日期： 11/08/09

經文：使徒行傳 2:44-47

講題：教會

主旨：

引言：

你去哪一個教會？我們或許會說那個在 S. Main 和 610 交會的那個中國教會。或者如果你從奧斯汀來的，你或許會說， Austin Stone ，那裡有很棒的音樂。也有些人去湖木教會，因為每次聽那裡的牧師講道，都讓人自我感覺良好。又或者我去某某教會，因為他們有很棒的兒童課程可以讓我的孩子參加。又或許像某位牧師的自我介紹：我在曉士頓最大的教會之一服事。我們往往把教會和它的建築、規模、課程、教導、或者敬拜方式聯想在一起；我們選擇符合我們口味的教會，像是選擇餐館那樣。因為我們的口味隨著時間改變，我們去的教會也一間換過一間，就像我們換餐廳吃飯一樣。有沒有其他客觀的準則可以讓我們把它和教會聯想在一起？又或者，回到最基本的問題，究竟什麼是教會？

這陣子我們學到，神向我們啟示一個完整的真理，或真道。我們也學了什麼是罪、恩惠、以及跟隨基督的代價。我們懂了真理的本質，所以我們可以在這個黑暗破碎的世界做光做鹽。當我們抓住真理並身體力行，便可以看到我們自己並身處的世界開始逐漸轉變。今天早晨我們要看到的是何謂教會，從神所給我們的啟示當中來學習教會應該有的特質，並瞭解這些特質可以帶來的轉變。

I •  教會的標誌。

我們在選購電腦的時候，要如何做決定？我們知道要買一個重量不超過 3 磅 、並且電池使用時間可以長達 12 小時，又很輕巧。教會也是一樣，教會與其他的組織有什麼分別呢 ? 讓我們看看教會應有的特質有哪些：

首先是神的話語。在提摩太後書 3:16, 「 全部聖經都是　神所默示的，在教訓、責備、矯正和公義的訓練各方面，都是有益的， 17 為要使屬　神的人裝備好，可以完成各樣的善工」聖經就是神的話。 4:2 「務要傳道；無論時機是否適合，都要常作準備；要以多方的忍耐和教訓責備人、警戒人、勸勉人。」神的話語務要是基督教會的中心。神的話語成為我們信仰和生命的指標、也向我們展現什麼是教會。

我們也要記得，聖經不只是一本教我們如何成為更好的父母、配偶、孩子、或者更好的人的書；如果那是我們對於聖經的觀感，那我們在逛 Barnes&Nobles 或者 Borders 這些書店的時候，應該要到自我成長專區去找聖經，而非信仰區。聖經是神告訴人祂來到世界拯救罪人、是一本教導我們要如何在生活的各個層面都順服神的書。也告訴我們如何盡心盡性盡力愛神愛人。當我們在順服神時，我們就成為更好的父母、配偶、孩子、或者更好的人。教導與學習神的話必須是教會一個不可缺的標誌。

再來是聖禮儀式。大多數新教的教會有兩種聖禮儀式，一是受洗，一是守聖餐。我們曉士頓中國教會也是這樣的。在我們教會有為信徒洗禮的傳統，受洗的時候，我們公開宣示我們對造物主的信心。洗禮不在於水的多少，水仍是象徵並印證內心一個屬靈的真實，就是與這位創造主的關係。每每教會裡面有人受洗的時候，都有歡喜快樂的慶祝活動，邀請親朋好友前來參加，他們也會帶著花和禮物，並拍下很多的照片，這的確是值得紀念的一刻。

另一個聖禮儀式是守聖餐，有些教會也稱之為主餐。在我們教會這兩個名詞有時被交替著使用。天主教會相信，在神父禱告結束後，酒和餅便化成耶穌基督的血和身體；路得教派相信耶穌基督就親自在桌上；改革派相信耶穌基督象徵式在那杯和餅當中；浸信會信徒相信這是用來紀念耶穌基督所受的苦和死亡。在曉士頓中國教會，我們不僅將之視為一個紀念，也相信透過那杯和餅，聖靈將更新我們的心、帶來變化。在守聖餐的同時，我們也應當反省我們和那位愛我們、為我們受死的神之間的關係。像是我們當中的許多人一般，每當我領受聖餐的時候，我的心裡都有很深的感動。當會友因為生病或者其他因素沒有辦法來到教會領受聖餐，我們的一位牧師會將聖餐帶給他們，讓他們也能領受。我們也與其他信徒一起領受聖餐，象徵在主裡的合一。

上個主日，有位年長的女士在崇拜結束後向某一位牧師詢問是不是可以補領聖餐，因為她錯過了崇拜時的領餐時間；另有一位弟兄寫信問我是不是可以讓他的妻子補領聖餐，因為崇拜進行當時他的妻子正在育兒室幫忙照顧孩童。每當看到會眾如此重視聖餐，都給我很大的鼓勵。

近幾年，我有較多的機會與國內的信徒們一同領受聖餐；許多次，當聽到「這是主的身體，為我們捨的；這是主的血為我們所立的新約」，許多人的眼淚也紛紛落下。

教會第三個標誌是紀律。當我們孩子小的時候，有不正確的行為或態度時，我們會執行紀律。如不許看電視，不能和朋友玩耍，一星期不能開車，或進 房間，有時也會體罰。不錯，家中的紀律我們能明白，但教會裡的紀律 ? 我們當中的許多人會感到驚訝，為什麼在這麼多的事項當中，紀律會是教會的標記？教會的紀律指的又是什麼？ 馬太福音 18 章中提到：「 15 如果你的弟兄犯了罪，你趁著和他單獨在一起的時候，要去指出他的過失來。如果他肯聽，你就得著你的弟兄。 …. 17 如果他再不聽，就告訴教會；如果連教會他也不聽，就把他看作教外人和稅吏吧。」 當教會的成員犯了罪，教會有責任要將那人所犯的罪指出來，幫助那人悔改、勝過自己所犯的罪，並且重建他和神之間的關係，協助他和他所冒犯的人和好。有些時候，教會的紀律必須涉入悔罪的過程，例如某人可能必須暫停領受聖餐一段時間；更甚者，若是某人拒絕悔改，教會可能必須考慮撤銷他的會員資格。教會的紀律不在懲罰個人，而在協助重建個人和神之間的關係。這在現在的教會不是普遍的現象，一旦要被紀律，這個人可能會說，再見，我不會再踏進這間教會了！多年前，某個教會因為其會員的婚外情而公開指責時，這個人反過來控告教會破壞了他的名譽。

要瞭解教會的紀律，我們要瞭解我們所有人都是罪人，沒有人有足夠的能力掌管並監督自己的一切。當局者迷，旁觀者清；我們需要教會，需要其他的信徒協助我們，指出我們所犯的過失，告訴我們有哪些地方需要悔改。這可能是一個痛苦的過程，但卻是對我們的心靈有益。一個沒有紀律的家，就會產生沒規矩任性的孩子，一個沒有紀律的教會，就會產生一群對神沒有懼怕的人。感謝神讓紀律成為教會的代表記號之一。在這個基督徒的團體當中，人們重視罪的嚴重性，在乎彼此，因而願意挺身而出，指正彼此的錯誤並協助彼此往正確的方向成長。

第四個標誌是團體。羅馬書 12:5 ，「照樣，我們大家在基督裡成為一個身體，也是互相作肢體。」基督徒是一個團體的一部份。如果教會是一個團體，那我們便不會以我們去哪個團體來描述自己，而是我們屬於哪個團體。有時我們說，「我是屬於 Cosco 或 Sam’s Club 」，這意味著我是屬於這商店，並可得到優惠。當我們屬於信徒這個團體，我們就會互相協助，承受彼此的負擔。在 查克‧科爾森的書《這個信仰》裡講到多年前俄亥俄州某個教會的故事：教會唱詩班的成員黛安娜，有一天發現教會的另一個成員，童妮，正在等待腎臟移植手術，不過童妮的病況沒有辦法允許她等到手術。黛安娜是白人，而童妮是黑人，他們幾乎互不相識，但黛安娜覺得她應該為童妮做些什麼，所以她提議要捐出她的腎臟給童妮，而檢驗評估結果證實她的腎臟符合捐贈的標準。不久之後，她們兩個並排躺在醫院裡進行手術。團體中的一員把她的腎臟給了另一個成員。這個事件後來也被報導在 Dateline 裡。

約莫一個月前，我們教會裡的某位姊妹遭逢不幸，在那幾個禮拜裡，我們看到教會裡的人如何聚集起來幫助那個遭逢變故的家庭。有人每天都向工作單位請假，接送 Fengling 的爸爸和兄弟往返各地。在喪禮之後，我收到一封來自她的朋友的電郵，提到她如何感激這個基督團體對這個家庭所做的一切。在那個時候，許多會眾在不同場合遇到我，也不斷提醒我要好好照顧自己。大家不僅關心 Fengling 的家人，也關心試著照顧那個家庭的人；有一個家庭甚至給了我們一個放滿食物的禮籃，那樣恩慈的表現深深撼動了我的心。

確實，身為一個團體，我們還有好多有待改進的地方。我們希望這是一個團體，能為個人提供庇護和醫治；在這個團體裡，我們互相學習關懷彼此，共同承受彼此的負擔。

加入教會的會員，往往被視為我們認同這個團體、或者屬於這個團體的一個象徵。若你問我聖經裡是否曾教導加入教會作會員，我必須誠實的說，聖經中並沒有關於成為教會會員的教導。然而，加入會員是個人歸屬於某個團體的展現方式。在這個團體裡，我們敬拜神；在這裡，神的話語被教導和傳講；當我有過犯的時候，這個團體指正、制止我，只為了讓我能重建與神的關係，並且與祂更靠近、更親密。在這個團體裡，我關心他人，也得到他們的關心。為此，我要屬於這個團體，成為這團體的一份子。不只是個今天在這裡、明天要到別的地方去的過客，我是屬於這裡的。

II.    教會的使命

看過了教會的代表記號之後，我們要看的是教會的使命。根據耶穌基督在馬太福音 28 章十九節的教導： 「 19 所以，你們要去使萬民作我的門徒，奉父子聖靈的名，給他們施洗， 20 我吩咐你們的一切，都要教導他們遵守。這樣，我就常常與你們同在，直到這世代的終結。」 ，我們可以清楚的知道，教會的使命在於把福音帶到教會外面的世界；這個福音就是關於耶穌來到這世界將人從神的忿怒裡救贖出來。既然被拯救，我們也被這愛驅使去關懷那些患病、軟弱、貧窮、受壓迫者，就是上星期所提及的善工。

幾年前我在紐約的一間教會崇拜。他們沒有自己的教堂，星期日的聚會是借用一所大學的禮堂。我 對他們的週報有很深的印象，因為他們的報告事項被各種在教會外的活動和服事給塞的滿滿的。舉幾個例子：「要參加這個星期三晚上關懷愛滋病機構的參訪活動的人，請在某個時間某個地點集合。」、「星期四晚上我們要在某個地方集合，一起去給遊民供應晚餐。」他們也有關懷娼妓的事工。在那個教會，群體裡的敬拜，查經，小組都是在裝備信徒去影響他們的世界。在許多教會，甚至也包括我們的教會，我們來到這裡敬拜、學習，之後我們留在這裡面服侍；我們沒有去影響四周的世界，只不過自己互相的影響而已。教會的使命應該是：以耶穌基的福音去影響並改變世界。

結語：

甚麼是教會 ? 教會是一群跟隨耶穌基督窆人所形成的一個群體。在這群體裡，我們和其他信徒一起敬拜神，領受神話語的教導，當我們犯罪，我們被指責、指正好使我們得以重建與天父的關係。在這群體裡，不是為了要求其他的成員能滿足我的需要或者符合我的期待；反之，我們互相扶持、相互學習成長、彼此代禱、共同承受彼此的負擔。我們透過學習神的話語被裝備，為的是要去影響和改變我們的世界。

在許多的教會裡，在靠近門口有一標語 : 我們進來是為要敬拜，離去是為要服事。我們來到這裡是要敬拜神與被裝備，好使我們能去服事這世界。教會就是如此的影響並改變這世界。

Date:   11/08/09

Text:   Acts 2:44-47

Title:   The Church

Theme:   

Introduction:

  Which church do you go to? We may say the Chinese church on S.Main and 610. Or if you are from Austin , you may say, Austin Stone, they have great music there. Some may go to Lakewood , because the preaching makes me feel good about myself. Or I go to this church because they have great programs for my kids. Or as one minister describes himself this way, I am serving in one of the largest churches in Houston . We often associate a church with buildings, size, programs, preaching or worship style. We choose the church that fits our taste, just like a restaurant. Since our taste changes from time to time, we may find ourselves going from church to church, again, like restaurant hopping. However, is there a more objective reference point that we can associate a church with? Or even a more basic question, what is church?

  Recently we've been studying that God has revealed to us a body of truth, or also called The Faith. We learned about sin, about grace and the cost of following Christ. We are given this body of truth, so that we can be the light and salt in this dark and broken world. As we obey and follow this Truth, it will begin to transform us and the world around us. This morning we want to look at what God revealed to us about Church. We are to explore what some characteristics of a church are, that will bring about this transformation.

I  •  The essential Marks of a Church.

You want to get a new computer. With all the choices out there, how do you know which one to get? You need to know what you are looking for. You want one that gives you great looking graphics, fast and easy to carry around. It is the same when we come to church. We need to know what makes the church different from other organizations. Let's take a look at what some of the marks of a church are..

First, it is the Word. In 2 Timothy 3:16, 4:2, " 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. " Scriptures, the Bible is from God, is God's word. Then “ 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” God's word must be at the center of a Christian church. The Word is to be the final authority in our faith and life. It guides us and shows us what a church is.

The Bible is not a book to help us be better parents, husbands, wives and children, or even better persons. If that's how we view the Bible, then we'd expect to find the Bible in the Self-help section in Barnes and Nobles or Borders. The Bible is God telling us that he came into the world to save sinners. It is a book to show us how to be obedient to God in all areas of life. It tells and shows us how to love God and our neighbor with all of our heart, mind and strength. When we are obedient to God's word, then we become better persons, parents, husbands, wives and children. Teaching and studying God's word must be an indelible mark of the church.

The second mark is the Sacraments. Some churches use the term ordinances. In Matt 28: 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," and in Acts 2:44-47 we read that the disciples broke bread together. In most of the protestant churches, including this church, there are two sacraments. One is baptism and the other communion. At HCC, we have the tradition of the believer's baptism. Baptism is not about how much or how little water we use. Baptism is a public confession of an inner relationship with God. Baptism is an outward act to symbolize an inner spiritual reality. Whenever there is a baptism in our church, it is always a joyful and celebrative event. Three Sundays ago, we witnessed the baptism of several young men and women. We wanted to make sure our good friends were here, there were flowers, gifts and plenty of pictures. Baptism is indeed a very memorable moment.

The other sacrament is Holy Communion. In some churches it is called the Lord's Supper. At HCC, we sometimes interchange the usage of these two terms. The Roman Catholic church believes that after the priest's prayers, the wine and bread become Christ's blood and body. The Lutherans believe that Christ is present at the table. The Reformed tradition believes the spiritual presence of Christ in the cup and bread. The Baptists believe it is a memorial of Christ's suffering and death. At HCC, we take this as a memorial. The bread and cup symbolize Christ's body and blood. We also believe that by taking the cup and bread, the Holy Spirit brings renewal to our souls. During the Holy Communion, we reflect upon our relationship with the Lord who loves and died for us. Like many of you, my heart is always deeply touched when I partake of the bread and the cup. For those members who are sick or confined in their residences, one of the pastors would visit and serve them the communion. We also take the Holy Communion with the other believers; a symbol of our unity in Christ.

Last Sunday, after the service, an elderly lady came to one of the ministers to request taking the communion for she missed it during the service. Another individual wrote me and asked if anything can be done about his wife who is serving in the nursery at that hour. When I see the congregation treat the communion seriously, it brings great encouragement to me.

In recent years, I have had the opportunity of taking communion with believers in China . On many occasions, I saw them deeply moved when they received the cup and bread and heard these words: this is the body of Christ which is broken for you; this is Christ's blood, which is shed for you in the establishment of the New Covenant. Such desire and response further affirms the importance of the Holy Communion in a church.

The third mark is Discipline. When our children were young and misbehaved, we disciplined them by taking away their privileges such as: watching TV, playing with friends, going into the room or no driving for a week. Sometimes we even spanked them. Yes, we understand the need for discipline at home, but how about at church? This must come as a surprise to many of us. Of all the marks, discipline? What do we mean by church discipline? In Matthew 18:15ff, we learn that when a person sins, the church has the responsibility to point this out. Then the church would help this person to repent, to overcome the sin and rebuild his/her relationship with God and those he/she may have offended. Sometime, in this process, church discipline will be administered. It may involve refraining from the holy communion for a period of time. If the person refuses to repent, then there are times the church may take the extreme measure of removing the person from church membership. The purpose of church discipline is not punishment, but to restore a person's relation with God and men. This is certainly not popular in today's church. If rebuked, the person can simply say, bye, I am not coming to this church anymore. Several years ago, one church publically disciplined one of her members for the sin of adultery. This person turned around and sued the church for ruining his reputation.

To understand church discipline, we need to understand that we are all sinners. None of us can keep watch of ourselves by ourselves. We need the church, the Christian community to point out to us that we have sinned and need to repent. This could be a painful process, but it is good for our souls. A family without discipline, produces unruly children. A church without discipline, produces believers with no fear of God. We should thank God that one of the marks of a church is discipline. It is in this Christian community, people are serious about sin, and care enough to correct us to assist us to grow in the right direction.

The fourth mark of the church is Community. The word ‘church' means a group of people being called to come together. In Romans 12:5, " 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. " The Christians are part of a community. If the church is a community, then we don't say we go to this or that community, instead we belong to this community. Sometimes we hear ourselves say, “I am with Cosco, or Sam's Club, or AAA.” This means we belong to them and receive discounts. When we belong to this community, we care and bear each other's burden. In Chuck Colson's book, 'The Faith" was a story that happened in an Ohio church several years ago. Diana, a choir member of that church learned that another member of her church, Toni, was waiting for a kidney transplant but might not live long enough to get it. Diana was white and Toni black. They hardly knew each other, but Diana felt that she needed to do something. So she offered her kidney and it was a match. Soon, both of them were in the hospital, lying there side by side. One member of the community giving a kidney to another member. This event was later reported in Dateline.

Just about a month ago, there was the tragic death of one of our dear sisters. During those few weeks we saw how different people are brought together to help with the families. On a daily basis, individuals would take off from work, providing rides for the father and brother. After the memorial service, I received an email from one of her friends expressing her gratitude of how this Christian community had helped the family. During that time, on many occasions, some of you kept reminding me to take of myself. You not only cared for Fengling's family, but also showed your care for one of the care givers. One family even gave us a food basket. My heart was deeply touched by such acts of kindness.

Certainly, as a community we have much to improve. We want to make this into a community where individuals can take shelter and receive healing. In this community, we learn to care and bear each other's burdens.

Being a part of this community, or belonging to this community is often expressed in terms of church membership. If you ask me where in the Bible says we have to be a member of the church. I will honestly say, the Bible does not teach about membership. However, membership is an expression that I belong to this community. In this community, we worship God, we listen to his word preached and explained. In this community we are corrected and rebuked when we sin, in order that I can have that close and intimate relationship with God. In this community I care for others and also being cared for by others. For this reason, I want to belong to this community, I want to be a part of this church. I don't come to this community to day, and go to another community tomorrow. Instead, this is where I belong.

II.   The Mission of the church.

Having looked at the marks of a church, let's look at the Mission of the church. From Jesus teaching in Matt 28:19, " 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," 20 "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”", is clear that the church's mission is to bring the good news to the world. This good news, the gospel, is about Jesus coming into the world to save sinner from God's wrath. Having been saved and reconciled to God, we are compelled by his love to care for the sick, the poor, the weak, the voiceless and the oppressed ones. This is the good work we referred to last week.

When worshipping in a NY church several years ago, I was impressed by what I saw in their bulletin. This church doesn't have a building. On Sundays they worship in a rented auditorium of a NY college. Their announcements are full of events and ministries that occur outside the church. For example, this Wednesday evening for those who will visit an Aid's care facility, please meet at such and such place. On Thursday evening we'll meet at such a place to provide meals for the homeless. There were also ministries to the prostitutes. What happens in this Christian community, the small group, the Bible study ministries are there to equip the believers so they can impact the world around them. In many churches, sometimes including this one, we come to worship and learn, we stay here to serve. Instead of impacting the world, we end up impacting each other. The mission of this and any other church is to impact and transform the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

  What is church? Church is a community of individuals who follow Christ. In this community, we worship with other believers. We receive teachings from God's words. When we sin, we are rebuked and corrected so we can restore our relationship with the heavenly father We don't come into this community to expect others to met my needs and expectations. Instead, we help each other to grow and mature; we pray for each other and bear each others' burdens. We are equipped in this community through the teaching and studying of God's words. Having been equipped, we go and impact the world around us.

  In many churches we can find this sign somewhere near the entrance or the lobby. “We enter to worship, depart to serve.” We come here to Worship God and be equipped so that we can serve the world around us. This is how the church impacts and transforms the world.