Title: Diary of a Charismatic: Essays on the Spirit Filled Life
By: Robert LaBarge
A CBM Book Review
10.0
out of 10.0 Stars
Diary of a
Charismatic: Essays on the Spirit Filled Life by Robert LaBarge offers insight into his journey and what
being a Spirit-filled believer looks like.
Once an Atheist, Robert LaBarge shares about his coming to salvation
in Jesus Christ brought about by the 1970’s Charismatic Renewal movement that
impacted the Catholic Church and his entire family. His personal journey is marked by finding
true love in Jesus as Lord and being powerfully touched by what is known as the
Father’s Love. One will find his book
touching, powerful and life-changing as the author speaks with candor and
Biblical wisdom that make living a Spirit-filled life easily understandable and
yet, accessible to all.
In each short
writing the author relates Scripture and presents Biblical teaching to many
aspects of the Kingdom that shed light on life in the Spirit. Beginning on
being born from above and the moving of the Holy Spirit and outpourings around
the world, document the Charismatic movement and speak on such subjects as:
salvation, Jesus as Lord, trusting in God, the grace of God, as well as the
spiritual gifts that were indicative of this movement. Offering encouragement and guidance into how
to receive the gift of tongues also brings further discussion on other gifts
such as: the gift of prophecy, discernment of spirits and deliverance, and
gifts of healing that offer readers wisdom.
With candor, and some writings that share some light humor, this book
will assist readers in coming to know Jesus that brings a deeper understanding
of what being filled by the Holy Spirit means Biblically and experientially.
What
is great about this book is that the author offers a true Biblical perspective
of the Charismatic movement for those that doubt and gives readers knowledge
that the focus of that movement is really understanding that Jesus IS Lord –
Lord of Your Life, coupled with coming to know Him in intimate relationship. He
condemns the idea that the Spirit-filled life is emotionalism conjured up to
make one feel good, great worship, etc., as some might think. And also shares
that there is available from On High
a Baptism in the Holy Spirit that continues today, citing quick
historical evidence of modern-day Acts signs and wonders. Thus, his point
remains steadfast that signs and wonders did not end with the last apostle;
they are evident in the Church throughout history.
Next,
the author makes a fantastic statement that describes what life in Christ is
meant to be that I have to include (p.11), “Modern Pentecost is about surrendering our souls to everything
that the Father desires for us. It is about us being weak and Him being strong
and the Holy Spirit leading us in our weakness to do strong things. It is about
faith that is alive, hope in the midst of the worries of this world and
learning to love all those with whom we share this earthly soil. And it is
about trusting Him, that when we yield our heads and our hearts, our feet,
hands and tongue, that He knows who we are and can do all He has promised.”
This
is an amazing read and comes highly recommended for those that desire for “more” and wonder about the moving
in the Spirit, the Baptism in the Spirit, the gifts and the Spirit-filled life.
You may get your
copy of Diary of a Charismatic: Essays on the Spirit Filled Life at Amazon or in Kindle. Be sure to visit the author at
Author Robert LaBarge for more information about his books.