I have felt led of God to get up all of Charles Finney's Lectures on the Revivals of Religion. And personally read them and go through them myself commenting on them. Other people on the site are doing the same, I really believe its crucual for pastors and leaders to read these lectures also. A dear brother is making audio transcriptions for each lecture, so you can listen and read along. Here is a recent comment from this brother: "I was beginning to work on lecture II last night and could not help but wonder the great impact that these lectures will have on Christian lives. They are convicting just reading them. I was thinking about how Paris Reidhead said Wesley would preach until the people fell out utterly unconscious. If you were to use some sermons like these lectures and then preach the enormity of people sins it is very believable that this could happen. This is a taking seriously of the Word of God the likes of which we do not see in our times. People see the Bible as a book of suggestions compared to the way these men viewed it."• LECTURE I - WHAT A REVIVAL OF RELIGION IS• LECTURE II - WHEN A REVIVAL IS TO BE EXPECTED• LECTURE III - HOW TO PROMOTE A REVIVAL• LECTURE IV - PREVAILING PRAYER• LECTURE V - THE PRAYER OF FAITH• LECTURE VI - THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER• LECTURE VII - THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER• LECTURE VIII. - MEETINGS FOR PRAYER• LECTURE IX - MEANS TO BE USED WITH SINNERS• LECTURE X - TO WIN SOULS REQUIRES WISDOM• LECTURE XI - A WISE MINISTER WILL BE SUCCESSFUL• LECTURE XII - HOW TO PREACH THE GOSPEL• LECTURE XIII - HOW CHURCHES CAN HELP MINISTERS• LECTURE XIV - MEASURES TO PROMOTE REVIVALSOther lectures will be posted as they are completed, feel free to read and comment on the ones done already.---Here are Live Seminars presented on SermonIndex by Robert Wurtz II on Charles Finney:• An Introduction to Charles G. Finney with Robert Wurtz II - Neither of his parents were religious, and among his neighbors there were very few religious people. He seldom heard a sermon unless it was from some unlearned preacher whom the people would leave with irrepressible laughter after enduring his sermons. It was from this setting that God raised up a root out of a dry ground. A man that would later coin these compelling words; “Revival comes from heaven when heroic souls enter the conflict determined to win or die- or if need be, to win and die!• Memoirs of the Revivalist with Robert Wurtz II - When men and women prevail in prayer to God and preach with eternity in their eyes revival often follows. What are the results of a man who preached as if He loved the Lord His God with all his heart and his neighbor as himself? Charles Finney accounts of one of his meetings, “At first they looked angry. Some of them said later that they were on the point of getting up and leaving. But I followed them up on the track of their prayers and confessions, until the leading elder burst into tears and exclaimed, "Brother Finney, it's all true!" He fell to his knees and wept aloud. This was the signal for a general breaking. Every man and woman went down on their knees.“• Overwhelming Conviction with Robert Wurtz II - How ought men to react to the revelation of their sin before God? What horror comes upon the mind when one realizes they have been trodding Christ under foot? When God pours out of His Spirit upon the people- there are times when even the lightest mention of these things will drive men and women to their knees before God. Charles Finney writes, “I arose and was making some remarks to the people, when an unconverted man, a merchant, came into the meeting. He had sat but a few moments, when he fell from his seat as if he had been shot. He writhed and groaned in a terrible manner. I stepped to the pew door, and saw that it was altogether an agony of mind.” These and many other accounts of the revival at Rome will we discuss in this session.• The Conviction We Need by Robert Wurtz II - If we are ever to see revival in our lands we must pray for an outpouring of Holy Ghost conviction. We need conviction of sin the likes of which has not been felt in decades. Charles G. Finney recounts such conviction. He writes, “After a few moments, I requested the congregation to sit still, while I should go down and speak with the man. I found him to be this Mr. E, of whom I have been speaking. The Spirit of the Lord had so powerfully convicted him, that he was unable to sit on his seat. He was weeping aloud like a child confessing his sins, and accusing himself in a terrible manner. I said a few words to him, to which he seemed to pay but little attention.“Short Bio:Charles Grandison Finney is, without a doubt, a truly fascinating man of God. During his lifetime he served as a teacher, lawyer, evangelist, pastor, theology professor, and college president (Oberlin College, Ohio). What is even more amazing is that, unlike many of our theologians of today, Finney was self educated and held no earned degrees. I often wonder if such a powerful speaker would even be given a chance to preach in our Churches today as he, like Peter the Apostle, was "unlettered"."Because it pleased Christ to grant me experience with revivals of true Christianity, I thought that through the publication of these lectures I might in a small way serve the church at large." Charles G. Finney (from the preface)Throughout the winter of 1834, Charles Finney delivered one lecture a week on the principles of revival that he had seen transforming America's churches. These were recorded and later published as the Lectures on Revivals of Religion. Tens of thousands of copies where sold and spiritual awakenings occurred all over America and in Great Britain as a result. A revival classic was born.----------Here are some comments on these lectures in book form from people across the world:"That being said, when I first read the "Revival Lectures" it completely changed my life. Finney's presentation of the gospel is so much more challenging than the standard 20th/21st century version. This book transformed a generation in the 1800s. It also touched countless lives in the 20th century. (For example, the singer Keith Green was revived in his christian life through this book.)""The autobiography makes this book even more believable. The books go together. It has been noted, (not by him), that 85% of his converts were still living for God 7 years after conversion. Compare that with 1% today. Who's wrong? You be the judge. I challenge you to read the book and don't criticize his theology until you do. As one preacher friend told me, "They criticize his theology, but they can't match his power!" "This is a must read for those interested in true revival. I also thought it quite true and eye opening that Finney dispells many incorrect beliefs about revival that exist today even though the book is over 150 years old. The first and foremost is a parable he tells about farming. Tell a farmer that he should not sow seed, till, water or weed because a harvest is a sovereign act of God and we will all starve. Yes God makes the harvest grow, but man has his part. Likewise a spiritual harvest does not happen without man doing his part. There has never been a revival in the history of the church that broke out without being birthed thru people's intercession and seeking God. A main reason the American church is starving is because they are not willing to work with God for the harvest. This is a real eye opener and a great place to start for those seeking revival." "I found his teaching on prayer for revival to be the most helpful. It included powerful personal testimonies and real life examples. The book comes from a strong Armenian viewpoint. I thought many of Finney's insights did not align with Biblical truth. Some of his applications, like the problem of barking dogs and chewing tobacco in church are no longer relevant for most American churches. Despite that, this book is mandatory reading for any serious student of revival and valuable reading for anyone desiring to experience it." "There is a common theme among Finneys lectures that stands out to me, and that is the importance of the here and now. If you read this book prepare to deal with the topic of "revival" personally and immediately, for that is exactly what he asks you to do. When you contrast the principles of revival that Charles Finney outlines in great detail and conviction, it will bring light and correction to the revivals of the present day. I highly recommend this book to any one who is interested in revival. You will draw many truths that will allow you to experience this necessary experience, even if its just on a personal level, for these truths can be applied in your own prayer closet, or as it was, nationwide as seen in Finneys time."
