There is so much tension, disagreement, and even disputes among many Christians in regards to the truth about the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, and how they interact with each other.

On one side, we have the cessationists that believe the gifts of the Spirit have ceased and are no longer active in the church today. On the other side, we have the charismatics, who believe the gifts of the Spirit are still active and should be a regular part of the ministry. There is a separation of Word and Spirit in our lives and in the church.

These differences have been some of main reasons the church has been divided for a long time now. So much ridicule and mocking against each other, has been the main reason of no unity between these two different camps. Is there any hope of reconciling the two together? Can there be any balance? Can the church manage to put aside the differences within its own members and focus perhaps on something more valuable and important: helping the poor, caring for the needy, and most importantly—mission? Is there any chance these two sides can come into a convergence?

Sam Storms writes in a way that analyzes each camp’s differences, weaknesses, and strengths. Sam Storms calls all believers to a reconciliation of Word and Spirit, mind and affection, principle and passion in both the individual and the church as a whole. The ultimate goal: to bring unity among the body of Christ for the glory of God and the spread of the gospel.

Sam Storms’ book Convergence is very unique, fascinating, and thought provoking. In his book, he shows the readers of ways of embracing the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of the written Word, both biblically and from his personal experience with the Lord and ministry. He has done a fabulous job in studying both sides and giving each one a fair stand without leaning or favoring on one over the other.

The material covered in his writing is very helpful to distinguish the differences between the cessationists and charismatics. Sam refreshes our minds of each camp’s view of prayer and supernatural, preaching the Word and worship, and many other important aspects of life and the ministry. To recognize our own distinct weaknesses is very crucial and important to grasp on the need of reconciliation of both Word and Spirit.

1 Corinthians chapter 12-14 is a great demonstration of the unity of believers and shows the necessity of each other’s gifts as a way to display love towards God and each other. “Biblical balance is pursuing everything the Bible demands with the degree of emphasis and energy that the Bible demands” (Storms, 105).

Our lives should reflect this type of biblical balance for the sole purpose of glorifying God. Our lives cannot function properly if we lean too much on one side, either side of scripture or the Spirit. Our goal should be to seek, pray, and let the Holy Spirit work in our lives life to produce the humility and balance that will ultimate lead to a better relationship with God.

Sam’s life is very inspiring, motivating, and encouraging. His prayer is that we may be more sensitive to work and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to seek the heart of God for reconciliation of Word and Spirit.