Without the inward, the external is dead, regardless of correctness. Without the outward, the inward is theory. The inward reality, when vital, must result in a practical expression—this is God’s principle.

In this series, we review Watchman Nee’s book, The Normal Christian Church Life, and consider the pattern shown in the book of Acts regarding the church.

In the very beginning, God placed two trees in the midst of the garden, and man was free to choose between them. From each tree flows a line, and we have a choice for what line we want to be part of today.

While this book certainly has a lot about God’s heart (desire), it is really filled with the story of God’s relationship with two men to stand for His heart. It is a very good book for someone who wants to be useful to the Lord, especially for them to realize that it is not just about their victories, but about who they are before both God (Elijah) and their spiritual fathers (Elisha).

In the seven epistles to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, we get a glimpse of the Lord’s will and desire for His saints and His church today. In this book, Watchman Nee asserts that each epistle is a prophesy of a particular stage in the history of the church. In our lives today, we see not only the prophecy but also its fulfillment.

In one sense, the story of Ruth begins and ends with Naomi, who represents an older believer. However, the story of Ruth is centered on–no surprise here–Ruth, who begins as a foreigner to Israel and ends married to Boaz. We are all Ruths–being brought into a deeper relationship with Christ. We should also appreciate our Naomis, and we should desire to be a Naomi to younger believers around us.

This book is excellent for those who desire to serve God more, especially in the church. May the Lord gain many who are not just doing things for Him, but who have set their hearts to be after God and what is on His heart. May these ones recognize the process God must still bring them through to gain them more thoroughly and to serve their generation in a way that pleases Him.

This book, authored by Dr. Rex G. Beck, is a presentation of the typology of Christ throughout the Bible. Each page focuses on a different picture of Christ in the Old Testament, and a matching verse in the New Testament where we see the former realized. We will take a look at each of these pictures and explain more of the story and significance behind each.