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Misconceptions and Malarkey About the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasThe Holy Spirit, as described in Scripture, plays a vital role in our spiritual journey. In John 15:26, it is said that the Parakletos will testify of Christ, conveying His messages rather than its own, and in John 16:13, it will not speak from itself. Acts 13:2 refers to the Holy Spirit in the original Greek as pneuma hagion, indicating that Paul was inspired by its power. Romans 8:26 suggests that the Holy Spirit aids in making intercession for us, serving as the instrument Christ gives to help us become spiritually articulate in our requests before God. God's Holy Spirit must become an integral part of us if we aspire to sonship as offspring of God, as noted in Romans 8:11 and 14, making the difference between deification or oblivion. In Ephesians 1:13-14, conversion and adoption into the God Family begin with an implantation and regeneration by God's Holy Spirit into our minds. Zechariah 4 presents a vision where God's Spirit, likened to oil from olive trees, is poured out upon a person to do His work, permeating the universe with its pervasive and fluid nature. Jesus, in John 7:38-39, compares the Holy Spirit to a gushing river flowing from those who believe in Him. In I Corinthians 2, Paul describes the Holy Spirit as a gift from God to help us understand spiritual things, specifically calling it the mind of Christ in verse 16. Ephesians 3:16-17 further explains that God's Spirit supplies internal spiritual strength, being the means by which Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, rooting and grounding us in love. God's Spirit, much like the spirit in man that provides the power of mind and will, is an essence of mind and power that accomplishes God's will, far more potent and effective. While our minds struggle to comprehend its scope and abilities, this basic understanding from Scripture cuts through worldly misconceptions. We can thank God for giving us His Spirit, providing the understanding and power to do His will and ultimately become His glorified children.
What Is the Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeGod's pouring out of His Spirit on the church, as recorded in Acts 2, marked a dramatic event with manifestations that testified to something extraordinary occurring. The Holy Spirit emerges as a significant theme throughout Acts, accompanying the preaching of the gospel and the calling of more people into the church. The epistles of Paul, Peter, and John also frequently highlight the Holy Spirit. Paul provides a framework for understanding the Holy Spirit in his writings to the Corinthians, explaining that it is not another supernatural being but the essence of God's incredible mind. God's Spirit includes His attitude, principles, thoughts, feelings, temperament, character, disposition, and will, enhancing our minds and giving us spiritual understanding. It is the mind of Christ that we receive, allowing us to know the things of God and what He has prepared for us. The Father and the Son are one in will, thought, and intent, sharing the same spirit, which we receive at baptism through the laying on of hands. Because God is holy, His Spirit is also holy, inclining His people toward holiness in conduct, attitude, speech, and every facet of living. Paul further describes the Holy Spirit in II Timothy 1:6-7 as a gift of God, bestowed through the laying on of hands, which is a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not of fear. This Spirit enables our minds to be disciplined, self-controlled, sensible, and balanced, operating in a way often incomprehensible to the world. The Holy Spirit is also a spirit of love, pouring out God's love into our hearts and enabling us to act rightly toward God and others, regardless of personal cost. Additionally, it is a spirit of power, providing the capacity for God's will and work to be done through us, though this power is under the constraint of love and sound-mindedness, ensuring it is not used for self-gratification but to focus on God. In Acts 1:8, the resurrected Christ tells the apostles that they shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be witnesses to Him across the earth. This capability extends to everyone who has received God's Spirit, imparting spiritual knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, impelling us toward holiness. As we yield to and make use of God's Spirit, seeking His direction and being careful not to quench or grieve it, His character image takes shape in us, making our lives testimonies of His goodness, mind, love, holiness, and stability. God gives us the essence of His mind so that we can reflect His glory to the world by becoming just like Him.
The Holy Spirit
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsUnderstanding God's Holy Spirit is a vital element in grasping God's way of life and becoming a true Christian, transformed into the image of Christ. It is the Spirit of God within us that makes us children of God and imparts eternal life. When the Holy Spirit works within us, our lives produce the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting elements of God's very character, showing both God and man that we are maturing into Christ's image. The Holy Spirit is the power of God, not a personage or entity, but the power or mind of God, emanating from Him. It can be poured out, breathed, used to fill, and anoint. God gives His Spirit only to those who have repented, demonstrated this in attitude and behavior, been baptized, and obey His commandments. No one living apart from God's law has received the Spirit of God or has His power working in them. Only through the intervention of the Holy Spirit are we called to understand the truth of God, as no man can comprehend it by scholarship or human reason alone. By divine revelation through the Spirit, God opens our minds to the mysteries of the truth, allowing us to discern what is vital to our salvation. The Spirit also imparts wisdom and understanding, teaches God's way of life, comforts, helps us, and aids in our prayers when we cannot express ourselves. By giving the Spirit to those He has called, God creates and shapes traits in them that produce the fruit of the Spirit, by which a Christian is known through actions and works. Since Adam rejected God's offer, God has not offered salvation to humanity as a whole, but began offering His Spirit to those called as firstfruits when Christ established His church. In the World Tomorrow, God will give everyone the opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit delivers us from death and leads us to the gift of eternal life, a gift from God that we are neither born with nor can earn. Once regenerated by the Holy Spirit from the Father, we must continually be led by it, bearing spiritual fruit throughout our lives. If we produce the fruit of the Spirit, exhibiting a sound mind, we know it is working in us. The Spirit empowers the mind to comprehend spiritual matters, produces conversion, and gives us the strength, will, and faith to overcome our sins.
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. MaasEphesians 1:13-14 reveals that the Holy Spirit serves as the instrument of our regeneration as children of God, acting as a pledge or down payment on the life to come. The Bible describes the Holy Spirit as the spirit and mind of Christ, emphasizing its vital role in our spiritual transformation. Romans 8:9 underscores that if this spirit does not dwell within us, displacing our carnal minds, we are not in the process of conversion and thus not candidates for the God Family. In Matthew 28:19, the baptismal formula suggests that people are baptized into the name of the Father and the Son by means of the Holy Spirit, indicating its function as an essence rather than an entity. Throughout Scripture, particularly in the original Greek of the New Testament, the term for Holy Spirit lacks an article, further supporting the view that it is a power rather than a personality.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is not a third person in a trinity, but rather the essence of the mind of the Father and the Son. It is the invisible, immaterial element of God's mind, distinct and holy, set apart by its transcendent purity. This Spirit, different from the spirit of man, is clean and reflects the love, kindness, mercy, and life-giving nature of God. Every action of God is a projection of His Holy Spirit, motivating and inspiring with purity and goodness. There is nothing deep or impenetrable about the Holy Spirit to those to whom God has revealed Himself, enabling understanding. To the converted with normal intelligence, this doctrine is clear and usable to glorify God and fulfill His purpose. The Holy Spirit, as the essence of God's mind, joins with the spirit of man, allowing a spiritual begettal where procreation occurs in the mind, unseen but real. This joining is a direct interface where the Father Himself transfers His thoughts, attitudes, and character into our minds, without the involvement of a third entity. The Holy Spirit is power issuing forth from the Father and the Son, emanating directly to influence us personally. When accepted, it produces fruits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, meekness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This direct and personal relationship contrasts with the general influence of satan, as God specifically chooses to stir and excite our minds with His Spirit, creating us spiritually for a unique purpose in His Kingdom. The Father and the Son live in us through this Spirit, not as a separate person, but as the very essence of their unified mind.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Holy Spirit is described as the power of God, emanating from the Father and the Son to accomplish His will across creation. It is portrayed as an inanimate force, not a personality, evident in descriptions such as falling on people, being poured out, or rushing like a mighty wind, which are inconsistent with a personal being. Scriptures consistently show the Holy Spirit as the means through which God and Jesus Christ connect with humanity, enabling communion and spiritual family unity among believers. It is the expression of divine nature given to transform individuals into the God kind, allowing Christ, from heaven, to send forth His Spirit anywhere at any time to meet the needs of His people, just as the Father does. In numerous apostolic writings, when the Father and the Son are mentioned together, the Holy Spirit is conspicuously absent as a personality, indicating it was not recognized as part of the God family by the apostles. They did not address or acknowledge the Holy Spirit in greetings or as a source of grace and peace, reinforcing that it does not exist as a distinct person. The Holy Spirit is not included in the chain of command, mediatorial roles, or authority structures within the God family, further supporting its depiction as a power rather than a being. Biblical imagery, such as wind, water, or oil, illustrates the Holy Spirit's invisible and pervasive nature, not indicative of a personal form or shape. Even in verses where the Holy Spirit appears to be assigned personal characteristics, such as testifying or guiding, this is understood as a literary device, akin to inanimate objects in Scripture being given human traits. Grammatical analysis of original Greek texts reveals that pronouns referring to the Holy Spirit are neuter, aligning with its nature as an impersonal force rather than a masculine personality, despite some translations suggesting otherwise. Thus, the Holy Spirit remains the power by which God directs and carries out His purposes in creation, not a separate entity within the God family.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is the essence of God's mind, not a separate entity or third person that divides itself among many. It represents the pure, transcendent nature of God, always producing abundant and everlasting life. This Spirit, holy because God is holy, purifies our thinking and embodies the divine nature. It takes up residence in our minds through words and experiences within our relationship with God, as He directly works with us, overseeing our creation in His image. The Holy Spirit includes concepts, vision, attitudes, perspectives, and attributes such as love, joy, and peace, which guide and empower us to conduct life in a manner that glorifies God. It is through this Spirit that the mind of God and the mind of Christ are put into us, converting us and changing us from glory to glory. God sends forth His Spirit to gain our cooperation, making us aware of our responsibility to Him, to His Word, and to others, enabling us to think like Him and to be created in His image.
Grieving the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit, as presented in this discussion, is a vital aspect of God's essence and relationship with His people. It is not portrayed as a separate entity but as the Spirit that belongs to God, carrying His holiness because He Himself is holy. When we act in ways contrary to God's commands, we grieve the Holy Spirit, which is to say we cause sorrow to God Himself through His Spirit. This grieving is particularly significant for those who have entered into a covenant with Him and have access to His Spirit, as they are the ones who can truly disappoint Him by failing to live up to the new creation they are called to be. In Ephesians 4:30, the instruction not to grieve the Holy Spirit is placed amidst admonitions to put off old behaviors and embrace new, righteous ways. This unique construction, translated as "the Spirit, the Holy one of God," emphasizes that the Spirit's holiness derives from God, and grieving it is akin to grieving God directly. Our sins, even those we might consider minor, cause pain to God through His Spirit, highlighting the seriousness of our actions and the need to avoid causing Him sorrow. The Holy Spirit also serves as a seal, marking us as God's children and guaranteeing our inheritance. This sealing is not a one-time event but continues throughout our Christian lives, urging us to maintain a relationship with God by not grieving His Spirit. We are warned against quenching the Spirit, which involves actively suppressing or ignoring its promptings, potentially leading to a severing of our connection with God if taken to extremes. Historical examples, such as Israel's rebellion in Isaiah 63:10, show that grieving God's Holy Spirit is not a new concept but a recurring theme of failing to honor the covenant with Him. Similarly, in Acts 5 with Ananias and Sapphira, lying to the Holy Spirit is equated with lying to God, reinforcing that the Spirit is God's own essence. In Acts 7, Stephen accuses the Sanhedrin of resisting the Holy Spirit, mirroring the rebellion of their ancestors and causing God grief through their actions. Ultimately, we are encouraged to walk and live in God's Spirit, avoiding actions that grieve Him, and instead striving to please Him as His sons and daughters. The call is to put off the old man and embrace the new, ensuring that we do not start down a path that could lead to greater separation from God through His Holy Spirit.
The Wonderful, Powerful Gift of God's Holy Spirit
Sermon by John O. ReidIn 31 AD, after His crucifixion, Jesus appeared before His disciples and breathed on them, declaring, Receive you the Holy Spirit. He described it as a gift from their Father, instructing them to wait in Jerusalem to receive it. With the receiving of God's Spirit comes the responsibility of living in a manner that reflects a light to the world, demonstrating the correct way of living. This responsibility is crucial, as it influences Jesus Christ's decision to save the world for the sake of the elect. During Pentecost, as the disciples assembled in unity, a mighty wind sound filled the house without any movement of air, and tongue-shaped flames of fire appeared above them, resting on each without heat. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the power of God manifested in the miracle of speaking in unfamiliar languages. This allowed devout men from every country to hear the message in their own dialects, showcasing the wonderful works of God. This event marked the introduction of God's Holy Spirit to the world, making it available to mankind upon being called by God the Father. God's Holy Spirit is the power of God in action, inspiring and accomplishing feats through individuals. It filled men with superhuman strength and courage, enabling extraordinary acts throughout history. This Spirit assists in fulfilling the calling given to God's people, teaching and shaping them personally with righteous knowledge. It reveals Jesus Christ's obedience, faith, and character, urging disciples to obey His commandments and bear witness to His way of living, amplifying truth in a world of deception. The Holy Spirit also convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, bringing an acute sense of guilt and awareness that cannot be ignored. It guides into divine truth, setting individuals free from false justifications and lies, declaring God's will specifically for each person. As a gift, it is a down payment of the inheritance of living as members of the God family, sealing believers as genuine and approved by God. This awesome power must be used to overcome, resisting the pulls of the world, and developing the character needed to be sons of God.
Powerful Effects of the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Day of Pentecost holds profound significance as it marks the moment when the Holy Spirit first entered into the 120 members of God's church in AD 31, initiating spiritual group salvation and the birth of the church, with 3,000 more added that day. This event, described in Acts 2:1-4, was accompanied by supernatural manifestations, including a mighty sound filling the house and tongues as of fire resting on each disciple, symbolizing God's presence, holiness, and truth proclaimed through preaching. The Holy Spirit unites God's church in peace, countering the disunity of Babel, and it is God who calls individuals to receive His Spirit, adding them to His church, as confirmed by Peter. Human beings must have contact with God the Father to receive the Holy Spirit, which was freely offered through the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, but rejected by Adam in favor of a self-centered way of life. Consequently, humanity was cut off from God, with only a few specially called by Him to receive His Spirit for specific purposes, as seen with Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and the prophets. Pentecost restores this vital contact with God the Father and Jesus Christ, emphasizing that only those drawn by the Father can come to Christ, particularly during the 6,000-year period before the Kingdom of God is established. The Holy Spirit has transformative effects on those called now, bearing witness with our human spirit that we are children of God, imparting spiritual understanding, and regenerating us into God-life as His children. It instills divine love, the faith of Christ, and spiritual power to overcome a self-centered life, enabling the development of holy, righteous character as part of God's purpose for humanity. This Spirit is essential for understanding God's truth beyond surface knowledge, revealing deeper spiritual insights and fostering fruits such as love, joy, peace, and self-control as evidence of its presence within us. Without the Holy Spirit, mankind cannot grasp God's way or plan of salvation unless specifically called and imbued with His Spirit.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is the essence of God's mind, embodying His power over all creation and residing in His sovereignty to govern and fulfill His purpose. It is the fundamental nature of God's mind, enabling Him to be aware of every detail in His creation and to act or react instantaneously by sending forth His Spirit to ensure His will is done. God's Spirit interfaces with man's spirit, facilitating a process of revelation, illumination, and inspiration, which are essential for spiritual creation and transformation. Through His Spirit, God reveals Himself, illuminates understanding, and inspires action, initiating a begettal and birth process as seen in the invitation to become like Him. God's Spirit is distinct in its holiness, transcending in purity and infinite goodness in all it motivates and energizes. It possesses an immense capacity for transmitting and using knowledge, coupled with infinite wisdom and maturity that define God's morality and character. This Spirit is the missing dimension in life, replacing destructive inclinations with joyous, positive, and selfless attitudes necessary for true success. By His Spirit, God equips individuals to make right choices, providing the inclination and knowledge to align with His purpose. The Holy Spirit also serves as a mechanism for conversion, paralleling a spiritual process that will flow from Jerusalem after Christ's return, healing and restoring through submission to God's Spirit. It is through His Spirit that God draws individuals, directly and personally interfacing to disclose Himself, a process vital for coming to know Him and understanding His purpose. Words, as expressions of spirit, carry life when they are His, quickening and activating as they convey the essence of God's mind and knowledge.
Lying to the Holy Spirit
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughOn Pentecost, Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit to the apostles, marking a significant moment for the early church as it grew by thousands. Through His Spirit, God made the apostle Peter aware of the deceitful attitude of Ananias and Sapphira, who had sold a possession but kept back part of the proceeds while pretending to give all. Peter confronted Ananias, asking why satan had filled his heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. Peter later clarified that their lie was not to men but to God, indicating that through His Spirit, God knew both their actions and their hearts. In a parallel accusation to Sapphira, Peter asked how they had agreed to test the Spirit of the Lord, showing the Holy Spirit as the possession of God. Their attempt to deceive God, present through His Spirit, led to their immediate deaths, serving as a sobering lesson to the young church about the seriousness of sinning against the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit, as presented in the Bible, is not depicted as a personality co-equal with the Father and the Son within a trinitarian Godhead. Numerous scriptures consistently mention the Father and the Son as distinct Personalities within the God Family, while the Holy Spirit is repeatedly omitted from such references, suggesting it lacks personal identity. For instance, in greetings and salutations in apostolic letters, only the Father and the Son are acknowledged, with no mention of fellowship or greeting from the Holy Spirit, indicating it is not recognized as a personality by the apostles. The Holy Spirit is often referred to with masculine pronouns due to grammatical necessity, as spirit is a masculine noun, which can create the appearance of personality. However, this is a linguistic convention, not evidence of personal nature, as the Bible similarly personifies inanimate objects like the heavens, earth, and body parts for illustrative purposes without implying they possess personality. The Holy Spirit is described as a power or force directed by God, not as a being with authority or responsibility akin to the Father or the Son. In the order of authority, the Father is head over Christ, and the Holy Spirit is not included in this chain of command or in roles of mediation between humanity and God, where only the Son is positioned as the mediator. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is likened to impersonal elements such as wind, water, and oil, which are poured out or spread, lacking any form or shape associated with personality. Unlike the Father and the Son, who express personality through emotions and physical descriptions mirroring human traits, the Holy Spirit shows no such characteristics, with the sole animate depiction being a dove, which does not imply a literal form or personal nature. Even in significant events like Pentecost, the Holy Spirit manifests as a mighty rushing wind, an inanimate force without shape or life, used by the Father and the Son to accomplish Their purposes. In contexts where the Holy Spirit is mentioned alongside the Father and the Son, such as in baptismal formulas or specific verses, it does not inherently denote personality but rather represents the power through which God convicts, reveals truth, and enables belief. The Holy Spirit serves as the means by which God binds believers together, sharing a common divine nature, but it remains an expression of God's power emanating from His mind, allowing Him to be present and active everywhere, without being a distinct personality within the God Family.
Jesus on the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is a vital force in the relationship between God and humanity, acting as the means by which God accomplishes His work. From the earliest scriptures, the Holy Spirit is seen waiting expectantly for God's command to perform His creative acts, as depicted in Genesis 1:2 with imagery of a bird fluttering in anticipation. It granted wisdom and discernment to Joseph before Pharaoh, endowed Bezaleel with strength and skill to build the tabernacle, opened Balaam's eyes to truth, set Joshua apart as Moses' successor, surged through Samson to tear apart a lion, and inspired Jahaziel with encouraging words for Judah and Jehoshaphat before battle. Beyond these actions, the Holy Spirit serves as the essential connection that binds believers to God and to each other, fostering fellowship and harmony. When Jesus Christ came, He expanded the understanding of the Holy Spirit, shifting its role from primarily physical manifestations in the Old Testament to a deeper spiritual significance in the New Testament. He revealed that while the Spirit once empowered physical feats, under the New Covenant, it fills believers with spiritual strength to perform works in a spiritual realm. Jesus emphasized that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Father, a power possessed by God, not a separate entity, and it inspires believers to speak God's words, especially under duress before authorities, providing testimony that can convict or stand as evidence against those who reject it. Jesus further taught that the Holy Spirit is the power by which God casts out demons, a force that Satan and his minions cannot resist, as it is the same power that created them. This Spirit is central to all of God's works, including creation, redemption, salvation, and governance, playing a key role in freeing individuals from demonic possession, influence, or general bondage to Satan's ways. It is the power that rejects, resists, and ultimately defeats Satan. Jesus warned against blaspheming the Holy Spirit, describing it as a grave sin that involves deliberately rejecting God's power and mercy, accusing His good works of being evil, and hardening one's heart to the point of no repentance. He clarified that while speaking against Him as the Son of Man could be forgiven, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—denying the divine nature of God's work—carries no forgiveness due to the willful rejection of God's love and salvation. In teaching about entrance into the Kingdom of God, Jesus likened the process to birth, emphasizing the invisible work of the Holy Spirit within a person. Though its mechanisms cannot be seen, its effects are evident in the fruits of love, joy, peace, and other virtues. The Holy Spirit is intimately involved from the first contact with God, remaining active throughout the conversion process, transforming believers into sons and daughters of God, and ultimately composing their being in the Kingdom. Jesus also taught that true worship must be in spirit and truth, responding to God's work through His Spirit by living His way, reflecting His teachings back to Him in prayer and action. The Spirit is the power available to believers, often untapped due to human weakness, but always ready to help if given the chance. Living by the Spirit frees one from condemnation, aligning thoughts and actions with God's will, leading to eternal life. Finally, Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as a flowing river of living water within believers who receive it through faith in Him. If allowed to flow freely, it motivates godly behavior, service, encouragement, and kindness. He urged believers not to quench the Spirit but to let it work through them in thought, speech, and action, promising an unhindered supply from God. Jesus emphasized immersion in the Holy Spirit, likening it to baptism, equipping believers to be witnesses of Him worldwide with this powerful gift.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is presented as an invisible, immaterial force that activates the mind and influences conduct. It is closely tied to heart, mind, and thought, used in parallel to reinforce the internal essence of a person. The Spirit of God is shown to enhance natural human abilities, as seen with Bezaleel and Aholiab, where God's Spirit supernaturally increased their skills for His purpose. Similarly, Samson was empowered by the Spirit of the Lord to perform extraordinary feats beyond normal human capacity, demonstrating that it was God working through him. The Spirit of God is described as an external, supernatural power that enables individuals to exceed human limitations when working for God's purpose. This empowerment does not require a physical presence inside a person but operates through spiritual influence. Words are identified as spirit, carrying life or death, with Jesus Christ's words always bearing life and moving hearts and minds toward the Kingdom of God. The Spirit communicates attitudes and emotions, generating powerful reactions through non-physical means. Being "in the Spirit" signifies a concern with the things of God, a spiritual relationship rather than a physical location. It reflects a direction of life focused on God's mind and perspective. The Spirit of God dwelling in someone indicates a shared family characteristic, akin to how human traits are passed on, imprinting God's nature through spiritual interaction. This transformation occurs by spending time with God, allowing His Spirit to influence through prayer, study, and imitation of His characteristics, recreating His heart and mind within us.
What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is first introduced as the Spirit of God, belonging to Him and not a separate entity. It is a possession of God, used by Him, as seen in Genesis 1:2 where it hovers over the waters with constant movement and eager readiness to act at His command. This dynamic force does not act independently but waits for God's spoken word to execute His will, such as creating light when He speaks. The Holy Spirit sets individuals apart, endowing them with distinct qualities. In Joseph, it provided discernment and wisdom, enabling him to interpret obscure dreams and make sound judgments. Similarly, in Jesus Christ, it granted not only wisdom and discernment but also counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. For Bezaleel, it enhanced physical and mental talents to craft the Tabernacle with excellence, directing his efforts toward God's work. Additionally, the Holy Spirit reveals truth and opens eyes to reality as God sees it. In Balaam, a pagan sorcerer, it enabled him to see and speak God's perspective, even prophesying about the Savior. In Elisha's servant, it uncovered the unseen reality of God's protection, instilling confidence. It also plays a role in ordination and setting apart for special purposes, as seen with Joshua, who received a measure of God's Spirit to lead Israel, and in the church through the laying on of hands at baptism, marking believers as God's children. The Holy Spirit provides strength, exemplified by Samson, who was empowered to overcome a lion, symbolizing spiritual strength to resist and prevail over enemies like satan. In Jesus Christ, this power was used for acts of service and good, while in Paul, it enabled signs, wonders, and preaching. It also inspires fitting words at the right time, as with Jahaziel, who encouraged Judah during crisis, and as promised by Jesus Christ to His followers when facing opposition. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit facilitates fellowship, linking believers with the Father, the Son, and each other, creating a shared mind and purpose. 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. Finally, it imparts a sound mind, courage, and godly reason, guiding believers to make decisions that are helpful and good, always within the bounds of love and sanity.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe essence of God's mind is transferred into ours through the Holy Spirit, which is a vital force emanating from the mind of God. This Spirit is not a separate entity but is the very presence of the Father and the Son working in us both to will and to do. It is an immaterial, invisible power that motivates, impels, and compels, carrying characteristics that can encourage, inspire, cleanse, or defile according to its source. This Holy Spirit educates and holds the power of life, as Jesus declared that His words are spirit and life. The Holy Spirit is communicated from God's mind to ours, enabling us to carry out His will. It is through this Spirit that God gifts us with abilities and attributes of His mind, as seen in the example of Bezaleel and Aholiab, who received wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to build the tabernacle. These gifts are not static but are meant to be developed and used within the church to strengthen and build it, ensuring we have no excuse for not fulfilling our responsibilities. God stirs up our hearts through His Spirit, as evidenced in those who worked on the tabernacle, showing that salvation is by grace from beginning to end. The nearness of God is crucial for the transference of His Spirit; He is both far in His sovereignty and near in His intimate involvement in our lives. This closeness facilitates the flow of His Spirit into our minds, allowing us to grow in His image and be truly free from impediments. Sin, however, destroys relationships and produces separation, blocking access to the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the guarded tree of life in Eden. Only God can remove this barrier and invite us back into fellowship with Him. By drawing near to Him, with no barriers separating us, we can imbibe of His Spirit, allowing His mind to be in us, fostering growth and preparing us for the Kingdom of God.
What the Holy Spirit Does
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughAmong the many questions surrounding the divine nature, the Holy Spirit often confuses people, as they struggle to understand its role and essence. The focus here is not on defining what the Holy Spirit is, but on exploring what it does, thereby providing a clearer grasp of its function. Many have heard of the unusual behaviors attributed to the Holy Spirit in certain groups, such as falling into trances, speaking in tongues, handling snakes, laughing uncontrollably, making animal sounds, or staggering as if drunk. The critical question remains: Are these actions what God inspires in us through His Holy Spirit? According to Scripture, what will the Holy Spirit do for us, and how will it act within us? By examining examples in God's Word, we can understand how the Holy Spirit works and what it inspires in us. This understanding allows us to respond properly when inspired by the Spirit, or to resist if the inspiration comes from another source. The surest and safest course is to follow what the Bible reveals about the Holy Spirit, as inspired by God Himself, to guide our daily lives and interactions with it. The first mention of the Holy Spirit in Scripture, found in Genesis 1, introduces it as the Spirit of God, indicating possession by God rather than a separate entity. It is described as hovering over the waters, portraying a vivid image of constant activity and readiness to act at God's command. When God speaks, as in the creation of light, the Spirit immediately responds, showing it operates solely under His direction and will. In the story of Joseph in Genesis 41, Pharaoh recognizes the Holy Spirit in Joseph, attributing his exceptional discernment and wisdom to God's Spirit, setting him apart from others. Similarly, in Isaiah 11, a prophecy of Jesus Christ highlights the Holy Spirit's role in producing qualities like counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, demonstrating its transformative power in a person. In Exodus 31, Bezalel is endowed with skills, talents, and character traits by the Holy Spirit to construct the Tabernacle, showing that it equips individuals for God's specific work, whether physical or otherwise. In Numbers 24, the Holy Spirit comes upon Balaam, opening his eyes and ears to the truth, enabling him to see Israel as God sees them, revealing reality beyond human deception. In II Kings 6, the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of Elisha's servant to perceive spiritual realities, providing clarity and faith in God's protection. In Deuteronomy 34, the Holy Spirit is instrumental in setting Joshua apart as a leader, illustrating its role in ordination and sanctification for special purposes. In Acts 8, the Holy Spirit marks believers as set apart for eternal life, distinguishing them as God's children. In Judges 14, the Holy Spirit empowers Samson with strength to overcome a lion, symbolizing its ability to energize and fortify us against sudden spiritual attacks. In Acts 10, Jesus Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, uses His power to help others, going about doing good, setting an example for us to use the Spirit's strength outwardly for the benefit of others. In II Chronicles 20, the Holy Spirit comes upon Jahaziel, inspiring him to speak words of hope and encouragement to Judah, demonstrating its capacity to provide fitting and helpful words. In Matthew 10, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will give us the right words in times of difficulty, reinforcing its role in guiding speech under pressure. In II Corinthians 13, the Holy Spirit is described as enabling fellowship with God, with Christ, and among believers, acting as the tie that binds us together in a shared spiritual connection. Finally, in Romans 5 and II Timothy 1, the Holy Spirit pours out God's love in our hearts and imparts power, love, and a sound mind, ensuring that its inspirations are always loving, powerful, and rational, never leading to fear or harmful actions. Through these examples, we recognize eight key functions of the Hol
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is the essence of God's mind, possessing powers infinitely greater than those of Satan. As stated in I John 4, He that is in you is greater than he that is in them, indicating that even if some of God's children stray, the Spirit within them will be used to bring them back, though the process may be painful until their resistance to God's appeals is broken. In addition to being more powerful, God's Spirit is holy, meaning it is transcendentally pure in all its motivations, equipped with exceedingly more wisdom and knowledge, and moral in its character. These three great powers are passed onto man by that Spirit, emanating from the mind of God. God's Spirit is the means by which He communicates with man, revealing Himself, beginning a personal relationship, and completing the second part of His creation of those He has invited. As noted in John 6:44, no man can come to Christ unless the Father draws him, offering hope and assurance that He will not lose anyone sent to Him. God's Spirit also predisposes His children to hear, accept, and follow the voice of truth, as seen in the apostles and others whom He has called, whether through dramatic or gradual means. Furthermore, God's Spirit interfaces with individuals to accomplish His will, stirring up their spirit to motivate actions aligned with His purpose, as exemplified in historical accounts like Cyrus' edict to restore the Temple. This stirring occurs without removing free moral agency, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to guide events. The Spirit of God provides resources to discern truth and overcome trials, ensuring that He never tempts to sin and always offers a way of escape, acting in fairness, justice, purity, and love.
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPentecost holds a unique significance among the holy days, marked by the extraordinary giving of God's Holy Spirit, which surpasses even the importance of the Old Covenant and the giving of the Law. This event on Pentecost enabled the founding and building of His church, focusing on the achievement of God's purpose for humanity to be in His spiritual and moral image, becoming sons in His family. Under the Old Covenant, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:2-4, the Israelites largely lacked God's Holy Spirit, a fact that underscores the transformative nature of its giving in the New Testament era. In Acts 1:4-5, even before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was not yet given, marking the event as a pivotal beginning rather than a complete fulfillment of prophecy, as Peter understood when referencing Joel's words. On the day of Pentecost, described in Acts 2, a sound like a mighty rushing wind from heaven filled the house, likely the Temple, where the disciples were gathered. Flames of fire appeared on those receiving God's Spirit, visibly setting them apart in a form of sanctification, reminiscent of the baptism of fire mentioned by John the Baptist in Luke 3. Those filled with the Holy Spirit spoke in familiar languages, reaching foreign-born inhabitants of Jerusalem, leading to a profound response as three thousand repented and were baptized, moved by the Spirit's power through Peter's sermon. The Holy Spirit empowers believers, as seen in Acts 11:15 and II Timothy 1:7, providing the strength to hope and accomplish God's work. In Psalm 104:30, it is depicted as the channel of God's creative energy, essential for creation and renewal. Without His Spirit, the earth would remain in destruction, and transformation would not occur, as further illustrated in Isaiah 32:13-18 and Ezekiel 37:12-14, where God uses His Spirit to change and renew His people. God's Spirit is not a power to be controlled for personal gain, as exemplified by Simon the magician's misguided desire in Acts 8. His request revealed a self-centered idolatry, seeking to glorify himself rather than God, a serious misunderstanding that Peter strongly rebuked. God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, conditioned by the purity of their desire to glorify Him, as emphasized in I Corinthians 14:1. The Spirit is given for multiple purposes: primarily as a bridge for God to continue His creative work in individuals, shaping them as the Potter shapes clay, as noted in Galatians 6:15 and II Corinthians 3:18. Secondly, it is for the benefit of the church, apportioned by God's will for the common good, as stated in I Corinthians 12:7. Thirdly, it supports personal spiritual growth, providing power to yield to God and prepare for His Kingdom, as seen in II Peter 1:2-4, by imparting essential truths about relationships and destiny through the Spirit of truth. Additionally, the Holy Spirit instills hope, a powerful motivator for Christian life, as mentioned in Romans 15:13, and fills believers with God's love, as in Romans 5:5. In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul prays for believers to be strengthened inwardly through His Spirit, to grasp the vastness of Christ's love, and to be filled with the fullness of God, highlighting the immeasurable power at work through His Spirit.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Spirit of God plays a vital role in guiding and leading the understanding of God's true nature. It is through the Spirit of God that believers can discern the truths of Elohim, overcoming the lies and mysteries that the world attempts to impose about the nature of God. With the Spirit of God, the seemingly incomprehensible becomes clear and logical, enabling a deep and true comprehension of who Elohim is. This Spirit is essential for believers to see and accept the biblical revelations about God, distinguishing them from worldly speculations and false doctrines. Furthermore, the Spirit of God empowers spiritual sons of God to live according to divine instruction, setting them apart from those who lack this spiritual insight.
Is Obedience Required Before Receiving God's Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennActs 5:32 declares that God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, yet some argue that keeping God's law is not necessary. What is the truth?
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod personally handpicks individuals with whom He desires to form a reciprocal relationship. This relationship must be dressed, kept, tended, and maintained.
What Does It Mean to 'Walk in the Spirit'?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIf fleshly things become more important, we are on a trajectory toward death. We must exercise control, drawing on the power of God's Spirit.
A Primer On Spirit
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Spirit is an invisible force, the effects of which are clear by its manifestations. Spirit can be discerned by thinking through and evaluating its effects.
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.
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 Fruit of the Spirit
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFruit is a frequent symbol in the Bible, most prominently in the fruit of the Spirit. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in us.
The Absence-Presence Dichotomy and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Paul's use of the presence-absence dichotomy clarified that absence does not materially affect the Work of God because the same Holy Spirit is always present.
Testing the Spirits (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Apostle John exhorts us to test and discern the spirits, judging between the true and the false, using the scripture as the steady standard of truth.
Spiritual Renewal
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul admonishes the Corinthians to resist contentions, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambition, backbiting, whispering, slander, conceit, and agitation.

Jesus and the Feast (Part Two): Belief in the Spirit
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the last day of the Feast, Jesus proclaimed Himself as the One who will dispense God's Spirit, amplifying the promise He had made to the woman at the well.
Limiting the Holy One of Israel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod has self-imposed limitations when we go against His commands, testing His patience, purposely limiting Him by our faithlessness, robbing ourselves of blessings.
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.'
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.

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.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod provides the gift before it is actually needed so that when it is needed, everything is prepared for the person to do as he has been commissioned to do.
The Helper and the Angel of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist frequently used 3rd person titles, such as the Son of Man and the Helper. Just as Christ sent the Helper—Himself—so Yahweh sent His Angel—Himself.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Five)
Sermon by David F. MaasGod is not a closed triangular Trinity, but a family consisting of God the Father and God the Son, and will include billions of resurrected, glorified saints.
Acts (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAdherents to the Pentecostal movement try to mimic some of the superficial surface manifestations of Acts 2 rather than follow the teaching given on that day.
Pentecost and the Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod forbids us to make alliances with carnal minds on divisive issues. The only division God desires is a separation from the world and its enticing drives.
Teaching Us to Think (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod instructs us to be living sacrifices. Too many drag this change out over decades, thereby self-limiting the process of sanctification.
Do Angels Live Forever? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot assume that angels are immortal and share the same kind of spirit God Almighty has; we cannot assume they are indestructible.
The Pentecost Witness
Article by David C. GrabbePentecost is known for its stupendous signs, particularly in Acts 2. Yet it teaches us of another witness: our own display of Christ's way of life in us.
Acts (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, chronological narrative (Acts), perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ and God the Father are one in spirit and purpose, purposing to draw us toward that same kind of unity that currently exists between them.
Sin (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough influenced by Satan and the world, sin is still a personal choice. Christ's sacrifice and God's Spirit provide our only defense against its pulls.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.