Book Review: Good Morning, Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn

Benny Hinn is a controversial figure to many, with opinions spread far and wide on his character, credibility, theology and methodology. However there is no denying his profile or the influence and impact of his ministry.

His book, entitled 'Good Morning, Holy Spirit' is Hinn sharing his insights and views on intimacy with the Holy Spirit. The book is partly theological, partly testimonial. Hinn interweaves his life story, conversion and filling with the Spirit with his insights on what it means to live a Spirit-empowered Christian life. The book is shamelessly Charismatic, and due to the part-autobiographical content is often an unpacking and explanation of Hinn's personal experiences. This for me opened up an interesting question - how much of his scriptural interpretation is exegesis, and how much is eisegesis? Meaning, are his experiences shaped by his scriptural views or are his scriptural views shaped by experiences? This is is more of an observation that a criticism but is something I held in the back of my mind as I read the book.

Naturally, this lead me onto another question - because the book is testimonial, it is as much about Benny Hinn as it is about the Holy Spirit. Therefore, is his story the 'norm' for the Christian life? Or is Hinn blessed with an unusual level of anointing to empower him for his calling as a healing evangelist? Its important to understand that only one of us is called to be Benny Hinn - and that's Benny Hinn. However, there are many principles, insights and lessons that are present in this book that I believe are to be part of the Christian life 'norm.'

Nailing my colours to the wall, I can't say I struggled with anything I read - in fact, quite the opposite: I was challenged and inspired to get to know the Holy Spirit more. In John 16:7 Jesus - the incarnate God-man - said it is better he goes so he can send the Spirit! So the Holy Spirit is a key person in our friendship with God - Hinn basically spends the book investigating this.

Hinn does have some interesting views he shares, especially on the differences in role and function within the Godhead. Many would not agree with him but I leave you to read the book and make your own mind up!

Looking at each chapter, the points that made me think the most are as follows:

1. The Holy Spirit has come to bring revelation of all God has given us (1Corinthians 2:12).

2 and 3. Testimony

4. The Holy Spirit is a person. He is the the power of God, the contact person of the Trinity (Eph 2:18)

5. God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit - often using scripture, but not exclusively. The Spirit wants to be with us, fellowship with us, share together, partner with us, be intimate with us, befriend us and lead us.

6. 'Walking in the Spirit' means 'in unison with'; 'one with'; 'connected to'; 'fellowship with'.

7. 'Be filled with the Spirit' (Eph 5:18) is in a present, ongoing Greek tense - we are to keep on being filled.

8. The Holy Spirit brings authority and power from God into our lives.

9. Anointing comes to us as we make room for the Spirit in our lives.

10. Trinitarian roles (1 Cor 12:4-6) - The Father operates; The Son administrates; The Spirit manifests.

11. Blasphemy against the Spirit is a wilful act that can only be committed by the unsaved.

12. The Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance - God dwells with us on earth, just as we will dwell with God on the new earth eternally.

As well as being inspired walk more in step with the Spirit, the book led me to contemplate 'power' ministries like Benny Hinn's. Even if the healing's and power are at the level his supporters say, historically he has come out with some controversial theological statements. Question marks over the finance and fruit of his ministry also reign. With such a high profile 'marketplace' ministry, both issues are huge clouds that hang over his work, both in the eyes of Christendom and more importantly the world. It firmed my already existing conviction that ministries like his must be not only covered by the authority of apostolic ministries, but work out of and into local churches.

Biblically I see this in Acts 8:4-8 Philip the Evangelist in Samaria preaches the gospel and sees many cases of healing, deliverance and salvation. But Acts 8:14-17 shows us Philip worked alongside the Apostles to ensure the harvest he saw continued and bore fruit. I have no doubt that the new converts, saved and filled with the Spirit and taught the apostles doctrine, would have formed a new church that would carry on evangelising Samaria after Philip had moved on.

I don't know how Hinn's crusades work with existing churches. But for his ministry, and others like him, there has to be some apostolic authority and interaction so that all the good things that happen can be measured fruit, as opposed to one-off responses that take place in a highly charged meeting, detached from the possibility of proper pastoral follow-up by a local church once Hinn has moved on.

Anyhow, irrespective of your personal opinion on Benny Hinn - or even if you don't have one - I think this book has some interesting insights into what it means to be intimate with the Holy Spirit that make it worth reading.

Book Review: Just Like Us by Stef Liston

Stef Liston is a regular preacher at Newday where his anointed, dynamic and passionate preaching impacts many young people. He is currently planting Revelation Church in London.

'Just Like Us' is his first book, and takes a look at many characters throughout scripture to see what lessons we can learn from them. Stef draws out how they are just like us, and yet points to the incredible ways they walk with God.

His book is both encouraging and very challenging. It is very accessible, with short, punchy chapters that end with a summary and questions for further reflection. I'm not sure if this book is aimed more towards young people, but the theology certainly isn't lightweight and the engaging writing style and succinct chapter structure really enabled the message of each chapter to hit home each time.

The chapters, and things that spoke to me, are outlined below:

1. Jacob: Persevering in wrestling with God unlocks a change in us, and God's blessing.
2. Moses: Successful intercession is based upon knowledge of the character and promises of God.
3. Gideon: Enquiring of God reveals more about the reality of the situation.
4. Hannah: Suffering and desperation connect us with God, teach us about our need, and give God a door to demonstrate his glory and goodness.
5. Solomon: God loves to answer prayers based upon his already promised favour.
6. Elijah: He was just like us; he was a servant of God; He knew who he was; he persevered in prayer in what God had called him.
7. Elisha: Prayer unlocks revelation.
8. Mary: Prayers of surrender remind us it's God we serve and attack roots of unbelief in our lives.
9. The Other Mary: God loves silence before him, so he can speak.
10. Jesus: Faith is a gift from God when we ask him for it.
11. Jesus: Unforgiveness opposes intimacy with God.
12. The Early Church: There is power in corporate prayer.
13. Paul & Silas: Our praise and prayer during pain reveal where we are really at.
14. The Martyrs: God will judge in his time.
15. John: The heart of the Christian life is "Come, Lord Jesus."

Overall, I'd sum up the books message as this: prayer effectiveness and intimacy with Jesus are interwoven.

I recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone of any age who wants to be challenged to grow in prayer and walk with Jesus.

Story Time

I had my children's worker hat on over the weekend - I had my first meeting with the team that I'm leading. Thirty of us gathered after church this Sunday to talk over pizza and give me the chance to share my vision and thoughts on the way forward with the Mega-Mix age range. That is basically ninety children aged between 5 and 11. On average each Sunday we get about sixty or so, and we've got the task of teaching them the things of God.

My initial thoughts are that so much of what has been done is excellent, and there is no need to fix something that isn't broken. The existing vision is "Making Church Fun & Making God Real" and that for me encompasses exactly what I want to do and where I want to go.

Interestingly, we have had our lead elder preach the last two weeks on the vision for our church and he said many stirring, challenging things. One phrase that lingered with me is the importance to be, spiritually speaking, both radical and relevant. If we only have one, we run the risk of being obsolete and irrelevant no matter tight our doctrine is. On the other hand, having only the other means we will be just the same as the world, and will cease to be salt & light. But rather than reading what I think about what was said, listen to them yourself. You can download both weeks from here. We have an exciting journey ahead!

This gave me thoughts for the children's work. I want the kids to have fun and to enjoy coming out with us. But I also want the children to encounter God through His word and through His Spirit. So with the existing team present - who are a cracking bunch of people - aged between 15 and 65 - I laid out some of my thoughts. I also took the chance to hear their views and idea, and to get to know their strengths - this is a big work, and so team is a huge value that I have every intention of relying heavily on. We are all working together, and I want to demonstrate the biblical value of interdependency with how we work together.

I've been reflecting on how Jesus teaches, and it seems his main way of communicating was the use of parables. He took an everyday illustration from life, or a character people could identify with, and told a simple tale that had one big point. As that point impacted, other depths in the parable would come out as the force of the teaching sunk in to the listener. So as best as I can, I want us as a team to learn from Jesus and teach through stories and illustrations with One Big Point. Rather than saying so much we don't say anything at all, I want our kids to leave with one thing in their mind. Reinforced through slapstick pantomime drama type sketches, colouring pictures and puzzle worksheets that they can do at home with their parents, I'm in faith that the word of God - that is living and active - will begin to shape them.

Isn't it funny that so much of the Bible is stories? We all have our favourite Bible heroes. Even nonbelievers know of certain biblical tales like Noah's Ark or David & Goliath. So I have the privilege, responsibility and daunting task of having to read these stories (and some children's bible's!) to refamiliarise myself with this ancient tales. Romans 15:4 tells us that 'whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.'

So we're going to start with my favourite hero - David. A guy of passion, of war, of sin, of stupidity and of mistakes. But a man that God said was a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). A man who through warfare expanded the Kingdom of Israel, and who designed the Temple but couldn't build it because he was a man who had shed blood (1 Chronicles 28:3). A man who with his last words described himself as 'the sweet psalmist of Israel' (2 Samuel 23:1). This is the man we are going to look at for about six weeks. After that... who knows!? But I consider it a privilege to be able to get down and seek God for Him to write His 'One Big Point' on my heart.

During this season of children's work, I suspect that the children aren't going to be the only ones who learn new things.

Questions Of Perception

First, a warning. This is going to be a contentious post. It also is a blog with more questions than answers. So please don't expect a tidy resolution to the things I raise in this. And feel free to comment and add your contribution!

If you follow my comments section (in the next column, under the pretty pictures) then you can view what readers have said about my posts. Or on occasion, on other comments made by other readers. It makes fascinating reading, and my recent post on Election entitled 'Hand-Picked' generated much opinion. This is no bad thing, as I love it when people disagree with me - providing it is done with both intelligence and grace. Otherwise our responses just generate more heat than light.

I enjoyed reading comments arguing against my position on Election, and the resulting discussion on how we interpret the Bible. I've been pondering this myself recently, trying to decide what I think about how we know what the Bible means when we read it.

Anyone who knows anything about Christianity will know there are many different denominations. These different church groupings have distinct beliefs, doctrines or theologies that differ to other denominations. They can turn to different Bible passages to explain their stand on various practices or views. Yet across the road, a different group of churches will do things very differently, justifying their methodology through different Bible verses.

This throws up a fascinating question - why do so many godly, intelligent people hold such a wide range of contradictory views and practices, all based out from the same document?

This also applies historically. Christian Orthodoxy ("correct belief or opinion") is itself an interesting term - who decides what is orthodox and essentially correct, and what isn't? And why?

When it comes to Christian Orthopraxy ("correct practice") history shows us how the church has done different things and changed and evolved. Music style, preaching style, communion, church discipline, baptism, church leadership and structure have all changed over the centuries. Why?

In many cases, the 21st Century church is very different to the 18th Century church, which is in turn different to the 15th Century Church, and so on all the way back to the Early Church Fathers. What things have brought about these changes? Are all the changes for the best? Have we found better ways of doing things? What things have informed these changes? A huge influence in these things will be the ever changing human culture. Is it wise, right and shrewd for culture to influence practice, or is it foolish, dangerous and compromising?

In my own 'denomination', we have writers and theologians that are recommended by our leaders than other writers. Godly, intelligent, gifted experienced leaders who have taught, mentored and inspired me have recommended such writers as Charles Spurgeon, Wayne Grudem, John Piper and Martyn Lloyd-Jones to name but a few. But interestingly, even with these recommended writers I noticed we (meaning some of my teachers) picked and chose what they agreed and disagreed with. And that in itself is fine, as it is good to challenge and know why you believe what you believe. But where we disagreeing with these writers simply because we didn't like what they were saying? Were we uncomfortable with their exegesis and orthopraxy - and in some cases, orthodoxy - and so just cherry picked our theology?

For example, Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology was held up as the one of the best theology textbooks for us to own and make use of, but I was taught that we don't agree with his view on apostles for today. John Piper's books and sermons were endorsed across the board by different lecturers, yet his views on church government and spiritual gifts were certainly at odds with 'our' taught view. Yet Grudem and Piper are clearly godly, anointed and intelligent men. So why the clear difference of opinion?

Does this mean that ultimately all biblical exegesis (extracting from the text what it means) is subjective? Is it all a matter of opinion? That is a terrifying question. If the answer is yes, then none of us can teach the scriptures with any authority, and there no longer would be such a thing as Liberal Theology - as anything could be justified by finding the right text in the Bible.

I've often used that phrase "the Bible says...." But in reality, I'm actually saying "my interpretation of the Bible says..." There is a massive difference. Anyone who is a Christian claims to be biblical. But why the diversity and difference?

Are tattoo's biblical and right? Leviticus 19:28 has been quoted to me as saying they are wrong. Revelation 19:16 has been used to support the opposite view. Which is right?

What about the infamous passage in 1 Corinthians 14:34 about women remaining silent in church? Is that universally followed? If not, why not?

If plastic surgery or body modification is wrong because it is done out of pride or vanity, what about dying our hair colour as it gets grey?

What about the current hot potato that is the role of women in church leadership. There are two sides in this debate, both who claim to be biblical. Who is right?

For each of the above issues, I have my views that I believe are biblically informed and I therefore would explain why. But I also recognise other people have another view, which to them is just as biblically informed. And they could consider my views not biblically informed. Which of us is right? And why is that person right and the other not?

Rob Bell, in his book Velvet Elvis writes a fascinating thing. He writes;

"Somebody recently told me, "As long as you teach the Bible, I have no problem with you".... What that person was really saying is, "As long as you teach my version of the Bible, I have no problem with you."

Bell goes on to say;

"Where does one go in trying to make sense of what the Bible even is, let alone what it says?.... It has to be interpreted. And if it isn't interpreted, then it can't be put into action. So if we are serious about following God, then we have to interpret the Bible. It is not possible to simply do what the Bible says. We must first make decisions about what it means at this time, in this place, for these people."

I wonder if the principles Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians regarding food sacrificed to idols apply wider than we think. On one side of the fence, one party argued "food consecrated to idols could be influenced by demons and therefore Christians should keep away from it." A totally valid and logical position. The other camp argued "idols are nothing, so they have no power over Christians. So don't worry about it." Again, another logical position. How did Paul handle this debate? He appealed to... wait for it.... conscience!

Rather than use Bible Bullet proof-texts to spiral endless debates about things, would it be better for me to prayerfully consider both sides of the debate, do some prayerful study and research, ask some godly wiser people and come to a prayerful, considered, informed position that sits right with my conscience? I am so aware how subjective and self-centred that sounds, but as we mature spiritually our consciences are sanctified as part of that process. Yet Paul still appeals to the principle of people not going against their consciences.

John's Gospel records Jesus talking about the Holy Spirit being the Spirit of Truth who would guide us into all truth. In the process of prayerful pondering, surely we can trust God to guide us?  But this does have an inherent danger - we could get jumpy when people aren't "guided" to agree with us!

I notice that all the contentious issues that are majorly debated in the main Church not only today, but also historically, have rarely been about issues of central importance to foundational truths. I'm more talking about issues with two sides claiming biblical support in a biblical doctrine yet seeing it in different ways. Scripturally, some things seem clear to me- other than certain elements within them, none of the major Christian denominations question the deity of Jesus, the truth of the Bible, the need for church or mission for example. Of course, elements within them might, but as a whole they wouldn't. Other, almost secondary issues might be contended. Thing is, we need to decide for ourselves those things and what we consider primary and secondary importance.

By asking these questions, have I become liberal and can no longer be considered Evangelical? I don't think that's correct. But some of you might think I have sold out! I still believe wholeheartedly in the inspiration, inerrancy, sufficiency and authority of scripture. But I am questioning how, as individuals, we arrive at our views. And how we deal with other brothers and sisters who hold different and even contradictory views.

Yes, the Spirit guides us in all truth. That in itself is an interesting thing when we see many of us hold different views! The Holy Spirit does not belong to the just to the Charismatic or Pentecostal church. Interestingly enough, many of the world class theologians who have lived weren't Charismatic! What does that say to us Charismatic's?! Its a provocation to me, certainly.

Jesus said "Come to Me". As Christians, we weren't meant to have a relationship with a book, or even through a book! We were made to commune with the Author. But this doesn't detract from the value of the Bible - indeed, it actually heightens it! God has chosen to express and reveal himself through its words. In the Bible, He shows us His heart and His mind in things. The book informs us, but also pushes us to Him. We get into problems when we know the writings better than we know the Writer. Then we commit Bibliolatry - the Bible becomes our idol. I think it's possible to study and learn the Bible so well, yet miss its message - which as Jesus told the Pharisees, is to "point us towards Him."

Ecclesiastes tells us that "a three strand cord isn't easily broken." A three strand cord could be me, my Bible and the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, I'll become legalistic in my biblical proof-text approach. Without the Bible, I'll become unstable and without foundations in my Christian walk.

This interwoven cord also reminds me that God is interested in intimacy with me - the journey of discovering more about Him through the Bible as I prayerfully read it.

I can get concerned about all the difficult passages, stories, texts and debates that are circling around me but the reality is this: when I walk through scripture with Him, He walks with me through it. And He narrates every step of the way.

Currently listening to: The Brunettes - Brunettes Against Bubblegum Youth from Structure & Cosmetics

I'm Back!

So, I have internet back now. The charming people at 'Satsuma' finally sorted it out for me, although I had to call them to get a progress check. Which meant the conversation was basically this:

"Hi, can I have an update to my internet connection?"

"Yes Sir, you can"

*awkward silence for a few moments*

"So, can I have an update please?"

"Yes sir, you can. Its been done for you"

"OK thanks... I thought I was going to be notified"

*awkward silence and telephone tumbleweed moment*

"It was done for you yesterday sir"

"Ah, so if i hadn't have paid you guys by calling you, I wouldn't have found out?"

*awkward silence again*

"Its working now sir, thank you for calling Big Fat Evil Money Sucking Unaccountable Corporation!"

I've spent the last day or so ensuring I'm not bitter, but every cloud has a silver lining. I can now blog. I can read. Well, I could anyway, but I can find out what's happening in the world. I'm told that apparently something is happening in Iraq? I can also reply to Facebook messages and mock people once more. Yes, that means you Helen. And you Natalie.

In other news, I had my birthday. I am now officially ** years old. My lovely friend Becky conjured up this amazing Transformers cake. It was Optimus Prime, leader of the Heroic Autobots. But it was done in the style of Mr Potato Head. I am aware that this concept is lost of many of you. Mostly the girls, at least. But there is a link here for you. However, before I provide the link, a disclaimer is required. This link contains pictures of me. Me holding a knife. Me doing unspeakable things to the cake with a knife. So be warned.

The Best Cake In The World

In other news, whilst I am contemplating this life coach malarkey I have decided I need to top up my finance so have entered the job hunting world. So I am gearing myself up for various interviews and such like, whilst studying and finding out a bit more about what I want to do and how to go about it.

I have also been asked to lead the Sunday School children's work at my church. This means leading a team of about thirty people, split into two sub-teams of fifteen or so. Each sub-team will do a month of Sunday school work with around fifty or so kids each week. I'm leading these teams, writing the teaching material and generally organising and delegating stuff. We're gonna go panto story - to show you the level of what I am intending to do, I've asked a guy with a mullet in the 20s group I lead if we can shave his hair in front of the kids one week when we do a comedy teaching of the story of Samson, and he's agreed! Its a challenge to me, but I have a great and experienced team around me so I think my role will be more leadership, management and strategy to be honest.

I played football today for a local team, for the first time in six months. Seriously, I was bad. Well, not bad from a skill point of view. More from a fitness point of view. I'm too embarrassed to tell you we lost 5-2, but considering the last time I even kicked a ball would have been early August, the fact I am breathing without the aid of medical machinery is quite remarkable.

God's provided for me once again in a couple of great ways. Firstly, it seems my on loan house is now not going to be auctioned in February. This means that it won't be sold, but instead will have to be revalued and go through lots of legal stuff like that. With no alternative selling or auction date in place, it means staying here at least till Summer is a real possibility.

A knock on effect of that means that the £300 rent I had coming in from my housemate is now no longer needed for the monthly legal fees. No, I'm not letting him off for free. That will cover my share of all the bills, living costs etc! And this is before I've become an honest working man. So the financial pressure I was under has suddenly been alleviated, and my accommodation situation is now a bit longer than short term!

It just goes to show that God hears prayers. I'd had a major faith wobble over the Christmas period and had a venting session at God on the beach Boxing Day evening, and He's stepped in and changed things. Everything I've been reading recently has been about God as Sustainer - I read a chapter on it in Incomparable, and as I was praying through Psalm 119 the other day a number of verses stood out to me. Psalm 119:90-91 and 119:116-117 make a link between God's sustaining power, and His faithfulness and protection for his children. Great verses to springboard into prayer from! The God who made all keeps all by His power. And if He sustains the galaxies, then He can step in to hold and sustain me!

Currently listening to: Scouting for Girls - Elvis Ain't Dead

Learning To Read

I've been having the beginnings of a conversation about reading and writing with Matt, which started with him sharing his passion for beautifully written theology. He went on to recommend authors who excel in both style and substance.

This got me thinking about the whole question of reading. More specifically, what is a good way to read? Irrespective of our choice of material, almost everyone reads. Whether we read teen magazines, tabloids or tomes, the point is that literate people will read to intake information and educate themselves.

I remember being taught how to read, but once I grasped the basics in primary school, I was pretty much left to it. I'm sure that I'm missing out here – I am forever frustrated with my inability to recall much of books I read. Sometimes I feel like the letters dance across my eyesight like mischievous pixies, never to settle in my memory. I've lost count of the times I've caught myself daydreaming yet my fingers turn pages at a rate of one every ten seconds despite my blatant non-participation.

On this subject, a friend of mine once said to me “read slowly.” There is a wisdom to this – akin to the familiar picture of reading being like a meal. It is one thing to wolf down a meal so quickly, it doesn't touch the sides. But it is something totally different to savour the look, the aroma and the taste. But I'm certainly no expert on this – I feel like I could read so much more, both in terms of quantity, and more productively.

So my question is: how do we read? How can I take in what I read? How can I maximise the input I'm getting from the lessons of life contained in the book in front of me?

These questions are valid whether I want to read a newspaper or a novel. Reading is a discipline, but its a delight – it feeds the soul and stretches the mind. I love reading writers who paint pictures of poetry when sharing something they are passionate about. Many theological works seem to be either textbooks or structured, logical arguments – which is fine, and I understand why this is. But its interesting to me that much of the Bible isn't written like that - the wisdom literature in the Old Testament, for example.

I enjoy writers who write with insight and provocation – who seem to ask questions, rather than give answers. Phillip Yancey and John Eldredge are two who spring to mind, as does Rob Bell. Eugene Peterson is someone I'm beginning to read, but I'm not sure what of his works are best to start with. I also think I need to get into some of the classical writers of the Christian faith – CS Lewis and GK Chesterton seem favourites of many, but again there works are so vast I don't know where to start.

But back to my original question: even if I did know where to start, I want to do it properly. So, dear readers, please share your thoughts with me. I wonder - can you teach me how to read?