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Rebuke of Couple in Audience (Clip)
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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In this sermon, the speaker expresses his frustration with the lack of attention and reverence shown by the congregation during worship. He emphasizes that worship is not just about praying or praising, but also about truly connecting with God. The speaker shares an example of a brilliant man who would spend hours in silent worship, demonstrating the depth of devotion that should be present in worship. He admonishes the congregation for their behavior, reminding them that they are adults and should show respect in God's house.
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I mentioned the other day, in case you're not here, Dr. Towles was telling me that he would lay four or five hours on a rug in front of his desk and he would worship, not say a word of prayer, not say a word of praise. If you want to act the fool, you could go outside. I get incensed and upset, I confess. You've all the time to talk to each other, love each other, and fool around, and you come to God's house and want to do it. Now, if you're little children, I might correct you and turn you over and spank you, but you're professed to be adults. And you didn't pay to come. And I got out of a sick bed and drove nearly 3,000 miles to come here. And the least thing you can give me your attention, I didn't ask you for money. Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and I'm not afraid to chasten people sometimes. If you're retarded, I'd excuse you. If you're juveniles, I'd excuse you if you're under 15, but you're not. All right, let's leave it there. But to say again, you see, that obviously you don't know a thing about worship. At least some don't. When a brilliant man like Dr. Towles who could say, I, I, I...
Rebuke of Couple in Audience (Clip)
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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.