A few days ago I was reading through some of the latest posts from blogs I follow and came across a lovely poem by a man named Leonard Ravenhill. I hadn’t heard the name before so decided to investigate.
Ravenhill (1907-1994) was an English preacher and evangelist who spent the latter part of his life in the United States. He emphasised the need for revival and a return to the Christianity of the early church that we find chronicled in the Book of Acts. I found this interesting as there are parallels to the Last Reformation movement, which I have been involved with, and which has similar ambitions.
I thought I would simply offer you a taste of Ravenhill’s thinking in the form of eight quotes that I found attributed to him. Then, if you would like to investigate further, I have added some key links below.
“If weak in prayer, we are weak everywhere”
“Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?”
“A popular evangelist reaches your emotions. A true prophet reaches your conscience”
“Children can tell you what Channel 7 says, but not what Matthew 7 says”
“Maturity comes from obedience, not necessarily from age”
“The Bible is either absolute, or it’s obsolete”
“Any method of evangelism will work – if God is in it”
“A true shepherd leads the way. He does not merely point the way.”
For more on Leonard Ravenhill:
Ravenhill on Wikipedia
A brief biography
Official website
Have you come across Ravenhill before? Feel free to share anything you know about him in the comments below.
Perfect Chaos 
20 responses to “An English Preacher”
Hi Steven. Thanks for posting this, and calling much deserved attention to him. Mr. Ravenhill was a tremendous preacher. You can find many of his sermons you on YouTube.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great, will definitely take a look! Thanks David!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, he’s awesome. Very strong on revival and repentance! A real treasure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
And by the way, that first quote on prayer is REALLY convicting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, it’s a great quote!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I adore Ravenhill, although I tend to lean more Calvinistic and he was Armenian. He was a wonderful preacher, honest and true to Gods Word. You can hear how much he loved God and Gods people in his voice when you listen to his sermons. I first heard of him through brother Paul Washer, another excellent preacher to listen to. Brother Washer also introduced me to George Mueller, whose dedication to orphans and Gods sovereignty is still so inspiring. Isn’t it exciting to find a new preacher to hear from? I love having access to these guys sermons online! I’ve even gone through Spurgeons sermons, we really are a blessed generation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, wow! I’m surprised I haven’t come across Ravenhill before as I’m often listening to sermons and teaching on YouTube. I’ve listened to loads of Spurgeon sermons 🙂 I’ll have to check out Paul Washer and George Meuller too – looks like I’ve got some homework to do! Thanks so much for your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
God bless you in your research, brother! Grace and peace to you, from the Father.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, must study to show myself approved! 😉 God bless you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Steven! I really liked this!! Good, very good quotes. Sue
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great! Thank you, Sue 🙂
LikeLike
The Spirit of a Prophet
LikeLike
Powerful bit of preaching, Tim, thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLike
Really interesting post 🙂 thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
You’re welcome, T.R.!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, I love Leonard Ravenhill, he was a comtempary of our beloved Pastor David Wilkerson. They were fiery men who walked with God. Thanks for reminding me!
☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lisa! Strange that I never came across him before. Still, the Lord’s timing is perfect! 🙂
LikeLike
I haven’t heard of him but will be taking a look on youtube for sure!
“A popular evangelist reaches your emotions. A true prophet reaches your conscience” – really liked this one
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ravenhill was an influence on David Wilkerson, another fiery preacher. Thanks for posting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t believe I’ve come across David Wilkerson, will do a search! Thank you, Stacey 😊
LikeLike