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?
Apathy is a rational reaction to a system that no longer represents, hears or addresses the vast majority of people.
People in general attach too much importance to words. They are under the illusion that talking effects great results. As a matter of fact, words are, as a rule, the shallowest portion of all the argument. They but dimly represent the great surging feelings and desires which lie behind. When the distraction of the tongue is removed, the heart listens.
If you don't visit the bad neighborhoods, the bad neighborhoods are going to visit you.
Giving is the business of the rich.
I have a sense of melancholy isolation, life rapidly vanishing, all the usual things. It's very strange how often strong feelings don't seem to carry any message of action
We thought we were the only thinking beings in the universe, until we met you, but never did we dream that thought could arise from the lonely animals who cannot dream each other's dreams
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