Introduction

This book uses “stay drunk in the Spirit” as shorthand for living continually yielded to the Holy Spirit. The safer and more biblical phrase is “stay filled with the Spirit.” The distinction matters because the Spirit does not produce the moral and cognitive impairment associated with alcohol intoxication. Scripture connects the Spirit with wisdom, truth, self-control, holiness, love, joy, mission, and the lordship of Jesus Christ. The central text is Ephesians 5:18-21. Paul contrasts wine with the Spirit, then describes the social and worshiping life that follows: psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, thanksgiving, and mutual submission. The contrast moves us away from one influence and toward another, but the outcomes are radically different. The Spirit does not erase personhood; he restores it. He does not excuse irresponsibility; he strengthens obedience. He does not make us less human; he makes us more fully alive to God. Pentecostal and charismatic theology has rightly emphasized encounter, empowerment, and the living presence of God. Fee (1994) describes the Spirit as central to Paul’s understanding of Christian existence. Macchia (2006) frames Spirit baptism within the expansive work of God’s kingdom. Keener (2020) joins openness to spiritual gifts with biblical discernment. Warrington (2008) emphasizes Pentecostal theology as a theology of encounter. These streams help us articulate a spirituality that is experiential without becoming anti-intellectual, supernatural without becoming manipulative, and expectant without becoming careless. The thirty chapters that follow are arranged in five movements. Part I establishes the biblical meaning of Spirit-filled living. Part II develops practices that keep the heart open. Part III addresses holiness, discern

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