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  THE TEXT PLUS THE HOLY SPIRIT
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: A true church is one that is led by the Holy Spirit, not just
by intellectual knowledge of the text.

Topics: "The Role of the Holy Spirit", "Spiritual Illumination"
Scripture References: Ezekiel 33:31, John 14:26, John 16:13, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:26-27, 1 Corinthians 2:12, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 1:17-18, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 John 2:27

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit in understanding
and applying Scripture, warning against a purely intellectual approach
to faith. He critiques churches that rely solely on the text without the
transformative power of the Holy Spirit, advocating for a deeper, inward
illumination that leads to genuine faith and regeneration. Tozer
expresses a preference for small groups that experience this inner
knowledge over larger congregations that may lack spiritual depth. He
concludes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit's presence to fill
believers, highlighting the importance of spiritual awakening in the
life of the church.

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CONTENT
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So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and
they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they
show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. --Ezekiel 33:31

When you are trying to find out the condition of a church, do not just
inquire whether it is evangelical. Ask whether it is an evangelical
rationalistic church that says, "The text is enough," or whether it is a
church that believes that the text plus the Holy Spirit is enough....

I would rather be part of a small group with inner knowledge than part
of a vast group with only intellectual knowledge. In that great day of
Christ's coming, all that will matter is whether or not I have been
inwardly illuminated, inwardly regenerated, inwardly purified. Faith
Beyond Reason, 30,32.

"I too, Lord, 'would rather be part of a small group with inner
knowledge than part of a vast group with only intellectual knowledge.'
Fill us with Your Spirit and Your presence today. Amen."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/the-text-plus-the-holy-spirit/
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