My goal is GOD HIMSELF. Not joy, not peace, not even blessing but HIMSELF...my GOD.
The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church, grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A true follower of God is deeply troubled by the moral decline and lack of spiritual fervor within the Church.
The quote by Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the distress experienced by a genuine believer when observing the secular influences and moral failures within the Church community. It highlights a concern for the spiritual health of the Church, particularly in areas such as tolerance of sin, lack of collective prayer, and the diminishing power of prayer to confront evil. This sorrow reflects a deeper longing for authenticity and spiritual vitality among believers.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon about spiritual renewal, this quote could serve as a powerful point to inspire reflection on the Church's role.
More from Leonard Ravenhill
All quotes →Prayer is not a preparation for the battle; it is the battle!
Everyone recognizes that Stephen was Spirit-filled when he was performing wonders. Yet, he was just as Spirit-filled when he was being stoned to death.
I find it most intriguing to contemplate the fact that while men are considering what place to give Jesus Christ in history, He has already decided what place to give them in eternity.
The tragedy in our colleges and seminaries right now is that we turn men out who know the word of God. That is never going to turn the world._x000D_ The question is not whether they know the Word of God...._x000D_ The question is......Do they know the God of the Word?
Some women will spend thirty minutes to an hour preparing for church externally (putting on special clothes and makeup, etc.). What would happen if we all spent the same amount of time preparing internally for church—with prayer and meditation?
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