E.W. Kenyon: Apostle of the Pen
1867 - 1948
Colin Melbourne
© 03-08 Born-Again-Christian.Info
Kenyon's books have provided inspiration and added force to our writings for over 25 years. So often, it seems to me utterly impossible to say a fact better than he has already said it. The man's God-gifted talent to use the English language in a crisp, clear yet concise manner to convey truth has never been, in my opinion, equalled. Dr. T.L. Osborn, 1975
One Sows: Another Reaps
The many people who have been saved, healed, blessed, encouraged, and inspired, through this web site are indebted in some degree to God's servant and Apostle, Essek William Kenyon. He drew his last breath on Earth long before I, Colin, was born, but his dedication to the Gospel of Christ, and the seed he planted has produced a profound effect on my life, and on that of countless others.
I'd been saved and Spirit-filled for five years, and a self-financed missionary in Asia for three of them before I really comprehended the simplicity & power of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the fullness of our Blood-bought redemption.
The Lord opened the eyes of my understanding as I listened to Dr. T.L. Osborn in Malaysia. I sat thrilled and awestruck as the Lord, through T.L., unfolded the Gospel anew with such clarity and authority, that I said to myself, 'How does a man get such wonderful revelations as this!' The answer was of course from Almighty God's Spirit, and His Word.
Dr. Osborn credited E. W. Kenyon, in my hearing, for the influence he had on his ministry. He said, 'Of all the books in my library, apart from the Bible, it's the writings of E.W. Kenyon and F.F. Bosworth that I value most.'
My own ministry immediately received greater authority, impetus, and miracle anointing, and yours will too as you nourish your spirit on the revelation of God's Word through Kenyon's writing, and then dare to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
No Servant is Greater than his Master
Kenyon's gift was to enunciate the New Covenant in such simple language that it shocked the tradition-bound theologians of his time. In the same way as the 'outrageous' declaration of Martin Luther, that a believer is saved entirely by faith in the finished work of Christ, was denounced as heresy, so Kenyon was attacked by ecclesiastics, who had mere head knowledge of Christ without a shred of genuine heart-faith.
But, just as Luther's revelation is now accepted as a pillar of the Gospel, so Kenyon's preaching on the authority of a believer, the fullness of The Atonement, bodily healing, faith, redemption and righteousness are foundational truths for all, except those religious individuals who always resist the Holy Spirit.
No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. Jn. 15:20-21
Satan incited blind guides to attack Christ, the Apostles, Stephen, Paul, and the rest in Bible times, and throughout Christian history to this day theological vipers attempt to stifle and smear anyone who stands up for the full Gospel of Christ.
Maria Woodworth-Etter was scandalised for daring to presume that the Lord Jesus Christ would send a woman to proclaim His Word. Smith Wigglesworth was mocked and sneered at as uneducated by the 'educated theologians', T.L. and Daisy Osborn bore constant religious antagonism, and so will you if you dare to follow Christ today. Will you take it for Him, yet still love and bless your enemies?
The People God Uses
Kenyon was born of humble circumstances in New England, on America's East Coast in 1867. In common with Woodworth-Etter and Wigglesworth, he had little formal education. Oh the people God uses!
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Holy Bible 1 Co. 1:27
Like Wigglesworth and Spurgeon, Kenyon was saved in a Primitive Methodist chapel. They were one of the few groups that had any life in those days. He flourished, with a passion for souls and a talent for evangelising. However, he didn't receive a thorough grounding in God's Word, nor was he filled with the Holy Spirit, so, like many without the Power from on High, he struggled when Satan challenged him with the usual difficulties. Regretably, he backslid, and broke fellowship with the Lord for around two and a half dark years, during which time he married.
But God doesn't quit on any of us, and in 1893 Kenyon and his new wife were drawn by God's Spirit to a service in a Baptist fellowship in Boston, pastored by A.J. Gordon. The message brought conviction, repentance and restoration to Kenyon, and from then on he was a mighty tool in The Hand of God. The soulwinner was on fire, soon ordained by the Free Will Baptists, and successfully pastored several fellowships over the next few years.
The Faith Life
The couple became influenced by the example of George Muller, who lived entirely by faith, and unhappy with their Organization's fund raising methods, they decided to trust God entirely for finances. So they left the Free Will Baptists to become independent evangelists trusting the Lord to meet all their needs. There's no such thing as God letting such bold and faithful children down, and they soon had lots of young converts clamouring for more Bible teaching.
Remembering the consequences of an inadequate Scriptural foundation when he was saved, Kenyon longed to begin a Bible School to disciple new believers. And around the turn of the century the Lord faithfully provided the means to open the Bethel Bible Institute. They ran it on faith, attracting many notable Bible scholars, who received no salary, and all the tuition was free. The faith life was taught and practiced, everything was prayed in, and they sent and supported missionaries around the world.
Miracles of Healing
Here is Dr. Kenyon's own description of how he discovered the miracle power in the Name of Jesus.
'I saw the first miracles of healing in my ministry in Springville, New York, where I was pastor. Before this I had always been suspicious of anyone who claimed their prayers were answered along the line of healing. I felt we had doctors and surgeons and sanitariums for that purpose. Why did we need anything else? I then firmly believed that God had given us the physicians and other methods of healing. I knew nothing about the Name of Jesus and that healing was a part of the plan of Redemption, but my heart was very hungry and I was studying the Word diligently. I had just received the Holy Spirit. The Word had become a living thing. I had awakened faith in many hearts by my new found love for the Word.'
'One day the clerk of our church came down and asked me if I would pray for his wife. She had been ill for many months. I will never forget how I shrank from it. I had to go. She lay in bed and I prayed for her the best I knew how. I did not understand about the Name of Jesus, but God in His great grace honoured me and she was instantly healed. That night she came to church and gave her testimony. It created a great deal of sensation and some criticism. Some said it was time for her to get well anyway. A few gave credit where it belonged.'
'A young woman in a neighbouring town was healed next. She was helpless, unable to walk. If I remember correctly, she had had an operation and it had left her in a fearful condition. I prayed for her. She was instantly healed and got up and went about her work. She is now on our correspondence list. From that day on healings came - not many, for not many people asked to be prayed for. While we were holding services in Massachusetts, healing became more frequent. One day I discovered the use of the Name of Jesus. Then miracles became a daily occurrence.'
From East to West to Glory
The Lord led the Kenyons to move to the East coast of America in 1923 where he preached around California, the Lord confirming his word with signs, wonders, and miracles. They pastored a succesful fellowship in Los Angeles, published two books, a monthly magazine, and started one of the first Christian radio ministries.
Next the Lord directed them Northwards to establish their final home in Seattle. Evangelistic meetings grew into New Covenant Baptist Church, the Seattle Bible Institute was established, his radio ministry resumed, and his writing ministry blossomed. Most of his wonderful books were written during this fruitful period of Kenyon's ministry. They are quite unique, illuminating, inspiring and challenging readers to embrace all Christ died to give them, and go forth in His Power to the ends of the earth.
Their soulwinning legacy receives this ringing endorsement from Dr. T.L. Osborn writing to Ruth Kenyon, E.W.K's daughter,
'Though hundreds of men have sought to imitate the Kenyon books (and thank God for an example that incites imitation), for some mysterious reason none have been so gifted of God as was your Father. He was clearly an appointed Apostle of the pen, and his works will go on lighting the way and compelling men to action, until our King returns.
The Apostle of the Pen was promoted to Glory in 1948.
