Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

Understanding the Deeper Life A Guide to Christian Experience

A Paper Submitted to Dr. Homer Massey In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course Spiritual Factors of Church Growth EVAN 500

By Juanita D. Jackson May 4, 2012

EVAN 500

Summary of the book Once an individual comes to Christ they embark on a life long journey of transformation. Their goal is to become more and more like Christ with each passing day. Throughout Christian history people of God have been in search of a deeper life in Christ. Over the centuries various methods have been implemented in order to experience God; however, not all methods have tested true. Elmer Towns, in his book Understanding the Deeper Life, looks at various Christian experiences. He describes these experiences, provides a theological foundation for them, and then offers readers the practical application. Doctor Towns discusses the following experiences:
Ex-1 doctrinal experience Ex-1a non-supernatural experience Ex-1b orthodox experience Ex-2 the deeper-life experience Ex-2a Christological deeper-life experience Ex-2b Holy Spirit deeper-life experience Ex-2c soteriological deeper-life experience Ex-3 revival Ex-4 experiential power for service or life Ex-5 victorious experience Ex-6 sinless experience Ex-7 intuitive communication with God Ex-8 absorption mystics Ex-8a trances, visions, or hearing voices Ex-8b physical manifestations Ex-8c asceticism

Dr. Towns uncovers each of these experiences in a manner that allows readers to determine where they fall. Towns also provides a detailed discussion on the deeper life, explaining how this deeper life can be experienced by those who recognize, submit to, and identify with Christ. These individuals desire to know and grow in Christ. They live by the principles of Scripture and they do not fail to express their faith. Towns weaves in various testimonies with the information he presents in this book. These testimonies help back up what he is saying and may help some readers better understand. Dr.
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EVAN 500

Towns book is packed with helpful information which space does not permit one to cover here. Readers will find information concerning faith, unbelief, and its effects. Towns also goes on to break down the various signs and wonders spoken of today and in times past. Readers will also gain insight on the Holy Spirit and how He works in the lives of believers. The Impact Implementation of this Book in My Own Life I enjoy Dr. Towns teachings and writings; however, I have to disagree with his comments concerning carnal Christians. On page 9 of his book, Dr. Towns states, The fleshly Christian lives in sin and feels defeated. I do not believe this statement to be true. Living according to the flesh is sin (Gal 5:19-21). He goes on to say Not everyone who becomes a Christian goes on to live for God I would say that not everyone who says they are a Christian actually lives for God; a true believing Christian lives for God. It is my belief that if one lives in sin not only are they defeated they are not a Christian. Just repeating a few words after the preacher does not necessarily make one a Christian. If a person continues to live a life of sin and their time on this earth runs out, heaven will not be their home. God requires holiness. Those who claim to be His had better not be living a life of sin. There is a difference between an accident and willful sin. We should not be committing willful sins if we expect to meet Jesus in peace. Those of us who profess Christianity but continue to live in sin will lift up our eyes in hell, knowing exactly why we are there. Although I grew up in church I never heard anyone teach on the deeper life. It has only been in recent years that I have heard about a deeper Christian life. I realize that a deeper life is possible, and I want it. The information presented in Dr. Towns book can help me obtain that deeper life, my own personal experience with God. Dr. Towns has placed a light on the path, making it possible to avoid certain pitfalls set by the false experiences claimed by others.
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