Finney on Revival

This book has been one of my devotionals for the last 3 years. Finney uses God's own example in likening soul winning to farming, implying that if the farmer does not tend his field, even though God is the one that causes growth, the crop will be poor. He believed it was God who chose to involve the farmer in the process. Experience tells me this is also true spiritually. "How can they hear without a preacher?" We are agents that work with God for revival, and if the church doesn't obey God's leading and respond by going to work, the work faulters. I'm amazed at how some pull things out of context and try to say Finney didn't believe in the Holy Spirit's importance in revival. Look at their churches and see if they aren't trying to get people to work to help the church grow. Finney emphasizes the Spirit's importance like few ever have, but seems to get criticized for his belief that God has also chosen to use man as an instrument. Finney supplied us with practical tools and insight into how God uses man to accomplish His will, and ways we can cooperate with God in God's plan. Finney's way of saying things did confuse me a little on the first read (it was written 170 years ago), but with context, I understood what was really being said, and agreed. Context is always the key. As a former pastor and now traveling minister, other than my Bible, God has used this book more to strengthen my hands for the work than any other. Some of the divine insights have been absolutely invaluable. If you were once strong in your faith, and now you are struggling, this book will really help you personally. If you know how ministry should be, but can't seem to figure out how to do it, this is a must read. I don't do things like Finney did, but I sure have learned tons of principles that have helped me win many to Christ.- Sincerely, Glenn

There are many good christian biographies and many good christian books written on many subjects, but I have yet to find a single one that even comes close to the "Lectures on Revival" concerning having personal revival. A fantastic "how to" book, it is unparalleled. Though written about 150 years ago, the methods in this book are timeless and do work. I have seen it myself on a smaller scale when his principles (which are bible principles) are followed. Think what would happen if one or two of us really yielded ourselves to God as he did. We COULD have sweeping revival today. If you still have any doubts, read the "Autobiography of Charles Finney" and see for yourself that over and over again he used the same biblical methods mentioned in this book and achieved the same biblical results. 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.

Lectures on Revival attempts to define revival and its cause. It could be called a "how to" book on revival. Among numerous issues concerning revival, the book looks at the invaluable necessity of prayer for revival, how to pray for revival, how to promote revival, how to preach for a revival and the hindrances to revival. The strength of the book is the authority of the author. It is one thing for theological academia to muse about the nature of revival, it is quite another when the leader of national revival shares from genuine experience. The book contains much concerning the practical aspects of revival. Personally, 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.