Too much preaching nowadays pats the back and tickles the ear, but does not get under the skin. There is no conviction and therefore no conversion. I am thinking not only of the ministry of reproof and rebuke but also of the message of inspiration, of encouragement, of comfort. People go out of church at noon with the depths unstirred, the heart untouched, the conscience unpricked.
Vance HavnerWe need to take down our "Do not disturb" signs... snap out of our stupor and come out of our coma and awake from our apathy.
Vance HavnerWhen we sin, we are often upset, not because we have grieved the Spirit but because our pride has been injured.
Vance HavnerThere is no devil in the first two chapters of the Bible and no devil in the last two chapters. Thank God for a book that disposes of the devil!
Vance HavnerEvery Christian is a priest, not offering a sacrifice for sins - since that has been done once and for all - but offering his person, praise and possessions.
Vance HavnerThe preacher who is concerned with gaining a reputation, rising in his profession, is always in bondage. The itch for bigness is a dangerous thing. It has made a castaway of many a man whom God once richly blessed. A man should desire to be neither larger nor smaller than pleases God. Better than that, he should not bother at all about how large or how small but rather how faithful he shall be.
Vance Havner