[img]https://www.sermonindex.net/images/oldpaths/havner.gif[/img]WHEN A GROUP OF SMALL BOYS out to play ball, arrived at the play ground, they discovered that no one had brought a ball. Forget the ball, said one impatiently. Lets get on with the game. We are trying to play without the ball when the Church tries to evangelize before she has repented. The Church can do many things after she has repented but nothing until first she repents. If God ever visits us again in real revival, there will be many red faces as churchmen and religious leaders blush and hang their heads in shame for the silly and stupid ways in which we have tried to promote the work of God in the energy of the flesh by the help of the world. Drama will be unnecessary. We may not even need great preachers! Gospel jazz will slink away, and we shall be chagrined that we ever sank so low as to tolerate it. All this will vanish in the blinding light of the holiness of God, and no flesh will glory in His presence.There is no greater hindrance to revival than a comfortable pastor settled and satisfied, coasting along until he reaches retirement, who does not want his flock disturbed or the status quo upset. He has long since lost his burden and concern for a mighty upheaval of God among the resters at ease in Zion. He resents any intrusion into the complacency of a sleeping church, and interprets the prophets call to repentance as an indictment of his own preaching. He is determined not to get excited, assumes a philosophical tolerance of things as they are, and he may speak facetiously of the prophets seriousness. Sometimes his own people may get under conviction, and put him to shame by a concern he does not seem to feel. This makes it exceedingly difficult for any revivalist calling Christians to repentance, but what a delight when pastor and prophet stand together! Most pastors understand that the traveling prophet can say things the pastor cannot say-that he fills a different role and follows an utterly different pattern. They complement each other.[i]Vance Havner (1901-1986) - One of the most quoted evangelical in the 20th century. Was close friends with A.W. Tozer, used of God to lead many to righteousness and a advocate for revival in his day.[/i]
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
Good post Greg. I think I will put this in the church bulletin some time soon.Did he write any books? TJ
_________________TJ
You can download his audio sermons here:[b]Vance Havner[/b]https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/viewcat.php?cid=25
Dr. Vance Havner was a revivalist. He authored nearly forty books during his ministry. His unique style has impacted thousands of God's people through the years. He is considered by many to be the most quoted preacher of the 20th century.
I've listened to "getting used to the dark" a few times. I've always enjoyed his style. Thanks for the book info.TJ
the Church tries to evangelize before she has repented
_________________CHRISTIAN
