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What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit, as an extension of God, belongs to Him and is a dynamic force constantly active and ready to act at His command. It does not remain static or passive but is in perpetual movement, eagerly awaiting God's will to be expressed through His spoken word, which then directs the Spirit to act, as seen when God spoke, "Let there be light," and the Spirit brought it into being. The Holy Spirit sets individuals apart, endowing them with discernment and wisdom, as observed in Joseph, who interpreted Pharaoh's dreams with deep understanding and sound judgment. This same Spirit imbued Jesus Christ with qualities of counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, enhancing His ability to act wisely throughout His life. In practical works, the Holy Spirit enhances natural talents, as with Bezaleel, who was filled with abilities to craft the Tabernacle with excellence, elevating his skills for God's purpose. Similarly, it provides strength, exemplified by Samson, who was empowered to overcome a lion, symbolizing the spiritual strength given to resist and prevail over challenges. The Holy Spirit reveals truth and opens eyes to reality, as with Balaam, a pagan sorcerer, whose vision was expanded to see God's perspective, and Elisha's servant, who gained confidence by seeing God's protective forces. It also facilitates ordination and setting apart for special purposes, as seen with Joshua, who received a measure of God's Spirit to lead Israel, and extends to believers at baptism, marking them as God's children through a Spirit of sonship. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit empowers for service, as Jesus Christ was anointed to do good, and Paul was filled with might to perform signs and preach. It inspires fitting words at critical moments, as with Jahaziel, who encouraged Judah, and as promised by Jesus Christ to His disciples, ensuring they speak truth when needed. This inspiration also guided the prophets and apostles to write and preach God's words. The Holy Spirit fosters fellowship, acting as the link connecting believers to the Father, to Christ, and to each other, facilitating a shared understanding and unity. It pours out God's love into hearts, ensuring that all inspired actions, thoughts, and words are rooted in love, never leading to harmful or foolish behavior but instead promoting courage, strength, and sound-minded decisions.
What the Holy Spirit Does
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit, as revealed through Scripture, performs numerous vital actions in the lives of God's people, always acting under His command to fulfill His will. From the very beginning in Genesis 1, the Spirit of God is shown as hovering over the waters, poised for action, ready to move at His spoken word, demonstrating constant activity and readiness to create or act as He directs. When God spoke, "Let there be light," the Spirit immediately responded, bringing light into existence, showing that it operates solely under His authority and will. In the life of Joseph, as seen in Genesis 41, the Holy Spirit sets a person apart from others, endowing them with exceptional discernment and wisdom. Pharaoh recognized this divine influence in Joseph, noting his superior understanding and sound judgment, which enabled wise actions to save a nation. Similarly, in Isaiah 11, a prophecy of Jesus Christ highlights the Spirit's work in producing qualities such as counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, shaping a person to reflect godly character. In Exodus 31, the Spirit empowered Bezalel with skills, talents, and abilities to construct the Tabernacle, illustrating how it equips individuals for God's specific work, whether physical or spiritual, ensuring they have what is needed to accomplish His purposes. In Numbers 24, the Spirit opened Balaam's eyes and ears to the truth, allowing him to see reality as God sees it, transforming his perception of Israel from enmity to beauty, revealing the Spirit's role in removing deception and granting divine perspective. In II Kings 6, through Elisha's servant, the Spirit opened eyes to perceive God's protective forces, showing that it reveals hidden realities and strengthens faith in His care. In Deuteronomy 34, the Spirit was instrumental in setting Joshua apart for leadership, demonstrating its role in ordination and sanctification, marking individuals for special use in God's service. This setting apart extends to all believers, as seen in Acts 8 and Romans 8:14-17, where the Spirit identifies us as God's children, heirs with Christ, through baptism and the laying on of hands. In Judges 14, the Spirit came upon Samson, giving him strength to overcome a sudden attack by a lion, illustrating how it energizes and empowers believers to face spiritual enemies and trials, providing inner strength to endure and resist. In Acts 10, Jesus Christ, filled with the Spirit, used His power to do good, healing and helping others, showing that the Spirit directs strength outward for the benefit of others, not for personal gain. In II Chronicles 20, the Spirit came upon Jahaziel, inspiring him to speak words of hope and encouragement to Judah, demonstrating its ability to provide fitting words at critical moments, as echoed in Matthew 10 where Jesus promises that the Spirit will give words to speak under persecution. Finally, in II Corinthians 13 and I John 1, the Spirit fosters fellowship, binding believers to God, to Christ, and to one another, creating a profound connection that enables a shared spiritual life. In summary, the Holy Spirit is constantly at work doing God's will, granting wisdom and discernment, endowing strengths and abilities for His work, opening eyes to truth, setting believers apart as holy, providing power to overcome enemies, inspiring encouraging words, and enabling fellowship with God and fellow believers. Its actions are always powerful, loving, and sound-minded, as seen in Romans 5 and II Timothy 1:6-7, never inspiring fear or foolishness, but instead promoting courage, strength, and acts of love for the good of others.
Jesus on the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is a vital force in the work of God, acting as the means by which He accomplishes His purposes. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit is seen waiting expectantly for God's command to perform His creative work, as depicted in Genesis 1:2 with the imagery of a bird fluttering in anticipation. It granted Joseph wisdom and discernment before Pharaoh, endowed Bezaleel with strength and skill to construct the tabernacle, opened Balaam's eyes to the truth about Israel, set Joshua apart as Moses' successor to lead Israel into the promised land, surged through Samson to give him physical strength to tear apart a lion, and inspired Jahaziel to speak encouraging words to Judah and Jehoshaphat before battle. Additionally, the Holy Spirit serves as the essential connection that binds believers to God and to each other, fostering fellowship and harmony. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ expands the understanding of the Holy Spirit's role, revealing its spiritual significance beyond physical acts. He describes it as the Spirit of the Father, inspiring disciples to speak God's words under duress before authorities, providing a powerful witness. Through the Spirit, Jesus Himself cast out demons, demonstrating God's power over evil forces that cannot resist His command. The Holy Spirit is central to all of God's works, including creation, redemption, salvation, and governance, acting as the agency by which He frees individuals from demonic bondage or influence and ultimately from satan's grip. Jesus also warns against blaspheming the Holy Spirit, indicating a grave danger in deliberately rejecting God's power and mercy, which can lead to an unpardonable state of hardened heart with no possibility of repentance. He teaches that the Spirit facilitates a transformative process akin to birth, invisibly working within a person to enable them to see and eventually enter the Kingdom of God, with its effects visible through the fruits of godly behavior. The Spirit remains active from the moment of first contact with God, drawing individuals to Christ, dwelling within them, and providing gifts, motivation, strength, inspiration, and communication with God throughout their conversion. Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes that worship must be in spirit and truth, responding to God's work through His Spirit by living according to His way, reflecting His teachings back to Him. The Spirit offers life and freedom from condemnation when one lives by it, focusing on godly thoughts and actions. He clarifies that eternal life comes through spiritually imbibing His words, not through physical interpretation, requiring constant engagement with His teachings. Jesus also speaks of the Spirit as living water, urging believers to let it flow freely through them in godly behavior, service, and encouragement, rather than restraining its power. Finally, He promises an immersion in the Holy Spirit, equipping believers to be His witnesses worldwide with abundant power to glorify God.
The Wonderful, Powerful Gift of God's Holy Spirit
Sermon by John O. ReidThe Holy Spirit, as a gift from the Father, was bestowed upon the disciples when Jesus breathed on them and instructed them to receive it, emphasizing their responsibility to wait in Jerusalem for this divine endowment. With the receiving of the Holy Spirit comes the duty to live in a manner that reflects righteousness, serving as a light to the world and contributing to the salvation of mankind, as Jesus Christ will shorten the days for the sake of the elect. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended with a sound like a mighty wind, filling the house where the disciples were assembled, though no actual wind or heat was felt, accompanied by the appearance of cloven, tongue-shaped flames of fire resting on each of them. This miraculous event enabled them to speak in unfamiliar languages, astonishing all present, and as the sound traveled abroad, a multitude gathered, hearing the message of God's wonderful works in their own languages and dialects, despite the Galileans' crude reputation. The Holy Spirit is the power of God in action, inspiring and accomplishing feats through individuals, filling them with superhuman strength and courage, as seen in the mighty men of David and various biblical miracles like the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of water from a stone. This Spirit teaches on a personal level, shaping the will of the individual through righteous knowledge, reminding them of Jesus Christ's obedience, faith, and character, and urging them to obey His commandments. It bears witness to the way Christ lived, amplifying the truth of God's Kingdom amidst a world of persecution and hatred, guiding believers into divine truth and setting them free from falsehoods. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, bringing an acute sense of guilt and awareness that cannot be ignored, revealing the necessity of righteous living under God's laws. It serves as a down payment of the inheritance promised to believers, marking them as authentic and approved by God, with the intent of transforming them into members of the God family. However, this gift can be quenched or smothered by worldly attractions and the cares of this life if not used to overcome human nature and the influences of satan, requiring constant vigilance and obedience to God's will to develop the character necessary for eternal life in His Kingdom.
God's Gift of the Spirit
Sermonette by James BeaubelleCompared to the Pentecost in Acts 2, our receipt of God's Spirit was attended with far less drama. However, the power of God's Spirit is no less potent.
What Makes a True Disciple? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaHow does God identify Himself with His disciples today? No miracle manifests itself when He sends His Spirit, but the Spirit begins producing miraculous changes.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul never taught any Jew to forsake the Law of Moses, but he did warn against Pharisaical additions for the expressed purpose of attaining justification.
Philippians (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul teaches that individual overcoming in lowliness of mind, putting others ahead of self, leads to the whole body being strengthened.