It has been a while now since I first read this colourful series of booklets on "ISMS" within the church by Hadyn Olsen. I can still recall the excitement and joy I felt in my heart upon my first reading - and the confirmation of revelation I experienced. Here was someone saying things which I had long also believed.

I can remember when I first heard the word 'ISM' and thought it sounded like some sort of disease. I guess that's what the books actually reveal - the disease of 'ISMS' with their various strains of 'bacteria' infiltrating the church - crippling it from true health as its expression as Christ's bride.

Book 1 - Denominationalism

As this title suggests, this book looks at how and why we have so many different Christian denominations today. Most importantly it looks at the word 'Church' - its true meaning and the difference with what we have today. A revealing insight into how they are formed and why they continue.

Book 2 - Legalism

Remember the Galatians - remember what happened to them and how Paul had to set them straight? It's amazing that we still have the same things re-happening today. This book obviously has to do with the Law and the keeping of it. It is also about the age of grace in Christ Jesus and how we are no longer bound by Old Testament Law as some would have us believe today. It also deals with some newly created laws people have 'invented' to keep people 'under control' which they enforce like the Gestapo! Most of all it shows how God deals with the heart rather than the outward state.

Book 3 - Authoritarianism

A related theme to book 2 - the enforcement of rules and rulers over the flock of God. The dishing out of unscriptural demands, placing undue pressures on people, claiming to be intermediates to God yet often blocking the very way they proclaim. A great book on shepherding and leading the way in the Kingdom of God.

Book 4 - Traditionalism

"Church Life" or the life of the church? From the book, "Traditionalism is by definition - devotion to tradition." It is something that brings about an inward state of bondage of the heart and a sense of legalistic devotion over doing certain things. As Isaiah prophesied, "This people honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. In vain do they worship Me." "For laying aside the commandment of God you hold the tradition of men."

A challenging look at things we do and take for granted as 'normal churchianity' as opposed to true Christianity. Altogether a refreshing, insightful and challenging look at some aspects of church life.

I would encourage people to read all four booklets due to their interrelated themes. Once you start you won't be able to put them down. Also a plus for slow readers like myself; these books are written in a very clear and understandable flowing style - so don't be put off by their heavy-duty titles.

 

When I first picked up this book I knew in my spirit that as I read the first page, here was something I was going to enjoy. This particular paragraph gripped me immediately - "Partnership with the Spirit .. keeping in step with the Spirit ... these two statements captivate my attention repeatedly ... I want to walk like that For Jesus' sake I long to be that kind of Christian."

If this book does nothing else for you (and I'm sure it will) let this thought really get into your spirit. IT IS POSSIBLE to have a partnership with the Spirit - we CAN keep in step with the Spirit. It takes discipline. But it can happen! It is important to realise that it is we who must fit into His plans - not the other way around.

But I must be careful not to re-write the book. Often when I start reading a book that I sense has truths within, that I need to know, I start writing notes from every chapter. I take out what I see as the principles that I need in my life. I'm tempted to do this now - but then you may not buy the book. To me this Is a book that one should keep on the bedside table, one that we pick up often to 're-challenge' ourselves. There are statements that encourage me such as "As Paul found, we have the ability by the power of the Holy Spirit to do what pleases the Lord." - "A sense of inner cleanness and well-being fills the heart of those ... who walk in the will of God." - We need specific revelation for our daily walk" - We need to be brought to a place of absolute rest and contentment in Jesus."

The principle in this book, could well be very helpful to we who are seeking to experience church in a spiritual way not in man's way, as is normally the case.