Daniel Kolenda and Craig Keener Co-Author New Book Making the Biblical Case for Spiritual Gifts Today

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In Spiritual Gifts Are for Today, global evangelist Daniel Kolenda and renowned New Testament scholar Craig S. Keener examine the biblical evidence for the continuing work of the Holy Spirit, including prophecy, healing, and spiritual power.

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Christ for all Nations (CfaN)
Nov. 10, 2026

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 10, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — Christ for All Nations (CfaN) is pleased to announce the release of Spiritual Gifts Are for Today: A Biblical Case for the Continuing Work of the Spirit (Why the Church Never Stopped Needing Prophecy, Healing, and Power), published October 13, 2026. Co-authored by CfaN President and CEO, global evangelist Daniel Kolenda, and distinguished New Testament scholar Craig S. Keener, the book addresses one of Christianity’s longstanding theological discussions: whether spiritual gifts such as prophecy, healing, and tongues remain active and relevant in the Church today or ceased with the apostolic era. Drawing on rigorous biblical scholarship, historical perspective, and firsthand accounts from around the world, Keener and Kolenda present a compelling biblical case for the continuing work of the Holy Spirit and the enduring relevance of spiritual gifts throughout the present Church age.

The question of whether certain spiritual gifts ceased with the apostolic era has long been debated among Christian scholars, pastors, and church traditions. In Spiritual Gifts Are for Today, Keener and Kolenda examine what Scripture teaches about the continuing work of the Holy Spirit, addressing common objections to continuationism—the belief that the spiritual gifts described in the New Testament may continue throughout the present Church age.

Drawing from the ministry of Jesus, the book of Acts, and the writings of the Apostle Paul, the authors explore the biblical purpose and duration of spiritual gifts. They challenge readers to consider whether the belief that certain gifts have ceased is firmly established in Scripture or rests more heavily on theological traditions developed after the biblical era. The authors argue that Scripture does not teach that these gifts must cease before Christ’s return.

The collaboration brings together two complementary perspectives: Keener’s extensive academic expertise in New Testament studies and Kolenda’s experience as a global evangelist and ministry leader.

Spiritual Gifts Are for Today is already found on university bookshelves, where it is being used as a textbook to argue against cessationism. The book offers readers a thoughtful examination of biblical evidence alongside accounts of God’s work in contemporary Christian communities around the world.

For Kolenda, the subject is closely connected to the mission and calling of the Church. As president and CEO of Christ for All Nations, he leads a ministry with a longstanding commitment to proclaiming the Gospel throughout the world and equipping others to carry that message to the nations.

For a ministry whose history is rooted in proclaiming the Gospel and witnessing the power of God at work, the subject of this book carries particular significance. Its message speaks to the biblical foundation for the Church’s ongoing dependence on the Holy Spirit in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Spiritual Gifts Are for Today is written for pastors, ministry leaders, theological students, and believers seeking a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. Whether readers approach the subject from a scholarly, pastoral, or personal perspective, the book invites a fresh examination of a question with significant implications for the life and mission of the Church.

Christ for All Nations is pleased to highlight this important new publication and encourage believers, church leaders, and Christian communities to engage with its biblical message. The book offers an opportunity to revisit Scripture, consider the work of the Holy Spirit, and explore why the Church continues to need everything God has made available to it. If you’ve ever wanted to defend the gifts of the Holy Spirit, then you want this book on your bookshelf.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Craig S. Keener

Dr. Craig S. Keener is a distinguished New Testament scholar who earned his Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins from Duke University. Recognized for his expertise in the historical, cultural, and biblical contexts of the New Testament, he has authored more than 30 books, with over one million copies in circulation. His works have received 13 national and international awards, including his widely acclaimed IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, which has sold more than half a million copies.

Daniel Kolenda

Daniel Kolenda is a missionary evangelist, pastor, author, and teacher who has led more than 22 million people to Christ through large-scale evangelistic campaigns around the world. As the successor to renowned evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, he serves as President and CEO of Christ for All Nations (CfaN), a global ministry that has conducted some of the largest evangelistic events in history. Under his leadership, CfaN continues its worldwide mission of proclaiming the Gospel and equipping a new generation of evangelists. Kolenda is also the author of eight books, including the bestsellers LIVE Before You Die and Slaying Dragons, and serves as Lead Pastor of Nations Church in Orlando, Florida.

ABOUT CHRIST FOR ALL NATIONS (CfaN)
Christ for All Nations (CfaN) is a global evangelistic ministry founded by Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, whose decades of ministry were marked by an unwavering passion to proclaim the Gospel and reach people around the world. Through large-scale Gospel crusades, evangelistic outreach, and a vision to see nations transformed by the power of the Gospel, Evangelist Bonnke established CfaN as a ministry with a global reach and a clear mandate: to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the multitudes.

Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, President and CEO of Christ for All Nations. Building on the foundation laid by Evangelist Bonnke, CfaN continues to conduct Gospel crusades across nations while equipping and training evangelists to carry the Gospel to the world.

With more than 120 million decisions for Christ recorded through CfaN evangelistic initiatives around the world over the past 50 years, the ministry remains committed to pursuing the harvest and making Jesus known. Guided by a simple and unwavering conviction that the Gospel must be preached and every soul is worth reaching, CfaN continues its mission of bringing the message of Jesus Christ to the nations.

BOOK INFORMATION

Title: Spiritual Gifts Are for Today: A Biblical Case for the Continuing Work of the Spirit (Why the Church Never Stopped Needing Prophecy, Healing, and Power)

Authors: Craig S. Keener and Daniel Kolenda

Publication Date: October 13, 2026

Availability: Available now at CFAN.org and wherever books are sold.

MEDIA CONTACT

Christ for All Nations (CfaN)
Mary-Kathryn Manuel
888-800-2767
usa@cfan.org
https://cfan.org
IG: @evangelistdanielkolenda


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