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The early Church was married to poverty, prisons and persecutions. Today, the church is married to prosperity, personality, and popularity.
Leonard Ravenhill
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Interpretation

What this quote means

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.

Themes

ChurchPovertyProsperityPersecutionValues

In practice

Example use cases

In a sermon discussing the values of modern faith, use this quote to highlight the need for authenticity in belief.

More from Leonard Ravenhill

My goal is GOD HIMSELF. Not joy, not peace, not even blessing but HIMSELF...my GOD.
Leonard RavenhillRead
Prayer is not a preparation for the battle; it is the battle!
Leonard RavenhillRead
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.
Leonard RavenhillRead
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.
Leonard RavenhillRead
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?
Leonard RavenhillRead
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?
Leonard RavenhillRead

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