In his message at Grace Calvary Chapel, historian and author William J. Federer traced the powerful ripple effect of one surrendered life throughout Christian history, beginning with Charles Finney’s conversion and preaching during the Second Great Awakening. Federer showed how Finney’s influence birthed movements such as Oberlin College’s abolitionism, the Salvation Army, the YMCA, and global evangelism efforts—demonstrating how faith in action can transform culture. He connected this legacy to modern examples of bold witness, like Charlie Kirk, and closed with a deeply theological reflection on God’s justice, love, and human free will, emphasizing that God created us to love Him freely through Jesus Christ, the Lamb who takes away our sin. Ultimately, Federer challenged believers to live courageously, letting God’s truth and love flow through their lives to impact the world.
