Sam Storms

Created for the next generation of believers, the dynamic new Holy Spirit Essentials series introduces foundations of faith for living a Spirit-empowered life. Taken from the trusted teachings of leading Christian voices, these updated, concise, easy-to-read overviews include real-world applications, related Scriptures, and prayers. This vital installment introduces foundational beliefs and hands-on instruction on the topic of spiritual gifts. From the insightful teaching of renowned theologian and apologist Sam Storms, this quick-reference guide outlines the basics of the spiritual gifts, including how to· understand the purpose of spiritual gifts in the church· identify your own unique gifting· grow and move powerfully in your God-given gifts· explore nine extraordinary biblical giftsFull of biblical wisdom and everyday application, this is your go-to handbook on spiritual gifts--whether you're new to them or have been using them for years.

Step into a deeper understanding of worship with Understanding Worship by pastor and scholar Sam Storms. Storms challenges conventional perceptions of worship, encouraging readers to approach God with a heart ready to receive all his goodness as we find our delight and satisfaction in God's love.Through compelling biblical examples, Storms demonstrates how worship can lead to a profound experience of freedom and joy as you better understand:The demon-defeating, heart-healing power of praiseHow to worship without insulting GodThe contrast between new covenant and old covenant worshipThe place of money in worshipA Revelation vision of the throne of GodHow charismatic worship is similar and different from other types of worshipStorms includes several addendums and appendices as well that address tough topics like the wrath of God, the question of spontaneous baptism, and the question of whether Christians and Muslims worship the same God.

A Comprehensive Theological Guide to the Practice and Power of PrayerIn Understanding Prayer, author, pastor, and scholar Sam Storms unpacks the meaning and power of prayer through a close reading of Scripture with special focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, the apostle Paul, and James. With scholarly wisdom and pastoral application, he addresses topics like persisting in prayer, praying for pleasure, and warfare prayer, exploring how prayer is a profoundly supernatural experience. He also addresses several controversial texts and challenging questions about prayer including:Does prayer really change anything?Why praying in Jesus's name is not a magical incantationThe most shocking prayer the apostle Paul never prayedHow we can ask God for wisdom to make sense of the seemingly senselessSuffering, healing, and the prayer of faithHow prayer brings us peace and imparts spiritual wisdomUnderstanding Prayer is an indispensable resource, serving as both a comprehensive analysis and a practical guide for those seeking God through prayer. It offers a journey into the heart of prayer, transforming it from a mere ritual to a deeply personal spiritual experience that develops and grows our knowledge, understanding, and hunger for God.

"GUARD THE DEPOSIT ENTRUSTED TO YOU"--1 TIMOTHY 6:20In the last months before his execution, Paul sent two letters--2 Timothy and Titus--to his sons in the faith. Paul's final exhortations are deeply relevant to Christians today. We must guard our character and hold firm to the gospel in the face of false teaching and opposition. 2 Timothy & Titus: A 40-Day Bible Study is meditative, gospel-centered, practical, and prayerful. Over forty days, you will: Read and reflect on 2 Timothy and TitusMeditate on Jesus and the good newsPray through Paul's final lettersApply God's word to your lifePlanted in the Word: Bible studies for individuals or small groups. Each volume provides forty days of guided Bible study written by respected scholars for everyday Christians. Short enough to read in 15 minutes or less, each day includes: Reading and meditation on ScriptureReflection on how the text points to ChristApplication of God's word to our livesPraying for God's helpSuggestions for further study or discussionEach volume includes a reading plan for group study.

A Clear, Biblical Picture of God’s Unconditional Love for His Children Many believers know that “God is love.” But whether through cultural lies, false beliefs, or years of mulling over the tragedies of the world, it may be difficult to see the true, steadfast, and unchanging love of the Father. Thankfully the Bible offers a clear picture of what God’s love looks like and how, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, believers experience his affection for themselves. Taking an accessible approach to biblical theology, author Sam Storms explores Scripture to address what God’s love is and what it isn’t. Drawing insights from the Psalms and the life of Jesus, Storms covers God’s sovereignty and the saving power, longevity, and sin-killing nature of his love. The Steadfast Love of the Lord breaks down obstacles that prevent believers from accepting biblical truths and challenges the cultural lies that hinder them from accepting God’s vast and unfathomable love. Accessible: An introductory approach to biblical theology, this book is perfect for laypeople and thoughtful Christians Practical: Not only helps believers study the nature of God but helps them experience his affection for themselves Honest: From a biblical perspective, this book addresses the cultural lies of our age to explain what love is and what it isn’t

A balanced, accessible commentary for Spirit-filled ChristiansThe Spirit who inspired the authors of the New Testament is at work today around the globe, as evidenced by the explosive growth of pentecostal, charismatic, and renewalist movements; the number of adherents is now estimated at more than half a billion.The Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament meets the need for a balanced, affordable, and accessible commentary series aimed at Christians who identify as Spirit-filled.Features include:· Written by pastorally sensitive biblical scholars from the Spirit-filled tradition· Paragraph-by-paragraph commentary· Images, illustrations, and sidebars on pentecostal/charismatic/revival history or insights· Engages biblical books in their ancient setting· Emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirit's voice in our time and contextsSeries volumes explore how God works in the biblical texts and how Christians can expect God to work today, even if in new or culturally surprising ways. Series editors are Holly Beers, Westmont College, and Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary.In Romans, pastor, scholar, and speaker Sam Storms demonstrates the inseparable bond between Word and Spirit, awakening the pentecostal-charismatic world to the functional authority of the Bible and the evangelical world to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Study the book of Revelation anew with this intelligible and insightful amillenial commentary from Sam Storms, author of Kingdom Come. Revelation was written in such a way that it should be not only intelligible to any Christian who reads or hears its words, but also a blessing to the person who obeys and believes what it says. Simply put, contrary to popular opinion, and notwithstanding the often bizarre and mysterious images it conveys, God intends for Revelation to be understandable, edifying, and enjoyable! Scholarly but conversational in style, Storms has written for those who do not have a working knowledge of Greek but does not shy away from the numerous important technical and exegetical details that appear all through Revelation. He provides insight into both the nuances of the Greek text and the deep doctrinal issues in Revelation in such a way that the average Christian adult can grasp. Revelation is profoundly relevant to the issues we face in our society today and Storms keeps the welfare of the church in view, as he includes numerous applications for daily living and growth in your personal relationship with God. An excellent read for those looking to better grasp the blessings to be found in understanding this book.

Understand How God Banishes Your Sin, So You Can Let It Go Too Every Christian has experienced days or even seasons of feeling extreme guilt over past or present sins, thinking that God is angry or disgusted with them—sometimes even wondering if they’re truly saved. This often happens when believers fixate on their sins while forgetting what Christ has already done on their behalf at the cross. Sam Storms explains it this way: “What consumes us is what we have done by sinning. What ought to consume us is grateful meditation on what God has done with our sinning.” In his latest book, Storms addresses this anxiety over sin by reminding believers of the good news of the gospel. Beginning with an explanation of the glory of penal substitution, he walks through 12 things God did with their sin, including forgiving it, passing over it, and casting it into the depths of the sea. He also explains 3 things God will never do with their sin, such as counting it against them. Walking through the Bible’s teaching, Storms helps believers find freedom, joy, and peace in knowing what God has done (and will never do) with their sin through the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus. Encourages Christians in Their Personal Life and Ministry: Helps the average believer who may feel unfit to serve God because of their sin Clarifies Crucial Biblical Topics: Explains the important difference between “eternal union” with God and “experiential communion” with him Written by Sam Storms: Author of more than 30 books, including Tough Topics; Kept for Jesus; and A Sincere and Pure Devotion to Christ

A comprehensive, theological guide to everything the Bible has to say about spiritual warfare.Many Christians today are unaware or skeptical of the reality of Satan and the role he and his demonic hordes seek to exert on our lives. But if we're to take Scripture seriously, we can't overlook the biblical assertions about the spiritual battles between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil.The truth is that believers in Jesus are certain to encounter men and women of all ages who are oppressed, tormented, and tempted by demonic powers. In Understanding Spiritual Warfare, theologian and professor Sam Storms confronts the reality of the spiritual conflict in our midst, the threat of the demonic, and how we, as Christians, can respond to such a threat in our own lives and in the lives of others.Storms explains the biblical teaching on spiritual warfare and shares numerous personal accounts of victories over the demonic, answering question like:Who is Satan and his demons, and how do they act?Can a Christian be demonized?How does the authority of Christ defeat the devil and the demonic?What is “warfare prayer” and how can we wield it?Perfect for any individual or group who wants to grow in their understanding of spiritual warfare, Understanding Spiritual Warfare also serves as a training manual for a ministry of deliverance and inner healing.

Building and Sustaining a Thriving Leadership Culture Essential to every healthy church is a biblical model of leadership. In the New Testament, church leadership is built around a team of elders working together, each bringing his own unique skills and gifts to the cause of shepherding the flock God entrusted to them. However, in many churches today the principle of plurality in leadership is often misunderstood, mistakenly applied, or completely ignored. Dave Harvey encourages church leaders to prioritize plurality for the surprising ways that it helps churches to flourish. This book not only builds a compelling case for churches to adopt and maintain biblical elder pluralities guided by solid leadership but also supplies practical tools to help elders work together for transformation. Download the free study guide.

In this classic exposition of 1 Corinthians 13:8–10, Jonathan Edwards exhorts Christians to ponder the love of God—both here in the world and in expectation of heaven. The things of this world are temporary, but “love never ends” (1 Cor. 13:8). God’s love is a foretaste of future glory, made available through communion with the Holy Spirit. Each page is rich with pastoral insights that will leave readers hungry to experience more of God’s love in eager anticipation of heaven.

What are spiritual gifts?Storms has spent several decades teaching on the topic of the spiritual gifts and equipping believers in the faithful practice of God's gifts. Yet there remains a great deal of confusion about the nature of the gifts and how they best function in the body of Christ.In this comprehensive guide to the spiritual gifts, Storms addresses the many bizarre and misleading interpretations while confronting the tendency to downplay the urgency of spiritual gifts for Christian living and ministry. He explains how spiritual gifts--both the more miraculous and the everyday--are given to build up the body of Christ.God has graciously provided these "manifestations of the Spirit" so that believers might encourage, edify, strengthen, instruct, and console one another, all with a view to an ever-increasing, incremental transformation into the image of Jesus Christ. Throughout this guide, Sam Storms unpacks the glorious truth that there is a supernatural and divine energy or power that fills and indwells the body and soul of every Christian believer.Understanding Spiritual Gifts is useful as a reference to address common questions about the gifts, but it also serves as a training manual for using and exercising the gifts in ministry. It is perfect for any individual or group who wants to grow in their understanding of spiritual gifts for today.

What does the gift giver say about the gift He gave? This book will help you overcome the arguments, fears, and anxieties related to this gift. FEATURES AND BENEFITSShares the author's personal testimony and spiritual journey with speaking in tonguesExamines the history of this gift in the church for the past two thousand yearsInteracts with those who have denied that this gift is valid for today's churchSpeaks to the relationship between Spirit baptism, Spirit filling, and the gift of tonguesFew other issues have separated the church more than the issue of tongues. Sam Storms focuses on this controversial subject with his signature insights to theology and the gifts of the spirit. What does the gift giver say about the gift He gave? Storms seeks to bring balance to this subject in The Language of Heaven as he wrestles with this sensitive issue experientially as well as theologically. He ultimately provides a platform to allow God to speak for Himself as he addresses every text of Scripture on the subject and engages with every theological issue that speaking in tongues provokes. As a pastor, Storms knows the questions that the typical churchgoer is asking and provides clear and accessible answers to them all, including: Is the gift of tongues for every Christian or only some?How does the gift of tongues operate in the life of the believer individually in private practice?How does the gift of tongues operate in the corporate assembly of God's church?How is the Christian edified and strengthened by praying in tongues?How do I pray for the gift and prepare my heart to receive it?You can overcome the arguments, fears, and anxieties related to this spiritual gift. Remember, God gives only good gifts, and it is His intention that His church utilize all that He has provided so that we might experience all that He is.

How can Christians pursue and implement the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without falling into fanatical excess and splitting the church in the process?The Bible teaches us that we are to be filled with God's Spirit and that God's presence and grace is manifested among his people as they serve, love, and minister to one another. Yet some of the gifts that God offers to his people aren't commonly seen in many churches today. Gifts of prophecy, healing, tongues, and other supernatural gifts of God seem to be absent, and many Christians are unsure how to cultivate an atmosphere where God's Spirit can work while remaining committed to the foundational truth of God's Word.In Practicing the Power, pastor and author Sam Storms offers practical steps to understanding and exercising spiritual gifts in a way that remains grounded in the word and centered in the gospel, including:Combining sound theology with inspiring personal examples.Covering all kinds of practical and theological questions about using gifts.Practical ways to express the compassion of Jesus to others by partnering with Him in spiritual gifts.With examples drawn from his 40 years of ministry as a pastor and teacher, Practicing the Power offers help to pastors, elders, and church members to understand what changes are needed to see God move in supernatural power and to guard against excess and abuse of the spiritual gifts.If you long to see God's Spirit move in your church and life, and aren't sure why that isn't happening or where to begin, this book is for you.

The end times: a contentious subject amongst Christians. Will there be a literal 1,000 years after Christ’s return as dramatized by the popular Left Behind novels? However, premillennialism is not the only option for Christians. In this important new book, Sam Storms provides a biblical rationale for amillennialism; the belief that 1,000 years mentioned in the book of Revelation is symbolic with the emphasis being the King and his Kingdom. Perhaps it’s time that the theology of Left Behind was left behind. Accessible scholarship: extraordinary observations presented in a down to earth manner. This comprehensive and substantial work faithfully deals with the relevant Biblical texts in great depth. Some of Storms’ stop–offs include: Foundational Principles for the Interpretation of ProphecyDispensationalismDaniel’s contributionIsrael: “Replacement” theology and the future of IsraelThe Olivet Discourse of JesusRevelation: Chronology, The Binding of Satan, The First ResurrectionA study of the Antichrist The case for Amillennialism A substantial and trustworthy contribution to the eschatological debate that deserves to be taken seriously. Sam Storms’ work will be a valuable resource to both students and the wider church.

J. I. Packer is widely recognized as a pillar of 20th-century evangelicalism and has had a profound impact on millions of Christians living today. Now in his late eighties, Packer still exerts an enormous influence on pastors and laypeople around the world through his many books, articles, and recorded lectures—works that overflow with spiritual wisdom related to the Christian life. In this soul-stirring book, well-known pastor Sam Storms explores Packer’s legacy and profound insights into prayer, Bible study, the sovereignty of God, the Christian’s fight against sin, and more, offering readers the chance to learn from a true evangelical titan. The importance of Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck to Reformed theology is difficult to overstate. Bavinck's comprehensive four volume systematic theology, Reformed Dogmatics, is a modern classic that has influenced countless pastors and theologians over the past 100 years. In Bavinck on the Christian Life, scholar John Bolt brings the great Dutch theologian’s life and work to bear on following Jesus in the 21st century. By practically applying Bavinck's systematic works to the Christian life and looking at the life of the man himself, this book shows the direct connection between robust theology, practical holiness, and personal joy. John Owen is widely hailed as one of the greatest theologians of all time. His many works—especially those encouraging Christians in their struggle against sin—continue to speak powerfully to readers today, offering much-needed spiritual guidance for following Christ and resisting temptation day in and day out. Starting with an overview of Owen’s life, ministry, and historical context, Michael Haykin and Matthew Barrett introduce readers to the pillars of Owen’s spiritual life. From exploring his understanding of believers’ fellowship with the triune God to highlighting his teaching on justification, this study invites us to learn about the Christian life from the greatest of the English Puritans. Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series.