Church

I love the clarity, passion and potency of Tozer's writing. It always challenges me. He writes as someone who really cares that we see something of God, rather than expressing a need or desire to be right at all costs.

I had to take a break on reading this to read a few other books with deadlines. But this is also a thinking book, so it's a slower read to begin with. It's a nice little collection of thoughts and reflections on what the church looks like and what she is supposed to be.

Tozer is a little like Lewis in his writing, but every now and again, he throws something so modern and sarcastic in and I just have to laugh! It's totally different than the rest of his style.

I liked the emphasis on the Holy Spirit. That's something I'm learning to appreciate more, is His working in the life of Christians and the church. There was a lot of good wisdom in this little book.

I'm a chapter girl, so I didn't like that the book is just a bunch of sections, because then I never feel like I'm at a good stopping point.

What can I say? I'll read anything with Tozer's name on the cover! It reminded me a bit of Francis Chan's recent book "Letter's to the Church" in terms of the sheer passion and utter unwillingness to compromise. Some of the phrasing and views sound a bit outdated now but this is to be expected given that Tozer lived in a different era and even the Church then as now does some things through it's own cultural perspective but in general Tozer's message is drawn squarely from the Bible and you can filter out things not so relevant today. Bear in mind that this book is part of a series collecting together Tozer's thoughts on various subjects like Prayer, Worship and this one obviously covers the Church. If you have a passion for God and his chosen vessel to change this world, his Church, then definitely read this book. I read it more or less straight through but I think it'd benefit from taking more time over each chapter and it'd probably be a good aid for a Church study group. You will be challenged and inspired and the rest is up to you! Recommended. I'll post to Amazon, Goodreads and my own blog on publication. Thanks.

Review via NetGalley/Moody Publishers ARC.

In a day in age where so many people are “viewing” church online and not actually participating in the body this tome by Tozer is inspiring! Our family is spending this year decluttering our life from excess running around so that we can better participate in our church family. This title was timely for me and quite encouraging. This is also a convicting read on the church and whether Christ is a church’s authority or man. I read Tozer and I cannot believe he died in 1963. These issues have not changed since then and have very likely spiraled downward (well, they have, but that’s conjecture for me as I don’t know much about the state of churches in the first half of the 20th century). I intend to read all of Tozer’s writings. They are timeless and rich!

Tozer calls the Church to return, return to its Lord, return to its power, and return to its purpose. He points out the lack of true authority in the Church and begs us to recognize and obey Christ’s full authority. Then he shows us why we are so weak and powerless, and reminds us that only through the Holy Spirit’s power can we accomplish anything for God. That is followed by sections teaching us about the organization and officers of a Biblical Church, and correcting false beliefs about the Church. Then it ends with the ultimate hope. God’s purposes will be accomplished.
While the main focus of this book is the Evangelical church, Tozer also makes it applicable to each and every Christian. After all, without each individual, there is no church, so those broad lessons became personally convicting.
As we must with any book, and as Tozer would have wanted us to, we must test this book with the Bible. There are a couple of little things that I disagree with, and some of the authors he quotes, I would be extremely cautious in reading or quoting. But overall, it is a worthwhile book to read.
I received this book as a free ARC through NetGalley and Moody Publishers. No favorable review was required. I was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.

As always, Tozer is on point, the best, and more logical and. Oherent than so many other. Ok writers. A great starting point for any Christian studying the biblical nature of the church.

This would be a perfect complimentary read for any student completely A-level Christianity. It would expand students understanding of the Authority of God, the Bible, and the Church and show them with a well written and set out resource.

The mission of the church is declare, to proclaim, to witness. She has been left on earth to be a witness to certain great eternal truths which she received from God and which the world could not possibly know unless she told it. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nation. Matt 28:19

A.W. Tozer is always direct and to the point in his teaching. His delivery can be harsh but I take it has it is his passion and zeal for the things of God. With 14 chapters on what the characterization of the church should be. With to much of the world in churches and not enough of the spirit, Tozer's passion is founded on these 14 principles.
The Necessity of the Church
The Lord of the Church
The Spirit of the Church
The Organization of the Church
The Leadership of the Church
The Character of the Church
The Unity of the Church
The Communion of the Church
The Freedom of the Church
The Ability of the Church
The Purpose of the Church
The Service of the Church
The Witness of the Church
The Journey of the Church

The text is centered around worship and the holy spirit. There is no program agenda to be had here but a reminder of what worship entails. Without worship, our work begins to be about ourselves. With the spirit, we become more humble minded. This is not only for church leaders but also for church members. Unity within leadership and the body is essential to work out our salvation. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Moody Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from Netgalley.com and Moody Publishers Wingspread.

A. W. Tozer's writings on faith are as relevant today as they were when he first wrote them. Similar to C. S. Lewis, he writes movingly about a return to God and our need for God in our lives.

Not for the light of faith, Tozer's writings are uplifting and challenging. An excellent addition to the publications of his works and sermons.

5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.