The administration of the church and the ministry of the word, week 9, chapter 13, Tuesday

THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHURCH
AND THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

CHAPTER THIRTEEN:

THE BASIS FOR THE BUILDING UP OF THE CHURCH

WEEK 9 - TUESDAY

Bible Reading: Rom. 14

Read and pray: “So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.” (2 Cor. 2:11)

STAYING ON THE LOCAL GROUND

AND WALKING IN THE WAY OF THE TRUTH (2)

The matter of the church is not simple. We need to see the truth concerning the church and its ground. We have received all the spiritual riches from those who have gone before us through the centuries, regardless of their ground. Nevertheless, we are clear concerning the way the Lord wants us to take. No one can cause us to change in this matter. We admire their spirituality, but that is not our testimony. We know with full assurance that the Lord has raised us up for the ground of the church.

When Brother Nee, in 1937, spoke about the principle of the Antioch line, his emphasis was on the local churches. The notes of the messages were compiled and published as [the book] Rethinking the Work, later published under the title The Normal Christian Church Life. Brother Nee received this light.

In the last twenty years, we have come to better understand his speaking. But there is still more to see on this matter. My desire is that we would understand it, because the administration of the church among us depends on this understanding.

Transportation in today’s world is convenient and available to all. People come from different places to have fellowship and share with us. The brothers from the West may be spiritual and good, yet we need to be aware of the problems that exist.

I cannot tell you everything, but I ask you to believe me. I speak sincerely, for this is not something I decided hastily. I have been considering it for months. I will be held responsible for my words, but you need to properly understand what I say.

We are not breaking fellowship with the West. We are not an Eastern faction. We need to be aware of the Lord’s desire in raising us up. We need to know who we are, what others have, and what help we should receive. Knowing our condition as well as that of the enemy guarantees victory in every battle. In this way we will not fail regarding what the Lord has entrusted to us.

Enjoy more: Hymn 310