My goal is GOD HIMSELF. Not joy, not peace, not even blessing but HIMSELF...my GOD.
Leonard RavenhillRead
The early Church was married to poverty, prisons and persecutions. Today, the church is married to prosperity, personality, and popularity.
Interpretation
The quote contrasts the early Church's struggles with the modern Church's focus on wealth and popularity.
Leonard Ravenhill's quote reflects on the evolution of the Church from one that embraced hardship and sacrifice in the face of persecution to a contemporary institution that often prioritizes wealth, fame, and public approval. This shift suggests a departure from foundational values and raises questions about the true mission and priorities of religious institutions today.
In practice
In a sermon discussing the values of modern faith, use this quote to highlight the need for authenticity in belief.
My goal is GOD HIMSELF. Not joy, not peace, not even blessing but HIMSELF...my GOD.
Prayer is not a preparation for the battle; it is the battle!
Everyone recognizes that Stephen was Spirit-filled when he was performing wonders. Yet, he was just as Spirit-filled when he was being stoned to death.
I find it most intriguing to contemplate the fact that while men are considering what place to give Jesus Christ in history, He has already decided what place to give them in eternity.
The tragedy in our colleges and seminaries right now is that we turn men out who know the word of God. That is never going to turn the world._x000D_ The question is not whether they know the Word of God...._x000D_ The question is......Do they know the God of the Word?
Some women will spend thirty minutes to an hour preparing for church externally (putting on special clothes and makeup, etc.). What would happen if we all spent the same amount of time preparing internally for church—with prayer and meditation?
As the wealthiest nation on Earth, I believe the United States has a moral obligation to lead the fight against hunger and malnutrition, and to partner with others.
The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.
If I were in the government, I would persuade the prime minister to see the beauty in the fact that people see Israel as a haven - from their sadness to their hope.
It is a fraud of the Christian system to call the sciences human invention; it is only the application of them that is human.
Remembering bred its own peculiar sorrow. It seemed so unfair: that time should render both sadness and happiness into a source of pain.
Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you're not saved yourself, be sure of that!
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