FLYING CLOSER TO THE FLAME

by Charles R. Swindoll

A Passion for The Holy Spirit

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

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible revelations of the Holy Spirit and why we should come just a little closer. Flying Closer to the Flame is a fantastic book for anyone to read with intentions of going and getting a step closer!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[April Gray-walton degarmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

[C. E. Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author offers a good balance from the extremism that often plagues Christendom with unbiblical expectations, yet he seems to miss the grounds or conditions the Scripture present as a means for the miraculous occurring by the Spirit of God. In this, though he desires to approach the subject of the Holy Spirit without doctrinal bias, perhaps unwittingly, attacks Charismatics and Pentecostals, or at least puts them in the same boat as the extremists.

[Gerald Thomson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of Swindoll’s best, as the topic of the Holy Spirit is very hard to pin down. Swindoll certainly opens up the work of the Spirit in a way that may help conservative Christians open up to the idea of allowing God’s Spirit to speak into their lives. The best part of the book is the discussion on supernatural healing. If you are not a fan of Swindoll’s already, I would start with a different book like Hand Me Another Brick or Killing Giants, Pulling Thorns.

[Jeff Noble]

Flying Closer to the Flame: A Passion for the Holy Spirit by Charles R. Swindoll (?)

[Read1000books · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best book on the Holy Spirit I have read thus far.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good balance teaching on the Holy Spirit

[Randy Corn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book is “A Passion For The Holy Spirit.” It is not a systematic survey of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit but rather more of a personal reflection on some questions the author has grappled with. Like many non-charismatic evangelicals, Swindoll has two poles of tension in his thinking. First, he is convinced that early on he was more certain than he should have been about the doctrine of the Spirit. Everything could be neatly tucked away in a book of theology and anyone who thought otherwise was probably a wild-eyed fanatic. This led the author to explore the doctrine of the Spirit in a more personal way. You might say he moved closer to the charismatic position, though he is quick to point out what he has not embraced.

That being said, the other pole of tension is the excess of the charismatic crowd. Anything which smacks of a “carnival atmosphere” must be rejected. I would have to say that I agree with him. There are quite a few charlatans who are “making merchandise of the faith.”

I think the value of this book is the introduction of this issue and the beginning of some thoughts about it. Swindoll is sure that the Bible must be the touchstone of our understanding about all of this. I would agree with that as well, but there has to be some integration of experience with our exegesis. That is after all what caused the author to write this book in the first place.

[LeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first Swindol book although I have known the name for years. The writing style is very conversational and easy to understand although the concepts are sometimes complex. As a pastor, Swindol explores the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and seeks balance, rather than the extreme views common among those who believe in miracles occurring all the time and those who believe they ended with the first century. The ideas are not new or revolutionary, but will help the novice to think through the Holy Spirit’s role in their own life.

[Ashley Florian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading about a spirit-led life through this evangelical preacher. Many thought-provoking concepts. I am not in agreement with all of his conclusions, but he left me with much to mull over. Will be selective with who I recommend this book to

[Mark Roossinck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great teaching in Swindoll Style. He covers issues that are not always typical of this topic. He includes great examples and antidotes to make his point. A wealth of truth, backed up with personal experience.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuck Swindoll Biblically explains the person and role of the Holy Spirit.

[Shliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives new insight into who the Holy Spirit is and how He works. It has given me a new appreciation for His presence in my life.

[Robert Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sound advice to walk closer to the flame.