‘Bapticostal’ Challenges Stuffy Religious Traditions

Have you ever read a book that made you stop and reevaluate your life? While reading Bapticostal by Dr. Shannon Gibson, I found myself wanting to dig deeper into who God is and what His heart is for me.

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Have you ever read a book that made you stop and reevaluate your life? It’s not one of those books that makes you look down on yourself but rather one that calls you to a higher way of living. While reading Bapticostal by Dr. Shannon Gibson, I found myself wanting to dig deeper into who God is and what His heart is for me. Right off the cuff, the author presents solid, theological commentary about verses that many of us have grown up hearing but not really studying–at least, maybe not correctly. As I let myself submerge into the book, I began feeling challenged in a healthy way. I started asking myself questions such as “Why do I believe what I do?” “Have I been missing components of my faith?” “What can I do to grow my relationship with the Lord and my knowledge of the Word like Hunting has?” And despite the fact that this book provoked those reactions, it gave me keys to answer those burning questions!

Throughout every chapter of the 343-page tome, I could sense Gibson’s passion for unity in the Church and for more believers to walk in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. One of the ways the ambitious author tackles this goal is by providing his experiences of rich encounters with Christ. Despite denominational differences he has faced, he has relentlessly searched for the character of God and developed gifts in the Holy Spirit. Gibson’s approach to sharing these journeys is nothing short of impressive. He presents his stories and backs up the lessons learned with truths from Scripture.

His language is intelligent, and his book presents a wealth of solid material. He flows in and out of the stories and teachings with ease as he seamlessly intertwines ideas with new and interesting terms such as ‘myrrh,’ which is a bitter ingredient in the anointing process. The teacher in him effortlessly draws parallels between the points he asserts, painting an overall picture of authentic Christianity. This kept me engaged and connected, not only to the concepts being discussed but the narrator, too.

 

Please enjoy this excerpt from Gibson’s Prologue:

 

This book is written primarily for people in traditional, mainstream, or fundamental churches that want that deeper walk with God but are unsure how to go about it. To move from the religious life to a true walk with God is as simple as receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit, but most people (maybe you are included) have no idea what those words mean. They, like the disciples of John when asked about receiving the Holy Spirit, state “‘We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit’” (Acts 19:2 ESV). Most church people have at least heard of the Holy Spirit, but their knowledge ends at knowing about His existence or remembering His mention in some distant sermon or catechism. However, whether you are religious or unchurched, you are invited and welcomed to continue reading. Really, anyone who wants to know more about the Lord can read and glean good things from this book.

 

 

For further information about the author or to purchase the book, click here.

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About the Author

Becca is a gentle soul who seeks the best in the world and in others. She is easily touched by the beauty of books, music, and art. Though she aspires to write as eloquently as Emily Dickinson or Lang Leav, she hopes to make her own mark on the world one day. She dreams of leaving behind a voice that sparks creativity, imagination, hope, love, joy, and faith.