Rating: 
Summary: Read and re-read
Review: Power, Love, Power vs traditions of man, May 15, 2003
Reviewer: Margo Carmichael (see more about me) from USA
So often, I've heard sermons on the Gifts of the Spirit. They start in I Corinthians 12, with its question, "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" and its implied answer, "No." We are told to "desire the best gifts," but then we hurry on, what a relief, to the "more excellent way" of love in chapter 13. End of gifts. End of sermon. On the other hand, Paul starts his sermon in I Corinthians 12 by saying "I don't want anyone to be ignorant about spiritual gifts." He begins by teaching on the power of the Holy Spirit, goes into the power of love, then in chapter 14, more about their power and *order of their use.* Not a command not to use them. He concludes the third of the three chapters almost comically: "But if anyone be ignorant, let them be ignorant." But too rarely do the sermons today include chapter 14. And so we are left ignorant, with many misconceptions. And we are left with many gaps. We hear of "speaking in tongues," which requires interpretation. But what about "praying in the spirit," "praying in the understanding," "singing in the spirit," and "singing in the understanding?" What is the benefit of "speaking mysteries?" Another gap is the fact that tongues plus interpretation are as valued as prophecy, and aother, a parallel in Jude verse 20, "be building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit." Build up yourselves, when the sermons warn us against "selfish" gifts? "Jesus groaned in the spirit," John 11:33, and probably does today at the rejection of his beautiful gifts. That important chapter 14 explains the gifts more thoroughly and gives the command... "Whenever you come together, *each* of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.... 36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and *do not forbid to speak with tongues.* 40 Let all things be done decently and in order." "Do not forbid"? Do not send them down the street to the Pentecostal church? "Commandments of the Lord"? Strong statement! God is not casual about His gifts. Every good and *perfect* gift is from above, and so are the gifts of the Spirit. They are not just another option on a Mainline Menu, something to be chosen or rejected like Today's Blue Plate Special. They are from God, to glorify Himself in our midst. And he deserves glory, as His suffering for us as portrayed in "The Passion of the Christ" reminds us so well. How can we refuse Him anything? His gifts are to bless us with practical help! Little messages--words--of knowledge and wisdom to clarify and solve problems, healings for mind or body, deliverance from the enemy's oppression--these things He desires for His children, and gives them through His Spirit. Some even say not all the gifts are for today. Yet, Paul says "...that you come behind in no gift waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 1:7 And the Great Commission in Mark enumerates signs that will follow believers: cast out demons, speak in tongues, lay hands on the sick and they will recover, drink poison or pick up serpents, (as Paul did on Malta--accidentally--we are warned not to tempt God) and not be harmed. Until all the apostles die out? No. "Until the end of the world." Some will point out that some manuscripts do not include those few verses in Mark. But in Matthew's version, Jesus commands the apostles to teach the world "all things whatsoever I have taught you." And in Matthew 10, He taught them: "heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons..." "...until the end of the world." Matthew 28. That would be us! All of this goes alarmingly against the sophisticated (root word: worldly) and dignified traditions of many mainline churches today. But three times in Matthew 15, Jesus warns against worshiping God in vain, honoring the traditions of men. Jack Deere, professor of history at Dallas Theological Seminary, took a look at some traditions of men and had the courage to say, "Maybe we are wrong." He climbed down from his ivory tower, explored other 'hoods in the Kingdom and discovered all the Holy Spirit's gifts still operating in the Kingdom of God in power and glory. And now he has the courage to stand up and say "We *were* wrong." He explains that today's beliefs come from Cessationism, the theory that the gifts ceased with the apostles, that apostles were unique, and that miracles and gifts were only for "signs" to show that Jesus was the Messiah. And he explains why that is wrong. He says in his second book, _Surprised by the Voice of God_ that much of the modern church loves the Bible and says they love God the Holy Spirit, but does not really want Him moving in their midst. He says it is as if much of the church has divorced the Word from the Spirit as if the children filed for their parent's divorce and broke their parents' hearts. And he shows how the gifts have not ceased, using Scripture and *unrevised* biographies of Wesley and others, including the surprising history of the Presbyterian Scots. He says we need this Holy Spirit power for the problems we live in today, in this Laodicean Church age, as much as ever, if not more! We miss out on glorious and practical blessings when we do not let God be God through the power of His Spirit. God forgive us for grieving His Spirit by our unbelief! I Corinthians 12, 13 and 14 are a sandwich of Power, Love, Power. I want the whoooole thing. And Jack Deere proves God wants that for us, too.
Rating:
Summary: Power, Love, Power vs traditions of man
Review: Power, Love, Power vs traditions of man, May 15, 2003
Reviewer: Margo Carmichael (see more about me) from USA
So often, I've heard sermons on the Gifts of the Spirit. They start in I Corinthians 12, with its question, "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" and its implied answer, "No." We are told to "desire the best gifts," but then we hurry on, what a relief, to the "more excellent way" of love in chapter 13. End of gifts. End of sermon. On the other hand, Paul starts his sermon in I Corinthians 12 by saying "I don't want anyone to be ignorant about spiritual gifts." He begins by teaching on the power of the Holy Spirit, goes into the power of love, then in chapter 14, more about their power and *order of their use.* Not a command not to use them. He concludes the third of the three chapters almost comically: "But if anyone be ignorant, let them be ignorant." But too rarely do the sermons today include chapter 14. And so we are left ignorant, with many misconceptions. And we are left with many gaps. We hear of "speaking in tongues," which requires interpretation. But what about "praying in the spirit," "praying in the understanding," "singing in the spirit," and "singing in the understanding?" What is the benefit of "speaking mysteries?" Another gap is the fact that tongues plus interpretation are as valued as prophecy, and aother, a parallel in Jude verse 20, "be building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit." Build up yourselves, when the sermons warn us against "selfish" gifts? "Jesus groaned in the spirit," John 11:33, and probably does today at the rejection of his beautiful gifts. That important chapter 14 explains the gifts more thoroughly and gives the command... "Whenever you come together, *each* of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.... 36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and *do not forbid to speak with tongues.* 40 Let all things be done decently and in order." "Do not forbid"? Do not send them down the street to the Pentecostal church? "Commandments of the Lord"? Strong statement! God is not casual about His gifts. Every good and *perfect* gift is from above, and so are the gifts of the Spirit. They are not just another option on a Mainline Menu, something to be chosen or rejected like Today's Blue Plate Special. They are from God, to glorify Himself in our midst. And he deserves glory, as His suffering for us as portrayed in "The Passion of the Christ" reminds us so well. How can we refuse Him anything? His gifts are to bless us with practical help! Little messages--words--of knowledge and wisdom to clarify and solve problems, healings for mind or body, deliverance from the enemy's oppression--these things He desires for His children, and gives them through His Spirit. Some even say not all the gifts are for today. Yet, Paul says "...that you come behind in no gift waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 1:7 And the Great Commission in Mark enumerates signs that will follow believers: cast out demons, speak in tongues, lay hands on the sick and they will recover, drink poison or pick up serpents, (as Paul did on Malta--accidentally--we are warned not to tempt God) and not be harmed. Until all the apostles die out? No. "Until the end of the world." Some will point out that some manuscripts do not include those few verses in Mark. But in Matthew's version, Jesus commands the apostles to teach the world "all things whatsoever I have taught you." And in Matthew 10, He taught them: "heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons..." "...until the end of the world." Matthew 28. That would be us! All of this goes alarmingly against the sophisticated (root word: worldly) and dignified traditions of many mainline churches today. But three times in Matthew 15, Jesus warns against worshiping God in vain, honoring the traditions of men. Jack Deere, professor of history at Dallas Theological Seminary, took a look at some traditions of men and had the courage to say, "Maybe we are wrong." He climbed down from his ivory tower, explored other 'hoods in the Kingdom and discovered all the Holy Spirit's gifts still operating in the Kingdom of God in power and glory. And now he has the courage to stand up and say "We *were* wrong." He explains that today's beliefs come from Cessationism, the theory that the gifts ceased with the apostles, that apostles were unique, and that miracles and gifts were only for "signs" to show that Jesus was the Messiah. And he explains why that is wrong. He says in his second book, _Surprised by the Voice of God_ that much of the modern church loves the Bible and says they love God the Holy Spirit, but does not really want Him moving in their midst. He says it is as if much of the church has divorced the Word from the Spirit as if the children filed for their parent's divorce and broke their parents' hearts. And he shows how the gifts have not ceased, using Scripture and *unrevised* biographies of Wesley and others, including the surprising history of the Presbyterian Scots. He says we need this Holy Spirit power for the problems we live in today, in this Laodicean Church age, as much as ever, if not more! We miss out on glorious and practical blessings when we do not let God be God through the power of His Spirit. God forgive us for grieving His Spirit by our unbelief! I Corinthians 12, 13 and 14 are a sandwich of Power, Love, Power. I want the whoooole thing. And Jack Deere proves God wants that for us, too.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, thought provoking and inspiring book
Review: This book proved very valuable to me in my Christian walk. Firstly Jack Deere is able to articulate the theological inconsistencies that most evangelical Christians struggle with. He then proceeds to answer the cessation /dispensationalists with clear textual exegesis. This book will help anyone who questions whether God heals today, whether God speaks today and what is the Spirits role in the life of a Christian. Also another reviewer incorrectly says that "... Deere blatantly discounts God's Word" this comment is hard to sustain when one reads the book as Deere seems intent on examining the Word. This book is useful for Churches and individuals in the process of revival. As a former academic Deere expresses theological truths in a lively manner. This book is easy to read and contains lots of anecdotes. Well worth the purchase price.
Rating: 
Summary: A Scriptural View of Miraculous Gifts
Review: This book provides a strong Biblical case for miraculous gifts both historically and for today. It looks at several passages that are usually fluffed off by cessessionist who commonly rely on the lack of historical events relating to the manifestation of miraculous gifts to write of the gifts. Deere looks at the Bible. No matter what your view is on this subject, this book is worth reading. This book could have been rated higher if Deere would have stayed away from references to other leaders that share his view. Unfortunately, some of these leaders can be called into question on other views that they hold. Deere should have stuck with just looking at the Bible itself instead of aligning himself with these other people. As a result, I can see where other reviewers are classifying his writing as being emotional. But with regard to Scripture, he presents a strong case (unless of course you disagree with him). Overall, it is refreshing to read this book from a well studied individual (i.e. Dallas Theological Seminary) who was educated from a conservative perspective. Usually, the only option for looking at opposing views on this subject is to read the plethera of resources by cessionist or read resources from charismatic perspectives on this issue. I think that there are abuses regarding this issue from both the cessionist and charismatic viewpoints. Our challenge should be to inductively view what Scripture is actually saying and not hold our own denomination, seminary, upbringing..etc in a higher view than Scripture. This book will challenge your view!
Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: This is a well-written book which documents the move of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives and of course in Scripture. A good textbook and resource to use when teaching or sharing about the Holy Spirit. For so many Christians it's a matter of even knowing the Holy Spirit exists;this book provides the explanation. I really like the way he writes!
Rating: 
Summary: Dangerous
Review: This work borders on heresy. I cannot recommend it. Indeed, I must recommend against it. Very improper view of Cessationism is presented... attacking Scripture itself with a veil that impresses the reader otherwise, easing the mind to accept error without realizing it. It is the wolf in sheep's clothing.
One who is improperly exposed to this work would not grow, but be drawn away from God with the mind deceived into thinking otherwise ("I am growing"). Stay away.
Rating:
Summary: A Deceptive Treatise on Miraculous Gifts
Review: Throughout this poorly structured book with flawed logic, Jack Deere repeatedly makes statements of his actions and beliefs while immediately contradicting himself. In the first chapters of this book, he purports to have become converted from a skeptic to a believer in miraculous gifts because of "patient and intense study of the Scriptures". However in these chapters he cites only 7 scripture references and only 3 directly relate to the issue at hand. Rather, Deere changed his opinion largely because of meeting on psychologist who convinces Deere that since we don't know EVERY healing or attempted healing in the ministry of the apostles, some MUST have failed or been temporary like modern faith healers. Deere plays fast and loose with his biblical citations later in the book, for example citing the gift of tongues as having occured in Acts 8:5 (p64), when the passage does not do so. Later he claims that the only people in the Bible who performed signs & wonders were Jesus and his followers (p66), despite biblical teaching of false prophets. All in all, Deere has written an academically sloppy book, apparently in anger after reading books challenging the current word-faith heresy in the church. He builds straw men, topples them and claims to have proven his point, while ignoring both historical and contemporary arguments. He paints himself (pre-new revelation) as intolerant and poorly studied, then claims this applies to all who disagree with his position. Finally, he claims to have the ability to force God's hand. In his appendices, he challenges the interpretation of scripture passages that only marginally relate to his thesis, while ignoring those which more closely relate (and challenge) his views. Further, his near commercial endorsements of men claiming to be biblical prophets falls apart when not one can meet the biblical standard of accuracy. This book is useful to any student of cultic behavior as it is a primer on twisted logic and fuzzy thinking. However, as an examination of the continuation or cessation of miraculous gifts of the Spirit, it fails miserably.
Rating:
Summary: Well Worth the Read
Review: We are planting a church in a part of America that contains many churches who teach that miraculous signs and wonders ended with the death of the apostles (aka "cessationist"). I respect their right to believe and teach this doctrine, but I believe the Holy Spirit IS still working through believers in signs and wonders. This book has been a big help in providing a very credible defense (not that the Holy Spirit needs us to defend Him!) of the belief that the Holy Spirit is alive, well and still performing miracles such as healings, and deliverance from demonic oppression. In other words "that God is the Great I AM, not the Great I WAS" (John Wimber).
Rating:
Summary: Are Deere's arguments that persuasive?
Review: While Deere has some good things to say (esp. concerning the need to judge a movement by its core doctrine, not its excesses, be it fundamentalism or charismatism), most of the book seems to be marked by inconsistencies. For instance, Deere claims in "The Myth of Biblical Objectivity" that it is impossible for anyone to approach the text with total objectivity. Yet he claims to do something akin to that in the very first chapters, where he says he reapproached the subject of miraculous gifts with an open mind and described his experience as pretty objective! Another inconsistency shows up when he claims that, on the one hand, doctrinal error (based on Gal 3:5--but is the present participle that persuasive?) and immorality (Corinth) in no way hamper God's bestowal of miraculous gifts. Yet, on the other hand, he hypothesizes that the dearth of miraculous gifts through church history is due at least in part to the doctrinal deviance in the church! Further, I would liked to have seen a more in-depth analysis of James 5:14-16. He touches on it for a bit, but he says it had become such a central passage for his church and their growing healing ministry, I would like to have seen some detailed exegesis. Overall, the book was quite readable, and will no doubt step to the forefront for the anticessationist position, but I think Deere needs to dig a little deeper. As I study the cessationist/noncessationist debate, I value the input of those who have studied more than I! Feel free to drop me a note with your Scriptural findings.
Rating:
Summary: Blessing
Review: Why do people continue to deny the power of The almighty God? Did he not create the Universe? Can he not do as he pleases?
In Jack's book, he writes the cause to what made him "See the light": The prayer of his wife. Does God give you a stone, when you ask for a bread? Read the book! It is filled with arguments based on the best book ever: The Bible. God bless!
| 
