There is a nervous, unstable segment of the religious world today, ever learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Like the Athenians of Paul’s time, they are forever seeking some new thing. Every time a new theologian comes out with some novel slant on God or the church or the world, every time a new translation breaks into print, they cry “Eureka!”
The Bible must be viewed in “in the light of” every fad that blows into town, in the light of science or psychology or philosophy or current events. Isn’t it about time to turn things around and view these things in the light of the Bible? After all these centuries, must the Book of books be put on trial every few days while a panel of churchmen pool their ignorance in a symposium? I do not get excited when a physicist, for instance, endorses the Bible. It gives me a little more faith in the physicist but not necessarily in the Bible. When Bob Ingersoll was lecturing on “The Mistakes of Moses,” somebody remarked that he would be interested in hearing Moses lecture on the mistakes of Ingersoll! It would be comical if it were not so pitiful-this trying to make the Word of God pay tribute at all the little toll gates of this befuddled age. Let us feed the meat of the Word to hungry-hearted people who never heard of existentialism and let theologians pick the bones.
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Vance Havner (1901 - 1986)
For over 70 years, the church was blessed and challenged by the prophetic ministry of Vance Havner. His style and burden was prophetic similar to the ministry of A.W. Tozer calling the Church to revival. His influence extended to a national level, but Dr. Havner's approach was always to minister where God directed, regardless of the size of the church. His appeal and influence transcended denominational lines, and he spoke to many different groups of people.Throughout his ministry, Vance Havner lived and preached that a Christian should should exhibit faithfulness to Jesus in all areas of life. He taught that the Christian should attend to, "the outliving of the inliving Christ." Havner wrote, "To some, Christianity is an argument. To many, it is a performance. To a few, it is an experience."
Vance Havner started preaching at 14, and didn't stop 'til he went to glory! Through a preaching and writing ministry that spanned over 70 years, Vance Havner spoke forth the truth of God's Word in a most effectual manner.
In addition to preaching in many of America's most influential churches, Dr. Havner was a highly sought speaker for conferences at places such as Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He frequently spoke at both state and national meetings of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Havner delivered chapel messages and baccalaureate sermons at colleges such as the Citadel, Columbia Bible College (now Columbia International University), Liberty University, Southeastern Baptist Seminary, and Garner-Webb College.
Though Dr. Havner died in 1986, his influence for Christ continues. His ministry is a testimony to the way in which God can use one surrendered life to touch countless other lives. A preacher once said that: "Old Vance was half Charles Spurgeon and half Billy Sunday with the voice of Will Rogers.
Vance Havner started preaching at 14, and didn't stop 'til he went to glory!
That alone is a great legacy. He was the most homespun of country preachers, possessing a southern charm that always belied his great intellect and persuasive power.
A preacher once said that: "Old Vance was half Charles Spurgeon and half Billy Sunday with the voice of Will Rogers."