From the Library of A. W. Tozer: Selections From Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey
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The Teachings the Influenced A.W. Tozer
The name A.W. Tozer is widely known in the world of Christian Bible teaching. Though Tozer passed away in 1963, his books, messages, and teachings continue to influence Christians today. From the Library of A.W. Tozer, compiled by James Stuart Bell, offer readers a unique look into the writings that influenced Tozer and his ministry. These selections range from prayers and poetry to letters and sermons. Well-known authors such as John Bunyan, John Milton, and Dwight L. Moody are included alongside anonymous and obscure authors.
I found reading From the Library of A.W. Tozer: Selections from Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey as a supplement to my daily devotions was a helpful tool. Many of the selections are based on solid Biblical teachings, some are prayers of worship, and some are letters with practical teachings. While I did not agree with every selection in the book, I think that the majority of the selections are useful and applicable to Christian life. My advice in reading this book is to keep your Bible right beside it. The teachings in the book are good, but what the Bible says trumps anything that man says.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
July 31, 2011
Those Who Influenced A.W. Tozer
If you are a fan of A.W. Tozer, as I am, you will be grateful for this new volume, "From the Library of A.W. Tozer: Selelctions From Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey" (Bethany House, 2011). It is filled with inspiring excerpts from some of the spiritual giants, including Martin Luther, D.L. Moody and others. Here is a book to keep by your bed for morning or night reading that will encourage and motivate you.
June 4, 2011
quite Poetic, makes me want to learn about him
I have yet to read from Aiden Wilson Tozer himself, but I have heard his book: The Pursuit of God. (which is a book I ought to read and add to my library soon.) I found this book by James Stuart Bell was very interesting, because this isn't a book which examines Aiden Wilson Tozer in a biographical sense. From the Library of A.W. Tozer is a book which simply focuses on a selection of pages from books within A.W. Tozer's personal library. None of the pages within this tomb regard any of Tozer's own writings, but rather some of his influences of the past.
James Stuart Bell's book From the Library of A.W. Tozer, is a 411 page compilation of writings from various writers and figures throughout Christian and Catholic history. Some of these literary figures include Francis of Assisi, Nicholas of Cusa, D.L Moody, John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, John Calvin, Martin Luther, William Booth, Augustine of Hippo, Jonathan Edwards and Teresa of Avila, etc. In fact, each writing from those various historical figures are arranged in the following eight topic chapters:
1) Worship
2) Prayer
3) Exhortations and Prophetic Words
4) The Holy Spirit
5) Jesus Christ
6) The Presence of God
7) Christian Doctrine
8) Living the Christian Life
Truthfully in a good and bad way, the only thing Mr. James Bell can rightfully say he wrote in this book is the introduction. The good about that is it gives readers like me an appreciation and curiosity for those writers. Yet it is bad if you're someone who doesn't have a strong craving for reading deep and poetic, theological discussion. Not to mention, a reader who is new to Aiden Tozer won't be able to tell if those particular pages complied were accurate representations of his favorites since he may have had other pages in mind while still living... Nevertheless, although I can't say I agree completely with all of the writings supplied, it is a really good book for someone who has an appreciation for deep and poetic, theological discussion.
Disclaimer: Ben Umnus was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishing, but he was neither paid for his review nor was he commanded by Bethany House Publishing to write a positive review. This review is the personal, written opinion of Ben Umnus. This disclaimer is in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : âÂÂGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.âÂÂ
June 3, 2011
Influential resources used by an influential man
Have you ever wanted to peruse the bookshelves of people you esteem and are influenced by?
Could you imagine peeking into the library of Billy Graham, George Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr. or whomever else you may hold in high regard?
Well, Bethany House Publishers and James Stuart Bell have made that possible for us with the likes of noted American pastor, A. W. Tozer (1897-1963).
In From the Library of A. W. Tozer, Bell has complied short but powerful excerpts from various writers who influenced Tozer's life as well as his thinking, writing, and preaching.
In this treasure of a book, such writers featured include though are not limited to: Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Francis of Assisi, George Mueller, John Bunyan, John Calvin, John Knox, John Milton, Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, and Teresa of Avila.
These one or two-page excerpts are inspiring, piercing, challenging, thought provoking, encouraging, and on, and on, and on...
As a matter of fact, as Francois Fenelon is quoted in the book, "Without the actual inspiration of the Spirit of grace, we could neither do, nor will, nor believe any good thing. We are, then, always inspired, but we incessantly stifle the inspiration. God does not cease to speak, but the noise of the creatures without, and of our passions within, confines us and prevents our hearing."
And then there is the challenge of George Mueller to us, " Do not men believe that God means what he appears plainly to have asserted? Or, if we believe that he means it, do we fear the charge of fanaticism if we openly avow to take him at his word?"
Upon reading through this priceless treasure of a book, I found myself constantly realizing how such great people of the faith like A. W. Tozer were inspired, strengthened, challenged, and encouraged by what they immersed themselves in by way of their Bible reading and related study.
Do yourself a favor and get your hands on this one book that combines writing from countless invaluable resources. Definitely a blessing to own and dig into as a daily devotional guide, as an occasional necessary resource, or as frequent reading material. Great resource packed with wisdom and inspiration!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255: âÂÂGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.âÂÂ
April 27, 2011