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Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
Pastor Jim Cymbala shares the lessons he learned when the Spirit ignited his heart and began to move through his people. This unforgettable story will set a fire burning in your heart to experience God's mercy, power, and love as though for the first time.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
780 people are currently reading
6765 people want to read
About the author
Jim Cymbala
107 books136 followersJim Cymbala has been the pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle for more than twenty-five years. The author of the best-selling titles Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire; Fresh Faith; and Fresh Power, he lives in New York City with his wife, Carol Cymbala, who directs the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
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November 23, 2011
Book Review: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire By Jim Cymbala
In 1972, a young married man who did not have a background in ministry took over a dying congregation in a tough, inner-city neighborhood at the urgent request of his minister father-in-law.
Less than twenty people were attending services, the building was in disrepair and there was no money for even basic necessities. Yet within a few years the congregation was much larger and thriving. It eventually began to number in the thousands and developed a nationally-known choir. But the biggest change of all was within the lives of the pastor, his wife and the members.
What happened?
The Holy Spirit happened. Answered prayer happened.
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire is the first-hand account by that pastor, Jim Cymbala and his experiences with the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City. He writes of how the tiny church was almost ready to close its doors when one Sunday, he was unable to even preach the sermon. He stopped speaking, said he couldn't go on and asked the congregation to pray.
Afterward, things began to improve a little. Then he instituted a weekly prayer meeting in which the members would pray for the pastor, the church service, that God's will would be done. Over time, the little church began to grow spiritually and numerically.
That doesn't mean that circumstances became easy. The church was located in a rundown neighborhood that was a hangout for alcoholics, drug addicts and prostitutes. Sometimes one of the locals would wander in off the streets and into services. In other cases, members would actively walk the neighborhood and tell the residents about Jesus. Through the members' testimonies, example and yieldedness to God, some people with even the most desperate of lifestyles accepted Christ and God turned their lives around.
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire tells story after story of profound hope, of God changing lives. Cymbala is very emphatic that all of this was in response to the continual prayers of the members. He makes a strong case that prayer is the backbone of a church, that only group prayer can revitalize a church and turn lives around.
He also said that historically, all Christian revivals have been preceded by massive amounts of prayer.
His book is not only an inspiring read but one we all need to apply.
-- Frank Lewandowski
In 1972, a young married man who did not have a background in ministry took over a dying congregation in a tough, inner-city neighborhood at the urgent request of his minister father-in-law.
Less than twenty people were attending services, the building was in disrepair and there was no money for even basic necessities. Yet within a few years the congregation was much larger and thriving. It eventually began to number in the thousands and developed a nationally-known choir. But the biggest change of all was within the lives of the pastor, his wife and the members.
What happened?
The Holy Spirit happened. Answered prayer happened.
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire is the first-hand account by that pastor, Jim Cymbala and his experiences with the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City. He writes of how the tiny church was almost ready to close its doors when one Sunday, he was unable to even preach the sermon. He stopped speaking, said he couldn't go on and asked the congregation to pray.
Afterward, things began to improve a little. Then he instituted a weekly prayer meeting in which the members would pray for the pastor, the church service, that God's will would be done. Over time, the little church began to grow spiritually and numerically.
That doesn't mean that circumstances became easy. The church was located in a rundown neighborhood that was a hangout for alcoholics, drug addicts and prostitutes. Sometimes one of the locals would wander in off the streets and into services. In other cases, members would actively walk the neighborhood and tell the residents about Jesus. Through the members' testimonies, example and yieldedness to God, some people with even the most desperate of lifestyles accepted Christ and God turned their lives around.
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire tells story after story of profound hope, of God changing lives. Cymbala is very emphatic that all of this was in response to the continual prayers of the members. He makes a strong case that prayer is the backbone of a church, that only group prayer can revitalize a church and turn lives around.
He also said that historically, all Christian revivals have been preceded by massive amounts of prayer.
His book is not only an inspiring read but one we all need to apply.
-- Frank Lewandowski
June 12, 2010
Enjoyed this book about allowing God’s Spirit to invade our hearts. Some of my favorite quotes include:
“I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him.”
“After all, people weren't hungry for fancy sermons or organizational polish. They just wanted love. They wanted to know that God could pick them up and give them a second chance.”
“Because I had been a basketball player, it never dawned on me to evaluate people on the basis of color. If you could play, you could play. In America it would appear that there is more openness, acceptance, and teamwork in the gym than in the church of Jesus Christ.”
“Each service is two to two-and-a-half hours long. We have always felt we had to give the Holy Spirit time to work; we couldn't rush people through some kind of assembly line.”
“Yes, the roughness of inner-city life has pressed us to pray.... But is the rest of the country coasting along in fine shape? I think not.”
“I have seen God do more in people's lives during ten minutes of real prayer than in ten of my sermons.”
“What does it say about our churches today that God birthed the church in a prayer meeting, and prayer meetings today are almost extinct?"
“If the times are indeed as bad as we say they are; if the darkness in our world is growing heavier by the moment; if we are facing spiritual battles right in our own homes and churches, then we are foolish not to turn to the One who supplies unlimited grace and power. He is our only source. We are crazy to ignore him."
"We are like the church at Laodicea. In fact, we have so institutionalized Laodiceanism that we think lukewarm is normal.”
“The apostles weren't trying to finesse people. Their communication was not supposed to be ‘cool’ or soothing. They aimed for a piercing of the heart, for conviction of sin. They had not the faintest intention of asking, ‘What do people want to hear? How can we draw people to church on Sunday?’ That was the last thing in their minds. Such an approach would have been foreign to the whole New Testament.”
“Spiritual ‘construction’ that uses wood, hay and straw comes easy--little work, little seeking, no travail, no birthing. You just slap it up and it will look adequate--for awhile. But if you want to build something that will endure on Judgment Day, the work is much more costly."
“People pay attention when they see that God actually changes persons and sets them free. When a new Christian stands up and tells how God has revolutionized his or her life, no one dozes off.”
“As we open up our church meetings to God's power, they will not always follow a predetermined schedule. Who can outline what God might have in mind?”
"Does anyone really think that America today is lacking preachers, books, Bible translations, and neat doctrinal statements? What we really lack is the passion to call upon the Lord until he opens the heavens and shows himself powerful."
“Anytime people get hungry to truly know the Lord, the Holy Spirit quickly puts a shovel and broom into their hands.”
“I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him.”
“After all, people weren't hungry for fancy sermons or organizational polish. They just wanted love. They wanted to know that God could pick them up and give them a second chance.”
“Because I had been a basketball player, it never dawned on me to evaluate people on the basis of color. If you could play, you could play. In America it would appear that there is more openness, acceptance, and teamwork in the gym than in the church of Jesus Christ.”
“Each service is two to two-and-a-half hours long. We have always felt we had to give the Holy Spirit time to work; we couldn't rush people through some kind of assembly line.”
“Yes, the roughness of inner-city life has pressed us to pray.... But is the rest of the country coasting along in fine shape? I think not.”
“I have seen God do more in people's lives during ten minutes of real prayer than in ten of my sermons.”
“What does it say about our churches today that God birthed the church in a prayer meeting, and prayer meetings today are almost extinct?"
“If the times are indeed as bad as we say they are; if the darkness in our world is growing heavier by the moment; if we are facing spiritual battles right in our own homes and churches, then we are foolish not to turn to the One who supplies unlimited grace and power. He is our only source. We are crazy to ignore him."
"We are like the church at Laodicea. In fact, we have so institutionalized Laodiceanism that we think lukewarm is normal.”
“The apostles weren't trying to finesse people. Their communication was not supposed to be ‘cool’ or soothing. They aimed for a piercing of the heart, for conviction of sin. They had not the faintest intention of asking, ‘What do people want to hear? How can we draw people to church on Sunday?’ That was the last thing in their minds. Such an approach would have been foreign to the whole New Testament.”
“Spiritual ‘construction’ that uses wood, hay and straw comes easy--little work, little seeking, no travail, no birthing. You just slap it up and it will look adequate--for awhile. But if you want to build something that will endure on Judgment Day, the work is much more costly."
“People pay attention when they see that God actually changes persons and sets them free. When a new Christian stands up and tells how God has revolutionized his or her life, no one dozes off.”
“As we open up our church meetings to God's power, they will not always follow a predetermined schedule. Who can outline what God might have in mind?”
"Does anyone really think that America today is lacking preachers, books, Bible translations, and neat doctrinal statements? What we really lack is the passion to call upon the Lord until he opens the heavens and shows himself powerful."
“Anytime people get hungry to truly know the Lord, the Holy Spirit quickly puts a shovel and broom into their hands.”
February 2, 2022
This book literally makes me want to cry with joy, groaning in the Spirit for more of Him, sadness over neglecting Him, and desire to be used by Him. It has shown me so much and honestly I wish there was more pages. This has stirred me in so many ways and shown me the importance of prayer and how we have no power apart from God’s power. Prayer is so essential and the reason we don’t see this power is because we don’t pray and we think YouTube is better than travailing in prayer. I honestly wanna stop “learning” so much and start wrestling with God more because I already know so much, or as Paul Washer says “I already have too much truth than I know what to do with.” And “I just wanna know Him”, “I don’t want to hear about revival from somebody who knew somebody who knew somebody who knew somebody who knew You”. God has literally promised that we could be that people who see His power manifest, but it takes actually seeking Him and it costs giving up our lives. We can’t seek to save our life. We wouldn’t be able to look like the world. A strong verse that was quoted that spoke to me was 2 Chron 16:19 “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him”. He wants to use us and I pray that I may truly have a fully committed and pure heart for Him. But a lot of the times I want to only be used to the extent that I am willing to give up but then complain for not being used more by Him. My life should be like these people in Acts, and Daniel, etc (prayer, fasting, evangelism, fellowship, discipleship, praying for God to manifest His power through signs and wonders and expecting Him to move). Strongly strongly recommend this book. I honestly felt the fruit of the Spirit of an inexpressible joy for the first time ever from reading this book. Love it
April 26, 2011
MY REVIEW:
I think it was the title...but for whatever reason this is a book I had seen many times and just never bought for myself to read. But recently when a dear man of God recommended this to our church leadership I immediately found it on PaperBackSwap and began to read it.
WOW!
This book is not about the how-to's of prayer like so many other books are, but about the why we pray and the power of prayer. And for those of you in my circle, it's not "out there" either. While there are a few things I can't say I agree with, there is a whole lot more that I heartily say "Amen!" to and long to see happen in the local churches around here.
It's hard to pull apart this book to determine my favorite part...but if forced to make a choices I would say it was the chapter titled "The Lure of Novelty" where Cymbala speaks frankly on the the power of prayer against casting out and binding. I really appreciated his very balanced approach to this issue and his loving way of stating the truth.
I highly recommend this book for those who want to understand prayer more and be challenged to pray more. I don't know how anyone could not be excited after reading this book filled with a multitude of testimonies from Cymbala and his congregation. Teens and adults of all ages need to read this book and practice it's passion!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Pastor Jim Cymbala shares the lessons he learned when the Spirit ignited his heart and began to move through his people. This book is for anyone seeking to live at the center of God’s purposes, through experiencing the power of his Spirit. This softcover edition includes a study guide.
I think it was the title...but for whatever reason this is a book I had seen many times and just never bought for myself to read. But recently when a dear man of God recommended this to our church leadership I immediately found it on PaperBackSwap and began to read it.
WOW!
This book is not about the how-to's of prayer like so many other books are, but about the why we pray and the power of prayer. And for those of you in my circle, it's not "out there" either. While there are a few things I can't say I agree with, there is a whole lot more that I heartily say "Amen!" to and long to see happen in the local churches around here.
It's hard to pull apart this book to determine my favorite part...but if forced to make a choices I would say it was the chapter titled "The Lure of Novelty" where Cymbala speaks frankly on the the power of prayer against casting out and binding. I really appreciated his very balanced approach to this issue and his loving way of stating the truth.
I highly recommend this book for those who want to understand prayer more and be challenged to pray more. I don't know how anyone could not be excited after reading this book filled with a multitude of testimonies from Cymbala and his congregation. Teens and adults of all ages need to read this book and practice it's passion!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Pastor Jim Cymbala shares the lessons he learned when the Spirit ignited his heart and began to move through his people. This book is for anyone seeking to live at the center of God’s purposes, through experiencing the power of his Spirit. This softcover edition includes a study guide.
July 24, 2012
Jim Cymbala was a familiar name to me, as I had read some of his articles in Charisma magazine. The Charismatic books are the most widely read books in Christendom. I've not really been impressed with one to date—there is always a running theme under them all which I do not adhere to.
Jim was thrown into the role of Pastor by the hand of his father-in-law. Jim had no formal ministerial training(and I suspect still hasn't), and make no mistake about it, he takes pride in that fact.
Preaching the word systematically isn't important to Jim—only giving the Holy Spirit time to work in 2 hour services with no thought put into them is. This mode of thinking is to say that the Holy Spirit could not inspire man's reason, could not inspire his writing, or a sermon. This goes against the essence of the Scriptures themselves. C.S. Lewis argued that reason itself was the supernatural element within nature, and I agree with him. The Charismatics though have made reason synonymous with the carnal mind. This is eisegesis and not exegesis. The carnal mind is not synonymous with the human mind. The carnal mind is biblically defined as the mind which is sinful, which is unrepentant. We are transformed by the renewing of our mind—we don't throw our mind out as being hopelessly carnal.
More than anything else, Jesus taught. The Word opens the way for the Holy Spirit. Prayer is vital, worship is vital, letting the spiritual gifts operate within the church are vital, and the preaching and teaching of the Word is vital. If a church comes to only focus on any one of these things, at the expense of the others, they are lacking.
"The New Beginning" for Pastor Cymbala and his church came when he felt that the Holy Spirit prompted him to begin a prayer service. The total emphasis of the book is on prayer. Within the book there are several stories about how prayer brought about action on God's part: Jim finds a mysterious envelop filled with just enough money so that the church's mortgage payment may be made. Jim's wayward daughter receives a visitation from the Lord, and returns home repentant, after his prayer team focused on her. These are impressive stories that I don't believe can be refuted—they show the Holy Spirit working on the heart of man, bringing man to action, to repentance. I only wonder why there are not more of them, and less railing against what Jim has never been familiar with. At times Cymbala seems to depolarize, with critiques of the chaotic weirdness which has gone on in the name of the Holy Spirit. He recognizes there is a problem in the Charismatic world, and that the lack of biblical doctrines being taught is the cause. Then on the next page he says:
"Does anyone really think that America today is lacking preachers, books, Bible translations, and neat doctinral statements?"
I would answer him, "No, but we are lacking in the use of those good materials, as people are lazy, and want a magical Christianity of expediency, which requires no use of their mind—and to excuse this, they have condemned the mind and head knowledge.
I don't disagree with Pastor Cymbala in that prayer moves the heart of God. The book is a wonderful testimony to that; however, the underlying theme that condemns learned expository preaching, that would condemn a series of sermons that a Pastor may have labored for months on, and says that because these sermons were not spontaneous, emotional, intuitive, and untaught, that the Holy Spirit could have no part in them—this is simply wrong. J. Vernon McGee said a man need not be educated to begin preaching; though he should wish to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of the Word, and hopefully Seminary is in his future plans. I believe if a man is proud of his lack of knowledge, something is terribly wrong with his doctrine—or un-doctrine rather.
There is such a bias in the Charismatic world against formal education, against reason, against science, which we call the general revelation of God. It's so sad. Pastor Jim Cymbala shows us there is no doubt at all that he is not educated in biblical doctrines by this statement:
"North American Christians must no longer accept the status quo. No more neat little meetings, even with the benefit of 100 percent correct doctrine." (153)
This is the underlying Charismatic theme: Biblical truths and the teachings of Christ inhibit the Holy Spirit. I would say that when a church is operating outside of biblical doctrines, THIS is what inhibits the Holy Spirit.
As you can tell, this highly irritates me. I could not enjoy the biblical truths that WERE in this book, for the glaring error in it. Perhaps someday I will come to the level of maturity where I can eat fish and spit out bones, as my friend Pastor Alex says. It angers me so, because other people are choking on the bones. Pray for Jim and I....
Jim was thrown into the role of Pastor by the hand of his father-in-law. Jim had no formal ministerial training(and I suspect still hasn't), and make no mistake about it, he takes pride in that fact.
Preaching the word systematically isn't important to Jim—only giving the Holy Spirit time to work in 2 hour services with no thought put into them is. This mode of thinking is to say that the Holy Spirit could not inspire man's reason, could not inspire his writing, or a sermon. This goes against the essence of the Scriptures themselves. C.S. Lewis argued that reason itself was the supernatural element within nature, and I agree with him. The Charismatics though have made reason synonymous with the carnal mind. This is eisegesis and not exegesis. The carnal mind is not synonymous with the human mind. The carnal mind is biblically defined as the mind which is sinful, which is unrepentant. We are transformed by the renewing of our mind—we don't throw our mind out as being hopelessly carnal.
More than anything else, Jesus taught. The Word opens the way for the Holy Spirit. Prayer is vital, worship is vital, letting the spiritual gifts operate within the church are vital, and the preaching and teaching of the Word is vital. If a church comes to only focus on any one of these things, at the expense of the others, they are lacking.
"The New Beginning" for Pastor Cymbala and his church came when he felt that the Holy Spirit prompted him to begin a prayer service. The total emphasis of the book is on prayer. Within the book there are several stories about how prayer brought about action on God's part: Jim finds a mysterious envelop filled with just enough money so that the church's mortgage payment may be made. Jim's wayward daughter receives a visitation from the Lord, and returns home repentant, after his prayer team focused on her. These are impressive stories that I don't believe can be refuted—they show the Holy Spirit working on the heart of man, bringing man to action, to repentance. I only wonder why there are not more of them, and less railing against what Jim has never been familiar with. At times Cymbala seems to depolarize, with critiques of the chaotic weirdness which has gone on in the name of the Holy Spirit. He recognizes there is a problem in the Charismatic world, and that the lack of biblical doctrines being taught is the cause. Then on the next page he says:
"Does anyone really think that America today is lacking preachers, books, Bible translations, and neat doctinral statements?"
I would answer him, "No, but we are lacking in the use of those good materials, as people are lazy, and want a magical Christianity of expediency, which requires no use of their mind—and to excuse this, they have condemned the mind and head knowledge.
I don't disagree with Pastor Cymbala in that prayer moves the heart of God. The book is a wonderful testimony to that; however, the underlying theme that condemns learned expository preaching, that would condemn a series of sermons that a Pastor may have labored for months on, and says that because these sermons were not spontaneous, emotional, intuitive, and untaught, that the Holy Spirit could have no part in them—this is simply wrong. J. Vernon McGee said a man need not be educated to begin preaching; though he should wish to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of the Word, and hopefully Seminary is in his future plans. I believe if a man is proud of his lack of knowledge, something is terribly wrong with his doctrine—or un-doctrine rather.
There is such a bias in the Charismatic world against formal education, against reason, against science, which we call the general revelation of God. It's so sad. Pastor Jim Cymbala shows us there is no doubt at all that he is not educated in biblical doctrines by this statement:
"North American Christians must no longer accept the status quo. No more neat little meetings, even with the benefit of 100 percent correct doctrine." (153)
This is the underlying Charismatic theme: Biblical truths and the teachings of Christ inhibit the Holy Spirit. I would say that when a church is operating outside of biblical doctrines, THIS is what inhibits the Holy Spirit.
As you can tell, this highly irritates me. I could not enjoy the biblical truths that WERE in this book, for the glaring error in it. Perhaps someday I will come to the level of maturity where I can eat fish and spit out bones, as my friend Pastor Alex says. It angers me so, because other people are choking on the bones. Pray for Jim and I....
August 7, 2023
This book will draw and drive you to prayer. But it doesn’t do it in a guilt trip kind of way, like some books. Cymbala’s emphasis on our desperate need for God makes you realize how much you can’t do it without prayer. I remember reading parts of this book as a teenager and it had a great influence on me. Reading it again it had a similar influence. I recommend this book highly, especially to pastors and church leaders. It is an inspiring story of how God used an inexperienced pastor and a church that was falling apart to become an incredible ministry. Without God, the story would have been impossible.
January 8, 2021
By far the best book I've read in a year. Full of wisdom that lends itself to spiritual power, this book has changed the way I perceive and practice prayer - both personally, as well as how I seek to shepherd others in the Way of Jesus.
This probably makes it to the top 5 books I'd recommend to someone looking for spiritual empowerment and awakening.
I will add that what Cymbala puts forward here isn't the entirety of the Christian life. Obviously, no book by a human author can accomplish that. But Cymbala nails one of the essential and foundational principles for living the powerful Christian life - calling upon the Name of the Lord and seeking Him in prayer. May the Lord guide us to call upon His Name in our generation. Amen.
This probably makes it to the top 5 books I'd recommend to someone looking for spiritual empowerment and awakening.
I will add that what Cymbala puts forward here isn't the entirety of the Christian life. Obviously, no book by a human author can accomplish that. But Cymbala nails one of the essential and foundational principles for living the powerful Christian life - calling upon the Name of the Lord and seeking Him in prayer. May the Lord guide us to call upon His Name in our generation. Amen.
August 28, 2024
"Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala is a Christian non-fiction inspirational biography. The book tells the story of how Jim Cymbala and his team established the Brooklyn Tabernacle. It left me inspired to pray more and to focus less on technique and style in church, encouraging me to pursue the presence of God above all else. The book was both challenging and encouraging, filled with powerful stories of people whose lives were transformed by God.
March 19, 2022
Read this book in a day and that hasn’t happened in a while for me. The Lord is still active!!!
“The old saying is true: If you have only the Word, you dry up. If you have only the Spirit, you blow up. If you have both, you grow up”
“The more we seek God, the more we see our need to seek him.”
“The old saying is true: If you have only the Word, you dry up. If you have only the Spirit, you blow up. If you have both, you grow up”
“The more we seek God, the more we see our need to seek him.”
December 31, 2019
Challenging and Inspiring
Cymbala's book is an inspiration toward a more desperate prayer life. One that truly gets a hold of God for great things.
Cymbala's book is an inspiration toward a more desperate prayer life. One that truly gets a hold of God for great things.
July 22, 2012
It wasn't that I disliked the book's core message: that prayer and the Holy Spirit are what matters in Christian community today. It was the way the message was communicated.
I felt beaten up and beaten down by the onslaught of marshal metaphors, and seriously unnerved at the prejudice shown by Cymbala on matters of family life, sexuality and relationships.
The core message could have been got across in a dozen or more pages, and the rest could be left out. It is a truly serious and valuable message, but I have been forced out of really engaging with it because I can't get past the extreme conservatism and fear of the world around those who work out of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. The world is not the crazy dangerous place Cymbala portrays it as. If you read uncritically, you could be forgiven for thinking that to venture out into the streets is suicidal, or at the very least is an invitation to debauchery and addiction.
Such thinking, and, importantly, the communication of such thinking, reinforces the lifeboat mentality of such churches. These churches seem to exist as bubbles in the world. The church I want to engage with is not a bubble, but a glorious portrayal of God's love in the world.
I felt beaten up and beaten down by the onslaught of marshal metaphors, and seriously unnerved at the prejudice shown by Cymbala on matters of family life, sexuality and relationships.
The core message could have been got across in a dozen or more pages, and the rest could be left out. It is a truly serious and valuable message, but I have been forced out of really engaging with it because I can't get past the extreme conservatism and fear of the world around those who work out of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. The world is not the crazy dangerous place Cymbala portrays it as. If you read uncritically, you could be forgiven for thinking that to venture out into the streets is suicidal, or at the very least is an invitation to debauchery and addiction.
Such thinking, and, importantly, the communication of such thinking, reinforces the lifeboat mentality of such churches. These churches seem to exist as bubbles in the world. The church I want to engage with is not a bubble, but a glorious portrayal of God's love in the world.
January 3, 2018
My first finished book of 2018. There was power on every single page. I feel inspired and excited for the plans God has for my life this year. All of it based on the power of prayer and submitting to his full authority on my life.
March 20, 2023
3.5: I really liked the focus on prayer, honoring God, and following Him. Parts were convicting for sure. Other parts seemed to stray from the topic and made the book overall feel somewhat jumbled.
July 12, 2022
Challenging every time I read it.
December 1, 2023
Great book, I’m inspired by the authors life of prayer and pursuit of all that God has. His simplistic approach to spiritual warfare without extra biblical formulas is refreshing as well.
July 28, 2025
"If we don't want to experience God's closeness here on earth, why would we want to go to heaven anyway? He is the center of everything there. If we don't enjoy being in his presence here and now, then heaven would not be heaven for us."
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10)
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10)
January 9, 2016
With recommendations from Drs. Joseph Stowell and Warren Wiersbe, it was a given that Jim Cymbala’s Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire would become a bestseller. Full of relatable stories of struggle with sin, this pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle writes this engaging work that will encourages readers to turn the sufficiency of self to trust in the power of prayer. Even so, this is not a book I recommend.
First, irony opens the book: a man who wasn’t called to be a pastor treaded water by gaining footing on bad ideas. His father-in-law “coaxed” him into pastoring (11); Cymbala had other interests and balked at the idea, noting his lack of experience, training, and desire to fill such a role. The call Cymbala answered, then, came from the guiling of one who then left this family in the lurch, to learn without discipleship or even occasional input. How did this self-described amateur survive such whimsy? He did so by coming to terms with his lack of training, by ceasing “to act ministerial” (20), and thus by developing a love for himself as an individual. As such, the book opens with what amounts to an argument against Cymbala’s original pastorate.
Oddities permeate the book, such as the contrast of Bible against prayer. Cymbala rightly notes the essential role of prayer in ministry, and he speaks of preaching, but not of preaching God’s Word (contra 2 Tm 4:2). He writes that prayer “cannot truly be taught by principles and seminars” (49), even though God teaches us much about prayer in the Bible. He writes of listening to God (e.g., 59) but not in terms of reading God’s Word. He notes that Jesus demanded His Father’s house to be a house of prayer… but contrasts that to “a house of preaching” or music or reading of the Word (71). He even incorrectly notes that “America has made the sermon the centerpiece of the church” (84), while sermons grow shorter and feature less Scripture than ever (“worship music” dominates most American services). His emphasis gives the wrong impression of God’s will for Christians; while it is possible to become puffed up with knowledge (1 Cor 8:1), Jesus’ prayer for His disciples is that God would sanctify them through Scripture (John 17:17).
The kind of prayer promoted in this book walks the line of name-it-and-claim-it, let-go-and-let God mysticism. His backburner approach to the preaching of Scripture reapportions prayer and love the main dishes of Christian living, and leads to other problems. He embraces heretics such as the nineteenth century revivalist Charles Finney, who taught a false gospel and reshaped the American Evangelical landscape for the worse. He gives his approval of false revivals such as Azuza Street in 1908. Now, to his credit, Cymbala counters some of Charismatic Movement’s drift in his seventh chapter, “The Lure of Novelty,” but he fails to provide a sound defense against excesses. The reason is that movement away from the Bible is a drift away from the Holy Spirit’s discernment. Should sound doctrine hold a dearer place in Cymbala’s convictions, it would have blocked much of the spiritual driftwood accumulated in this book.
Again, this book contains many excellences about the Christian faith and testimonies of God’s grace. The overall premise of the book is accurate, leaving these baffling passages within otherwise edifying portions of this book. Based on this book alone, Cymbala seems to be Christian who simply had to quickly learn a lot and missed much as a result. As such, I can only recommend Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire as a study in what not to do and the need for discipling men before they enter the ministry.
First, irony opens the book: a man who wasn’t called to be a pastor treaded water by gaining footing on bad ideas. His father-in-law “coaxed” him into pastoring (11); Cymbala had other interests and balked at the idea, noting his lack of experience, training, and desire to fill such a role. The call Cymbala answered, then, came from the guiling of one who then left this family in the lurch, to learn without discipleship or even occasional input. How did this self-described amateur survive such whimsy? He did so by coming to terms with his lack of training, by ceasing “to act ministerial” (20), and thus by developing a love for himself as an individual. As such, the book opens with what amounts to an argument against Cymbala’s original pastorate.
Oddities permeate the book, such as the contrast of Bible against prayer. Cymbala rightly notes the essential role of prayer in ministry, and he speaks of preaching, but not of preaching God’s Word (contra 2 Tm 4:2). He writes that prayer “cannot truly be taught by principles and seminars” (49), even though God teaches us much about prayer in the Bible. He writes of listening to God (e.g., 59) but not in terms of reading God’s Word. He notes that Jesus demanded His Father’s house to be a house of prayer… but contrasts that to “a house of preaching” or music or reading of the Word (71). He even incorrectly notes that “America has made the sermon the centerpiece of the church” (84), while sermons grow shorter and feature less Scripture than ever (“worship music” dominates most American services). His emphasis gives the wrong impression of God’s will for Christians; while it is possible to become puffed up with knowledge (1 Cor 8:1), Jesus’ prayer for His disciples is that God would sanctify them through Scripture (John 17:17).
The kind of prayer promoted in this book walks the line of name-it-and-claim-it, let-go-and-let God mysticism. His backburner approach to the preaching of Scripture reapportions prayer and love the main dishes of Christian living, and leads to other problems. He embraces heretics such as the nineteenth century revivalist Charles Finney, who taught a false gospel and reshaped the American Evangelical landscape for the worse. He gives his approval of false revivals such as Azuza Street in 1908. Now, to his credit, Cymbala counters some of Charismatic Movement’s drift in his seventh chapter, “The Lure of Novelty,” but he fails to provide a sound defense against excesses. The reason is that movement away from the Bible is a drift away from the Holy Spirit’s discernment. Should sound doctrine hold a dearer place in Cymbala’s convictions, it would have blocked much of the spiritual driftwood accumulated in this book.
Again, this book contains many excellences about the Christian faith and testimonies of God’s grace. The overall premise of the book is accurate, leaving these baffling passages within otherwise edifying portions of this book. Based on this book alone, Cymbala seems to be Christian who simply had to quickly learn a lot and missed much as a result. As such, I can only recommend Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire as a study in what not to do and the need for discipling men before they enter the ministry.
January 9, 2020
This was a challenging call to prayer and more passion in my Christian walk. I appreciate how God has used Pastor Cymbala and the Brooklyn Tabernacle church.
However, the message was hard for me to hear. I am a PhD engineer who has chosen the academic life. I gravitate toward the head as opposed to the heart in all areas of life. In my Christian walk, the Westminster Confession was and is a pivotal document. Pastor Cymbala comes out of a charismatic background that emphasizes the heart almost exclusively. I understand Christianity is some balance of the head and heart, but the book was pretty one sided.
I was a charismatic as a teen, and I am now old enough to appreciate that God doesn't fit in any box and chooses to work in wonderful and mysterious ways. However, in the book formal theological training is constantly derided. Yes, Jesus called fisherman to spread the Gospel, but he also chose a "Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee" (Paul) to write much of the New Testament. Paul had significant theological training which he uses effectively in his ministry.
All that said, prayer is critical, and the book makes that clear. I need a stronger prayer life and God used this book to chastise me. I am grateful.
However, the message was hard for me to hear. I am a PhD engineer who has chosen the academic life. I gravitate toward the head as opposed to the heart in all areas of life. In my Christian walk, the Westminster Confession was and is a pivotal document. Pastor Cymbala comes out of a charismatic background that emphasizes the heart almost exclusively. I understand Christianity is some balance of the head and heart, but the book was pretty one sided.
I was a charismatic as a teen, and I am now old enough to appreciate that God doesn't fit in any box and chooses to work in wonderful and mysterious ways. However, in the book formal theological training is constantly derided. Yes, Jesus called fisherman to spread the Gospel, but he also chose a "Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee" (Paul) to write much of the New Testament. Paul had significant theological training which he uses effectively in his ministry.
All that said, prayer is critical, and the book makes that clear. I need a stronger prayer life and God used this book to chastise me. I am grateful.
February 25, 2024
Fantastic book. Can't believe I never heard of it until it was recommended in The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. Highly recommend.
April 13, 2011
This is an excellent book for any Christian who wants to discover what "The Church" is supposed to look like, and act like. Jim Cymbala is humble and authentic. His passion for Christ comes through on every page. With much wisdom and insight he gives a very balanced view on issues dealing with spiritual warfare and culture issues.His stand and hard-hitting truth is always saturated in scripture. He makes the important and often looked-over point that the "problems with the world" is not secularism, immorality, or liberalism, but rather the problems lies with The Church (us Christians that is). We do not really take God for His Word, we are not serious about prayer, nor do we humbly seek Him for all things, knowing that we can do nothing good in our strength. I was greatly encouraged, and energized to start doing my small part in my home and in my local church to take a stand for truth and holiness and simply call out to God and pray. This book is a must for anyone interested in starting any prayer group in their home or church.
September 8, 2015
I wasn't convinced I would vibe with this book. I have been having a hard time with church to say the least. But holy crap! This guy's story is good and he tears down all the falsehood and hypocrisy of churches today and what we have made Christianity and going to church to become. In looking for a church, I have just been wanting to find somewhere that loves God and loves people (aka EVERYONE: the poor, homeless, gay, scary, etc.) to the best of their ability. Jim's church does exactly that well and highlights the importance of prayer and a spirit filled congregation. To all who aren't sure what the heck is going on with the church- READ THIS.
March 27, 2022
What a poignant reminder to get back to the basics! Even though this book is 25 years old, the message is still valid. The church is still doing the same thing now as it was then - using gimmicks and watering down the message in order to boost numbers - when what we need to focus on is the power of prayer. I enjoyed learning the "behind the scenes" story of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, hearing some testimonies of their members and still hearing the poignant message that Pastor Cymbala was getting across in this book. One I'd recommend for any Christian!
January 3, 2022
Cymbala's testimony in leading the Brooklyn Tabernacle is truly attractive. The numerous accounts of the Holy Spirit intervening and the Lord providing are not only heart-warming, they are so incredibly convicting, in that I cannot help but want to reignite my own prayer life. The book clearly emphasizes God's heart for His people, and it brings to light the dire need for Spirit empowerment in the clergy and among laypeople alike. A wonderful read.
January 29, 2018
Cymbala’s testimony of God’s work is fascinating. We spent years in churches with great doctrine and plenty of programs, but very little evidence of the Holy Spirit at work. How much more does God want to do in each of our lives and our churches if we would only devote ourselves to prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to work? Inspiring and refreshing!
January 10, 2023
What a breath of fresh air! Cymbala blends a healthy balance of exhortation to seek God in prayer and personal stories of the Holy Spirit moving through the years in his congregation. I was encouraged to call out to God more as a response to His Word and to pray more in faith. This is a book I will continue to reflect on when ministry and schooling drift to dullness.
July 10, 2021
The testimony of Jim & Carol Cymbala is one that touches the heart, enlightens the spirit and gives hope and inspiration. I loved the way he writes and how we gives examples from his ministry (an the examples!!!). 10/10 would recommend to everyone.
February 2, 2022
Such an encouragement and a challenge!! This book stirred my affections for the Lord and reignited my awe and reverence of his Power! I am more excited than ever to see the Holy Spirit move and witness gospel change in and around me!!
June 15, 2019
I'm so thankful for Pastor Cymbala's witness and the way he leads through this book to prayer and God's holy scriptures. I will likely read again.
February 11, 2023
Convicting.
June 22, 2025
This is my second time reading this book, and I was just as encouraged and challenged to pray more as I was the first time I read this! This book is filled with stories and testimonies of people’s lives being changed because of prayer. Here were some of my favorite quotes that I wrote down:
"You can tell how popular a church is by who comes on Sunday morning. You can tell how popular the pastor or evangelist is by who comes on Sunday night. But you can tell how popular Jesus is by who comes to the prayer meeting."
“The more we pray, the more we sense our need to pray. And the more we sense a need to pray, the more we want to pray.”
“If we don't want to experience God's closeness here on earth, why would we want to go to heaven anyway?”
“If our churches don't pray, and if people don't have an appetite for God, what does it matter how many are attending the services? How would that impress God?”
"You can tell how popular a church is by who comes on Sunday morning. You can tell how popular the pastor or evangelist is by who comes on Sunday night. But you can tell how popular Jesus is by who comes to the prayer meeting."
“The more we pray, the more we sense our need to pray. And the more we sense a need to pray, the more we want to pray.”
“If we don't want to experience God's closeness here on earth, why would we want to go to heaven anyway?”
“If our churches don't pray, and if people don't have an appetite for God, what does it matter how many are attending the services? How would that impress God?”
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