“那时…教会都得平安，被建立；凡事敬畏主，蒙圣灵的安慰，人数就增多了。” – 徒 9:31
我记得有一次去我家附近的一个小镇，惊讶地发现那里正在举行科尔维特汽车展。我很兴奋地参观了所有正在展出的款式漂亮的汽车。从老款维特到新款，那些车每一款都值得一看。
当我想到教会时（她不同于科尔维特），我看她为美好。当然，她有不完美之处，甚至也有丑陋的一面，因为她是由不完美的人所组成的——但我认为教会之美是令人惊叹的。
扫罗（保罗）在成为耶稣的信徒之后，一直在致力于向世人宣告，教会是值得惊鸿一瞥的。
今天这节经文值得我们反覆读几遍。新成立的耶稣的教会是一个平安的所在，正在被建立。我想到一栋高层建筑一层一层地被建起来，你还没来得及反应，她的美就已经显露出来了。人们（教会）怀着敬畏神的心行事，人数就增多了。
教会的建立不是靠华丽的节目或巧妙的讲道。而是要求人们的心与神同频，又蒙圣灵的劝勉。他们与神同行，怀着深深的敬畏之心，他们一定要让神得着荣耀。
祷告
神啊，赦免我们有时从错误的角度看教会。引导我们专注于有助于我们成长的正确的事情。阿们。
使徒行传 9:31
31那时，犹太、加利利、撒马利亚各处的教会都得平安，被建立，凡事敬畏主，蒙圣灵的安慰，人数就增多了。
She’s A Beauty
“The church . . . enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” – Acts 9:31
I remember going to visit a town near our home and being surprised to find a Corvette show going on. I was excited to check out all the beautiful cars on display. From older ’Vettes to new ones, those cars were something to behold.
When I think of the church (no, not like a Corvette), I think of it as something of beauty. Sure, it has scratches and dents, and of course it has an ugly side because it’s made of people—but I think the church can be so stunning.
When Saul (Paul) became a follower of Jesus, he was committed to making sure the church was something to behold.
This verse for us today is worth reading a few times. The newly formed church of Jesus was a place of peace and was being built up. I think of a high-rise building being built floor by floor—and before you know it, the beauty is revealed. The people (the church) walked in the fear of God and multiplied.
The building-up of the church wasn’t about slick programs or clever preaching. The hearts of the people were aligned with God, and they were encouraged by the Holy Spirit. They had a deep sense of awe as they walked in step with the Lord, and they made sure God got the glory.
Prayer
God, forgive us for seeing the church through the wrong lens at times. Guide us to focus on the right things that will help us grow. Amen.
诵读: 骆云秀
片头: 张妙阳
