Book Summary of “Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill”

Author: Leonard Ravenhill  

Title: Why Revival Tarries

City and Year of Publication: Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2004  

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Introduction

Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill is a seminal work on the subject of spiritual revival within the Christian church. 

First published in 1959 and reissued in 2004, this book remains a powerful call to prayer and holiness. 

Ravenhill, an English evangelist known for his fervent preaching and deep commitment to prayer, challenges the church to return to the fervor and purity of the New Testament.

Content Summary

The book is structured into 20 chapters, each addressing different aspects of spiritual revival and the obstacles that hinder it.

1. With All Thy Getting, Get Unction
   Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of spiritual anointing (unction) for effective ministry. He argues that intellectual prowess alone is insufficient; true impact comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. Prayer Grasps Eternity
   This chapter underscores the vital role of prayer in connecting with God’s eternal purposes. Ravenhill asserts that no Christian can rise above their prayer life, and he criticizes the modern church for its prayerlessness.
3. A Call for Unction in the Pulpit—Action in the Pew!
   Ravenhill calls for preachers to be filled with divine unction and for congregants to be active participants in their faith. He highlights the need for passionate and Spirit-led preaching to inspire true action among believers.
4. Where Are the Elijahs of God?
   Lamenting the absence of powerful prophetic voices, Ravenhill calls for modern-day Elijahs who will boldly confront sin and call the church back to righteousness.
5. Revival in a Bone Yard
   Drawing from Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones, Ravenhill describes the church as spiritually dead and in need of revival. He calls for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to bring new life.
6. Revival Tarries—Because
   Ravenhill lists several reasons why revival is delayed, including a lack of prayer, holiness, and genuine desire for God’s presence. He challenges believers to examine their lives and remove any hindrances to revival.
7. Is Soul-Hot Preaching a Lost Art?
   This chapter critiques the decline of fervent, soul-stirring preaching. Ravenhill argues that many sermons today lack the fire and conviction necessary to bring about true spiritual transformation.
8. Unbelieving Believers
   Ravenhill addresses the issue of unbelief within the church, criticizing those who profess faith but lack true belief in God’s power and promises.
9. Wanted—Prophets for a Day of Doom!
   Emphasizing the need for prophetic voices in times of moral and spiritual decline, Ravenhill calls for individuals who will speak God’s truth fearlessly, even in the face of opposition.
10. Fire Begets Fire
    Ravenhill discusses how true spiritual fervor can ignite others. He calls for a baptism of holiness and godly living as essential for sparking revival.
11. Why Don’t They Stir Themselves?
    This chapter challenges the complacency within the church. Ravenhill urges believers to awaken from their spiritual slumber and actively seek God.
12. The Prodigal Church in a Prodigal World
    Drawing a parallel between the church and the Prodigal Son, Ravenhill calls for repentance and a return to God. He highlights the church’s need to recognize its waywardness and seek restoration.
13. Wanted—A Prophet to Preach to Preachers!
    Ravenhill emphasizes the need for accountability among church leaders. He calls for prophets who will confront and challenge preachers to live and minister with integrity.
14. An Empire Builder for God
    This chapter discusses the need for leaders who build God’s kingdom rather than their own. Ravenhill critiques those who seek personal gain over God’s glory.
15. Branded—For Christ!
    Ravenhill calls for Christians to be marked by their commitment to Christ. He emphasizes the importance of living a life that visibly reflects one’s faith.
16. “Give Me Children, or I’ll Die!”
    The urgency of spiritual reproduction and discipleship is stressed. Ravenhill highlights the importance of mentoring and raising up new believers.
17. “The Filth of the World”
    Addressing the moral decay in society, Ravenhill calls the church to stand against sin and uphold God’s standards of holiness.
18. Prayer As Vast As God
    Ravenhill explores the limitless potential of prayer. He encourages believers to pray boldly and expectantly, trusting in God’s power to answer.
19. As the Church Goes, So Goes the World
    This chapter discusses the influence of the church on the world. Ravenhill argues that the spiritual health of the church directly impacts society.
20. … Known in Hell
    Concluding with a call for Christians to live lives that are known in both heaven and hell for their impact, Ravenhill urges believers to make a significant spiritual impact.

Conclusion

Why Revival Tarries is a passionate plea for the church to return to its roots of prayer, holiness, and fervent preaching. 

Ravenhill’s message is timeless, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and to become catalysts for revival in their communities. 

His call to action is as relevant today as it was when first penned, challenging Christians to live lives marked by spiritual fervor and dedication.

References:

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Why-Revival-Tarries-Leonard-Ravenhill/dp/0764229052

[2] https://books.google.com/books/about/Why_Revival_Tarries.html?id=kYUw1foIpBUC

[3] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18915137-why-revival-tarries

[4] https://www.christianbook.com/why-revival-tarries-leonard-ravenhill/9780764229053/pd/29056

[5] https://www.amazon.com/Why-Revival-Tarries-Leonard-Ravenhill/dp/B000J0UHYU