Light-and Shadows
The Christian life is a journey of contradictions, but it is through the light and shadow of our faith that we can grow spiritually and understand the true cost of redemption.
A.W. Tozer addresses the complexities of the Christian experience, acknowledging that even true believers can hurt one another due to the ongoing struggle between light and shadow in their lives. He emphasizes that while Christians may find themselves in contradictions, they are in the process of being saved from sin's ugliness. Tozer stresses the importance of a genuine relationship with Christ, highlighting that true faith is rooted in a longing for His presence and an understanding of the sacrifice made for redemption. He challenges listeners to reflect on the depth of their faith and the transformative power of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.
Text
A person once called me to ask this question: "Mr. Tozer, do you think a person who is really a Christian can hurt another Christian?" There is no easy answer-but I had to reply: "Yes, I think so." Why is it that a man can be on his knees one day, praying earnestly, and the next day be guilty of offending or injuring another Christian? I think it is because we are halfway between heaven and hell. It is because the light-and the shadow-fall upon us. The best answer is that we are being saved out of all these contradictions we find in our lifetime.
Perhaps on this earth we will never be able to comprehend fully the awful, terrible price the Lord of all beauty paid to gain our redemption; to save His people from the ugliness of sin.
If you do not know Him and worship Him, if you do not long to reside where He is, if you have never known wonder and ecstasy in your soul because of His crucifixion and resurrection, your claim of Christianity has little foundation!
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of the Christian Life
- The Presence of Light and Shadow
- The Price of Redemption
- The sacrifice of Christ
- The cost of sin
Key Quotes
“It is because we are halfway between heaven and hell.” — A.W. Tozer
“Perhaps on this earth we will never be able to comprehend fully the awful, terrible price the Lord of all beauty paid to gain our redemption;” — A.W. Tozer
“If you do not know Him and worship Him, if you do not long to reside where He is, if you have never known wonder and ecstasy in your soul because of His crucifixion and resurrection, your claim of Christianity has little foundation!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize that you are a work in progress and that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey.
- Strive to understand the true cost of redemption and the sacrifice of Christ.
- Cultivate a deep longing to worship and reside with God, and experience wonder and ecstasy in your soul.