A lucid account of the function of the Spirit in the growth of the church. Through the history of God's people the constant element has been the presence of the Almighty. The baptism in the Holy Spirit, which so galvanized the young church, equipped and empowered the believers, boosting courage, fostering fluency and granting insights to ordinary men and women. Terry Virgo was baptized in the Holy Spirit as a young believer, and delighted in the experience. 'As we began to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit, our church life was transformed,' he explains. 'The presence of the Holy Spirit changed everything.' As the Spirit moves, so there are healings, often dramatic. But there is more: a discovery of God's grace. As people discover grace for themselves a far more profound healing takes place, leading first to worship, then a recognition that we are a prophetic people.

How does John Calvin view the church? And how does the pivotal event of Pentecost influence his view on the church? In his commentary on the Acts of the Apostles Calvin shows how Pentecost and the preaching of the Gospel gives rise to the church. For Calvin the new and peculiar aspect of Pentecost is articulated by the phrases »I will pour out« and »on all flesh« (Acts 2:17). The first phrase ("I will pour out") leads to a discussion of the Holy Spirit who leads the church and the believers by the Word and his secret guidance. All gifts flow from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the study focuses on Calvin's view on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and on their use in church. The author argues that the gifts of the Spirit are the basis of Calvin's interpretation of Christian church. The second phrase ("on all flesh") leads to a discussion of the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church. The author treats different ecclesiologic topics of importance: He analyses the most important aspects of church that Calvin identifies in the book of Acts. His reflections are aiming at a convincing theological appreciation of the sacraments, in particular of the sacrament of baptism. By addressing Calvin's thoughts as elements of his historical context and including contemporary impulses to these issues, the author is able to present conclusive arguments for his main claim: Calvin's commentary on Acts enriches and qualifies Calvin's own systematic ecclesiology as found in his main doctrinal work, the Institutes.

Much of what we see expressed in the church today is built on more than just the New Testament. It's built mostly on the Old Testament, Church culture, and Paganism. If we are to succeed in making disciples of all nations then we must go back to the "template" we find in the Bible. Let the reformation begin!

This is a book for pacesetters -- church leaders who desire to help their churches break free of the things that turn them in on themselves. It is a masterly mix of biblical principle, objective analysis, and personal experience.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). The Holy Spirit empowers us, guides us, and enables us to grow and endure in our relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. Often the most misunderstood member of the Trinity, the person of the Spirit continues to attract attention today amidst church revivals and renewals. In this new edition of his classic Keep in Step with the Spirit, J. I. Packer seeks to help Christians reaffirm the biblical call to holiness and the Spirit s role in keeping our covenant with God. Packer guides us through the riches and depth of the Spirit s work, assesses versions of holiness and the charismatic life, and shows how Christ must always be at the centre of true Spirit-led ministry. A new chapter explores Christian assurance. With abiding relevance and significance, Keep in Step with the Spirit sets forth vital knowledge for healthy and joyous Christian living, through understanding and experience of God the Holy Spirit. Here is a book for every serious believer to read and re-read.

Life abundant?Jesus promised it and we long for it, yet few Christians seem to have it. Blending lively anecdotes, commentary, and teachings from the Bible, Dr. Charles Stanley introduces you to the Holy Spirit. "A big part of the Spirit-filled life is learning to recognize the fingerprint of the Holy Spirit. Once you know what to look for and once you begin looking for it, you will be amazed at how real the Holy Spirit will become to you. Learning to recognize the Holy Spirit is the first step in learning to live the Spirit-filled life."

Brunner sees St Paul's Epistle to the Romans as 'the chapter of destiny of the Christian Church'. Here, in Luther's words, is the 'purest gospel' upon which the very existence of the Christian faith depends and from which it draws its life. Concentrated, decisive and instructive, nothing within the New Testament is more closely argued both theological and personal. Out of his years of scholarly wisdom Brunner meditates on the great Question: What is wrong with the Churches? Brunner finds an answer in thecontrast between the virile Spirit-filled fellowship of the New Testament and the institutions which are now called 'churches'. He writes in his preface: 'The title of the book, The Misunderstanding of the Church, is equivocal. Is it a question of a misunderstanding of which the Church is guilty, or of a misunderstanding of which it is the victim? Or is it that the Church itself, as such, is perhaps the product of a misunderstanding? The author is not responsible for this ambiguity; it is intrinsic in the theme itself.

In our postmodern, experience-oriented culture, people are longing for greater authenticity, integrity, and depth in their pastors and leaders. Board directors, church members, and staff alike are all eagerly seeking leaders who effectively integrate their spirituality and leadership. Pastors and executives, however, often struggle with knowing how to integrate their spiritual values and practices into their leadership and management roles. Designed for pastors, executives, administrators, managers, coordinators, and all who see themselves as leaders and who want to fulfill their God-given purpose, The Spirit-Led Leader addresses the critical fusion of spiritual life and leadership for those who not only want to see results, but who also desire to care just as deeply about who they are and how they lead as they do about what they produce and accomplish. Geoffrion creates a new vision for spiritual leadership as partly an art, partly a result of careful planning, and always a working of the grace of God