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In other days people chose a church on the basis of their doctrinal convictions. Now, lacking doctrinal convictions, they choose for social reasons.
Vance Havner -
Salt seasons, purifies, preserves. But somebody ought to remind us that salt also irritates. Real living Christianity rubs this world the wrong way.
Vance Havner
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People used to blush when they were ashamed. Now they are ashamed if they blush. Modesty has disappeared and a brazen generation with no fear of God before its eyes mocks at sin. We are so fond of being called tolerant and broadminded that we wink at sin when we ought to weep.
Vance Havner -
One cannot help the evil thoughts that come, but it is the thoughts we cultivate that make the difference between good or evil. We don't have to open the door to the devil and say, "Make yourself at home."
Vance Havner -
The gospel is for lifeboats, not showboats, and a man must make up his mind which boat he is going to operate.
Vance Havner -
Nobody in pulpit or pew needs a revival more than a bitter-spirited fundamentalist with his dispensations right and his disposition wrong.
Vance Havner -
We are not bearing our crosses every time we have a headache; an aspirin tablet will take care of that. What is meant is the trouble we would not have if we were not Christians.
Vance Havner -
The middle of the road is a poor place to walk. It is a poor place to drive. It is a poor place to live.
Vance Havner
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To build character of purpose and integrity is our high mark, and that cannot be done in a world where there are no adverse elements.
Vance Havner -
One of the greatest errors in the church today is the artificial distinction we have created between accepting Christ as Savior and confessing Him as Lord. We have made two experiences of it, but the New Testament makes them one.
Vance Havner -
The man who sets out to live the life worthwhile-to follow his vision and speak his heart-need not look for position, honors, prosperity.
Vance Havner -
To the average professed Christian today, living so far below normal, New Testament Christianity would be a shock.
Vance Havner -
Make Jesus Christ your theme! I have seen preachers espouse causes and champion movements, and when the cause died and the movement collapsed, the preacher vanished too. But the man who glories in Christ never grows stale.
Vance Havner -
Any man who takes Jesus Christ seriously becomes the target of the devil. Most church members do not give Satan enough trouble to arouse his opposition
Vance Havner
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Most people would not want to live where there are no churches but many people live as though there were no churches.
Vance Havner -
Where are the marks of the cross in your life? Are there any points of identification with your Lord? Alas, too many Christians wear medals but carry no scars.
Vance Havner -
I can conceive of no greater, more romantic and interesting adventure than to undertake to live like Jesus in this complicated day.
Vance Havner -
We must live in all kinds of days, both high days and low days, in simple dependence upon Christ as the branch on the vine. This is the supreme experience
Vance Havner -
We are fighting the greatest battle of all time with the most untrained army on earth. If strict discipline is necessary in art and athletics, how can we expect to be advanced Christians and stay in kindergarten?
Vance Havner -
We can often do more by doing less. God is not particularly interested in quantity production. That is an American standard, not a Bible standard.
Vance Havner
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Satan is not fighting churches; he is joining them. He does more harm by sowing tares than by pulling up wheat. He accomplishes more by imitation than by outright opposition.
Vance Havner -
God isn't a talent scout looking for someone who is "good enough" or "strong enough." He is looking for someone with a heart set on Him, and He will do the rest.
Vance Havner -
We are the salt of the earth, mind you, not the sugar. Our ministry is to truly cleanse and not just to change the taste.
Vance Havner -
Every 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 Havner