Scott Camp: A Primer on Power
Camp chronicles his personal journey to this experience of the Spirit’s baptism. He highlights how it caused his pastoral and evangelistic ministry to go way beyond his previous ministry experiences. This empowerment dramatically changed and increased his kingdom impact.
To support his thesis, Camp presents a section-by-section analysis of biblical passages ranging from Joel chapter two, to the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts. Additionally, Camp takes readers through key passages in the book of Acts where believers in the first century church received salvation and were then filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 8, 9, 10, 19). He succinctly demonstrates from scriptural texts examples where believers received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and in turn shared the gospel with boldness. This establishes a pattern of how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Christians (85-105).
For Camp, “speaking in tongues” is the fundamental evidence one knows one has been baptized in the Spirit. This supernatural power, by the Spirit, enables believers to effectively proclaim the gospel and see people come to Jesus. Camp effectively argues instead of Spirit Baptism being “all about tongues,” the Spirit’s baptism embodies the fulfillment of God’s promises to his people. God confirms a New Covenant with them as seen in the death of Christ on the cross, his resurrection from the dead, and the pouring out of his Holy Spirit. The Baptism of the Spirit, then, serves as an initiation into this New Covenant (70-72). Finally, Camp contends for his readers to experience the Baptism of the Holy Spirit themselves. He urges his readers to press in and be open to all that God wants to do in their lives. He earnestly believes all Christians can truly experience the dynamic ministry of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Both scholar and non-scholar alike will benefit from reading this book. Pastors, with the support of their church boards, should seriously consider buying this book in bulk and handing it out to their congregations. Written for readers at any stage in their Christian life or understanding of the Bible, this book remains an excellent resource all can easily read, understand, and experience.
Reviewed by Brian Fulthorp
Category: Spirit, Winter 2017
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