======================================================================== RESPONSE TO THE WORD by A.W. Tozer ======================================================================== Summary: The Bible demands immediate action, faith, and surrender, and its purpose is to call men home from sin and provide a road map for returning prodigals. Topics: "Response to Scripture", "Importance of Action" Scripture References: Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 55:11, Matthew 7:24-25, Luke 11:28, John 1:1, Romans 10:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, James 1:22, 1 Peter 1:25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the Scriptures are not merely for literary enjoyment but demand an immediate response of action, faith, and surrender. He warns that reading the Bible without this commitment increases one's responsibility and judgment. The Word of God serves as a guide for those lost in sin, providing essential instruction about righteousness, life, and the afterlife. Tozer highlights that the destiny of each person hinges on their response to God's voice in the Scriptures. Ultimately, the Bible calls individuals back to God, urging them to act upon its teachings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Men and women who read and study the Scriptures for their literary beauty alone have missed the whole purpose for which they were given. God's Word is not to be enjoyed as one might "enjoy" a Beethoven symphony or a poem by Wordsworth. The reason: the Bible demands immediate action, faith, surrender, committal. Until it has secured these, it has done nothing positive for the reader, but it has increased his responsibility and deepened the judgment that must follow. The Bible was called forth by the fall of man. It is the voice of God calling men home from the wilds of sin; it is a road map for returning prodigals. It is instruction in righteousness, light in darkness, information about God and man and life and death and heaven and hell. Further, the destiny of each individual depends upon the response to that Voice in the Word! ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/response-to-the-word/ ========================================================================