Transforming Presence by Daniel Henderson

Henderson believes it is urgent that every Christian experience the person and power of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament reality. To help us, he looked at Scripture without preconceived ideas. Many of us, he concluded, are trying to live in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit is now an indwelling transforming personal presence. “His personal power and presence pulsates in and through our lives.” (Loc 740/2297)

Henderson says that the failure to think of the Holy Spirit as a person, and the failure to emphasize His indwelling our hearts, “has created a mountain of mental mush” when we think about His presence. “We need a clear new covenant understanding of how the Holy Spirit works in our lives and in the church today.” (Loc 740/2297)

Henderson explores what the writer of Hebrews says about the old and new covenants. We can't go back, he says. “We must live fully in the power and privileges of all that He has accomplished for us in the new [covenant], including our understanding of how His Spirit now works in our lives and in His church.” (Loc 553/2297) Unlike the old covenant era, we are now being transformed from the inside out.

Many topics are covered in this book. I liked the section on worship. He makes a thought provoking distinction between “form” and “reality.” I like that Henderson reminds us that the work of the Holy Spirit is the glory of God through the magnification of Jesus. (Loc 310/2297) He has some penetrating comments about how we do church. 'I believe we need a serious re-evaluation of what we are really doing on weekends in this thing we call 'church.'" (Loc 1103/2297) I was especially struck by his definition of being filled with the Spirit. “To be filled with the Spirit means to exclude everything that hinders the Spirit's power.” (Loc 1249/2297)

I greatly appreciate this book. Henderson clarifies many misunderstandings about the Holy Spirit. He clears up the language that reflects the Old Testament experiences rather than the New Testament reality. This book challenged me to think more clearly and speak more biblically about the Holy Spirit. This is a good book for pastors, church leaders, and those desiring to develop a correct New Testament theology and practice of the Holy Spirit.

I do wish there had been more on how to actually experience the presence and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Henderson does give us knowledge to rightly think about the Holy Spirit. We are pretty much on our own as to developing the spiritual practices and habits that help be sensitive to the Spirit.

You can watch a book trailer here. You can find additional resources for the book at http://www.strategicrenewal.com/transformingpresencebook/, coming live on the book's publication date, June 5.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Daniel Henderson, as a senior pastor for over two decades, brought prayer based revitalization to several mega-churches. Today he is dedicating his full time efforts to help congregations across the country experience renewal as he speaks to thousands each year at conferences and prayer events. He is President of Strategic Renewal, teaches part time at Liberty University, and is on the staff of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. His preaching ministry is featured on OnePlace.com.

Moody Publications, 240 pages. This book releases June 5.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.