Dr. Michael Brown’s 400+ page Authentic Fire is more than a critique.
Yes, the book interacts with Dr. John MacArthur’s Strange Fire. But one doesn’t have to read MacArthur’s book to benefit.
This is a presentation of the Holy Spirit’s continued supernatural ministry today.
With respect to the criticism of MacArthur against Charismatic Christians, Brown responds in a respectful and irenic tone. He calls for unity and mutual appreciation opposed to division and exclusion.
In short, Brown has crafted a well written, thoughtful tome defending the idea that the Holy Spirit is alive and well today and doing supernatural works in various places.
Brown is a scholar. So his arguments are carefully thought out. He’s also not your typical Charismatic. He has no tolerance for the abuses and silly antics within the tradition.
He’s much more like David Wilkerson in that regard.
Authentic Fire uses Biblical, historical and theological references, examples, interviews and quotes to make a compelling case.
The cessationist position is very hard to support. And after you read Authentic Fire, this becomes clear.
Even first-rate New Testament scholar Craig Keener contributes a chapter on the evidence of ongoing miracles in our time.
Brown also delves into spirituality when he discusses the spirit of Christ-like honor and love for God and fellow-Christians.
Authentic Fire is a challenging book for any Christian, whether he/she be Charismatic or not.
Here’s my endorsement along with those of others.
Dr. Michael Brown’s Authentic Fire puts the brakes on John MacArthur’s crusade against charismatics with irrefutable logic, extraordinary insight, Christ-like graciousness, and an undisputable handling of Scripture. This is the definitive book to give to anyone who asks, “Is MacArthur’s denunciation of charismatic Christians fair and accurate?”
Frank Viola, author, God’s Favorite Place; frankviola.org
I thank God for this biblically-robust, pastorally-sensitive, historically-informed, and graciously-articulated account of the work of the Holy Spirit in the church of Jesus Christ. Michael Brown is a model for us all of how one can be theologically rigorous and a fair-minded gentleman at the same time. His arguments are clear and, in my opinion, persuasive, and will contribute greatly not only to deeper clarity on this important topic but also to increased unity in the body of Christ.
Sam Storms, Ph.D., author, Pleasures Evermore: The Life-Changing of Enjoying God
Dr. Brown speaks on behalf of millions who are not adequately trained to express in writing their own encounters with the supernatural power of God. With the skill of a surgeon, Dr. Brown takes the sword of the Spirit to the crippling cancer of cessationist doctrine that has, for so long, paralyzed the Body of Christ from walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s anointing.
David Ravenhill, author, How to Survive the Anointing
Michael Brown demolishes the weak arguments outlined in John MacArthur’s Strange Fire book and conference. He does so robustly but without resorting to divisive or schismatic language.
Dr. Adrian Warnock, author, Raised with Christ: How the Resurrection Changes Everything
Michael L. Brown holds a PhD from New York University in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures and is recognized as one of the leading Messianic Jewish scholars in the world today. He is the founder and president of FIRE School of Ministry, has served as a professor at a number of top seminaries, hosts the nationally syndicated daily talk radio show The Line of Fire, and is the author of more than twenty books. He is a contributor to The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion and other scholarly publications and he has preached and taught the gospel around the world.
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