Released in the UK July 2015
Released in the US September 2015
Large trade paperback | 144 Pages
9781781916018 • £9.99 $15.99
BISAC – REL080000
The nature of the relationship between the Spirit of God and the Word of God has been debated among believers for centuries. Is the Spirit present wherever and whenever the Word is preached?
Ralph Cunnington explores this and in particular the narrow historical theological question of what the Protestant Reformers, in particular John Calvin, actually taught on this topic. With careful and incisive scholarship, and writing that is both clear and cogent, we travel through this question.
Ralph Cunnington
Ralph Cunnington is co-pastor of City Church Manchester. He is a member of the Theological Teams of FIEC and Affinity and editor of Affinity?s theological journal Foundations.
9781781917473 |
9781845502652 |
9781845502317 |
9781845504342 |
... brings to this helpful study a clear mind, scholarly thoroughness and deep pastoral concern... the implications for our understanding of Calvin and also for our practice of preaching are significant.
David McKay
Professor of Systematic Theology, Ethics and Apologetics, Reformed Theological College, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Ralph Cunnington is an excellent guide. With careful and incisive scholarship, and writing that is both clear and cogent, he steers a sure and reliable course...
Robert Letham
Wales Evangelical School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales
A controversy has been going on for some time among generally Reformed churches in the United Kingdom (and regions beyond) regarding the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in the public proclamation of the Word of God. Much of this kerfuffle surrounds the influence of Moore Theological College in Australia. Can the Word of God ever be preached without the blessing of the Holy Spirit? Do we need to wrestle with the Lord in anxious prayer like Jacob with the angel at Peniel? Is it possible to presume on the Holy Spirit's presence and activity? Ralph Cunnington, pastor of City Church Manchester, enters into this discussion by seeking wisdom from John Calvin's approach to the relationship of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in this concise but significant book Preaching With Spiritual Power.
... helpful contribution, cutting through contemporary rhetoric to the actual teaching of the reformers, in its historical context ... a model for those engaged in polemics, and a stimulating study of God's Word.
Peace and Truth