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Image and Likeness of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is Spirit, yet He has form and shape as He has revealed in His Word. The Bible, as God's written revelation to His children, clearly states that He possesses a visible form, contrary to assertions that He has no body or takes up no space. In Genesis 1:26-27, God declares that man is made in His image and likeness, implying a physical resemblance, not merely a spiritual or abstract concept. This is supported by numerous scriptures where terms like "tselem," "demooth," and "icon" are used to describe both God's form and human likeness, consistently indicating shape and appearance that can be perceived. Jesus Himself affirmed this in John 5:37, noting that God has a form visible to the eye and a voice audible to the ear. Throughout Scripture, there is no indication that God's body is temporary or vaporous; rather, He teaches that a spirit being's body, while not of earthly flesh and bone, is solid and tangible. God's own descriptions of Himself are clear and trustworthy, and to suggest otherwise is to question His honesty, as He is not a man that He would lie. Thus, we must accept what He reveals about His form and shape, recognizing that we are created in His image with the potential to be exactly like Him.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe invisible things of God are clearly seen by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, which indicates His divine nature. This nature of God is revealed through creation as a constant and natural revelation, available to all who stop to consider it, allowing them to learn much about Him. God is Spirit, and while this is a statement of fact, it does not mean He lacks a body or substance. Spiritual substance is just as real as natural substance, though it is a higher type of matter governed by higher laws. God has revealed Himself in many ways, showing that He possesses a form with attributes like a head, hair, face, arms, fingers, hands, waist, eyes, ears, mouth, feet, and even a heart. He feels emotions, rests, eats, drinks, laughs, gets angry, speaks in a still small voice, and roars from Zion. As a Man, He wept, demonstrating that He is in His image and likeness with mankind. God moves from place to place in a body, rides in a vehicle, walks, plants, works, and lives in a spiritual place called heaven. He is a being, a person, an individual, located in one place at a time, with deep feelings, pained when people sin, showing that He is not a mere abstract power or universal mind but a tangible presence with substance.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe concept of spirit, as derived from the Hebrew "ruach" and the Greek "pneuma," signifies an invisible force or power. Jesus Christ illustrates this with the example of wind, which, though unseen, moves objects and carries substance, demonstrating that spirit, like air, is real despite being invisible to the unaided eye. Spirit beings possess substance, yet human nature does not naturally grant the ability to perceive them; this capacity must be given, as shown in the account of Elisha and Gehazi, where Gehazi was enabled to see a vast army of spirit beings surrounding them. God's body is described as being composed of spirit, distinguishing Him from mankind, who are earthly flesh and bone. His body, though spirit, is immortal, perfect, and self-existent. This composition means God cannot be omnipresent in body; He exists in one place at a time, as depicted in scriptures showing Him sitting, standing, walking, talking, eating, drinking, commanding, and creating within specific locations. Yet, when we ask God to be present with us in gatherings, we refer to His presence in spirit, not in body, since He dwells in heaven, from where He will return. God's presence is not governed by bodily sight or nearness but by relationship and union. Through His Spirit, He can project Himself into multitudes of situations, being omnipresent in influence despite being in one location. This union with God grows stronger through studying His word, meditating on it, and sharing experiences with Him, allowing His mind and character to shape our lives. His words, described as spirit and life, become an invisible force working within us, drawing us closer to being one with Him as we apply them in our lives.
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.
Can Theology Define God's Nature?
Article by Earl L. HennHuman reason and logic are practically useless as tools in determining the nature of God. Only the Bible gives a complete revelation of God.
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.
God the Father (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus reveals that the Father has always had supreme authority, and that He and His Father are absolutely at one in purpose. We must conform to their image.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ is the architect of the church, indicating that the institution must take on the characteristics of the Builder, reflecting His character.
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.'
Defining Logos (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 'word of the Lord' came (appeared) to Abraham, suggesting that the Word (dabar, the Hebrew equivalent of logos) is a Being, the 'Lord God.'

Born Again or Begotten? (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe concept of a spiritual birth has confused many. The Bible consistently compares Christians to already-born children or adults, not fetuses.
Defining Logos (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Greek word 'logos' has been negatively loaded with unbiblical meanings. Its basic meaning is 'word' or 'saying,' yet it is really more complex.
John (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe woman of Samaria is like each of us, initially hardened, self-willed and skeptical when called, but afterwards zealous when enlightened by the truth.
Sincerity and Truth (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn contrast to the world's embracing of fraud and deceit, God's called-out ones are obligated to eat the bread of sincerity and truth all our lives.