Experiencing the Presence of God: Teachings From the Book of Hebrews

by A.W. Tozer

Deep in the soul of every person on earth is a longing for the presence of God. The heart of every human being strives toward God, but only the redeemed can overcome the great barriers between God and man. For the greatest barrier of all is the conflict between man’s desire for God and his sinful desire to please himself. Experiencing the Presence of God is a never-before-published collection of teachings on the Book of Hebrews, adapted from sermons given to A. W. Tozer’s parishioners. The renowned pastor and teacher examines through its pages what it means to dwell in God’s presence. Readers will explore the epistle’s sweeping grasp of history and see their own struggles in the “hero stories” recounted there. Through Tozer’s incomparable teaching and commentary, this ancient letter invites today’s believers into a fresh understanding and experience of God’s indwelling presence.

 

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Spirituality

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2010

About the author

Aiden Wilson Tozer was an American evangelical pastor, speaker, writer, and editor. After coming to Christ at the age of seventeen, Tozer found his way into the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination where he served for over forty years. In 1950, he was appointed by the denomination's General Council to be the editor of "The Alliance Witness" (now "Alliance Life").

Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.

A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.

Reviews

[Benjamin Reardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to give a personal testimony just before my review. After several months of addiction, I recently deleted Instagram. I used to scroll for embarrassingly long periods of time. I just deleted the app this past Sunday, 11/05/23, and also made a commitment to God that I would fast from listening to all music, podcasts, or YouTube videos (with the exception of a particular ministry I adore) for an entire week. I am not ashamed to confess that I have wrestled with extreme insecurity and have used noise to constantly keep me moving, keep me focused, and keep me from facing it head on.

I usually plan out what I read every month by stacking the books in a small “reading pile” in my room. This month, I had planned to read numerous books on capitalism and economics, as well as taking some free online courses on economics 101. Instead, for no specific reason, I drove out to a local Christian bookstore I never knew existed before just to peruse for fun, and I wound up getting this book.

I love A. W. Tozer. As a born-again believer with a serious intention of “working out my salvation daily”, I couldn’t recommend his writings more emphatically. He is essential for doctrine-based guidance and the growth of one’s walk by faith. Though C. S. Lewis is my favorite writer of all time and I adore reading his works more than any other Christian writer, A. W. Tozer speaks in such an authoritatively authentic way about Biblical truth and living according to the Word of God. He is essential for every Christian, in my opinion.

So, I began to read this book in silence (contrary to my occasional habit of reading with background noise or music like Lo-fi hip hop) and focused solely on honoring my fasting commitment and reading my Bible. It has been one of the hardest weeks of my life - but it has been one of the most rewarding as well. Consequently, I have also been reading through the book of Psalms and annotating 1-2 chapters every day as the focus of my personal Bible study. I had just read Psalm 46 in full for the first time the other day (“Be still and know that I am God”), which is the focus of my fast. I also finished a fantastic series called “Stay Free” by a YouTube ministry called The Fuel Project this same week; it also makes references to both the book of Psalms and Psalm 46, and the book of Hebrews. I fully believe God has worked all of these circumstances, viewings, and readings together as I have been disciplining myself to relearn maintaining solitude with God. All praise be to Him for His faithfulness - especially when I have been unable to see it right in front of me this whole week. I am truly in reverent awe.

I wouldn’t hesitate to add this book to your reading list. I would advise any reader to make sure to put away all distractions and to have their Bible ready. This book takes time to digest; it is best digested with Biblical doctrine and following along in the book of Hebrews. Tozer answered several questions I didn’t even realize I had and challenged me on subjects I needed a fresh perspective on. He also makes it clear that entering into God’s presence is not easily managed, so those wondering if this is merely an aspect of God that can be “tapped into” need not bother picking this book up. Entering God’s presence requires denying yourself daily and striving ever upward towards the light, repenting of any and all sins. It is only by His grace that we may enter at all.

If only we had thinkers and writers like A. W. Tozer in our society today - I expect we would all see a lot more action from the Church instead of passively welcoming in strangers and Christians alike week after week to experience nothing but a comfortable and entertaining show devoid of substance or Biblical doctrine - only to go out to lunch instead of out to witness to a lost and dying world desperately in need of the Truth.

“The degree of our delighting in God’s presence rests upon our knowing our standing before God. It is no secret that the devil hates our joy in the Lord and will strive with all his power to rob us of this holy delight. Nothing bothers the devil more than a Christian delighting in God’s presence.”
- A. W. Tozer

Soli Deo Gloria,
BHR (The Reading Gnome)

[Tracey Dyck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Tozer book, and although he occasionally went off on tangents, it offered great food for thought. The presence of God isn't something to wait for—it's as close as your next breath, and God is just waiting for us to turn our hearts and attention to Him.

I quite enjoyed taking a journey through the book of Hebrews, looking at it through the lens of God's presence... why we can step into it and how to do so.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the book: "God desires to reveal Himself to us more than we desire to experience His presence."

[Dmack · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 1st journey with Tozer and I truly enjoyed his look at the Bible and how to use it with our daily walk with God; this is an excellent read for anyone wanting to gain a better understanding into what they need to do to hear God more in their life. It is however not an in-depth look at the book of Hebrews as the title might imply. It simply uses Hebrews as a medium for the subject itself.

[Kymberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book; the devotions being about 20-25 mins long. Some times I wished they were broken down into simpler or one devotion become 2, to focus more on the subject or verse(s). I love Tozer and I will read anything he has written and highly recommend his writings. This man loves the Lord and The Word of God.

[Ian]

I can't imagine reading this. I am so sick of Christian platitudes and bullshit. I'm convinced that Christians are responsible, whether directly or indirectly, for most of the misery and suffering in our society. In case you wonder, I grew up protestant Christian. I was a member of PCUSA and the Evangelical Covenant Churches. Then I converted to Catholicism three years ago. About a year ago I dragged myself kicking and screaming away from the hypocrasy and ethical abrogation that is so much of modern Christianity. I can't take it any more. If you believe in a personal, loving, all-powerful God, then you're a fool. The evidence against such a belief surrounds you and you're deliberately ignoring it because you want to believe in what makes you feel good. I have found so much peace in agnosticism ... so much more peace than I ever felt as a Protestant or Catholic Christian. Unchanged from Christianity, I finally feel free to love everyone, love myself, and make this world a better place for all.

[Eric Sutliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me way too long to read Tozer.

Loved the way he weaved humor and theology together. Surprised with how many times I laughed out loud. Reminded me of the way Mark Twain uses satire.

Approachable, yet stern. Like a loving father who wants the best for his children.

His words on “entertainment” and “fun” are as meaningful today as they have ever been. Convicting the church through the Spirit on the “why” of church community to encounter God. Loved how he used Hebrews as the biblical reference through the whole book in one succinct story line. Looking forward to reading more of his work.

[Ashton Eleazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing perspective on encountering the Father in his holiness and grace - debunking lots of misconceptions like whether we should do Christian life alone (Jesus even went to the synagogue) and whether the OT God was one of wrath (the Father suffered for the Son as he was the one that looked away when Jesus died in that moment on the cross).

[Hannah Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to read and understand. I feel like the book really just followed his train of thought more than the set out plan of the book, but he did have some good advice/points.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study is about the majesty of the Lord. We have lost this even in the church due to how we look at others. We are created in the image of God. We have lost the value of man by placing the value of man in man's indentity instead of the image of God. There is a cost because anything of value of does have a cost. We are valuable to the Lord. Look at the high cost he made in our behalf. The cost for us is less of me, more of Christ. The trinity was shown very well in this study and how they work together. We have a great salvation. The Lord is not intrusive but the world is. We as christians need the "new birth" not training. Training only last so long. New birth changes the nature of the heart. It starts with how behold the Glory of God.

[Matthias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tozer is undoubtedly in my top five favorite authors. I am driven to my knees and to the Bible every time I read a chapter by him.

Going through Hebrews with Tozer was a treat, but the final chapter of this book was (hands-down, without a doubt) the best chapter on a personal walk with the personal God. It contained the best thoughts I've ever been blessed to read on the topic!

Tozer begins each chapter/topic with a short portion of Scripture and ends with an appropriate hymn. I appreciate his emphasis on the person of God and feel as though I have brushed shoulders with a man who knew God in a way I hope to know Him someday!

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Tozer gem!!! Great commentary (lite) on the book of Hebrews. Most of the stuff in this was written many decades ago but surprisingly very applicable for today! The only thing I did not like was that he did not cover every single verse, instead he just picked a few here and there, still amazing just wish it were another way 200 pages longer.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Many times, when we come to God in prayer, we come with a grocery list of things we are asking for. I believe in asking God for thing. I believe it is important to come before God with a list of things that we are trusting Him for. But after all that is done, some time must be given to cultivating silence before His presence."

What does experiencing the presence of God mean? This book takes you on a deeper dive of Hebrews on what it meant to experience His presence in the OT and what it means now because of Jesus. This is NOT a 'how to book'. The title is not 'How to Experience the Presence of God.' You can take some how's away from it, but as the blurb says this book "challenges our status quo, invites us to explore a fresh understanding of what it means to dwell in God's presence."

I found the fact that this wasn't an obvious how to book quite refreshing. It challenges you to find your own how. You can tell that Tozer wrote this at a time where there was maybe some sort of division happening within the church. The feel and passion of the writing suggests that Tozer had a chip on his shoulder about where the church was heading, (which I'm not indicating this is a negative thing). There are certainly some ouch moments where he doesn't pull any punches on what he thinks.

I will also say this isn't what I'd call 'light reading' either. Tozer writes as a theologian and he doesn't necessarily seek to make things simple and overly digestible. From when I first read his book 'The Knowledge of the Holy' years ago, I've found his writing to be quite poetic in nature. You need to know this going in. This is a read a chapter and mull it over, and maybe reread it to make sure you've understood what you've read kinda book. It's not like when I read 'Practicing The Way' which I blew through. One style of writing is not better than any other. This is why I purposefully set out the month to read this. Some Christian books you absorb easily, some need a bit more time and brain space. This to me was the latter.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars

[Steve Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently discovered Tozer, I'll be making my way through everything he wrote. This wasn't actually a book he wrote, it was adapted from a bunch of his sermons on the book of Hebrews. As such, it doesn't have the beautiful prose that his better known works do. That said, this book is very practical, and I took away lots of Tozer wisdom as expected.

"You do not believe a thing rightly, until you act in accordance with it. When you bring your life into line with your faith, you are a believer, but when your life is not in line with your faith, you are no true believer at all".

"Getting beyond the veil of self. So what can we do now?
First, hold faith in love. This makes a man dear to God. Second, come in full confidence. Third, turn your back on self. These three things will go a long way to tearing down the veil of self and exposing your soul to the presence of God."

"The worried Christian has not committed the unpardonable sin, for it is part of the pyschological state of the sinner who has committed it, that he does not know he has done it. And when you hear anyone grieving for fear that they have, you can assure them they have not. The ones in the bible that did, were arrogantly sure that they were righteous and would laugh aloud if you told them they had committed the unpardonable sin."

"We must get the idea ourselves, and teach new Christians. When you become a Christian, one aspect of their conversion is that of a settled determination to follow Jesus Christ, regardless of what it may cost, or how he feels and any given time."

"Our spiritual health and vitality are built upon the spiritual disciplines and habits. Everyone has habits, but only a few carefully craft their habits to enhance their spiritual development. How few of Gods people really enjoy the fullness of their salvation, many are satisfied with their destination, but neglect the journey."

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Mr. Tozer brings you to think about the subject he is writing leading you into a deep spiritual experience. Through the book of Hebrews and Tozer’s meditative writing , you are brought into a greater desire to experience God. Each chapter expounds a selected passage of Hebrews with a challenge to seek God as He is revealed in His word. I was looking for a commentary on Hebrews. This was not it, but it did not disappoint. As I read through Hebrews I read the accompanying sermon covered in the book and was blessed by the writings of this wise pastor from the past. I have been encouraged to seek God more intensely and not stop seeking until He is found and I come into His presence and I will continue in my quest to understand the book of Hebrews better in light of a new covenant - Jesus my high priest and advocate. I highly recommend this book as I would all of Mr. Tozer’s works that I have read.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tozer doesn’t coddle or sugarcoat; he calls it how it is... And honestly, I needed that.

Experience the Presence of God is rich but readable, the kind of book that makes you pause after a paragraph and just sit with it. I listened to it on audio, but if I had a hard copy of the book, there would have been highlights and notes on every page. Tozer has this way of writing that both convicts and comforts. He reminds you that God isn’t distant or disinterested--He’s near, and He wants to be known. Really known.

This isn’t a quick read, and it’s not supposed to be. It’s one you digest slowly, prayerfully. I honestly felt like Tozer was mentoring me through the pages. Highly recommend for anyone who’s craving more than surface-level faith.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devotional reading based on passages from Hebrews.

Here's a couple of quotable quotes:

Man is a fallen creature. We are not what we should be and not what we were. Sin is here, and hate and insanity and impermanence and criminality and war.

The blood of the Lamb has washed away the evil that kept us away from God. Now, whoever will may come regardless of how dark his stain or how far off he may be from God.

Tozer uses plain language and writes in a way that is easy to understand. This is a book I'd consider giving to a new believer or a person considering becoming a Christian.

[Brad Dell · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times, it feels like Tozer is pouring napalm into my veins. I haven’t yet read an author who can kick my spirit into gear like he does. Though all his books include theology by nature, this was his most doctrine-based that I’ve read. I thought that would be a negative — I typically read him to get my heart pumping, more than my mind exercising. But I was pleasantly surprised that he approaches CS Lewis’s caliber of translating doctrines into easily digestible, brilliant analogies.

He often launched on tangents, but they were good tangents. And I don’t agree with a good number of his points but I think they are fine if read in the context of his day.

This is a great read.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ Abel I-a plăcut lui Dumnezeu nu pentru că era un om bun, căci nu era. Însă el și-a asumat identitatea de om rău în prezența unui Dumnezeu sfânt. Pe de altă parte, Cain nu I-a plăcut lui Dumnezeu, nu pentru că era mai rău decât Abel - amândoi erau păcătoși născuți din aceiași părinți- ci pentru că a presupus că e în regulă când era tocmai pe dos. A presupus că între el și Dumnezeu nu se interpune nimic; dar Abel a știut că se interpune ceva. Aceasta este diferența.
Întregul scop pentru care Dumnezeu ne aduce într-o relație corectă cu El este ca să putem intra într-o relație conștientă cu El, să putem fi conștienți de Dumnezeu și El de noi.”

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed with the book. It actually is the transcripts of his sermons on Hebrews. The sermons are not expository and at times, I am not sure what he was talking about. He had one section about how Luke 15th and the lost son, lost sheep and lost coin was actually the Trinity? The book is not near the quality of The Pursuit of God.

One thought that I appreciated was about church should not be a place we seek to be entertained. He wrote that 60+ years ago! He would have a heart attack, physical and spiritual, to be in our contemporary churches. I'd been thinking about this as we have begun going to an Evangelical Anglican church. Some might find it boring but I find the service focused on Christ-full stop, period.

[Titus · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an excellent book to really grasp the how and what of the Experience of God. There is an irresistible attraction towards God's Beauty, Awe and Reverence that Tozer's words highlight. I believe this book should be read as a sequel to Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy, that we may behold the attributes of the God He is really trying to paint before us, that it may lead us to pursue His Presence all the more earnestly.

[Ethan West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little thrown off when about 1/4 of the way in I realized that this was a compilation of Tozer's thoughts/teachings on Hebrews and not a book that he actually wrote himself. I don't get as much out of those books usually unless I know that coming in. I spend way to much time trying to figure out what the big picture is and how the chapters tie together. Other than that, this was an excellent book.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

It feels sacrilegious to give Tozer such a low rating, but I could not get into this book. Once you wrap your head around that it’s actually teachings instead of written word, it’s easier to take in. But I found myself constantly re-checking the chapter title to try to figure out the point of what he was saying, and it often didn’t line up. I just had trouble following and didn’t glean too much. There are some nuggets, but I was largely disappointed.

[Gerson Vázquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro que nos recuerda el esfuerzo que se requiere de nuestra parte para gozar de la presencia de Dios en todo momento. A. W. Tozer nos exhorta a poner empeño en esta tarea ya que la recompensa de contar con la presencia de Dios sobrepasa cualquier dificultad que enfrentemos.

Es tiempo de dejar de lado el cristianismo cómodo y luchar para disfrutar de la comunión con Dios.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful little book

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little slow for me at the beginning having been a Christian for most of my life, most of these things I already knew. But it is always good to hear and re-listen to the gospel message.
Then end where he talked of the spiritual disciplines was probably my favorite.

[Ryand Escuban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started the book and enjoyed every moment reading it! Tozer gives great incite and explanation on the book of Hebrews! Hebrews can be a bit hard to follow due to the many references of the OT but with clarification can really see God’s goodness and love for His people! If you haven’t read this yet, definitely suggest to pick it up!

[Roberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otra joya de Tozer! Es un libro que te conduce y alienta a la intimidad con Dios, a Su presencia manifiesta. Te exhorta, te conforta y te anima a permanecer en cada momento en un estado de dependencia y rendición total ante el Gran Yo Soy.

[Angel Rose Lalata · Rating 5 out of 5]

True and Insightful.
This book is a reminder of how Christians shouldn't neglect the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. We must give reverence to the presence of God and desire Him, welcome Him in our hearts each day.

[María Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Experimentar la presencia de Dios en nuestras vidas diariamente es un hábito que debemos desarrollar.

Cada día hay que buscar, olvidar, meditar y permanecer en su verdad con la condición adecuada de nuestro corazón.

[Francoise Ugochukwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for Christians who want to be totally committed to God. It will change you.


An excellent book for Christians who want to be totally committed to God. It will change your life. Get it.

[Christiaan De Wit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, and call to set your heart upon the Lord and go forth with an eternal perspective.

"Each day presents a new opportunity to experience God and fellowship with Him. Nothing should so occupy the mind of the Christian than discovering God in his day."