Breakthrough Faith by Larry Sparks

Sparks wants to equip and empower us to overcome overwhelming situations. “We cannot afford to believe the lie,” he writes, “that everything that happens in life is orchestrated by God's sovereign plan.” (25) We are to overthrow circumstances that do not agree with God's perfect plan.

Sparks reminds us that we already have breakthrough faith. He helps us understand what it is and how to put it to work. He reminds us we have an enemy working against us. It is essential we know God's character and align ourselves with His desires.

He explores where faith comes from and how we develop our faith. That includes the importance of the words we say (he clarifies he is not “name it and claim it”), hearing testimonies, and experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit within. An important key to exhibiting and sustaining breakthrough faith is renewing our minds. ”It means we see everything from God's point of view and live accordingly.” (230)

Sparks writes that the supernatural and miraculous should be the consistent way Christianity is expressed. He ends his book with a section on the art of perseverance.

This is a good book for charismatic Christians on developing and persevering in their faith. He has stories, his own and those of others, to illustrate his concepts. I appreciate his emphasis that the glory of God is front and center in every miracle. I also like that he says we must keep Jesus as the main focus. This is a refreshing book in the charismatic faith genre.

At the end of each chapter, Sparks suggests a few books for reading to further explore the topics covered in that chapter.

Larry Sparks has a driving passion to see people encounter the presence of the Holy Spirit, activate God's power in their everyday lives through supernatural discipleship, and transform their worlds by representing Jesus and advancing His Kingdom. He has a B.A. in Screenwriting and Communications from Palm Beach Atlantic University and is currently pursuing graduate theological studies at Regent University in Virginia Beach. He is the Director of Curriculum Resources for Destiny Image Publishers. He is a blogger and contributor to Charisma Magazine and Charisma News. Find out more at www.lawrencesparks.com.

Destiny Image, 270 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.