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The Holy Spirit

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The Holy Spirit, as the power of God, emanates from Him and is the essence of His mind, bringing forth love and a sound mind in those who receive it. This divine power, poured out and breathed into us, fills and anoints, enabling the production of the fruit of the Spirit, which are elements of God's very character. When the Holy Spirit works within us, it imparts a sound mind, empowering us to comprehend spiritual matters and bear spiritual fruit throughout our lives. This presence of a sound mind serves as evidence that God's Spirit is active in us, guiding us to overcome sin and mature into the image of Christ.

The Holy Spirit

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

God's Holy Spirit typically refers to the mind of God and Christ, which is added to our human spirit to create a sound mind by which we witness of God.

What the Holy Spirit Does

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Holy Spirit, as a possession of God, works tirelessly to fulfill His will, always poised for action under His command. It imparts a sound mind, characterized by power, love, and rational thought, ensuring that any inspiration from it will not lead to fear, foolishness, or harm. Instead, the Holy Spirit encourages acts of courage, strength, and sound reasoning, always grounded in love and aimed at producing good and helpful outcomes. When guided by the Holy Spirit, we are inspired to avoid actions that are stupid or crazy, focusing instead on what is beneficial and aligned with God's purpose. This divine influence helps us discern true inspiration from deceptive influences, ensuring our thoughts and deeds reflect the clarity and love that come from a sound mind.

What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Holy Spirit, as a powerful force within us, imparts a sound mind, guiding us to make godly decisions. It ensures that any word or act inspired by God's Spirit remains within the bounds of love, power, and sound judgment. It will not urge us to engage in foolish or harmful behaviors, nor will it inspire actions that are crazy or destructive, such as clucking, roaring, barking, acting drunk, or speaking in gibberish. Instead, the Holy Spirit provides courage, strength, and godly reason to perform helpful and good deeds. When feeling inspired to act, we must pause to consider whether the urging comes from God's Spirit or another influence, evaluating if the action will be loving and sane rather than harmful or irrational.

The Spirit of Bondage

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Holy Spirit, as a gift from God, instills in us a sound mind, a vital virtue that counters the spirit of fear. As described in II Timothy 1:7, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. This sound mind, derived from the Greek term suggesting sobriety and balance, reflects a well-balanced perspective that prioritizes spiritual matters over physical ones. It embodies forethought and discretion, ensuring that we see things righteously and justly, maintaining control over our lives with self-discipline. A sound mind is not overly emotional or excitable but considers outcomes and acts in proper order and timing. This virtue of a sound mind, provided through God's Holy Spirit, aligns with the mind of Christ, characterized by humility and obedience as seen in Philippians 2:5-8. It offers stability and enables us to live in a manner that reflects God's way, free from the bondage of fear. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to overcome spiritual obstacles and temptations, transforming what seems impossible for the human mind into something achievable. The presence of this Spirit reminds us of our relationship with God as His children, further dispelling fear and reinforcing our confidence to live boldly and righteously in service to Him.

Are You Alive to God?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Ephesians 2 says Christians were spiritually dead. Thankfully, God resurrected us from the grave through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.

Discern and Distinguish Between Spirits

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Inspiration and doctrine were meant to be complementary rather than adversarial. Many believe they have found new truth when they have recycled old heresies.

God's Calling and Election

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We have been given something far more valuable than the lottery, namely our calling. We are obligated not to squander this valuable opportunity.

How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God displays emotions, but they are always under control, unlike mankind. Using God's Spirit, we can grow into emotional (not emotionless) spiritual maturity.

What Do You Fear? (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

If we fear things other than God, we stunt our spiritual growth. We stop overcoming because any non-godly fear will involve self-centeredness, the opposite of God.

What's Wrong With the Kids?

Sermonette by Mike Ford

A major factor of the snowflake syndrome is the self-esteem movement, which has brainwashed young people into thinking they were unique and special.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Solomon teaches us that money may provide some security, but it cannot be relied upon for satisfaction; only a relationship with God will fill that vacuum.

Facing Times of Stress: Fear of the Future

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul's admonition to Timothy to stir up God's Holy Spirit applies just as much today when we sometimes become blindsided by fears about the future.

The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength!

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The true source of joy does not consist on any worldly commodity, or any self-centered, hedonistic pursuit, but instead a spiritual gift, bestowed by God.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The paradox of Ecclesiastes 7 shows an unrighteous man flourishing and a righteous man suffering. The solution to this conundrum is found in Psalm 73.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Psalm 73 describes someone seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, but it is not true that people in the world are leading superior lives.

The Right Use of Power

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

With dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.

Acts (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Acts could have been an exculpatory trial document designed to vindicate Paul and the early church, showing that Christianity was not a threat.