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Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Six): Sunshine, Fresh Air, Cleanliness
Sermon by David F. MaasThe Greek word *pneuma* (G4151), meaning breath or wind, serves as a powerful metaphor connecting the physical and spiritual dimensions. In John 3:8, Jesus explains to Nicodemus the process of being born again or born of the Spirit, using the image of wind: the wind, transliterated as *pneuma*, blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes, illustrating the mysterious nature of those born of the Spirit, also transliterated as *pneuma*. Additionally, in II Timothy 3:16, Paul instructs that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, transliterated as *theopneustos*, meaning divinely breathed, emphasizing its role in guiding righteousness. Both *pneuma* and its Hebrew counterpart *ruach* metaphorically refer to the power of the wind, a force unseen but felt, providing a comparison between the spirit in man and God's Holy Spirit. To guard against quenching the Spirit, as referenced in I Thessalonians 5:19-22, one must metaphorically breathe deeply in the God-breathed Scriptures continuously. Fresh air, emblematic of the breath of life and prefiguring the Holy Spirit, constitutes the essence of our future glorified bodies.
A Primer On Spirit
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Greek word *pneuma* (G4151), transliterated as spirit, appears 379 times in the New Testament, underscoring its significance in understanding spiritual concepts. *Pneuma*, along with its Hebrew counterpart *ruach*, conveys the idea of a movement of air, suggesting an invisible force or power. This invisible nature of spirit means it cannot be seen, yet its effects are observable, much like air moving leaves on a tree. Spirit is defined as an invisible power that motivates action or inaction, manifesting externally through actions or internally through thought processes, discernible by those who know what to look for in body language, vocal inflections, or demeanor. In various contexts, *pneuma* refers to the composition of God, indicating that He is immaterial and invisible, yet possessing form and shape. It also applies to the spirit in man, an immaterial quality that empowers intellect and enables a spiritual link with God, distinguishing humans from animals by imparting the ability to think, plan, and worship. Additionally, *pneuma* relates to the Holy Spirit, a powerful, invisible force given by God that imparts eternal life and influences through words, which themselves are spirit, carrying the potential to inspire, inform, or motivate. Spirit, as *pneuma*, also plays a role in negative influences, such as the spirit of satan, which permeates the world, invisibly prompting evil thoughts and actions through deceptive words. In contrast, God's Spirit, characterized by holiness, exudes purity, righteousness, and love, always aiming to liberate and produce life on a divine level. The influence of *pneuma*, whether holy or evil, underscores its power to shape human behavior and thought, making it a central element in spiritual understanding and interaction with the divine.
The Holy Spirit
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod'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.
Misconceptions and Malarkey About the Holy Spirit (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasInlel, the father of lies, would naturally oppose the expansion of God's Family, potentially benefiting from doctrines that obscure the true nature of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13-14 reveals that the Holy Spirit serves as the instrument of our regeneration as children of God and acts as a pledge for the life to come. Romans 8:9 emphasizes that without the spirit of Christ displacing our carnal minds, we are not in the process of conversion and thus not candidates for the God Family. In the original Greek, the term *pneuma hagion* (literally, spirit holy) appears without an article in all relevant verses, indicating that the Holy Spirit is an essence rather than an entity. Numerous verses throughout Scripture demonstrate that the Holy Spirit is a power rather than a personality.
What Is the Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeEven theologians admit that the Holy Spirit is a mystery to them. Yet the confusion comes from pagan thought patterns that have affected how Scripture is read.
Wind and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles WhitakerGod controls the invisible wind—powerful or gentle—making it an ideal symbol for His Spirit. God's breathing life into Adam foreshadowed giving the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe architects of the trinity doctrine admit that it is a 'somewhat unsteady silhouette', requiring assumptions and inferences, but unsupportable by Scripture.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is never venerated as a separate being. Our hope is the indwelling of Christ, used interchangeably with 'Spirit of God' and 'Spirit of Truth.'
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere are varieties of spirit, motivating people to 'go with the flow' and conform to a sheep-like mob psychology. Satan's spirit encourages sinfulness.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn most biblical contexts, 'spirit' refers to the invisible, internal activating dimension of the mind. Synonyms include heart, mind, and thoughts.
Using Power Righteously (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has singled each one of us out individually, calling us, gifting us with capabilities, and preparing us for eternal life as members of His family.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Father and the Son are two separate personalities, with the Father having pre-eminence. The Bible contains no evidence of a third person in the God family.
Reap the Whirlwind
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamHaman's evil purposes were thwarted; he had sown the wind only to reap the whirlwind, paying for his evil communication with his life and his family.
Grieving the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJust as our human spirit can be grieved, God is grieved by willful sinful behavior—sullying, suppressing, or stifling the Spirit that identifies us as His.
Is Your Soul Immortal?
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prevailing idea is that the soul is the indestructible part of a human being that lives on after death. The Bible reveals a different reality of life and death.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe numerous scriptural references to angelic beings indicate that the spiritual entities have tangible substance. God is not a universal nothingness.

The Father's Promise of Power!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe first fruits who have received the gift of God's Holy Spirit have a second spirit to bring the spirit in man in line with God's will.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe numerous figures of speech describing God's body parts substantiate that God has shape and form and occupies a specific location.
The Right Use of Power
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWith dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur human nature reflects the nature of malevolent spirits' attitudes. The only way to overcome it is through God's creating a new heart in us by His Spirit.
The Christian and the World (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe entire world is antagonistic to God because of the spirit generated by an unseen ruler. Our Christian duty is to stay awake and keep our guard up.