Pentecost – Today?

The Biblical Basis for Understanding Revival

Category
Look Inside Price $23.40

500 in stock

Weight 0.98 lbs
Dimensions 8.8 × 5.75 × 0.8 in
ISBN 9780851517520
Topic

Revival

Page Count

242

Scripture

Whole Bible

Banner Pub Date

Jun 1, 1998

Original Pub Date

1998

Binding

Cloth-bound

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

Extract

3 testimonials for Pentecost – Today?

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  1. Kevin Roy

    One of the few books I have read multiple times. Careful, scholarly, interesting and inspiring, it always inspires me to pray.

  2. Dr. David R. Bess

    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.

  3. Gian Luca Holzer

    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.

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