Keep in Step with the Spirit: Finding Fullness in Our Walk with God

J. I. Packer's Keep in Step with the Spirit focuses on the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Now in its second edition, this book is not merely a theological study, but a rousing call to encourage believers to implement the Spirit's directives in their lives. Packer explains how to get the Spirit in focus and how to map the Spirit's path in life. He restates the Christ-centeredness of the Spirit's ministry, reaffirms the biblical call to holiness, and even-handily assesses the charismatic movement. Readers wanting to understand this movement, believers interested in the ministry of the Spirit, and fans of J. I. Packer's writings will appreciate this radical call to personal and corporate revival.

Customer Reviews:

This book means freedom

By Robert B. Newman - August 4, 2006

I was in the charismatic church back in the 80's. But, because of certain experiences I had while there, I began to have misgivings about the constant emphasis (not bad in itself but it left out many things it should not have) on the Holy Spirit and the way it was being taught. When I tried to speak with people (leadership) about my feelings I found that I started getting the cold shoulder treatment. I would have appreciated even an honest "I don't know". I was starting to think something might be wrong with me.

Then I ran across Packer's Keep In Step With the Spirit. I can't tell you how greatly this book helped me. It let me know there was nothing wrong with me and that I was not the first person to feel the way I did. Packer even related in the book how, because he was a bookworm (as I've always been) God threw him a lifeline in the form of a volume or two of the works of John Owen (Owen wrote about 18 or more books if I remember correctly) which helped free him from the... read more

Drink Deeply

By Jeffrey A. Thompson - January 29, 2006

This book is more systematic than "Knowing God", but it cuts as deep. He addresses two major views of holiness: "Keswick Teaching" and Pentacostalism. He carefully shows the strengths and weaknesses of each movement. He then shows scripturally what is the correct view of the Holy Spirit work in our lives. Packer likes to call himself a "Packer of Theology" and this book takes careful reading. He often lists several scriptural references to make his point and then he is off to the next point. He carefully states his argument and tries to make sure the reader does take his point any further than it should go. The style seems dry at times, but when you read and meditate on what he is writing, the book is an incredible motivator to live in holiness.

Although this book is a harder read than either "Knowing God" or "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God", the book is more challenging spiritually. Once again he uses the Puritan writers to good effect. Read and enjoy. Drink deeply... read more

Helpful guide to understanding the Holy Spirit

By Gontroppo "Music and Theology Lover" - May 27, 2005

This is a terrific book. If you are puzzled by the Holy Spirit, or by all the different slants in various Christian circles on his ministry, you will find this book enlightening.
Packer writes in a forthright, yet fair way. He does not seek to knock other views for the sake of it, but often shows how they have valuable insights, though they may be emphasising some things too greatly, or omitting other essentials.

His book is not only about the Holy Spirit, and also features important teaching on the trinity, holiness, Christian living and bible reading.

I think this book is every bit as good as Knowing God. I'm sorry that I have only just discovered it.

The new edition includes a 2005 "Preface to the Preface" and a short chapter on assurance, entitled "Heaven on Earth -a Pentecost Exposition." They are worth reading, but maybe not worth the cost of a new book if your copy is still in good nick.

Highly recommended.