A review of Perspectives on Pentecost:New Testament Teaching on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.

Reviewer: Fred G. Zaspel

It was about twenty-five years ago when I first read this book, and reading it again today I was struck once again with the quality of work Gaffin has given us. His grasp of redemptive-history, of course, is well known, and his exposition of the redemptive-historical significance of Pentecost makes this book a significant contribution to anyone’s study of the Holy Spirit and his gifts. I really don’t recall reading a book on this subject that I have found more satisfying.

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Book Review

Nicholas Carr, The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains

W.W.Norton & Company (June 7, 2010)

Reviewed by  Heinz G. Dschankilic

At first glance the title of this book might seem reactionary and alarmist. After pushing past my initial hesitancy, I found Nicholas Carr’s analysis of the internet and its impact on human mental processes informative, useful and engaging.

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Today Heinz Dschankilic and Michael Haykin continue their discussion on the importance of Sound Doctrine in the life of the Church.

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“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? (2 Cor 2:14–16)

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If there is anything that marks the preaching of our generation it is its need for “relevance.” We go to church today and very naturally expect to hear something that will in some way help our life this week. And if the sermon is not “practical” in these terms, addressing our felt needs, it just isn’t worth our time.

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This marks the first of what will hopefully be a regular stream of podcasts dealing with issues confronting the Church in North America; commentary on cultural issues and aspects of Reformed Theology. Today Michael Haykin and Heinz Dschankilic begin a multi-part discussion on: 

The Importance of Sound Doctrine Part 1

The epistle to the Hebrews was written in large part to exhort professing Christians to continue on with the Lord. Some were being tempted to turn back, and the Biblical writer warns them urgently of the awful consequences of leaving Christ.

Within this context we are exhorted, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing” (Heb 10:25). In view here, obviously, are the stated formal gatherings of the church.

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I love to listen to the prayers of others. I listen to how they pray and what they say. The language they use reflects their understanding of God. Some refer to God as “Father” in their communication with him, reflecting a profound sense of intimacy. Others approach him as “Sovereign God” or “Lord,” titles which suggest a healthy dose of reverence or awe. The depth of some believer’s relationship with God saturates their prayers and lifts you up to heaven with them.

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One of the striking things about us human beings is that despite our high intelligence and great learning, we have an amazing tendency to be wrong when we are so confident that we are right. Sometimes it’s just a blind spot. And sometimes it’s more like the basketball player who steals the ball and breaks away quickly to the other end of the court only to score a goal for the other team! Confident, but wrong.

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Most boys of my generation did it. It was frowned upon then too, even if not as much as today. But, I confess, we did it. Anymore, dogs are confined to the yard. But when we were young the dogs ran the neighborhoods of suburban Peoria, Illionois. We knew every neighbor’s dog by name, and we knew which ones to pet and which ones to avoid.  Every now and then the neighborhood’s “mean” dogs would run together in packs. And sometimes a pack of dogs would seem threatening, at least to a young boy. And so that’s when we were likely to throw the rock. We were bound to hit one of them.

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