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Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit
What stands between you and living an authentic Spirit-filled life? Do you want to experience the Holy Spirit more but are afraid of what that truly means? In Simply Spirit-Filled, internationally acclaimed theologian Andrew Gabriel says if you want to experience all the Holy Spirit has to offer, you must become more aware of the ways the Spirit is already quietly at work in and around you. By blending theology, practical steps, and a touch of humor, this book brings clarity to praying in tongues, spiritual gifts, dreams and visions, and miracles. Simply Spirit-Filled is a biblically rooted and well-informed introduction to some of the basics of the charismatic tradition.
- GenresChristian
176 pages, Paperback
Published February 12, 2019
26 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 6, 2020
I found this book rather mediocre. Although the conclusions were fairly balanced, the presentation didn't seem to be. Most sections of the book began by describing extreme and/or abusive application of spiritual gifts (or purported spiritual gifts). The author would then discuss how such gifts SHOULD be exercised, but the heavy presence of described abuses may actually be off-putting for many readers. The corrections were largely biblical, but didn't come across as deep or well-argued.
On the plus side, everything about the book seems geared toward a not-very-learned audience, so it should be quite accessible, even for fairly young readers. It isn't condescending, but Dr. Gabriel doesn't make any assumptions about the reader's existing knowledge. He doesn't rely on theological terminology, and defines his terms where necessary.
A little bit of relevant church history is included, but it doesn't go back more than a few hundred years, and leans heavily ('though not entirely) on pentecostal/charismatic groups. Together with the heavy emphasis on gross abuses, it seems that those already in the charismatic and/or health & wealth community are likely the target audience. For that reason, this is probably a more useful book for those familiar with gifts in practice who are pursuing biblical balance, rather than for those UNfamiliar who are looking for more information from "ground zero."
On the plus side, everything about the book seems geared toward a not-very-learned audience, so it should be quite accessible, even for fairly young readers. It isn't condescending, but Dr. Gabriel doesn't make any assumptions about the reader's existing knowledge. He doesn't rely on theological terminology, and defines his terms where necessary.
A little bit of relevant church history is included, but it doesn't go back more than a few hundred years, and leans heavily ('though not entirely) on pentecostal/charismatic groups. Together with the heavy emphasis on gross abuses, it seems that those already in the charismatic and/or health & wealth community are likely the target audience. For that reason, this is probably a more useful book for those familiar with gifts in practice who are pursuing biblical balance, rather than for those UNfamiliar who are looking for more information from "ground zero."
December 26, 2020
This book is exceptionally simple, clear, and balanced. This book is not exceptionally inspirational, novel, or challenging. This is clear teaching on the Holy Spirit and charismatic experience and activity that is accessible and balanced for everyone. It presents a well rounded and much needed level headed approach and introduction. I agree with almost everything in it and would recommend it to those looking for clear and level headed teaching. Some may find the book has too much of a "vanilla" flavour. It's strength and weakness is that it is fairly no nonsense and perhaps deliberately ordinary. I am grateful for its ordinariness and believe what it teaches should be a sound theology of charismatic experience and practice for all.
December 21, 2023
Short and sweet. Nothing groundbreaking here but a lot of helpful stuff in such a short book.A lot of what he said was fleshed out more in Jack Deere’s two books, yet it’s always nice to hear similar thoughts in another’s voice. Throughout the book, I especially found it helpful to think through genuine experiences of the spirit vs those that were either manufactured or were a result of excessive zeal gone wrong. This is a great book recommendation for someone who is new in “exploring” the things of the spirit, it will surely help them go deeper.
December 28, 2019
I appreciate that the author takes a very balanced and careful approach. A lot of scripture was utilized, including contextual background. The author was honest about his own personal experiences growing up in Pentecostal churches as well as personal experiences he had with the Holy Spirit. He also included careful criticism of behaviors that are not biblical.
Topics covered are speaking in tongues, shaking in the Spirit, words of knowledge, words of wisdom, prophecy, healing, faith is not measured by positive confession, faith does not necessarily increase with increased expectation, errors of the prosperity gospel, etc.
I will include several quotes I appreciated:
“I think of Moses and his encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3), and I am reminded that many people in the Bible had intimate and intense encounters with God without losing control of themselves in any way—they didn’t have to shake or fall. Therefore, we should not make the dangerous conclusion that out-of-the-ordinary experiences with God are indicators of our spiritual vitality (more on this in a later chapter). Remember, falling or shaking was not a normal experience for people in the Bible. These experiences are unusual precisely because they are out of the ordinary. So we should not expect them to happen ordinarily or try to manufacture them. Moreover, people who have never experienced shaking or falling should not feel guilty. If God really wanted all Christians to have and expect these experiences, I’m sure God would have made this clearer in the Bible.”
“The gifts of the Spirit aren’t primarily for our own personal benefit. God doesn’t give us gifts so we can have some sort of a spiritual experience, an emotional high, or to build an international ministry with our name on it. The gifts are for the health of the church. They are for others.”
“Jesus worked miracles despite [people’s] little faith. Just as God is not limited by our expectations, God is not limited by our level of faith. And so, Jesus saved the disciples and calmed the stormy sea, even though they had little faith. And Peter may have begun to sink, but he still walked on water.”
If you are curious to learn more about the Holy Spirit or the gifts of the Spirit, this is a wonderful, balanced place to start.
I was offered an ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Topics covered are speaking in tongues, shaking in the Spirit, words of knowledge, words of wisdom, prophecy, healing, faith is not measured by positive confession, faith does not necessarily increase with increased expectation, errors of the prosperity gospel, etc.
I will include several quotes I appreciated:
“I think of Moses and his encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3), and I am reminded that many people in the Bible had intimate and intense encounters with God without losing control of themselves in any way—they didn’t have to shake or fall. Therefore, we should not make the dangerous conclusion that out-of-the-ordinary experiences with God are indicators of our spiritual vitality (more on this in a later chapter). Remember, falling or shaking was not a normal experience for people in the Bible. These experiences are unusual precisely because they are out of the ordinary. So we should not expect them to happen ordinarily or try to manufacture them. Moreover, people who have never experienced shaking or falling should not feel guilty. If God really wanted all Christians to have and expect these experiences, I’m sure God would have made this clearer in the Bible.”
“The gifts of the Spirit aren’t primarily for our own personal benefit. God doesn’t give us gifts so we can have some sort of a spiritual experience, an emotional high, or to build an international ministry with our name on it. The gifts are for the health of the church. They are for others.”
“Jesus worked miracles despite [people’s] little faith. Just as God is not limited by our expectations, God is not limited by our level of faith. And so, Jesus saved the disciples and calmed the stormy sea, even though they had little faith. And Peter may have begun to sink, but he still walked on water.”
If you are curious to learn more about the Holy Spirit or the gifts of the Spirit, this is a wonderful, balanced place to start.
I was offered an ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 11, 2019
Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God
in the Presence and Power of the Holy
Spirit
By Andrew Gabriel, Ph.D. (Emanate Books/ Thomas
Nelson Publishers; 2019)
The author has used his own journey in growing up in a
Pentecostal/charismatic church, then becoming disillusioned with the active
role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, to becoming more informed and
comfortable of the biblical standards of what it truly means to be a
“Spirit-filled Christian” today. Now, the author has found and wants to
encourage others to realize that all believers should not be scared of the
Holy Spirit because of the excesses and poor theology of some; but, rather
to recognize that the Holy Spirit is vital to living the true life of a follower of
Jesus.
After covering his own journey toward a scriptural view of the Person and
work of the Holy Spirit as described in the New Testament and practiced in
the life of the church, Gabriel then discusses some of the more
controversial and problematic aspects of the activity of the Holy Spirit ---
including being “slain in the Spirit;” words of knowledge and prophecy;
praying in tongues; miracles of healing; and gifts of the Spirit (as mentioned
in passages such as Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and I
Peter 4). The author does an understandable and gracious job of
examining both excesses and true biblical spiritual activity, and offers to his
readers his conviction that all Christians should strive to have the Spirit to
be an active part of their lives for the ministry of the church, but not to get
captured by the unbiblical and attention-seeking behavior of some.
Gabriel is convinced that believers should not shun the Person of the Holy
Spirit and all the benefits he brings, while also helping readers to realize
that the spiritual gifts are truly given by God as “gifts” for the building up of
the Bod of Christ, and not to be too prideful or unnecessarily timid about
seeking out and enjoying this great gift given by God to facilitate our
sanctification and growing in Christlikeness.
in the Presence and Power of the Holy
Spirit
By Andrew Gabriel, Ph.D. (Emanate Books/ Thomas
Nelson Publishers; 2019)
The author has used his own journey in growing up in a
Pentecostal/charismatic church, then becoming disillusioned with the active
role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, to becoming more informed and
comfortable of the biblical standards of what it truly means to be a
“Spirit-filled Christian” today. Now, the author has found and wants to
encourage others to realize that all believers should not be scared of the
Holy Spirit because of the excesses and poor theology of some; but, rather
to recognize that the Holy Spirit is vital to living the true life of a follower of
Jesus.
After covering his own journey toward a scriptural view of the Person and
work of the Holy Spirit as described in the New Testament and practiced in
the life of the church, Gabriel then discusses some of the more
controversial and problematic aspects of the activity of the Holy Spirit ---
including being “slain in the Spirit;” words of knowledge and prophecy;
praying in tongues; miracles of healing; and gifts of the Spirit (as mentioned
in passages such as Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and I
Peter 4). The author does an understandable and gracious job of
examining both excesses and true biblical spiritual activity, and offers to his
readers his conviction that all Christians should strive to have the Spirit to
be an active part of their lives for the ministry of the church, but not to get
captured by the unbiblical and attention-seeking behavior of some.
Gabriel is convinced that believers should not shun the Person of the Holy
Spirit and all the benefits he brings, while also helping readers to realize
that the spiritual gifts are truly given by God as “gifts” for the building up of
the Bod of Christ, and not to be too prideful or unnecessarily timid about
seeking out and enjoying this great gift given by God to facilitate our
sanctification and growing in Christlikeness.
May 4, 2020
Chapter 1: The author’s story: he is genuine and transparent in his questioning his experiences.
Chapter 2: Really weak arguments that trembling and falling down MAY be in the Bible; I expected better from a Bible professor. he doesn’t even look at the Greek or Hebrew texts or the Biblical and cultural norm of prostrating oneself before God. His “historical” evidence only goes back to 1700, hardly convincing; is there evidence of early church fathers or councils discussing trembling or falling down?
Chapter 3: This is pretty basic information on listening to God’s voice through Scripture, song, others, and “inner voice.” He encourages you to learn to know when God is speaking to you, how God speaks to you. I do not agree we should “test” God by seeing if God will repeat His voice over and over or until we get another confirmation. True, a young (in Spirit) believer may have to gain experience in hearing God, but once we know, we should step out in faith and act on His first speaking to us. Also, God’s speaking to us should be an every day thing, as we go through our day walking in His Presence and certainly from reading His Word every day.
Chapter 4: Probably the most valuable thing I am getting from this weakly written book is the vocabulary used by Pentecostal and charismatic Christians.
Barely a distinction is first made of the tongues spoken in Acts 2 (actual world languages) and spiritual tongues and then the lines are blurred later in the chapter. Several times the author mentions 1 Corinthians 12 AND 14–omitting chapter 13; did God really give us a passage on spiritual gifts with a whole chapter (man defined) unrelated in the middle????? 1 Cor 13 is all part of the whole spiritual gifts passage of 1 Cor 12-14 (not just 1 Cor 13:1). Really poor exegesis from a Bible professor.
Chapter 5: The price of the book is worth this chapter. Finally, the author gets deep down into theology and Scripture and really debunks the Name-it-Claim-it and Prosperity-Gospel bad theology. Then he gives the best, theologically sound, exegetical explanation of faith that I have ever read or heard preached.
Chapter 6: Balanced, low-key (like the rest of the author’s writing), explanation of how we get gifts of the Spirit: birth, asking, imparting. Better at exegetical proof of his writing.
Chapter 7:
Chapter 2: Really weak arguments that trembling and falling down MAY be in the Bible; I expected better from a Bible professor. he doesn’t even look at the Greek or Hebrew texts or the Biblical and cultural norm of prostrating oneself before God. His “historical” evidence only goes back to 1700, hardly convincing; is there evidence of early church fathers or councils discussing trembling or falling down?
Chapter 3: This is pretty basic information on listening to God’s voice through Scripture, song, others, and “inner voice.” He encourages you to learn to know when God is speaking to you, how God speaks to you. I do not agree we should “test” God by seeing if God will repeat His voice over and over or until we get another confirmation. True, a young (in Spirit) believer may have to gain experience in hearing God, but once we know, we should step out in faith and act on His first speaking to us. Also, God’s speaking to us should be an every day thing, as we go through our day walking in His Presence and certainly from reading His Word every day.
Chapter 4: Probably the most valuable thing I am getting from this weakly written book is the vocabulary used by Pentecostal and charismatic Christians.
Barely a distinction is first made of the tongues spoken in Acts 2 (actual world languages) and spiritual tongues and then the lines are blurred later in the chapter. Several times the author mentions 1 Corinthians 12 AND 14–omitting chapter 13; did God really give us a passage on spiritual gifts with a whole chapter (man defined) unrelated in the middle????? 1 Cor 13 is all part of the whole spiritual gifts passage of 1 Cor 12-14 (not just 1 Cor 13:1). Really poor exegesis from a Bible professor.
Chapter 5: The price of the book is worth this chapter. Finally, the author gets deep down into theology and Scripture and really debunks the Name-it-Claim-it and Prosperity-Gospel bad theology. Then he gives the best, theologically sound, exegetical explanation of faith that I have ever read or heard preached.
Chapter 6: Balanced, low-key (like the rest of the author’s writing), explanation of how we get gifts of the Spirit: birth, asking, imparting. Better at exegetical proof of his writing.
Chapter 7:
February 26, 2024
While reading this book, I had pretty mixed feelings. Let me try to sort them out:
The author presented topics in a confusing way, which made it seem at first he supported the unbiblical view (wait, is he for the prosperity gospel?!) before going on to explain that he did not, in fact support it (phew!). This made the book very confusing, and often took Gabriel awhile to clarify his view.
He was also very inconclusive. Much of the book felt like he was saying, "It could be this, or maybe not." While I agree that we can't know all the ways the Holy Spirit works, and that we shouldn't limit our view of His work by putting Him in a box, it didn't seem very helpful to me to write about what can be a confusing topic without drawing a conclusion. He would discuss say, "Do you have the gift of speaking in tongues?" and basically say, "Well you might. But you might not. Either way, you do have gifts given by the Holy Spirit." While this is true, it's unhelpful to talk about it in the first place.
Gabriel's book is full of Scripture, and he references verses to support everything he says. His view is deeply founded on Scripture, which I appreciate. However, most of the book was mediocre and sometimes left me more confused.
The author presented topics in a confusing way, which made it seem at first he supported the unbiblical view (wait, is he for the prosperity gospel?!) before going on to explain that he did not, in fact support it (phew!). This made the book very confusing, and often took Gabriel awhile to clarify his view.
He was also very inconclusive. Much of the book felt like he was saying, "It could be this, or maybe not." While I agree that we can't know all the ways the Holy Spirit works, and that we shouldn't limit our view of His work by putting Him in a box, it didn't seem very helpful to me to write about what can be a confusing topic without drawing a conclusion. He would discuss say, "Do you have the gift of speaking in tongues?" and basically say, "Well you might. But you might not. Either way, you do have gifts given by the Holy Spirit." While this is true, it's unhelpful to talk about it in the first place.
Gabriel's book is full of Scripture, and he references verses to support everything he says. His view is deeply founded on Scripture, which I appreciate. However, most of the book was mediocre and sometimes left me more confused.
October 19, 2020
In the "Praise for Simply Spirit Filled", Samuel Rodriguez seems to suggest this book would be suitable for a new convert who wants to learn about the Holy Spirit. Reflecting back to my late teens when I left the Baptist denomination for the Pentecostal denomination, I would not have found this book helpful as an introduction to the Pentecostal view of the Holy Spirit.
However, this is the book I would have benefited from within my first year in the Pentecostal church as I learned about and wrested with my initial Pentecostal experiences that exposed the errors of the warnings I received as I switched denominations. I would have appreciated then, as I appreciate now, Andrew Gabriel's honesty regarding inauthentic experiences. It was the inauthentic experiences I would wrestle with over the last 40 years because, like Gabriel, I do not believe that the inauthentic negates the authentic experiences in the Holy Spirit. This book would also be helpful for those who are critical of the Pentecostal view of the Holy Spirit, but who fail to properly understand what Pentecostals believe.
However, this is the book I would have benefited from within my first year in the Pentecostal church as I learned about and wrested with my initial Pentecostal experiences that exposed the errors of the warnings I received as I switched denominations. I would have appreciated then, as I appreciate now, Andrew Gabriel's honesty regarding inauthentic experiences. It was the inauthentic experiences I would wrestle with over the last 40 years because, like Gabriel, I do not believe that the inauthentic negates the authentic experiences in the Holy Spirit. This book would also be helpful for those who are critical of the Pentecostal view of the Holy Spirit, but who fail to properly understand what Pentecostals believe.
October 2, 2019
A very easy to read, even light-hearted walk through aspects of the Spirit-filled life that people may have experienced or heard of, but not taken the time to understand themselves. Although certainly not an all-encompassing tome on a theology of the Holy Spirit, Dr. Gabriel balances his accessible writing with obvious academic know-how, making the book both non-threatening and trustworthy. A positive introduction to classical Pentecostal experience and thought.
February 15, 2021
A solid contribution on the topic of spiritual gifts and some of the peculiar activities often associated with Charismatic and Pentecostal churches from someone who was raised in those camps and went through periods of skepticism and doubt yet still holds to the Continuationist view.
I would have given it 5 stars if it was peppered with more stories.
I would have given it 5 stars if it was peppered with more stories.
June 1, 2019
Concise, helpful, thought-provoking
This came highly recommended to me by Sam Storms, and his recommendation did not disappoint. Andrew Gabriel helps bring historically contentious issues to a satisfying denouement! Well done! Worth your time!
This came highly recommended to me by Sam Storms, and his recommendation did not disappoint. Andrew Gabriel helps bring historically contentious issues to a satisfying denouement! Well done! Worth your time!
October 5, 2019
I found this to be a very interesting read. It's understandable to explained things I did not know or maybe not understood in the past. I like a book that makes you think, underline parts and you don't want to rush through. I cannot recall who/where it was recommended but I am glad it was.
December 5, 2019
Dr. Gabriel approaches some very heavy, and sometimes hard to talk about issues with a personal touch, a clear biblical understanding, and a conversational tone that doesn't require you to be a student of theology to take in.
September 24, 2022
3.5 stars. This is a short, accessible book about experiencing the Holy Spirit. It's not in-depth or overly theological, but it's clear, well thought out, and Biblically supported. I think it's a great intro/starting place for learning about the Holy Spirit.
February 8, 2021
I liked the content of the book but didn’t particularly appreciate the tone. It felt more like a rant or justification than an explanation and invitation.
May 8, 2019
A solid book. It manages to satiate some of my unanswered question! Worth reading for sure.
June 29, 2020
Easy-to-read approach to the “spirit-filled” life. I appreciate how sober of an approach he has to these things. Topics includes but not limited to; manifestation of the spirit, tongues, spiritual gifts, spiritual living, healing, and prosperity gospel.
I appreciate his “in the middle” approach to things of the spirit. He shares of his “spirit-junkie” phase and then how he became a skeptic and is now recovering. And gives hope for the skeptic.
I don’t appreciate his constant rants.
Overall, I really loved the book!
I appreciate his “in the middle” approach to things of the spirit. He shares of his “spirit-junkie” phase and then how he became a skeptic and is now recovering. And gives hope for the skeptic.
I don’t appreciate his constant rants.
Overall, I really loved the book!
March 15, 2021
The Holy Spirit can sometimes be a complicated topic with many different answers. Andrew Gabriel, however, is able to navigate this discussion with wisdom and clarity. Even if you don’t come from a Pentecostal or charismatic background, Andrew’s book (Simply Spirit Filled) is able to invite you into a healthy conversation of skepticism, experience, and academia – you’ll never think of the Spirit’s activity the same again!
Read my full review here: https://andrewholm.com/simply-spirit-...
Read my full review here: https://andrewholm.com/simply-spirit-...
March 14, 2019
What a great and simple read about the Holy Spirit! While oriented towards those familiar with the Pentecostal/Charismatic tradition, it would be a great introductory read for anyone from any church background. I strongly encourage anyone to read this book. Andrew Gabriel writes an accessible and scripturally accurate read.
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March 23, 2019I really appreciated reading about the author's personal experiences with the Holy Spirit, and hearing of his initial skepticism. I also like that his writing comes from a highly intellectual and intelligent perspective. I felt that I could clearly understand his arguments for what he believed, even when I didn't fully agree. I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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