Like you, most of those of us who are former charismatics came to the Reformed faith "on our own" (sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it - we know that no one comes to the truth on their own) because we were driven back to the Scriptures which never change.

Charismaticism is driven by constantly changing winds and is based as much on subjective feelings - our own as well as "anointed" people who "sense" things "in the Spirit." So there's a bit of well-intentioned (?) bullying that goes on in charismania because of that.

My very first thought in helping a charismatic friend is to have them keep that Bible close and study it with the same fervor that they apply to other elements of worship.

I just happen to love theology so it was easier for me, perhaps, than for most. Because people think that theology is "boring," and most Charismatics especially have been taught to reject theology as "man's wisdom" and "dead orthodoxy." But because the written and infallible word of God never changes, it naturally follows that it's teachings never change. Quite unlike the constantly shifting "moves of the Spirit" in Charismania that change as often as fashions every season.

Talk to your friend - as often as you see each other - about what treasures you are gleaning from your study of the Scriptures. Believe it or not, showing these treasures can still make even the most ardent charismatic jealous.

More later,
Robin