The Beauty Of Spiritual Language [Paperback]

Jack Hayford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 1996

There are few other topics on which Christians are so divided. And a large majority of believers are unclear about what spiritual language really means. This is a balanced, biblical approach for anyone wanting to make an honest inquiry into the nature of speaking in tongues. Hayford debunks common myths surrounding the practice of tongues and shares with readers the beauty and the order of spiritual language that he has discovered during his times of private communion with God.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 10, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785272682
• ISBN-13: 978-0785272687
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #429,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jack W. Hayford is president of The Foursquare Church and founder and chancellor of The King's College and Seminary. Best known as "Pastor Jack," founding pastor of The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, he is also the prolific author of dozens of books and 600 hymns, including the classic "Majesty." Dr. Hayford and his wife, Anna, have four children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will Biblically ground you in the speaking gifts., April 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Beauty Of Spiritual Language (Paperback)

Jack Hayford has given the best, most thorough and balanced treatment on speaking in tongues I have ever read. Speaking as a participant, he shares how he reconciles the practice with the prevalent dispensationalist viewpoint. Speaking as a teacher, he explains the difference between a prayer language and the gift of tongues. He gives many examples of the use of the gift from real life experiences. Thirdly, speaking as a pastor, he explains how to allow freedom for congregants to function in the gifts while at the same time illustrating how to oversee the speaking gifts in the church according to scriptural guidelines. This book is a must for both pastors and people. It can contribute much toward the maturity and the unity of the church as a whole.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful addition to any library, October 16, 2003

By 

Robert Wynkoop (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Beauty Of Spiritual Language (Paperback)

The best thing about this book is the beautify of its prose. Jack Hayford knows how to write. This is a beautiful and compelling book about unveiling the mystery of speaking in tongues. Unlike most books on the Pentecostal experience, Jack writes with intelligence, insight, a keen eye to the Scripture and the ability to deal with the tough issues. The book is built on four premises: 1. Speaking with tongues is neither unbiblical nor outdated. 2. Speaking with tongues is not a transcendental experience. 3. Speaking with tongues is not a status symbol. 4. Speaking with tongues is not proposed as a substitute for spiritual growth.

Earlier in my ministry, I was a big fan of both John McArthur and Hank Hanegraaff who take quite different positions on the tongues issue than Hayford. While I remain a fan of John McArthur, Hank Hanegraaff seems to have a virulent and divisive attitude toward the tongues phenomena. If you have been influenced by the likes of Hanegraaff, no matter what your position is on the tongues issue, you need to read this book. Hayford shows a depth of Christian maturity, scholarship and love that is often missing in charismatic debate. He provides the reader with credible alternative to the dry, dusty, doctrinal approach of Hanegraaff.

For those who could not care less about the theological debate and just want to learn more about the tongues phenomena, this book is for you, Hayfords solid exegesis may give you a new perspective on tongues. This book would be a thoughtful addition to any personal library.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly helpful, January 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Beauty Of Spiritual Language (Paperback)

When I picked up this book as a sixteen year-old in March of 2000 I was not only uninformed, but also misinformed about spiritual languages or, tounges. But Hayford presents this controversial topic in a very straightforward manner basing his writing on personal experiance and BIBLICAL EVIDENCE. I read the book twice in 48 hours, soaking in all that I could. I have since recieved the baptsim and infilling of the Holy Spirit, having now experianced the true beauty of spiritual language. Granted at times his writing seems less than fluid, but that doesn't hinder me from awarding this book five-stars. It presents the material logically in a way that a reader of any age could grasp. If you, like I was, are amoung the many who have resisted tounges labeling them as fanatical, selfish, or charismatic I would encourage you to open this book with an open mind, read a couple chapters and give God the opportunity to speak to you through the words of one of his servants in ministry, Jack Hayford.