Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life

by Sam Storms, Matt Chandler (Foreword)

How can Christians pursue and implement the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without falling into fanatical excess and splitting the church in the process? The Bible teaches us that we are to be filled with God's Spirit and that God's presence and grace is manifested among his people as they serve, love, and minister to one another. Yet some of the gifts that God offers to his people aren't commonly seen in many churches today. Gifts of prophecy, healing, tongues, and other supernatural gifts of God seem to be absent, and many Christians are unsure how to cultivate an atmosphere where God's Spirit can work while remaining committed to the foundational truth of God's Word. In Practicing the Power , pastor and author Sam Storms offers practical steps to understanding and exercising spiritual gifts in a way that remains grounded in the word and centered in the gospel, With examples drawn from his 40 years of ministry as a pastor and teacher, Practicing the Power offers help to pastors, elders, and church members to understand what changes are needed to see God move in supernatural power and to guard against excess and abuse of the spiritual gifts. If you long to see God's Spirit move in your church and life, and aren't sure why that isn't happening or where to begin, this book is for you.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Spirituality, Christianity

272 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2017

About the author

(Some early works written as C. Samuel Storms)

Sam has spent 39 years in ministry as a pastor, professor and author. He was visiting Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College from 2000-2004, and is currently Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. He has authored 22 books and founded Enjoying God Ministries. He's a graduate of The University of Oklahoma (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M) and The University of Texas (Ph.D.). He and his wife Ann have been married for 40 years and are the parents of two grown daughters and have four grandchildren. On a more personal level, Sam loves baseball, books, movies, and anything to do with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Reviews

[Tanya Knepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to charismatic gifts of the Spirit from a theologically sound perspective. Highly recommend.

[Peter Breazeale · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!! So much Scripture-based, well written, practical wisdom on how to earnestly desire gifts of the Spirit with the goal being the enjoyment of the whole Trinity. Would really recommend reading Dr. Storms first book, “Beginners Guide to the Spiritual Gifts” as if you (like me) were not raised in a church that talked about the importance and practice of the gifts, the book assumes a base knowledge of scriptural vocabulary surrounding the gifts and it could be easy to find yourself quickly confused.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did not agree with everything in this book it definitely made me think through how approach the gifts of the Spirit. The first half of the book was great but the long section(s) on prophecy just drug on and kinda lost me. Overall a worthwhile book to read and digest on the gifts for today. Recommended

[Caleb Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balanced, full of good sense, and easy to read!

[Chip Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that I would highly recommend to any "skeptical continuationists" like myself. If you believe the Holy Spirit has the power to work supernaturally, but you are not sure how yet, this is the manual you've been looking for. Theologically robust, reasonable, and practical, it is fanatastic.

That said, this is not a polemic dedicated to refuting cessationism and, therefore, will likely frustrate any cessationists who do not buy its premises to begin with. If you're looking for an argument between the two positions, this is not the book for you (and Storms explicitly acknowledges this in the introduction).

If you do read this book, I would highly encourage you to read it along with a trusted friend, because almost none of the book can be implemented in isolation. It will make you very uncomfortable, so I recommend having someone to work through the book with.

[Hunter Perdue · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s quite a bit covered here. I really appreciated Sam’s thorough approach to this. He provides biblically saturated guidance to practicing spiritual gifts in the church today while also acknowledging where people have exercised in excess or in forms of manipulation. Like always, he exercises much humility in this book.

I really enjoyed his sections on prayer, earnestly desiring the gifts, prophecy, and worship.

Quotes:

“Even though we believe he can, we should never expect God to do for us apart from prayer for what he has promised in his Word to do for us only through prayer.”

“If God is to be supremely glorified in us, we must be supremely glad in him and what he has done for us in Jesus.”

“The gift and gifts of the Holy Spirit are precious, and must be handled according to the instructions the Spirit himself has given to us in the Bible.”

[Stephen Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic Storms work that is extensively exegetical and deeply theological, yet with applied application for ministry more than most of his works. Those those familiar with the Charismatic Movement there probably won’t be much new on the application of the gifts, however it is a very helpful resource to return to in review of biblical arguments for the function of the gifts in the local church as well as how to best live them out. Surprisingly my most favorite chapter was the second appendix that addressed arguments against and for continuationists, especially his documentation of the use in church history. It’s an absolute good appendix that I already have a list of people in mind that I want to share it with.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me all over the place emotionally and intellectually. I appreciate Sam's Storms writing because I can feel his heart in each page. Something's I found myself disagreeing with and some things he really brought some clarity. This is not so much a book defending continuationism because he notes that he has done that in many other places. It is more of a book given biblical and practical advice to use and practice the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Although I had some disagreements, many agreements, and many things I still have very much to learn about, I really enjoyed this book.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christendom is divided on the activities of the Holy Spirit. Some preach that the gifts of the Spirit are no longer active and that the charismatic movement is dangerous. Others embrace the working of the Holy Spirit and His gifts today.

Storms has been an important voice on the issue. As a Reformed Christian who is also charismatic, I have appreciated the books Storms has written. He continues to help Christians understand and move in the work of the Holy Spirit today.

This book is not a defense of the operation of the gifts today. He has covered that in previous books. This book is aimed at those who believe the gifts are for today but have no idea what to do next. Storms provides practical guidelines to implement the gifts and their operation in the church.

Changing the culture of a church is not easy. Storms is up front about the cost and the work involved. He covers a number of topics including possible roadblocks. He writes about prayer, fasting, prophecy, healing, deliverance, and much more, including how to instruct others. He also covers how ministries go wrong, like with manipulation.

I think what struck me the most in this book was Storms' comment on a quote from Octavius Winslow. “Everything we know of God the Father and of Jesus does not come naturally. We owe everything to the ministry of the Spirit. Everything we understand in God's Word, whatever degree of insight we gain into the measureless truths it embodies, we must attribute to the ministry of the Spirit.” (178) That really gave me pause to think of how the ministry of the Spirit is usually ignored in most churches.

I recommend this book to pastors, staff and other church leaders who value the authority of the Bible and the continuing operation of the spiritual gifts. If you desire to see people have a better understanding of the spiritual gifts and be energized by the Spirit, this book will help you see that come to pass.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Storms believes that most/all of the spiritual gifts are still in operation by the Holy Spirit today as they were in the early church. (So he's a continuationist, not a cessationist.) He urges believers and pastors to actively obey 1 Cor 12:31 and eagerly desire the greater spiritual gifts. He argues that the best way to so eagerly desire these gifts is through prayer and fasting.

He then dives into some of the spiritual gifts, explaining them and offering practical counsel on how they may be practiced. His chapter on healing has sharpened my prayers for healing. His chapter on "user-friendly deliverance" is insightful on exercising authority against the demonic. I appreciated his final chapter on the importance of worship and its connection with God's power. And to be clear, he is not mechanistic; he does not see worship and praise as a mere tool in order to obtain spiritual power. This is further evidenced in the two chapters prior to the worship chapter: one on not quenching the Holy Spirit and one called, "Manipulation or Ministry?", both of which decry anything that smacks of using God or thinking less of God than we ought.

Finally, he devotes three chapters in the middle of the book to the gift of prophecy. His understanding of prophecy is similar to Wayne Grudem's, where the prophets are not infallible and can make mistakes in understanding what God reveals to them. This is where I remain unconvinced. Did prophecy undergo such a radical mutation from the OT to the NT? OT prophets thundered, "Thus saith the Lord!", but NT prophets cannot do so.

Overall a very good book. Glad I read it, and I am guessing I will reference it in the future on such things as fasting, healing, and demonic deliverance.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Storms has a more charismatic relationship with the Spirit than I am used to, and I began this book somewhat hesitantly with a mindset of open-minded listening as I prepared to check his views to scripture itself. (And Storms encourages readers to always check everything with scripture, holding tight to the fact that if it is not in line with the Gospel than it is likely not of the Spirit) Overall, reading Sam’s experiences navigating the Holy Spirit’s role in the church as a church leader and his practical suggestions on effective ways to engage the Spirit has left me feeling challenged and convicted!

While I feel like just a baby in the Spirit and really don’t know a whole lot theologically, the way Storms describes and interacts with Him leaves me wanting more, knowing that there is more depth than the ways the church currently interacts with the Spirit and, quite frankly, more depth than what i currently experience in my own life with the Spirit. I found his chapters on prayer, fasting, and worship to be the most challenging and encouraging.

This book offered the most of any book on the topic of the Spirit I’ve read so far - although that also means it challenged me to consult scripture more as well. Not a bad thing at all! I’d recommend it to anyone seeking to dive deeper in their understanding of the Holy Spirit, especially those in leadership positions guiding and discipling others in their own spiritual formation, as Sam offers valuable insight from the perspective of a church leader.

[Timothy Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical. Biblical, and Convicting

Sam Storms’ recent book, “Practicing The Power” is an eminently practical look at what miraculous gifts should look like in the church today, and how to seek and practice them in the genuine power of the Holy Spirit. It is *not* his argument that the miraculous gifts continue today, which he presents elsewhere (though it does include an appendix where he summarizes that larger argument), but is rather written for those who have concluded, “Ok, I think I believe the gifts continue, or am at least open to the possibility. Now what? How do I go about pursuing them and practicing them in ways that are shaped by the Bible?”

I found it personally challenging, and a convicting read.

[Amber Blais · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was refreshing to see that many different people from various denominations (Matt Chandler, Mike Bickle, John Piper) all equally endorsed this book. It is a much needed resource in the church today. Sadly, I have found this issue to be so polarizing. So extreme. This was a beautiful picture into the world of what it looks like to strive for biblical balance when it comes to listening and obeying to the Holy Spirit. It’s one that could be read straight through or even used as as reference to continue referring back to. Highly recommend.

[Katie Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I very much disagree with the author’s complimentarian view (he allows women to exercise the gift of prophecy in his church but not correct an unbiblical prophecy), I’m grateful he did not harp on it often. With that aside, I must say this book is extremely helpful for church leaders on how to establish a culture for the gifts of the Spirit to operate. He spends a lot of time on prophecy and cautions us to distinguish prophecy from a word of encouragement. The author writes in an easy to read vernacular using real life examples and lots of scripture. I enjoyed it!

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sort of preaching to the choir. It's a lot of discussion about finer details of directing the supernatural gifts in the church from the continuationist perspective.

In the normal course of proper sequence I should have read the more foundational books first, but there was a value in taking this 201 class before the 101. These "now that you're convinced" chapters made it pretty evident that I'm not convinced. I need to keep wrestling with these things, but I think I have a clearer idea of where my sticking points are.

[Pierce Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars

Read this with a group and we were hoping it would maybe create more discussion than it did so we kinda gave up on it.

Even though I agreed with pretty much everything in the book, the writing style was kinda long and drawn out at times. First few chapters and the last chapters were all helpful and I appreciated but the middle kinda dragged and the same point was being made over and over so just got repetitive.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practicing the gifts

Storms has provided a guide for practicing, using the gifts of the Spirit in the life of the church. Lots of his own experience and good reflection on Scripture makes it a helpful book. He doesn't build a case for the gifts here as he does in other material but he focuses on the expression of them. I didn't find myself agreeing with everything but was greatly encouraged by the recommendations and example Storms is to the church.

[Zack Dane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insanely practical.

[Andy Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on a follow-up to attending the Convergence conference in OKC hosted by Sam Storms' church.
This is a really really good book for those skeptics like me who are interested in how the Holy Spirit works in the church today. I will probably return to this book multiple times for reference and encouragement.
Storms dismantles all of my concerns about uncontrolled Pentecostal charismatic fundamentalist crazy believers who quite frankly scare the pants off me. He addresses the abuse and charlatans that abandon the Word of God, but he also kicks people like me in the butt who want to comfortably ignore the Spirit's work when it gets tricky.
Great book! Read it!

[Michael Abraham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many associate the spiritual gifts with the Word of Faith movement and prosperity gospel preachers casting out demons and healing diseases in front of vast crowds. Sam Storms claims the spiritual gifts are still active today, the continuationist view, while also claiming the sufficiency of Scripture and a Reformed soteriology. While there is a small crowd of Reformed continuationists, Storms seeks to equip them with practical guidelines for implementing the spiritual gifts in their churches.

In the last chapter Storms provides some bad arguments for cessationism, some that I heard often growing up. I commend Storms for grounding the majority of his arguments in the Scriptures. His chapters on prayer and fasting were particularly challenging to me.

Why 2 stars? Storms argues that New Testament prophecy, and prophecy today, can be mixed with error but he gives insufficient evidence for this claim. He provides definitions and personal examples of gifts like "words of knowledge" but fails to recognize that Scripture doesn't fill out the details on this particular gift. He even claims believers can be possessed by demons. After finishing the book, I felt like the only way Storms provides to "practice the power" of the Holy Spirit is to be a continuationists. But dramatic healings don't seem to be the rule, but the exception.

If you do pick up this book, I'd encourage you to read it with your Bible in hand.

[Tyler Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really worthwhile read for me but also very challenging. I view myself as relatively practical; therefore, things like supernatural healing, and deliverance, as well as, speaking in tongues and prophetic words I greet with skepticism. On the other hand, I believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, and died on the cross and rose 3 days later…so maybe, I am less practical than I realize.

This book, takes the Holy Spirit out of the background where much of the western church has placed Him, and back into the picture alongside the Father and Son. It presents the gifts of the Holy Spirit with biblical backing and provides great practical ways you can invite those gifts into your life and congregation.

A quality resource that I am sure I will be revisiting.

[Nathan Albright · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Note: This book was provided free of charge by BookLook/Zondervan. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

This book is admittedly more than a little bit of a muddle, and my own feelings about the author's subject matter and approach are more than usually ambivalent. The author is a charismatic Calvinist, and has all of the irritating tendencies of both elements of that identity, even if I would consider myself at least cautiously a continuationist (namely, someone who believes that the workings of the Holy Spirit continue to this day and have not ceased--this book is full of definitions and boundary markers). My feelings on Calvinists are fairly often stated here [1]. If you imagine a Calvinist as someone who is not happy unless they are disputing with someone or making someone else feel miserable and a charismatic as a holy roller intent on acquiring the power of the Holy Spirit in their own lives and showing a sometimes unhealthy interest in demonology, this author meets both of those definitions. I would have appreciated on one level a book where a hypercritical Calvinist sought to demolish his foes and their arguments through specious rhetoric, and I would have enjoyed a practical how-to guide from a charismatic on how the Holy Spirit operates in our lives if we let it, but this book tried to be both and ended up being neither completely.

In about 250 pages the author covers quite a few subjects, perhaps too many and not thoroughly enough. After an foreword from a similar identity-challenged charismatic Calvinist and an introduction about God going public--which usually means aggressive Calvinists (not exactly my favorite thing in the world), the author spends the rest of his material in twelve chapters and two appendices. Included in the subject matter is an introduction to the world of charismatic Christianity and the debate between those who believe that the gifts of the spirit ceased with the apostolic era and those who believe the gifts continued on among believers, a discussion about earnestly desiring such gifts, the need to pray, fasting for power, practicing the power of healing, identifying prophecy in the local church, giving a (somewhat misguided) paradigm for prophetic practice, discussing principles for prophecy today, giving a lengthy discussion on user friendly deliverance (or exorcism), a strident warning not to quench the spirit by denying the Trinity (too late), a condemnation on many of his charismatic cohorts whom he accuses of manipulation and the importance of worshiping in the spirit. After a short conclusion the author gives two appendices, one of them an alternate interpretation on 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 and the other a summary of his argument from one of his other books on whether miraculous gifts are for today, in which the author debates with a straw man on the other side.

How one views this book will depend on how one feels about the author and his approach. The author picked a subject that is truly interesting and worth thought and reflection. It is likewise something to appreciate for someone to write about the subjects of spiritual warfare and the role of the Holy Spirit and a certain amount of flexibility and spontaneity in one's spiritual approach without being anti-intellectual. If the author had been able to save his rebuking tendencies for a different book, this would have been a far more enjoyable effort to read for someone who has no interest in being a partisan of this author. The author spends far too much time in this book talking badly about other people, engaging in fallacious reasoning, using his own human reasoning in place of sound scriptural citation and exegesis, setting up unbiblical tests and quarreling over definitions and identity. Basically, this author does all the things that Paul told believers not to do in the pastoral epistles concerning the sort of scriptural discussions we are to have. Worse yet, the author fancies himself an expert on many subjects and writes as if the veracity and worthiness of what he says is something that can be assumed rather than something that has to be proven. Alas, this makes for a book that is far higher in potential than in actual achievement.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...

[Aaron Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theologically sound, biblically grounded, and above all, very practical.

Compared to the excesses of most Charismatic churches and to the lifelessness of Cessationist churches, Sam Storms provides a wonderful picture of something in between in Practicing The Power - that is, the active life of the Spirit in the Church within biblical boundaries that multiply "order," "decency" and edification in love (per Paul in 1 Corinthians 14). In fact, this book felt like an exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14.

Sam Storms does a great job of laying out the practice of spiritual gifts in the 21st-century church. I don't necessarily wholeheartedly agree with each and every conclusion, but what he writes here certainly gave me handles for how to establish the practices of every gift of the Spirit in the church. It was also helpful to hear a bit about how his church in Oklahoma City operates in the manifestations of the Spirit.

Although Storms' main point in Practicing The Power isn't to disprove Cessationism (and thereby prove Continuationism), he does, however, include an essay at the end (as an appendix of sorts) for the purpose. I found this to be incredibly insightful and helpful - particularly the references to the ongoing activity of the so-called "sign gifts" throughout the history of the church. But again, overall the point of the book is the actual practice of gifts, not disproving Cessationism.

Highly recommend to pastors who want to learn more about how to biblically and soundly implement the full range of spiritual gifts in their church; as well as to Christians who want to be better equipped for the participation in their church's lie of worship through the practice of "worshipping in Spirit and in truth."

[Michael Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Helpful examples and analysis of spiritual gifts and how they the pursuit of them has unfolded in Storm’s church. I have a greater understanding but still an underlying pressure to experience the Spirit. Yet the Lord is also providing freedom. Praying for freedom (where the Spirit of the Lord is) and for His gifts to be multiplied in my life and the life of my church

Miscellaneous Notes/Thoughts:

Chapter 2 argument of his friend - I understand what his friend is arguing: that God should simply impart spiritual gifts among believers without their desire as soon as they are saved. It seems to leave room for uncertainty when we pray/ask and the Lord does or does not answer.

In context of healing prayer: “we must allow room in our theological framework for a redemptive purpose in suffering as well”

habitual fasting…in order to desire more of God

use of the phrase “that God delights to honor” “God delights in” - need more scripture for the claims of what God does and does not “delight” in. And it also seems as if Storms is saying “delight” is always followed by blessing. So do this in a way God delights and He will bless. Is that Biblical?

*Prophecy - a look into prophecy in the Old Testament would be helpful
“in her own voice but decidedly not from herself”
- sympathetic pains
Often comes in the natural flow of life/thought
“When God uses me to prophecy, it rarely feels supernatural. It strikes me as profoundly routine.”

Quotes from examples from Sam’s church. He isn’t saying these are the only way to do things but it does feel as if any other way might be wrong.

[Jeremy Hendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Storms is refreshing to read. He offers a biblical approach to the spiritual gifts, and makes a persuasive case the gifts continue today. If you pick this one up I highly recommend reading appendix #2 - “Are Miraculous Gifts for Today?” Storms does not fit the stereotypical mold of what comes to mind when many think of charismatics. He does not hold to a “Spirit baptism” that comes after conversion, he upholds the sufficiency and authority of the canon of God’s Word, he is a scholar of the Word, he is reformed in his doctrine of salvation, and he is not driven by experiences or emotionalism. And yet, Sam earnestly desires to see the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, build up the church today. I agree with him this is needed. I love my cessationist brothers and sisters dearly, and I agree with Sam the burden of proof lies on their shoulders to explain why the gifts have ceased. The arguments I have heard thus far are not compelling enough to sway me. This said, I do believe the way these gifts are carried out in the present are a bit different than the way they were carried out by the apostles in the first century as they laid out the foundation for Christ’s Church. All this to say - I’m thankful for Sam Storms and the way he has helped me to biblically process through more of these things as I preach through the book of 1st Corinthians.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated Practicing the Power for its honest and open approach to spiritual gifts and the ministry of the Spirit. Sam Storms presents a compelling and unapologetic defense against cessationist views, which I found both refreshing and encouraging. His passion for the gifts of the Spirit is evident and inspiring.

However, I felt the book leaned too heavily on prophecy and words of wisdom and knowledge, often to the exclusion of many other spiritual gifts. While these gifts are important, it left me wanting a more balanced exploration of the full range of spiritual gifts mentioned in scripture. Additionally, I wished he had taken the time to better explain the distinction between administrative gifts and gifts of impartation. To me, there’s a clear divide between these two categories that wasn’t adequately addressed.

Overall, it’s a thought-provoking and valuable book, but I was left hoping for a broader and more nuanced discussion of the gifts of the Spirit. It’s worth reading if you’re looking to explore the ministry of the Spirit, but it may leave you with some unanswered questions.

[Rob Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because of several conversations with one of my daughters, wondering how we see the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and our churches. I went for this, because Sam Storms has a reputation of being thoroughly evangelical and not a cessationist (or even a functional one). It’s kind of good. It felt a bit long, but thorough enough. The focus is more on the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church, rather than then for individuals. At one level I’d love to be persuaded - I am persuadable that the gifts of the Holy Spirit should be more obvious in the life of the church. It *does* concern me that the life of our brothers and sisters in our church often seems to have a contented joy barely there, even if we are theologically orthodox. I think this book helps to focus on how a church should engage with the work of the Spirit and is less focused on persuasion - in fairness he suggests reading an earlier book (‘The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts’) instead. Not bad - what it has done is point me to reading deeper on the Trinity, which is no bad thing.

[Andrew B-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It should not be necessary to have to argue for the continuing of gifts such as prophecy, words of knowledge and words of wisdom but, sadly, there are still far too many who are happy with evangelists, pastors and teachers but not with prophets. In the same way they are happy with gifts of helps and administration but not with gifts of healings or tongues.

Sam Storms reminds us of what the Bible has to say and illustrates Biblical truth with personal experience from his time as a church minister.

I found this a helpful book to remind us of the Biblical basis for many of the spiritual gifts that God has given to His Church for the building up of the Church. Now, will we use them or will many of us continue to try and function in churches that act as though so many of God's gifts are not for today? I wouldn't try and drive my car without fuel in it, so why do so many Christians try and function without using the gifts that God offers each of us?

[John Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Storms is one of my favorite continuationsit writers (i.e. those who believe the charismatic gifts are in operation today). He uses a good mixture of biblical teaching and practical examples to help those who need intellectual assent and outward expressions of faith practice. He addresses some of the more challenging spiritual gifts (healing, prophecy, and deliverance (though he admits that deliverance isn't a listed gift of the spirit, he argues that it is practiced in Scripture).

I enjoyed reading this book and appreciated Storms' practical advice on approaching each of these gifts. He involves both words of caution (to prevent abuse of the gifts) and encouragement (to push those skeptical about doing as Paul said and desire the spiritual gifts).

This book is for anyone interested in a balanced treatment of often controversial spiritual gifts. You will enjoy this if that is you.

[Kyle Inman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read that I’d recommend for people completely unfamiliar or “open but cautious” with the practice of spiritual gifts in the life of the Church. What kept me from getting into it more were my own high expectations for Sam to blow my mind with something I hadn’t considered, since he’s been a noted practitioner in the space for longer than I’ve been alive. This didn’t really happen, although I did appreciate some of the wording he’d use and reasons he’d give for things, like why the Holy Spirit doesn’t manifest in some of our congregations. Looking back, I almost would’ve rather he make his final chapter on worship the first chapter instead - I love his firm use of Scripture, but to argue only from Scripture in the way he does hit my head and missed my heart pretty often throughout. Regardless, I think this book gave me several good ideas in leading the small group I currently do.