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Paths to Power: Living in the Spirit's Fullness
A.W. Tozer begins this book, titled, Paths to Power, with a
powerful statement about the history of the world and the role of the Christian.
"The greatest event in history was the coming of Jesus Christ into the world to
live and to die for mankind." In Paths to Power, Tozer makes a thesis (that God
s plan) falls into line with this one simple and dramatically powerful event and
then goes on to examine the state of the current church with its lukewarm moral
convictions, its members who lack the power of the Spirit and its administrators
who work to pay bills and fulfill their weekly obligations rather than feed the
flock and pay attention to shepherding their flocks. A.W. Tozer inspires conviction
to restore the church to its place of power, when it can be a moral force to be
reckoned with. He states the compelling power of the burning bush that Moses saw
and Tozer says, no one is afraid of mere ashes. This indictment of modern man s
complacency is pungent and will hold the believer accountable of sloth and uninspired
faith in the Lord. This book challenges to live a more Spirit-filled life.
Tozer reminds the reader that God s work is redemption and salvation, but it is
our responsibility to repent and believe, and as a result of that, to obey the Word
of God. Tozer offers a stern warning against excusing sin as an affront to
God.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1911
400 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
A.W. Tozer
660 books2,143 followersAiden 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 6, 2017
Wow...
This little book took only about 45 minutes to read and it was jam-packed. Tower explore the reasons for a dead and lacking church (which, we see vividly today) and its many unbiblical-yet-widely-accepted teachings. There was not quite as much Scripture cited in the first half as I would have preferred, though knowing the Bible, the truths were presented. I can see where it would be very helpful to Christians who may be searching beyond the "typical norm" of church. It's definitely given me a lot to think and pray about.
Just a few quotes...
"The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith."
"We can have feeling without faith, it is true, but we can never have faith without feeling. Faith as a cold, unemotional light is wholly unknown in the Scriptures."
"The Holy Spirit is the *cure* for fanaticism, not the cause of it."
This little book took only about 45 minutes to read and it was jam-packed. Tower explore the reasons for a dead and lacking church (which, we see vividly today) and its many unbiblical-yet-widely-accepted teachings. There was not quite as much Scripture cited in the first half as I would have preferred, though knowing the Bible, the truths were presented. I can see where it would be very helpful to Christians who may be searching beyond the "typical norm" of church. It's definitely given me a lot to think and pray about.
Just a few quotes...
"The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith."
"We can have feeling without faith, it is true, but we can never have faith without feeling. Faith as a cold, unemotional light is wholly unknown in the Scriptures."
"The Holy Spirit is the *cure* for fanaticism, not the cause of it."
September 12, 2016
Books by A. W. Tozer always have such a sense of authority that I can't help but sit up straighter and pay attention to everything he writes. In a world of fluff books that water down what the Bible says so readers who are slowly being led astray will feel better about their choices, Tozer tells it like it is and doesn't try to flatter anyone.
In this book, he takes the time to explain the part of man versus the part of God. Because this is a very important distinction, and one I'm sure that isn't always understood, it is worth the readers time to carefully read what he has to say about this subject.
As with all Tozer books, you get a plain message. He comes right to the point and it doesn't take him 600 pages to do that. While this is a short book, it is more valuable than many books 5 times as long.
In this book, he takes the time to explain the part of man versus the part of God. Because this is a very important distinction, and one I'm sure that isn't always understood, it is worth the readers time to carefully read what he has to say about this subject.
As with all Tozer books, you get a plain message. He comes right to the point and it doesn't take him 600 pages to do that. While this is a short book, it is more valuable than many books 5 times as long.
September 13, 2024
sweet little book! wanted to read a tozer book and this one was great! it had a lot of underline worthy points but nothing that i can’t stop thinking about and going back to so that why the 3 stars. a reminder of the work of the spirit in the core aspects of spiritual life
May 5, 2020
Tozer is one of the most consistent voices of the 20th century. His heart on fire for the things of God once more is revealed in this book. The following quote gripped me and offers a glimpse into the passionate appeal contained in these pages.
“In the missionary society with which I have been associated for many years, I have noticed that the power of God has always hovered over our frontiers. Miracles have accompanied our advances and have ceased when and where we allowed ourselves to become satisfied and ceased to advance. The creed of power cannot save a movement from barrenness. There must be also the work of power.”
“In the missionary society with which I have been associated for many years, I have noticed that the power of God has always hovered over our frontiers. Miracles have accompanied our advances and have ceased when and where we allowed ourselves to become satisfied and ceased to advance. The creed of power cannot save a movement from barrenness. There must be also the work of power.”
February 1, 2021
Great Little Book
As usual, Tozer writes with a prophetic and spirit-filled candour that few possess or have since. Many of the chapters of this book I found I highlighted more than I didn’t. It’s a simple read, short, to the point. My favourite chapter was one on what hinders us from experiencing the baptism of the Spirit as they did in the early church. His answer is pure gold and still rings as true today as it did when he wrote it.
As usual, Tozer writes with a prophetic and spirit-filled candour that few possess or have since. Many of the chapters of this book I found I highlighted more than I didn’t. It’s a simple read, short, to the point. My favourite chapter was one on what hinders us from experiencing the baptism of the Spirit as they did in the early church. His answer is pure gold and still rings as true today as it did when he wrote it.
October 24, 2019
This tiny book (my version is sixty-four pages) truly packs a punch. Tozer does not mince words nor spends an inordinate length of time explaining things when he can succinctly explain them; he is to the point with no frills (or jokes or stories) attached. Tozer is convinced that as Christians, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do His will with a much greater power than most Christians are aware of. He names different paths that one can take to appropriate this power as God intended. This "effective energy" will glean more fruit for God's work in the world, protect us from the enemy, and draw us closer to God. Paths include understand God's vs our part in salvation, the importance of consistent obedience, working out doctrinal hindrances, and a unified front with other Christians. Thought-provoking and Biblically sound, this was a great reminder of the power of God that He wants to use in and through us for His purposes.
Rating: G
(This book is part of my Unread Bookshelf Project, where I am challenging myself to read 36 books I already own in 2019)
Rating: G
(This book is part of my Unread Bookshelf Project, where I am challenging myself to read 36 books I already own in 2019)
August 13, 2020
Wholesome truth
One thing I experienced while reading this was the distraction of the mind. There’s something about wanting to learn more about the wholesomeness of God that the other side doesn’t want you know. But keep fighting it. It’s a small book but so full of power in every single word, so proceed with caution. Read each paragraph until it sinks in, remember a time when such examples happened in reality. Overall it will take your breath away and clear the obstacles of simplicity. There’s nothing simple about Gods work, it’s just that, work.
One thing I experienced while reading this was the distraction of the mind. There’s something about wanting to learn more about the wholesomeness of God that the other side doesn’t want you know. But keep fighting it. It’s a small book but so full of power in every single word, so proceed with caution. Read each paragraph until it sinks in, remember a time when such examples happened in reality. Overall it will take your breath away and clear the obstacles of simplicity. There’s nothing simple about Gods work, it’s just that, work.
August 11, 2020
Powerful little book! I was surprised by how tiny this book is. It's more of a booklet than an actual book but don't let its size fool you. Tozer packed a powerful Spiritual punch in under 80 pages. This little book will not let you walk away untouched and unconvicted.
Tozer discusses the reasons why Christians are not living to their Spiritual fullest, why believers are dead and indifferent to the Holy Spirit. But he answers with what we can do about it and how we can have revival today. This little bomb is not for the easily offended, it is for those who are willing to listen to the clarion call. He makes a strong claim for Christian obedience which will probably step on some toes but no apologies. This book is for the mature Christian hungry for meat, not milk.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"To escape the error of salvation by works we have fallen into the opposite error of salvation without obedience."
"To the casual observer today of the religious scene today, two things will at once be evident: one, that there is little sense of sin among the unsaved, and two, that the average professed Christian lives a life so worldly and careless that it is difficult to distinguish him from the unconverted man."
" We can have feeling without faith, it is true, but we can never have faith without feeling. Faith as a cold, unemotional light is wholly unknown in the Scriptures."
"It may be stated as an axiom of the Christian system that whatever makes sin permissible is a foe of God and an enemy of the souls of men."
I received a copy of this book from Moody in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Tozer discusses the reasons why Christians are not living to their Spiritual fullest, why believers are dead and indifferent to the Holy Spirit. But he answers with what we can do about it and how we can have revival today. This little bomb is not for the easily offended, it is for those who are willing to listen to the clarion call. He makes a strong claim for Christian obedience which will probably step on some toes but no apologies. This book is for the mature Christian hungry for meat, not milk.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"To escape the error of salvation by works we have fallen into the opposite error of salvation without obedience."
"To the casual observer today of the religious scene today, two things will at once be evident: one, that there is little sense of sin among the unsaved, and two, that the average professed Christian lives a life so worldly and careless that it is difficult to distinguish him from the unconverted man."
" We can have feeling without faith, it is true, but we can never have faith without feeling. Faith as a cold, unemotional light is wholly unknown in the Scriptures."
"It may be stated as an axiom of the Christian system that whatever makes sin permissible is a foe of God and an enemy of the souls of men."
I received a copy of this book from Moody in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
May 6, 2022
I know Tozer is kind of enshrined in believers' hearts, so my comments may seem a bit sacrilegious. I was not impressed. This book was more of a lament over what the Church is doing to hinder having the power of God (and yes, I agreed with him on these points) than a guide to operating in more of it. Perhaps Tozer had a burr under his saddle blanket or a bad case of indigestion when he wrote it?
In a nutshell, here are the positive points made on how to have God's power within:
1.) Don't be a lazy Christian. Get out and evangelize.
2.) Get hold of a biblical understanding of grace.
3.) Be obedient to God.
4.) Get your doctrine right.
5.) You can't do it yourself: you need to be filled with the Spirit (but not wild like them there Pentecostal folk). ;-)
6.) Nothing much will happen without unity among the believers.
So, there you have it -- in much less time than it will take to read the book!
In a nutshell, here are the positive points made on how to have God's power within:
1.) Don't be a lazy Christian. Get out and evangelize.
2.) Get hold of a biblical understanding of grace.
3.) Be obedient to God.
4.) Get your doctrine right.
5.) You can't do it yourself: you need to be filled with the Spirit (but not wild like them there Pentecostal folk). ;-)
6.) Nothing much will happen without unity among the believers.
So, there you have it -- in much less time than it will take to read the book!
May 12, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tozer clearly describes the spiritual condition of professing believers these days: “[The Church] has lived through its early travails and has now come to accept an easier way of life. It is content to carry on its painless program with enough money to pay its bills and a membership large enough to assure its future. Its members now look to it for security rather than for guidance in the battle between good and evil. It has become a school instead of a barracks. Its members are students, not soldiers. They study the experiences of others instead of seeking new experiences of their own.”
https://amzn.to/3hONu8m
Tozer clearly describes the spiritual condition of professing believers these days: “[The Church] has lived through its early travails and has now come to accept an easier way of life. It is content to carry on its painless program with enough money to pay its bills and a membership large enough to assure its future. Its members now look to it for security rather than for guidance in the battle between good and evil. It has become a school instead of a barracks. Its members are students, not soldiers. They study the experiences of others instead of seeking new experiences of their own.”
https://amzn.to/3hONu8m
March 12, 2021
Every modern believer ...
...should read A. W. Tozer! You may not agree with every fine point, but the overall message is definitely one for our time. "Paths to Power" is a brief read, but the truths contained inside its pages will inspire, encourage and challenge the thoughtful reader. It can be read in one sitting, but I recommend that you read it slower than that, giving your spirit time to absorb the great truths inside.
...should read A. W. Tozer! You may not agree with every fine point, but the overall message is definitely one for our time. "Paths to Power" is a brief read, but the truths contained inside its pages will inspire, encourage and challenge the thoughtful reader. It can be read in one sitting, but I recommend that you read it slower than that, giving your spirit time to absorb the great truths inside.
August 14, 2021
A perfect book. Wow. Tozer affirmed all my yearnings and convictions in this short work: the goodness of the law and obedience (not legalism or cheap grace); the dangers of allowing knowledge/creed to dominate feeling/Spirit; the need for the struggling church to pivot to offense mode, to unite and MOVE in order to experience the Spirit’s rush and anointing. Oh man. I’ll be handing this powerful book to so many.
Read
August 3, 2021Wow. I mostly know Tozer for his “Pursuit of God.” And yet, I think I like this tiny book even more than his famous classic. I want to read the whole series now. His perspective on experiencing the Holy Spirit’s powerful presence is simple in the “oh, now this makes sense!” sort of way. “The Spirit is the cure for fanaticism, not the cause of it.”
October 6, 2021
This work clocks in at under 100 pages. You could easily finish it in one sitting, but don’t do that. Instead, take the time to ponder the words and how you have lived your life. Do you have a life of power or one of weakness? Apply the principles of this book for a more mature, powerful faith.
I loved the last “chapter” on unity. That alone was worth the price I paid for this work.
I loved the last “chapter” on unity. That alone was worth the price I paid for this work.
June 19, 2018
There is much here to spend time in thought. "To obey, in the New Testament.....means to give attention to the word, to submit to its authority, and to carry out its instructions." "The Bible knows nothing of salvation apart from obedience."
July 18, 2019
Good read
Sad he missed the mark that people receiving the HOLY SPiRIT always without fail speak in other tongues . It would do well for one to search out the matter. Your salvation depends on it.
Sad he missed the mark that people receiving the HOLY SPiRIT always without fail speak in other tongues . It would do well for one to search out the matter. Your salvation depends on it.
August 5, 2022
Very uplifting book
This book clearly explains how believers in Christ can truly live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It also highlights some of the hindrances to the manifestations of miracles in the church.
This book clearly explains how believers in Christ can truly live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It also highlights some of the hindrances to the manifestations of miracles in the church.
August 7, 2022
Wonderful
I highly recommend anything A.W. Tozer writes. I've read several of his books and I have never been disappointed. I think all Christian want to be living in the spirit's fullness.
I highly recommend anything A.W. Tozer writes. I've read several of his books and I have never been disappointed. I think all Christian want to be living in the spirit's fullness.
October 14, 2023
Revival Builer
Do you want revival in your church? Start with revival in yourself. Look to the Holy Spirit as found in God's Word. This is a good book to cut through many misunderstood and get to Bible teaching.
Do you want revival in your church? Start with revival in yourself. Look to the Holy Spirit as found in God's Word. This is a good book to cut through many misunderstood and get to Bible teaching.
January 10, 2019
Really great and short book on how the Holy Spirit is the power behind the Church, the Christian life, and the sustainability needed to follow Jesus.
October 28, 2019
Want to BELIEVE again? Want to grow in the deep waters of the SPIRIT - just about anything Tozer wrote will help - but this is one of his best
October 29, 2019
Tozer's insights and his way with words are amazing. He packs so much truth and challenge into such a small book. I'll definitely be reading more of his books.
November 6, 2019
Well, it's Tozer, so by default it's genius, brilliant and direct! Short book but powerful. Certainly worth any thinking Christian's time.
December 29, 2019
Conviction
This book gave me several ways to examine myself and grow closer to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus.
This book gave me several ways to examine myself and grow closer to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus.
Read
July 9, 2020Excellent little collection of 7 key points about what it takes to walk in the power of the Spirit. I’ll be keeping this around for future reference to striking points within each section.
August 11, 2020
Gives you many leads to a powerful path in life.
April 17, 2021
Good read
Another good book by AW Tozer. This book is very challenging and thought provoking book and definitely a worthwhile read.
Another good book by AW Tozer. This book is very challenging and thought provoking book and definitely a worthwhile read.
July 26, 2021
Another powerful work
Another powerful work by AW Tozer. God always uses his insights to stir my heart and encourage me in my faith.
Another powerful work by AW Tozer. God always uses his insights to stir my heart and encourage me in my faith.
February 22, 2022
So good! No fluff, just what needs to be said. About every other statement is quotable!
June 1, 2023
Power can be ours
Tower again writes clearly and persuasively. He lays out the problems and points the reader to new understandings. Worth the time on Spirit power.
Tower again writes clearly and persuasively. He lays out the problems and points the reader to new understandings. Worth the time on Spirit power.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews