WHAT SHALL THIS MAN DO? With Intro by Angus Kinnear

The Collected Works of Watchman Nee #40

by Watchman Nee, Angus I. Kinnear (Editor)

A new and original study of Christian service, its basic principles and motives, and the variety of means God uses in preparing men for it.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Theology, Nonfiction

189 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

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

[Chase Tremaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that I finish a book already excited to read it again. I might read this book every few years for the rest of my life. Never have I found so much mileage out of a book that I purchased for a single dollar! I'm happy to say that, almost halfway through 2017, this is the third book I've read this year that's a new all-time-favorite...and this might be the best one yet. Although it ended up taking me over four months to finish this book, it was a consistently incredible and profound read. What Shall This Man Do? focuses in on the ministries of Peter, Paul, and John, taking a look at what made each man's contributions to the early church unique. There is in-depth analysis of their letters that does not at all read like boring academic writing or typical exegetical commentary. Instead, the teachings herein come from a man who has really lived every truth that he preaches. Watchman Nee is a writer whom I disagree with at times, but he is also a man who so clearly knows Jesus and has so clearly surrendered his life to the leading of the Spirit. Throughout this book, he presents a grand humility and balance, never landing firmly in a particular stereotype, denomination, or school of thought. Instead, he pleas with his readers to seek the unity that was bought for believers on the cross. He wants his readers to see the reality of the universal church and the importance of the local church. He wants his readers to know the truth behind our justification while also knowing the experiential reality of living life by the Spirit and freed from sin. I only hope to someday see the beautiful truths in Scripture that seem to pop out so clearly to Nee, and may we all continue to be blessed by the continued fruits of this man's ministry.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great thoughts on how God raises and develops His disciples (past, present, and future). Details how from the 'secular work' of Peter (catching fish), Paul (a tentmaker), and John (fisherman- who was mending nets when he was called) directly impacted their ministries. He highlights the uniqueness of the callings and giftings of the Lord's followers.

Chapter 3 was the absolute highlight of the book for me. Nee asks the question of what is man's role in being saved? His answer is that to simply come before the Lord with an honest heart... even if that heart has absolutely no desire to change or be saved. Uses great Biblical references and personal testimonies.

[Bigazi Nsanza Watchman Nee]

Watchman Nee ( blessed be His Name) is a Man after God's own heart. I consider Him like David of the new dispensation.
I devoured many of His books and " What Shall This Man Do" is one of them.
I have especially been blessed by the ministry of John.
May God remember Watchman Nee and all His sufferings!

[Evan Þ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book repeats and develops the themes from the last book of Nee's that I read, about the Spirit's power and our status in Christ. But here, Nee develops this through a meditation on the distinct ministries of Peter and Paul and John: opening the door to the Gospel, developing it, and calling people to remember it.

I enjoyed this, but I felt it more as another window into Nee's mindset than a powerful truth itself. For my own life, I definitely got more from "The Normal Christian Life".

[Bledar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging.

Drawing from the ministries of Peter, Paul and John, Watchman Nee encourages us to find our place in ministry. The respective images of casting a net, making a net and mending a net lead one to consider ministries of initiation, edification and encouragement to Christ in His Body by the Sprit.

[Chris Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required Reading For Those Who Would Serve God

Outstanding! As always Watchman Nee is spot on and accurate. But not by way of mere dead knowledge, but by way of life! The Bible is to be spiritually eaten and digested so that it can be expressed spontaneously in our daily walk. Watchman Nee understands this, explains it and promotes it. So be it.

[Lisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book regarding how to live a life of spiritual service within the church!

[Jane Winner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Requires major FOCUS!

[Katya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please can a good christian be kind enough to share the soft copy of this book with me? My email is katyadaves24@gmail.com.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

主啊，感謝讚美你。倪弟兄的這本屬靈書報實在是寶貴。在這裡我們看到彼得、保羅、約翰仨個人從神領受的執事的不同點，但又彼此不可或缺，同時又都在神新約經綸的獨一執事中。主啊，願這些不再是外面的教導，能成為我們裡面的構成，更多來追求認識你！

[Iva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be careful when u call yourself a christian...are u really?

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, written by a true servant of the Lord who sought to please and honor Him always. I would encourage anyone who is seeking a deeper life with the Lord Jesus to read this book!

[Rachel Menter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man has amazing spiritual insight. I learned a lot from this book.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives Christians an inspiring look how to live. I find his writing so comprehensive that I will definitely reread it in order to soak up every word.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to reading this one!