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Arthur Vess
Arthur Vess, born circa 1895, died circa 1970, was an American preacher and author whose ministry within the Holiness movement emphasized sanctification, holy living, and bold scriptural preaching during the mid-20th century. Likely born in the rural South—possibly Tennessee or a neighboring state, given the Holiness movement’s strong foothold there—Vess emerged as a voice for uncompromising faith, though precise details of his early life, such as exact birth date and family background, remain elusive due to limited documentation. His work suggests a modest upbringing, steeped in evangelical Christianity, leading him to a calling as an itinerant preacher and writer focused on equipping believers and ministers alike. Vess’ ministry centered on delivering practical, no-nonsense sermons and writings, many preserved through platforms like RaptureReady.com and oChristian.com, including titles such as How To Preach And Teach Holiness and Youth’s Three Great Choices. He pastored and preached across Holiness churches, advocating for a life of prayer, discipline, and separation from worldly compromise—themes evident in his exhortations to preachers to “live what they preach” and maintain “secret contact with God” for effective ministry. His booklets, like The Bible on the Tongues Doctrine, tackled contentious issues within Pentecostalism, reflecting his engagement with theological debates of his era.
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Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching holiness with joy and gladness, contrasting it with the sorrow and sadness often associated with spiritual matters. He highlights the need for righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, encouraging believers to exude joy that surpasses worldly understanding. Vess challenges the notion of labeling spiritual manifestations as mere emotionalism, pointing out that true joy and peace come from the fire of God burning in the soul. He urges for a revival of genuine spiritual experiences that manifest in power and glory, rather than dead and formal religious practices.
Preach Holiness With Joy and Gladness
Preach Holiness with joy and gladness, not sorrow and sadness. "For the kingdom ofheaven is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." While the worldshouts over nothing, we should be able to preach so that people can shout over everything. Somany of our preachers and teachers brand every spiritual manifestation as "emotionalism." Whenthe fire of God burns in the soul, the waves of joy are sure to roll. The business world, and alls ales are run by emotional appeals. Where there is life, there is feeling and movement. During thetimes of greatest persecution in the past centuries, God's saints have had the most joy and peace. Ifyou are filled with the Holy Ghost, the Third Person of the Trinity, all the fullness of God, yourdivine victory should certainly manifest itself in mighty power and glory. Most of our modern services are so dead and formal that God no longer comes on thescene. We are learning to repeat prayers, etc. while we stand to pray like the dead, formalchurches. New York papers commented on stiff-kneed Methodist. While we must condemn sin and worldliness on every hand, we must not preach holinesswith the blue side of life all the time. If outsiders come in, they will wonder if there is anything toit after all. Even our radical holiness preaching should be filled with holy glory and unction, whichrebukes sin and hypocrisy, and blesses and inspires the saints and convicts the sinners. We must not harp on the blue side all the time, for this is not holiness. I used to say that Iwanted to preach so that they could not shout unless they had it; now I want to preach so they canshout if they do have it -- holiness. If we do not shout in the church, we shout on the ball diamonds.
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Arthur Vess, born circa 1895, died circa 1970, was an American preacher and author whose ministry within the Holiness movement emphasized sanctification, holy living, and bold scriptural preaching during the mid-20th century. Likely born in the rural South—possibly Tennessee or a neighboring state, given the Holiness movement’s strong foothold there—Vess emerged as a voice for uncompromising faith, though precise details of his early life, such as exact birth date and family background, remain elusive due to limited documentation. His work suggests a modest upbringing, steeped in evangelical Christianity, leading him to a calling as an itinerant preacher and writer focused on equipping believers and ministers alike. Vess’ ministry centered on delivering practical, no-nonsense sermons and writings, many preserved through platforms like RaptureReady.com and oChristian.com, including titles such as How To Preach And Teach Holiness and Youth’s Three Great Choices. He pastored and preached across Holiness churches, advocating for a life of prayer, discipline, and separation from worldly compromise—themes evident in his exhortations to preachers to “live what they preach” and maintain “secret contact with God” for effective ministry. His booklets, like The Bible on the Tongues Doctrine, tackled contentious issues within Pentecostalism, reflecting his engagement with theological debates of his era.