Author-Vance Havner.Editor-Dennis J.Hester
Publisher-Kregel
ISBN-0-8253-2873-4
This book contains a short chapter on the life of Vance Havner; an American evangelist and pastor who was born 1901 and passed away in 1986. It is a cause for rejoicing that some of his ministry is being republished and made available to a new generation of readers. His ministry was one of calling people to repentance, especially people in the churches. He preached for seventy three years of his life and authored at least thirty books. His style is refreshing and his message convicts. The main body of this book is made up of ten sermons on the subject of revival. His words are hard-hitting and come against the superficiality so prevalent in the churches of today. Some people regarded his ministry as being too negative. It could be read that way for he does not spare and should be heard. However, he was speaking and writing from a heavenly perspective and he perceived the trends taking place in the churches of his day that are present and have perhaps escalated in our own day. His themes are hell and sin, repentance, and the path of sacrifice, holiness unto the Lord, prayer and the Lordship of Christ. A truly prophetic note is sounded throughout these sermons, they challenge and call us to a fresh seeking of the Lord. Some might find that his ministry is of the same ilk as that of A.W.Tozer. There are comparisons. He was well known as a lover of pastors and of the churches, this tempered his personal relationship with all though his words were extremely hard hitting. Sometimes, in spite of themselves, pastors and people loved this man although they were not pleased to hear his words. Love grants a grace to the sword of the Spirit that pierces deeply and Havner wielded that sharp sword, the word of God. His style is unique, phrases he employs are pithy and memorable. He paints word pictures through which fresh insight is granted. A few of his writings are coming into print, others are yet available in the second hand Christian book dealers. These are books to obtain and read from time to time. They are not heavily theological at all, they will encourage, challenge and then ultimately bless those who read them.
