Are we merely an echo?

When the disciples were beginning to feel real persecution as a result of their declaration about Jesus, they were told by Jewish leaders to keep quiet.  

But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20

Here's a quote from A.W. Tozer in his book, God Tells the Man Who Cares: 

To escape the snare of artificiality it is necessary that a man [of God] enjoy a satisfying personal experience with God. He must be totally committed to Christ and deeply anointed with the Holy Spirit.

Further, he must be delivered from the fear of man. The focus of his attention must be God and not men. He must let everything dear to him ride out on each sermon. He must so preach as to jeopardize his future, his ministry, even his life itself. He must make God responsible for the consequences and speak as one who will not have long to speak before he is called to judgment. Then the people will know they are hearing a voice instead of a mere echo.  

Those who have experienced and continue to experience Jesus every day have a real story to tell.  The difference between an echo and the real voice is stark.  I want the real voice to come from me, not the echo.  What about you?

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