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Wind and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles WhitakerWind, as an image in the Scriptures, carries both negative and positive connotations, embodying a study in contrasts and opposites. Often, it symbolizes a lack of substance, adversity, or changeableness, yet it takes on a more positive meaning when connected to the person of God. Wind is one of the most complex images in the Scriptures due to this duality. Physically, wind exhibits titanically powerful characteristics, capable of clearing the atmosphere of clouds, smoke, dust, and haze, while also gathering these elements at other times. It plays a crucial role in broadcasting seeds through anemochory and dispersing pollen through anemophily, as seen in oaks and grasses. However, wind can also damage soil through erosion, moving sand across continents, such as from the Sahara to the Caribbean. Wind's independence is another striking feature, appearing impulsive or whimsical, displaying a freedom that mirrors God's sovereignty while highlighting mankind's weakness. Its unpredictable changeableness frustrates humanity, leaving them pondering what comes next and seeking shelter from its power. Mankind struggles to catch or control wind on a large scale, though small-scale efforts like sailing ships or windmills demonstrate limited success. Ultimately, wind's apparent independence is under the control of the sovereign God, who creates and governs it. Invisibility is a defining trait of wind, unseen except through its manifestations, such as raising dust in small dust devils. This invisibility 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 with visible effects. Christ connects God's Spirit with wind, highlighting its invisibility and independence. Wind also varies in intensity, not always powerful or destructive, but sometimes manifesting as a gentle breeze, bracing, invigorating, or refreshing. This gentle aspect ties wind to voice or words, as seen in descriptions of a calm breeze or a still small voice, where God manifests Himself through a quiet, gentle sound rather than overwhelming force. Breath, on a micro level, is akin to wind, essential for speech, where the spirit in man shapes breath into meaningful words, transforming mere air into communication. Finally, wind significantly influences weather, playing a major role in creating the physical environment, often unseen in upper atmospheric currents. Similarly, God's Spirit, likened to wind, shapes a spiritual environment through His Word and voice, forming a realm where His children dwell. This spiritual space, invisible like the wind, is internal, closer than breath, and described as the Kingdom of the Son, a realm of light and love within.
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.
Using Power Righteously (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Pentecost holds a profound significance, deeply tied to the gift of God's Holy Spirit, which empowers humanity in unique ways. The term "Spirit," rooted in the Hebrew and Greek words for breath and wind, represents an invisible, immaterial force or power that influences and moves what it encounters, much like wind itself. This unseen force is vital, as it enables actions and understanding beyond natural human capacity. In biblical contexts, wind as a metaphor for Spirit illustrates its dynamic and transformative nature. Just as wind can move objects invisibly, the Spirit imparts power and understanding to mankind. This is evident in the broader concept of spirit in man, a general endowment that provides human characteristics and abilities, such as understanding, distinguishing humans from animals. Yet, this human spirit alone is insufficient for the righteous use of God's gifts. God's Holy Spirit, given personally and at specific times, surpasses the human spirit, enabling individuals to act in ways that align with God's nature. This divine Spirit is the missing link between man and God, necessary to transcend human limitations and to manage the responsibilities and gifts bestowed upon mankind. Without it, humanity cannot fully achieve the purpose for which these gifts were given, often leading to destruction rather than proper stewardship. The power of wind, as a symbol of Spirit, underscores the necessity of this divine influence to fulfill God's purpose. It is through this invisible yet potent force that mankind is equipped to overcome, grow, and prepare for the responsibilities of the Kingdom, ensuring that the gifts and powers granted are used righteously and in harmony with God's will.
Reap the Whirlwind
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamHaman'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 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 Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Spirit, akin to wind, is an invisible power that we cannot see, yet its influence is evident in the world around us. Like wind carrying dust from place to place, moving tree leaves, or bearing heat or cold with force upon what it strikes, spirit manifests its presence through its effects. We cannot see the spirit itself, but we observe the outcomes of its power in human understanding and actions. Just as wind is unseen but felt, the spirit imparts abilities such as discernment, memory, intellectual brilliance, artistic talent, and character, empowering humans to navigate and shape their lives. In the analogy of spiritual birth, Jesus speaks of a heavenly source, likening it to wind coming from an unknown origin, illustrating the mysterious and powerful nature of the spirit from above that initiates a new spiritual life.
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.
Powerful Effects of the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are intrigued by supernatural power, and many seek to display it. Yet the Scriptures show the activity of the Holy Spirit in ways that are commonly missed.
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.'
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere are varieties of spirit, motivating people to 'go with the flow' and conform to a sheep-like mob psychology. Satan's spirit encourages sinfulness.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Six): Sunshine, Fresh Air, Cleanliness
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.
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe receiving of God's Spirit is for God's creative effort in our lives. God's Spirit transforms us from a state of destruction into a state of purity.
Parable of the Two Builders
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus 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.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe numerous figures of speech describing God's body parts substantiate that God has shape and form and occupies a specific location.
The Great Flood (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe '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.
Passing By in Glory
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus' walking on the water in the pitch-black darkness of early morning, revealing Himself to the disciples, alludes to the time God passed by Moses.
Peter's Pentecost Sermon
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe signs that accompanied Peter's Pentecost sermon attracted attention, confirmed God's Word, and provided meaning to the effects of the Holy Spirit.