Several years ago I would send an email to all of my friends on Thursday mornings. These emails included a brief snippet from the works of A.W. Tozer. Tozer was a Christian author (mainly popular in 1950s), pastor, father, and husband. He lived a simple life and was also known for his emphasis on prayer. Tozer was one of the first authors I encountered that forced me to think spiritually and gave me something to aspire to. His best work is perhaps "The Pursuit of God" and most of the quotes I will post have been taken from that book.
Most of the emails sent out never made landing anywhere. Some received a "good stuff" reply. However, every so often one would spark a revolution of thought and commentary. No doubt this format is more beneficial than email b/c it gives anyone an opportunity to reply without getting pesky emails from me.
So without further ado... I give you this week's Thursday Tozer.
Sound Bible exposition is an imperative must in the Church of the living God. Without it no church can be a New Testament church in any strict meaning of that term. But exposition may be carried on in such way as to leave the hearers devoid of any true spiritual nourishment whatever. For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience, they are not the better for having heard the truth. The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts. ~ A.W. Tozer (The Pursuit of God, Preface)In 1 John 1:1-4, John tells us that there are certain things that Jesus did and said that John (no matter how hard he tried) could not get out of his mind. He continued to see the acts and hear the words as clearly as he had when Jesus was with him. This led to his certainty and experiential knowledge of the gospel of Christ. I'm not saying that is where Tozer was coming from in this quote, however, that is what it reminds me of.
God Bless
2 comments:
It's interesting that, for the most part, the disciples even after experiencing Christ (who we know to be God) on a daily basis AND hearing the Word of God directly from His mouth still didn't really get it until after the work of the Holy Spirit.
John 14:25-26
"All of this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
It's such a testament to the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit. It seems that no matter what we see, hear, experience, or do...we are still blinded to the fullness of truth without the work of the Holy Spirit.
This truth used to really bother me...but I'm starting to understand and love it.
good words Taylor, thanks!
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