The Messenger of the Cross

by Watchman Nee

In the counsel of God's will, the cross occupies a central place. This is because only through the cross can God's eternal purpose concerning His Son as well as His church be realized. "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified," declared the apostle Paul (1 Cor. 2.2).  Christ came to us by way of the cross, and only by this same way do we know Him. Unless the cross is accepted by us both objectively in terms of the finished work of Christ at Calvary and subjectively in terms of the dealing of the Holy Spirit in us, we have no message to deliver to the world and we are not fit to be its messengers.  In this present volume, Watchman Nee shows us that at the source of all spiritual things stands the cross. In order that Christ may be all and in all, there is no effective means save the cross. How we therefore need to pray, "Search me, O God, and know my try me and know my thoughts" (Ps. 139.23), so that by God's response to such heartfelt prayer we may have a true knowledge of our selves. Now such response will mean our having to experience the dividing of our spirit and soul, since the root of all sins is the fallen self life of man. Yet, as the author makes clear, with the self thus dealt with, we can then be true messengers of the cross.  May God raise up many such messengers today.

154 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1980

About the author

Watchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng; Foochow Romanized: Ngà̤ Táuk-sĭng; 1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches" (Chinese: 地方教會). or more commonly as (聚會所) meaning "assembly hall"

Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.

Reviews

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressionante, cheio de princípios, verdades cortantes que nos atingem em cheio, expondo nossa miséria e necessidade de viver no princípio e poder da Cruz. Um livro que retoma a centralidade e o poder do Evangelho. "Pois decidi nada saber entre vcs, a não ser Jesus Cristo, e esse crucificado. " 1 Cor 2:2

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant - thoroughly thought-provoking and life- changing! Thank you Wayne Mallinson for lending your copy to me.

[Aaron Cliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the same by Nee, but still beautiful.

[Israel Moraleda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me refiero al libro, y no a este pasquín. El libro no es aconsejable a todo el mundo. Enseña causas y no raíces. Al no haber raíces, puede dar lugar a mucha confusión y acentuar la ignorancia.

[Bob Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! I would have given it 5 stars but there were a few pills that were hard to swallow. I love reading his stuff. I know I am not supposed to idolize anyone as a Christian but I pray God would open my eyes to see the scriptures like this brother did. Another good read!

[Velda]

Deep and insightful.