Surprised by the Power of the Spirit

What's Surprised by the Power of the Spirit about?

• Exploration of Spiritual Gifts: The book discusses the contemporary relevance of spiritual gifts, particularly healing and prophecy, arguing that they are still active today.
• Personal Journey: Jack Deere shares his transition from skepticism to belief in the ongoing presence of miraculous gifts, using his experiences as a foundation for his arguments.
• God's Communication: It delves into how God speaks today, highlighting various ways the Holy Spirit communicates with believers, including through dreams, visions, and prophetic words.

Why should I read Surprised by the Power of the Spirit?

• Challenging Preconceptions: The book invites readers to reconsider their beliefs about the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, especially if they have been taught that such gifts are no longer available.
• Biblical Foundation: Deere's arguments are deeply rooted in biblical texts, making it a valuable resource for those seeking a scriptural basis for the continuation of spiritual gifts.
• Encouragement for Believers: It aims to inspire believers to pursue a more intimate connection with the Holy Spirit and a more active faith.

What are the key takeaways of Surprised by the Power of the Spirit?

• Gifts for Today: Spiritual gifts, including healing and prophecy, are still relevant and available to believers today, serving as tools for edifying the church.
• Intimacy with God: Pursuing a personal relationship with God is essential for experiencing the fullness of the Spirit.
• Faith and Healing: While faith is important, healing is ultimately a sovereign act of God, encouraging believers to bring all their concerns to Him.

What are the best quotes from Surprised by the Power of the Spirit and what do they mean?

• “You do not have, because you do not ask God.”: Emphasizes the importance of prayer and asking God for the gifts of the Spirit.
• “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face... then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land.”: Highlights the conditions for divine healing and intervention, stressing humility and prayer.
• “The power for miracles does not come out of our godliness, rather it was bought with the blood of God’s Son.”: Underscores that healing and miracles are based on the grace and sacrifice of Jesus, not human merit.

How does Jack Deere's personal story influence Surprised by the Power of the Spirit?

• Transformation from Skepticism: Deere shares his initial disbelief in miraculous gifts, providing a relatable perspective for readers who may share similar doubts.
• Journey of Discovery: His experiences, including a life-changing phone call, illustrate how personal encounters with God can lead to profound changes in belief and practice.
• Encouragement for Others: By detailing his journey, Deere encourages readers to seek their own experiences with the Holy Spirit and to remain open to God's work in their lives.

What arguments does Jack Deere make for the continuation of miraculous gifts?

• Scriptural Evidence: Deere presents biblical texts that support the idea that miraculous gifts were not meant to cease, emphasizing passages from 1 Corinthians 12-14.
• Historical Context: He argues that the absence of miracles in church history does not equate to their cessation, suggesting that many factors contribute to this perception.
• God's Nature: Deere asserts that God's compassion and desire to heal are unchanging, indicating that the gifts of the Spirit are still relevant and necessary today.

How does Surprised by the Power of the Spirit address spiritual abuses?

• Acknowledgment of Abuses: Deere does not shy away from discussing the abuses that can occur within charismatic movements, recognizing their existence and impact.
• Call for Discernment: He encourages readers to discern genuine moves of the Spirit from manipulative practices, emphasizing the importance of aligning experiences with Scripture.
• Humility and Openness: The book advocates for a humble approach to spiritual gifts, urging believers to remain open to God's work while being cautious of excesses.

What role does faith play in healing according to Jack Deere?

• Faith as a Catalyst: Deere emphasizes that faith is often a prerequisite for healing, as seen in various biblical accounts where Jesus responds to the faith of individuals.
• God's Will: He clarifies that faith does not guarantee healing but expresses trust in God's ability and willingness to heal.
• Encouragement to Pray: The book encourages believers to actively pray for healing, reinforcing the idea that God responds to faith-filled requests.

How can I cultivate the gifts of the Spirit as suggested in Surprised by the Power of the Spirit?

• Diligent Pursuit: Deere encourages readers to actively seek the gifts of the Spirit through prayer and specific requests.
• Practice and Risk: The book highlights the importance of practicing spiritual gifts regularly, even if it involves taking risks.
• Study and Community: Deere suggests studying the Scriptures and learning from others who are more experienced in the gifts of the Spirit.

What is the significance of pursuing intimacy with God in Surprised by the Power of the Spirit?

• Foundation for Spiritual Gifts: Deere argues that intimacy with God is crucial for effectively operating in spiritual gifts.
• Transformative Experience: Pursuing intimacy with God transforms the believer's heart and affections, leading to a deeper love for God and others.
• Prayer and Meditation: Deere encourages readers to set aside regular time for prayer and meditation on Scripture as a means of cultivating intimacy with God.

How does Jack Deere differentiate between the apostles' healing ministry and contemporary healing?

• Unique Apostolic Authority: Deere argues that the apostles had a unique authority and power that is not replicated in the same way today.
• Gifts for the Church: He asserts that while the apostles performed signs and wonders, the gifts of healing are still distributed among believers for the edification of the church.
• Varied Intensity: Deere acknowledges that the intensity and frequency of miracles may differ today, but this does not negate the validity of healing gifts in the church.

What does Jack Deere say about the relationship between suffering and healing?

• Redemptive Suffering: The book discusses how suffering can have a redemptive purpose, leading to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.
• God's Sovereignty: Deere emphasizes that God's decisions regarding healing are ultimately sovereign and may not always align with human understanding or expectations.
• Compassion in Suffering: He reassures readers that God's compassion remains present in times of suffering, and healing is one of the ways He expresses that compassion.