What do you think?
Rate this book
God's Generals: The Revivalists
The Generals Who Shook Nations
Roberts Liardon chronicles compelling spiritual biographies of some of the most powerful preachers ever to ignite the fires of revival. Follow the faith journeys and lives of the great generals of God, Liardon goes beyond history, drawing crucial life application and inspiration from the lives of these mighty warriors so that you can learn how Let these revivalists inspire your life and revitalize your ministry!
Roberts Liardon chronicles compelling spiritual biographies of some of the most powerful preachers ever to ignite the fires of revival. Follow the faith journeys and lives of the great generals of God, Liardon goes beyond history, drawing crucial life application and inspiration from the lives of these mighty warriors so that you can learn how Let these revivalists inspire your life and revitalize your ministry!
496 pages, Hardcover
First published May 23, 2008
142 people are currently reading
1433 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 10, 2015
Learnt so much about church history and realised some important truths about the faith through reading this book! God's Generals: The Revivalists covers the lives of John and Charles Wesley, George Whitefield, D.L. Moody, Charles Finney, William and Catherine Booth, and Billy Graham among others. It was so inspiring to read about how each individual had a personal encounter with God - quite a few of these revivalists had been brought up in Christian homes, but only were truly transformed later in life. I like how the author doesn't just deliver the facts but explains what each of them underwent and ties it to specific Bible verses.
One thing that struck me was how people like the Wesley brothers knew about God but only entered into a personal relationship with him after much struggle. As the author pointed out, we are to work out our salvation "with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12) - this was the case in the early years, but we seem to have moved away from that and towards passive acceptance. Another major thing I discovered is that every revival has been accompanied by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I've always thought that this started only with the Pentecostal movement so I was really excited by this. It also affirms what I've been taught - ministry can only be deep and effective when you have the Holy Spirit.
I'm especially inspired by Charles Finney's story. He started reading the Bible while he was studying law as he noticed that many writers quoted the Bible as an authority for principles of common law. This led him to start attending church and prayer meetings, during which he was convicted of his state as a sinner in need of salvation. However, he was very troubled by how people prayed but never seemed to receive answers. But he was in such anguish about his soul that he cried out to God. And God answered, filling with him so much love and peace that drove out all doubt, and baptised him in the Holy Spirit - he described it as "waves and waves of liquid love" and being filled from head to toe. Such an amazing and powerful conversion!
These people all pursued God doggedly and were used mightily by Him - I want to be like that. Can't wait to read the other books in the series.
One thing that struck me was how people like the Wesley brothers knew about God but only entered into a personal relationship with him after much struggle. As the author pointed out, we are to work out our salvation "with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12) - this was the case in the early years, but we seem to have moved away from that and towards passive acceptance. Another major thing I discovered is that every revival has been accompanied by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I've always thought that this started only with the Pentecostal movement so I was really excited by this. It also affirms what I've been taught - ministry can only be deep and effective when you have the Holy Spirit.
I'm especially inspired by Charles Finney's story. He started reading the Bible while he was studying law as he noticed that many writers quoted the Bible as an authority for principles of common law. This led him to start attending church and prayer meetings, during which he was convicted of his state as a sinner in need of salvation. However, he was very troubled by how people prayed but never seemed to receive answers. But he was in such anguish about his soul that he cried out to God. And God answered, filling with him so much love and peace that drove out all doubt, and baptised him in the Holy Spirit - he described it as "waves and waves of liquid love" and being filled from head to toe. Such an amazing and powerful conversion!
These people all pursued God doggedly and were used mightily by Him - I want to be like that. Can't wait to read the other books in the series.
February 11, 2019
My Pastor recommended that the congregation read this book "GOD'S GENERALS."
This book was recommended by our Pastor Steven Huntley of True Divine Baptist in Montgomery Alabama. I read the one on Kathryn Karhlum and now Billy Graham. I have always been fascinated with the both of them. The power of the Holy Spirit that seem to empower them when they speak. How the message about JESUS Christ seem to come to life as I watched them as a young girl. Now that I am older that message is still just as powerful today. They are great pioneer's for JESUS Christ.
This book was recommended by our Pastor Steven Huntley of True Divine Baptist in Montgomery Alabama. I read the one on Kathryn Karhlum and now Billy Graham. I have always been fascinated with the both of them. The power of the Holy Spirit that seem to empower them when they speak. How the message about JESUS Christ seem to come to life as I watched them as a young girl. Now that I am older that message is still just as powerful today. They are great pioneer's for JESUS Christ.
August 8, 2014
Love this one in the Gods Generals series too! I pray that more of us are as brave to accept the call to share the Gospel as these men and women were and are.
July 1, 2022
This book has been transformative to my life and ministry formation. It's the first I've read in this series. I'll certainly read them all!
The most striking thread through each of these stories was their hunger for God. In spite of theological differences, God still used each of these people. This demonstrates to me theology doesn't matter that much if the essential core teaching remains Christ and Him crucified. What these revivalists brought changed the western church forever and lit the fire for the charismatic renewal. I'm forever thankful for these laid-down lives.
Such a great read! Highly recommended.
The most striking thread through each of these stories was their hunger for God. In spite of theological differences, God still used each of these people. This demonstrates to me theology doesn't matter that much if the essential core teaching remains Christ and Him crucified. What these revivalists brought changed the western church forever and lit the fire for the charismatic renewal. I'm forever thankful for these laid-down lives.
Such a great read! Highly recommended.
March 19, 2018
Roberts Liardon concisely describes each of these General's ministry. It is a fascinating book. I enjoyed learning about each ministry.
Read
July 6, 2019Good
Read
February 16, 2020Lovely
July 24, 2021
It's a great book to get an overview about how God used great revivalists of the past.
Read
July 20, 2022Very well revival
January 21, 2023
Best book I have ever read
July 9, 2023
This is a well researched and well written book. The Revivalist stories are inspiring and I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves to read of the exploits of great men and women of God.
October 27, 2023
Wanting to read this book
November 27, 2023
I am so happy for this book
August 5, 2024
Had to read this book for a revival class.. great Info and history
Read
December 24, 2024I will love to read this book
October 12, 2010
Ever thought about how John and Charles Wesley made it to America? Did you even know they had come? This book gives brief biographies of many spiritual leaders. You will enjoy reading both the familiar stories and the not so familiar facts and details of their lives.
Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, and Dwight L. Moody are just a few of the more then eleven lives detailed in this book. As the author takes you on their journeys you get a better understanding of the time in which they lived and the work they accomplished. You will see God’s hand in the details of their lives and be moved to serve Him better.
This book is an easy read and great for devotions. You can divide the chapters or just study one person a day or week. A great read for both men and women as you see how the Lord can work in anyone’s life no matter the circumstances. I enjoyed the stories of these great servants of the Lord and am sure you will too.
I was given this book by christianreviewofbooks.com to review
Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, and Dwight L. Moody are just a few of the more then eleven lives detailed in this book. As the author takes you on their journeys you get a better understanding of the time in which they lived and the work they accomplished. You will see God’s hand in the details of their lives and be moved to serve Him better.
This book is an easy read and great for devotions. You can divide the chapters or just study one person a day or week. A great read for both men and women as you see how the Lord can work in anyone’s life no matter the circumstances. I enjoyed the stories of these great servants of the Lord and am sure you will too.
I was given this book by christianreviewofbooks.com to review
October 23, 2011
An excellent overview of the men and women who shaped the evangelical movement and the rise and decline of the Methodist movement. This book provided insight into the lives of the men and women who birthed a movement. I especially enjoyed the insight into the lives of Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, Dwight L Moody and William & Catherine Booth.
An excellent resource for all those interested in the modern history of Christianity.
An excellent resource for all those interested in the modern history of Christianity.
September 3, 2016
The God's Generals series has become the best way to quickly peek into the lives of men that lived for the kingdom of God. It presents the lives of these Men of Faith in sufficient details to make you feel like you are getting to know them.
Volume 3 was a little bit boring for me compared to the first volume. It could have just been me because I have a lot to grapple with at the moment that didn't allow me to digest the text very well.
All in all, it was a fantastic book.
Volume 3 was a little bit boring for me compared to the first volume. It could have just been me because I have a lot to grapple with at the moment that didn't allow me to digest the text very well.
All in all, it was a fantastic book.
December 3, 2009
Very in depth and resourceful book on how God used men in the past to show His power as well as the faults and failures of those men to be an example for us to learn from on what not to do in our walk with God.
August 21, 2009
This book is a fascinating history of Christianity in America. The famous preachers interacted with such people as Andrew Jackson and Abe Lincoln. They were the Billy Grahams of their day.
June 19, 2014
Truly inspirational.
August 8, 2015
There is so much to learn from these great leaders God has used through out the ages. A great read and inspirational to those committed to a life of continuous learning.
July 10, 2014
i want to read
January 12, 2015
Great book, highlighting some heroes of the faith.
March 23, 2016
Fascinating look at many of God's servants
November 17, 2017
Great Book. Filled with passion and experience to guide the young seek of God into light. I love the Story Of Chales Finney, Jonathan Edwards and The Wealseys. Totally Fascinating
June 30, 2017
Amazing book! Great testimonials of God's anointed leaders. Each story interesting and encouraging. It took me a long time to finish this but absolutely worth every minute.
Read
January 20, 2019A very challenging book calling us to revival
Read
January 24, 2019Recibing God’s calling!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews