In this sermon, the preacher urges the listeners to cease their rebellion against God and enlist in the service of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus has come to destroy the works of the devil and establish the government of God in the hearts of men. The preacher asks if the listeners are willing to allow Jesus to govern the world and if they would obey him themselves. He addresses the concern of being a great sinner and assures that there is mercy available for all. The sermon also discusses the two classes of evidence of a change of heart, which are vivid emotions of love for God, repentance for sin, and faith in Christ. The importance of understanding the philosophy of conversion is highlighted, as many sermons fail to secure the sinner's attention or direct it to irrelevant matters. The preacher encourages the listeners to seize the present moment, while they are awake and strong, to make a new heart and spirit and embrace eternal life.

In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the long-suffering nature of God in sparing sinners despite their constant rebellion and fault-finding. The preacher emphasizes that nothing God does can please sinners because their hearts and consciences are opposed to Him. The sermon also highlights the torment that sinners will experience in hell, with their hearts unchanged and in enmity against God. The preacher calls for a change of heart, as it is evident that the consciences and hearts of sinners are in conflict with each other. The necessity of this change is universal, as every person has violated their conscience in following the inclinations of their hearts.

Charles Finney emphasizes the critical importance of self-examination in understanding one's true character in the faith, urging believers to actively assess their moral standing before God. He outlines the necessity of this requirement for personal peace, honesty in faith, and effective service to others, arguing that uncertainty about one's spiritual state hinders both personal growth and outreach. Finney asserts that self-examination is not only possible but essential, providing practical steps for believers to engage in this process, including focusing on the realities of sin, their relationship with God, and their feelings towards others. He warns against the dangers of self-deception and encourages believers to actively engage with their faith and the world around them to gain clarity about their spiritual condition.

Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of breaking up the fallow ground of our hearts to prepare for a revival within the Church. He explains that fallow ground represents hearts that have become hardened and unproductive, and that true revival requires self-examination and a deep, honest confession of sins. Finney outlines practical steps for individuals to reflect on their spiritual state, confront their sins, and cultivate a heart receptive to God's Word. He warns that without this internal work, preaching and religious activities will be ineffective, leading to a fruitless faith. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to this transformative process to experience genuine revival and spiritual awakening.

Charles Finney emphasizes the critical role of parents in the moral and emotional training of their children, urging them to avoid insincerity, impatience, and scolding. He advocates for a calm and deliberate approach to discipline, encouraging parents to model honesty and regularity in their own lives to maintain their influence. Finney warns against fostering fears and bad tempers in children, advising parents to be mindful of their words and actions. He stresses the importance of creating a structured environment and maintaining a peaceful spirit to positively impact their children's development.

Charles Finney emphasizes the profound need for a clean heart and a right spirit, as expressed in Psalm 51:10. He explains that this prayer signifies a deep desire for total sanctification, encompassing not just the will but the entire being, including thoughts and emotions. Finney outlines the conditions for offering this prayer acceptably, such as understanding one's sinfulness, sincere repentance, and a willingness to submit to God's transformative work. He warns against the dangers of ungoverned appetites and the necessity of recognizing one's dependence on God for moral cleansing. Ultimately, Finney encourages believers to seek a pure heart actively, trusting in God's willingness and ability to grant this request in their lives.

Charles Finney emphasizes the imperative for Christians to resist conformity to the world, explaining that this command encompasses business, fashion, and politics. He argues that worldly principles, driven by selfishness and dishonesty, are incompatible with the Christian faith, which calls for self-denial and love for others. Finney highlights that true Christians should not only reject worldly practices but also actively demonstrate their faith through their actions, thereby influencing the world positively. He challenges believers to live distinctly and authentically, as their conduct can either draw others to Christ or serve as a stumbling block. Ultimately, Finney calls for a radical commitment to God's principles over societal norms.

In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of 'laid aside' (apekduomai) in the Bible, emphasizing the complete separation and stripping off of the old self like dirty garments, highlighting the believer's new identity in Christ and the power to live out this new life. The preacher explains that believers have died with Christ, freeing them from the dominion of sin and the old sinful nature, and now have the ability to walk in newness of life. The sermon underscores the importance of applying the truth of being a new creation in Christ by putting off the old self and putting on the new self, living in accordance with their new identity.

Charles Finney emphasizes the profound truth that 'God is love,' explaining that this means God is fundamentally benevolent and devoted to the highest good of all beings. He outlines the implications of this truth, asserting that God's actions are always aligned with His benevolent nature, and He never acts contrary to the ultimate good of creation. Finney argues that God's love is not merely an emotion but a constant, unchanging disposition that governs all His actions, ensuring that He does everything possible to promote the happiness and well-being of His creatures. He also addresses the existence of evil and suffering, explaining that they are incidental to God's benevolent plan, which ultimately results in greater good than harm. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize God's love in all circumstances and to trust in His benevolent intentions.

Charles Finney emphasizes the critical importance of not quenching the Holy Spirit, explaining how the Spirit influences the mind through truth and moral persuasion rather than physical force. He outlines the various ways individuals can resist the Spirit, such as through uncharitable judgments, indulging in sin, and neglecting prayer, leading to dire consequences like spiritual darkness and hardness of heart. Finney warns that quenching the Spirit can result in a deluded state where individuals may believe they are enlightened while actually being far from the truth. He urges listeners to remain open to the Spirit's guidance and to heed the warnings of their conscience to avoid falling into despair and eternal separation from God.

Charles Finney emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, urging believers to recognize themselves as dead to sin and alive to God. He explains that while sin once reigned over us, through Christ's death, we are liberated from its control, allowing us to live a life of holiness. Finney elaborates on the necessity of faith in this process, encouraging Christians to fully commit to God and reject sin as they would a betrayal in a marriage. He warns against the complacency of expecting to live in sin while claiming salvation, asserting that true faith leads to a genuine desire for purity and a life devoted to God. Ultimately, he calls for a radical expectation of victory over sin through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Charles Finney emphasizes that what is highly esteemed by men is often abominable to God, as illustrated by the Pharisees who justified themselves while neglecting true devotion. He argues that the world's standards of morality are based on selfishness, contrasting them with God's requirement for universal benevolence and selflessness. Finney critiques the negative morality prevalent in society, where individuals are praised for merely avoiding wrongdoing rather than actively seeking the good of others. He warns that many religious practices, if devoid of genuine love and benevolence, are equally abominable to God. Ultimately, he calls for a reevaluation of our motives and actions to align with God's standards rather than societal expectations.

Charles Finney addresses the 'Weakness of Heart' in the Church, emphasizing the importance of understanding the heart as the ruling disposition of the will. He explains that a weak heart is not divided or wicked but lacks the strength to resist temptation, leading to various evidences of weakness such as susceptibility to sin and difficulty in prayer. Finney outlines causes of this weakness, including ignorance and unbelief, and presents waiting on the Lord as the remedy, which involves active prayer, repentance, and a deepening relationship with God. He concludes that true strength of heart comes from an increase in knowledge, faith, and love towards God, enabling believers to resist temptation effectively.

Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of true submission to God, defining it as the complete surrender of one's will to God's will, which includes joyful acceptance of His providence and unconditional obedience to His commands. He warns against self-deception regarding submission, asserting that without genuine submission, salvation is impossible, while true submission makes salvation inevitable. Finney outlines that true submission involves forsaking known sin, recognizing God's providence in all events, and maintaining a thankful spirit even in affliction. He concludes that true submission requires a deep longing for God's will to be done and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of God's glory.

Charles Finney addresses parents in his sermon 'Letters to Parents [#1]', emphasizing the critical role they play in training their children according to Proverbs 6:22. He outlines the importance of thorough instruction in truth and moral principles, as well as the necessity of setting a good example, avoiding harmful influences, and fostering healthy habits. Finney warns against various pitfalls, such as favoritism, materialism, and exposure to negative influences, which can hinder a child's development. He stresses that parents must be vigilant in creating a nurturing environment that promotes righteousness and well-being. The sermon serves as a guide for parents to raise their children in a way that aligns with God's teachings.

Charles Finney emphasizes the blessedness of enduring temptation, explaining that trials serve to test and develop our character, revealing our true selves and dependence on God. He discusses the nature and design of temptation, asserting that they are not meant for harm but for our good, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and salvation. Finney highlights that enduring temptation is essential for true Christians, distinguishing them from those who succumb to self-indulgence. He encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth and to trust in God's promises, assuring them that perseverance through temptation leads to the crown of life.

Charles Finney addresses the ministers and friends of Christ, sharing his reflections on revivals based on his two decades of experience. He expresses a desire to communicate his insights and lessons learned, acknowledging his past errors and the importance of understanding the dynamics of revivals. Finney emphasizes the need for careful methods in conducting revivals to avoid fanaticism and misrule, and he highlights the role of settled pastors in nurturing spiritual growth among converts. He plans to publish a series of letters to guide the church in these matters, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of revival practices.

Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon on 'True and False Repentance,' emphasizing the distinction between genuine repentance, which leads to salvation, and false repentance, which results in death. He explains that true repentance involves a profound change in one's understanding and feelings towards sin, leading to a heartfelt abhorrence of it and a commitment to reform one's life. In contrast, false repentance is often rooted in selfishness and fear of consequences, lacking the transformative power of true godly sorrow. Finney urges the church to recognize these differences to avoid being overrun by false professors of faith, highlighting the necessity of a sincere and lasting change of heart.

Charles Finney addresses the concepts of ability and inability in relation to obeying God's law, arguing that the distinctions made by various philosophers and theologians are nonsensical. He emphasizes that true moral ability exists within every individual, and that the Holy Spirit's role is to persuade rather than to make one able to obey. Finney asserts that God does not require the impossible from humanity, and that the real issue lies in the unwillingness to obey rather than an inability. He calls for a decisive commitment to serve God, echoing Joshua's challenge to the Israelites.

Charles Finney addresses the Christian readers of the Oberlin Evangelist, emphasizing the need for the sanctification of believers alongside the conversion of sinners. He reflects on his past focus on evangelism and acknowledges the neglect of spiritual growth within the Church, realizing that converts require ongoing support for their sanctification. Finney expresses his commitment to teaching the high and pure doctrines of grace to elevate the standard of holiness among Christians. He encourages readers to seek a deeper understanding of Christ, not just as a Savior but as a sanctifying presence in their lives. Finney concludes with a plea for prayer and support as he embarks on this new course of lectures aimed at spiritual edification.

Charles Finney emphasizes the church's responsibility to convert the world, arguing that the failure to do so is not due to a lack of resources or numbers, but rather a lack of faith, consecration, and unity. He identifies sectarianism as a major hindrance, suggesting that divisions among Christians weaken their collective efforts to spread the gospel. Finney calls for a renewed commitment to the Great Commission, urging believers to recognize their duty to make disciples and to rely on Christ's promise of support. He warns that the blood of the lost is on the church's hands if it fails to act, and stresses the importance of deep sympathy with Christ's mission for the world. Ultimately, he challenges Christians to prioritize the conversion of souls over sectarian interests and worldly ambitions.

Charles Finney emphasizes the profound nature of communion with God, explaining that it involves a deep, personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, characterized by mutual consultation, love, and understanding. He outlines the implications of this communion, including the necessity of recognizing our dependence on God and the importance of being spiritually minded. Finney also discusses how to discern when we are in communion with God, highlighting the feelings of freedom in prayer, the opening of our hearts, and the deep confidence in Christ that accompanies such experiences. Ultimately, he stresses the value of maintaining this communion as essential for spiritual growth and victory over sin.

Charles Finney, as adapted by Jonathan Duttweiler, emphasizes that true revival in America is desperately needed but currently absent. He critiques the superficial excitement and church growth that lacks genuine transformation, contrasting it with the profound revivals of the past that reshaped nations. Finney argues that revival must start within the church, requiring deep conviction, repentance, and a return to Godly living, rather than merely seeking blessings or prosperity. He calls for a return to fervent prayer, the filling of the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to preaching the unvarnished truth of God's Word. Only through wholehearted submission to God's truth can America hope to experience a genuine revival.

In his letter to Julia Finney, Charles Finney expresses his love and concern for his daughter, sharing updates about his travels and the ongoing work of the Lord in London. He encourages Julia to continue her studies and to maintain her relationship with God amidst the blessings she experiences. Finney also inquires about her well-being and the progress she is making in music and other activities, emphasizing the importance of living a life close to God. His heartfelt message reflects a father's love and a spiritual guide's desire for his children to grow in faith and character.

Charles Finney emphasizes the urgency of responding to the Holy Spirit's call, warning that God's Spirit will not always strive with humanity. He explains that the Spirit's striving involves a divine energy that seeks to convince and convict individuals of their sin, but persistent resistance can lead to a point where the Spirit withdraws. Finney outlines the implications of this withdrawal, including hardened hearts, increased guilt, and ultimately, damnation. He urges listeners to recognize the seriousness of their spiritual state and the peril of delaying their response to God's call.