Baptism Of Spirit Experience of Charles Finney (Clip)
Steve Hill vividly recounts Charles Finney's profound baptism of the Holy Spirit experience, emphasizing the overwhelming love and transformative power that comes from God's presence.
This sermon recounts a powerful experience of the Holy Spirit descending upon the speaker, describing the sensation as waves of electricity and liquid love flowing through their body and soul. The overwhelming love felt like the breath of God and immense wings fanning them, leading to uncontrollable expressions of joy and love.
Full Transcript
The Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through my body, through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression like a wave of electricity going through and through me. Indeed, it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love, for I could not express it in any other way.
By the way, Finney was a lawyer, a very analytical man, and God had to get a hold of him. It seemed like the very breath of God, but I can recollect distinctly that it seemed to fan me like immense wings. No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart.
I wept aloud with joy and love, and I do not know, but I should say I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart. These waves came over and over me, one after the other, until I cried out to the Lord, I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to Charles Finney's background as a lawyer
- The analytical nature of Finney before his spiritual encounter
- God's intervention in Finney's life
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II
- Description of the Holy Spirit descending on Finney
- The sensation of waves of liquid love and electricity
- The overwhelming emotional response of joy and love
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III
- The repeated waves of the Spirit's presence
- Finney's cry to the Lord amid the intense experience
- The transformative impact of the baptism of the Spirit
Key Quotes
“The Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through my body, through me, body and soul.” — Steve Hill
“It seemed to fan me like immense wings. No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart.” — Steve Hill
“I wept aloud with joy and love, and I do not know, but I should say I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart.” — Steve Hill
Application Points
- Seek a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit to experience God's love deeply.
- Be open to transformation through spiritual experiences that challenge your understanding.
- Allow the overwhelming love of God to inspire joy and boldness in your faith journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charles Finney?
Charles Finney was a lawyer turned evangelist known for his influential role in the Second Great Awakening.
What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
It is a profound spiritual experience where the Holy Spirit fills a believer, often accompanied by a deep sense of God's love and power.
How did Finney describe his experience?
He described it as waves of liquid love and a sensation like electricity passing through his body, bringing overwhelming joy.
Why is this experience significant?
It marked a turning point in Finney's life, empowering his ministry and deepening his relationship with God.
Can modern believers experience this baptism?
Yes, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to all believers seeking a deeper encounter with God.