My first thought was, “How did Andrew K. Gabriel write my autobiography?” Like Gabriel, I spent my youth-group years seeking the sort of spiritual experiences promised by my pastors and spoken of by the elders. It wasn’t until second-year Bible College cynicism set in that I began to seriously question the pursuit of experience.

In Simply Spirit-Filled, Gabriel weaves his personal life story into seven chapters of grounded teaching on the Holy Spirit and Christian spirituality. He brings a sense of normalcy to the phenomena which appear to be anything but normal: speaking in tongues, prophesying, and falling down under the power of the Spirit (slain or resting—choose your own metaphor). He also engages with some of the critical issues in charismatic teaching including the prosperity ‘gospel’ and the distribution and use of spiritual gifts.

This book would make a great study for churches. Each chapter ends with a series of questions for further reflection. Gabriel’s honesty and common-sense approach to the topic should appeal to a variety of churches across the charismatic spectrum.

Personally, I’d love to see this book in the hands of disillusioned former charismatics—those who didn’t have the benefit of Bible College to help them deepen their understanding of the Spirit-filled life. God longs to welcome his children into deeper dimensions of his life. This book could clear away barriers that prevent people from experiencing the fullness of the Spirit.

Gabriel, Andrew K. Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit. Emanate, 2019.