The Danger of Misplaced Commitment
Faith in Jesus is total commitment to Christ, not to a church or denomination.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true faith in Jesus should not be confused with commitment to a church or denomination. He advocates for a personal and direct relationship with Christ, urging believers to critically evaluate the teachings they receive from church leaders rather than accepting them blindly. Tozer encourages Christians to prioritize their faith in Jesus above all else, while still valuing the local church as a community of believers. He stresses the importance of using the Bible as the ultimate guide for faith and practice, rather than solely relying on church authority. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a commitment that is solely directed towards Christ.
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Faith in Jesus is not commitment to your church or denomination. I believe in the local church; I am not a tabernacle man. I believe in the divine assembly. We ought to realize that we are, as a group of Christians, a divine assembly, a cell in the body of Christ, alive with His life. But not for one second would I try to create in you a faith that would lead you to commit yourself irrevocably to a local church or to your church leaders. You are not asked to follow your church leaders. You are not asked like a little robin on the nest to open your innocent little mouth and just take anything I put in. If what I put in is not biblical food, regurgitate and do not be afraid to do it. Call me or come see me or write me an anonymous letter.
But do something about it.
Do not, by any means, swallow what your leaders give you. Here is the book, the Bible; go to it. Faith is faith in Jesus Christ, God"s Son. It is total faith in Christ and not in a denomination or church, though you may love the church and respect and love your leaders and your denomination. But your commitment is to Christ.
Sermon Outline
- Faith in Jesus
- The Local Church
- Following Leaders
- Do not blindly follow church leaders
- Check against the Bible
- Regurgitate unbiblical teaching
Key Quotes
“Faith is faith in Jesus Christ, God's Son.” — A.W. Tozer
“You are not asked to follow your church leaders. You are not asked like a little robin on the nest to open your innocent little mouth and just take anything I put in.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Always check your church leaders' teaching against the Bible and be willing to speak up if it is unbiblical.
- Your commitment is to Christ alone, not to a church or denomination.
- Be a discerning follower of Christ, not a blind follower of church leaders.