Pentecost Today?

I cannot think of a more important author for this particular generation than Iain Murray. Like other students of history I have been blessed by the writings of John Owen, Richard Baxter, Jonathan Edwards, Andrew Fuller as well as more recent (significant) figures like C.H. Spurgeon, J.C. Ryle and D.M. Lloyd-Jones. Yet, it is a joy to discover a contemporary author writing from the same perspective and in the same spirit as these godly men. When I picked up "Pentecost-Today?" I was already familiar with Murray having read a number of his books. Still, I hesitated because of the title. I didn't want to read another controversial book on Pentecostalism. I discovered, however, that this book is about revival; and this one is (in my opinion) one of the most important books available on the subject (see also "Revival" by Lloyd-Jones, "Revival and Revivalism" by Iain Murray, "Ulster Awakening" by Weir and "Jonathan Edwards on Revival"). In "Pentecost-Today?" Murray clearly defines what revival is while also correcting many common misunderstandings of this word. He explains (as few others do) the theology behind revival and why we can expect one. Murray also deals with relationship between our responsibility (in pursuing revival) and the sovereignty of God who only can bring revival. Murray also deals with spiritual experiences in revival, hindrances to revival and what revival inevitably brings. Murray's book brings some much needed balance to this much discussed subject. He says as others do that prayer is needed, but he recognizes (as few in our day do) that we don't place our trust in prayer. We place our trust in God. Ultimately, revival is under His sovereign control, and it is up to Him when and to whom He grants these remarkable seasons of refreshing... And when those seasons come - when heaven comes down - we can expect great changes in our churches and our communities for the glory of God. Hearts will be changed, minds will be changed, and lives will be changed... and not just temporary 'flash-pan' experiences. I was encouraged and refreshed by reading this book, and I believe it will be a blessing to all those who take the time to read it prayerfully.

A wonderful compliment to his other book "Revival and Revivalism: The Making and Marring of American Evangelicalism." Brother Murray covers what is meant and understood about Revival through three views; Once for All, Conditional, and Old School. Then he expands and explains the effect each view has on what is understood about Revival and the work of the Holy Spirit during such times of special outpouring. But the chapter I enjoyed the most was Chapter 6, Hindering Revival: Evangelical Fanaticism. Many of the problems in Evangelicalism stems from Fanaticism...trying to work up a Holy Spirit revival. God does His work by His Spirit in His time and in His own way. We can hinder God's work and stop a revival when we give a greater place to experience than to curb our emotions and submit to God and His word.

In our day and age I hear believers crying out for revival. Often we hear of the revivals of Charles Finney and D.L. Moody but do the theology of revivals is often ignored or not discerned. Iain Murray has written this book to look at the later half of the 19th century and the beginnings of the 20th century concerning revival. Much of the modern cry for revival comes from this time period and yet sadly so does much of the theology. Charles Finney, as you will read, is the father of modern pragmatic theology and his followers such as Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, and other church growth "experts" fall into his theology and life. "If it works, if it brings results then do it" would be Finney's motto. And that is where the modern evangelical church is today. Ignore sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 2:1) and give them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3,4). This should be required reading for all pastors and teachers of God's Word and may God send us a genuine revival that is full of His Word and His glory and not the traditions and teachings of men (Mark 7:1-13).

Pentecost-Today is a timely, well researched book addressing the topic of Revival. A tenacious commitment to the authority of scripture is evident from the opening pages and historical insights concerning revival abound. Chapters addressing the theology of Charles Finney and Divine sovereignty are wonderful. But the author's treatment of fanaticism and the appendix on regeneration makes this volume a necessary reading resource.With all of the clamor about revival today this book rings loud and clear.Other worthwhile titles by the same author include; Revival & Revivalism and The Invitation System.