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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 A book worth pondering. May 22, 2009
First got this book in the mid-70's when I would have been labeled a Charismatic. Mr. Bruner's book was part of a seminary level class on the HS. I recently found my old textbook; with seminary notes inside. Originally, reading that book changed my life for the better. Reading it again reminded me of the reason I dropped the pentecostal phenomenom from my spiritual pursuits.
Some books of this size take a day or two. This one took two weeks.
Opened my eyes Jul 14, 2008
What a great book. I have read several books in my effort to better understand the Holy Spirit. This was by far the best. It is Bible based and did a fantastic job of exoplaining it in terms I could understand. It's obvious you are curious about the Holy Spirit or you would not be reading these reviews. Stop wondering and get the book.
Comprehensive, "Chapter-and-verse", in context, treatment, May 31, 2008
This is the most useful book in my library for use in understanding the role(s) outlined by Scripture for the Holy Spirit. I have read all, and re-read portions of it over and over for about twenty years, and find it invaluable for providing understanding of Who the Spirit is, and what He does.
The primary context for the book's writing was as an extension of the author's doctoral thesis, which had focused on a Biblical examination of the tenets of 20th century Pentacostalism, as they touched upon the Holy Spirit and His role in the Christian's life. In that sense, I agree with the above reviewer Steve Cowden that it's about Baptism in the Spirit, although I would go on to say it addresses much, much more, and very well, at that.
I believe that, like me, you will find that Bruner demonstrates from the text of Scripture that the Spirit is, in fact, the Spirit "of Christ" (i.e., stamped with Christ's image, or "personality" if you will), and that it's work is about glorifying Jesus and making Him and His will known, rather than seeking to glorify Himself (i.e., the Spirit).
Furthermore, Bruner argues (successfully, in my opinion) that we are given the Spirit, NOT when we seek it, directly, but rather when we seek Christ (for instance, see his exposition of Paul's letters to the Christians in Galatia and Colossae). It's a similar principle to C.S. Lewis's "Surprised by Joy".
This book has been out of print, but I see now that Amazon is selling it again. I am going to buy another copy TODAY, because my old one is literally falling apart. [This is also one of 2-3 books I have actually bought copies of -- and they were used, when I could even find them -- to give to friends.]
Get this book! Read it, and you may find yourself buying more to give away too!
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Perhaps He Should Have May 13, 2008
I read this book some years ago and found it to be one of the best on its (actual) subject: Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The author is calm, clear, sympathetic and thoughtful. He is clearly in touch with the subject matter both historically and biblically. Though he does not deal with the manifestations of the latest BHS movements this does not detract from the book. The biblical principles addressed are timeless.
IMO, the former reviewer is typical of people trying to address issues beyond their ability or maturity. I fail to understand why he/she thought that giving a surface review of a book (especially after acknowledging that little effort was given to even read the book) would be helpful to anyone or be fair to the author. I wish Amazon would let us somehow drop these kinds of frivolous, immature and misleading reviews.
0 of 10 found the following review helpful:
 a waste of time Feb 27, 2008
Perhaps I should have done more than read a little, and skim a great deal
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