David Lim - Spiritual Gifts: A Fresh Look

In many parts of the world today the cutting edge of evangelism and church growth is the burgeoning Pentecostal movement. From humble beginnings at the turn of the century, the revival has produced large and growing denominations in virtually every country in the world. The larger church world has entered into the Pentecostal blessing as well. Charismatic fellowships are found today in many of the older denominations. Crucial to the contribution of the Pentecostal revival to the contemporary church world is the Pentecostal understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. It is quite surprising, in view of this, how few books on that subject have been generated by the presses of the great Pentecostal denominations in the last generation. Most of the recent titles dealing with pneumatology, as a matter of fact, have been produced by non-Pentecostals. For Pentecostals many of them are useful. Some, however, reflect perspectives that challenge important elements in Pentecostal belief. That a need exists for a fresh look at the biblical teaching about the Holy Spirit by a card-carrying Pentecostal is clearly manifest.

In recent years, the charismatic renewal has brought many people in diverse places into new depths of Christian experience. Many are discovering the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Much of this is very positive. A phenomenon associated with the renewal, however, is the perplexing variety of teaching bombarding new and tender converts. Besides creating considerable confusion about the Spirits activity in the Church among the charismatics, this crosscurrent influences some traditional Pentecostal churches. We rejoice that the Spirit today is being poured out on all flesh, but questions raised by the recent renewal demand fresh answers.

David Lim has endeavored to fill a pressing need for a scholarly, yet practical handbook on life in the Spirit. He comes to his task with a fine combination of qualifications. His academic credentials disclose an earned doctorate from a highly respected American evangelical seminary. His special field of expertise is New Testament studies. He has been a successful pastor, missionary, Bible college instructor, seminary professor, and administrator. He is in considerable demand as a preacher: a favorite in camps, conventions, and institutes. His wide travel and broad exposure to the literature and influences on the contemporary Pentecostal world are evident in the substantial bibliography and in the wisdom with which he addresses significant issues. Dr. Lim exhibits in his own person that rare combination of piety and learning that mark the true scholar-saint, a mix not altogether common in the traditional Pentecostal movement.

Particularly appealing is the ability of the author to deal with controversial topics with clarity and conviction, but without defensiveness. The book commends itself for its warmth, its pastoral and edifying tone.

Many volumes contain helpful material but are not easy to read. This bookalthough it discloses that the author has read the relevant material and is conversant with the technical dimensions of biblical studyoffers a fine piece of craftsmanship without evidence of the tools that made it possible. Consequently, layperson, college student, and pastor will equally delight in reading this book. It is easy to picture this book as the basis for a Bible study series in a local church, a weekend seminar, or a ministers retreat. Certainly, pastors the world over will profit from the authors practical and theological insights so clearly expressed.

I am delighted that Dr. Lims research has furnished a helpful guide that articulates with fresh emphasis the main themes that have nourished the Pentecostal revival from its inception. He underscores old truths in new ways. He brings stability. Although this work serves as a useful apologetic for Pentecostal experience and understanding in a turbulent era, it does more than this. It conveys the spirit and passion of a missionary. As the Assemblies of God, mobilized worldwide, embarks on its Decade of Harvest, here is a resource for encouraging believers to enter with confidence and delight into ministry in the anointing and enabling of the Spirit.

WILLIAM MENZIES
PRESIDENT
ASIA PACIFIC THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY