Amazon.com (ISBN 0849941539, Paperback)

The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life by Billy Graham begins with a very simple statement: "Man has two great spiritual needs. One is for forgiveness. The other is for goodness." Graham then affirms that "God heard that first cry for help, that cry for forgiveness, and answered it at Calvary" and that "God also heard our second cry ... and answered it at Pentecost." The Holy Spirit, Graham writes, is "the source of power who meets our need to escape from the miserable weakness that grips us," even after one has given one's life to Christ. "He gives us the power to be truly good."

In clear, concise prose, Graham then walks readers through biblical passages that teach about the Holy Spirit. He also describes some related concepts and experiences that are widely misunderstood, such as baptism with the spirit and sins against the Holy Spirit. And he gives readers a solid outline of the signs and fruits of the Spirit (such as love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness). Graham's book may be especially helpful for new Christians, but it will also serve as a helpful reminder to longtime believers. "No person can seek sincerely the cleansing and blessing of the Holy Spirit, and remain the same afterward," Graham promises. This promise is sufficiently grounded in scripture, and offered with such authoritative serenity that many readers will find real comfort here. --Kevin Attwood