Charles G. Finney (1) (1792–1875)

This rather short book starts off quite well. The first third of the book is a challenge to believers to live for God by faith, not by works and if we're struggling to follow God, the problem is a lack of faith rather than a lack of action. Although I don't agree with everything in this part of the book, I think that many Christians could benefit from this part of the book.
However, the last two thirds of the book is an examination of all the different titles given to Christ, both literal and show more figurative. While this is not a bad idea, it becomes quite repetitive due to the overlap of meaning in many of these titles and the author continually exhorts the reader to know the truths discussed spiritually, but never really explains what exactly that means. He also starts to mention entire sanctification without explaining exactly what he means. Until the end. In the last few pages, the author explains that this means we should "expect to live without sin". This doctrine of perfectionism actually undermines any of the good that comes before in the book as it is not biblical and gives many Christians an unbalanced view of sanctification that is not attainable in reality for anyone. I would not recommend anyone read this book as the good is outweighed by the bad. show less

I own this book because I wouldn't believe that Finney said half the things that he did if I didn't read it for myself. One needs to be conversant with Finney in today's American Evangelical climate. Reading Finney completely deny the imputation of Christ's righteousness and promote manipulation in evangelism makes me very sad that so many modern Christians look to him as some sort of hero.

While encouraging, Finney pulls no punches in all 64 pages. He calls it as he sees it. If, as a Christian, you desire a healthy prayer life yet seem to struggle with it, here is a good place to begin teaching yourself about how to go about, not just praying but, to keep on praying for God to answer without losing heart, and maintaining an lifestyle of obedience to God's will.

Admittedly, there is much about prayer that one can learn, which cannot be put in a small book of 64 pages, but this show more is a good place to start. show less

I read about half of this in the unedited version. The biggest takeaway I got was that prayer always precedes revival.

The story itself got pretty monotonous, revival after revival, but it was still inspiring. Finney's theology and his ministry are consistent to themselves.