Preface
This book shares some insights of a decade of active witnessing, teaching, traveling, and experiencing the work and manifestations of our Lord the Holy Spirit in many places. Much of the material was intended originally to form a second part to Dennis' book, Nine O'Clock in the Morning, but it seemed better to leave that volume to deal exclusively with telling the story of the modern renewal of the Faith as it has touched our lives, and leave teaching and explanation for a separate book.
The part on Spiritual Gifts and the Fruit of the Holy Spirit is taken largely from A Study Guide of the Spirit-Filled Life, a booklet prepared by Rita to instruct those who receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This booklet has enjoyed wide circulation, and many who know it will welcome it in expanded form here.
The last ten years have been a decade of testimony, as the word of the baptism in the Holy Spirit has penetrated the "oldline" churches. Today thousands of ministers and priests of the older denominations have received the Holy Spirit as on the Day of Pentecost, as have millions of lay people. Now, while the testimony goes forward with ever-increasing strength, there is great need for teaching. Someone has pointed out that the return of the appetite to a sick person is one of the first signs of recovery. God's People have been very sick, nigh unto death, but now the Church of God is convalescent, and very hungry! We hope this book will help to supply some of the nourishment needed for a full recovery!
We, Dennis and Rita, are Episcopalians (Anglicans), but in this study it will be evident that we are not pushing any particular brand of Christianity. Our greatest desire is for people to meet the Lord Jesus Christ, and receive the power of the Holy Spirit, regardless of their denomination—if they have one. Occasionally we made references that would apply especially to our own denomination, or those similar, but the information we have given will also help others better understand these particular churches. We have dealt with the things that unite charismatic Christians, and have tried to avoid discussion of issues that have divided Christians through the centuries. The troubled questions are for the Holy Spirit to deal with, not us!
We do not claim or believe that we have all the truth, nor are we sure that in the coming years some of our views may not change, but we have presented these teachings sincerely and in the light we have at this time. During these years we have heard many outstanding speakers and teachers, and read numerous books on our subject. It would be impossible to give credit to all from whom the Lord has brought us knowledge and understanding. We can only thank the Holy Spirit Who has taught all of us. Where direct quotations are given throughout the book, we have, of course, given the source. Our most important written source, needless to say, has been Scripture itself. Also, we have learned many lessons through our own personal experiences.
We hope and pray that this book, The Holy Spirit and You, will be a help to many, both those who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit for years, and those just entering or getting ready to enter this area of Christian experience. We close with St. Paul's words:
"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing you are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge ... So that you come behind in no gift waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ . . ." (I Cor. 1:3-5, 7).
Seattle, Washington
January 25, 1971
Dennis Bennett, The Holy Spirit and You, n.d. Preface
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