Intellectually Pondering Education

by Joel Thompson
2016-09-17 21:32:02

Personally I love reading about other's ideas, but always I'm a little sceptic until they prove otherwise. I think a lot of today's Christian teaching can be slippery slope stuff and we should always measure up their teaching against the bible, as I'm sure you'd all agree. Currently I'm reading A.W. Tozer books and A.B Simpson; and I find a bit of distinction between the two (I'm still unraveling, but thought I'd share a little as I continue learning).

So when Jesus said, How I wish the fire was already kindled, (Luke 12:49) - he's obviously talking about Holy Spirit in our lives; and right before that he says:

47The servant who knows the masters will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

So we are responsible for "knowing" the master's will, and doing his will. Two parts: knowledge and action. The fire being Holy Spirit enables and empowers us to do both. False or slippery slop teachings may teach us to be passionate or earnest, but we stand the chance of running 100% in the wrong direction. So, also as a main point on the gospel: John 13:34A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

I find a lot of churches these day's not acting out in love for others, but trying to motivate through condemnation. What does the drunk on the street need? A lesson on the bible, or a hand up?

In regards to this above, I'll have to be honest with you all, currently as I read and learn about Tozer and his writings, they seem very intellectual and learned, but they seem slim on the "doing" - so far I haven't read anything where he's actually told us how Holy Spirit came through for him (Tozer) while he was feeding the poor or clothing the homeless. I hope that doesn't sound too harsh, and I'd love to see examples of Tozer's doing. (and I don't think authoring a multitude of books and intellectually pondering the ways of Jesus, is what Jesus meant when he gives us a picture of Judgement day in Matthew 25:31-46).

Simpson on the other hand, (I'm gathering) I believe shows a stronger sense that He really got it! He understood the power of Holy Spirit and a servant's heart.

Having said that, I love learning from the "intellectual" side of Tozer. I know I'm still learning and would love to hear more about Tozer, and his life of doing, which of course is through this course :)

Also I think that Tozer was a product of his times and his books represent a time of intellectual "enlightenment" that society so desired, especially following the false espousings of Darwin.