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Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPentecost holds a profound significance in God's purpose, far surpassing the Old Covenant events with the New Covenant giving of His Holy Spirit. This gift marks the founding and building of His church, enabling the achievement of our destiny to be in the image of God spiritually and morally, as sons in His family. Under the Old Covenant, except for a precious few, the Israelites did not receive God's Holy Spirit, a lack that contrasts sharply with the events following Jesus Christ's ministry. On the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts, the Holy Spirit was given with remarkable signs. A sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven, filling the house where the disciples were sitting, likely the Temple, during a holy day service. Flames of fire appeared on those receiving God's Spirit, visibly marking their sanctification, a phenomenon tied to the baptism of fire mentioned by John the Baptist. Those filled with the Holy Spirit spoke in languages familiar to the foreign-born inhabitants of Jerusalem, demonstrating the Spirit's power in communication across diverse backgrounds. This outpouring was only the beginning of what was prophesied, as not all elements of Joel's prophecy were fulfilled at that time. The impact was profound on those who witnessed Jesus Christ's ministry, leading to repentance and baptism among many who heard Peter's sermon, their minds opened by God's Spirit to the truth of what they had seen and heard. The Holy Spirit empowers believers, providing the means through which God's creative energy manifests. It is the channel for transformation, turning confusion and destruction into order and beauty, much like the creation in Genesis. When God sends forth His Spirit, a new life begins, shaping us into the righteousness of God, a process of sanctification and daily growth in holiness. God's Spirit is not a power to be controlled for personal gain, as illustrated by Simon the magician's misguided desire to use it for self-glorification, an act of idolatry sternly rebuked by Peter. God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, conditioned by the purity of their desire to glorify Him, not themselves. It is apportioned according to His will for the common good of the church, empowering it for service, and for individual spiritual growth, preparing us for His Kingdom. Through His Spirit, God grants the most essential knowledge about relationships with Him and others, providing truth about our destiny and how to reach it. This Spirit of truth instills hope, a powerful motivator, and fills us with love shed abroad in our hearts. It strengthens us inwardly, enabling Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith, so we may grasp the vast dimensions of His love and be filled with the fullness of God.
Jesus on the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus spoke of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, He introduced a profound spiritual immersion that empowers believers for a divine purpose. In Acts 1, He likened this baptism to being fully plunged into water, emphasizing a total covering and saturation with the Holy Spirit, much like John's water baptism but on a spiritual level. This immersion is not a mere sprinkling but a complete enveloping, preparing the disciples to be witnesses of Him across the globe. Jesus conveyed that this Baptism of the Holy Spirit equips a select few with immense power from God, a privilege and responsibility to use for His glory. It signifies an unhindered flow of spiritual strength and motivation, urging believers to allow this power to work through them in godly behavior, service, and encouragement without restraint.
Baptism and Unleavened Bread
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamThe pattern of burial and rescue from a watery grave appears often in scripture, indicating that baptism plays an enormous role in God's overall purpose.
Baptism and the Last Day of Unleavened Bread
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamJohn the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11, speaks of a profound baptism, declaring that He who is coming after him, mightier than he, will baptize with the Holy Spirit. After emerging from the watery grave of baptism, a Christian receives the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, becoming part of the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, the church. As I Corinthians 12:13 states, by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. Through this baptism of the Holy Spirit, a Christian is regenerated, becoming a son or daughter of God the Father, as noted in Titus 3:5. Unlike the children of Israel, who were baptized in the sea but did not receive this spiritual baptism and thus perished in the wilderness, those who embrace this gift are transformed. Revelation 14:1-5 speaks of the 144,000 firstfruits, who, having taken their baptisms seriously, follow the Lamb wherever He goes, ultimately living eternally as the Bride of Christ.
The Wonderful Ordinance of Water Baptism
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBaptism symbolizes a burial and resurrection, or the crucifixion of the carnal self. After a person realizes his ways have been wrong, he should counsel for baptism.
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 Speaking In Tongues
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle Paul teaches that tongues (languages) are only used to communicate intelligently, not gibberish. Tongues originally served as a sign for unbelievers.
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.
Never With Hands Hanging at Your Sides
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerRejoicing did not become commanded until Pentecost, a joyous time in which God has brought us into fellowship with Our High Priest, enabling peace with Him.
Acts (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul's success at promoting the Way started to undermine the prosperity of vendors promoting the worship of Diana, leading to a riotous assembly in her temple.

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.
Born Again or Begotten? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe must understand Jesus' words about being born again from a spiritual perspective. Interpreting His symbols physically obscures necessary truths.
Preparing the Bride
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughA Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.
Hebrews (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus experienced the same temptations and suffering we do, qualifying Him for the role of High Priest, the bridge-builder between man and God.
Acts (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe conversion of Cornelius is nearly as pivotal as the original Pentecost because the Gentiles are given the same portal of salvation offered to Israel.
'Being Seen of Them Forty Days'
Sermon by Mark SchindlerOn the 40th day on the count to Pentecost, Jesus ascended. The details of His activity before His ascension have not received the focus they should.
Born Again (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Things pertaining to the New Covenant can only be understood by those who have been circumcised in the heart, which equates to having been born again.