Pentecostal
Outpourings: Revival and the Reformed
Tradition edited by Robert Davis Smart, Michael A. G. Haykin,
and Ian High Clary is a book I looked forward to reading, having been impressed
with the publication of Reformation Heritage Books, though the title threw me
off a bit – it didn’t sound like a book they would publish.
Having finished the book, I know that the
title was intended to provoke: the
editors explain that Reformed people have so backlashed against the abuses of
some Pentecostal groups, that they are suspicious of anything which indicates
the involvement of God the Holy Spirit – which is a horrible and wrong
reaction, as we believe in the Three Persons of the Trinity working together to
accomplish Their purpose (255).
The chapters – all authored by unique
authors – look at the Reformed/Calvinistic revivals in the UK and the US over
the past four hundred years.
The authors look at Welsh Calvinist
Methodists, Irish Presbyterians, Calvinistic Baptists, Scottish Presbyterians,
Jonathan Edwards, Congregationalists, American Baptists, and the Dutch
Reformed.
As a work of history, it is scholarly and
readable, with many footnotes which one can follow up to read additional period
and critical texts. But the primary hope
of the authors is, as they conclude: “We [] confess [] absolute dependence upon
the Lord for continual outpourings of the Spirit, but we also ask you to join
us in seeking God for revival today” (256).
To that end, several of the authors mention Jonathan Edwards’ book, An Humble Attempt…, which I have now
added to my reading list.
In reading these histories, the reader is
struck with the truth that God the Holy Spirit is Sovereign and moves as He
sees fit, and the reader is struck with the truth that God answers the prayers
of His people at are in accordance with His Will. May we be strong and passionate in praying
for revival that glorifies God and builds His Kingdom as we proclaim the
Gospel, and may God be pleased to grant revival in this day – for the joy of
His people. May it be so! Amen.
#PentecostalOutpourings
[This
review appears on my blog and Amazon.com.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.]
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