Power from on High

by Charles Grandison Finney

A selection of articles on the Spirit-filled life and other pertinent subjects by this great American evangelist. Edited for the modern reader.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Christian Living

129 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1944

About the author

Charles Grandison Finney was a leader in the Second Great Awakening. He has been called The Father of Modern Revivalism. Finney was best known as an innovative revivalist, an opponent of Old School Presbyterian theology, an advocate of Christian perfectionism, a pioneer in social reforms in favor of women and blacks, a religious writer, and president at Oberlin College.

He is not to be mistaken for his great-grandson, Charles G. Finney (1905-1984).

Reviews

[Sharyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good read. An excellent book. Finney was profoundly used by God during the 18th century. He was the key leader in the Second Great Awakening in the United States and has been rightly called "The Father of Modern Revivalism". This book reveals the 'secret' (which is no secret really - nothing new) to Finney's power as a preacher and revivalist. Sadly, too often today the key to effective ministry is seen in sound theological study. Finney would agree that there is a need for in-depth theological study but he adds, and this is the focus of the book, there is also the need to receive divine 'power from on high' which is itself a gift of grace.
The only negative negative comment I would make is that at times Finney sounds like he believes in perfectionism, that is, it is possible to live a life without sin. Some have zeroed in on this and accused Finney of preaching salvation by works - that is not what he said or believed. He did live at a time where he saw nominalism in the church as a real problem - like the book of James, Finney preached that a faith without works is no faith at all. Knowing the historical context of Finney's preaching goes a long way in understanding his theology.

To the critics of this book I would say, remember that you are not reading Scripture here. It is easy to find fault in any Christian author if we look hard enough. Look for the gems, there are plenty of them in Finney and follow the old saying - "swallow the meat and spit out the bones". There is much meat for the discerning reader in 'Power from on High'.
A good read.
Steve.

[Eli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and stay clear of Finney. While many of the things he says appear to be wisdom, they are actually death. This book is full of such "wisdom".

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finney wrote with such conviction that you can understand why he was a renowned preacher. This book focuses on the necessity of Holy Spirit empowerment for transformational ministry.

Writing like the lawyer he formerly was, this work is built on a sequential reasoning of numbered insights built around compelling points. Finney employed a relentless embracing of absolute surrender in our lives. He pushes the reader to a simplistic pursuit of God in the Word and prayer. His uncompromising stands are challenging and demonstrative of a perspective common among those whom God used greatly in history.

Though not espousing a complete Pentecostal theology (i.e., speaking in tongues and other gift manifestations), Finney speaks in strident terms calling the church to rely on Spirit anointing for victorious living and serving.

[George Hunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book from an interesting revival preacher set in the 1800's. Of course, Finney is a bit contiversial, but some of his main points in this book are certainly inspiring. Topics like being filled with the Holy Spirit, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, and living a holy life will challenge anyone in their walk with Christ.

[Andrea Maendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christian classic worth reading. Touching topics such as prayer, soul-winning, and the utter need of the filling of spirit of God for success in these things, it explores the keystone of faith that is largely missing in the broader church. Some chapters were hard for me to wade through and understand - particularly those towards the end, but overall an excellent read and one I would recommend.

[Jeroen Koornstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give it only two stars because of the chapters that deal with amusement, sin and righteousness. i think his message is narrow minded on that. But because he makes some really strong statements on the importance of receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, I give it an extra star.

[Estelle Bagabana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. A must read..

Thank you Jesus for this book. Tarry, Give your heart to prayer, have faith ... We need this grace from on high to do the highest work, that is win souls for the King.

[Jason Moodley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Illuminated Teaching On Receiving God’s s Power

I found many answers to my questions on acquiring God’s power for an effective Christian life and service. Praise God for this blessed disciple and servant of Christ- Charles G Finney

[William Michels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy

I love the old sage. The church has gotten away from the word.
I didn’t care for the philosophical stuff so much, but I love the push for flat out trust and surrender.

[Tyler McGirt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chapter on “Prevailing Prayer” was particularly convicting.

[Chris Blaise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real preaching

Finney gets to the meat of how misused & not understood the baptism of the Holy Spirit is in the church stemming from his time.

[Abigail Abuh · Rating 3 out of 5]

good

[Rosezella · Rating 1 out of 5]

God makes life make sense.