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John MacArthurThomas Nelson / 2013 / HardcoverOur Price$19.993.9 out of 5 stars for Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship. View reviews of this product. 31 Reviews
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Mookie DLos Angeles, CAAge: 25-34Gender: male5 Stars Out Of 5A Pneumatology Not for the Faint of HeartOctober 26, 2013Mookie DLos Angeles, CAAge: 25-34Gender: maleQuality: 5Value: 5Meets Expectations: 5Note: A complimentary copy from the Strange Fire Conference was provided for review. This book was reviewed by Steve Cha, author of the hit book, Hollywood Mission: Possible.
The book concentrates specifically on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in two main ways: 1). How the Holy Spirit is mispresented in sectors of Christianity today, and 2). What the true ministry of the Holy Spirit is according to Scripture. Though undoubtedly a touchy and controversial subject matter, Strange Fire is a much welcomed addition into the current line of Christian literature. It appropriately challenges and even encourages one (whether they be all out charismatics or conservative continuationists) to reflect on whether or not what we see in the charismatic circles today is truly the revival of 1st century miraculous sign gifts or counterfeit versions of them. The answer to this question has major implications for ministry. Even if it does not affect the area of salvation, a wrong understanding of apostolic sign gifts can surely affect sanctification, since such worship would be neglecting to worship God in truth (Jn 4:24). In essence, it would be offering up strange fire onto the Holy Spirit. So regardless of what people in the charismatic camp believe, this is not as light of an issue as may think.
Overall, Strange Fire is a very well written, well researched, and well documented book, as can be seen by its over 100 footnotes and references, many of them coming directly from Pentecostal/Charismatic publications. Though it is polemic (and will undoubtedly stir up many hornet's nests), Strange Fire is nevertheless a fascinating study on the nature of the Charismatic Movement and an orthodox theology proper even on Pneumatology (study of the Holy Spirit). The book has great strengths I personally would like to commend. The first one is the helpful chapter titled A New Work of the Spirit?, which reveals how the modern Pentecostal movement started with Charles Parham in 1901 (which even documents how the modern "tongues" speaking began) and blew up with Dennis Bennett and his Van Nuys movement. Another one is the inclusion of Chapters 3 and 4, or Testing the Spirits Part 1 and 2, which is based on the Great Awakening preacher Jonathan Edward's model on how to tell whether a revival is truly a work of the Holy Spirit or not. It is based on 1 John 4:2-8, in which Jonathan Edward's used the Bible passage to analyze the Great Awakening of his time in order to determine whether or not it was the work of God, or merely just an emotional ecstasy (with no real substance) from the people. With this same model, MacArthur analyzes the modern, mainstream Charismatic Movement, which, for the most part, does not match up to the test of 1 John 4:2-8, indicating that the Spirit of God is not at work in such a movement. Section 2 was also an indispensable section that will prove to be quite mind boggling to those with open ears and hearts to listen. This section answers the question: Are the modern sign gifts the same ones that were practiced during the apostolic age, or are they sad (and at times scary) imitations of them? The author, using sound exegesis and exposition of various OT and NT texts, shows that sign gifts being practiced now are indeed counterfeit, and bear little, if any, resemblance to the truly miraculous nature of the deeds done by the apostles during the 1st century. This section is important to consider, not only for the all out charismatic, but for the continuationist (Reformed evangelical) who truly believes that the sign gifts right now are the same ones that were practiced during the apostolic days. Because if they are not, then this should cause continuationists to consider whether they should continue to support charismatics and to "seek" after such gifts themselves. Another great strength of this book is Section 3, which is the area that talks about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in every believer's life. This is a gem section in the entire book, one that no reader should overlook, since it covers basic theology, the gospel, and truths about Christianity cherished especially since the 16th century Reformation. No study of a counterfeit should ever be complete unless the real thing is studied and brought to light, which MacArthur does here in Strange Fire and reminds us as Christians why we cherish the gospel and how we have all we need for life and godliness in Scripture alone (sola scriptura).
As well written and well structured as the book is, there is one area, or topic, that MacArthur could have touched upon that would have tremendously bolstered his argument and helped readers with a particular concern concerning the issue of miracles and the supernatural. Though God does not raise up apostles and prophets to perform wonders and miracles anymore, does that mean that God has ceased doing miracles and signs altogether throughout history since the 1st century AD? When miracles and signs occur (e.g. the healing of a cancer patient through the prayers of a church; a Muslim receiving a dream of Jesus' identity in a Middle Eastern country and being led to a Christian missionary to hear the gospel preached to him like Cornelius; angels who rescue a man from a burning building?), do these things happen because people have "gifts" to bring these things about, or is it because God answers prayers and works in His sovereign purposes (independent of any human "gifting") to accomplish His salvific and glorious purposes for redemptive history? What is the Holy Spirit's ministry in God's sovereign purpose miracles/signs in the world? I think if MacArthur were to explain the differences between these two concepts, to provide biblical exposition, and to even provide fascinating stories from current or historical events, this would: 1). Remove the misconception of cessationism as being a dry and lifeless "naturalist" position, and 2). Give the conservative continuationist a viable option to fall back on instead of jumping on the charismatic bandwagon since that seems to be the only possible explanation for the miraculous things we see all around us.
In conclusion, Strange Fire is a great book. It is probably going to be one of this decade's most discussed, if not most important Christian books since it confronts an issue that is almost as momentous in worldwide scale as Luther's confrontation of the Catholic Church back in the 16th century (if MacArthur's analysis of the issue is as true as he says it is). Though the presentation seems valid to me, I know that this book will not win over all the crowds, no matter how much statistics, historical data, and biblical references may be in favor of the author's argument. At this point, this seems like a book that people will judge based more on emotional preferences and adherence to past traditions rather than honest examination of Scripture, church history, and the fruits of the movement that is going on right now (Note: I came from a denomination that had charismatic inclinations, so I was in no ways biased toward cessationism before coming across MacArthur's teaching). I sense that conservative charismatics will say that Strange Fire unfairly groups all Charismatics into one lump group (although I don't know how they could possibly say this since there are multiple references in Strange Fire that shows how John respects people like John Piper and Wayne Grudem (continuationist Reformed Christians), which is most evident in the whole final chapter!). Skeptics' reasoning for the validity of sign gifts in our day and age would be something like this, "The Holy Spirit cannot be blessing the Benny Hinn tongue speaking and prophesying since he teaches false doctrine and is immoral, but the Spirit is surely blessing our tongue speaking and prophesying since we hold to orthodox Reformed teaching and live righteously." However, this does not appear to be the entire point of the lesson in the book. This is like saying, "The Holy Spirit cannot be blessing the Catholics' infant baptism because they teach false doctrines of salvation and the priests are so corrupt, but the Spirit is surely blessing Presbyterian infant baptism because they hold to orthodox Reformed teaching and the people are living by grace, and this Protestant group represent a large number. Therefore, infant baptism has merit." The theologian would rightly argue: Morality, religious affiliation, and population is not the issue here, because infant baptism has no biblical warrant to begin with! It is an undocumented form of baptism, and the fact that the practice originated from an apostate religion (Catholicism) only serves to show that it is the fruit of a false, unbiblical movement. The same can be said with the modern version of the sign gifts and the Charismatic Movement, which is what Section 2 of Strange Fire is about and why MacArthur encourages continuationists in the Reformed camp to consider this so that they may abandon such practices and start worshipping God in not just spirit, but in truth.
Whatever one may think of this subject or the author, this book does deserve a read and should be on every pastor's book shelf. It is bold, prophetic, and dare I say, balsy, but probably the most commendable work on the modern movement. As MacArthur stated during the last session at the Strange Fire Conference, "Of course I care about offending people. But as I much as I care about offending people, I care more about offending God." -
MikeMinnesotaAge: 45-54Gender: male5 Stars Out Of 5A must readJanuary 20, 2014MikeMinnesotaAge: 45-54Gender: maleQuality: 5Value: 5Meets Expectations: 5Just finished the book. After which I read all the reviews. I am in a couple of Bible studies in which the "continuation" issue has just started to raise it's ugly head, this being by fellow brothers whom I respect and admire. I began a deep research into the issue a few months ago (scripturally) and read a few articles, pamphlets, etc. to try to settle my unease. This book has helped me to do that. I am a sola guy, so everything must be measured against scripture. The totality of scripture. Not individual verses ripped out of context. I have never read MacArthur before. Not one single book. I was completely taken in by the authors ability to follow scripture to it's logical ends. As noted by some reviews, the tone can be a little harsh at times and I hope the author will take that into account in his next endeavor. But, the points made were Biblically correct if semantically abrasive. The biggest point out of the book that makes the most sense out of the state of evangelical Christianity today is that faith is now experiencial------ and that lead to all kinds of dangers. I can do acid and feel really close to God. Walk in His garden. Talk to Him, for real. But does that make it from the Spirit. NO!!!!!!!!!!! Experience has no relationship to TRUTH. If nothing else, MacArthurs beginning of the book, to encourage everyone to read it and generate their opinions base on Scripture, and Scripture alone, was worth the read. SOLA SCRIPTURA. That and nothing else.
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Eric SmithRochester, NYAge: 45-54Gender: male5 Stars Out Of 5Needed commentary based on scriptureJanuary 25, 2014Eric SmithRochester, NYAge: 45-54Gender: maleQuality: 5Value: 5Meets Expectations: 5This is a very well written book that examines the charismatic movement, its doctrines, and many associated with it. Dr. MacArthur painstakingly examines every aspect that he can think of through the lens of scripture and warns of the dangers. The running theme of this book is this; What determines the work of the Holy Spirit; the rightly divided word of God or the experiences of individuals (sometimes devoid of scripture)? He documents some pretty strange activities and teachings from those in this movement and rightly uses scriptures to show that it is not only unbiblical, but dangerous. There are many that are presenting false doctrines and a false view of Jesus Christ to many in the church that will either lead them astray or make them comfortable in their apostasy. I know there are many negative reviews of this book, but many of them are based on emotions, a twisted understanding of scripture, and a misguided view that this book is just out to attack without a purpose. None of this is true. There are many people I know that have been hurt by these teachings and this book is a timely needed one as this type of teaching is now being sent to unsuspecting people in foreign countries. The book examines the work of the Spirit, false apostles and prophets, the misuse of tongues, as well as fake healing. He also encourages us later in the book to rediscover the true work of the Spirit shown in the scriptures. He documents many of these events and anyone with a computer can find much of this on Youtube in case they think Dr. MacArthur is misrepresenting the movement. I know since charismatics are named as such in the book, those in that movement or adhering to those doctrines will feel insulted or belittled because they'll think he's personally attacking them. This is not so since he cares about believers, the truth of God's word, and the representation of God. I highly recommend this book; it is not the perfect word of scripture, but it will certainly make you seek the scriptures (verse by verse and in context) to see if the things mentioned are true.
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Abby5 Stars Out Of 5Superlative Book.November 25, 2014AbbyQuality: 5Value: 5Meets Expectations: 5Mr. MacArthur writes down, in a conscise manner, what my "vague discomfort" was when I attended the Pentecostal church. And, he shows in an honest and clear way the danger of admiring and following the Charismatic, "health, wealth, and prosperity gospel" television evangelists. (And, he names name's. He doesn't dance around and be vague.)
It's the 3rd part of this book that is so refreshing. He tells, with Biblical support, the true work of the Holy Spirit.
This book is meat, for adults; not milk for children.
Personally, I would recommend reading the last part first, then reading the first 2 parts. His anger at the gross misrepresentation of the Holy Spirit definitely comes through loud and clear. -
Dide5 Stars Out Of 5A Great Read!January 21, 2015DideQuality: 4Value: 4Meets Expectations: 4This book was very well written. I felt I was becoming lax in how I looked at things and this author made me see the truth. Every Christian in our world today should read this book. I love how the author states exactly what he thinks and backs it up with scripture.
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