I love that Dr Wood drops from his pen an obscure word in to every chapter, which will send the reader running to the dictionary. A very well written and easily understood book on a subject that most believers, not to mention non-believers, have no understanding of.

I admit that I really have no understanding of this subject, though I found "Living in the Spirit" to be thus far the most illuminating work that I have read on the Holy Spirit. I have lain out before me doctrinal teachings which I align myself with. Dr Wood went to great lengths to show why he himself holds these scriptural truths to be self evident. Do you know the difference between Baptism with the Holy Spirit, and Baptism in the Holy Spirit?

I found most interesting the mention of Dean Merrill's article, "The Five Faces of Pentecost" - Retro Pentecost, Prosperity Pentecost, Hyper Pentecost, Nominal Pentecost, and finally, Authentic Pentecost. I believe the majority of Pentecostals fall under Prosperity, followed by Hyper. Do you know under which your favorite TV evangelist falls?

Most fascinating too was Chapter Four's section on "Why God Chose Tongues". This explanation was astounding and most logical! I loved it!

What are the most important things that I took away?

1. Tongues, in scripture, are described as "enthused" speech.

2. Dr. Wood teaches that tongues are functioning with rationality - tongues are not something that spring forth from trance, or the subconscious mind.

3. There are 9 Spiritual Gifts described in I Corinthians 12

4. There are 7 Gifts mentioned in Romans 12:6-8

5. Additional Gifts are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-13

Let me break these down:

MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS (Romans 12:6-8)
Prophecy
Service
Teaching
Encouragement
Giving
Leadership
Mercy

SPIRITUAL GIFTS (I Corinthians 12:7-11)
Wisdom
Knowledge
Faith
Gifts of Healing
Miracles
Discerning of Spirits
Tongues
Interpretation of Tongues

MINISTRY GIFTS (I Corinthians 12:27-31, Ephesians 4:11-13
Apostle
Helps
Administration
Evangelist
Pastor

FOUR ADDITIONAL GIFTS (I Corinthians 7:7, 13:3, I Peter 4:9)
Celibacy
Voluntary Poverty
Martyrdom
Hospitality

Have you received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? How many of us have been ask that!? What we should be asking is "Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?"

I'd like to go on to elaborate on the book, but I simply can't. I could quote more things, and give my opinion of them, but what I need is experience. Upon experiencing, I'd like to read this book again, take notes. I may very well come back here and add an update. Look forward to it. ( )

Compilation of perspectives concerning the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit from the leader of the Assemblies of God, George Wood.