“Feel Good” vs. “Convicting” Sermons

A Gospel that can Save a Nation:

Versus One that can Destroy it;
Do you know which one Jesus taught?
Do you know which one you have predominantly been taught?
Do you know how that has affected your salvation and sanctification?
From this day forward: Which One Do You Want to Follow? 

“Conviction” Vs. “Feel Good”?

There are basically two different gospels circulating among the churches of God: nationwide and worldwide. One gospel focuses on bringing men into the presence of God, preparing them for eternal life–the goal here is to have God feel good about you, and claim you as his own. One gospel focuses on making men happy in this life–the goal is to have you feel good about yourself. The two could not be more opposite. On the surface, they may look the same to those without discernment. But once you know and receive the true gospel, the fake one will never entice you again.

Excerpts from Feel Good Sermons?

Here are some excerpts from Joel Osteen’s sermons that convey his encouraging and uplifting message:

1. “You are stronger than you think.”

2. “God wants to increase you.”

3. “Believe in yourself.”

4. “Don’t let anyone bring you down.”

5. “Your best days are ahead.”

• Joel Osteen’s sermons, books, and online resources, including:
  • “Your Best Life Now” (book)
  • “Become a Better You” (book)
  • Lakewood Church sermons (online)
  • Joel Osteen Ministries (website)

Excerpts from Convicting Sermons:

Excerpts from Charles G. Finney Convicting Sermons

1. The Necessity of Conversion In his sermons, Finney emphasized the urgent need for individuals to recognize their sinful state and the necessity of conversion. He often stated that people must understand their obligation to turn away from sin and embrace the Gospel. He would challenge his listeners directly, asking them if they were willing to commit to becoming Christians or if they intended to reject Christ.

2. The Nature of True Repentance Finney preached extensively on what true repentance entails. He argued that genuine repentance involves a heartfelt sorrow for sin and a decisive turn towards God. He would often illustrate this by urging sinners to reflect on their lives and recognize the gravity of their actions against God’s holiness.

3. The Consequences of Sin In many of his sermons, Finney warned about the dire consequences of living in sin. He painted vivid pictures of the spiritual death that results from rejecting God’s grace and highlighted the eternal ramifications that await those who do not repent.

4. The Role of Faith in Salvation Finney stressed that faith is not merely an intellectual assent but requires action and commitment. He urged his audience to actively place their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, emphasizing that faith without works is dead.

5. The Call to Action One of Finney’s hallmark methods was issuing a direct call to action at the end of his sermons. He would invite individuals who felt convicted by the Holy Spirit to come forward, make a public declaration of their desire for salvation, and engage in prayer with him or church leaders.

6. The Importance of Prayer Finney frequently spoke about the power and necessity of prayer in achieving personal revival and communal awakening. He taught that prevailing prayer is essential for both individual transformation and collective revival within communities.

7. Contrary to Many False Accusers:  Finney did not accept spurious emotional salvations. He didn’t preach one short sermon, and then call for a decision, and then claim everyone who came forward was now saved. Far from it.

Finney labored day and night, developing daily prayer meetings (often before sunrise); regular enquiry meetings (where people could freely ask questions and get answers, as well as Finney could ask questions, and receive answers).

On top of this, he would also commonly preach sermons in the morning and evenings on Sundays. On top of this, he would also commonly preach revival meetings throughout the week, sometimes dividing his time between different churches and different towns on the same day.

Finney was meeting with people daily: on the street, in hotels, in private homes, often meeting with everyone in a family, learning the condition of their souls, and seeking to discovery how their own spiritual life was forming.

Finney worked tirelessly: morning, noon, and nigh–laboring for the salvation and sanctification of the Saints of God. As a result, he fell into severe ill health several times, and was told by doctors to quit the ministry, but each time God rescued him, and gave him more energy to serve: The Kingdom and the Gospel with even more fruitfulness.

You can read his own biography of the work Finney was graced to labor in 88 Cities in the USA, and 7 cites in Great Britain, after reading the results of Finney’s labors, firsthand, it may help you see the reason why so many Preachers were envious, critical, and falsely accusing for things Finney never said, nor did.

Even, today, people like to label Finney as “this” or “that” but Finney himself did little to nothing in personally combat the many voluminous false accusations pitted against him. Finney was simply too busy seeking to save lost sheep, and restore them to God’s sheepfold, to get entangled in his accusers traps and snares.

The Auto-Biography of Charles G. Finney

By employing these themes, Finney sought not only to convict his listeners but also to lead them toward a transformative experience with God through repentance and faith.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

1. “The Oberlin Evangelist” This publication includes many sermons and writings by Charles G. Finney during his ministry years, providing insights into his theological perspectives and revivalistic practices.

2. “Lectures on Revivals of Religion” by Charles G. Finney This book compiles lectures given by Finney on how revivals occur, detailing both theological underpinnings and practical applications for promoting spiritual awakenings.

3. “Sermons on Various Subjects” by Charles G. Finney A collection of sermons addressing various topics related to Christian life, sin, repentance, and salvation, showcasing Finney’s direct approach in calling sinners to conversion.

Source: www.iAsk.ai: Note: Point #7, is the author’s own opinions.