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In Light of Eternity the Life of Leonard Ravenhill
This is the second edition of this biography, being revised and expanded from the original edition. For all that this man, under God, meant to the church in the 20th century, this effort by Mack Tomlinson remains the only biography of Ravenhill's life.
Ravenhill's spiritual life, uniquely marked by experiential godliness, was from its beginning rooted in eighteenth century English Methodism. Had he lived two hundred years earlier, he could have been one of the men laboring in the gospel with John Wesley or George Whitefield. His grandmother, mother, and father were all converted to Christ through that spiritual heritage. Converted at age fifteen, Ravenhill later trained for Christian ministry under the saintly influence of Samuel Chadwick at Cliff College in England. Characterized by a deep life of prayer, passionate evangelistic zeal and a powerful preaching gift, his ministry drew traffic-jamming crowds in the British Isles during the 1930's and 1940's. Along with D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and J. Edwin Orr, Ravenhill was one of the few specialists in the 20th century regarding the message of genuine revival and spiritual awakening.
Ravenhill's spiritual life, uniquely marked by experiential godliness, was from its beginning rooted in eighteenth century English Methodism. Had he lived two hundred years earlier, he could have been one of the men laboring in the gospel with John Wesley or George Whitefield. His grandmother, mother, and father were all converted to Christ through that spiritual heritage. Converted at age fifteen, Ravenhill later trained for Christian ministry under the saintly influence of Samuel Chadwick at Cliff College in England. Characterized by a deep life of prayer, passionate evangelistic zeal and a powerful preaching gift, his ministry drew traffic-jamming crowds in the British Isles during the 1930's and 1940's. Along with D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and J. Edwin Orr, Ravenhill was one of the few specialists in the 20th century regarding the message of genuine revival and spiritual awakening.
597 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 19, 2015
I have never read a Christian biography that left a greater impact upon my soul. I was there in the trenches at the beginning of Ravenhill's ministry, in the audience when he preached, beside him in the middle of the night when he endured a holy burden, and mourned his death of 21 years ago.
The life of Leonard Ravenhill, as chronicled by Mack Tomlinson, is an instant classic and must read book for any Christian looking to walk in the footsteps of the saints before them. My heart now longs for revival and is eager to meet this modern day legend on the other side of eternity.
Thanks be to God for living examples of love and of holiness.
The life of Leonard Ravenhill, as chronicled by Mack Tomlinson, is an instant classic and must read book for any Christian looking to walk in the footsteps of the saints before them. My heart now longs for revival and is eager to meet this modern day legend on the other side of eternity.
Thanks be to God for living examples of love and of holiness.
August 17, 2013
"Ravenhill has left a tremendous legacy behind for us. But what bothers me is that it seems that he has almost been forgotten. It seems that many pastors today are not even interested in reading about a man like Leonard and are not interested in reading what he wrote or hearing what he preached. Today when I mention his name or his books, its like they stand there puzzled, not knowing who or what I am talking about. We have truly lost someone great in the passing of Leonard Ravenhill."
"His legacy to us is that there need not be a continual spiritual decline in churches, but that the Holy Spirit is very able today to turn churches around, as well as entire denominations and even nations. I believe that he was a man full of hope and was convinced that the proper preaching of the Word of God would bring results.
I think his message was rejected by most American churches by the end of his life. People now who happen to hear a true preacher bring a real word from God go away thinking, "Well, isn't that strange, isn't that novel? Can you imagine an old man speaking like that with such vigor?" It's more like a circus or a novelty. I think some saw Leonard that way - an unusual old man, a dynamic quaint preacher, someone to stare at and be able to say, "I went to hear this odd man at this extraordinary church service." But many would go away unchanged and not impacted.
God has at times in history used such men as Leonard and such preaching to transform entire nations. He was no less than those men from the past. But it wasn't to be that there would be national change through Ravenhill's ministry. Now there is such a hardness of heart in America that the bulk of people are hardened and are totally out of touch with the reality of true Christianity because of a form of teaching that actually denies the power of the gospel."
"As the fall arrived, Leonard was sensing that his public ministry was ending. The last prayer meeting he ever led was at Calvary Commission on September 14, 1994. He shared his heart that morning with those present with real transparency:
Who would be delighted right now to go and stand before the King? You will have to answer for all your preaching. I woke up at three o'clock this morning thinking about that. I've been preaching for over seventy years. If you preach for an hour, using 7200 words, and preach sixty times a year for seventy years, that is over thirty million words for which you will give account to God.
The more I read the Word of God, the more it pierces my heart. It makes me stop, think, and meditate. I meditate now more on eternity than I ever have in all my life. Our people are not eternity-conscious. Do you think a person who is ready for eternity would miss a prayer meeting?
Every person and every preacher will stand before God. That is the final reckoning day. I want to live with eternity's values in view. If we judge ourselves in the light of God's Word, we need not fear the judgment. If we walk in the light as he is in the light, that's all he ask's of us- to walk in the light. And that's what I desire for you, that you would all have more vision than I ever had, more power than I ever had, and more understanding than I ever had, Remember - no preacher ever had a bigger God, a bigger Bible, or a bigger calendar than you do. May God help us."
"His legacy to us is that there need not be a continual spiritual decline in churches, but that the Holy Spirit is very able today to turn churches around, as well as entire denominations and even nations. I believe that he was a man full of hope and was convinced that the proper preaching of the Word of God would bring results.
I think his message was rejected by most American churches by the end of his life. People now who happen to hear a true preacher bring a real word from God go away thinking, "Well, isn't that strange, isn't that novel? Can you imagine an old man speaking like that with such vigor?" It's more like a circus or a novelty. I think some saw Leonard that way - an unusual old man, a dynamic quaint preacher, someone to stare at and be able to say, "I went to hear this odd man at this extraordinary church service." But many would go away unchanged and not impacted.
God has at times in history used such men as Leonard and such preaching to transform entire nations. He was no less than those men from the past. But it wasn't to be that there would be national change through Ravenhill's ministry. Now there is such a hardness of heart in America that the bulk of people are hardened and are totally out of touch with the reality of true Christianity because of a form of teaching that actually denies the power of the gospel."
"As the fall arrived, Leonard was sensing that his public ministry was ending. The last prayer meeting he ever led was at Calvary Commission on September 14, 1994. He shared his heart that morning with those present with real transparency:
Who would be delighted right now to go and stand before the King? You will have to answer for all your preaching. I woke up at three o'clock this morning thinking about that. I've been preaching for over seventy years. If you preach for an hour, using 7200 words, and preach sixty times a year for seventy years, that is over thirty million words for which you will give account to God.
The more I read the Word of God, the more it pierces my heart. It makes me stop, think, and meditate. I meditate now more on eternity than I ever have in all my life. Our people are not eternity-conscious. Do you think a person who is ready for eternity would miss a prayer meeting?
Every person and every preacher will stand before God. That is the final reckoning day. I want to live with eternity's values in view. If we judge ourselves in the light of God's Word, we need not fear the judgment. If we walk in the light as he is in the light, that's all he ask's of us- to walk in the light. And that's what I desire for you, that you would all have more vision than I ever had, more power than I ever had, and more understanding than I ever had, Remember - no preacher ever had a bigger God, a bigger Bible, or a bigger calendar than you do. May God help us."
March 30, 2023
This is a stirring, well-written biography of the fiery 20th century evangelist and revivalist, Leonard Ravenhill. I first encountered Ravenhill’s books when I was a teenager, and then fed deeply on videos of his sermons in my late twenties. Strangely, I had never read this biography, even though I know the author. Several days ago, on a whim, I pulled the book from my shelf, started reading, and have barely put it down. Ravenhill was unique — not a theologian, and not particularly winsome, but rather a prayer warrior with a prophetic preaching style, akin to Elijah the prophet or John the Baptist. He wasn’t perfect and this biography, while sympathetic, doesn’t hide the flaws. The title fits his life well: Ravenhill lived in light of eternity. Readers will find their hearts searched and stirred to do the same.
July 28, 2020
The rare sort of biography that shakes a man to the core. Nothing impressive on the writing style, no eventful life nor great talents involved. Why then would one take time to read these 0ver 500 pages? The depiction of a driving passion for God and a sincere zeal for prayer and revival. That is a trait reminiscent of Whitefield, Edwards and Wesley. In many ways, Ravenhill was a 18th-century "Great Awakening man" walking and living on the 2oth century. A memorable life spent in communion with God in the closet more than in the pulpit. Oh, that God would bring about more of those witnesses today.
August 4, 2014
This book on Leonard Ravenhill was a fascinating read. It was well-written and very informative, focusing on his life and ministry and passion for preaching. His life is truly inspiring when you consider all that he has experienced and seen during his time here on earth. He certainly lived for God all the days of his life, pointing people to Jesus in the most humble of ways.
June 21, 2022
“Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?”
June 25, 2013
Enjoyed reading this very much. Stirred my heart and passion for the things of God. A must read!
September 1, 2013
Great reaf
August 26, 2015
An exceptional glimpse into the life of Leonard Ravenhill, see his passion for holiness and zeal for prayer.
April 1, 2016
This book is a true gem for the soul. Leonard was greatly used by the Lord. Such a honor to read about this man of God.
March 9, 2017
Man of God
February 10, 2022
“Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?”
“There are two kinds of people in the world—only two kinds. Not black or white, rich or poor, but those either dead in sin or dead to sin.”
“My goal is GOD HIMSELF. Not joy, not peace, not even blessing but HIMSELF...my GOD.”
“How can you pull down the strongholds of Satan if you don't even have the strength to turn off your TV?”
“No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing.”
“I'm sick to death of paper theology. I want to see it in flesh and blood!"
“One of these days some simple soul will pick up the Book of God, read it, and believe it.”
“John the Baptist’s training was in the God’s University of Silence. God takes all His great men there.”
“My main ambition in life is to be on the Devil 's most wanted list."
"God-hungry men find God."
"Easy-going preachers produce easy-going believers. We have more star preachers that scarred preachers."
"The world boasts its atomic power; some cults boast their satanic power; but where are those who boast Holy Ghost power?"
"Who is spending more per annum on dog food than on propagation of the Gospel?"
“Notice, we never pray for folks we gossip about, and we never gossip about the folk for whom we pray! For prayer is a great deterrent.”
"We are all as spiritual as we want to be."
Leonard Ravenhill - a prophet of God
“There are two kinds of people in the world—only two kinds. Not black or white, rich or poor, but those either dead in sin or dead to sin.”
“My goal is GOD HIMSELF. Not joy, not peace, not even blessing but HIMSELF...my GOD.”
“How can you pull down the strongholds of Satan if you don't even have the strength to turn off your TV?”
“No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing.”
“I'm sick to death of paper theology. I want to see it in flesh and blood!"
“One of these days some simple soul will pick up the Book of God, read it, and believe it.”
“John the Baptist’s training was in the God’s University of Silence. God takes all His great men there.”
“My main ambition in life is to be on the Devil 's most wanted list."
"God-hungry men find God."
"Easy-going preachers produce easy-going believers. We have more star preachers that scarred preachers."
"The world boasts its atomic power; some cults boast their satanic power; but where are those who boast Holy Ghost power?"
"Who is spending more per annum on dog food than on propagation of the Gospel?"
“Notice, we never pray for folks we gossip about, and we never gossip about the folk for whom we pray! For prayer is a great deterrent.”
"We are all as spiritual as we want to be."
Leonard Ravenhill - a prophet of God
February 10, 2025
This book is a hard one to review. Everyone needs to know the life of Leonard Ravenhill and how sold out he was for God. You can’t read about his life and not be convicted. But at the same time, this book is hard to read. The formatting is very dry, and you will have to fight to get through it. But nevertheless, it is worth the read because we need more strong Christian men like Ravenhill in these times. Now I feel I can go read his other authored books with more understanding of who he is and why he writes and speaks the way he does
October 2, 2018
If you only ever read one biography of a Christian -- this should be it. Ravenhill's life makes you want to pray and preach. Well put together biography, though the middle portion that just details meeting locations and attendance numbers was pretty tedious after a while. Will be reading it again before long.
September 7, 2020
This book is rich with history about the Holiness Movement and the life of Leonard Ravenhill. There is a whole section dedicated to some of his best quotes as well as a section devoted to his epistles.
Often, I read these sort of books and come away a bit disappointed at the truth but not so with this book!
Often, I read these sort of books and come away a bit disappointed at the truth but not so with this book!
August 25, 2023
Wow, so enjoyed this biography! It was a page turner! It follows Leonard Ravenhill's life from youth to old age showing throughout his life he truly tirelessly served the Lord. Learnt a lot from the book! How he was friends with Keith Green, A W Tozer, David Wilkerson, Charles Stanley, plus plus plus. I loved reading some of the letters he wrote as well. Grateful this book was ever written!
September 23, 2018
Mack Tomlinson has done the church a great service by putting this much needed book together, in a manner that is so spiritually edifying to the reader and faithful to who Leonard Ravenhill was. I possess and have read all of Leonard Ravenhill's books, so this work was the completion of that collection. I was personally thrilled most of all with its coverage of the early years of brother Leonard, a period of his life that none of us knew about until this book hit the press, and also loved the many photographs throughout. If you have been blessed/challenged/convicted/changed by Ravenhill's audio sermons or books, then you will appreciate this book and its message. It is one of my most cherished books. Content aside, the dust jacket, binding, and printing is state of the art for a modern biography. You get your money's worth that's for sure!
April 7, 2019
Good in-depth biography. Well written and researched
May 5, 2020
Exceptional. Absolutely exceptional. Thank you Mack. Thank you Leonard. And supremely, thank you God.
Read
November 22, 2022Muy impactante - un ejemplo de cómo vivir a la luz de la eternidad.
February 22, 2024
A must read for future ministers. Ravenhill is a Hebrews 11 kind of man. Will read this again in the future.
March 9, 2025
Inspiring
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews