Mickey Starling
editor@riverbendnews.org
I confess that I started an earlier book by R.T. Kendall but lost interest quickly, which I am prone to do unless the content grabs my attention right away.
So, I even considered it odd that another of his works, “Holy Fire,” got my attention and kept it down to the last page. Kendall delivers a masterpiece of learned experience, blended with scriptural truth and decades of observation, to break down where churches of all denominations could improve their understanding and embracing of the Holy Spirit.
The pages are filled with biblical examples, personal testimonies and experiences from Kendall and others. Plus, the writing style is relaxed and conversational, though Kendall is a learned man who has spent 25 years pastoring Westminster Chapel in London, England. He is now in his 90s and still maintains a speaking schedule nationally and internationally.
If you want a greater understanding of the Holy Spirit, this book is a great way to enhance your studies. If you only want to be cheered on in your stance as a Reformist, Cessationist or Charismatic, you are in for a bumpy ride.
Kendall takes aim at all of the above with scriptural precision, pointing out the weaknesses of those who rely solely on the definitions of denominations or movements to guide their beliefs and practices. He has a quote, which I will summarize, that puts his thoughts in perspective: “If you are a charismatic, the Holy Spirit is bigger than your miracles. If you are a reformist, He will not be contained in your doctrines.”
Kendall opens the book with a story that is repeated in another of his books, “Sensitivity of the Holy Spirit,” which relays an incident a young missionary couple had as they began their ministry in a new location. A dove flew into the eave of their roof and settled in. They noticed that every time they slammed a door or argued, the dove flew away. The young wife was concerned that God was trying to tell them something. Her husband said, “God is telling us we must adjust to the dove. He will not adjust to us.”
This story’s message resonates throughout the book. To truly follow the Holy Spirit, we must adjust to Him, for He never adjusts to us. Besides critiquing biblical error, Kendall offers practical guidance on how to follow the Holy Spirit in meaningful ways, free of the extremes of any particular dogma or tradition.