The Holy Spirit is Not an “It” or a “Ghost”

In this powerful and transparent episode, we continue our journey through the book The Spirit-Filled Life by Dr. Charles Stanley, focusing on Chapter 2: “My First Encounter.” Tatum dives into Dr. Stanley’s personal reflections, her own early confusion around the Holy Spirit, and the deeply transformative truths revealed through Scripture about who the Holy Spirit really is.

From church traditions and misinformation to real encounters with the Spirit of God, this episode breaks down misconceptions and invites you into a deeper awareness and relationship with the Holy Spirit—not as an “it,” but as the living, active, thinking, and feeling person He is.

If you've ever felt confused, intimidated, or even unsure about who the Holy Spirit is and how He operates in your life, this episode will meet you with truth, grace, and clarity. You’ll walk away equipped to recognize the fingerprints of the Spirit in your day-to-day life and encouraged to surrender to the divine guidance available to you.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• The biblical identity of the Holy Spirit as a person—not a force or an “it”
• Why speaking in tongues is not the only evidence of being Spirit-filled
• The key tasks of the Holy Spirit (with Scripture references)
• How to discern between conviction and condemnation
• Personal stories of early confusion and real encounters with the Holy Spirit
• Practical steps to develop greater awareness and relationship with the Holy Spirit

SCRIPTURES MENTIONED:

• John 16:8–11 – Conviction
• John 16:12–15 – Illumination and Teaching
• Romans 8:14 – Guidance
• Romans 8:16 – Assurance
• Romans 8:26 – Intercession
• Acts 20:22–23 – Direction and Warnings
• 1 Corinthians 2:11–12, 1 Corinthians 12:11 – Knowledge and Will of the Spirit
• Ephesians 4:30, Romans 15:30 – Emotion of the Spirit

CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:

• Reflect on the tasks of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the episode and look for them in your daily life.
• Ask yourself: Have I been guilty of ignoring the Holy Spirit?
• Begin to intentionally acknowledge Him as a person and seek to develop a daily awareness of His work in your life.

GET THE BOOK:

Grab your physical copy of The Spirit-Filled Life by Dr. Charles Stanley and follow along with our Book Club! https://amzn.to/43i0044

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