Why I Am Still Surprised by the Power of the Spirit

I can only say that this book is deeply intriguing and thought provoking. I want to go and read the scriptures to see if these things are so!

Jack Deere’s book “Surprised by the Power of the Spirit” was an eye-opening and life changing book for me. Things that I knew to be true about God but hadn’t seen taught or explained in an expository way were presented so clearly. I had to read this book, which is the follow up and expands even more on these topics. If you are hungry to learn about things like prophecy, healing, and spiritual gifts, this book is for you!

Anytime I hear of Jack Deere writing a book these days, I make sure to read it. So, even though I had already read his, "Surprised by the Power of the Spirit," released in the mid-'90s, I grabbed this one. And I'm glad I did! It has 70% new material in it than the original and is Jack's best work to date in my opinion.He covers a variety of topics related to the continuation of the gifts of the Spirit today. He doesn't just speak from scholarly argumentation but also from extensive practical experience. Besides the inspiring stories Jack shares, I was especially moved by his humility. I don't see enough of that these days among popular Christian leaders.There are 26 chapters and 5 appendixes (Chapter 25 is worth the price of the book alone). They cover everything from his journey from a Cessationist Seminary Professor to a practicing Charismatic preacher/healer and promoter of the Spiritual gifts, to exposing the multiple holes in the Cessationist's arguments, to practical tips on dealing with demons and the demonized, to praying for the sick and other topics.I liked it so much that I've given away a few copies already and plan on giving more away in the future. I highly recommend it!

My opinions: This is a very important work.The notion that the so-called sign gifts ended when when the last apostle died, or when we finally had the written Bible is not supported by scripture. Period, end of sentence.That is NOT to say that their have not been frauds, charlatans, crooks, emotional excesses and bad doctrine in portions of the charismatic movement. But the cessationist position is founded on opinion and conjecture masquerading as biblical fact, and I say that as someone who does NOT possess, function or participate in any of the so-called sign gifts, nor do I attend a charismatic church.While Bible study is admirable and desirable, anyone who thinks they can figure out everything regarding how God operates today just by dutifully studying the Bible is kidding themselves. God's ways are "past finding out."

I already owned two of Jack's original books--in fact the predecessor to this one. They are still well worth reading. This book is a refreshing rewrite, at least 20 years after the originals--that means 20 years of additional experience, knowledge, wisdom and application from which to write. The book should be a member of your library if you are interested in the gifts of the Spirit, are seeking to know how God speaks and moves in addition to the Bible, but never in contradiction to it, and for a comprehensive study, from biblical scholar concerning the error and prejudice of Cessationalism. I highly recommend this book!