Reinhard Bonnke is recognised across the globe as the evangelist who spearheaded the mighty Lord’s crusade across Africa. Best known for his Great Gospel Crusades, Bonnke practised evangelism, which dominated his main focus – taking the gospel to the millions. He was born to a pastor and dedicated his life to Jesus when he was nine years old; before he was a teenager he felt that God wanted him to serve in Africa. His passionate proclamation of the gospel combined with a strong faith in the Holy Spirit has touched this world. The words which Bonnke has shared either in his sermons or in his books have encouraged millions of people to step further in faith and to accept the life-changing message that the Gospel brings. In this blog, we will share some of the best-known Reinhard Bonnke quotes and the insight they provide.
1. “The Holy Spirit is a healing spirit. When the Holy Spirit is present, anything is possible.”
This quote summarises Bonnke’s faith in the omnipotent influence of the Holy Spirit. In his life, Bonnke saw many people receiving miracles and healing and all of these he attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit. He believed and taught that when people invite the Holy Spirit into their lives, they set themselves up for miracles. The ‘Spirit’ was not an ethereal, distant entity for Bonnke but a living person who could effect physical, emotional and spiritual healing. His belief that the Holy Spirit cannot be contained or limited is a major aspect of his message and a testament to those who choose to seek divine help in their lives.
2. “I don’t want to play with marbles when God told me to move mountains!”
This powerful statement reflects Bonnke’s deep conviction that believers are called to do extraordinary things through God’s power. For him, the Christian life was not about settling for mediocrity but about embracing the immense potential that God has placed within each person. Bonnke’s ministry was characterized by boldness and a refusal to accept anything less than the fulfilment of God’s promises. He encouraged Christians to step out in faith and take on the seemingly impossible tasks that God has set before them, knowing that with God, all things are possible. This quote challenges believers to examine their own lives and consider whether they are settling for less than what God has called them to achieve.
3. “God is the same God for everybody: those in the church and those in the world.”
This quote shows that Bonnke had an inclusive perspective of God’s love for everyone. He taught that God’s grace and mercy do not depend on one’s education, race or social status, or other factors of life. This belief led him to seek out the company of the most vulnerable and the outcasts of society. Bonnke’s crusades were always public and he stressed the fact that the Love of God was for everybody not just the churchgoers. He was convinced that the church’s purpose was to proclaim the gospel of Christ and tell this blessing to the entire world, to all who did not hear it yet.
4. “No matter who we are, God does not adapt to please us; we always have to adapt to him.”
In a world where everyone wants God in a certain way, Bonnke’s statements remind everyone that rather than God adapting Himself to what we want, it is we who need to conform to what God wants. He stressed that it is impossible to reinterpret the Gospel to fit one’s preferences or culture, or to view it simply as a recommendation; it is a message that demands a response. His ministry was mainly built around evangelism as he sought to encourage people to commit to God by surrendering their lives to Him.
5. “The Gospel is not an alternative, it’s an ultimatum.”
This statement depicts the intensity and importance that Bonnke placed in the proclamation of the Word of God. He thought that the gospel was not one of many choices but it was the truth that could not be ignored. Bonnke said that for him the Gospel was a matter of life and death, and he preached the message that accepting Jesus was the only thing any person could do in life.
6. “We are agents of omnipotence. This means that unlimited power is at our fingertips. It also means that there are no great men working in God’s Kingdom. Rather, there is a great God at work in human beings who have childlike faith.”
Bonnke believed deeply in the power of God working through believers. He taught that when Christians fully trust in God and have faith like a child, they become vessels through which God’s omnipotence can flow. This quote underscores the humility that Bonnke emphasized in his ministry. He often reminded people that any greatness in ministry was not due to human effort but to God’s power working through ordinary individuals. Bonnke’s own life was a testament to this truth, as he consistently pointed to God as the source of the miracles and successes he experienced. His words encourage believers to rely on God’s strength rather than their own, trusting that He can accomplish great things through them.
7. “The less Holy Spirit we have, the more cake and coffee we need to keep the church going.”
With this quote, Bonnke highlighted the danger of relying on human efforts and superficial attractions to maintain church life. He believed that the church’s vitality and effectiveness come from the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, not from gimmicks or entertainment. Bonnke warned against the temptation to substitute the Spirit’s work with worldly methods, reminding believers that only the Holy Spirit can bring true life and growth to the church. His words challenge churches today to examine their practices and ensure that they are not relying on external factors to sustain their ministry but are instead seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
8. “God has a thousand-year calendar with only one day marked on it. It is marked ‘TODAY’.”
This quote reflects Bonnke’s emphasis on the urgency of responding to God’s call in the present moment. He preached that God’s timing is always now and that believers should not delay in obeying His voice. Bonnke encouraged people to live with a sense of immediacy, recognising that today is the day of salvation and that God’s opportunities are not to be postponed. His ministry was characterized by a focus on the present, urging people to make the most of the time they have to fulfil God’s purposes. This quote serves as a reminder that each day is a gift from God and that we should use it to serve Him and advance His Kingdom.
9. “Don’t accept the applause of men, and you won’t be destroyed by their criticism.”
Bonnke’s humility is evident in this quote. He understood the dangers of seeking approval from people and the trap of pride that can come with success in ministry. By keeping his focus on God rather than on the opinions of others, Bonnke was able to remain steadfast in his calling, regardless of the praise or criticism he received. He taught that true success in ministry comes from faithfulness to God, not from human accolades. This quote encourages believers to seek God’s approval above all else, knowing that it is His opinion that truly matters. It also serves as a reminder to stay humble and grounded, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and the need for human validation.
10. “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a religion, but a glorious light to the lost.”
Bonnke’s belief that the Gospel is a transformative power that brings light to those in darkness shines through in this quote. He often described the Gospel as more than just a set of religious practices or beliefs; it is the very power of God to save, heal, and deliver. Bonnke’s ministry was marked by a deep passion to bring this light to those who were lost, particularly in Africa, where he saw countless lives changed by the message of Christ. His words challenge believers to see the Gospel not as a mere tradition but as the living, active power of God that can bring about real change in the world. This quote encourages Christians to carry the light of Christ into every corner of their lives, shining brightly for those who have yet to experience His love.
Conclusion
Reinhard Bonnke’s life and ministry have left a profound legacy in the world, particularly across the African continent where he dedicated much of his life’s work. His unwavering faith, passionate preaching, and deep reliance on the Holy Spirit have inspired millions to follow Christ and to live out their faith boldly. Reinhard Bonnke’s quotes on prayer are more than just words; they are reflections of a life fully surrendered to God, a life that sought to bring glory to Him in all things.
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