Early in the 1800s an agnostic New England lawyer became a Christian.  That story in itself is interesting, but far more so is what followed.  Immediately after Charles G. Finney's decision to follow Christ, he began an intensive time of study of the Bible.  It wasn't long before he began to notice the sorry state of so-called Christians in the churches of his day, compared to what he believed the Bible taught regarding the Christ-centered life.  Convinced that many who occupied those pews were less than fully committed Christians, he soon started to preach. 

His style was unique.  Like a prosecuting attorney in court attacking a defendant's alibi, he would systematically destroy any and all excuses a listener might have as to why he would not become a fully committed Christian.  Seldom would his audiences escape the sheer power of his logic.  Day after day in a typical series of meetings he would exhaust every reason his listeners might have for their not living the life of true Christ Followers.  Finally, as his they began to see themselves without excuse before a Holy God, they would begin to stream to the altars begging God to have mercy and to forgive them. 

The sermon related here was intended to remove any comfort a person might have who claimed to be a Christian but in reality was not.  It is typical of the style and content of Mr. Finney's messages.  It is reproduced here much as it was recorded by a stenographer, in the language and grammar of the day. 

Finney was much given to prayer and fasting.  He would often fast and pray for days before starting his meetings.   His autobiography states it was not unusual for him to step into the pulpit with no notes and no clear idea of his subject, but so full of a divine anointing that he would deliver powerful messages leading to a heavy spirit of conviction on those not yet fully committed to Christ.  After a few days of these meetings, it is said that sometimes an entire city where he was preaching would begin to sense an awesome, convicting power of God.  People would fall to their knees on the sidewalks, calling out to God to save them.  Saloons, dance halls, and gambling establishments closed for lack of business.  A secular history of the far-reaching affects of his meetings in the area of Rochester, New York, attests to the truth of these stories.* 

 As you read this sermon, quite typical of his preaching, perhaps you too will sense why so many were converted by this man's preaching.  Perhaps Christ would be pleased if such messages again echoed from our pulpits. 

  * The Burned Over Area                                       To Part I