Journey of the Heart
A.W. Tozer shares his personal testimony of conversion and emphasizes the importance of genuine Christian experience, highlighting the heart's decision to follow Jesus.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of genuine Christian experience while preaching Christ as the Savior. He shares his personal journey, highlighting how a street preacher's words led him to earnestly seek Jesus and ultimately surrender his heart to Him. Tozer affirms that Jesus continues to call us to come to Him for rest and salvation, illustrating that true transformation begins in the heart. His testimony serves as a reminder that anyone can have a personal relationship with Christ, regardless of their background.
Text
I object to the charge that "Tozer preaches experience." I preach Christ, the Savior-that is my calling! But I am positive about the validity, the reality and the value of genuine Christian experience. We can talk to Jesus just as we talk to our other friends. As a boy, I was not a Christian. I did not have the privilege of growing up in a home where Christ was known and loved. God spoke to me through a street preacher who quoted the word of Jesus, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." That invitation let me know that Jesus is still calling "Come now!" I went home and up into the attic. There in earnest prayer I gave my heart and life to Jesus Christ. My feet had taken me home and into the attic.
But it was my heart that went to Jesus!
Within my heart I consented to go to Jesus. I have been a Christian ever since that moment.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Christian Experience
- A Personal Testimony of Conversion
- The Heart's Decision
- My heart went to Jesus
- The moment of conversion
- Responding to the invitation in prayer
Key Quotes
“I preach Christ, the Savior-that is my calling!” — A.W. Tozer
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — A.W. Tozer
“My feet had taken me home and into the attic. But it was my heart that went to Jesus!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the importance of genuine Christian experience and the role of the heart in making a decision for Jesus.
- Respond to Jesus' invitation to come to Him for rest and follow Him in your life.
- Reflect on your own personal testimony of conversion and the moment when your heart decided to follow Jesus.