Description
Book SynopsisHow can Christians pursue and implement the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without falling into fanatical excess and splitting the church in the process? In Practicing the Power, pastor and author Sam Storms offers practical steps to understanding and exercising spiritual gifts that remains grounded in the word and centered in the gospel.
Trade Review'Few people write on spiritual gifts as wisely, biblically, and helpfully as Sam Storms. This book covers all kinds of practical and theological questions about the use of the gifts, and does so with insight and clarity---so if you’re looking for answers to any of them, look no further.' * Andrew Wilson, Teaching Pastor at King’s Church London *
'I am an elder in a church that engages with God in genuine worship, seeks maturity through dynamic preaching, loves compassionately in community, expresses mercy to the disenfranchised, and multiplies through intentional missionality. Thankful for God’s many blessings, we long for more of his grace, especially through an outpouring of the Spirit’s gifts. But how can our church experience this renewing power? It seems Sam Storms wrote this book to guide our church in this quest. I think it is for your church too!' * Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; elder, Sojourn Community Church; secretary, the Evangelical Theological Society; author, Historical Theology; Sojourners and Strangers; Roman Catholic Theology and Practice *
'Sam has written an immensely practical book on the gifts of the Spirit that will help anyone who longs to experience the Holy Spirit’s gifts and see those gifts meaningfully integrated into the life of their church. ' * Jack Deere, former professor of Old Testament Exegesis and Semitic Languages at Dallas Seminary; pastor; and author of Surprised by the Power of the Spirit *
'Sam Storms has done it again. This book combines sound theology with inspiring personal examples, together with practical ways to express the compassion of Jesus to others by partnering with him in spiritual gifts. Sam successfully demystifies what it means to obey the apostle Paul’s injunction to earnestly desire spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:31; 14:1). I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to grow in this dimension of the grace of God, and especially pastors seeking to lead their flock into a deeper experience as empowered evangelicals who want all that Jesus provides for us.' * Mike Bickle, International House of Prayer of Kansas City *
Table of ContentsForeword by Matt Chandler Introduction 1. Welcome to the World of Word and Spirit 2. Earnestly Desire Spiritual Gifts 3. The Place of Prayer in Practicing the Power 4. Identifying Prophecy in the Local Church 5. The Gift of Prophecy in Real Life 6. Principles from Practicing Prophecy in the Local Church 7. Worship in the Spirit 8. User-Friendly Deliverance 9. Do not Quench the Spirit 10. Manipulation or Ministry? Conclusion Appendix A--Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? Appendix B--Does the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy Undermine the Finality and Sufficiency of the Biblical Canon?
