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Vance Havner
Vance Havner (1901 - 1986). American Southern Baptist evangelist and author born in Jugtown, North Carolina. Converted at 10 in a brush arbor revival, he preached his first sermon at 12 and was licensed at 15, never pursuing formal theological training. From the 1920s to 1970s, he traveled across the U.S., preaching at churches, camp meetings, and conferences, delivering over 13,000 sermons with wit and biblical clarity. Havner authored 38 books, including Pepper ‘n’ Salt (1949) and Why Not Just Be Christians?, selling thousands and influencing figures like Billy Graham. Known for pithy one-liners, he critiqued lukewarm faith while emphasizing revival and simplicity. Married to Sara Allred in 1936 until her death in 1972, they had no children. His folksy style, rooted in rural roots, resonated widely, with radio broadcasts reaching millions. Havner’s words, “The church is so worldly that it’s no longer a threat to the world,” challenged complacency. His writings, still in print, remain a staple in evangelical circles, urging personal holiness and faithfulness.
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Sermon Summary
Vance Havner emphasizes the importance of faith in accepting the resurrection of Christ, arguing that after nearly twenty centuries, debates among church leaders still persist. He asserts that the Bible should be accepted as God's Word by faith, which leads to assurance and spiritual strength. Havner encourages believers to trust in the authenticity of Scripture rather than waiting for scholarly consensus, highlighting that God's Word proves itself to those who dare to believe. He concludes that the reliability of the Bible is evident to anyone willing to affirm and assert it.
Almost Twenty Centuries
Almost twenty centuries after it happened, churchmen are still sitting in panel discussions arguing over whether or not the resurrection really took place. If we have not arrived at head-certainty by now, we had better explore some other avenue. The shortest and surest road to assurance in this matter is to accept the Bible as God’s Word by faith and see what happens. It proves itself, and men who have dared to say, “Let God be true but every man a liar,” have found themselves in possession of a weapon before which the devil himself gives way. I have a life with Christ to live; But ‘ere I live it, must I wait Till learning can clear answer give To this and that book’s date? Absolutely not! God’s Word is its own best argument. Its authenticity and reliability are built in and beyond the shadow of a doubt to any who will accept it, affirm it, and assert it.
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Vance Havner (1901 - 1986). American Southern Baptist evangelist and author born in Jugtown, North Carolina. Converted at 10 in a brush arbor revival, he preached his first sermon at 12 and was licensed at 15, never pursuing formal theological training. From the 1920s to 1970s, he traveled across the U.S., preaching at churches, camp meetings, and conferences, delivering over 13,000 sermons with wit and biblical clarity. Havner authored 38 books, including Pepper ‘n’ Salt (1949) and Why Not Just Be Christians?, selling thousands and influencing figures like Billy Graham. Known for pithy one-liners, he critiqued lukewarm faith while emphasizing revival and simplicity. Married to Sara Allred in 1936 until her death in 1972, they had no children. His folksy style, rooted in rural roots, resonated widely, with radio broadcasts reaching millions. Havner’s words, “The church is so worldly that it’s no longer a threat to the world,” challenged complacency. His writings, still in print, remain a staple in evangelical circles, urging personal holiness and faithfulness.