-
BOOK NOTICE: Speaking in Tongues: Jesus and the Apostolic Church as Models for the Church Today (Robert P. Menzies)
Title: Speaking in Tongues: Jesus and the Apostolic Church as Models for the Church Today Author: Robert P. Menzies Genre: Theology Publisher: CPT Press Release Date: (March 10, 2016) Format: Paperback Pages: 198 "In 2013 Robert Menzies published the award-winning book, Pentecost: This Story is Our Story. Now, in his latest book, Speaking in Tongues, he focuses his theological spotlight on the biblical experience of “speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.” Menzies’ thesis is that Jesus and the apostolic Church are models for the contemporary Church. This book is an engaging exposition of a thorny, if not actually contentious issue. It speaks to different readers in different ways. For example, it challenges those who oppose the doctrine and/or experience; it functions as a guide for those who may be confused or bewildered about the experience; and finally, it gives an apologetic foundation for those who are defending both the biblical doctrine and the contemporary experience. Menzies’ latest book, Speaking in Tongues, serves the Church well, and is, indeed, a must read." —Roger Stronstad Scholar in Residence Summit Pacific College Abbotsford, BC, Canada Other Endorsements: “As always, Robert Menzies, one of Pentecostalism’s leading scholars, provides careful exegesis, weighing various alternatives and coming to reasoned conclusions, offering fresh insights for all interpreters to consider. His passionate, pastoral concerns mixed with live observations, especially from our brothers and sisters in China, add further to this book’s value. Even those who dissent from some of his conclusions should appreciate and learn from…
Continue reading -
One for the Road – “Keeping Power”
Keeping power. That’s one of the benefits of the gospel. Dramatic conversions later in life…are to be celebrated. But…so is a life faithfully lived for Jesus from childhood. The Apostle Paul speaks to this: “…I…am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” Every verse of Scripture…every act of worship…every occasion of Christian…
Continue reading -
One for the Road – “One Size Fits All”
One size fits all. There’s enough stretch to make it work for everyone. Sometimes…people treat God the same way – He’s flexible enough to fit into everyone’s ideas. The created fashions the creator. The clay forms the potter. God is made in the image of man’s choosing. Nothing could be more sinister than this. God becomes the God of convenience and accommodation…His…
Continue reading -
One for the Road – “Helping or Enabling”
Helping…or enabling. That’s often a very difficult decision. The Bible is clear. The followers of Jesus are to feed the hungry…clothe the needy…and bear the burdens of others. But…what about those times when helping encourages laziness…or a misdirection of God-given abilities? It can easily become enablement — fostering wrong behavior. Of course…trying to avoid enabling can easily become an excuse for not helping…when…
Continue reading -
One for the Road – “Gnats and Camels”
Gnats and camels. The difference in size is striking. Here’s what Jesus said to the Pharisees: “You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” They were meticulous about how they looked…and with whom they were seen. But…justice and brotherly love hardly got a notice. It’s easy to get caught in this trap. Fussing about theological trivia – when people need the simple…
Continue reading -
One for the Road – “Speaking Truth”
Speaking truth…in love. In that order. Otherwise…expressions of love can be interpreted as acceptance. Rightly…Christians are not to be judgmental. That’s true. But…if that becomes an excuse for not speaking truth – sincere people become enablers of bad behavior. Jesus is the very incarnation of love. But He spoke directly against sin. He was not judgmental…but He never hesitated to point out…
Continue reading -
One for the Road – “No Shame”
No shame. That can be good or bad. Good…if it means no condemnation. That’s the power of Jesus’ redemptive work. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…” But bad…if it means hardness of heart – the loss of moral sensitivity. Jeremiah comments on this: “Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at…
Continue reading -
One for the Road – “This is True in Life”
Don’t jump – until you’ve checked the temperature of the water. This is true in life. It is good to assemble all of the facts before you make a decision. Do I have the needed information? What are the variables? Who are the people involved? What are the potential consequences? This is being realistic. And…it will pay off in the long run. Life…
Continue reading -
One for the Road – “Sanctity”
Sanctity. That means sacred…holy…God-ordained. The sanctity of life. “…he has made you, who formed you in the womb…” Anything that changes or diminishes this truth is an insult to God. The sanctity of creation. “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command…” Anything that changes or depreciates this truth is an insult to God. The sanctity of marriage. “For this…
Continue reading -
One for the Road – “Knowledge and Wisdom”
Knowledge and wisdom. They are not the same. Knowledge deals with information. Wisdom deals with judgment. So…a person can be well-informed…but lack the ability to make good judgments. King Solomon was known for his wisdom – unexcelled in his day. But…in later life he became an idolater. He turned away from God’s wisdom. King David was a brilliant administrator. But…his moral failure…and his…
Continue reading