A. W. Tozer
A.W. Tozer: A Life of Devotion and Conviction
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Aiden Wilson Tozer was commonly known as A.W. Tozer.
Birth and Death Dates
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Tozer was born on April 21, 1897, in La Jose, Pennsylvania, and passed away on May 12, 1963, at the age of 66.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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A.W. Tozer was an American pastor, speaker, and author. He was a prominent figure in Evangelical Christianity, known for his devotion to God and his conviction about the importance of personal holiness.
Early Life and Background
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Tozer grew up in a devout family, where he developed a strong sense of faith from an early age. His father, Benjamin Tozer, was a farmer and a deacon at their local church, influencing A.W.'s spiritual growth. After completing his education, Tozer began working as a newspaper editor before eventually answering God's call to ministry.
Early Ministry
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In 1919, Tozer joined the Christian and Missionary Alliance, a denomination that emphasized personal holiness and evangelism. He served as pastor in various churches across the United States, including the All Souls Church in Chicago, where he spent 31 years of his life and ministry. During this period, Tozer's sermons became known for their depth, conviction, and emphasis on practical spirituality.
Major Accomplishments
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Established a tradition of Bible preaching and teaching at All Souls Church, influencing countless lives with the message of God's love.
Authored numerous books, including The Pursuit of God, which has become a classic in Christian literature, emphasizing the importance of personal holiness and a deeper relationship with God.
Founded the Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship (now known as the International Council of Christian Churches) to promote unity among Evangelical Christians.Notable Works or Actions
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Tozer's most notable work is undoubtedly his book The Pursuit of God*, which has had a profound impact on millions worldwide. This book, first published in 1948, explores the idea that spiritual growth and holiness are not just ideals but living realities for those who have placed their trust in Christ.
Impact and Legacy
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A.W. Tozer's life and ministry left an indelible mark on Evangelical Christianity, shaping the way many Christians think about personal holiness, prayer, and evangelism. His emphasis on practical spirituality and his call to live a life of devotion have inspired generations of believers. The influence of Tozer can be seen in various Christian movements, including the Charismatic Renewal and the contemporary Worship Movement.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Tozer's quotes and writings continue to inspire and challenge people today because they speak directly to the heart of the human condition. His emphasis on personal holiness, prayer, and a deeper relationship with God resonates deeply with those seeking a more authentic faith experience.
Quotes by A. W. Tozer
A. W. Tozer's insights on:
We think of time as something wound on a great spool in heaven and that it rolls off for men faster then it does for women. Time is not like that: time is the medium in which things change. It is not time that makes a baby grow - it is change that does it. In order for change to occur, there must be a sequence of change. We call that sequence time. (page 45)
Now, a plain word here about the Christian church trying to carry on in its own power: That kind of Christianity makes God sick, for it is trying to run a heavenly institution after an earthly manner.
The author relates by way of illustration that the human heart contains both a throne and a cross. If we occupy the one, Jesus occupies the other.
Whatever is done without heart is done in the dark, no matter how scriptural it may appear to be
This is the tragedy and woe of the hour--that we neglect the most important One who could possibly be in our midst--the Holy Spirit of God. Then, in order to make up for His absence, we have to do something to keep up our own spirits.
The most godly Christian is the one who knows himself best, and no one who knows himself will believe that he deserves anything better than hell.
I find that when people haven't found God and do not know the new birth and the Spirit is not on them, yet they have the ancient impulse to worship something. If they're not educated they kill a chicken and put a funny thing on their head and dance around. If they are educated they write poetry.
If you do not worship God seven days a week, you do not worship Him on one day a week. There is no such thing known in heaven as Sunday worship unless it is accompanied by Monday worship and Tuesday worship and so on.
The Law was given by Moses, but that was all that Moses could do. He could only “command” righteousness. In contrast, only Jesus Christ produces righteousness. All that Moses could do was to forbid us to sin. In contrast, Jesus Christ came to save us from sin. Moses could not save anyone, but Jesus Christ is both Savior and Lord.
The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us.