Not I but Christ

by Watchman Nee

This is volume 4 of messages on practical Christian living delivered by Watchman Nee to a conference of Christian workers in China in 1948.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living

143 pages, Paperback

Published January 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

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three-and-a-half stars really. This book is rather repetitive, which I found a bit irritating at first, although what it says is good. Repetition does mean it's easy to skim. The focus is on sin, forgiveness, restitution, and living for Christ.

The last two chapters were extremely good, however, even though they, too, repeated the same thing in different words.

[Prinz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watchman Nee has endured a lot of persecution, and I see that in a lot of how he views God. This is a good book but the first 4 chapters are not indicative of the Father God I see in the Bible. Anyways, for those chapters, I’d give a 3.5

However, it’s hard to believe that the same Nee who wrote the first 4 chapters of this book wrote some absolute classic chapters 5 and 6. It’s a mirror of Normal Christian life. Nee’s greatest revelation has been on that topic, and how to live out a Christian life, without striving. I’d give a 6/5 if possible for those chapters.

Also, it’s very repetitive, and it can become a snooze magnet because of that.

Overall 4.5

[Olya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. Great for new believers and those who haven’t heard these things before. Although it does get repetitive at times it’s only to simplify the point he is making. Watchman Nee simplifies the Christian life and makes it so much more attainable. Recommended for personal study or group studies.

[AshleyTee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read a long time ago.

[Sean Campos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical. Myth-busting. Q&A. Simple yet profound insights about Christ in us.

[Geraldine Honyghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

He doesn't hold back be ready for basics you should have learned after you left the altar lol. Welcome to the transcendent life.

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Volume 4 of the full version of his "new believer's series" that was great. Some of the depth that he was able to teach his new believers's (their first year in the Lord) is amazing ... stuff I wish I had known a long time ago.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on Christian Living I have ever read! As you can tell I am a Watchman Nee fan!