George Wood, the general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, has published a new book called Living in the Spirit. Dr. Wood has been a tremendous leader in the Assemblies of God for many years and is currently serving in our highest elected post. His Spirit-led leadership and expository preaching has been an example for me for many years.

This book is a great example of his passion for good exegesis and Pentecostal power. This isn’t about speaking in tongues. This is about living out what we say we believe as Pentecostals.

The chapter I am currently reading describes several categories of Pentecostals as set up by Dean Merrill. Two interesting observations Merrill and Wood make:

1. “Prosperity Pentecost.”

These are people you would see a lot of on “Christian” tv. (The quotes are mine.) Merrill notes that “the only rich leader in the New Testament was Barnabas, and he gave away his assets for the Kingdom.” (I’m not advocating for poverty. I would say it’s just a reminder that we need POWER in the Spirit, not MONEY in the Spirit.)

2. Authentic Pentecost.

It simply means a church which naturally and freely integrates the supernatural into the whole body of biblical truth and practice.

I am thankful for Dr. Wood’s example. He isn’t preaching about something he doesn’t practice in his own life. He is a man who is always asking for a fresh touch of the Spirit in his life.

I think it was William Booth who wrote the hymn, “Send the Fire.”

Those words stir me: “We need another Pentecost! Send the fire today!”