Receiving the Preparing the Way for the Holy Spirit by Zeb Bradford Long and Douglas McMurry. This book provides a biblical foundation for the person and work of the Holy Spirit along with their own ministry experiences. Chapter Part 1. Fresh Challenges from the Spirit of God 1. A New Movement of the HS 2. Healing the Wounds 3. The Power of God Part 2. A Biblical Foundation for the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit 4. The Holy Spirit "Upon" 5. Three Prophetic Hopes Fulfilled in Jesus 6. What does it mean to be Spirit-filled? 7. Is there a Baptism with the HS 8. How to Pray for the Empowerment of the HS 9. What's so special about Tongues? 10. A Three Views of the HS Part 3. Discerning the True from the False 11. The Ministry of Jesus as Prophet 12... as Priest 13. Reigning with Jesus the King 14. Breaking Tribalism in the Body of Christ 15. May the ????? be with you 16. Discerning Signs and Wonders 17. Is Holy Laughter holy? Part 4. Advancing the Kingdom of Jesus 18. Bringing the next Generation to Jesus 19. The Spirit brings the Kingdom
I’ll read any book about charismatic experience from a reformed theological perspective. Receiving the power was one of the best so far. What I enjoyed most about this book is the authors (plural) perspective on the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, a debated doctrine within third wave circles. I found that reading this is pushing me further toward embracing a subsequent infilling of the Spirit after conversion. I’m primarily convinced exegetically but secondarily because of the testimonies of many many trusted voices, I add those in this book to those voices. There were wonderfully encouraging stories about the power of the Spirit throughout as well as engagement with the scriptures. All of which blended to make a strong case that there is more to the Christian life than our stuffy traditions. We’re meant to live empowered lives for the glory of Christ. Though it was written a few decades ago, this book is still extremely relevant in diagnosing the current lack of effectiveness in the western church. There were many times that they articulated exactly what I felt about my own lack of experience and lingering feelings that something is missing. Further, they pointed me to the solution in receiving all that Christ has wrought for me in his redemptive work. Excellent!