Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Gotta agree with this. Nee's teaching here was another example of how he invented "principles" from his imagination. He would get on a roll and before he knew it would write a whole new chapter on Christian behavior. Not trying to take away from the many good things he taught, but he did have a tendency to come up with things that sounded good, but which could easily lead astray those who didn't know how to parse him. And given his status, few did.
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This booklet by Watchman Nee,
Ministry to the House or to the Lord, was commonly found in Local Church bookrooms in the 70s and might still be present in them. The copy I used is taken directly from the booklet. I read through someone’s internet copy and corrected it according to the booklet, I have which was published by Stream Publishers (later becoming Living Stream Ministry).
I saw something valuable in this fellowship by Watchman Nee, and OBW did not. He saw what looked like mud to him and talked about it, rather vehemently, referring to its “nonsense”. However, he did not mention finding a pearl in that mud that he was handling. And it is that pearl that has my attention; and, it was why the booklet was published.
I have often wondered what suffering might have brought Nee or Lee to extreme speaking at times to make their point clear, and set themselves up to be misunderstood, as Igzy well-pointed out could be the case with this booklet.
It is not that OBW or Igzy didn’t raise some good questions, but as a major leader over many churches, and responsible before the Lord, it might have been the Lord’s speaking in Nee, his speaking being balanced by his overall ministry. Read
Church Affairs, for example, if there is any doubt of his care for the members and presenting each one full-grown, even as Paul desired in the House of God. Indeed, Nee's ministry was to the House, as well as to the Lord.
I wanted to see this controversial content of the booklet get addressed that some of the brothers have brought to our attention. I was taken aback by some of Nee's statements myself. But my major interest is on the pearl - on our learning to minister first to the Lord, then to the House. My attention is at least upon the principle of what Nee has shared, since I lack full understanding and experience of all that he has uttered.
Nee and Lee showed much heart for ministry to individuals, as the members of God's House.
http://www.lulu.com/us/en/shop/s-i/t...-17568309.html
http://www.makingstraightthewayofthe...ishingBook.pdf