Understanding Spiritual Power


Book Description

While secularized cultures of the West have a great deal of difficulty dealing with the spiritual as a real, non-imaginary dimension of life, most of the world's peoples do not. Having worked and studied among peoples of several non-Western societies, Marguerite Kraft is convinced that coming to terms with spiritual power presents one of the greatest challenges for all those who work among non-Westerners in pastoral or mission situations. 'Understanding Spiritual Power' addresses the dynamics of the felt need for spiritual power in relation to a people's assumptions, values, and commitments, in order to provide a foundation for meaningful Christian witness in power-oriented societies. The Western Church, Kraft argues, under pressure from modern rationalism, has largely lost awareness of God's power and position vis-a-vis the spiritual realm so important in other societies. (Indeed, this loss of power could be one reason for the interest in Eastern and New Age philosophies on the part of Westerners disillusioned with the modern worldview.) Having worked among the Kamwe in Nigeria, the Thai in Asia, and the Navajo in North America, Kraft focuses on specific ways in which people in these three societies view reality and suggests how the gospel can be articulated in forms they can understand. 'Understanding Spiritual Power' offers a theological as well as a practical perspective on spiritual power. By exploring living societies, providing examples and case studies, and offering specific strategies, this book makes a powerful case for rethinking and recasting traditional missiological methods. At the same time, it helps Western Christians with ears to hear question whether they might not learn as much from those with whom they work as they seek to teach.




Understanding Spiritual Gifts


Book Description

What are spiritual gifts? Storms has spent several decades teaching on the topic of the spiritual gifts and equipping believers in the faithful practice of God's gifts. Yet there remains a great deal of confusion about the nature of the gifts and how they best function in the body of Christ. In this comprehensive guide to the spiritual gifts, Storms addresses the many bizarre and misleading interpretations while confronting the tendency to downplay the urgency of spiritual gifts for Christian living and ministry. He explains how spiritual gifts--both the more miraculous and the everyday--are given to build up the body of Christ. God has graciously provided these "manifestations of the Spirit" so that believers might encourage, edify, strengthen, instruct, and console one another, all with a view to an ever-increasing, incremental transformation into the image of Jesus Christ. Throughout this guide, Sam Storms unpacks the glorious truth that there is a supernatural and divine energy or power that fills and indwells the body and soul of every Christian believer. Understanding Spiritual Gifts is useful as a reference to address common questions about the gifts, but it also serves as a training manual for using and exercising the gifts in ministry. It is perfect for any individual or group who wants to grow in their understanding of spiritual gifts for today.




Understanding Spiritual Warfare


Book Description

A comprehensive, theological guide to everything the Bible has to say about spiritual warfare. Many Christians today are unaware or skeptical of the reality of Satan and the role he and his demonic hordes seek to exert on our lives. But if we're to take Scripture seriously, we can't overlook the biblical assertions about the spiritual battles between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. The truth is that believers in Jesus are certain to encounter men and women of all ages who are oppressed, tormented, and tempted by demonic powers. In Understanding Spiritual Warfare, theologian and professor Sam Storms confronts the reality of the spiritual conflict in our midst, the threat of the demonic, and how we, as Christians, can respond to such a threat in our own lives and in the lives of others. Storms explains the biblical teaching on spiritual warfare and shares numerous personal accounts of victories over the demonic, answering question like: Who is Satan and his demons, and how do they act? Can a Christian be demonized? How does the authority of Christ defeat the devil and the demonic? What is “warfare prayer” and how can we wield it? Perfect for any individual or group who wants to grow in their understanding of spiritual warfare, Understanding Spiritual Warfare also serves as a training manual for a ministry of deliverance and inner healing.




Spiritual Power of Sound


Book Description

"The seven tones of the great scale, with the wonderful rhythms of the fire, resound in the entire universe." - Samael Aun Weor Wherever there is motion, there is sound. At every level of the universe, creation is movement, sound, a vibration of energy. That is why all the ancient scriptures exclaim that creation begins with a sound, symbolized by the Word of God that says, "Let there be Light." Spiritual light-insight, understanding, and personal experience of the Divine-is also created by means of sound, by the motion of energy within us. Spiritual elevation depends upon laws of nature that humanity ignores. Learn how the forces of creation flow in all of nature, especially within us. By conscious use of the energy that pulses within us, we can open our spiritual eyes and ears to the creative power of sound. This leads us to personal experience of the truth: genuine spiritual experience. • Explains the practical steps towards acquiring personal experience of the truth • Rooted in ancient scriptures and long-protected knowledge • Useful for students of any religion or mysticism




Keep in Step with the Spirit (second edition)


Book Description

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). The Holy Spirit empowers us, guides us, and enables us to grow and endure in our relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. Often the most misunderstood member of the Trinity, the person of the Spirit continues to attract attention today amidst church revivals and renewals. In this new edition of his classic Keep in Step with the Spirit, J. I. Packer seeks to help Christians reaffirm the biblical call to holiness and the Spirit s role in keeping our covenant with God. Packer guides us through the riches and depth of the Spirit s work, assesses versions of holiness and the charismatic life, and shows how Christ must always be at the centre of true Spirit-led ministry. A new chapter explores Christian assurance. With abiding relevance and significance, Keep in Step with the Spirit sets forth vital knowledge for healthy and joyous Christian living, through understanding and experience of God the Holy Spirit. Here is a book for every serious believer to read and re-read.




Spiritual Power


Book Description

How can we use spiritual power to heal and transform the world? In this new, fully revised edition, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee shows how spiritual activism addresses our current global crisis in a visionary and revolutionary way. He reintroduces us to the ancient wisdom of the power of the land, as well as the ways we can use our light and love to create real change. Spiritual Power: How It Works explores how spiritual practice and spiritual energy have a central part to play as a catalyst in the vitally needed shift from the story of separation—that lies at the root of our present ecocide—to a new story of the Earth's multihued unity. This is practical mysticism on a global level, the simple wisdom that can reconnect us to the magic of life and awaken us to its essential oneness. “If you want to learn how to be in service to the planet, Spiritual Power is an invaluable book. Vaughan-Lee shows us how we can direct our energy and light to create change. He shares his deep and profound insights about the true definition of power in a way that creates questions and answers as we move to the next evolution of consciousness. A brilliant and much needed book!” —Sandra Ingerman, author, Soul Retrieval and Medicine for the Earth “A poetic and energetic vision of a new way to experience life—the power of the future made present today. It is a joy and relief to read a book about spirituality written from the viewpoint of unity, presence, and love. This is an important book, one that looks toward the integration of the wisdoms of the earth and sky cultivated over the past 15,000 years. Vaughan-Lee suggests that in order to liberate the love, life, and laughter that are already ours, we need to break down any artificial, conceptual, religious, or materialist barriers that prevent us from experiencing them.” —Neil Douglas-Klotz, Ph.D., author, The Genesis Meditations: A Shared Practice of Peace for Christians, Jews, and Muslims “... a visionary book and a daring one! Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee is a rare and hidden mystic of our time, a true seer who helps us to see that which our ordinary perception cannot perceive.... (a) courageous vision of the gravity of the modern predicament as well as the profound possibility for healing on a large scale.... conveys the importance of each individuals contribution to this healing, and passionately urges us to take responsibility for our own hidden knowledge and our necessary role in healing the planet ... a revolutionary book for the bravest of hearts and the most open of minds.” —Mariana Caplan, Ph.D., author, Halfway Up the Mountain: the Error of Premature Claims to Enlightenment




Spiritual Power and Missions


Book Description

In this book, three missiologists (Priest, Campbell, and Mullen) wrestle with the issue of spiritual power. The first two chapters deal with spiritual warfare while the third chapter affirms the role of prayer and the Holy Spirit in missions.




Practicing the Power


Book Description

The Bible teaches us that we are to be filled with God's Spirit and that God's presence and grace is manifested among his people as they serve, love, and minister to one another. Yet some of the gifts that God offers to his people aren't commonly seen in many churches today. Gifts of prophecy, healing, tongues, and other supernatural gifts of God seem to be absent, and many Christians are unsure how to cultivate an atmosphere where God's Spirit can work while remaining committed to the foundational truth of God's Word. How can Christians pursue and implement the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without falling into fanatical excess and splitting the church in the process? In Practicing the Power, pastor and author Sam Storms offers practical steps to understanding and exercising spiritual gifts in a way that remains grounded in the word and centered in the gospel. With examples drawn from his forty years of ministry as a pastor and teachers, Storms offers a guidebook that can help pastors, elders, and church members understand what changes are needed to see God move in supernatural power and to guard against excess and abuse of the spiritual gifts. If you long to see God's Spirit move in your church and life, and aren't sure why that isn't happening or where to begin, this book is for you.




By Divine Design


Book Description

Shows readers how to awaken the twelve energy centers within, which identifies the body's mystical gateways to the divine power of God, by offering step-by-step exercises and meditations that build faith, release healing energy, and more. Reprint. 15,000 first printing.




You Are What You Love


Book Description

You are what you love. But you might not love what you think. In this book, award-winning author James K. A. Smith shows that who and what we worship fundamentally shape our hearts. And while we desire to shape culture, we are not often aware of how culture shapes us. We might not realize the ways our hearts are being taught to love rival gods instead of the One for whom we were made. Smith helps readers recognize the formative power of culture and the transformative possibilities of Christian practices. He explains that worship is the "imagination station" that incubates our loves and longings so that our cultural endeavors are indexed toward God and his kingdom. This is why the church and worshiping in a local community of believers should be the hub and heart of Christian formation and discipleship. Following the publication of his influential work Desiring the Kingdom, Smith received numerous requests from pastors and leaders for a more accessible version of that book's content. No mere abridgment, this new book draws on years of Smith's popular presentations on the ideas in Desiring the Kingdom to offer a fresh, bottom-up rearticulation. The author creatively uses film, literature, and music illustrations to engage readers and includes new material on marriage, family, youth ministry, and faith and work. He also suggests individual and communal practices for shaping the Christian life.