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The wide-ranging viewpoint shared by author and pastor Henry begins with a tight focus on a single, highly significant quotation from scripture. In it, John the Baptist announces to his coterie of followers that he baptizes with water, but one “mightier than I” is coming to baptize “with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” That one is Jesus of Nazareth. To emphasize the power of Jesus and the importance of the spiritual gifts he prophesized, Henry takes the reader day by day, hour by hour through Christ’s last days, making those events real and crucial to the modern reader. For example, the day of Jesus’ death began around 8 a.m. with savage beatings and humiliations by Roman centurions. Henry invites readers to remember this when they are having breakfast and preparing for their Easter day celebrations.
Following the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ, Henry details the wisdom of Jesus’ disciples, experiencing persecution while practicing the gifts of the Holy Spirit promised by their master—gifts still available to the faithful today. Throughout his book, Henry posits situations that anyone might encounter when their Christian faith is superseded by envy, covetousness, or pride. He advises that readers not only assess themselves by their seemingly righteous behavior in church but also by their thoughts and deeds in the world. They should also continually “ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” The monumental change that will happen to those encountering and absorbing this sacred fire can be perceived in one’s actions, words, thoughts, and heart quality.
Henry’s enlightening text is supported with scriptural references demonstrating his diligent reading of the Holy Bible, a work which he clearly regards as the only truly necessary manual for the Christian life. Even the Old Testament envisioned the certain incarnation of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit that would follow his earthly appearance. Henry’s own life, from farmer’s child in Georgia to world-traveling missionary, includes his memories of going to church as a youngster and finally achieving the Spirit-imbued revelation required for his future Christianity-centered life. However, the author is also honest about his struggles as a believer. For example, as an adult, he had a painful period of doubt, impelled by anger and the wish for revenge on someone who had done him wrong. He ended up falling into sinful patterns until rescued by the caring and faith of others, leading to a renewal of his Christian convictions and the blessing of learning to forgive. With refreshing candor, he also shares how he has experienced and understands how one might feel that biblical teachings are not having the effect in one’s own life and sphere that they once manifested among God’s believers. This level of personal vulnerability helps make his text more relatable, especially to readers who struggle themselves.
The author’s concern for his fellow Christians shines through his writing, with the central, scripturally based image of God’s cleansing fire offering an opportunity for readers to make it a constant guidepost for truth. It is Henry’s hope that this book—the writing of which, he states, made his own relationship with God stronger—will help readers recognize their individual needs and gain a revitalized connection to the Holy Spirit. However, such a connection can only begin with true dedication to Jesus Christ. Henry’s thought-provoking and inspiring book would be an excellent addition to any believer’s personal library.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review