，是有许多弟兄在各会所配搭着讲。不仅如此，聚会里的各项服事也都由众圣徒一同配搭。有一次，我去参加一个会所的福音聚会。当我走到离会所不远的地方，有穿着福音背心的弟兄过来，给我一张单张，邀我去听福音。他不知道我是个弟兄，就一直陪着我，直到把我交给在会所门口招待服事的另一个弟兄。这件事使我相当喜乐，因为这个现象证明我们有配搭。人看见一个光景，不是只有李某人，或者几位弟兄在事奉，乃是众圣徒有配搭起来的事奉。这个配搭的事奉，就是建造。

　　主在祂的召会中，并不需要属灵大汉，乃是需要每一个肢体；不怕肢体小，就怕不建造。一建造了，连最小的肢体都有用处。林前十二章说得很清楚，比较不体面的肢体，就给它加上更丰盈的体面（林前十二23）。身上肢体似乎较为软弱的，更是不可少的（22）。医生能告诉我们，身上那些微小的，我们以为没有什么用的肢体，常是最不可缺少的。盼望这些话能加强弟兄姊妹的感觉，看见在这个时代，能满足神心意，并且带下神的祝福、神的同在的，不是属灵大汉，乃是建造的召会。

建造召会的时期

　　首先，大卫预表受死的基督，所罗门预表复活的基督，这是对的；但是说大卫预表第一次来的基督，所罗门预表第二次来的基督，这个说法太武断。因为当主耶稣在地上时，明明告诉我们说，“看哪，在这里有比所罗门更大的。”（太十二42）这表明主在地上时，祂就是真所罗门。所以，大卫和所罗门不是指着主的两个时期，乃是指着主受苦受死的一面，和复活得荣的一面。

　　再者，凡是建造的材料，都是大卫预备的，这是对的；这意思是，凡是建造召会的材料，都是基督的受苦和受死得来的。但这个属灵的殿，乃是主在复活里建造起来的。建造主属灵的殿，不是在主第二次来之后，乃是在主的复活里。主耶稣曾说，“你们拆毁这殿，我三日内要将它建立起来。”（约二19）三日就是复活。所以，建造乃是在复活里完成的。用预表说，这就是所罗门建造圣殿。大卫预表基督如何受苦争战而得胜，得着了建造召会的材料和立场。所罗门预表基督从死里复活，借着死而复活的生命，在所得着的立场上，把祂借着受死所得着的材料，就是蒙恩的人，建造成祂自己的身体。所以，召会并不是等到主再来时才建造，乃是主复活之后就开始建造的。

　　新约圣经告诉我们，今天就是建造召会的时期。不光主耶稣说祂要建造祂的召会，使徒保罗也说，召会是神的建筑，他们是与神同工（林前三9），建造神的居所。保罗像一个智慧的工头，立好了根基（10），那根基就是耶稣基督，此外没有人能立别的根基（11）。如今众人都在这根基上建造，只是各人要谨慎自己的工程；有人用金、银、宝石建造，有人用木、草、禾秸建造（12）。有一天主来了，祂要审判我们建造的工程（13）。这些话给我们看见，建造是在今天，不是等到主再来时。主再来的时候，乃是要审判我们今天建造的工程。

　　此外，弗四11也清楚告诉我们，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，为要建造召会。彼前二5也说，我们“就像活石，被建造成为属灵的殿”。很清楚地，这些都不是将来的事，乃是今天的事。使徒保罗在弗二22说，我们“同被建造，成为神在灵里的居所”。所以，召会将来才被建造的说法，并不合乎圣经。

　　神在这个时代，－以弗所一面借着祂儿子的死，胜过了仇敌，得着了属灵的立场，并且借着祂儿子的死，把人救来。另一面，祂还要在祂儿子的复活里，借着祂儿子的生命和祂儿子复活的灵，把蒙救赎的人建造在－以弗所一起。从预表说，－以弗所一面是大卫得了材料，另一面是所罗门把这些材料建造成为圣殿。这两件事都是死而复活的基督，在这个时代里借着圣灵所作的。

　　我们所以提到这些，乃是因为直到今天，还有人把不准确的教训传到我们中间。恐怕还有人暗中在吹无定的号声，说，“不要管什么建造召会，热心传福音就好了，好好爱主就可以了。要建造召会，等主耶稣来时再说。”圣徒们若听见这种声音，无须辩论，也无须受搅扰。我们今天像神的军队一样，号声一致，步伐也一致，所以不受打岔。这是因为我们清楚地看见，神在宇宙中要建造祂自己的家。今天，召会时代乃是神建造的时代。其他的声音就让它去吧，我们只从圣经接受这一个圣灵的呼声。我们愿意在这里学习被神建造，也学习靠着神的恩典，作建造的工作。

建造之于神的祝福

　　我们能从我们的经历说，神的同在和神的祝福，都在这个建造里。要把福音传出去，必须有建造的召会；要叫人得着造就，也必须有建造的召会。什么时候我们众人同被建造，就看见福音很容易传出去，人到我们中间也能得到造就。

　　五旬节那天，彼得和一百二十几位弟兄姊妹（徒一14~15），一面说是基督的死所得来的材料，是大卫争战中得胜的掳物；另一面说是在基督的复活里，由所罗门王所建造的召会。神借着圣灵，在基督的复活里把他们建造起来。所以五旬节那天，人看见他们建造的光景，就悔改归向神。他们不必像今天的基督教，传福音前要大登广告。人看见他们，就不能不悔改；人一进到他们中间，就感觉神的同在。人能因他们得救，得造就，并且进一步得建造（二37~47）。

　　然而，今天基督徒中间，属灵的能力在哪里？有人举办福音布道会，用大幅的广告作宣传，但是得救的人有多少？也有人一直开奋兴会，但是真得着奋兴的人有多少？这不是神的路。福音不是这样传的，造就也不是这样作的。神的路乃是借着建造的召会。什么地方有建造的召会，那里的福音就非常容易传出去，人一进到他们中间就很容易得着造就。

破碎带进联络与结合，产生建造

　　既是如此，神如何把我们这些人配搭建造在一起？如何具体实行建造？千万不要以为把几个弟兄摆在一起，就是建造了。这是不灵的。也不要以为把大家召来开会，讨论商量，把不同的意见和通行不了的事，作点协调，众人就同心了，然后就通过了。其实我们都有这个经验，不开会讨论还好，越开会反而意见越多。所以，开会不能解决问题，更不能叫我们真实地被建造。

　　那么到底怎样才能被建造？凡要被建造的人都得接受破碎。破碎就是不再完整；这是建造最基本的要求。请记得，你若不肯接受破碎，一直作个完整的人，就永远无法被建造。木料要被建造到房子里，都得经过破碎。每一块建造到房子里的木料，都不是它原来的样子。有的木料要打出一个卯，有的木料要刻出一个榫头；榫头要被打到卯里，连接在一起。有的木料太粗，要刨细一些；有的太长，要锯短一些。若是一块木料说，“可以用我，但不可以刨我，我要保守原样；”那一块又说，“我这块木料又大又完整，锯短太可惜；”这样如何能建造呢？若是大家都要保持完整，不愿被破碎，就没有办法建造了。所以请记得，要建造就得被破碎。破碎乃是被建造的条件，我们必须学习靠主恩典接受破碎。若不接受破碎，就没有办法被建造。

　　腓立比召会中，有两位爱主的姊妹，友欧底亚和循都基，她们在福音上和使徒一同劳苦；然而，这两个人不同心，没有在主里思念相同的事（腓四2）。她们两个不同心；腓立比召会的众圣徒可能不知道如何解决她们的问题，使徒就劝弟兄们说，“我也求你这真实同负一轭的，帮助她们。”（3）这两位姊妹非常爱主，热心传福音，但她们两个人没有思念相同的事。召会中免不了有弟兄姊妹像友欧底亚和循都基一样，虽然爱主，热心，都愿意事奉主，就是不同心。其他弟兄姊妹看在眼里，可能不知该如何，只好说，“算了，让他们去吧。”结果众人都不好好配搭事奉，召会就没有建造的光景。

　　根据我们的经历，爱主的人在一起事奉，之所以不同心，总是因着意见多、意见不合。这些意见都是属灵的意见，最好的意见，爱主的意见，但都是不同的意见。比方，这一位友欧底亚说，“信息要讲得简单一点。”那一位循都基就说，“信息要详细，人才听得懂。”友欧底亚说，“周四晚上不合式作读经聚会。”循都基却说，“周四晚上作别的聚会都不合式，读经最好。”若是长老决定应该读经，不赞成读经的友欧底亚，只好顺服长老，不说话。等到读经要排座椅时，问题又来了。友欧底亚主张朝同一面坐，循都基说要面对面坐，于是两个人又争起来。一个没有破碎的人，意见总是多；无论什么时候，什么场合，他都有意见。没有破碎，就谈不上建造。所以这个时候，他们至少有一方要先被破碎，不坚持自己原来的意见，完全接受弟兄们的交通。这个接受不是屈从，乃是因着破碎，甘心乐意的顺从。

　　又比方，三位弟兄一同在召会中负责，若是对某个聚会，各自坚持他们看为最合式的时间，互不相让，众人的光景就显不出建造了。所以，必须有人先倒下来，先破碎。或许你选的时间最合式、最准确，但你这个人是经过破碎的，你能接受你看为不合式的时候。结果，那个聚会时间好像不合式，但建造的光景却显出来，那就够了。经历告诉我们，你若肯领头倒下来，接受破碎，甚至与你配搭的弟兄姊妹也会肯跟着倒下来，接受破碎。当你受主托付到一个地方，有负担为主作工；你不要一到那里就大张旗鼓的作。你先不要为着显扬自己而作什么，只要住在那里，有聚会就参加，在祷告聚会中有机会就祷告。到了擘饼聚会，有机会也起来赞美。会后若有弟兄姊妹找你交通，你就和他们有点交通；有机会你也去找弟兄姊妹交通。若是你真是个经过破碎的人，有生命的学习，慢慢的，他们自然会发现你的祷告有分量，和你接触时能得生命供应，自然就肯接受你的帮助。结果，你的工作不知不觉就作出去了。这个工就叫召会得着建造。

　　反之，如果你到了一个地方，立刻说自己是来作工的，这个开头的味道就已经不在建造里了。一个被破碎、被建造的人作工，绝不是这样。他到了一个地方，是作工又是不作工，在那里把自己那一分很自然的供应出来。工作还是原来的弟兄们作，责任还是弟兄们担负。但到了一个时候，弟兄们在讲台上所讲的，都是他的道。弟兄们治理召会，都得他的帮助。他是一个经过破碎的人，所以能迁就别人，能供应别人。他没有改别人的作法，也没有改原来的安排。一切并没有因着他去，有任何变动。从这一点来说，他去好像没有作工；但另一面，没有多久，整个召会都受了他影响，得了他的帮助，圣徒更有配搭建造，所以他确实是作了很大的工。

　　弟兄们在各分家作负责人，也是这原则；你们都得学习负责而又不负责。不是真的不负责，乃是学习破碎。你若以为自己是头号家负责，众人必须服你的权柄。你带着这个味道来服事，这个分家就给你拆光了。你不能负责到一个地步，把别人的一分都挤掉了；那是拆毁，不是建造。你应当让众圣徒能尽他们那一分，也要让其他家负责多来在一起配搭，而不必处处改他们。他们尽功用，你就说阿们，这才是建造。

　　你若是一个被建造的人，当你和弟兄们一同事奉时，你定规是个被破碎、倒下来的人。无论你是不是家负责或排负责，都无所谓。你只看见，你是和弟兄们一同事奉，你要建造在弟兄们中间。你若真学了属灵的功课，等到弟兄们在和谐、融洽的空气下配搭时，你就有机会供应人。你一点也没有改正别人的味道，只是在那种和谐的空气下，随着灵里的引导，把神的生命供应给别人。我们若真有属灵的供应，无论在什么地方、用什么作法都能供应。只要我们真有属灵的供应，弟兄姊妹必定被建造。这才是真正的负责。

　　所以，要配搭得好，总必须先破碎。你我若是破碎了，真有属灵的学习，就能带弟兄们学习与主有真实地交通，把弟兄们带到主里面。并且因着一种和谐、同心的光景，就叫人觉得神在我们中间。反之，你若自以为是头号家负责，应该有权柄定规，你所在的那个召会就完了，就毫无建造。你若是一个经过破碎的人，弟兄们说要传福音，你就说好；你不改他们，你与他们建造在一起。这样，你就会看见，召会有了祝福。

　　你不必管别人的主张高不高明，你自己要先倒下来。只要弟兄姊妹不是带人去拜偶像，无论他们怎么主张，你都可以迁就。我们都要学习不坚持自己的主张，不保持自己的完整。弟兄们要把我砍作榫头，我感谢主；要把我挖成一个卯，我也感谢主；要把我切掉一截，我就甘心短一点；要把我刨得细一点，我也赞美主。对我，没有什么是不可以的，这才能被建造。

　　人想要一直保留自己的大，末了就是最小的人。一直和人争是争非，争见解主张，不会有神的同在。因为想要完整、坚持己见，会破坏建造，毁掉合一的灵。然而，我们若一直愿意接受别人的主张，乐意和人建造在一起，就会有主的同在。

　　盼望你我看见，我们在主面前最宝贵的一件事，就是能和别人建造在一起，配搭在一起。问题不在于作法对错或好坏，而是在于合一的灵，和谐的灵。一切的祝福完全在于被建造的光景。所以，使徒保罗说，“要思念相同的事，有相同的爱，”（腓二2）并且要“说一样的话”（林前一10）。然而，要“说一样的话”，就需要被破碎。每一个人都要学习建造在别人身上，结果你会发现，别人也建造在你身上。

　　一九五八年十一月十七日讲于台北

　　原刊于一九五九年十月“话语职事”第一百期

　　读经：以弗所书二章二十一至二十二节，四章十五至十六节，腓立比书二章一至四节，四章二至三节，哥林多前书一章十节，罗马书十二章十六节。
--------本段经节汇集--------

弗2:21

在祂里面，全房联结一起，长成在主里的圣殿；

弗2:22

你们也在祂里面同被建造，成为神在灵里的居所。

弗4:15

惟在爱里持守着真实，我们就得以在一切事上长到祂，就是元首基督里面；

弗4:16

本于祂，全身借着每一丰富供应的节，并借着每一部分依其度量而有的功用，得以联络在一起，并结合在一起，便叫身体渐渐长大，以致在爱里把自己建造起来。

腓2:1

所以在基督里若有什么鼓励，若有什么爱的安慰，若有什么灵的交通，若有什么慈心、怜恤，

腓2:2

你们就要使我的喜乐满足，就是要思念相同的事，有相同的爱，魂里联结，思念同一件事，

腓2:3

凡事都不私图好争，也不贪图虚荣，只要心思卑微，各人看别人比自己强；

腓2:4

各人不单看重自己的长处，也看重别人的。

腓4:2

我劝友欧底亚，也劝循都基，要在主里思念相同的事。

腓4:3

是的，我也求你这真实同负一轭的，帮助她们；她们在福音上曾与我和革利免并我其余的同工一同努力，他们的名字都在生命册上。

林前1:10

弟兄们，我借我们主耶稣基督的名，恳求你们都说一样的话，你们中间也不可有分裂，只要在一样的心思和一样的意见里，彼此和谐。

罗12:16

要彼此思念相同的事，不要思念高傲的事，倒要俯就卑微的人，不要自以为精明。

------------------------

召会与建造

太16:16

西门彼得回答说，你是基督，是活神的儿子。

太16:18

我还告诉你，你是彼得，我要把我的召会建造在这磐石上，阴间的门不能胜过她。

------------------------
　　今天，真认识召会的人，实在很少。到底召会是什么？我们一再说过，召会乃是基督的身体（弗一23），是神的居所（二22），也是一个团体的新人（15）。这三种说法，都说出召会有建造的性质，有配搭的情形。所以，每一次我们提到召会时，都该深深地领会，召会是配搭的、是建造的。没有配搭怎样没有身体，没有配搭也同样没有召会；没有建造怎样没有一个居所，没有建造也同样没有召会。
--------本段经节汇集--------

弗1:23

召会是祂的身体，是那在万有中充满万有者的丰满。

弗2:22

你们也在祂里面同被建造，成为神在灵里的居所。

以弗所书一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）

弗2:15

在祂的肉体里，废掉了那规条中诫命的律法，好把两下在祂自己里面，创造成一个新人，成就了和平；

------------------------
　　今天在基督徒中间，在所谓的基督教中，不容易找到真实地配搭和建造。你能看见委员会、董事会、执事会、长老会等各种各样的会，但你看不见配搭。你进到他们中间，接触到的不是意见就是分争；实在不容易看见有一班圣徒配搭、建造在一起。曾有一次在一个所谓的执事会里，有成员将圣经抛过去打人。有的虽然没有抛圣经，却把圣经的话当作武器彼此攻击。你们或许以为我形容得太过，但这都是真实地故事。我说到这些消极的难处，不过是要众人看见，今天许多基督徒团体，没有配搭，没有建造，因此没有召会的实际。　　说到建造配搭，以弗所四章有两句话说得非常好：“联络在一起，并结合在一起。”（弗四16）以会所的结构为例，无论是木架、窗户、门框，都联络得非常合式。因为联络得合式，所以就结合得非常坚固。一九五五年底，金弥尔（Angus I. Kinnear）弟兄和史百克（T. Austin-Sparks）弟兄来台时，看见我们的会所，觉得非常希奇。他问我说，“李弟兄，我只看见这么多的门和窗，却看不见柱子，这个会所到底是架在什么东西上面？”我就将柱子指给他看，说，“这不是一根根的柱子么？”他说，“这个怎能架得住？”我告诉他说，“弟兄，这些柱子、窗户、门框都联络得非常合式，所以这个会所虽然经过强烈的台风和厉害的地震，始终很牢靠，并且能完整的站立。”
--------本段经节汇集--------
以弗所书四章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）

弗4:16

以弗所书一九五五章数中文数字表述不正确（一九五五）导致计算不出来，请检查。
------------------------
　　会所的建筑所以能经得起风吹和地震，没有别的原因，乃是因为联络得合式，结合得坚固。如果光是一根木柱站在那里，不必风吹，不必地震，早就倒了。会所的构造虽然是用很平常的木料，但我们是把梁架、柱子联结起来，成为一个体系。个别来说，每块材料看起来都很单薄，但整体而言，因为联络得合式，就相当的坚固。所以，大风不容易吹倒，地震也不容易震垮。　　许多人觉得很希奇，我们中间的弟兄们都是很平常的人，不像那些名传道、大牧师，有神学博士头衔。但是很奇妙，我们却非常有神的祝福。我常以人的身体为例，告诉他们：人所以是个结实的人，全在于一副很结实的骨架。在这个骨架里没有多少大骨头，多半是些小骨头。这些骨头若是一一散开，就一文不值。然而它们配搭在一起，经过建造，成了一个体系，就很有功用。我们所以有神的祝福，也是同样的道理。虽然我们都很平常，但我们配搭起来，就有神的祝福。　　我们的会所虽然不堂皇，却很实用。试想，若是整个会所拆毁了，解体了，个别的木料就完全变作废料，没有多少用处。然而，这些木料配搭结合在一起，建造在一起，就成功一所很有用的会所。这就是配搭、建造的宝贝之处。　　多年前，台北召会各会所都传福音。有几位公会里的传道人特地到各会所看看。看了几个晚上，他们很希奇为什么我们没有在报上登广告，也没有替讲道的人宣传，还会有这么多人来听福音。我笑着告诉他们，我们的讲道人既没有名气，也没有学位，所以不值得登广告。有时聚会快要开始，甚至快要讲道了，圣徒们还不知道是谁讲。连招待的人，在路口发单张的人，也不知道。这对他们来说很奇妙，但对我们而言，这就像把一些没有显出多少用处的木头，配搭在一起，变成一栋有用的房子一样。　　举这些例子能帮助我们清楚看见，我们已往所以能带下一点神的祝福，完全在于我们中间有一点建造的光景。当然，今天我们在配搭建造上还是不够。若是我们建造得更结实，神的祝福定规要更多倾倒下来。我们的福音聚会实在就是如此，诗歌唱过了，就要讲道了，但很多人还不清楚是谁要讲。乃是等到一位弟兄站上讲台，大家才知道。这是对的，我们不该在意是谁讲，只该注意我们有没有配搭、建造。能带下祝福的，不是谁讲道，乃是建造。　　海外圣徒常以为，在台北召会只有我讲道，但我要告诉大家，是有许多弟兄在各会所配搭着讲。不仅如此，聚会里的各项服事也都由众圣徒一同配搭。有一次，我去参加一个会所的福音聚会。当我走到离会所不远的地方，有穿着福音背心的弟兄过来，给我一张单张，邀我去听福音。他不知道我是个弟兄，就一直陪着我，直到把我交给在会所门口招待服事的另一个弟兄。这件事使我相当喜乐，因为这个现象证明我们有配搭。人看见一个光景，不是只有李某人，或者几位弟兄在事奉，乃是众圣徒有配搭起来的事奉。这个配搭的事奉，就是建造。
--------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”）
------------------------
　　主在祂的召会中，并不需要属灵大汉，乃是需要每一个肢体；不怕肢体小，就怕不建造。一建造了，连最小的肢体都有用处。林前十二章说得很清楚，比较不体面的肢体，就给它加上更丰盈的体面（林前十二23）。身上肢体似乎较为软弱的，更是不可少的（22）。医生能告诉我们，身上那些微小的，我们以为没有什么用的肢体，常是最不可缺少的。盼望这些话能加强弟兄姊妹的感觉，看见在这个时代，能满足神心意，并且带下神的祝福、神的同在的，不是属灵大汉，乃是建造的召会。
--------本段经节汇集--------
哥林多前书十二章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）

林前12:23

身上肢体我们以为比较不体面的，就给它加上更丰盈的体面；我们不俊美的肢体，就得着更丰盈的俊美；

林前12:22

不但如此，身上肢体似乎较为软弱的，更是不可少的；

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建造召会的时期

代上29:3

且因我爱慕我神的殿，就在我已预备建造圣殿的材料之外，又将我自己积蓄的金银献上，建造我神的殿，

代下3:1

所罗门在耶路撒冷，耶和华向他父亲大卫显现的摩利亚山上，就是耶布斯人阿珥楠的禾场上，大卫所预备的地方，开工建造耶和华的殿。

代下6:2

但我已经为你建造高大的殿宇，作你永远的居所。

------------------------
　　首先，大卫预表受死的基督，所罗门预表复活的基督，这是对的；但是说大卫预表第一次来的基督，所罗门预表第二次来的基督，这个说法太武断。因为当主耶稣在地上时，明明告诉我们说，“看哪，在这里有比所罗门更大的。”（太十二42）这表明主在地上时，祂就是真所罗门。所以，大卫和所罗门不是指着主的两个时期，乃是指着主受苦受死的一面，和复活得荣的一面。
--------本段经节汇集--------

太12:42

在审判的时候，南方的女王要同这世代起来，并要定这世代的罪，因为她从地极来，要听所罗门的智慧话。看哪，在这里有比所罗门更大的。

------------------------
　　再者，凡是建造的材料，都是大卫预备的，这是对的；这意思是，凡是建造召会的材料，都是基督的受苦和受死得来的。但这个属灵的殿，乃是主在复活里建造起来的。建造主属灵的殿，不是在主第二次来之后，乃是在主的复活里。主耶稣曾说，“你们拆毁这殿，我三日内要将它建立起来。”（约二19）三日就是复活。所以，建造乃是在复活里完成的。用预表说，这就是所罗门建造圣殿。大卫预表基督如何受苦争战而得胜，得着了建造召会的材料和立场。所罗门预表基督从死里复活，借着死而复活的生命，在所得着的立场上，把祂借着受死所得着的材料，就是蒙恩的人，建造成祂自己的身体。所以，召会并不是等到主再来时才建造，乃是主复活之后就开始建造的。
--------本段经节汇集--------

约2:19

耶稣回答说，你们拆毁这殿，我三日内要将它建立起来。

约翰福音三章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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　　新约圣经告诉我们，今天就是建造召会的时期。不光主耶稣说祂要建造祂的召会，使徒保罗也说，召会是神的建筑，他们是与神同工（林前三9），建造神的居所。保罗像一个智慧的工头，立好了根基（10），那根基就是耶稣基督，此外没有人能立别的根基（11）。如今众人都在这根基上建造，只是各人要谨慎自己的工程；有人用金、银、宝石建造，有人用木、草、禾秸建造（12）。有一天主来了，祂要审判我们建造的工程（13）。这些话给我们看见，建造是在今天，不是等到主再来时。主再来的时候，乃是要审判我们今天建造的工程。
--------本段经节汇集--------

林前3:9

因为我们是神的同工，你们是神的耕地，神的建筑。

林前3:10

我照神所给我的恩典，好像一个智慧的工头，立好了根基，有别人在上面建造，只是各人要谨慎怎样在上面建造。

林前3:11

因为除了那已经立好的根基，就是耶稣基督以外，没有人能立别的根基。

林前3:12

然而，若有人用金、银、宝石，木、草、禾秸，在这根基上建造，

林前3:13

各人的工程必然显露，因为那日子要将它指明出来；它要在火中被揭露，这火要试验各人的工程是哪一种的。

------------------------
　　此外，以弗所四章十一节也清楚告诉我们，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，为要建造召会。彼前二章五节也说，我们“就像活石，被建造成为属灵的殿”。很清楚地，这些都不是将来的事，乃是今天的事。使徒保罗在以弗所二章二十二节说，我们“同被建造，成为神在灵里的居所”。所以，召会将来才被建造的说法，并不合乎圣经。
--------本段经节汇集--------

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，

彼前2:5

也就像活石，被建造成为属灵的殿，成为圣别的祭司体系，借着耶稣基督献上神所悦纳的属灵祭物。

弗2:22

你们也在祂里面同被建造，成为神在灵里的居所。

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　　神在这个时代，一面借着祂儿子的死，胜过了仇敌，得着了属灵的立场，并且借着祂儿子的死，把人救来。另一面，祂还要在祂儿子的复活里，借着祂儿子的生命和祂儿子复活的灵，把蒙救赎的人建造在一起。从预表说，一面是大卫得了材料，另一面是所罗门把这些材料建造成为圣殿。这两件事都是死而复活的基督，在这个时代里借着圣灵所作的。　　我们所以提到这些，乃是因为直到今天，还有人把不准确的教训传到我们中间。恐怕还有人暗中在吹无定的号声，说，“不要管什么建造召会，热心传福音就好了，好好爱主就可以了。要建造召会，等主耶稣来时再说。”圣徒们若听见这种声音，无须辩论，也无须受搅扰。我们今天像神的军队一样，号声一致，步伐也一致，所以不受打岔。这是因为我们清楚地看见，神在宇宙中要建造祂自己的家。今天，召会时代乃是神建造的时代。其他的声音就让它去吧，我们只从圣经接受这一个圣灵的呼声。我们愿意在这里学习被神建造，也学习靠着神的恩典，作建造的工作。

建造之于神的祝福

徒1:14

这些人同着几个妇人，和耶稣的母亲马利亚，并耶稣的兄弟，都同心合意，坚定持续地祷告。

徒1:15

在那些日子，有许多人聚集，约一百二十名，彼得在弟兄中间站起来，说，

使徒行传一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）

徒2:37

众人听了，觉得扎心，就对彼得和其余的使徒说，诸位，弟兄们，我们当怎样行？

徒2:38

彼得对他们说，你们要悔改，各人要靠耶稣基督的名受浸，叫你们的罪得赦，就必领受所赐的圣灵。

徒2:39

因为这应许是给你们和你们的儿女，并一切在远方，凡是主我们的神所召来的人。

徒2:40

彼得还用许多别的话郑重地作见证，劝勉他们说，你们要得救，脱离这弯曲的世代。

徒2:41

于是领受他话的人，就受了浸，那一天约添了三千人。

徒2:42

他们都坚定持续在使徒的教训和交通里，持续擘饼和祷告。

徒2:43

众人都起了敬畏，又有许多奇事神迹，借着使徒行出来。

徒2:44

信的人都在一处，凡物公用，

徒2:45

并且卖了田产家业，照各人所需用的分给各人。

徒2:46

他们天天同心合意，坚定持续地在殿里，并且挨家挨户擘饼，存着欢跃单纯的心用饭，

徒2:47

赞美神，在众民面前有恩典。主将得救的人，天天和他们加在一起。

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　　然而，今天基督徒中间，属灵的能力在哪里？有人举办福音布道会，用大幅的广告作宣传，但是得救的人有多少？也有人一直开奋兴会，但是真得着奋兴的人有多少？这不是神的路。福音不是这样传的，造就也不是这样作的。神的路乃是借着建造的召会。什么地方有建造的召会，那里的福音就非常容易传出去，人一进到他们中间就很容易得着造就。

破碎带进联络与结合，产生建造

腓4:2

我劝友欧底亚，也劝循都基，要在主里思念相同的事。

腓4:3

是的，我也求你这真实同负一轭的，帮助她们；她们在福音上曾与我和革利免并我其余的同工一同努力，他们的名字都在生命册上。

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　　根据我们的经历，爱主的人在一起事奉，之所以不同心，总是因着意见多、意见不合。这些意见都是属灵的意见，最好的意见，爱主的意见，但都是不同的意见。比方，这一位友欧底亚说，“信息要讲得简单一点。”那一位循都基就说，“信息要详细，人才听得懂。”友欧底亚说，“周四晚上不合式作读经聚会。”循都基却说，“周四晚上作别的聚会都不合式，读经最好。”若是长老决定应该读经，不赞成读经的友欧底亚，只好顺服长老，不说话。等到读经要排座椅时，问题又来了。友欧底亚主张朝同一面坐，循都基说要面对面坐，于是两个人又争起来。一个没有破碎的人，意见总是多；无论什么时候，什么场合，他都有意见。没有破碎，就谈不上建造。所以这个时候，他们至少有一方要先被破碎，不坚持自己原来的意见，完全接受弟兄们的交通。这个接受不是屈从，乃是因着破碎，甘心乐意的顺从。　　又比方，三位弟兄一同在召会中负责，若是对某个聚会，各自坚持他们看为最合式的时间，互不相让，众人的光景就显不出建造了。所以，必须有人先倒下来，先破碎。或许你选的时间最合式、最准确，但你这个人是经过破碎的，你能接受你看为不合式的时候。结果，那个聚会时间好像不合式，但建造的光景却显出来，那就够了。经历告诉我们，你若肯领头倒下来，接受破碎，甚至与你配搭的弟兄姊妹也会肯跟着倒下来，接受破碎。当你受主托付到一个地方，有负担为主作工；你不要一到那里就大张旗鼓的作。你先不要为着显扬自己而作什么，只要住在那里，有聚会就参加，在祷告聚会中有机会就祷告。到了擘饼聚会，有机会也起来赞美。会后若有弟兄姊妹找你交通，你就和他们有点交通；有机会你也去找弟兄姊妹交通。若是你真是个经过破碎的人，有生命的学习，慢慢的，他们自然会发现你的祷告有分量，和你接触时能得生命供应，自然就肯接受你的帮助。结果，你的工作不知不觉就作出去了。这个工就叫召会得着建造。　　反之，如果你到了一个地方，立刻说自己是来作工的，这个开头的味道就已经不在建造里了。一个被破碎、被建造的人作工，绝不是这样。他到了一个地方，是作工又是不作工，在那里把自己那一分很自然的供应出来。工作还是原来的弟兄们作，责任还是弟兄们担负。但到了一个时候，弟兄们在讲台上所讲的，都是他的道。弟兄们治理召会，都得他的帮助。他是一个经过破碎的人，所以能迁就别人，能供应别人。他没有改别人的作法，也没有改原来的安排。一切并没有因着他去，有任何变动。从这一点来说，他去好像没有作工；但另一面，没有多久，整个召会都受了他影响，得了他的帮助，圣徒更有配搭建造，所以他确实是作了很大的工。　　弟兄们在各分家作负责人，也是这原则；你们都得学习负责而又不负责。不是真的不负责，乃是学习破碎。你若以为自己是头号家负责，众人必须服你的权柄。你带着这个味道来服事，这个分家就给你拆光了。你不能负责到一个地步，把别人的一分都挤掉了；那是拆毁，不是建造。你应当让众圣徒能尽他们那一分，也要让其他家负责多来在一起配搭，而不必处处改他们。他们尽功用，你就说阿们，这才是建造。　　你若是一个被建造的人，当你和弟兄们一同事奉时，你定规是个被破碎、倒下来的人。无论你是不是家负责或排负责，都无所谓。你只看见，你是和弟兄们一同事奉，你要建造在弟兄们中间。你若真学了属灵的功课，等到弟兄们在和谐、融洽的空气下配搭时，你就有机会供应人。你一点也没有改正别人的味道，只是在那种和谐的空气下，随着灵里的引导，把神的生命供应给别人。我们若真有属灵的供应，无论在什么地方、用什么作法都能供应。只要我们真有属灵的供应，弟兄姊妹必定被建造。这才是真正的负责。　　所以，要配搭得好，总必须先破碎。你我若是破碎了，真有属灵的学习，就能带弟兄们学习与主有真实地交通，把弟兄们带到主里面。并且因着一种和谐、同心的光景，就叫人觉得神在我们中间。反之，你若自以为是头号家负责，应该有权柄定规，你所在的那个召会就完了，就毫无建造。你若是一个经过破碎的人，弟兄们说要传福音，你就说好；你不改他们，你与他们建造在一起。这样，你就会看见，召会有了祝福。　　你不必管别人的主张高不高明，你自己要先倒下来。只要弟兄姊妹不是带人去拜偶像，无论他们怎么主张，你都可以迁就。我们都要学习不坚持自己的主张，不保持自己的完整。弟兄们要把我砍作榫头，我感谢主；要把我挖成一个卯，我也感谢主；要把我切掉一截，我就甘心短一点；要把我刨得细一点，我也赞美主。对我，没有什么是不可以的，这才能被建造。　　人想要一直保留自己的大，末了就是最小的人。一直和人争是争非，争见解主张，不会有神的同在。因为想要完整、坚持己见，会破坏建造，毁掉合一的灵。然而，我们若一直愿意接受别人的主张，乐意和人建造在一起，就会有主的同在。　　盼望你我看见，我们在主面前最宝贵的一件事，就是能和别人建造在一起，配搭在一起。问题不在于作法对错或好坏，而是在于合一的灵，和谐的灵。一切的祝福完全在于被建造的光景。所以，使徒保罗说，“要思念相同的事，有相同的爱，”（腓二2）并且要“说一样的话”（林前一10）。然而，要“说一样的话”，就需要被破碎。每一个人都要学习建造在别人身上，结果你会发现，别人也建造在你身上。
--------本段经节汇集--------

腓2:2

你们就要使我的喜乐满足，就是要思念相同的事，有相同的爱，魂里联结，思念同一件事，

林前1:10

弟兄们，我借我们主耶稣基督的名，恳求你们都说一样的话，你们中间也不可有分裂，只要在一样的心思和一样的意见里，彼此和谐。

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　　一九五八年十一月十七日讲于台北　　原刊于一九五九年十月“话语职事”第一百期

　Scripture Reading: Eph. 2:21-22; 4:15-16; Phil. 2:1-4; 4:2-3; 1 Cor. 1:10; Rom. 12:16

THE CHURCH AND THE BUILDING

　Very few people know what the church is. We have said that the church is the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23), the dwelling place of God (2:22), and a corporate new man (v. 15). These three expressions indicate that the nature of the church is related to building and that her condition is related to coordination. Hence, whenever we speak of the church, we should have the deep understanding that the church is coordinated and built. Just as the Body cannot exist without coordination, the church cannot exist without coordination. Just as there is no dwelling place without building, there is also no church without building.

　It is not easy to find genuine coordination and building up among Christians in Christianity. There are various organizations with committees, boards of directors, boards of deacons, and boards of elders, but it is not easy to see coordination. There are opinions and disputes, but it is not easy to see a group of believers who are coordinated and built up together. Once in a meeting of a board of deacons, one member threw a Bible at another member. Some Christians may not throw the Bible at anyone, but they use the words in the Bible as weapons to attack one another. I am not being too much; these are real situations. These negative situations show that most Christian groups are not coordinated or built up. Hence, they do not have the reality of the church.

　Concerning building and coordination, Ephesians 4 contains two excellent phrases: being joined together and being knit together (v. 16). Let us consider the structure of the meeting hall as an example. The wooden frames, window frames, and doorframes are firmly knit together because they are fitly joined together. At the end of 1955 Brother Angus I. Kinnear accompanied Brother T. Austin-Sparks to Taiwan and was amazed when he saw our meeting hall, because although there were many doors and windows, he did not see the posts that supported the meeting hall. I told him that the posts, windows, and doorframes were all fitly joined together; hence, although there had been many typhoons and earthquakes, the meeting hall was able to withstand them.

　The meeting hall was able to withstand the typhoons and earthquakes because its components were fitly joined together and firmly knit together. If the meeting hall had only one wooden pillar, the meeting hall would have fallen even without typhoons or earthquakes. Although the meeting hall was constructed with wood, the beams and posts were all joined and knit together into one structure. Every piece of wood on its own appears to be insubstantial and weak, but as a whole they are firm because they have been fitly joined. Hence, the meeting hall will not fall when the wind blows or collapse when the earth shakes.

　Similarly, many people are amazed that although the brothers among us are ordinary and are not famous preachers or pastors with doctor of divinity degrees, we nonetheless have been greatly blessed by God. I often use the human body as an illustration. A human being is solid because he has a skeletal frame that does not consist mainly of big bones but of small bones. These bones are worthless when they are separated, but when they are coordinated together and built up into one single structure, they become functional. This is the reason that we have God’s blessing. We are all very ordinary, but we have the blessing because we are coordinated together.

　Our meeting hall may not be impressive, but it is functional. If this meeting hall were to be taken apart, the individual pieces of wood would have little usefulness and would be considered waste material. However, when these pieces of wood are coordinated, joined, and built together, they become a very useful meeting hall. This is the preciousness of being coordinated and built together.

　Many years ago all the halls in the church in Taipei participated in preaching the gospel. A number of ministers, who came from the denominations to observe, wondered how so many people could come to hear the gospel, even though we had not advertised the speakers in the newspaper. I laughed and told them that our speakers were not famous and did not have theological degrees; hence, they were not worthy of advertising. Sometimes the saints, including the ushers and those distributing gospel tracts, did not know who would be speaking, even when the meeting was about to start. This was amazing to others, but to us it was the coordination of all the “useless” pieces of wood together so that they could become a useful house.

　These examples should help us to see that we have God’s blessing because there is building among us. Of course, our coordination and building up are still inadequate. If we were more solidly built, God would definitely pour down more blessing. It is true that in our gospel meetings most saints do not know who will speak until a brother goes up to the podium. Instead of caring for who is going to speak, we should focus our attention on whether or not we are coordinated and built up together. It is the building that brings in the blessing, not the speaker.

　The overseas saints think that I am the only person who gives messages in the church in Taipei. However, there are many brothers who speak in coordination in the different halls. Not only so, the various services in the meetings are carried out by all the saints coordinated together. I once attended a gospel meeting in one of the halls. While I was not too far away from the hall, a brother with a gospel vest gave me a tract and invited me to hear the gospel. He did not recognize that I was a brother, so he accompanied me all the way to the hall and handed me over to one of the ushers at the door of the meeting hall. I rejoiced at this experience because it proves that we are coordinated. People can see a situation in which I am not serving alone, but several brothers are serving together. This service rendered by all the saints coordinated together is the building.

　The Lord does not need spiritual giants in His church. He needs every member. Hence, instead of being concerned about whether the members are small, our concern should be whether they are built up together. Once the members are built up, even the smallest ones will be useful. First Corinthians 12:23 says that “those members of the body which we consider to be less honorable, these we clothe with more abundant honor,” and verse 22 says, “Much rather the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.” Medical doctors know that the small members of our body, which we consider to be of little use, are often the most indispensable. I hope this word will strengthen us to see that in this age spiritual giants cannot satisfy God’s desire; rather, it is the built-up church that He desires and that brings in His blessing and presence.

THE TIME FOR THE BUILDING OF THE CHURCH

　It is correct to say that David typifies the crucified Christ and that Solomon typifies Christ in resurrection. However, it is too arbitrary to say that David typifies Christ in His first coming and that Solomon typifies Christ in His second coming. While He was on the earth, the Lord Jesus said, “Behold, something more than Solomon is here” (Matt. 12:42). This means that even while He was on the earth, He was the real Solomon. Hence, David and Solomon do not typify the Lord in two stages; rather, they typify two aspects of the Lord: His suffering and crucifixion and His resurrection and glorification.

　To say that the building materials were prepared by David means that all the materials for the building of the church are prepared through Christ’s sufferings and crucifixion. However, the spiritual house will be built up by the Lord in resurrection. The building up of the church will not be carried out after the Lord’s second coming; it is to be carried out in His resurrection. The Lord Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Three days signifies resurrection. Therefore, the building is accomplished in resurrection. In typology this refers to Solomon building the temple. David typifies the Christ who suffered in battle and won the victory and thus obtained the materials and the ground for the building up of the church. Solomon typifies the Christ who resurrected from among the dead and is building up His Body with the materials, the saved persons, obtained through His death. This means that the building is the issue of the life that has passed through death and resurrection and that the building is carried out on the ground that He obtained. Hence, the church will not be built after the Lord comes again. The building of the church began after the Lord resurrected.

　The New Testament says that the building of the church is in this age. The Lord Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18), and the apostle Paul says, “We are God’s fellow workers; you are...God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:9). In other words, Paul and his fellow workers were building the church as God’s dwelling place. Paul, a wise master builder, laid the foundation of the building (v. 10). This foundation is Jesus Christ, and no one can lay another foundation (v. 11). We are now building upon this foundation, but each of us should be careful with our work. Some of us are building with gold, silver, and precious stones, and others are building with wood, grass, and stubble (v. 12). When the Lord comes, He will judge our building work (v. 13). These words indicate that the building is taking place today; it will not wait until the Lord returns. When the Lord returns, He will judge the work that we are doing today for the building.

　Ephesians 4:11-12 says that the Lord “Himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as shepherds and teachers...unto the building up of the Body of Christ,” which is the church. First Peter 2:5 says that we, “as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house.” These matters will not take place in the future; rather, they are happening today. In Ephesians 2:22 the apostle Paul says that we “are being built together into a dwelling place of God in spirit.” Hence, to say that the church will be built only after the Lord returns in the future is not according to the Bible.

　On the one hand, God has overcome the enemy and thus obtained the ground for His building in this age through the death of His Son, and He has also rescued men through the death of His Son. On the other hand, through the divine life and the Spirit, God is building all His redeemed ones together in resurrection. In typology, as David, Christ obtained the materials, and as Solomon, Christ is building these materials into the temple. These two matters are being carried out in this age by the crucified and resurrected Christ through the Holy Spirit.

　We are fellowshipping concerning these points because some among us are still spreading inaccurate teachings. I am concerned that there is still an uncertain sounding of the trumpet among us, which says, “We do not need to care for the building up of the church. It is good enough to zealously preach the gospel and earnestly love the Lord. We should wait until the Lord comes back and then speak about the building up of the church.” The saints who hear such a speaking do not need to debate, nor should they be troubled. As God’s army, we have one sounding of the trumpet, and we are marching together in the same steps; hence, we should not be distracted. We have seen that God is building His house in this universe. The age of the church is the age of God’s building. We should ignore other trumpet sounds and receive only this call of the Holy Spirit from the Bible. We desire to learn to be built by God and to do the work of the building by His grace.

BUILDING IN RELATION TO GOD’S BLESSING

　On the day of Pentecost Peter and over one hundred twenty brothers and sisters were gained as materials through Christ’s death (Acts 1:14-15), as typified by the spoil gained by David in the battle. Furthermore, Peter and the disciples were built up in Christ’s resurrection, as typified by the temple built by King Solomon. They were built by God in Christ’s resurrection through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the people who saw the building among the disciples on the day of Pentecost repented and turned to God. The disciples did not advertise prior to their gospel preaching, as Christianity does today. People repented because they sensed God’s presence when they came into the midst of the disciples. People were not only saved and edified but also built up because of the disciples (2:37-47).

　Where is the spiritual power among Christians today? Some Christians advertise to promote a gospel campaign, but how many are saved? Some Christians always have revival meetings, but how many are revived? This is not God’s way. It is not the way for the gospel to be spread, nor is it the way to edify people. God’s way is to preach the gospel and edify people through the built-up church. When the church is built up, it will be easy for us to spread the gospel and easy for people to be edified when they come into our midst.

BREAKING ISSUING IN JOINING AND KNITTING AND PRODUCING THE BUILDING

　With such a problem, how can God blend us and build us up together practically? We should not think that we can have the building simply by putting a few brothers together. Nor should we think that one accord can be achieved through discussions and negotiations or by adjusting the opinions of the saints. Discussions only issue in more opinions. Hence, such meetings cannot solve our problems, nor can they issue in the genuine building up.

　A person who desires to be built up must be willing to accept the breaking. To be broken means to no longer be whole. This is the basic requirement for the building up. If we are not willing to be broken but remain whole, we cannot be built up. In order for a tree to become part of a house, it must be broken; it cannot keep its original appearance. Some pieces of wood will be made into boards with sockets, and other pieces will be made into boards with tenons. The tenons need to be inserted into the sockets in order to be connected together. Some pieces of wood are too thick and need to be trimmed, and other pieces are too long and need to be cut. If a piece of wood were to say, “You can use me but do not trim me; I want to keep my appearance,” or “I am large and complete; it would be a pity to make me shorter,” how could a house be built? There is no way to have the building up if we insist on remaining whole and are unwilling to be broken. In order to be built, we need to be broken. This is the requirement for building. By the Lord’s grace we must learn to accept the breaking; otherwise, we have no way to be built.

　Euodias and Syntyche were two sisters in the church in Philippi who loved the Lord and labored in the gospel with the apostle Paul, but both were in dissension, not thinking the same thing in the Lord (Phil. 4:2). The saints in the church in Philippi probably did not know how to solve this problem, so the apostle exhorted the brothers, “I ask you also, genuine yokefellow, assist them” (v. 3). These two sisters loved the Lord and zealously preached the gospel, but they did not think the same thing. In the church it is inevitable to have brothers and sisters like Euodias and Syntyche; they love the Lord and zealously serve Him but are in dissension. If the saints neglect such a situation, the dissenting ones will not have proper coordination, and the church will not be built up.

　Opinions are the main cause of dissension among serving ones who love the Lord. Their opinions may be spiritual, good, and out of their love for the Lord, but opinions are nevertheless opinions. For example, a “Euodias” may say, “The messages given in the meetings should be simple,” but a “Syntyche” may say, “The messages should have many details so that people can understand.” A “Euodias” may say, “Thursday night is not suitable for the Bible-reading meeting,” but a “Syntyche” may say, “Thursday night is the best time for a Bible-reading meeting; it is not suitable for any other meeting.” If the elders decide to have a Bible-reading meeting on Thursday night, “Euodias” should not say anything. When it is time to arrange the chairs for the Bible-reading meeting, a “Euodias” may suggest that the chairs should face the same direction, but a “Syntyche” may say that the chairs should face the center. This may cause an argument. A person who is not broken always has an opinion regardless of the time or occasion. Without breaking, there is no building. Hence, either “Euodias” or “Syntyche” should be the first to be broken and not insist on her opinion but fully accept the fellowship from the brothers. This should not be a grudging acceptance but a willing and cheerful submission, which issues from being broken.

　If three responsible brothers insist on their opinion and are not willing to submit to one another regarding the time for a meeting, no building up will be manifested among them. One person must be the first to submit and be broken. If a brother is broken, he will not insist on the time that he suggested, even if it is the most appropriate time. As a result, the meeting might be held at an inappropriate time, but there will be an atmosphere of building up. If we are willing to take the lead to submit, to accept the breaking, the saints whom we coordinate with will follow and also be willing to be broken. If we are commissioned by the Lord to go to a place for the work, we should not advertise the work. Instead of making a show of ourselves, we should attend the meetings, pray in the prayer meeting, and praise in the bread-breaking meeting. After the meeting we can fellowship with the saints who are open or seek an opportunity to fellowship with them. If we have been broken and have learned lessons of life, the saints will realize that our prayers are weighty, and they will receive the life supply when they contact us. Then they will be willing to receive the help. As a result, the work will spontaneously be carried out. This work will cause the church to be built up.

　However, if we arrive in a place and announce that we are there for the work, the saints will not taste the building. A person who has been broken and built would never serve in this way. On the one hand, we are laboring, but on the other hand, we are not laboring. We are there to offer our portion spontaneously. The work should still be carried out by the local brothers, and they should still bear the responsibility. However, after a period of time the messages that they give will be our messages, and the brothers will receive the help in administrating the church. If we have been broken, we can accommodate others and supply them. We should not change their way of doing things or their arrangement. Nothing in a locality should change when we arrive. From this perspective it seems that we are not laboring. However, the church will be influenced and receive the help from us, and the saints will be coordinated and built up. Hence, we have done a great work.

　All the responsible brothers should also serve according to this principle. We should learn to be responsible and yet not be responsible. This does not mean that we should be irresponsible but that we should learn to be broken. If our service bears the flavor of our being the most responsible ones and of the saints needing to submit to our authority, we will tear down the work. We cannot be so responsible that we take away the function of the saints. This is a tearing down, not a building up. We should let the saints function according to their portion, and instead of correcting the responsible ones, we should encourage them to coordinate. We should say Amen when they function. This is building.

　A person who is built up is a broken person and is subdued when he serves with others. It does not matter whether he is a responsible one in a district or in a group. He simply knows that he is serving together with the other brothers and must be built up with them. If he has learned the spiritual lessons, he will grasp the opportunity to supply them when they coordinate in a harmonious and cordial atmosphere. He will not have the flavor of correcting others, but he will follow the leading of the Spirit to supply them with the divine life in a harmonious atmosphere. If we have a spiritual supply, we can always supply others regardless of the place. As long as we have a spiritual supply, the saints will be built up. This is the way to bear responsibility.

　Hence, in order to coordinate with others, we must first be broken. If we are broken and have learned genuine spiritual lessons, we can lead the brothers into genuine fellowship with the Lord. Furthermore, in such an atmosphere of harmony and oneness, people will sense that God is among us. However, if we think that we have special authority as a responsible one, the church will be finished, and there will not be any building. If we are a broken person, when the brothers want to preach the gospel, instead of adjusting them, we will agree and be built up with them. This is the way for the church to be blessed.

　Whether a person’s idea is good or bad, we should be the first to submit. As long as the saints do not lead people to worship idols, we should follow their proposals. We must learn not to insist on our ideas and not to remain whole. I thank the Lord when the brothers want to shape me into a board with a tenon, and I also thank Him when they want to carve me into a board with a socket. I am willing to be made shorter, and I am also willing to be trimmed. Every situation is acceptable to me. This is the way to be built with others.

　Those who want to preserve their greatness will eventually become the smallest. Those who always argue with others about being right or wrong or about their opinions will not have God’s presence. This is because those who desire to remain whole by insisting on their opinions damage the building and destroy the spirit of oneness. The Lord’s presence will be with us if we are always willing to accept others’ proposals and are open to be built up with them.

　We need to see that being built up with others and coordinating together are the most precious things to the Lord. It does not matter whether our method is right or wrong or good or bad. What matters is the spirit of oneness, the spirit of harmony. All the blessings depend upon the atmosphere of building. Hence, the apostle Paul says that we should think the same thing, have the same love, and speak the same thing (Phil. 2:2; 1 Cor. 1:10; Rom. 12:16). In order to speak the same thing, we need to be broken. As serving ones, we need to learn to be built up with others. Then others will want to be built up with us.

　　读经：以弗所书二章二十一至二十二节，四章十五至十六节，腓立比书二章一至四节，四章二至三节，哥林多前书一章十节，罗马书十二章十六节。

　Scripture Reading: Eph. 2:21-22; 4:15-16; Phil. 2:1-4; 4:2-3; 1 Cor. 1:10; Rom. 12:16

召会与建造

　　神在宇宙中所要得着的，乃是一个建造的家。神在这新约时代特别专一的工作，就是建造祂的召会。马太十六章十六节给我们看见，主带领门徒认识祂是基督，是活神的儿子以后，立刻对西门巴约拿说，“你是彼得〔或，石头〕，我要把我的召会建造在这磐石上。”（18）这给我们看见，主不只要带领人认识祂是基督，是活神的儿子，并且祂要建造召会。主在新约时代里所成全的一切，不仅为给我们认识、接受并得着，其最终的目的是为使我们成为一块“石头”，好给祂用来建造祂的召会。

　　今天，真认识召会的人，实在很少。到底召会是什么？我们一再说过，召会乃是基督的身体（弗一23），是神的居所（二22），也是一个团体的新人（15）。这三种说法，都说出召会有建造的性质，有配搭的情形。所以，每一次我们提到召会时，都该深深地领会，召会是配搭的、是建造的。没有配搭怎样没有身体，没有配搭也同样没有召会；没有建造怎样没有一个居所，没有建造也同样没有召会。

　　今天在基督徒中间，在所谓的基督教中，不容易找到真实地配搭和建造。你能看见委员会、董事会、执事会、长老会等各种各样的会，但你看不见配搭。你进到他们中间，接触到的不是意见就是分争；实在不容易看见有一班圣徒配搭、建造在一起。曾有一次在一个所谓的执事会里，有成员将圣经抛过去打人。有的虽然没有抛圣经，却把圣经的话当作武器彼此攻击。你们或许以为我形容得太过，但这都是真实地故事。我说到这些消极的难处，不过是要众人看见，今天许多基督徒团体，没有配搭，没有建造，因此没有召会的实际。

　　说到建造配搭，以弗所四章有两句话说得非常好：“联络在一起，并结合在一起。”（弗四16）以会所的结构为例，无论是木架、窗户、门框，都联络得非常合式。因为联络得合式，所以就结合得非常坚固。一九五五年底，金弥尔（Angus I. Kinnear）弟兄和史百克（T. Austin-Sparks）弟兄来台时，看见我们的会所，觉得非常希奇。他问我说，“李弟兄，我只看见这么多的门和窗，却看不见柱子，这个会所到底是架在什么东西上面？”我就将柱子指给他看，说，“这不是一根根的柱子么？”他说，“这个怎能架得住？”我告诉他说，“弟兄，这些柱子、窗户、门框都联络得非常合式，所以这个会所虽然经过强烈的台风和厉害的地震，始终很牢靠，并且能完整的站立。”

　　会所的建筑所以能经得起风吹和地震，没有别的原因，乃是因为联络得合式，结合得坚固。如果光是一根木柱站在那里，不必风吹，不必地震，早就倒了。会所的构造虽然是用很平常的木料，但我们是把梁架、柱子联结起来，成为一个体系。个别来说，每块材料看起来都很单薄，但整体而言，因为联络得合式，就相当的坚固。所以，大风不容易吹倒，地震也不容易震垮。

　　许多人觉得很希奇，我们中间的弟兄们都是很平常的人，不像那些名传道、大牧师，有神学博士头衔。但是很奇妙，我们却非常有神的祝福。我常以人的身体为例，告诉他们：人所以是个结实的人，全在于一副很结实的骨架。在这个骨架里没有多少大骨头，多半是些小骨头。这些骨头若是一一散开，就一文不值。然而它们配搭在一起，经过建造，成了一个体系，就很有功用。我们所以有神的祝福，也是同样的道理。虽然我们都很平常，但我们配搭起来，就有神的祝福。

　　我们的会所虽然不堂皇，却很实用。试想，若是整个会所拆毁了，解体了，个别的木料就完全变作废料，没有多少用处。然而，这些木料配搭结合在一起，建造在一起，就成功一所很有用的会所。这就是配搭、建造的宝贝之处。

　　多年前，台北召会各会所都传福音。有几位公会里的传道人特地到各会所看看。看了几个晚上，他们很希奇为什么我们没有在报上登广告，也没有替讲道的人宣传，还会有这么多人来听福音。我笑着告诉他们，我们的讲道人既没有名气，也没有学位，所以不值得登广告。有时聚会快要开始，甚至快要讲道了，圣徒们还不知道是谁讲。连招待的人，在路口发单张的人，也不知道。这对他们来说很奇妙，但对我们而言，这就像把一些没有显出多少用处的木头，配搭在一起，变成一栋有用的房子一样。

　　举这些例子能帮助我们清楚看见，我们已往所以能带下一点神的祝福，完全在于我们中间有一点建造的光景。当然，今天我们在配搭建造上还是不够。若是我们建造得更结实，神的祝福定规要更多倾倒下来。我们的福音聚会实在就是如此，诗歌唱过了，就要讲道了，但很多人还不清楚是谁要讲。乃是等到一位弟兄站上讲台，大家才知道。这是对的，我们不该在意是谁讲，只该注意我们有没有配搭、建造。能带下祝福的，不是谁讲道，乃是建造。

　　海外圣徒常以为，在台北召会只有我讲道，但我要告诉大家，是有许多弟兄在各会所配搭着讲。不仅如此，聚会里的各项服事也都由众圣徒一同配搭。有一次，我去参加一个会所的福音聚会。当我走到离会所不远的地方，有穿着福音背心的弟兄过来，给我一张单张，邀我去听福音。他不知道我是个弟兄，就一直陪着我，直到把我交给在会所门口招待服事的另一个弟兄。这件事使我相当喜乐，因为这个现象证明我们有配搭。人看见一个光景，不是只有李某人，或者几位弟兄在事奉，乃是众圣徒有配搭起来的事奉。这个配搭的事奉，就是建造。

　　主在祂的召会中，并不需要属灵大汉，乃是需要每一个肢体；不怕肢体小，就怕不建造。一建造了，连最小的肢体都有用处。林前十二章说得很清楚，比较不体面的肢体，就给它加上更丰盈的体面（林前十二23）。身上肢体似乎较为软弱的，更是不可少的（22）。医生能告诉我们，身上那些微小的，我们以为没有什么用的肢体，常是最不可缺少的。盼望这些话能加强弟兄姊妹的感觉，看见在这个时代，能满足神心意，并且带下神的祝福、神的同在的，不是属灵大汉，乃是建造的召会。

　God desires to obtain a built-up house in this universe. The special and unique work that He is doing in the New Testament age is to build up His church. Immediately after being revealed to His disciples as the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Lord said to Peter, “You are Peter [a stone], and upon this rock I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18). This means that the Lord wants us to know that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and that He wants to build the church. Everything that the Lord has accomplished in the New Testament age is not merely to be known, received, and obtained by us. His ultimate goal is that we would become stones for the building of His church.

　Very few people know what the church is. We have said that the church is the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23), the dwelling place of God (2:22), and a corporate new man (v. 15). These three expressions indicate that the nature of the church is related to building and that her condition is related to coordination. Hence, whenever we speak of the church, we should have the deep understanding that the church is coordinated and built. Just as the Body cannot exist without coordination, the church cannot exist without coordination. Just as there is no dwelling place without building, there is also no church without building.

　It is not easy to find genuine coordination and building up among Christians in Christianity. There are various organizations with committees, boards of directors, boards of deacons, and boards of elders, but it is not easy to see coordination. There are opinions and disputes, but it is not easy to see a group of believers who are coordinated and built up together. Once in a meeting of a board of deacons, one member threw a Bible at another member. Some Christians may not throw the Bible at anyone, but they use the words in the Bible as weapons to attack one another. I am not being too much; these are real situations. These negative situations show that most Christian groups are not coordinated or built up. Hence, they do not have the reality of the church.

　Concerning building and coordination, Ephesians 4 contains two excellent phrases: being joined together and being knit together (v. 16). Let us consider the structure of the meeting hall as an example. The wooden frames, window frames, and doorframes are firmly knit together because they are fitly joined together. At the end of 1955 Brother Angus I. Kinnear accompanied Brother T. Austin-Sparks to Taiwan and was amazed when he saw our meeting hall, because although there were many doors and windows, he did not see the posts that supported the meeting hall. I told him that the posts, windows, and doorframes were all fitly joined together; hence, although there had been many typhoons and earthquakes, the meeting hall was able to withstand them.

　The meeting hall was able to withstand the typhoons and earthquakes because its components were fitly joined together and firmly knit together. If the meeting hall had only one wooden pillar, the meeting hall would have fallen even without typhoons or earthquakes. Although the meeting hall was constructed with wood, the beams and posts were all joined and knit together into one structure. Every piece of wood on its own appears to be insubstantial and weak, but as a whole they are firm because they have been fitly joined. Hence, the meeting hall will not fall when the wind blows or collapse when the earth shakes.

　Similarly, many people are amazed that although the brothers among us are ordinary and are not famous preachers or pastors with doctor of divinity degrees, we nonetheless have been greatly blessed by God. I often use the human body as an illustration. A human being is solid because he has a skeletal frame that does not consist mainly of big bones but of small bones. These bones are worthless when they are separated, but when they are coordinated together and built up into one single structure, they become functional. This is the reason that we have God’s blessing. We are all very ordinary, but we have the blessing because we are coordinated together.

　Our meeting hall may not be impressive, but it is functional. If this meeting hall were to be taken apart, the individual pieces of wood would have little usefulness and would be considered waste material. However, when these pieces of wood are coordinated, joined, and built together, they become a very useful meeting hall. This is the preciousness of being coordinated and built together.

　Many years ago all the halls in the church in Taipei participated in preaching the gospel. A number of ministers, who came from the denominations to observe, wondered how so many people could come to hear the gospel, even though we had not advertised the speakers in the newspaper. I laughed and told them that our speakers were not famous and did not have theological degrees; hence, they were not worthy of advertising. Sometimes the saints, including the ushers and those distributing gospel tracts, did not know who would be speaking, even when the meeting was about to start. This was amazing to others, but to us it was the coordination of all the “useless” pieces of wood together so that they could become a useful house.

　These examples should help us to see that we have God’s blessing because there is building among us. Of course, our coordination and building up are still inadequate. If we were more solidly built, God would definitely pour down more blessing. It is true that in our gospel meetings most saints do not know who will speak until a brother goes up to the podium. Instead of caring for who is going to speak, we should focus our attention on whether or not we are coordinated and built up together. It is the building that brings in the blessing, not the speaker.

　The overseas saints think that I am the only person who gives messages in the church in Taipei. However, there are many brothers who speak in coordination in the different halls. Not only so, the various services in the meetings are carried out by all the saints coordinated together. I once attended a gospel meeting in one of the halls. While I was not too far away from the hall, a brother with a gospel vest gave me a tract and invited me to hear the gospel. He did not recognize that I was a brother, so he accompanied me all the way to the hall and handed me over to one of the ushers at the door of the meeting hall. I rejoiced at this experience because it proves that we are coordinated. People can see a situation in which I am not serving alone, but several brothers are serving together. This service rendered by all the saints coordinated together is the building.

　The Lord does not need spiritual giants in His church. He needs every member. Hence, instead of being concerned about whether the members are small, our concern should be whether they are built up together. Once the members are built up, even the smallest ones will be useful. First Corinthians 12:23 says that “those members of the body which we consider to be less honorable, these we clothe with more abundant honor,” and verse 22 says, “Much rather the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.” Medical doctors know that the small members of our body, which we consider to be of little use, are often the most indispensable. I hope this word will strengthen us to see that in this age spiritual giants cannot satisfy God’s desire; rather, it is the built-up church that He desires and that brings in His blessing and presence.

建造召会的时期

　　一般基督徒有个错误的观念，以为召会的建造不在这时代，乃在主再来时；今天不过是主预备材料的时候。他们根据旧约的预表说，大卫预表基督是争战的王；他只预备材料（代上二九3），并没有建造圣殿。大卫的儿子所罗门预表再来的基督；圣殿乃是由所罗门建造起来的（代下三1，六2）。所以他们推断，召会的建造是在主再来的时候。现在，我们从两方面来看，就知道这个说法不准确。

　　首先，大卫预表受死的基督，所罗门预表复活的基督，这是对的；但是说大卫预表第一次来的基督，所罗门预表第二次来的基督，这个说法太武断。因为当主耶稣在地上时，明明告诉我们说，“看哪，在这里有比所罗门更大的。”（太十二42）这表明主在地上时，祂就是真所罗门。所以，大卫和所罗门不是指着主的两个时期，乃是指着主受苦受死的一面，和复活得荣的一面。

　　再者，凡是建造的材料，都是大卫预备的，这是对的；这意思是，凡是建造召会的材料，都是基督的受苦和受死得来的。但这个属灵的殿，乃是主在复活里建造起来的。建造主属灵的殿，不是在主第二次来之后，乃是在主的复活里。主耶稣曾说，“你们拆毁这殿，我三日内要将它建立起来。”（约二19）三日就是复活。所以，建造乃是在复活里完成的。用预表说，这就是所罗门建造圣殿。大卫预表基督如何受苦争战而得胜，得着了建造召会的材料和立场。所罗门预表基督从死里复活，借着死而复活的生命，在所得着的立场上，把祂借着受死所得着的材料，就是蒙恩的人，建造成祂自己的身体。所以，召会并不是等到主再来时才建造，乃是主复活之后就开始建造的。

　　新约圣经告诉我们，今天就是建造召会的时期。不光主耶稣说祂要建造祂的召会，使徒保罗也说，召会是神的建筑，他们是与神同工（林前三9），建造神的居所。保罗像一个智慧的工头，立好了根基（10），那根基就是耶稣基督，此外没有人能立别的根基（11）。如今众人都在这根基上建造，只是各人要谨慎自己的工程；有人用金、银、宝石建造，有人用木、草、禾秸建造（12）。有一天主来了，祂要审判我们建造的工程（13）。这些话给我们看见，建造是在今天，不是等到主再来时。主再来的时候，乃是要审判我们今天建造的工程。

　　此外，以弗所四章十一节也清楚告诉我们，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，为要建造召会。彼前二章五节也说，我们“就像活石，被建造成为属灵的殿”。很清楚地，这些都不是将来的事，乃是今天的事。使徒保罗在以弗所二章二十二节说，我们“同被建造，成为神在灵里的居所”。所以，召会将来才被建造的说法，并不合乎圣经。

　　神在这个时代，一面借着祂儿子的死，胜过了仇敌，得着了属灵的立场，并且借着祂儿子的死，把人救来。另一面，祂还要在祂儿子的复活里，借着祂儿子的生命和祂儿子复活的灵，把蒙救赎的人建造在一起。从预表说，一面是大卫得了材料，另一面是所罗门把这些材料建造成为圣殿。这两件事都是死而复活的基督，在这个时代里借着圣灵所作的。

　　我们所以提到这些，乃是因为直到今天，还有人把不准确的教训传到我们中间。恐怕还有人暗中在吹无定的号声，说，“不要管什么建造召会，热心传福音就好了，好好爱主就可以了。要建造召会，等主耶稣来时再说。”圣徒们若听见这种声音，无须辩论，也无须受搅扰。我们今天像神的军队一样，号声一致，步伐也一致，所以不受打岔。这是因为我们清楚地看见，神在宇宙中要建造祂自己的家。今天，召会时代乃是神建造的时代。其他的声音就让它去吧，我们只从圣经接受这一个圣灵的呼声。我们愿意在这里学习被神建造，也学习靠着神的恩典，作建造的工作。

　Most Christians have the mistaken concept that the church will be built after the Lord comes again, not in this age. In their consideration the present time is merely for the Lord to prepare materials. They say that according to Old Testament typology, David, who typifies Christ as the Warrior-King, merely prepared materials for the temple but did not build the temple (1 Chron. 29:3). Instead, David’s son Solomon, who typifies Christ in His second coming, was the one who built the temple (2 Chron. 3:1; 6:2). Hence, they conclude that the building of the church will be carried out at the Lord’s second coming. We will look at this matter in order to see that this concept is not accurate.

　It is correct to say that David typifies the crucified Christ and that Solomon typifies Christ in resurrection. However, it is too arbitrary to say that David typifies Christ in His first coming and that Solomon typifies Christ in His second coming. While He was on the earth, the Lord Jesus said, “Behold, something more than Solomon is here” (Matt. 12:42). This means that even while He was on the earth, He was the real Solomon. Hence, David and Solomon do not typify the Lord in two stages; rather, they typify two aspects of the Lord: His suffering and crucifixion and His resurrection and glorification.

　To say that the building materials were prepared by David means that all the materials for the building of the church are prepared through Christ’s sufferings and crucifixion. However, the spiritual house will be built up by the Lord in resurrection. The building up of the church will not be carried out after the Lord’s second coming; it is to be carried out in His resurrection. The Lord Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Three days signifies resurrection. Therefore, the building is accomplished in resurrection. In typology this refers to Solomon building the temple. David typifies the Christ who suffered in battle and won the victory and thus obtained the materials and the ground for the building up of the church. Solomon typifies the Christ who resurrected from among the dead and is building up His Body with the materials, the saved persons, obtained through His death. This means that the building is the issue of the life that has passed through death and resurrection and that the building is carried out on the ground that He obtained. Hence, the church will not be built after the Lord comes again. The building of the church began after the Lord resurrected.

　The New Testament says that the building of the church is in this age. The Lord Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18), and the apostle Paul says, “We are God’s fellow workers; you are...God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:9). In other words, Paul and his fellow workers were building the church as God’s dwelling place. Paul, a wise master builder, laid the foundation of the building (v. 10). This foundation is Jesus Christ, and no one can lay another foundation (v. 11). We are now building upon this foundation, but each of us should be careful with our work. Some of us are building with gold, silver, and precious stones, and others are building with wood, grass, and stubble (v. 12). When the Lord comes, He will judge our building work (v. 13). These words indicate that the building is taking place today; it will not wait until the Lord returns. When the Lord returns, He will judge the work that we are doing today for the building.

　Ephesians 4:11-12 says that the Lord “Himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as shepherds and teachers...unto the building up of the Body of Christ,” which is the church. First Peter 2:5 says that we, “as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house.” These matters will not take place in the future; rather, they are happening today. In Ephesians 2:22 the apostle Paul says that we “are being built together into a dwelling place of God in spirit.” Hence, to say that the church will be built only after the Lord returns in the future is not according to the Bible.

　On the one hand, God has overcome the enemy and thus obtained the ground for His building in this age through the death of His Son, and He has also rescued men through the death of His Son. On the other hand, through the divine life and the Spirit, God is building all His redeemed ones together in resurrection. In typology, as David, Christ obtained the materials, and as Solomon, Christ is building these materials into the temple. These two matters are being carried out in this age by the crucified and resurrected Christ through the Holy Spirit.

　We are fellowshipping concerning these points because some among us are still spreading inaccurate teachings. I am concerned that there is still an uncertain sounding of the trumpet among us, which says, “We do not need to care for the building up of the church. It is good enough to zealously preach the gospel and earnestly love the Lord. We should wait until the Lord comes back and then speak about the building up of the church.” The saints who hear such a speaking do not need to debate, nor should they be troubled. As God’s army, we have one sounding of the trumpet, and we are marching together in the same steps; hence, we should not be distracted. We have seen that God is building His house in this universe. The age of the church is the age of God’s building. We should ignore other trumpet sounds and receive only this call of the Holy Spirit from the Bible. We desire to learn to be built by God and to do the work of the building by His grace.

建造之于神的祝福

　　我们能从我们的经历说，神的同在和神的祝福，都在这个建造里。要把福音传出去，必须有建造的召会；要叫人得着造就，也必须有建造的召会。什么时候我们众人同被建造，就看见福音很容易传出去，人到我们中间也能得到造就。

　　五旬节那天，彼得和一百二十几位弟兄姊妹（徒一14~15），一面说是基督的死所得来的材料，是大卫争战中得胜的掳物；另一面说是在基督的复活里，由所罗门王所建造的召会。神借着圣灵，在基督的复活里把他们建造起来。所以五旬节那天，人看见他们建造的光景，就悔改归向神。他们不必像今天的基督教，传福音前要大登广告。人看见他们，就不能不悔改；人一进到他们中间，就感觉神的同在。人能因他们得救，得造就，并且进一步得建造（二37~47）。

　　然而，今天基督徒中间，属灵的能力在哪里？有人举办福音布道会，用大幅的广告作宣传，但是得救的人有多少？也有人一直开奋兴会，但是真得着奋兴的人有多少？这不是神的路。福音不是这样传的，造就也不是这样作的。神的路乃是借着建造的召会。什么地方有建造的召会，那里的福音就非常容易传出去，人一进到他们中间就很容易得着造就。

　God’s presence and His blessing are related to the building. The church must be built up for the spread of the gospel and for the edification of the believers. When we are built together, it will be easy to spread the gospel, and people will be edified when they come into our midst.

　On the day of Pentecost Peter and over one hundred twenty brothers and sisters were gained as materials through Christ’s death (Acts 1:14-15), as typified by the spoil gained by David in the battle. Furthermore, Peter and the disciples were built up in Christ’s resurrection, as typified by the temple built by King Solomon. They were built by God in Christ’s resurrection through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the people who saw the building among the disciples on the day of Pentecost repented and turned to God. The disciples did not advertise prior to their gospel preaching, as Christianity does today. People repented because they sensed God’s presence when they came into the midst of the disciples. People were not only saved and edified but also built up because of the disciples (2:37-47).

　Where is the spiritual power among Christians today? Some Christians advertise to promote a gospel campaign, but how many are saved? Some Christians always have revival meetings, but how many are revived? This is not God’s way. It is not the way for the gospel to be spread, nor is it the way to edify people. God’s way is to preach the gospel and edify people through the built-up church. When the church is built up, it will be easy for us to spread the gospel and easy for people to be edified when they come into our midst.

破碎带进联络与结合，产生建造

　　要建造召会，具体实行的路就是众人必须联络得合式，结合得坚固。这件事说来简单，作起来却不容易。我们这些得救的人，虽然里头有神的生命，有神的圣灵，并且因着祂爱的激励，实在愿意事奉祂，为祂而活；同时，因着神生命的恩典供应我们，我们也愿意在召会中事奉。但是另一面，我们的确发现我们外面的人还有问题，常常有意见，在事奉上非常不容易与别人配搭，与别人相合。这实在是我们的通病。

　　既是如此，神如何把我们这些人配搭建造在一起？如何具体实行建造？千万不要以为把几个弟兄摆在一起，就是建造了。这是不灵的。也不要以为把大家召来开会，讨论商量，把不同的意见和通行不了的事，作点协调，众人就同心了，然后就通过了。其实我们都有这个经验，不开会讨论还好，越开会反而意见越多。所以，开会不能解决问题，更不能叫我们真实地被建造。

　　那么到底怎样才能被建造？凡要被建造的人都得接受破碎。破碎就是不再完整；这是建造最基本的要求。请记得，你若不肯接受破碎，一直作个完整的人，就永远无法被建造。木料要被建造到房子里，都得经过破碎。每一块建造到房子里的木料，都不是它原来的样子。有的木料要打出一个卯，有的木料要刻出一个榫头；榫头要被打到卯里，连接在一起。有的木料太粗，要刨细一些；有的太长，要锯短一些。若是一块木料说，“可以用我，但不可以刨我，我要保守原样；”那一块又说，“我这块木料又大又完整，锯短太可惜；”这样如何能建造呢？若是大家都要保持完整，不愿被破碎，就没有办法建造了。所以请记得，要建造就得被破碎。破碎乃是被建造的条件，我们必须学习靠主恩典接受破碎。若不接受破碎，就没有办法被建造。

　　腓立比召会中，有两位爱主的姊妹，友欧底亚和循都基，她们在福音上和使徒一同劳苦；然而，这两个人不同心，没有在主里思念相同的事（腓四2）。她们两个不同心；腓立比召会的众圣徒可能不知道如何解决她们的问题，使徒就劝弟兄们说，“我也求你这真实同负一轭的，帮助她们。”（3）这两位姊妹非常爱主，热心传福音，但她们两个人没有思念相同的事。召会中免不了有弟兄姊妹像友欧底亚和循都基一样，虽然爱主，热心，都愿意事奉主，就是不同心。其他弟兄姊妹看在眼里，可能不知该如何，只好说，“算了，让他们去吧。”结果众人都不好好配搭事奉，召会就没有建造的光景。

　　根据我们的经历，爱主的人在一起事奉，之所以不同心，总是因着意见多、意见不合。这些意见都是属灵的意见，最好的意见，爱主的意见，但都是不同的意见。比方，这一位友欧底亚说，“信息要讲得简单一点。”那一位循都基就说，“信息要详细，人才听得懂。”友欧底亚说，“周四晚上不合式作读经聚会。”循都基却说，“周四晚上作别的聚会都不合式，读经最好。”若是长老决定应该读经，不赞成读经的友欧底亚，只好顺服长老，不说话。等到读经要排座椅时，问题又来了。友欧底亚主张朝同一面坐，循都基说要面对面坐，于是两个人又争起来。一个没有破碎的人，意见总是多；无论什么时候，什么场合，他都有意见。没有破碎，就谈不上建造。所以这个时候，他们至少有一方要先被破碎，不坚持自己原来的意见，完全接受弟兄们的交通。这个接受不是屈从，乃是因着破碎，甘心乐意的顺从。

　　又比方，三位弟兄一同在召会中负责，若是对某个聚会，各自坚持他们看为最合式的时间，互不相让，众人的光景就显不出建造了。所以，必须有人先倒下来，先破碎。或许你选的时间最合式、最准确，但你这个人是经过破碎的，你能接受你看为不合式的时候。结果，那个聚会时间好像不合式，但建造的光景却显出来，那就够了。经历告诉我们，你若肯领头倒下来，接受破碎，甚至与你配搭的弟兄姊妹也会肯跟着倒下来，接受破碎。当你受主托付到一个地方，有负担为主作工；你不要一到那里就大张旗鼓的作。你先不要为着显扬自己而作什么，只要住在那里，有聚会就参加，在祷告聚会中有机会就祷告。到了擘饼聚会，有机会也起来赞美。会后若有弟兄姊妹找你交通，你就和他们有点交通；有机会你也去找弟兄姊妹交通。若是你真是个经过破碎的人，有生命的学习，慢慢的，他们自然会发现你的祷告有分量，和你接触时能得生命供应，自然就肯接受你的帮助。结果，你的工作不知不觉就作出去了。这个工就叫召会得着建造。

　　反之，如果你到了一个地方，立刻说自己是来作工的，这个开头的味道就已经不在建造里了。一个被破碎、被建造的人作工，绝不是这样。他到了一个地方，是作工又是不作工，在那里把自己那一分很自然的供应出来。工作还是原来的弟兄们作，责任还是弟兄们担负。但到了一个时候，弟兄们在讲台上所讲的，都是他的道。弟兄们治理召会，都得他的帮助。他是一个经过破碎的人，所以能迁就别人，能供应别人。他没有改别人的作法，也没有改原来的安排。一切并没有因着他去，有任何变动。从这一点来说，他去好像没有作工；但另一面，没有多久，整个召会都受了他影响，得了他的帮助，圣徒更有配搭建造，所以他确实是作了很大的工。

　　弟兄们在各分家作负责人，也是这原则；你们都得学习负责而又不负责。不是真的不负责，乃是学习破碎。你若以为自己是头号家负责，众人必须服你的权柄。你带着这个味道来服事，这个分家就给你拆光了。你不能负责到一个地步，把别人的一分都挤掉了；那是拆毁，不是建造。你应当让众圣徒能尽他们那一分，也要让其他家负责多来在一起配搭，而不必处处改他们。他们尽功用，你就说阿们，这才是建造。

　　你若是一个被建造的人，当你和弟兄们一同事奉时，你定规是个被破碎、倒下来的人。无论你是不是家负责或排负责，都无所谓。你只看见，你是和弟兄们一同事奉，你要建造在弟兄们中间。你若真学了属灵的功课，等到弟兄们在和谐、融洽的空气下配搭时，你就有机会供应人。你一点也没有改正别人的味道，只是在那种和谐的空气下，随着灵里的引导，把神的生命供应给别人。我们若真有属灵的供应，无论在什么地方、用什么作法都能供应。只要我们真有属灵的供应，弟兄姊妹必定被建造。这才是真正的负责。

　　所以，要配搭得好，总必须先破碎。你我若是破碎了，真有属灵的学习，就能带弟兄们学习与主有真实地交通，把弟兄们带到主里面。并且因着一种和谐、同心的光景，就叫人觉得神在我们中间。反之，你若自以为是头号家负责，应该有权柄定规，你所在的那个召会就完了，就毫无建造。你若是一个经过破碎的人，弟兄们说要传福音，你就说好；你不改他们，你与他们建造在一起。这样，你就会看见，召会有了祝福。

　　你不必管别人的主张高不高明，你自己要先倒下来。只要弟兄姊妹不是带人去拜偶像，无论他们怎么主张，你都可以迁就。我们都要学习不坚持自己的主张，不保持自己的完整。弟兄们要把我砍作榫头，我感谢主；要把我挖成一个卯，我也感谢主；要把我切掉一截，我就甘心短一点；要把我刨得细一点，我也赞美主。对我，没有什么是不可以的，这才能被建造。

　　人想要一直保留自己的大，末了就是最小的人。一直和人争是争非，争见解主张，不会有神的同在。因为想要完整、坚持己见，会破坏建造，毁掉合一的灵。然而，我们若一直愿意接受别人的主张，乐意和人建造在一起，就会有主的同在。

　　盼望你我看见，我们在主面前最宝贵的一件事，就是能和别人建造在一起，配搭在一起。问题不在于作法对错或好坏，而是在于合一的灵，和谐的灵。一切的祝福完全在于被建造的光景。所以，使徒保罗说，“要思念相同的事，有相同的爱，”（腓二2）并且要“说一样的话”（林前一10）。然而，要“说一样的话”，就需要被破碎。每一个人都要学习建造在别人身上，结果你会发现，别人也建造在你身上。

　　一九五八年十一月十七日讲于台北

　　原刊于一九五九年十月“话语职事”第一百期

　The practical way to build the church is for all the saints to be fitly joined and firmly knit together. But this is not easy. As saved persons, we have God’s life, and the Holy Spirit lives in us. Moreover, His constraining love has given us a desire to serve Him and to live for Him, and the supply of grace has given us a desire to serve in the church. However, we have discovered that our outer man is still a problem; our opinions frustrate our coordination in the service. This is our common problem.

　With such a problem, how can God blend us and build us up together practically? We should not think that we can have the building simply by putting a few brothers together. Nor should we think that one accord can be achieved through discussions and negotiations or by adjusting the opinions of the saints. Discussions only issue in more opinions. Hence, such meetings cannot solve our problems, nor can they issue in the genuine building up.

　A person who desires to be built up must be willing to accept the breaking. To be broken means to no longer be whole. This is the basic requirement for the building up. If we are not willing to be broken but remain whole, we cannot be built up. In order for a tree to become part of a house, it must be broken; it cannot keep its original appearance. Some pieces of wood will be made into boards with sockets, and other pieces will be made into boards with tenons. The tenons need to be inserted into the sockets in order to be connected together. Some pieces of wood are too thick and need to be trimmed, and other pieces are too long and need to be cut. If a piece of wood were to say, “You can use me but do not trim me; I want to keep my appearance,” or “I am large and complete; it would be a pity to make me shorter,” how could a house be built? There is no way to have the building up if we insist on remaining whole and are unwilling to be broken. In order to be built, we need to be broken. This is the requirement for building. By the Lord’s grace we must learn to accept the breaking; otherwise, we have no way to be built.

　Euodias and Syntyche were two sisters in the church in Philippi who loved the Lord and labored in the gospel with the apostle Paul, but both were in dissension, not thinking the same thing in the Lord (Phil. 4:2). The saints in the church in Philippi probably did not know how to solve this problem, so the apostle exhorted the brothers, “I ask you also, genuine yokefellow, assist them” (v. 3). These two sisters loved the Lord and zealously preached the gospel, but they did not think the same thing. In the church it is inevitable to have brothers and sisters like Euodias and Syntyche; they love the Lord and zealously serve Him but are in dissension. If the saints neglect such a situation, the dissenting ones will not have proper coordination, and the church will not be built up.

　Opinions are the main cause of dissension among serving ones who love the Lord. Their opinions may be spiritual, good, and out of their love for the Lord, but opinions are nevertheless opinions. For example, a “Euodias” may say, “The messages given in the meetings should be simple,” but a “Syntyche” may say, “The messages should have many details so that people can understand.” A “Euodias” may say, “Thursday night is not suitable for the Bible-reading meeting,” but a “Syntyche” may say, “Thursday night is the best time for a Bible-reading meeting; it is not suitable for any other meeting.” If the elders decide to have a Bible-reading meeting on Thursday night, “Euodias” should not say anything. When it is time to arrange the chairs for the Bible-reading meeting, a “Euodias” may suggest that the chairs should face the same direction, but a “Syntyche” may say that the chairs should face the center. This may cause an argument. A person who is not broken always has an opinion regardless of the time or occasion. Without breaking, there is no building. Hence, either “Euodias” or “Syntyche” should be the first to be broken and not insist on her opinion but fully accept the fellowship from the brothers. This should not be a grudging acceptance but a willing and cheerful submission, which issues from being broken.

　If three responsible brothers insist on their opinion and are not willing to submit to one another regarding the time for a meeting, no building up will be manifested among them. One person must be the first to submit and be broken. If a brother is broken, he will not insist on the time that he suggested, even if it is the most appropriate time. As a result, the meeting might be held at an inappropriate time, but there will be an atmosphere of building up. If we are willing to take the lead to submit, to accept the breaking, the saints whom we coordinate with will follow and also be willing to be broken. If we are commissioned by the Lord to go to a place for the work, we should not advertise the work. Instead of making a show of ourselves, we should attend the meetings, pray in the prayer meeting, and praise in the bread-breaking meeting. After the meeting we can fellowship with the saints who are open or seek an opportunity to fellowship with them. If we have been broken and have learned lessons of life, the saints will realize that our prayers are weighty, and they will receive the life supply when they contact us. Then they will be willing to receive the help. As a result, the work will spontaneously be carried out. This work will cause the church to be built up.

　However, if we arrive in a place and announce that we are there for the work, the saints will not taste the building. A person who has been broken and built would never serve in this way. On the one hand, we are laboring, but on the other hand, we are not laboring. We are there to offer our portion spontaneously. The work should still be carried out by the local brothers, and they should still bear the responsibility. However, after a period of time the messages that they give will be our messages, and the brothers will receive the help in administrating the church. If we have been broken, we can accommodate others and supply them. We should not change their way of doing things or their arrangement. Nothing in a locality should change when we arrive. From this perspective it seems that we are not laboring. However, the church will be influenced and receive the help from us, and the saints will be coordinated and built up. Hence, we have done a great work.

　All the responsible brothers should also serve according to this principle. We should learn to be responsible and yet not be responsible. This does not mean that we should be irresponsible but that we should learn to be broken. If our service bears the flavor of our being the most responsible ones and of the saints needing to submit to our authority, we will tear down the work. We cannot be so responsible that we take away the function of the saints. This is a tearing down, not a building up. We should let the saints function according to their portion, and instead of correcting the responsible ones, we should encourage them to coordinate. We should say Amen when they function. This is building.

　A person who is built up is a broken person and is subdued when he serves with others. It does not matter whether he is a responsible one in a district or in a group. He simply knows that he is serving together with the other brothers and must be built up with them. If he has learned the spiritual lessons, he will grasp the opportunity to supply them when they coordinate in a harmonious and cordial atmosphere. He will not have the flavor of correcting others, but he will follow the leading of the Spirit to supply them with the divine life in a harmonious atmosphere. If we have a spiritual supply, we can always supply others regardless of the place. As long as we have a spiritual supply, the saints will be built up. This is the way to bear responsibility.

　Hence, in order to coordinate with others, we must first be broken. If we are broken and have learned genuine spiritual lessons, we can lead the brothers into genuine fellowship with the Lord. Furthermore, in such an atmosphere of harmony and oneness, people will sense that God is among us. However, if we think that we have special authority as a responsible one, the church will be finished, and there will not be any building. If we are a broken person, when the brothers want to preach the gospel, instead of adjusting them, we will agree and be built up with them. This is the way for the church to be blessed.

　Whether a person’s idea is good or bad, we should be the first to submit. As long as the saints do not lead people to worship idols, we should follow their proposals. We must learn not to insist on our ideas and not to remain whole. I thank the Lord when the brothers want to shape me into a board with a tenon, and I also thank Him when they want to carve me into a board with a socket. I am willing to be made shorter, and I am also willing to be trimmed. Every situation is acceptable to me. This is the way to be built with others.

　Those who want to preserve their greatness will eventually become the smallest. Those who always argue with others about being right or wrong or about their opinions will not have God’s presence. This is because those who desire to remain whole by insisting on their opinions damage the building and destroy the spirit of oneness. The Lord’s presence will be with us if we are always willing to accept others’ proposals and are open to be built up with them.

　We need to see that being built up with others and coordinating together are the most precious things to the Lord. It does not matter whether our method is right or wrong or good or bad. What matters is the spirit of oneness, the spirit of harmony. All the blessings depend upon the atmosphere of building. Hence, the apostle Paul says that we should think the same thing, have the same love, and speak the same thing (Phil. 2:2; 1 Cor. 1:10; Rom. 12:16). In order to speak the same thing, we need to be broken. As serving ones, we need to learn to be built up with others. Then others will want to be built up with us.

第三篇 建造与破碎㈠

建造召会的异象、预表与实行