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Acts 2:38
“So, we are renting our gym to this UPC youth group—real nice kids,” he says. “And I’m talking to one of the girls about what they believe.” Suddenly he interrupts his own story and blurts out, “Let me ask you, do you believe that if you don’t speak in tongues you are going to Hell? Because that is what this girl said.
”I pause, surprised by this sudden pronouncement and offer sincerely, “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
“Yes, but is this what you believe? I really need to know.”
Up to this point, I have no opinion of the man sitting next to me but now look at him in a more discerning way. He has bright eyes and a kind voice. More than that; he is a person on a quest, looking for specific answers. He doesn’t want to argue—he simply wants to understand. I decide at once that I like him and belatedly offer up a genuine smile. I pause, trying to frame what to say first. Then I begin . . .
”I pause, surprised by this sudden pronouncement and offer sincerely, “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
“Yes, but is this what you believe? I really need to know.”
Up to this point, I have no opinion of the man sitting next to me but now look at him in a more discerning way. He has bright eyes and a kind voice. More than that; he is a person on a quest, looking for specific answers. He doesn’t want to argue—he simply wants to understand. I decide at once that I like him and belatedly offer up a genuine smile. I pause, trying to frame what to say first. Then I begin . . .
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
21 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 18, 2023
Exceptionally Good Introduction to Oneness Pentecostalism
I am not a member of the author's denomination, though I am a retired pastor. I read this book after reading Norris's more scholarly work, "I Am". and was most impressed by the author's ability to write in a very engaging, more personal style while still maintaining academic excellence. Acts 2:38 is very readable and easily understood without ever dumbing down.
Even though David writes from a Oneness Pentecostal perspective, the focus of the book is not on Oneness vs. Trinitarian issues but rather on the issue of salvation. He does an excellent job of explaining how Acts 2:38 forms the core of how the early church answered the question, "What must I do to be saved?" I think he does an exceptional job at showing how evangelicalism gives a truncated, non-biblical answer to that question and then proceeds to show the more biblical and Hebraic understanding of what it means to have saving faith.
Another positive feature is the account of various miracles, thereby showing the falsity of a materialistic world view ("Materialistic " in the sense of denying the existence of anything beyond the physical world). Even Christians who disagree with the book's theology will be encouraged by these stories.
Lastly, I appreciated Dr. Norris's candor regarding his own struggles and shortcomings. Not only does this add to the personal quality of the book, it also invites the reader to look at his/her own failings in a gentle light and creates a "Come, let us reason together," atmosphere.
To sum up, Acts 2:38 is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about Pentecostal ism or wants a better understanding of the biblical verse that gives the book its name or even someone just looking for a good read. And on top of all that, it ends with a very gracious, yet important challenge.
I am not a member of the author's denomination, though I am a retired pastor. I read this book after reading Norris's more scholarly work, "I Am". and was most impressed by the author's ability to write in a very engaging, more personal style while still maintaining academic excellence. Acts 2:38 is very readable and easily understood without ever dumbing down.
Even though David writes from a Oneness Pentecostal perspective, the focus of the book is not on Oneness vs. Trinitarian issues but rather on the issue of salvation. He does an excellent job of explaining how Acts 2:38 forms the core of how the early church answered the question, "What must I do to be saved?" I think he does an exceptional job at showing how evangelicalism gives a truncated, non-biblical answer to that question and then proceeds to show the more biblical and Hebraic understanding of what it means to have saving faith.
Another positive feature is the account of various miracles, thereby showing the falsity of a materialistic world view ("Materialistic " in the sense of denying the existence of anything beyond the physical world). Even Christians who disagree with the book's theology will be encouraged by these stories.
Lastly, I appreciated Dr. Norris's candor regarding his own struggles and shortcomings. Not only does this add to the personal quality of the book, it also invites the reader to look at his/her own failings in a gentle light and creates a "Come, let us reason together," atmosphere.
To sum up, Acts 2:38 is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about Pentecostal ism or wants a better understanding of the biblical verse that gives the book its name or even someone just looking for a good read. And on top of all that, it ends with a very gracious, yet important challenge.
August 17, 2024
Acts 2:38 is chock full of theological conversations and personal stories that teach, but it never feels hard to walk through. In fact, it’s a breeze, and an enjoyable one at that. Dave Norris wrote a book in his own unique style of teaching, and it’s just as endearing in print as it would be in person.
July 21, 2022
Phenomenal. Highly, highly recommend!
June 4, 2022
Excellent book in explaining Acts 2:38 by breaking it down in a narrative form. I learned so much I didn’t know by reading this. I loved how David Norris shared personal stories to teach what Acts 2:38 means and how he addressed common questions about it. I think anyone who wants it have a full understanding of Acts 2:38 should read this or anyone who is even curious in wanting to know what it means should read it as well. You won’t want to put this book down! Through reading this I believe I can teach others what it fully means and the background to it. It is a book you will want to read over and over to make sure you remember it all.
May 8, 2022
The theology is tremendously sound ... the "story" format was extremely compelling for me - as I really didn't wanna put it down...
I'm partial to the author as he is a big part of my life story (he'd have no-way of knowing) ... so it was very gratifying to see him reference my Great Grandfather (mid-way through the 13th chapter ... a powerful story that I've shared often & even cooler was that he knew details about this that I didn't even know) ...
I really wish EVERYONE would read this marvelous book.
I'm partial to the author as he is a big part of my life story (he'd have no-way of knowing) ... so it was very gratifying to see him reference my Great Grandfather (mid-way through the 13th chapter ... a powerful story that I've shared often & even cooler was that he knew details about this that I didn't even know) ...
I really wish EVERYONE would read this marvelous book.
March 27, 2024
Dr. Norris uses narrative to weave this book together from a lifetime of stories. I found the book intriguing and well-written. The stories pulled me in and shone light on ideas and concepts that are often difficult to define. It is an enlightening read, but it is also an engaging, kind, and gentle experience. I highly recommend it!
May 9, 2022
This book has forever impacted my life
Thinking it was gonna be just another handbook like read
This personal heartfelt narrative pulled me in and let my walls down
It was so powerful
A masterclass of writing and teaching
Thinking it was gonna be just another handbook like read
This personal heartfelt narrative pulled me in and let my walls down
It was so powerful
A masterclass of writing and teaching
July 26, 2022
Best read this year so far.
This has been one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. And by far the best one this year. Bro Norris uses his own story to give an excellent explanation of what this Acts 2:38 messages is all about.
This has been one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. And by far the best one this year. Bro Norris uses his own story to give an excellent explanation of what this Acts 2:38 messages is all about.
March 2, 2023
#11 for 2023!
This book is theological , interesting, phenomenal, and written in narrative form! I loved it! Lots of scripture, history and stories!
It can be read and enjoyed by Pentecostals, as well as people from other denominations!
A 5-star rating for me!!!
This book is theological , interesting, phenomenal, and written in narrative form! I loved it! Lots of scripture, history and stories!
It can be read and enjoyed by Pentecostals, as well as people from other denominations!
A 5-star rating for me!!!
July 11, 2022
Phenomenal!
This is a must read! Approachable and solid apologetics through the medium of a delightful presentation. It's not only about doctrine but communicating this precious message to those who desire more. Excellent!!
This is a must read! Approachable and solid apologetics through the medium of a delightful presentation. It's not only about doctrine but communicating this precious message to those who desire more. Excellent!!
November 22, 2024
Phenomnal
Best read for me this year, after 31 books. I love how the story line goes back and forth to bring it all together.
Best read for me this year, after 31 books. I love how the story line goes back and forth to bring it all together.
October 13, 2021
Incredible book. Dr. Norris hides a vast wealth of theology in multiple stories: from childhood to teaching experiences. These stories are tied together inside of a bigger story. And within all of these stories, he reveals the crux of the Bible: the chiasmus—Acts 2:38-39. What an absolutely fantastic book. For a while I forgot that he is a theology professor at a graduate school; he could pass as a Pulitzer winning novelist.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews