"The Hebrew Prophet" - Leonard Ravenhill

"I think every preacher needs to be reminded that he is not a descendant of the Greek orator, but the offspring of the Hebrew prophet." - Leonard Ravenhill

Modern academia applauds the fair speeches of ancient Greek philosophers, men like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the like; and the gullible minds of educated men are sincerely impressed. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul remains thoroughly unimpressed! While opposing the philosophical wisdom of the heathen in his time, Paul said, “the Greeks seek after wisdom” (1 Cor. 1:22), as he was contrasting their pursuit with the wisdom of God, saying, “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). These are two different paths.

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." - 1 Cor. 1:18-31

Those who love life cannot simply conversate about the ideals of morality with those who love death (Amos 5:10). A surgeon’s knife cuts to heal, while a simpleton’s lust for war and violence unsheathes the sword for death and destruction. We have theological Crusaders in this our day! Professors at Seminaries train gladiators for blood-sport in classroom debates to perfect the art of godless argumentation (Prov. 29:9). The raw display of intellectual power is all that’s needed to wow the goats in congregations these days (Isa. 29:13). It gives the people a sense of pride in what they call, “my church”. Certainly, this isn’t a “jesus” the world can hate (2 Cor. 11:4). 

Modern Christianity has essentially Christianized American patriotism and democratic policy, even in the face of bloodshed, famine, and war ravaging other nations, so why wouldn’t it do the same thing with all that modern academia can produce? Preachers enter the arena and celebrate their ministries like teams in a spirit of competition and pride. Poor and needy souls in need of true Christianity are the casualties. Unholy Americans yearn for competition and violence both physically and spiritually, and they find acceptance and community in Modern Christianity.