The Holy Spirit in the Latter Days

The Holy Spirit is at work today. However, many evangelicals avoid acknowledging it because of those who claim that one has to speak in tongues to be filled with the Spirit. "What we need," says Harold Lindsell, "is for evangelicals everywhere to become more charismatic and for charismatics to become more evangelical." In this surprising and controversial book, the author catches the reader unaware with a warm and conciliatory attitude toward both the theology and the people of the modern charismatic movement. He points out the similarities of the movement with the awakenings sparked through such men as Charles Finney, D. L. Moody, and even Billy Graham. At the same time, he explains those areas in which differences of opinion exist between charismatics and evangelicals. "The past two decades have witnessed a [charismatic] phenomenon which is ecumenical in its orientation, spiritual in its emphasis, and widespread in its outreach," says Lidsell. "The person and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people today lies at the heart of the movement." Lindsell deals with practical questions. "Should we not ask ourselves frankly whether it is possible for believers to live lives of holiness and at the same time not be filled with the Holy Spirit?" and "May we sometimes possess that of which we have no particular awareness?" Lindsell explores the roots of the modern charismatic movement, discusses the work of the Holy Spirit in Old and New Testaments, and encourages readers to seek a holy, Spirit-filled life. "In the fundamentals of the faith there must be unity; in other matters there must be love in the midst of diversity." Lindsell concludes, "Instead of running away from what the Spirit is doing, or closing one's eyes from what should be thankfully acknowledged and received by every believer, God's people need to identity themselves with what is going on and join the action."