Not Peace But a Sword

by Vance Havner, Ralph I. Tilley (Introduction)

Riverby Memorial Church was both imposing and important, with a liberal sprinkling of lawyers, doctors, retailers and politicians. Its pastor was highly educated, an excellent speaker, and surpassed every area minister in the art of pleasing all the church members. Everyone spoke well of their pastor.Memorial Church was a peaceful place to be—but it was the peace of a cemetery! All that changed when Stephen Lynn came to town. Lynn was not a pastor, but he was a Christian through and through. He took Christ and his words seriously. He not only talked the talk; he walked the walk. Through Lynn’s influence, the pastor was renewed as well as several others. The “old guard” resisted this fresh move of the Spirit. The devout soon discovered that the way of Christ was a way of “not peace but a sword.”This refreshing fictional account of revival coming to a local church, should whet the spiritual appetite of every believer who thirsts for reality—in his own life and the life of the church. Vance Havner (1901-1986) is mostly unknown to our generation. However, there was a time when this southern preacher was one of the most read-after and quoted preachers in America. He authored more than thirty books, and crisscrossed this land conducting church revivals and Bible conferences. He was a man after God’s own heart, with unusual spiritual discernment and courage. His lifelong friend, Billy Graham, preached his funeral.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Noted Christian Writer. Vance Havner began writing the very first of his more than 40 books shortly after the start of his 70 year ministry. Vance's best known book, Though I Walk Through The Valley, details the loss of his beloved wife, Sarah. He was a dedicated evangelist who spoke locally at churches and nationally at conventions to large crowds and appreciative audiences. Billy Graham called Havner, "The most quoted preacher of the twentieth century." Through reading his books, thousands were led to experience God in a new and exciting way.

(From findagrave.com)

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that should be read more widely today. Sheean captures these cataclysmic events in history, bringing them to life and to the doorstep for readers in 1939, and brings them back to life for readers in the 21st century. The Spanish Civil war, a fight against fascism; the cruel betrayal of the then Czechoslovakia. A powerful tale of in one sense heroism, the other sheer cowardice and infamy. I have a first edition from 1939. I wonder if it’s original reader was shaken and awakened to what these “far off events” would one day hold for the New World?