Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the distinctions between prayer, praise, and worship, noting that prayer often focuses on our needs, praise centers on our blessings, and true worship is a deep preoccupation with God Himself. He encourages believers to move beyond mere requests and gratitude to a profound engagement with the divine presence, highlighting the importance of prioritizing God in our spiritual lives.

In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about going fishing in the Bahamas. He describes the luxurious lifestyle of the people he went fishing with, including their beautiful home, servants, and extravagant possessions like a plane and a yacht. The preacher caught a kingfish weighing 34 pounds, but when it was cooked and served, he didn't enjoy it. He questions how a fish can live in such a salty ocean without the salt penetrating its skin, yet God cannot keep him from sinning in this sinful world. The preacher emphasizes that sin is not normal for Christians and challenges the notion that it is. He highlights the fact that God hangs the world upon nothing and suggests that sin is abnormal and not part of God's original design for humanity.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound impact of personal experience in faith, asserting that an individual who has encountered God cannot be swayed by mere arguments or theories. He highlights that true conviction comes from lived experiences with God, which provide strength and resilience against doubts and challenges. Ravenhill encourages believers to seek genuine encounters with God that transform their lives and empower them to stand firm in their faith.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that while he enjoys music and fun, he believes that entertainment serves as a substitute for true joy, which can only be found in the Holy Spirit. He argues that the more one experiences joy through the Holy Ghost, the less one will rely on television or other forms of entertainment. Ravenhill's message challenges listeners to seek genuine joy in their spiritual lives rather than temporary distractions.

Leonard Ravenhill warns about the dire spiritual condition of the American church in 1985, emphasizing that the church's failure to rise above societal decay will lead to national judgment. He expresses concern over the rampant sin and moral decline, stating that God's patience is limited and that the church is complicit in the nation's iniquities. Ravenhill argues that the church's commercialization of the gospel and its desperate pleas for money reflect a deeper spiritual crisis. He believes that rather than the nation suffering for the church's sins, it is the church that will bear the consequences of America's moral failures. The urgency of repentance and revival is underscored as essential for the church's survival and the nation's hope.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that life is not random and that while God may be beyond human explanation, He can be profoundly experienced in our lives. This experience of God transcends mere understanding and invites believers to engage deeply with their faith. Ravenhill encourages listeners to seek a personal encounter with God, highlighting the transformative power of such experiences.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that sin should not be a normal part of the Christian life, challenging the notion that a little sin is necessary for humility. He argues that the scripture uses 'if' rather than 'when,' indicating that Christians are called to live above sin. Ravenhill critiques the idea that sin is acceptable or beneficial, urging believers to strive for holiness instead.

Leonard Ravenhill reflects on the profound practice of laying on of hands, a tradition he learned from his father, a devout believer in the Bible. He emphasizes the significance of this act in imparting blessings, healing, and spiritual empowerment, showcasing the deep faith and conviction that accompanies such a practice. Ravenhill's message encourages believers to embrace this biblical principle as a means of connecting with God's power and grace.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that merely approaching the cross is insufficient for true transformation; instead, one must fully embrace the cross by getting on it. He challenges the notion of seeking comfort at the cross without the willingness to sacrifice and change. The message calls for a deeper commitment to the Christian faith, urging believers to fully engage with the cross to experience genuine change in their lives.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that the moral decay and spiritual stagnation in America are not caused by the strength of humanism, but rather by the weakness of evangelism. He argues that the true enemy of revival in America is the lack of genuine revivalists, despite the presence of numerous evangelists. Ravenhill calls for a return to authentic revival that transcends mere evangelistic efforts, highlighting the need for deep spiritual awakening.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound love of the father in the parable of the prodigal son, particularly focusing on the significance of the fatted calf, which symbolizes the father's readiness to forgive and celebrate the return of his wayward child. He reflects on the idea that the father cherished the calf for years, illustrating the depth of his love and the joy in reconciliation. Ravenhill encourages listeners to understand the heart of God as one that eagerly awaits our return, ready to embrace us with open arms.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that there are fundamentally two types of people: those who are dead in sin and those who are dead to sin. He challenges listeners to examine their spiritual state and encourages them to strive for a life that is dead to sin, living in the freedom and victory that comes from Christ. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on one's relationship with sin and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that Christianity has not been found wanting, but rather it has been tried and rejected due to its challenging nature. He warns against the misconception that the faith has failed, asserting that the difficulty of living out Christian principles leads many to turn away. Ravenhill calls for a deeper understanding and commitment to the true essence of Christianity, which requires perseverance and dedication.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the distinct yet complementary roles of preaching and praying in the life of a believer. He explains that in preaching, we represent God to humanity, delivering His message and truth, while in praying, we intercede before God on behalf of others, seeking His mercy and intervention. This dual responsibility highlights the importance of both proclaiming the Gospel and engaging in fervent prayer for the needs of the world.