Into the Book

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Living Water - Brother Yun

Recommended
I must confess, rather shamefully, that I haven't heard of Brother Yun before reading this book. However, after reading this book, I find that I deeply admire Brother Yun. You see, Living Water is a "collection of his teachings that evolved from his life experiences of persecution and revival in China."
The book is divided into three parts - Freedom in Christ, Streams of Living Water and Soldiers for Christ. Each section contains many small chapters; each focusing on one individual topic. In this way, I discovered that this book is best read a chapter at a time, much like a devotional. The contents of this book is like a personal sharing, as Brother Yun uses the Bible and his personal life experiences to share what he has learnt.

What most impressed me from this book was the lack of bitterness. Brother Yun has been in prison and persecuted for Christ, but he accepts this with a gladful heart. In fact, he calls prison a 'school' and confesses that he has gone to prison because he's ministry overtook his relationship with God, and says that prison was a wonderful opportunity for him to draw near to God.

The book is easy to read and is very inspiring. Brother Yun doesn't mince words when he condemns the Western Churches for focusing more on theology than a relationship, for focusing on building churches instead of the Church. He offers a very strong call to revival and shows how God uses persecution to build His Church up.

I heartily recommend this book. It's a simple book with a very powerful message. To end, I want to share a passage from the last chapter that I found inspiring:

"His power and life resides in my heart, here and now! And He resides in the hearts of all who believe in Him.

Time is short and is valuable. Don't waste any more time trying to serve God in your own strength and with your own ideas.

Jesus is alive!

Stop living like He is dead.

Let the living Jesus shine from your life. There is no reason to go around with a sour face! Turn your mourning into dancing and your sorrow into joy."
Eustacia Tan joined Into the Book in May of 2011. She has always loved reading, but particularly loves fiction, apologetics, and theology. She has a love for God, and hopes to someday go to the Japanese people as a missionary.

3 comments:

  1. "Jesus is alive! Stop living like He is dead."

    Wow. Great quote! :)

    Good review, this looks like a book I'll have to check out. I do have one question, though...

    Brother Yun doesn't mince words when he condemns the Western Churches for focusing more on theology than a relationship...

    I'm not really sure what that's supposed to mean. I understand the danger that comes when we focus all our attention on head knowledge and "right theology" - but at the same time, good, biblical theology is vitally important. In fact, it's vital if we are to cultivate a deeper, richer, fuller relationship with God. :)

    I haven't read the book, so I don't know his full thoughts on the subject; I do think, however, that the big problem with today's Western churches is just the opposite: there's not enough focus on biblical theology and too much focus on some sort of experience-based "relationship." (Hence the idiotic maxim: It's not a religion, it's a relationship.)

    Ok. I'm off my soap box now. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hey(:

      I'm sorry, I was probably summarising it wrongly :p

      Um, the book does emphasise learning the Word of God because it is sharper than any double edged sword, but he also talks about how it can be a hindrance.

      >.< I'm getting less and less clear. I'll just quote from the chapter Vessels of Refreshment, and yeah:

      "The answer to experiencing God's living water is not to seek more and more Bible teaching.

      ..[text]...

      Most Christians I have met in the Western world have plenty of Bible knowledge, but they do not experience the living water flowing from their lives because of their disobedience.

      God doesn't want you to know everything and do nothing.

      He would rather you know a little and act on that little in obedience and then He will give you more."

      So, I'm really sorry about that generalisation. I hope this clears it up a little.

      ^_^

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    2. Okay, I think I get it. Like the old hymn says, "Trust and obey." Don't wait until you have all the answers to start obeying God here and now. Apply what you already know to your life.

      Thanks for the clarification. :)

      Delete

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