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Wind and God's Spirit

Sermon by Charles Whitaker

Wind, as a symbol in the Scriptures, embodies a range of meanings, often carrying a negative connotation but also possessing positive significance when linked to the person of God. It represents a complex image, portraying lack of substance, adversity, or changeableness, yet it transforms into a more favorable emblem when associated with God's presence. Wind exhibits titanically powerful characteristics, capable of cleansing the atmosphere by dispersing clouds, smoke, dust, and haze, while also gathering them anew. It plays a vital role in broadcasting seeds through anemochory and dispersing pollen via anemophily, as seen in oaks and grasses. However, wind can also erode soil over time, moving sand across continents, such as Saharan sand reaching the Caribbean, highlighting its immense and often destructive power. The independence of wind is striking, appearing impulsive or whimsical, embodying a freedom that mirrors God's sovereignty while underscoring mankind's weakness. Its unpredictable nature frustrates humanity, leaving them pondering what comes next and seeking shelter from its force. Despite efforts like sailing ships harnessing its power or windmills storing modest amounts of energy, mankind remains largely unable to control or stop the wind, which ultimately is governed by the sovereign God Who creates and directs it. Wind's invisibility further defines its symbolic nature, unseen yet manifest through effects like raising dust. This characteristic aligns with the concept of spirit, as both the Hebrew word "ruach" and the Greek word "pneuma" denote wind and spirit, emphasizing an unseen presence that reveals itself through its actions, particularly when connected to God's Spirit by Christ Himself. Wind also connects to voice and words, ranging from powerful gales to gentle breezes, as depicted in accounts where a calm breeze or a still small voice signifies God's presence. This gentle wind, often translated as a low whisper, links to the voice of God, perceived through sound rather than sight. Breath, akin to wind on a micro level, is essential for speech, shaped by the spirit in man to form meaningful words, reflecting the disposition of the spirit behind them. Finally, wind significantly influences weather, playing a major role in shaping the physical environment, much like God's Spirit shapes the spiritual environment through His Word and voice. This spiritual realm, internal and invisible like the wind, is a space where God's children walk spiritually, a kingdom within, defined by His presence closer than breath itself.

Prevailing Winds

'Ready Answer' by Gary Montgomery

The steady, contrary winds of this world's way of life can be overcome by adjusting our sails to make spiritual headway.

Reap the Whirlwind

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Haman'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.

The Father's Promise of Power!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The 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.

The Holy Spirit

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Theologians, misapplying grammatical gender and personification, falsely deduce a phantom third person, propped up by a spurious insertion (I John 5:7-8).

Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by Staff

The tongue may be the most untamed beast on earth! James says we all offend in word. But James 3 is filled with wisdom regarding how we can overcome the beast.

The Great Flood (Part Five)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The 'giants' in Genesis 6 could have been large for average human beings, but the giant aspect should be applied metaphorically as the movers and shakers.

Parable of the Two Builders

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus asks in His Sermon on the Mount, What have we founded our lives upon? Having the right foundation will allow us to weather the storms of life and prevail.

God Will Understand

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God pays attention to the small things we may excuse in ourselves, sins we commit in weakness. God's patience does not constitute approval of our sin.

The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Walking On Water (Part Two)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus' miracle of walking on the water contravenes everything we know about natural law, showing that God is sovereign and more powerful than the laws He made.