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Barely Breathing
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe world is currently grappling with a significant rise in respiratory illnesses, making it increasingly difficult for many to breathe comfortably. This surge, driven by various viruses including the latest COVID variants, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and others, results in persistent sinus and chest congestion that often resists standard treatments, leading to unproductive coughing and sneezing that can last for months. Breathing, a fundamental act involving the inspiration of oxygen and the respiration of carbon dioxide through gas exchange in the lungs' alveoli, is essential for life, as every cell requires oxygen to function. In the scriptures, breath holds profound significance as a divine gift. Genesis 2:7 recounts how the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, animating him as a living being, with the Hebrew word for breathed, naphach, implying puffing or kindling, and breath, nishmah, denoting vital breath or divine inspiration. Psalm 33:6 illustrates that by the breath of His mouth, with the Hebrew term ruach signifying wind, spirit, or the Holy Spirit, the heavens and their host were made. In John 20:22, the resurrected Christ breathed on His disciples, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit," using the Greek term emphusao for breathe and pneuma for spirit, indicating a current of air or God's Holy Spirit. Additionally, II Timothy 3:16 describes all scripture as inspired by God, with the Greek word theopneustos conveying the idea of God breathing into the soul. Just as physical breathing sustains life, spiritual breathing through God's Holy Spirit is vital for our journey, reflecting how sin, akin to a respiratory illness, hampers our ability to be inspired and walk with God. Scriptures like Job 32:8, 33:4, and 12:10 emphasize that the breath of the Almighty grants understanding and life, holding the breath of all mankind in His hand. Psalm 139:14 and 150:6 call for praise to the Lord for His wondrous creation and urge everything that has breath to praise Him. The intricate design of the respiratory system, where blood cycles through the heart and lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, underscores the complexity of God's creation, inspiring awe at how He sustains us physically and prepares us spiritually to breathe for eternity.
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.
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.
Defining the Human Mind
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The Hebrews used metaphorical extensions such as the terms 'heart' and 'head' to refer to the repositories of the breath of life given to the human soul.
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 Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTheologians, misapplying grammatical gender and personification, falsely deduce a phantom third person, propped up by a spurious insertion (I John 5:7-8).
Using Power Righteously (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we yield to God's Spirit, we receive the power to do the things God has prepared His firstfruits to accomplish, adding to the capabilities of the spirit in man.
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.
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.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasThere are striking and insightful parallels between the physical benefits of sunshine, fresh air, and cleanliness and the yet unseen spiritual dimensions.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Ten)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe statement, 'it is not good for man to be alone,' is the first declaration that something was not good. Being alone denotes separateness.
The Behavior of Onesiphorus
Sermonette by Jared M. EllisOnesiphorus stands out for his unwavering loyalty and selfless support of Paul during persecution. His actions, not his words, spoke volumes.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes is perhaps the most practical book in the Old Testament, providing overviews of life-guiding advice, essentially a roadmap through the maze.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove for this world will inevitably bring disillusionment. Because the world is passing away, our priorities should be to fear God and keep his commandments.