"We have turned the holy fire of God into a circus sideshow"

Respected Journalist Exposes the Scandals of the Charismatic Renewal--and Offers Hope

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- Financial scandal. Faulty theology. Moral failure. The last few years have shown that the Church and her leaders are not immune to scandal and corruption. The real problem, however, is that no one is holding them accountable. Until now.

Charismatic insider and contributing editor to Charisma magazine, J. Lee Grady has been a voice crying out against the abuse of the gifts of the Spirit in his weekly, award-winning column "Fire in My Bones." Though an avid proponent of the charismatic experience, he has observed trends that both distress and anger him. And now he is overturning the money tables.

"Charismatic churches in America today are laden down with tons of baggage that needs to be thrown overboard," says Grady.

In his new book "The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale" (Chosen/Baker Publishing Group), Grady exposes and confronts the scandals and problems plaguing charismatic and Pentecostal churches today--including abuse, showmanship, manipulation, and infatuation with prosperity. With extraordinary insight and godly discernment he shows how these problems have led to a watered-down spirituality.

"We have turned the holy fire of God into a circus sideshow," he says. "But when the music stops, the TV cameras are turned off and the money is counted, what do we have?"

Yet his message is not one of condemnation and finger- pointing. Instead Grady challenges all who call themselves Spirit-empowered Christians to return to their biblical roots. He offers hope, help, and a passion for recapturing the authenticity, power, and integrity of true spirituality.

"There is surely fresh fire available to us today," he says. "If we would reject our misguided mysticism and smug elitism, and renounce our bizarre infatuation with money and success, I believe our churches would catch fire with holy zeal."

"The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale" includes strategies for developing healthy leaders as well as helpful guidelines for accountability structures. Grady also shares numerous examples of previous revivals in history and insights from his own ministry trips to Africa, Asia and Latin America. Compelled by his great love for God and His Church, Grady gives a straightforward and ultimately affirming message that is a must-read for leaders, insiders, and seekers alike.

Praise for "The Holy Spirit is Not For Sale"

"I could not put this book down. It is compulsive reading. This book could be a turning point for the charismatic movement." -- Dr. R. T. Kendall, former minister, Westminster Chapel (London); bestselling author, "Total Forgiveness" (from the foreword)

"No more discerning voice speaks with such clarity and compassion as Lee Grady's. Today's Church needs not only to hear but to heed the wisdom set forth of this book." -- Jack Hayford, chancellor, The King's College & Seminary; founding pastor, The Church On The Way

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

J. Lee Grady is an author, award-winning journalist, and ordained minister. He serves as a contributing editor of Charisma magazine, one of America's most widely distributed evangelical Christian publications, and as editor of Experience, the magazine of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. His "Fire in My Bones" column is distributed to thousands around the world. The author of three books, Lee is also the founder of The Mordecai Project, a ministry aimed at confronting the abuse of women around the world. His preaching ministry has taken him to 24 nations. He has been interviewed by numerous media outlets, including "TIME", "The New York Times", and "Christianity Today." He and his family live near Orlando, Florida.

The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale: Rekindling the Power of God in an Age of Compromise

by J. Lee Grady
ISBN: 978-0-8007-9487-3
Price: $14.99