Hunger Quenched in the Local Church, Judy Liu

When I had a realization that Buddhist gods were not applicable to the reality of my life, I determined to change my religious orientation from Buddhism to Christianity. I was baptized in a denomination in the year of 1988. Even though I had boldly identified myself as a Christian for about four years, I knew little about the truths and Scriptures. I only knew that Jesus is the Son of God who died for my sins. The impression I received concerning Jesus and God was to me the same as the one I had before of the Buddhist gods. They were in heaven, far away from me on the earth and thus unapproachable. I became dissatisfied with my Bible study group and the sermons given on Sunday mornings. I started to feel the hunger for more truths. I told myself that if God is Great. These should be more.

As a result of my moving I stopped attending the Sunday services for a long time. I did not know which church I should attend. Even though I did make an effort to try out neighborhood churches, I could not find anything that attracted me to remain. Praise the Lord! The mercy of the Lord brought me to His flock and to rest in the pasture. I met a group of believers who were from the local church in Sacramento in 1992. They were living and full of the enjoyment of Christ. They possessed a thorough knowledge of the Bible which I did not have. What they had was what I lacked and I prayed to the Lord and asked Him for the same portion. I began to meet with them and received much shepherding and nourishment in those gatherings. I learned to exercise my spirit (for the first time I discovered from the Word that I have a human spirit), to pray, to call on the name of the Lord, and to pray-read the Bible verses. The life within me began growing and I became so joyful because I finally knew the purpose of my life.

A few years later, I moved to Austin, Texas. The church in Austin became my home just like the church in Sacramento had been. The Church life here has been very sweet. I like to preach the Gospel, sing hymns to praise Him, and speak in the church meetings what the Lord has shown me in His holy Word. I have an intimate relationship with my Lord and am rooted in Christ. I want to testify that Christ is my all in all. I am so grateful to be here enjoying Christ to such an extent in the local church. I praise the Lord for giving me a balanced and normal Christian life.

Experiencing the All-Inclusive Christ

When I was invited to the home of a Christian for dinner several years ago, I was amazed and enlivened by the contents of our conversation concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Before leaving I asked, “Where can I find out more about Christ along the line of tonight's fellowship?” This is how I was introduced to a book written by Witness Lee entitled The All-Inclusive Christ.

After obtaining a copy of this book I began to read a few pages a day. Each time I finished I was full of enjoyment and satisfaction. In this book, Witness Lee speaks about Christ as the all-inclusive One typified in many aspects by the good land into which God brought the children of Israel. All the abundant produce such as wheat, barley, figs, and grapes typify Christ as our food. The streams, springs, fountains, hills and valleys revealed in Deuteronomy also portray various experiences of Christ who is our portion. The highlight of this book to me was that Christ could be our everything. I saw that if I enjoyed Him in such a rich way there should be no scarcity in my spiritual life. At that time this was merely knowledge to me. I did not have such a rich experience of Him.

I praise the Lord that later He granted me His mercy to experience Him in a deeper way. Now Christ to me is truly all-inclusive. Through several circumstances the Lord has led me down into the valley to experience His cross. He also has led me to drink the spring of living water when I have been thristy. He has been so rich during these times that He has affected all areas of my life. Since then I have not lacked one thing in Him and the divine life of God in me has been growing under his nourishment. By the rich supply of the all-inclusive Christ I am satisfied. I appreciate the book The All-Inclusive Christ very much.