The Familiar Stranger

(Re)Introducing the Holy Spirit to Those in Search of an Experiential Spirituality

by Tyler Staton

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Pub Date Jan 28 2025 | Archive Date Not set

Nelson Books | Thomas Nelson

Christian | Religion & Spirituality

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Description

Christians today are hungry for authentic spiritual experiences, yet all too often they don't have the knowledge of or relationship with the Holy Spirit that is the key to a fully alive spirituality. In The Familiar Stranger, pastor and author Tyler Staton draws on Scripture, tradition, and spiritual practices to help you step into a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit.

For a generation searching desperately for an experiential spirituality, there's good news: the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence to empower and transform is freely available. Unfortunately, confusion and unfamiliarity surround the Person of the Holy Spirit, leading too many Christians either to sideline him or misunderstand what he means for their spiritual lives.

In The Familiar Stranger, Staton reintroduces this oft-neglected Person of the Trinity, tracing the story of the Holy Spirit as it unfolds throughout the Bible, and inviting believers to close the gap between what Scripture reveals about the Holy Spirit and their lived experience. Along the way, readers will

dig into key biblical images and metaphors that reveal the Holy Spirit's nature, roles, and personality;
learn about common misperceptions that keep believers and churches from experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit's power and presence;
discover how the Spirit brings discernment and access to miraculous power to partner with God in the work he's doing in the world;
reckon with the indispensable role of spiritual experience for walking with God; and
understand how both Word and Spirit (too often separated in some church traditions) work together to draw people into a vibrant, intimate knowledge of God.

The Familiar Stranger will challenge, inform, and encourage believers from every background to become more deeply acquainted with the Person and work of the Holy Spirit--and experience his transformative, life-giving power in their lives.

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781400247707
PRICE	$29.99 (USD)
PAGES	240

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Average rating from 11 members

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Featured Reviews

Tim M, Reviewer

Incredible. Staton does a phenomenal job weaving theology and narrative together in a way that, like many of his peers, feels like you’re sitting at a coffee shop having a conversation with him. I was provoked by both his theology and stories, which forced me to come back to previously held beliefs and truly observe whether what I believed about the Holy Spirit actually hit my heart. Truly, this book is a classic. Thank you.

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Sydney C, Reviewer

Tyler Stanton delivers another incredible book with The Familiar Stranger, offering a deep dive into who the Holy Spirit is and what He does. Stanton masterfully weaves together Scripture, testimonies, history, and his own story, presenting a rich biblical theology from creation to redemption and the here-but-not-yet kingdom of God. Beyond exploring the gifts of the Spirit, he ties in practical applications that make this book both thought-provoking and actionable. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I’m already planning to revisit it more slowly. Highly recommend!

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Savannah P, Reviewer

I knew I wanted to read this one as soon as I saw it was coming out. I really enjoyed Staton’s previous book, Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, and I found The Familiar Stranger equally enlightening and challenging. By drawing from both church history and a wide array of personal stories of the work of the Holy Spirit that rightly make much of God, not self, Staton does a great job here of demonstrating how both the Word of God and the Holy Spirit work together in the life of the believer.

If you, like many Christians, feel less familiar with the Holy Spirit than the other members of the Trinity, I think you’ll find The Familiar Stranger helpful. I’d also recommend this book as a starting point for Christians wanting to learn more about the spiritual gifts.

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David P, Reviewer

"Wow"!
The challenge here is to not use too many superlatives.
I have read both of Tyler Staton's previous books. They were excellent. This one is better.
My reading is about one-third Christian books. I've read something like 500. This one is in the top 1%.
If that's not enough, it is also the best book on the Holy Spirit I've ever read.
Don't miss out on this book. It is a must for any serious Christian.