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"Can God Forgive Me?"
Leonard Ravenhill
Leonard Ravenhill (1907 - 1994). British-American evangelist, author, and revivalist born in Leeds, England. Converted at 14 in a Methodist revival, he trained at Cliff College, a Methodist Bible school, and was mentored by Samuel Chadwick. Ordained in the 1930s, he preached across England with the Faith Mission and held tent crusades, influenced by the Welsh Revival’s fervor. In 1950, he moved to the United States, later settling in Texas, where he ministered independently, focusing on prayer and repentance. Ravenhill authored books like Why Revival Tarries (1959) and Sodom Had No Bible, urging the church toward holiness. He spoke at major conferences, including with Youth for Christ, and mentored figures like David Wilkerson and Keith Green. Married to Martha Beaton in 1939, they had three sons, all in ministry. Known for his fiery sermons and late-night prayer meetings, he corresponded with A.W. Tozer and admired Charles Spurgeon. His writings and recordings, widely available online, emphasize spiritual awakening over institutional religion. Ravenhill’s call for revival continues to inspire evangelical movements globally.
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Sermon Summary
This sermon emphasizes the unfathomable mercy and forgiveness of God, highlighting a powerful encounter with a soldier haunted by his past sins and seeking redemption. It explores the concept that Jesus is currently seated on a throne of mercy, ready to extend grace and forgiveness to all who repent and seek His mercy. However, it also warns of a future shift to a throne of justice, where the wrath of the lamb will be revealed, underscoring the urgency of seeking God's mercy while it is still available.
Sermon Transcription
I care not how twisted and corrupt your life is this morning, you could be the most sensuous man. A soldier said to me one day, do you really believe that God, can God forgive every sin I've ever committed? I said, he sure can. That is if you repent of your sin and you plead for the blood of Christ and you ask for mercy. But he says, you know what I'm haunted with? I was in the army so many years in other countries, and he said, I'm horrified to tell you this, but he said, maybe I've got about 30 children around the world. I've had sex with so many women, he said, that maybe I'm the father of 30 children around the world. Can God forgive all the rottenness, the corruption of my life? He can. Why? Because this morning, Jesus is on a throne of mercy. He shall find grace to help. But when we see him here, he's not on a throne of mercy, he's on a throne of justice. That tender Christ who went about doing good and he kissed little babies and blessed people, now, ah, there's nothing more beautiful than a little lamb. There's nothing more terrible than the wrath of the lamb. And one day God's mercy is going to be cut off, and then it'll be the wrath of the lamb.
"Can God Forgive Me?"
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Leonard Ravenhill (1907 - 1994). British-American evangelist, author, and revivalist born in Leeds, England. Converted at 14 in a Methodist revival, he trained at Cliff College, a Methodist Bible school, and was mentored by Samuel Chadwick. Ordained in the 1930s, he preached across England with the Faith Mission and held tent crusades, influenced by the Welsh Revival’s fervor. In 1950, he moved to the United States, later settling in Texas, where he ministered independently, focusing on prayer and repentance. Ravenhill authored books like Why Revival Tarries (1959) and Sodom Had No Bible, urging the church toward holiness. He spoke at major conferences, including with Youth for Christ, and mentored figures like David Wilkerson and Keith Green. Married to Martha Beaton in 1939, they had three sons, all in ministry. Known for his fiery sermons and late-night prayer meetings, he corresponded with A.W. Tozer and admired Charles Spurgeon. His writings and recordings, widely available online, emphasize spiritual awakening over institutional religion. Ravenhill’s call for revival continues to inspire evangelical movements globally.