Come Holy Spirit

David Pytches, Anglican Bishop, provides a comprehensive and practical survey of teaching on the Holy Spirit in this excellent book. No wonder it sold out! Hopefully it will be published again. His brief, summary-like chapters are these: 1. Signs and wonders 2. Two spiritual kingdoms 3. Wholeness 4. Authority and power 5. How did Jesus minister? 6. Introducing the gifts 7. The gift of tongues 8. The gift of interpretation 9. The gift of prophecy 10. The gift of discernment 11. Words of wisdom 12. Words of knowledge 13. The gift of faith 14. The gift of miraculous powers 15. The gifts of healing 16. Dreams, visions and `enigmatic speech' 17. Inviting the Holy Spirit 18. `Falling' under the power of God 19. Values in the healing ministry 20. Reasons why we have not healed the sick 21. Who should minister? 22. Equipment for those ministering 23. Health and forgiveness 24. Healing of the Spirit 25. Healing of the Body 26. Healing the oppressed 27. Inner healing 28. Ministering healing to the dying and their families 29. Raising the dead 30. Ministering to those in hospital 31. Ministering to children 32. Keeping our healing and deliverance 33. Worship: where it all begins 34. Operating within a liturgical structure 35. Organising the healing ministry An Appendix gives a complete list of scripture references for healing and deliverance. He argues that 'signs and wonders' were and are a normal and routine part of biblical ministry. Healing ministry is included as part of vital prayer for people, without controlling the outcome or exalting the minister. His pastoral care and wisdom enrich the practical application of these biblical principles. David Pytches wrote: Jesus did not begin his ministry until after he had been baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Luke 3:21-23). Jesus himself explained how he operated "If I by the Spirit of God do cast out demons then has the Kingdom of God come upon you" (Matthew 12:28). He told us we could do the same. "Anyone one who believes in me will do what I have been doing - and greater things."(John l:12). And he told us how it could be done. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you" (Acts 1:8). That power was for the Holy Spirit ministry that the Church needed then and so badly needs today to extend the good news of God's Kingdom. It's there for the asking. Jesus said: "How much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him" (Luke 11:13). What's more he gives His Spirit without limit (John 3:34). And we can go on asking for more because we need to - Paul urged the church to "Go on being filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). So come Holy Spirit! Come again! Renew your churches! Renew their leaders! Renew me! Amen. Come Holy Spirit: