Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Spirit-Filled Life: Discover the Joy of Surrendering to the Holy Spirit

Rate this book

A wise, measured, and deeply passionate invitation to a Spirit-filled life

Are you trying your best to be a good Christian but still feel somethingÆs missing? Do the peace and joy you long for seem to elude you? Does following Christ sometimes feel like a lot of workùor like itÆs just not working very well?

Much has been written and spokenùand argued!ùabout the Holy Spirit and what it means to be filled with the Spirit. Charles Stanley cuts through the confusion and introduces you to a living Person as real and active as God the Father and Christ the Son. Through personal stories, biblical exploration, and insightful explanation, he will help you discover:

who the Spirit isùand how to develop a relationship with Him who the Spirit isnÆtùand how to avoid damaging misconceptions how being ôfilledö with the Spirit actually works what the Bible really teaches about spiritual ôsignsö such as speaking in tongues how the Spirit can increase your capacity for faith, hope, love, and personal transformation what it means to ôhearö the SpiritÆs voice how to make the most of your unique spiritual gifting to build up ChristÆs body what happens when the SpiritÆs power is unleashed in your workplace, your family life, your friendships, and every other area of your life

In The Spirit-Filled Life Charles Stanley reveals how to recognize and begin to live with the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1994

315 people are currently reading
395 people want to read

About the author

Charles F. Stanley

555 books676 followers
Dr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.

Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.

However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.

Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”

Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
320 (68%)
4 stars
113 (24%)
3 stars
24 (5%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Engle.
2,054 reviews59 followers
January 18, 2021
Charles F. Stanley, a Baptist minister in Atlanta, has written this highly practical guide to the role of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life ... implementing the importance of ‘dependency on and sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit’ can revolutionise one’s Christian walk ... filled with several hands-on ideas and scriptural references ...
Profile Image for Jon Barr.
828 reviews14 followers
June 25, 2022
Mr. Stanley says early in the book that he has read books about the Holy Spirit that lean toward the theological and those that lean toward the experiential. He tried to write a book that discussed both sides. I believe he did so in this exploration of what the Bible says about the Spirit and what we are to do about it.
Profile Image for Anna Farmelo.
40 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2023
yes!! I recommend going through this with a friend 🤲
Profile Image for Matthew Cook.
4 reviews
October 5, 2025
An excellent, in depth study of the Holy Spirit with practical applications of His work in the life of the believer.
Profile Image for JoJo Sutis.
Author 1 book43 followers
August 12, 2014
I’m thrilled that Dr. Stanley has written a very informative, biblically-based and exciting book that’s all about the Holy Spirit.
I think that the Holy Spirit may be one of the most controversial topics in the lives of Christians today. He is probably the most misused and misunderstood person of the Trinity.
That’s why Dr. Stanley’s book is so timely!
In the day and time we’re living in, it’s even more imperative that we understand Who the Holy Spirit is and what He does.
In “The Spirit-Filled Life”, Dr. Stanley shares his own personal experience of coming to understand and discover the Person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Chapter by chapter, delving into Scripture, you will discover for yourself…
Who the Holy Spirit is
What He does
How He works
Are you tired of trying and striving and working on areas of your life?
Have you rededicated your life to Christ, promising to do better- only to fall back into your same old patterns?
Do you feel completely unequipped to live for and work for Christ?
Are you ready to experience the freedom that comes from surrendering to the work of the Holy Spirit in your own life?
Is the Holy Spirit a complete mystery to you and you’d like to understand Him more?
This is the book for you!!!
I typically dislike marking up the pages of my books and dog-earring it’s pages in case I want to loan it out….well, get your highlighters ready! This one’s a keeper!!!
Profile Image for Cathryn.
401 reviews39 followers
January 7, 2023
This has to be the most educational teaching on the Holy Spirit that I’ve read. Very easy to understand and apply. I love the humility and life that Dr. Stanley adds to his teaching. I highlighted it up. 😉
108 reviews
February 3, 2020
Many books have been written about the Holy Spirit, but none of them compare to Dr. Stanley's
book. It is awesome and very much appreciated.
He clearly explains who the Holy Spirit is, the Spirit-filled life and how it functions, hearing the Spirit's voice, and many other related topics. His insights are clear and detailed with examples for understanding.
I also appreciated his honesty in relating examples of successes and failures from his life when he did not listen to the Holy Spirit.
If you are interested in a deeper walk with the Holy Spirit, His joy and power, don't miss this opportunity to learn and be blessed.
Profile Image for Lisa.
77 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2022
Charles Stanley always reaches me. There is no doubt in my mind that God is working through him. It's difficult to find a Christian pastor you can trust. Some who is living to serve God and not glorify himself. I love God, but I am highly skeptical of most churches. This man I choose to trust.

This book clearly explains how to live our lives, having a relationship with God and being guided by the Holy Spirit. As a Christian, this is the main thing I seek. I cannot recommend it enough.
Profile Image for Andrew Klob.
154 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2024
A fantastic book on the Holy Spirit and what it means to live a life filled with the Holy Spirit. Stanley did a great job of covering how the Holy Spirit works in the life of the believer. He has a whole section of the book on Biblical signs that show how the Holy Spirit is guiding you. In addition to that, Stanley covers what it means to be filled with the Spirit and what fruit/gifts of the Holy Spirit look like in the life of the believer. I also appreciated his chapter on “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit” as well. All in all, Stanley did a great job of giving a well balanced view of what a believer, filled with the Holy Spirit, should look like without swaying too far in either direction (I.e. too charismatic or too dry/academic). Highly recommend for all believers at every stage of their walk!
Profile Image for Glenda Shaw.
Author 16 books12 followers
May 25, 2025
I love Dr. Stanley's perspective on recognizing the Holy Spirit and his honesty about his first encounter. My copy of this book is marked and dog-eared.

I got excited reading parts that I had to share right then.

I wish I could turn everyone on to the Holy Spirit. Yes, He is there in the saved, but He is waiting for an invitation to act.

This book is one every Christian should read.
Profile Image for Jim Sanford.
75 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2017
I will give this a 5 for sure ... Charles Stanley has been preaching for awhile... that means that he has experienced a lot in his Christian walk and his ministry... it is a book that really helps you see the power of the holy spirt that indwells all christians ..
He uses scripture to help u be a more spirit filled Christian
2,084 reviews19 followers
November 20, 2018
Needed

It spoke to my heart so much, I cannot describe how vital this is to truly "walking with God". Have been seeking this change in my life - forever. I believe in doing what He says, not just reading it. It seems to be an ongoing process. Will need to keep doing so. Recommend to anyone wanting to go deeper.
313 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, there were questions that made me think about my spiritual walk and helped me realize just how distant I made myself in my walk. It does seem a little lengthy and repetitive, but otherwise I enjoyed it.
2 reviews
October 6, 2021
Great book

As always, Charles Staley provides useful insights by combining scripture with relevant and personal stories. This book helps the reader better understand the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit can impact one’s life.
Profile Image for Kate McKinney.
371 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2023
Charles Stanley shares his experiences discovering the joys of surrendering to the Holy Spirit. I began reading this excellent book immediately before the very beloved author Pastor Chas Stanley died (at 90 y/o, in April-2023). It's a heart-filled sharing of his personal experiences, in a way I haven't encountered before in his other books. Heartwarming, personal & renewing.
Profile Image for Marty.
414 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2024
Loved this book, learned a lot and going to keep it nearby for reference and review as I continue on my faith journey.
Will be helpful as I share with Jesus love with others and the power,presence of the Holy Spirit.
1 review
May 2, 2024
Awesome book and so important truth.

This book is so Biblical. It gives us the key to living a victorious Christian life and is practical in its approach. I must read for any believer in Jesus Christ.
Profile Image for Nicollette.
8 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2025
well… there were good points and nuggets throughout the book but the author could have said his points in half the amount of pages. I definitely skimmed the chapters because he would reiterate his points multiple times (which is fine) but just not my preferred style of reading.
Profile Image for Michael Kapp.
35 reviews
August 26, 2020
This is a very good book for new and older Christians to understand who the Holy Spirit is and who He isn´t, along with His function in the life of a believer.
5 reviews
September 18, 2020
So special!

It is so easy to read and understand Dr Stanley’s writing. He makes everything very clear and easier than it would be without his book! I feel like I know him!
1 review
April 21, 2023
this is a great read

This will help fill in the gaps of your knowledge concerning the Trinity. Five star rating, highly recommend picking up the Kindle version.
Profile Image for Bridget.
Author 3 books17 followers
July 30, 2023
A must read for Christians. An outstanding book that helps us to walk in the Spirit.
5 reviews
November 2, 2023
One of the best books I have ever read. Gained so much knowledge, insight and understanding, and clarification on so many matters! Excellent!
2 reviews
January 10, 2025
Renewing your relationship with God!

Wonderful and up lifting! Encouraging one to walk in unison with the Spirit of God. Great read! Enjoyed it tremendously.
Profile Image for Bobbi  Gildea.
11 reviews
April 5, 2025
Charles Stanley is one of the most spiritual men I know. His writing speaks to your heart. I felt like he was actually talking with me as I read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.