Pentecost – Today?

The Biblical Basis for Understanding Revival

Author

Iain H. Murray

Category Theology Books

image of pentecost today by Iain H. Murray

Look Inside Price

500 in stock

Weight	0.98 lbs
Dimensions	8.8 × 5.75 × 0.8 in
ISBN	9780851517520
Binding	Cloth-bound
Topic	Revival
Original Pub Date	1998
Banner Pub Date	Jun 1, 1998
Page Count	242
Scripture	Whole Bible
Format	Book

Endorsements

‘One of the best treatments of revival and the power of the Holy Spirit I have ever come across. It most closely resembles my beliefs with regard to this doctrine.’ — PAUL WASHER

Book Description

Some today find no justification for a theology of revival in the Bible and see the whole revival emphasis as a distraction from the duty of seizing present opportunities: for them the subject has been worn out by its advocates and discredited by unfulfilled hopes. Yet others remain convinced that revival is the only answer and that a renewed fulfillment of 2 Chronicles 7:14 ought to be our great expectation. Against the background of these different views — and accepting neither of them — Iain Murray argues for fresh thinking from Scripture.

Pentecost showed that the gospel is able to win sudden acceptance despite the strongest opposition. But if — as some believe — Pentecost is a permanent reality, how is it that Christianity can often differ so much from the apostolic pattern? And how are we to explain those epochs in history when men, filled afresh with the Spirit of God, saw advances which were indeed comparable with those of the early church? Did the secret lie n renewed obedience, in prayer, or simply in the sovereign intervention of God? And if the action of God is the sole explanation, where does Scripture’s strong emphasis on human responsibility come in?

Answers to these questions involve profound mystery. But Scripture is clear on what is given more abundantly to those who pray for the Holy Spirit — stronger faith in the truth and hearts enlarged in love are always the foremost evidences of his power. Pentecost — Today? is a different approach to questions crucial to the present state of the church.

‘It is noteworthy that there are more books describing revivals than there are those that deal with their biblical basis. That may be because to read about revivals is more pleasant, and initially, perhaps, more inspiring, than understanding the struggle to establish a biblical theology which explains and justifies the phenomenon. But in the long run it has to be the latter which is more important. This book aims to supply that lack.’ — IAIN MURRAY

Paul Washer on Pentecost – Today?

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND ‘REVIVAL’?
	A Caution over Terminology	2
	Pentecost, Once and For All	7
	Revival Conditional upon Obedience	8
	Confusing Old and New Testaments	13
	Revivals are Larger Measures of the Spirit of God	17
	Consequences of the Three Views	25
	A Vital Lesson	31
	CHARLES G. FINNEY: HOW THEOLOGY AFFECTS UNDERSTANDING OF REVIVAL	33
	Life and Teaching	35
	Finney’s Case Examined	43
	Why the Old School Opposed Finney	49
	OUR RESPONSIBILITY AND GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY	54
	Major Responsibilities – Conduct, Truth and Faith	56
	The Place of Prayer	64
	Sovereignty and Revival	70
	Conclusions	74
	THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PREACHING	80
	Special Eras of Preaching	83
	The Power of the Holy Spirit Makes the Truth Plain to Preacher and Hearer	87
	The Power of the Holy Spirit is Evident in the Experience which He Gives of the Love of God	90
	Conclusions	99
	THE INTERPRETATION OF EXPERIENCE	105
	The Bible First	106
	The Work of Christ	109
	Diversity of Teaching on ‘Christ Baptizing with the Spirit’	112
	The Older Evangelical Teaching	117
	Practical Consequences of Wrong Views	125
	Conclusions	130
	HINDERING REVIVAL: EVANGELICAL FANATICISM	134
	The Dangers of Fanaticism	136
	Recognition of Fanaticism	144
	Consequences of Fanaticism	151
	Wales: 1904-5	153
	Conclusions	164
	SIX THINGS REVIVAL WILL BRING	170
	Revival Restores Faith in the Word of God	171
	Revival Restores Definiteness to the Meaning of ‘Christian’	175
	Revival Advances the Gospel with Amazing Swiftness	178
	Revival Always Has Moral Impact upon Communities	180
	Revival Changes Understanding of the Christian Ministry	184
	Revival Will Change the Public Worship of the Churches	189
	APPENDICES	197
	1. Extraordinary Gifts	197
	2. Co-ordination of Grace and Duty	200
	3. Presbyterian Doctrine on Regeneration, Inability and Free-Agency	212
	Title Index	217
	General Index	221

REVIEWS

Review by Alf Cengia (Zeteo 3:16)

Extract

Chapter 2

Testimonials

Submit your testimonial

Kevin Roy – April 27, 2015

One of the few books I have read multiple times. Careful, scholarly, interesting and inspiring, it always inspires me to pray.
Dr. David R. Bess – June 18, 2020

This book was a good follow-up to “Revival and Revivalism” by the same author. Whereas in “Revival and Revivalism” he focused on the history of revival, in this book he focuses on the Biblical and theological definition of it. He begins by presenting three different views of revival, then identifying the correct one. He touches upon the negative influence of Charles Finney with his new measures and aberrant teachings. He identifies the subordinate role of man in revival and the prominence of God’s sovereignty. As a pastor of 35+ years, I love how he stresses the critical role of the “unction” of the Holy Spirit in preaching. He speaks of keeping religious experience in a Biblical perspective, with the focus always being on the Gospel. He devotes several pages to the dangers of “fanaticism.” Another term for the same thing would be “sensationalism.” It’s basically those things that happen in connection with revival that can overshadow devotion to Jesus himself and the truth of Scripture. Murray closes by listing six benefits of revival on individuals, churches, and communities. I very much appreciated the appendix on extraordinary gifts. In the past few decades, it’s nearly impossible to speak of God’s Spirit moving powerfully without some notion of extraordinary gifts coming to mind. He handles it well. Murray has done an excellent job here in this book. The church needs more of this Biblical understanding of revival, not the notion of protracted meetings, high-energy speakers, and emotional altar calls. I recommend it.
Gian Luca Holzer – September 6, 2021

I agree with P. Washer. A helpful book to someone who is confused about the doctrine of the Holy Spirt and wants solid truth and clarity in our times, when the Holy Spirt is being blapshmed actively.