The Holy Spirit An Introduction

by John Bevere

The Holy Spirit is often portrayed as something weird. But the Bible makes it clear that the Spirit is not something. He is someone--a Person who has promised to never leave your side. In this interactive book, John Bevere invites you into a personal discovery of the most ignored and misunderstood Person in the Church: the Holy Spirit. Interactive book includes: daily devotions, group discussion questions, and a bonus chapter with answers to some of the toughest questions about the Holy Spirit. Don't miss this amazing introduction.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Christian Non Fiction, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

Marked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculums and bestselling books, now in more than 60 languages, including "The Bait of Satan," "Drawing Near" and "Driven by Eternity." He is an international speaker and co-host of "The Messenger" TV program broadcast worldwide.

John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

So refreshing! I loved every part of it 💞

[Reese Songbird]

This was a really good and insightful book. I would definitely recommend it.

[Lidia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Holy Spirit is literally the most underated person from the Trinity which is strange because He is the one walking with us daily, teaching us the holy things and Word of God, being the one that caresses us in the sad moments and delights with us in the happy ones. He is the one that points to Lord Jesus, that convinces us of God's eternal love for us and that He is in us. So why do we offten negliject Him?!

This little book is perfect for starting your journey in knowing the Holy Spirit which is dwelling in us,every and each Christian. The last chapter was a little confusing for me but the rest of book is great in knowing the Holy Spirit

Take a heart and go pray for the Holy Spirit to be seen by you and become one of the best friend you could ever wish to have in your life. Do not forget He is a PERSON not a power, that loves you and cannot wait to speak with you. He is very gentle and sensible but strong in the way that He doesn't give up on you but pereseverce in waiting for you to obey and together do unimagined things for the good of others and God's kingdom.

May God help us brothers and sisters to know Him and receive His leadership because together with Him we will be changed forever in the way of God not the world! 🥰

[Michael Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

It for sure gives a greater understanding to who the Holy spirit is and why it is important to live your life according to his direction

[Mike Johns · Rating 1 out of 5]

If he would have stuck with scripture, could have been good. He pushed his denominations beliefs too strong

[Susie Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me reexamine my appreciation of Holy Spirit.
From the very first page until the end, I thought of the scripture, Hosea 4:6 (KJV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:...

[Byron Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esperaba algo más completo de un tema profundo y delicado como el Espíritu Santo, sin embargo el libro es bastante simple y demasiado general. Hay mucho mejores materiales para aprender y sobre todo guiar.

[Lonnie Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good! I count John Bevere as a personal mentor through his writings and teachings. His books are filled with the wisdom of God and he does not hold back or soften things up just to sell books. He speaks Truth! This book is no different, no holds barred Truth in here! What's really awesome is how the book is titled as "an introduction". It's like being introduced to the person of the Holy Spirit again. So many times Christians have this idea that the Holy Spirit is an "it". He isn't. He is a person, the very Spirit of Christ. John masterfully takes the reader into the presence of Him so that personal relationship grows and understanding comes. Excellent! And lastly, the book is done as an interactive devotional so it can be read through straight or done daily with devo questions and areas for journal notes. If you have a desire to grow in understanding God, Christ and the Holy Spirit, read this book. BOOM!

[Jordan Brantley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pushed me to breakdown walls on “tongues”. I had a preconceived idea of this based upon my upbringing but this encouraged me to dive into what scripture says about it. I have a lot of questions moving forward.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 5 out of 5]

One if the best books out there in the subject.

[Megan Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great, easy read about who the Holy Spirit is and his role in our lives and churches.

[Marty Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing...with The Purpose Driven Life, it's the most important book I've read beyond The Holy Bible.

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If we do not wake up to the power that comes with our position in Christ, we will be no different than a king who refuses to wield the power of his throne. (John Bevere, The Holy Spirit: An Introduction, Page 143)

This book is not a comprehensive book on the Holy Spirit. Not sure if one could be written. The title says "An Introduction". That is exactly what this is and the book delivers just that. You will not find the author going into great detail about the gifts of the Spirit or the fruit of the Spirit. He does however go into great detail into the gift of tongues for some reason. He actually explains there are 4 different kinds of "tongues" mentioned in the Bible (See starting of page 132). The 4 types of tongues he expounded upon are:

1) Tongues As a Sign to Unbelievers;
2) Tongues for Interpretation;
3) Tongues for Personal Prayer; and
4) Tongues for Intercession.

My personal opinion is that the above list is actually one gift of the spirit of tongues; however, can be used in various ways as the Spirit leads. Not sure where the author came up with this theology that there are 4 separate gifts of tongues. The bible says, "The gift of tongues" not "the gifts (plural) of tongues".

He does agree that all believers do not need to speak in tongues in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit and I agree with him there. He shows the benefits of speaking in tongues and I also agree with him on these benefits. I liked how he compared to speaking in tongues as our kind of Morse Code with God. The enemy cannot understand what we are praying when we are speaking in tongues. We are speaking mysteries to God (See 1 Corinthians 14:2).

I think this is also a must read for those who are serious students of the Holy Spirit.

[Angela Blount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, conversational, succinct... and intensely important.

This book does exactly what the title suggests. It introduces the Holy Spirit in form, function, and personality. (All heavily backed by scripture, along with hermeneutical underpinnings.)

As an unadvertised bonus, somewhere into the second half of the book, Bevere gives one of the best and most comprehensive explanations I've ever seen on the gifts of tongues.

(I do recommend the audiobook, as it is narrated by the author.)

If you are a Christian from a denominational background that largely ignored (or seemed scared of) the third person of the Trinity, this is a great resource.

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stopped halfway through for several reasons:

1) I immediately noticed this book might not be aligned with my expectations and perspectives theologically. Sure enough, I looked up the author and found he pastors a Pentecostal church. Not my cup of tea.
2) The book was a bit difficult to follow in the audiobook version. It felt scattered.

Overall this might be a good book for someone else, but for my personal theology and book preferences I did not enjoy this. I typically prefer Dane Ortland and Philip Yancey.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

When The Holy Spirit Is Present, Anything Is Possible

This was an excellent introduction into the Holy Spirit.

I have been on a journey myself as of late to get deeper into prayer and how to hear God.

This was a great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Very helpful book and uplifting. Particularly welcoming read.

Some parts were really powerful and encouraging.

I would highly recommend this surprisingly quick but great book.

4.8/5

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book when it comes to understanding the Holy Spirit. I especially like the two chapters at the end of the book that talk about speaking in tongues and the reason that that is edifying and encouraging for each believer but also why it is so important for the church to grow in this.. Inspires me to consider as churches what we are doing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how we are out living them and working them out in the church.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book so much. It was well balanced, deeply rooted in the word and filled with passion for the subject.
I learned so much about Holy Spirit and was challenged to lay hold of promises in The Bible and practice gifts of the Spirit in new ways.
No matter where you are on your faith journey, if you’re hungry to learn more about Holy Spirit, this is a great start.

[Nikki Slonaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the first few chapters and the way that it’s set up with daily readings and reflective questions. The end felt way less practical and was very focused ideologically on one topic. Overall, an insightful and spurring read.

[Taras Rybalko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend if you are in search for God’s will for you

If you are in searching for God, getting close in relationships with Him and looking for His will for you - I highly recommend to read this book!

[Simply Stevie Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!!! I listened to the audiobook but want to buy a physical copy to mark up and take all the notes.
John Bevere and his wife Lisa both write such amazing biblical books that are so helpful but also lines up with scripture!!!

[Christine Manrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I recommended it if you want to learn more about Holy Spirit (The Spirit of God). I appreciate the author referencing bible verses in his book. I would actually pause and research the scriptures in my Bible.

[Danny Theurer · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the finest books out there for those who need a first, non-academic step into the study of The Holy Spirit. Both in its scope and its structure, Bevere’s work is a perfect, accessible starting point for those needing one!

[Abina Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was well written

Excellent book. It has helped me to understand the Holy Spirit and how He works in my life when I invite Him. This is a good book to have in your book collection so that you can keep referring to it.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely life changing. About to read it again as a study. Thank you, thank you.

[Aniqua · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good but does not speak to me like many other books I have read.

[A M K A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Монгол хэл дээр уншив.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leitura leve e tranquila, edificante e vale muito a pena para quem deseja entender um pouco mais sobre a Trindade.

[Maximilliano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great biblical teaching on Holy Spirit for Christians of all ages.

[D'Anna Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I walked away with a whole new understanding of the Holy Spirit