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最近我常常反思，教會的建造不僅僅是建築物的興建，而是整體信徒生命的建造。這使我想起《尼希米記》中的故事，尼希米的召命與領導不僅為重建耶路撒冷的城牆，更帶給我們深刻的屬靈反思：我們該如何在這個過程中預備自己，並且作為神僕忠心地委身於教會的建造？
個人心志：從破碎到行動
《尼希米記》開篇，尼希米聽聞耶路撒冷的荒涼，內心滿是悲痛和焦急（尼1:4）。這種心志不僅來自於看到外在的破壞，更源於對神國度的深切關懷。當我們思考建堂時，我們是否也如尼希米般，對教會的現況、對神子民的屬靈狀態有同樣的迫切感？這份迫切感，讓我們不再只是在表面的興建計劃上努力，而是從內心領受從上而來的呼召。
預備自己：禱告與順服的生命
尼希米在聽到城牆被毀後，並沒有立刻行動。他先進入長時間的禱告，認罪悔改，為百姓代求（尼1:6-7）。這提醒我們，個人的屬靈預備是建堂的關鍵。在開始任何工作之前，我們是否先調整自己的心思意念，尋求神的帶領？這樣的禱告與順服，使我們在面對挑戰時，能站穩神的應許。
與神同工：分工與合一的力量
《尼希米記》3章描繪了城牆重建的具體分工：每一個家庭、每一個群體都承擔了一部分的責任。這讓我們看到，教會的建造不僅是一小群人的事，而是整體會眾的共同參與。每個人按著神所賜的恩賜、能力，參與教會不同的事工，這樣的合一才能完成偉大的使命。我們需要在建堂過程中，不斷鼓勵弟兄姊妹看見自己的角色，讓每一個人都參與這神聖的任務。
應對挑戰：信心與持守的堅韌
尼希米在重建的過程中遇到重重挑戰，內有紛爭，外有攻擊，但他始終堅守信心，相信這是神的工作（尼4:14）。今天我們在建堂的路上，無論是財務、時間或人力等所帶來的挑戰，必然會迎來不同的考驗。但如同尼希米一樣，我們要提醒自己，這是屬於神的聖工，只要我們持守信心、勇敢面對挑戰，神必成就祂的工作。
個人的委身：從內心建造教會
尼希米的事工提醒我們，教會的建造更在於我們內心對神的委身。建堂的過程，也是我們重建與神關係的過程。牧者們的責任是幫助弟兄姊妹不僅參與物質上的建造，更是讓他們在屬靈上同步被建造。我們每個人都是屬靈殿宇的一部分，個人的預備與心靈的堅固將成為整體教會成長的基石。
願我們每一位屬神的人，都能在這過程中經歷祂的信實與帶領，一同看見神如何成就祂的教會。
Calling and Responsibilities in Church Building: Insights from the Book of Nehemiah
Recently, I have often reflected on the fact that building a church is not just about constructing a physical structure, but also about nurturing the lives of the church community. This reminds me of the story from the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah's calling and leadership were not only about rebuilding Jerusalem's walls but also offer profound spiritual insights: how should we prepare ourselves for this process and faithfully commit to building the church as servants of God?
Personal Determination: From Brokenness to Action
In the opening of Nehemiah, we see him heartbroken and distressed after hearing about the desolation of Jerusalem (Neh. 1:4). His determination was not only fueled by the sight of physical ruin but also by a deep concern for God’s kingdom. As we reflect on church building, do we share Nehemiah's sense of urgency regarding the current state of the church and the spiritual condition of God's people? This urgency compels us to go beyond surface-level construction plans and instead drives us to embrace a calling from God within our hearts.
Preparing Ourselves: A Life of Prayer and Obedience
When Nehemiah heard about the destruction of the walls, he didn’t act immediately. Instead, he entered into a period of extended prayer, confessing sins and interceding for the people (Neh. 1:6-7). This reminds us that personal spiritual preparation is crucial for church building. Before starting any project, do we align our hearts with God’s will and seek His guidance? Through such prayer and obedience, we can stand firm on God’s promises when challenges arise.
Working with God: The Power of Unity and Division of Labor
Nehemiah chapter 3 outlines the specific division of labour for rebuilding the wall: each family and group took responsibility for a section. This demonstrates that church building is not the work of a few, but requires the participation of the entire congregation. Each person, according to the gifts and abilities God has given them, contributes to different ministries. This unity is essential to fulfilling the great mission. Throughout the church building process, we must continually encourage brothers and sisters to recognize their roles and actively engage in God’s plan.
Facing Challenges: Resilience in Faith and Perseverance
Nehemiah faced many challenges during the rebuilding process, including internal disputes and external threats, yet he remained steadfast in his faith, knowing that this was God’s work (Neh. 4:14). In our journey of church building, we will inevitably encounter various tests, whether they arise from financial, time, or manpower challenges. However, like Nehemiah, we must remind ourselves that this is God’s work. If we hold fast to our faith and courageously confront these challenges, God will accomplish His purpose.
Personal Commitment: Building the Church from the Inside Out
Nehemiah’s mission reminds us that building the church is rooted in our personal commitment to God. The process of church building is also a journey of rekindling our relationship with Him. Pastors have the responsibility to help brothers and sisters not only engage in the physical construction but also grow spiritually. We are all part of a spiritual temple, and our individual preparation and inner strength will serve as the foundation for the church’s overall growth.
May each of us who belongs to God experience His faithfulness and guidance throughout this process as we witness together how He accomplishes His work in SGBC.