Rebuke of Couple in Audience (Clip)
Leonard Ravenhill rebukes the casual behavior of congregants during worship, emphasizing the need for reverence and understanding of true worship.
In this sermon, the speaker expresses his frustration with the lack of attention and reverence shown by the congregation during worship. He emphasizes that worship is not just about praying or praising, but also about truly connecting with God. The speaker shares an example of a brilliant man who would spend hours in silent worship, demonstrating the depth of devotion that should be present in worship. He admonishes the congregation for their behavior, reminding them that they are adults and should show respect in God's house.
Full Transcript
I mentioned the other day, in case you're not here, Dr. Towles was telling me that he would lay four or five hours on a rug in front of his desk and he would worship, not say a word of prayer, not say a word of praise. If you want to act the fool, you could go outside. I get incensed and upset, I confess.
You've all the time to talk to each other, love each other, and fool around, and you come to God's house and want to do it. Now, if you're little children, I might correct you and turn you over and spank you, but you're professed to be adults. And you didn't pay to come.
And I got out of a sick bed and drove nearly 3,000 miles to come here. And the least thing you can give me your attention, I didn't ask you for money. Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and I'm not afraid to chasten people sometimes.
If you're retarded, I'd excuse you. If you're juveniles, I'd excuse you if you're under 15, but you're not. All right, let's leave it there.
But to say again, you see, that obviously you don't know a thing about worship. At least some don't. When a brilliant man like Dr. Towles who could say, I, I, I...
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of worship in God's house
- Contrast between casual behavior and reverence
- Expectations of adult believers
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II
- Personal sacrifice for the sake of ministry
- The need for attention and respect in worship
- The role of chastening in spiritual growth
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III
- Understanding true worship
- The consequences of distraction during worship
- The call to maturity in faith
Key Quotes
“Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and I'm not afraid to chasten people sometimes.” — Leonard Ravenhill
“If you want to act the fool, you could go outside.” — Leonard Ravenhill
“You see, that obviously you don't know a thing about worship.” — Leonard Ravenhill
Application Points
- Prioritize reverence in your worship practices to honor God.
- Reflect on your personal commitment to worship and consider how you can improve.
- Recognize the importance of spiritual maturity and strive to grow in your faith.