Relational Spirituality

Fresh_Wind_Fresh_FireIt is doubtful if, in 1972, those attending one of Jim Cymbala's worship services in a run-down Brooklyn church imagined how generously God would pour His Spirit into their young pastor, and in the process reshape and enliven the  physical and spiritual attributes of Brooklyn Tabernacle.  More than a history of a church,  Fresh Wind is about the dynamic power of God's Spirit to transform those who follow His leading.

Like many great books, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire is more than the sum of its parts. The most apt description may be prophecy, as when Cymbala describes how most churches today are like the lukewarm Laodicean church spoken of in Revelation. However, mixed with the chastisement is exhortation.

Cymbala refers to the great heroes of the Bible, from Abraham, Deborah, Joshua and others we would recognize to Helez, Sibbecai, Ahiam—individuals we would most likely not know. Listed in 1 Chronicles 11, these servants of God are described as David’s mighty men. They, together with all Israel, gave David’s rule strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised (verse 10).

As he tells his story, you can hear the Holy Spirit speaking to the Church today. Cymbala encourages us to engage God daily, and bring Christ's vitality to wherever the world's lifeless status quo exists, especially if it is found in Christ's Church. If readers are not careful, Fresh Wind may transform them from a zombie-like passivity into a people alive with God’s Spirit, consciously choosing to glorify our Father above all else.

Reflections to Consider

  • 1

Relational Publications

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10

Relational Audio & Video

  • 1

Publications

  • 1

Relational Music

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8

Music

  • Jesus be the centre

    Center is a song that speaks of the essence of our life in Christ, and echoes the words the Christ Read More
  • I Lift My Hands

    A powerful hymn of adoration and praise Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir. This succinctly captures the joy of knowing our savior. Read More
  • 1

Relational Reflection

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13

Audio & Video

  • 1

Favorites

  • Transforming this World: The Hope of Glory by NT Wright +

    Wright confronts the perspective that this world doesn’t matter, and that we live only to be in heaven. He shows Read More
  • What is Good in a World that Defies Hope: a talk by NT Wright +

    This is the second part of three talks by NT Wright at Harvard University in November, 2008 on the topic Read More
  • The Stream, the Lake and the River: NT Wright +

      Acts 2.1-21; John 7.37-39; a sermon at the Eucharist on the Feast of Pentecost, 11 May 2008, by the Read More
  • Jesus in the Perfect Storm by NT Wright +

    Zechariah 9.9-17; Luke 19.28-48; A sermon for Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, In the University Chapel of St Salvator, St Read More
  • 1

Hidden Blessings

  • Christ is a Great Savior: a review of the movie Amazing Grace +

    Amazing Grace is a historical drama about William Wilberforce who was elected to British Parliament at the age of 21 Read More
  • Wilberforce, Hollywood's Amazing Grace, Charlotte Allen +

    William Wilberforce's relentless campaign eventually led the British Parliament to ban the slave trade, in 1807, and to pass a Read More
  • Making Beauty out of Ugly Things: Grace by U2 +

    Grace, she takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name Grace, she carries Read More
  • The True Nature of Grace and Love: a movie review of the Soloist +

    The 2009 movie The Soloist is based on a book by the same name, written by Los Angeles Times columnist Read More
  • 1