The Quiet Call of Christ
A.W. Tozer explores the profound implications of Christ's quiet call to salvation and the importance of individual choice in shaping one's destiny.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound simplicity and power of Christ's invitation to humanity, highlighting that each individual holds the key to their own destiny through the choice to respond to His call. He illustrates how God's offer of salvation is universal and accessible, yet requires a personal decision, underscoring the beauty of God's quiet approach in a noisy world. Tozer points out that while the call of Christ may be subtle and often overlooked, it carries divine authority and the weight of eternal consequence. The sermon invites listeners to quiet their hearts and minds to truly hear and respond to the gentle yet powerful call of Christ.
Text
It is like the Lord to fasten a world upon nothing, and make it stay in place. Here He takes that wonderful, mysterious microcosm we call the human soul and makes its future weal or woe to rest upon a single word--if. If any man, He says, and teaches at once the universal inclusiveness of His invitation, and the freedom of the human will. Everyone may come; no one need come, and whoever does come, comes because he chooses to. Every man holds his future in his hand. Not the dominant world leader only, but the inarticulate man lost in anonymity is a man of destiny.
He decides which way his soul shall go. He chooses, and destiny waits on the nod of his head. He decides, and hell enlarges herself, or heaven prepares another mansion. So much of Himself has God given to men. There is a strange beauty in the ways of God with men. He sends salvation to the world in the person of a Man and sends that Man to walk the busy ways saying, If any man will come after me. No drama, no fanfare, no tramp of marching feet or tumult of shouting. A kindly Stranger walks through the earth, and so quiet is His voice that it is sometimes lost in the hurly-burly; but it is the last voice of God, and until we become quiet to hear it we have no authentic message.
He bears good tidings from afar but He compels no man to listen. If any man will, He says, and passes on. Friendly, courteous, unobtrusive, He yet bears the signet of the King. His word is divine authority, His eyes a tribunal, His face a last judgment.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The nature of God's invitation
- The role of human will
- The universal call to salvation
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II
- The significance of choice
- Destiny and its implications
- The power of individual decisions
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III
- Christ's quiet presence
- The importance of listening
- The contrast between noise and stillness
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IV
- The beauty of God's ways
- Salvation through Christ
- The gentle nature of His call
Key Quotes
“He decides, and destiny waits on the nod of his head.” — A.W. Tozer
“A kindly Stranger walks through the earth, and so quiet is His voice that it is sometimes lost in the hurly-burly.” — A.W. Tozer
“His word is divine authority, His eyes a tribunal, His face a last judgment.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Reflect on the choices you make daily and their impact on your spiritual journey.
- Take time to quiet your heart and listen for Christ's gentle call amidst life's distractions.
- Recognize the beauty in God's invitation and share it with others who may be lost in the noise.