The Word only A Means

"Sound Bible exposition is an imperative must in the Church of the Living God. Without it no church can be a New Testament church in any strict meaning of that term. But exposition may be carried on in such a way as to leave the hearers devoid of any true spiritual nourishment whatever. For it
is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth. The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts."-- Tozer, A.W. The Pursuit Of God. Christian Publications, Harrisburg, PA.
1982. pp 34-35.

It's wonderful to hear someone like Tozer say this, reminding us how easily we slip into making the things ABOUT God substitute God Himself. In that way many of our churches, our prayers, our worship have become bereft of the reason they are there - to both increase and whet our longing for the Living God. It is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself.