Ten Sermons That Shook China

By Watchman Nee

This book represents a collection of some of Watchman Nee's best sermons that have special relevance and a powerful Gospel message. Selected sermons were taken from a sampling of literature, teaching manuals, and sermon notes that were delivered in China during times of revival or outpourings of the Spirit, Bible conferences, or teaching semina

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Gospel Book Room Shanghai
• Release date: Oct 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087918372

Watchman Nee

Watchaman Nee se convirtió al cristianismo en China a la edad de diecisiete años y comenzó a escribir en el mismo año. A través de casi treinta años de ministerio se evidenció como un don único del Señor para su iglesia en ese tiempo. En 1952 fue hecho prisionero por su fe y permaneció en prisión hasta su muerte en 1972. Sus palabras permanecen como una fuente de abundante revelación espiritual para los cristianos de todo el mundo.

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Introduction: To Interested Readers

Where does one begin when writing about and thinking about Watchman Nee and his sermons in China? Certainly, the role he played in China, the Christian revivals that took place there, and even more importantly how the expressed ideas of this humble servant of the Lord's mission went from his humble beginnings in FooChow, to all over China, and all over the world cannot be overlooked. Especially through the many books and readings that have already been published that are in many ways, notes taken from the sermons that he delivered all over China, to the Little Flock, and in some cases, also from his visits to England and otherwise abroad, are ideas that changed the world and in a sense, the depth of Christian experience itself.

So, what you have before you, is a simple little eBook, that if taken to the heart and allowed to grow and develop, then we have the seed of faith that has the potential for growth and great power to produce changes in the lives of Christian believers, and to even draw non-believers to Christ and the virtues of a Christian life.

Indeed, while some have noted that Watchman Nee was not a great orator, and that sermonizing was not his main call, that does not mean that Watchman Nee was not a great teacher, did not preach the gospel, or did not deliver sermons. He certainly did!

So what you have here is really a collection; a collection of sermons; a selection of sermons that have been drawn from some of Watchman Nee's teachings and sermons. Some of them are also a part of the written record, which as stated earlier on the copyright page were often compiled by brothers and sisters of the Lord, or biographers from sermon notes or teaching notes, or in some cases from the early literature of the 1920s and 30s that Nee published in Shanghai. In every case, in this work, the selection criteria has been to choose sermons that represented a sampling of some of his most moving material that had great impact upon China, and would include content that was powerful and moving in its own right, that he thought would prove essential to Christian life and church life, but was first delivered in China. (The one possible exception to this might be the last sermon on our list which some have called Watchman Nee's actual last sermon, which he delivered in England while abroad).

Although the sermons, and anecdotes in this little collection are known to be published before, collectively the material has not ever been assembled as a collection in this manner, nor with some of the historical observations noted by our editors herein. Also, Nee's material itself in its original form (from which these sermons are gathered) is considered out of copyright, and while this collection of sermons has never before been assembled in this manner, it also includes new front material in the book that has never before been published in any form and should be considered annotative. Research about these sermons did go into this work and some of the work was drawn from resources from 1927-1935, and others from later works, but all are considered to be a sampling drawn from his sermons and classes that he taught here in China.

Last but not least, this book is currently being written and put together in China itself. China, as the birthplace of Watchman Nee, his conversion, and most of his ministry, and the place where he died in prison (or just upon release) in 1972; seems rightfully the place that Ten Sermons that Shook China should be compiled. It should also not surprise readers that the work that Watchman Nee started in China, and that has spread worldwide, is not necessarily dead in China, as there are still believers in China, even if openness cannot be ascertained. So the readers of this work, we hope will be encouraged to pray for faith and the movement of the Spirit in China. God is not finished with anyone, any country, no matter what! So dear readers and prayer warriors, do not be surprised that the editors of this little eBook must still remain anonymous. Be also assured that at least 10% of the proceeds from this little work will be donated to the Christian ministry in Shanghai. God bless you as you read this little eBook!--an anonymous Editor, Shanghai China, 2013.

Some Thoughts About Watchman Nee

By Brother Liu

Watchman Nee was a Chinese author and religious figure who was severely persecuted by the Communist party in China. Working with religious leaders including Shang-Jie Song, Wangzai and Zhou-An Lee he founded The Church Assembly Hall, commonly referred to as the Local Churches or assembly hall to spread the Christian word throughout China. He also spent much of his life writing about his Christian experience, sharing his work throughout China and much of Europe (and later this spread throughout the Western World as well).

Watchman Nee was born to a Methodist family, but experienced a profound religious conversion and revival when he was exposed to the Church of Heavenly Peace by the missionary M.E. Barber. Here he was given access to many Christian writings that began to influence his theological work and his later teachings. Though he never received any professional religious training and did not attend theological school, he was well-versed in the Bible and other Christian writings, which allowed him to form a 30 year ministry movement. This included several conferences and training sessions for other religious leaders in Shanghai.

During this time period, the Christian church in China faced many trials. While churches were growing, creating over 700 local venues between 1923 and 1949, the Chinese government did not approve of this growing movement. These church assemblies preached messages of loyalty to their city or their local church, which the Communist party saw as a threat to their message. Watchman Nee and his followers also worked to establish local churches and followers in Chinese speaking communities outside of China, which the government saw as collaborating with rivals or enemies of the state.

Throughout the Christian assemblies, Watchman Nee preached a message that promoted the separating of churches. He explained that the apostles each founded their own ministries which focused on different spiritual gifts based on the social status or racial background of those they were preaching to. Watchman Nee believed that some doctrines and missions were seen as a diversion from the original message, and focused too heavily on works of the flesh which was sin.

In 1952, Watchman Nee was arrested by the Communist party for his role in organizing and leading the local churches. He was judged and condemned for his faith and sentenced to 15 years in prison, during which only his wife would be allowed to visit him. He would frequently write letters to his followers to boost their spirits. Watchman Nee died in his cell on May 30, 1972, with only a few possessions to his name. Though he died condemned, his final writings show that he had the joy of God in his heart.

Today, Watchman Nee is most known for his book The Normal Christian Life, which was based on the talks he gave throughout his tour of Europe in the late 1930s. The Normal Christian Life outlines his views of the book of Romans in the New Testament and how the lessons in this book matched his views on what the normal Christian life should be. This and his other 62 works have been collaborated into The Collected Works of Watchman Nee, which covers his ministry from beginning to end.

This work is also drawn from talks, sermons, and teachings of Watchman Nee, although almost all of them (except sermon 10) was delivered in China, some during times of great revival.

Foreword: Watchman Nee Comments on True Freedom

ABOUT FREEDOM, FREEDOM OF THE CROSS

by WATCHMAN NEE

(Watchman Nee attributed this chapter to an article by Rev. Gordon Watt. However, Watchman Nee's article is quite different from the original article entitled Liberty Through the Cross by Rev. Gordon Watt. We have therefore chosen to translate his chapter from the Chinese. Readers interested in the original article by Rev. Watts should consult The Christian magazine, September 20, 1923, published by Morgan & Scot, London, England, edited by James W. Thirtle.) Nee's comments were also reprinted in a June 1927 publication, from the Gospel Book Room Shanghai)--Ed.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not be entangled with a yoke of slavery again (Gal. 5:1).

Three words are used in the New Testament to describe the freedom for which Christ has set us free:

(1) A word for forgiveness, which refers to God's pardon.

(2) A word often translated authority. This word refers to the privilege and authority purchased by the Lord Jesus through His precious blood for our freedom.

(3) A word that pictures one who was formerly in prison, but has now been liberated (1 Cor. 7:22).

A bound life cannot deliver another bound life. Many Christians are bound; they cannot follow the Lord freely, and they are subdued by their environment. They fear men and the world. Satan does not wish to see a Christian living the liberated life. Yet all the power of darkness has been defeated by the power of Golgotha. The victory at Golgotha has secured for us our victory. God's Word (the Bible) clearly points out the way that Satan exercises his great power to frustrate God's children from experiencing the freedom they deserve.

THE POWER OF SIN AND OF OUR OLD LIVING

The power of sin and of our old living have been clearly dealt with on the cross. We should have faith concerning this fact. The reckoning in Romans 6:11 describes the attitude of our will concerning a certain matter. It is not a power in our flesh but the power in the Holy Spirit that reckons what God sees as true. We should adopt this attitude towards our old enemy.

SUFFERING

One power is continually used by Satan for his own end: suffering. In reading Romans 8:18, we see that suffering in God's will is often the pathway to light; through suffering one receives life and fruit. Many of God's children are pitiful and poor because they lack God-given trials. But here is a question: do we view all sufferings and adverse conditions to be from the Lord? Many Christians consider that they ought to submit to all adverse circumstances. They do not realize that sufferings sometimes come from the enemy. These include things such as distractions, depressions, numbness, and things that hinder our spiritual progress. As God's children, we should reject all these things. We should not accept anything that oppresses us and should not consider them to be God's will. We should differentiate between God's will and Satan's will. We should know what is from love and what is from sin. We should test all things by the spirit of the cross and by the will of God. We should identify what kind of suffering we are facing in various circumstances by the teaching of the cross. We should accept what is from God and reject what is from Satan.

Sermon One: There is a God (On Atheism)

By Watchman Nee

The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. (Ps. 14.1)

Without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him. (Heb. 11.6)

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin. (Rom. 3.19-20)

Today I would like to talk about a subject which may not be easy to deal with. I confess that this is only the second time in my life I have delivered such a message. And it is that which is stated in a fragment found in Hebrews 11.6 which declares that he that cometh to God must believe that he is. Moreover, I would also like to touch upon the words of Psalm 14.1: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Actually the question of whether there is a God need not be answered, since the Bible never argues this point at all. The Bible takes for granted that men must believe in God because they have no reason not to believe so. It treats this matter as something already given. Nevertheless, there is today in this world a class of people who consider themselves atheists. They say there is no God, neither do they acknowledge there is a God who rules over all things. Such a contention seems to be quite popular these days and is warmly welcomed by a large number of people. Those who say these things appear to have minds newer than the rest of mankind and an ability superior to the general public; they therefore dare to assert such things. Before I attempt to burst their intellectual bubble let us recognize the several different kinds of atheists there are. For although most atheists would probably not accept such a classification as will be presented here, we as more objective observers are clearer than they themselves.

Atheists for Moral Reasons

Towards atheists of this kind there is no use saying anything to them nor arguing with them. All that is appropriate is to look at their lives, because their immorality speaks far more loudly than their words. They profess to be atheists not because they have convincing evidences that there is no God, but because their lives are such that it is expedient for them to say there is no God. Their own moral state keeps them from acknowledging that there is a God in the heavens and the earth. A bandit would like to believe there is no law enforcement; a bad student would like to believe there is no teacher; an unfaithful employee would like to be able to say there is no employer; and a wicked person would like to believe there is no law. This does not mean that they really do not believe that these things exist; it is simply that their own lives impel them not to accept these things at their face value. Yet if someone says to you, I do not believe in God, for there is no such person as God in my mind, you may respond by asking: Friend, how about your moral life? Nothing at all need be said but to ask whether that person lives morally or immorally.

People may disbelieve God, but they cannot deny there is morality. Let me tell you frankly, that though I am still young, yet of the people whom I have met in these few years of mine, at least ninety-nine out of a hundred atheists are questionable in respect of their personal morality. I have yet to meet an atheist who lives somewhat morally. There are some in the audience who are older than I. May I ask you if you have ever met an atheist whose morality is even slightly dependable? Whether asking fellow students, business associates, or friends, the atheists whom I have met are all morally corrupt; so that they cannot believe in God. Allow me to assert a truthful word, that if ever God goes out of a person, immorality takes His place in that