(Clip) Prophet's Are God's Emergency Men for Crisis Hours
Leonard Ravenhill teaches that prophets are God's emergency men raised during times of spiritual crisis to stand alone against apostasy and declension.
This sermon focuses on the role of prophets like Elijah, highlighting their unique calling to stand against declension and apostasy, often walking alone and facing opposition. Prophets are raised by God in times of crisis and are not sponsored by men or seeking worldly recognition. The message of a prophet is typically accepted by a minority, and their lives are often marked by sacrifice and a willingness to lose everything for the sake of their calling.
Full Transcript
Elijah is in the category of what I think were the greatest men that ever walked the earth, or walked the moon, if you like, in this day. He was a prophet. Prophet to God's emergency men, for crisis hours.
Let's say this, it's primary, and then it's true of all of them, the prophets walk alone. Prophets are antagonized by the declension and apostasy round about them. They refuse to bow to it, they stand up against it.
And, in fact, God only raises prophets in days of declension and apostasy. You never find a prophet sponsored by men. You never find a prophet begging for money over TV.
Usually the message of a prophet is accepted only by a minority. No prophet, however great or successful he was, ever became the man of the year. I get a little disturbed when I get letters, and I get them almost every week.
Sometimes it seems they come every day, either letters or phone, God's called me to be a prophet. Or God has called me to be a John the Baptist. When a man says that, I say, are you insured? And he says, what do I need insurance for, because you're only going to live six months.
That's all John Baptist, I don't know whether he was insured, but that's all he lived for six months, and lost his head over the business. But there's the law, he that loseth his life for thy sake shall find it, and he that preserves his life shall lose it.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Elijah as the greatest prophet and emergency man
- Prophets walk alone and face opposition
- God raises prophets in times of apostasy
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II
- Prophets are not sponsored or popular
- Their message is accepted by a minority
- Prophets often suffer for their calling
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III
- The cost of being a prophet
- Example of John the Baptist's short, sacrificial ministry
- The principle of losing life to find it
Key Quotes
“Prophet to God's emergency men, for crisis hours.” — Leonard Ravenhill
“God only raises prophets in days of declension and apostasy.” — Leonard Ravenhill
“He that loseth his life for thy sake shall find it, and he that preserves his life shall lose it.” — Leonard Ravenhill
Application Points
- Stand firm in your faith even when facing opposition or isolation.
- Recognize that true prophetic ministry often involves sacrifice and rejection.
- Embrace the call to lose your life for Christ’s sake to truly find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a prophet according to Leonard Ravenhill?
A prophet is God's emergency man raised during times of spiritual crisis to stand against apostasy and declension.
Why do prophets often walk alone?
Because they are antagonized by the spiritual decline around them and refuse to conform.
Are prophets usually popular or widely accepted?
No, their message is typically accepted only by a minority and they are not sponsored by men.
What example does Ravenhill give about the cost of prophecy?
He cites John the Baptist who lived a short life and was ultimately martyred for his prophetic ministry.
What biblical principle does Ravenhill highlight about losing life?
He references Matthew 10:39, stating that losing one's life for Christ's sake leads to truly finding it.