I read this book, by Jack Deere, over the past few days. I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book; however, I was pleasantly surprised. Dr. Deere's writing is very personal, relatable, and easy to read. He shares lots of stories and invited me to reconsider my own theology concerning the Holy Spirit. I really recommend it.
...the real reasons for disbelieving in the gifts of the Spirit today are not at all based on Scripture; they are based on experience [or lack there of] (56).
The book of Acts is the best source that we have to demonstrate what normal church life is supposed to look like when the Holy Spirit is present and wroking in the church. Here we find a church that has passion for God, is willing to sacrifice -- even to the point of martyrdom -- and is a miracle-working church. Why would we think that God wants the church to be something different today? Would anyone seriously rather have the church in Calvin's day or the church in twentieth-century America as the mondel of normal church life? (114).
These desires were put into your heart by your heavenly Father, and he has not drawn you this far abandon you or leave you unfulfilled. The holy frustration you feel right now is meant to drive you on. He wants you to be thankful for what you have, but he never wants you to be content with your present level of divine intimacy (169).
If the essence of the Christian life becomes conformity to rules, we will always be led into self-righteousness (189).
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