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In Him Was Life

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The concept of the "Breath of Life" emerges as a fundamental element of physical existence, signifying the essence that animates living creatures. It is the vital force that sustains animal life, encompassing all organisms that breathe air to maintain their being. This breath is identified as the life of created beings, material and fleshly in nature, distinguishing land-based creatures such as birds, cattle, beasts, creeping things, and humans. Those possessing this breath perished in the Flood, except for the preserved few, highlighting its connection to physical, mortal life. In the narrative of creation, God breathes into Adam's nostrils the breath of life, initiating human existence. This act underscores that only God holds the power and prerogative to bestow life, a theme consistent from the beginning to the end of scriptural accounts. In a later instance, the breath of life from God enters the Two Witnesses, resurrecting them to physical life after death, further affirming that this breath pertains to bodily, air-breathing existence rather than a spiritual or eternal state. The breath of life is intricately linked to the concept that life resides in the blood, as both are essential to sustaining physical life. The breath brings oxygen into the body, which the blood then circulates to every cell, maintaining life. Thus, the blood carries the breath of life, embodying the same principle of physical sustenance. This connection illustrates that life, in its material form, depends on these intertwined processes, both originating from God's creative act.

Defining the Human Mind

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

The concept of the "Breath of Life" is intricately tied to the Hebrew understanding of mind, though they lacked a specific word for it. In their view, mind was always related to another entity, often connected to the idea of breath or life itself. In I Samuel 2, the Hebrew word nephesh, often translated as soul or living being, is rendered as mind by the King James translators. This reflects the belief that to have a mind, one must be alive, a nephesh, possessing the breath of life, the wind within. The Hebrews did not associate mind with the brain but saw it as involving the whole body, integral to a person's living being. Further, in Daniel 5, the Hebrew word rauch, meaning wind or breath, is translated as mind in the King James Version. This reinforces the Hebrew perception of mind as related to breath or spirit, a concept vague to them but tied to the essence of life. Rauch, also used to refer to God's Spirit, underscores the connection between mind and the vital force of breath, emphasizing that life and thought are inseparable in their understanding.

Good, Good, Good Vibrations

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Bill Onisick

Everything in this universe is interconnected energy, vibrating at various frequencies. God's Holy Spirit, described as the mind and creative power of the Almighty, was the force through which He created all things, hovering over the waters and bringing forth life from His thoughts. When God breathed into man, as recorded in Genesis 2:7, He imparted a vital breath, a spirit that sets humans apart from animals. This invisible spirit in the mind grants the ability to think, design, discern, and be motivated by both instinct and intellect, providing consciousness, emotions, creativity, and understanding. This spirit, a hidden energy, is a powerful gift used to reason and make plans, giving humans dominion over creation. Each person possesses this spirit, enabling thought and understanding, and it allows communication with others through words and emotions that can motivate or discourage. However, a spiritual divide occurred when sin separated the human spirit from God's Spirit, creating a failure to communicate between the human mind and the divine mind. Satan's invisible, negative spirit permeates the world, influencing evil thoughts and planting seeds of doubt and negativity in human minds. In contrast, God's powerful, positive Spirit is infinitely stronger, and through a faithful response, repentance, and relationship with Jesus Christ, one can be renewed daily by His Holy Spirit. This Spirit enables a transformation, replacing carnality with divine energy that radiates positively to others. The mind is a battleground between God's Holy Spirit and satan's negative influence, but by focusing on positive, noble, and pure thoughts, one can guard the heart and mind with peaceful energy. God's Spirit of agape never thinks evil, and by meditating on His promises and faithfulness, one can connect to His powerful energy, becoming more like Him and overcoming the negativity of this world. Through the indwelling of His Spirit, a constant choice to discipline the mind and walk in His agape is required to maintain this divine connection.

Is Your Soul Immortal?

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The prevailing idea is that the soul is the indestructible part of a human being that lives on after death. The Bible reveals a different reality of life and death.

Wind and God's Spirit

Sermon by Charles Whitaker

God controls the invisible wind—powerful or gentle—making it an ideal symbol for His Spirit. God's breathing life into Adam foreshadowed giving the Holy Spirit.

Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Four)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Garden of Eden was probably prepared or planted after Adam was created so he could see God at work, providing him an example of diligence and satisfaction.

The Fifth Seal (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Following the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse is the Fifth Seal, depicting souls under the altar crying out to God for vengeance. Here is what it means.

The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The architects of the trinity doctrine admit that it is a 'somewhat unsteady silhouette', requiring assumptions and inferences, but unsupportable by Scripture.

The Second Death

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

For those who have submitted their lives to God, turning their lives around in repentance, there is no fear of the Second Death—eternal death in the Lake of Fire.

Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Ten)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The statement, 'it is not good for man to be alone,' is the first declaration that something was not good. Being alone denotes separateness.

Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Whatever life is, it derives from a non-material, non-physical, imparted life-force having a spiritual source. God creates and sustains life, as well as ends it.

The Right Use of Power

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

With dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.

Who the Two Witnesses Are Not

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Many prophecy watchers have made their guesses about who the Two Witness of Revelation 11 are, but not all of their ideas have solid, biblical foundations.