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The May 2007 PNEUMA INFORMERIn this issueReports from Around the World
Turkey: Muslims ask questions following Christian killings
Evangelical theologians to discuss the role of tradition
India: Hindu militants bully church; doors stay open
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Articles and Reviews from the Spring 2007 issue of the PNEUMA REVIEWThe PNEUMA REVIEW is a quarterly printed journal of ministry resources and theology for Pentecostal and charismatic ministries and leaders. For more information about the PNEUMA REVIEW, and to learn how to subscribe, please visit: Introducing the PNEUMA REVIEW. www.pneumafoundation.org/intro_pr.jsp Buy the PNEUMA REVIEW online at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000D8CY9 For a full index of the contents of all Pneuma Review issues, visit: http://www.pneumafoundation.org/pr_archive.jsp. Book Review: Divine Healing Festus Akinnifesi, Divine Healing: A Biblical Solution to Sound Health (Longwood, FL: Xulon Press, 2005), 344 pages. When it comes to the subject of divine healing, there is too much fear, a lack of knowledge, and a tendency toward extremes, according to Dr. Festus Akinnifesi. But the day is coming, he believes, when the church will not only find balance on the issue, but it will hold its rightful place and the church experience a move of God that is greater than it has ever witnessed before. Akinnifesi, who holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy, is the author of Divine Healing: A Biblical Solution to Sound Health. When he's not traveling as a senior scientist for an international research organization (based in Malawi), he serves as a preacher and teacher for various churches and conventions in Africa and Latin America. As a staunch believer in divine healing, he often prays for the sick and frequently teaches on healing and deliverance. Like many popular teachers on the subject, Akinnifesi believes it is always God's will for the sick to be healed and that healing will always come to the person who believes and is obedient to the word of God. Even more, he argues, it is God's will for the believer to reign in life as a conqueror over Satan, sickness, disease, sin and poverty. In this book, Akinnifesi describes what he calls a divine healthcare insurance system that avails the church a biblical prescription for healing and health. With Scripture and personal experience as the basis of his belief, Akinnifesi contends it is God's will for Christians to prosper and live in good health, and thereby use the ministry of healing to win the world for Christ. If there are exceptions to this view, he believes they occur when sickness appears in the form of divine judgment, disobedience, old age or poor choices. An OverviewDivine Healing is a passionate work that was written to convince the church that divine healing still exists. It seeks to provide hope for the sick and help for the church and society. In addition to showing the individual believer how to appropriate the promises of God for personal healing, the book challenges Christians to walk in divine health. It also calls on the church to be bold in exercising the ministry of healing to reach the lost. Akinnifesi's work is essentially a collection of 18 messages that focus on the fundamentals of divine healing as understood in a Pentecostal/Charismatic context. The work is written in a personal, down-to-earth style that makes it suitable for a wider audience. In addition to Scripture, which is often presented with different modern translations, and his personal experience, Akinnifesi relies on testimonies and the works of other well-known leaders, such as Benny Hinn, Kenneth E. Hagin, John G. Lake and Reinhard Bonnke, among others. Akinnifesi begins his work with a look at divine healing as a Christian doctrine. He believes that while the average believer today knows much about repentance, baptisms, faith and resurrection, the believer knows very little about divine healing and health (p. 15). Challenging the views of cessationists, he calls on the church to understand its authority and the dominion it has over the power of darkness. Although some writers deliberately avoid political and social topics when discussing divine healing, Akinnifesi takes them head-on. For instance, he talks about the short-comings of various welfare programs and the lack of healthcare and medical insurance for many who are ill. Of course, Akinnifesi carefully notes that he has medical insurance for himself and his family. The point, however, is to put all trust in Christ and not the insurance, he writes. After explaining the role of divine healing as a Christian doctrine, Akinnifesi discusses the will of God in relation to sickness and affliction. He argues that the will of God can be seen in the ministry of Christ. The reason, he says, is because Christ is the embodiment and expression of God's overall will for His people (p. 33). Akinnifesi moves on to discuss the nature of sickness. He notes that while sickness came as a result of sin in the Garden of Eden, it may originate in a person's life because of a number of factors, including personal sin and demonic oppression. He explains that sickness may also be self-inflicted. In Chapter 4, where he writes about "Sin, Righteousness and the Healing Power of God," Akinnifesi uses Paul's "thorn in the flesh" to explain why some Christians are sick. "There are afflictions and sicknesses that will come to everyone during their lifetime for the purpose of keeping him humble and closer to God," he writes. "Most of the time it may not be a sickness, but a ?storm of life'" (p. 73). One of the most interesting aspects of the book is Akinnifesi's discussion of the HIV/AIDS virus. For some authors, this incurable disease is rarely mentioned with any detail, however Akinnifesi devotes an entire chapter to the issue. He explains the nature of the disease and notes its impact on a global scale. He also cautions the church about relying on the world's method to effectively deal with the disease. He goes a step further to describe how one woman was healed of the disease in answer to prayer. In an attempt to cover all the doctrinal bases, Akinnifesi outlines the many ways in which a person can be healed. He points to the cross and the need to keep Christ as the focal point; he talks about the importance of faith, fasting and confession; he also discusses the use of the name of Jesus and the power released through praise. The use and misuse of anointing oil is also featured. Akinnifesi wraps up his teachings with a call for balance. Such is especially needed, he writes, because "some have seen healing as opportunity for personal gain and exalting of egos, thereby creating more havoc in the body of Christ" (p. 334). Citing Midas Touch by Kenneth Hagin, Akinnifesi warns that present-day teaching is not balanced with scriptural accuracy and that many leaders have gone too far with the prosperity message. In his closing chapter, Akinnifesi reminds the church that the best is yet to come. He cites some of the latter rain prophecies of the past that predict a great move of God in the last days. An AnalysisDivine Healing is undoubtedly a sincere effort that offers much by the way of helpful instructions on the subject of healing. However, it is not without a few concerns, which may be minor when viewed in the context of his overall discussion. First of all, it is surprising that Akinnifesi writes as if his message is new and not widely known by the church. After all, much of what he shares is indeed widely known by Pentecostals and Charismatics. The information can be heard in churches, over the radio and television airways, as well as in many books on divine healing. One might say, "He's preaching to the choir." Even so, the book has merit. Like T.L. Osborn's Healing the Sick, the book includes the ideas and teachings of many popular writers on the subject of divine healing. Though not intended as a scholarly treatment on the subject, the book would have benefited, at least in some places, by more detailed exegesis, historical analysis and documentation of testimonies. For instance, when writing about the role of Satan and how he operates, Akinnifesi uses John 10:10 to support his argument. The verse states that the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy. Akinnifesi suggests this "thief" refers to Satan, but a closer look at the context shows it refers to false teachers. Akinnifesi's view is popular but not faithful to the text. Noticeably absent from the book is a bibliography. It also omits the use of a solid reference section, a feature that would make the book more reader-friendly, useful for researchers. An area that is sure to raise questions is Akinnifesi's view of doctors and medicine, which appears to be contradictory. While he goes to great length to say doctors and medicine are gifts of God, and that it is not a sin to consult with a physician, he also suggests it is not the preferred method for Christians seeking healing. Even more, he argues that the use of medicine is a sign of unbelief and lack of spiritual power. ConclusionOverall, Divine Healing is a well-written book that serves its purpose. Readers who are well versed on the topic might find it refreshing as a passionate reminder that reinforces their beliefs. For them, the book may also serve as a tool for defending this important doctrine. Readers who have been taught that miracles are not for today will find a strong argument for divine healing, as well as an antidote for unbelief. Reviewed by Roscoe Barnes III __________ Roscoe Barnes III is a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He is the author of numerous books, including The Guide to Effective Gospel Tract Ministry (Church Growth Institute, 2004) and Off to War (White Mane Publishing, 1996). His articles have appeared in Refleks Journal and The Journal of the European Pentecostal Association, and in scores of newspapers and trade magazines.
Read more reviews and articles from the Spring 2007 issue of the PNEUMA REVIEW www.pneumafoundation.org/intro_pr.jsp
Periodical Review: Martyred for the Message Joe Maxwell, "Martyred for the Message: We've forgotten how much blood was spilled so that we could read God's Word" Charisma (Sept 2006), pages 38-40, 42-47. A Thriller or Real Life?Does this sound like an exciting book or movie? "A small group of radical extremists are publishing a book full of dangerous ideas. National governments and international religious groups search desperately for these peddlers of heresy and rebellion. Despite danger and hardship, the fanatics relentlessly push their version of truth on an unsuspecting world." It has often been said that the main difference between real life and fiction is that fiction has to be believable. Who would believe that the Christian church would oppose translating and publishing Scripture? Who would think that William Tyndale would be hunted as a heretic and martyred for making the Bible available in English? The media elite will say you can't make a movie or book about Tyndale's life. The story just isn't believable. No one would believe this as fiction. Martyred For The MessageJoe Maxwell's article recounts the life and times of Bible translators and publishers William Tyndale and John Wycliffe. Their work brought reform and revival to a Christian Church and world that practically ignored Jesus Christ. For their efforts, they were prosecuted and persecuted. Tyndale's martyrdom, and the desecration of Wycliffe's grave, proves the disruptive nature of their work. They insisted, centuries apart, that Christian authority rest in unchanging Scripture, rather than fallible men. This radical theology made them the enemy of those who wear a crown or mitre. As believers read Scripture for themselves the numerous corrupt practices and doctrinal errors in the Church and governments of their era became obvious. Those who profited from the status quo refused or resisted reform. Cheats and crooks called devout men heretics or traitors, then spilled their blood. All too often, the blood of saints is a key ingredient in the formula for Bible ink. While salvation is free, the freight is costly. Sometimes that "transportation charge" is murder on the Godly man or woman who delivers Scripture to a lost soul. Plow Boys As Theologians"If God spare my life, ere many years, I will cause a boy that driveth the plough to know more of Scripture than thou dost." Tyndale, who read and wrote 8 languages, was clearly a scholar. His actions mark him as more than just an intellectual. He relentlessly and boldly worked to bring the Bible to the common English man and woman. The availability of Tyndale's translation fueled the drive for literacy in general, and Biblical study in particular. An educated populous is more productive but harder to swindle. It is no surprise that 16th century governments, both secular and ecclesiastical, objected to the availability of inexpensive, easy to read Bibles. The act of making Scripture available in the language of local readers remains a challenge and opportunity today. Many "governments" in the 21st century discourage local language Bibles. Scripture creates problems for national dictators and the local shaman alike. Bibles in an "outlaw" dialect foster regional identities and allegiances, perhaps against the policy of a central government. If people are studying their Bibles, their moral and intellectual powers are also increasing. Again, this could lead to conflict with a local "chieftain" or national leader who wants to push a different agenda. History teaches us that repressive regimes, communist, fascist or cultist, first eliminate the Christian missionaries and teachers in a region. Christian doctrine encourages more moral strength and intellectual capability than tyrants or demons want to face. Once the Bibles and Bible teachers are gone, the darkness falls. Blood and InkTyndale's willingness to make sacrifices to publish Scripture cannot be over-emphasized. Modern Christians need to get Bibles and Bible teachers into places of darkness. There is the risk of persecution and perhaps martyrdom. "No Cross, No Crown." The words of Jesus are often written in red to emphasize His sacrifice for us. What isn't always seen is the sacrifice of men like Tyndale and countless other Bible translators. These courageous souls use their enormous intellectual powers and relentless dedication to God, to make Scripture available to everyone. Maxwell's call for more Bibles and Bible carriers in the world is just as important today as it was for Tyndale. The world needs men and women who are willing to pour their own sweat and tears into the Bible inkwell. And some saints may give that ultimate ingredient, their own blood, to make Salvation accessible to the lost. Reviewed by Kirk Hunt __________ Kirk Hunt, is the Director of Men's Ministry at Copper Mountain Assembly Of God, Tucson Arizona. His devotionals are available at www.CadreMenPress.com/devotionals.
Read more reviews and articles from the Spring 2007 issue of the PNEUMA REVIEW www.pneumafoundation.org/intro_pr.jsp
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