The Counselor: Straight Talk about the Holy Spirit from a 20th Century Prophet

THE COUNSELOR is a compilation of Tozer's and sermons on the Holy Spirit. Often misunderstood and seldom taught, the Holy Spirit is God's power on earth. "He is a person" who is present in the fullness of His power at all times, in all places. How to know Him, walk with Him, and enjoy the fullness of His presence is the topic of this excellent teaching. Tozer has a unique voice in the modern church. His no compromise, in-you-face style is clear, convicting, and plain. He minces no words and pulls no punches, especially in his criticisms of the lukewarm church. Along these lines, there are many Tozer gems in The Counselor: "If you have to be reasoned into Christianity, some wise fellow can reason you out of it!" "The fellowship of the church has degenerated into a social fellowship with a mild religious flavor." And "Faith says anything He did anywhere else, He will do here; anything he did any other time He is willing to do now; anything He ever did for other people He is willing to do for us!" Tozer believed in preaching the fullness of the word of God in power and in truth. Despite his stern tone, the reader also senses the love which drenches his writings. This book contains many lessons for the post modern church.

This is absolutely the best book on the Holy Spirit that I have read in all my years of study. I was once a cessationist (one who believes that the Holy Spirit was only given in full measure at Pentecost, not to the church today). My search for more of God led me to this man and eventually to this book. I purchased the book after reading "How to Be Filled With the Holy Spirit" (a booklet also by Tozer) which left me thirsting for more of this great truth concerning the third person of the Trinity. Tozer's understanding is fully Christ-centered (as Christ Himself says, speaking of the Holy Spirit: "He will glorify me" (John 16:14)). Tozer cuts straight to the heart of the matter, discussing the Spirit's role in empowering, sanctifying and sustaining the child of God. His understanding of the Holy Spirit flows naturally out of his intimacy with God and a plain reading of the scriptures. His boldness is refreshing and his understanding is unmatched among all the authors I have read. Since there is no "look inside" I thought it would be helpful and illustrative to list the chapter titles of the book, which summarize the contents.Chapters:1. Whenever Jesus Christ is Glorified, the Holy Spirit Comes2. The Holy Spirit is Not Known through the Intellect3. The Presence and Ministry of the Holy Spirit: All that Jesus Would Be4. Pentecost: Perpetuation, Not Repetition5. The Promised Filling of the Holy Spirit: Instantly, Not Gradually6. Do You Have All God Wants For You?7. Spiritual Gifts: The Ability to Do8. Cultivating the Fellowship of the Spirit9. The Holy Spirit Makes the Difference!10. The Heavenly Dove: Repelled by CorruptionA Note to Thirsty Souls: I struggled a long time with what Tozer calls "the dark, dark night of the soul." Even though it seems that you may never break through into the bright light of God's presence, know that God is drawing you and will draw you to Him through faith in Christ Jesus. It will be even more wonderful than you can imagine. Wait upon the Lord and rest in Jesus.