Playlist: Holy Spirit (topic)
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus speaks of a time when God will offer His Spirit to all of mankind, highlighting the importance of seeking God as a major key to growth in God's Spirit. God sends forth His Spirit, drawing us to Him and creating a relationship where none existed before. This relationship is essential to truly know Him, and it is through …
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)The church consists of those having God's Spirit, and because people are continuing to be converted, the Holy Spirit has been given continuously since the church began. This Holy Spirit, a powerful and invisible force, is an additional power that God gives on conversion, imparting eternal life. It is distinct from the spirit in …
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 WhitakerWind, as a symbol in Scripture, often carries varied meanings, but it is when connected to the person of God that it takes on a profoundly positive significance. One of the key associations of wind is with God's Spirit, highlighting both invisibility and independence. In John 3, Christ Himself connects God's Spirit with the …
The Absence-Presence Dichotomy and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The presence of the Holy Spirit is a vital aspect of the presence-absence dichotomy in God's Word, demonstrating transformative and life-giving power. At Creation, God's Spirit, identified as Christ Himself, hovered over the earth's dark, chaotic surface, bringing light and order out of disorder. This same Spirit works today at …
Testing the Spirits (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn this world of confusion and deception, the Holy Spirit stands as the true guide for those who seek God's way. The Spirit of God offers a power of discernment, enabling us to distinguish between genuine inspiration and counterfeit spirits that lead astray. As warned in I John 4:1, we must not believe every spirit but test them …
Spiritual Renewal
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the midst of the worldly influences and moral decay surrounding the Corinthian Christians, the apostle Paul emphasized the transformative power of God's Holy Spirit. He contrasted the spirit of the world, marked by contentions, jealousies, and selfish ambitions, with the Spirit of God, which brings a profound difference in …
Jesus and the Feast (Part Two): Belief in the Spirit
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn John 7:37-39, during the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus Christ stands up amidst thousands in Jerusalem and boldly announces an open invitation to salvation. He cries out with a loud voice, declaring that anyone who thirsts for true spiritual salvation can come to Him and drink, promising rivers of living water …
Limiting the Holy One of Israel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe children of ancient Israel were guilty of limiting the Holy One of Israel through their faithlessness and failure to embrace the promises God offered them, thus standing between themselves and His abundant blessings. This act of limiting provoked Him, as they did not live as He intended, choosing misery over the unique …
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit, as presented in Jesus' teachings, emerges as a profound and invisible force central to the relationship between God, Jesus Christ, and believers. Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as power, evident in manifestations like speaking in different languages and the appearance of flames of fire, though the Spirit itself …
Using Power Righteously (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Pentecost holds a profound significance as it marks the day God sent forth His Holy Spirit for the benefit of His children. This festival is not only about the establishment of the church but also carries a deeper, more personal purpose. It represents the missing link between God and man, providing the resources to righteously …
The Father's Promise of Power!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Holy Spirit, as symbolized by the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, was freely offered by God to Adam, combining with the human spirit already within him. However, Adam's choice to partake of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represented a rejection of God's Holy Spirit, cutting off humanity from direct contact …
What Does God Really Want? (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe solution to overcoming the persistent influence of human nature lies in the balance of the Holy Spirit within us, contrasted against our inherent tendencies, and how we choose to employ both. Christ had access to the fullness of God's Spirit, enabling Him to fulfill the immense responsibilities of His work, receiving an …
The Helper and the Angel of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIn John 16, Jesus Christ speaks of the promise of the Holy Spirit, fulfilled later on Pentecost, using figurative language that requires careful consideration. In John 14:16-18, He promises to pray to the Father, who will send another Helper to abide with the disciples forever, identified as the Spirit of Truth whom they already …
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Five)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe Holy Spirit, as described in the Amplified Classic edition, is another Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, and Standby, given by the Father to remain with believers forever. Known as the Spirit of Truth, the world cannot receive or recognize Him, for it does not see or know Him, yet He lives constantly with and will …
Acts (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe receiving of God's Holy Spirit is of utmost importance, for it is salvation itself. Salvation means the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which is the very life of God. Having the Holy Spirit assures us of being delivered from the flesh and this world, and of being in the Kingdom of God, as long as the Spirit of God …
Pentecost and the Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerBrethren, was it not only yesterday that we were buried with Jesus Christ in the waters of baptism, received God's Holy Spirit, and began a journey to live as He lives under the direction of His Holy Spirit? How well have we handled the serious responsibility of being stewards of the mysteries of God, remaining patient under the …
Teaching Us to Think (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's Spirit plays a vital role in transforming our stubborn, hard-hearted nature into something softer and more receptive to His will. Through His Spirit, He works to remove our hearts of stone and replace them with hearts of flesh, making us more malleable to His guidance. This Spirit is essential in overcoming the innate …
Do Angels Live Forever? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is distinct from all other spirits, as it is God's own Spirit, pure and designated as holy. It is unlike the created spirits given to man and animals, which impart specific characteristics to them. When a person receives the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism, they become part of …
Acts (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Acts highlights the essential role of God's Holy Spirit in the life and mission of the church. Right at the beginning, in Acts 2, the church is empowered by the Holy Spirit, without which it could not have accomplished the commission given by God. The main storyline of the book is the spread of the gospel message …
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Galatians 4:6, we are reminded that Jesus Christ is the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, not a separate third-party spirit being. This truth is reinforced in John 14, where it is clear that the Spirit within us is the Son, Jesus Christ Himself. He is much more than just the Spirit that dwells in us; He is God, spirit, and …
Sin (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is a vital force in the life of a believer, contrasting sharply with the natural human spirit that lacks understanding of God. As revealed in I Corinthians 2:11, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God, highlighting that the human spirit, while keen on physical matters, is blind to spiritual …
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Holy Spirit is a vital source that shapes the unique characteristics of the church, directly tied to the Builder, Jesus Christ. It is the enabling tool that configures the members of the church in unity with the Father and the Son, playing a critical role in our calling and God's purpose. Spirit, as described, is an …
Announcing . . . Christ's Birth!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the account of Christ's birth, the Holy Spirit plays a significant role as the power through which the miraculous conception occurs. The angel Gabriel, speaking to Mary, declares that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and the power of the Highest will overshadow her, resulting in the birth of the Holy One who will be called …
Made Alive by Exceeding Greatness!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe power of God's Holy Spirit was first demonstrated on the Day of Pentecost, becoming operative in the life of the church as Jesus Christ promised before His ascension, declaring that the apostles would be endued with power from on high. This power, evident in the exceeding greatness of God's might, works within believers, as …
The Five Paraklete Sayings
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus introduced the Holy Spirit as the Comforter during His Passover discourse the night before His death, though the term does not fully capture the dynamic power He described. This power is ever-present to work for His disciples across all time. In His five parakletos sayings, Jesus portrayed the Holy Spirit as a vital …
Truth (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us the earnest of His Spirit, which impregnates us with immortal, eternal life. Without this impregnation, our conduct remains futile, producing nothing of value beyond the grave. It is through the Spirit of God that we are set apart and made fit for His calling, a process that encompasses regeneration, …
Patience With Growth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the spiritual growth and maturity of Christians, as highlighted during the Pentecost season. God's Holy Spirit provides power, strength, inspiration, and all the necessary gifts to live godly lives. When combined with the law given by God, the Spirit equips us with His mind and power, aiding …
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the midst of a world filled with deception and misinformation, where distinguishing truth from error becomes increasingly difficult, we are not left without guidance. Jesus Christ assures His disciples, as their time with Him neared an end, that they would not be abandoned. He promises in John 14:18, 16-17, that He will not …
Pitfalls of Scholarship
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's Spirit is a vital gift granted to those who have obeyed Him, been baptized, and repented, enabling them to understand the things of God. Without this Spirit, one cannot truly comprehend godly matters, as it complements the human spirit and provides the ability to know and grow toward salvation. Converted Christians, having …
Lessons From First-Century Christianity
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEven though the believers of the first century experienced extraordinary events, because of entropy, their zeal atrophied after the shockwaves dissipated.
Sight to the Blind
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus' mission was to recover both physical and spiritual sight to the blind, liberating them from those false beliefs that had previously imprisoned them.
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the discernment of truth and the understanding of spiritual matters. God gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him, as seen in Acts 5:32, where it is stated that the Holy Spirit is given to those who adhere to His commandments. This Spirit enables believers to comprehend spiritual …
Real Conversion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe process of conversion is actually God's workmanship creating a new spiritual being with godly spiritual character- the image of Christ.
Acts (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe 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.
Truth (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThrough the shaping power of God's Holy Spirit, He starts to fill the chasm that divides us so we can have fellowship with Him.
Satan (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit in man is initially good, but capable of being influenced by the spirit of this world, and surcharged with Satan's negative attitudes.
John (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus encouraged His disciples by promising to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the challenges of the Christian life, making us sensitive to God.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Seven): Cultivating Goodness
Sermon by David F. MaasGod has provided strategies which will facilitate His people's cultivation of the spiritual fruit of goodness, working effectively as Christ's sharecroppers.
For the Love of God
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe are royalty, part of the highest Family in all creation. We can take great comfort in knowing who it is we really are and that the Father greatly values us.
One Nation Under God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to follow Nehemiah's example in submitting to God, focusing on the right goals, having wisdom in handling complex situations, and having courage.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden was the perfect place for mankind to get its start, a place where Adam and Eve could become acquainted with God and developed godliness.
General Revelation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's truth is shockingly simple to understand, yet deceptively profound, causing the 'wise' to stumble but guiding true Christians toward eternal life.
Samson and the Christian (Part 4)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter slaughtering Philistines with a donkey's jawbone, Samson prayed perhaps his first truly humble prayer, acknowledging that God had gifted him.
The Mystery of the Church (2005)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul's body analogy illustrates the interconnectedness of all members to Jesus Christ and to each other. Not one is unimportant or useless.
The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe 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.
These Things We Know
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe writings of John contain nine categories of "we know" assertions. Fully knowing consists of developing a deep intense relationship with God.