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God's Gift of the Spirit

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

Compared to the Pentecost in Acts 2, our receipt of God's Spirit was attended with far less drama. However, the power of God's Spirit is no less potent.

Pentecost and the Holy Spirit

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Pentecost holds a unique significance among the holy days, marked by the extraordinary giving of God's Holy Spirit, which surpasses even the importance of the Old Covenant and the giving of the Law. This event on Pentecost enabled the founding and building of His church, focusing on the achievement of God's purpose for humanity to be in His spiritual and moral image, and to become sons in His very family. Under the Old Covenant, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:2-4, most Israelites did not receive God's Holy Spirit, highlighting the profound change brought by the New Covenant. On the day of Pentecost, as described in Acts, the manifestation of God's Spirit was accompanied by the sound of a mighty rushing wind from heaven, filling the house where the disciples were gathered, likely the Temple. Flames of fire appeared on those receiving His Spirit, visibly marking their sanctification and setting them apart. Those filled with the Holy Spirit spoke in languages familiar to the diverse inhabitants of Jerusalem, demonstrating the immediate power of His Spirit to communicate across barriers. God's Holy Spirit is the channel through which His creative energy and power are manifested, as seen in Psalm 104 where His Spirit brings forth creation and renewal. Without His Spirit, there would be neither creation nor transformation, as illustrated in Genesis 1, Isaiah 32, and Ezekiel 37, where His Spirit moves from confusion to order, from destruction to purity and life. When He sends forth His Spirit to individuals, transformation begins, creating anew from a state of disorder, as He shapes and molds like a potter with clay, using His Spirit as the water to bring the right consistency for creation. The purpose of God's Spirit is multifaceted: it serves as a bridge for Him to continue His creative work in individuals, empowers the church for the common good as seen in I Corinthians 12:7, and fosters personal spiritual growth to prepare for His Kingdom, as noted in II Peter 1:2-4. His Spirit, called the Spirit of truth, imparts essential knowledge about relationships with Him and others, providing hope and love, as reflected in Romans 15:13 and Romans 5:5. Through His Spirit, He grants inward strength and power, enabling believers to grasp the vastness of Christ's love and to be filled with the fullness of God, as prayed in Ephesians 3:14-21. However, God's Spirit is not a power to be controlled for personal gain, as exemplified by Simon the magician's misguided desire to use it for self-glorification, revealing a heart not right with God. He gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, conditioned by the quality of their desire to glorify Him, not for selfish reasons, as warned in I Corinthians 14:1. Thus, His Spirit remains under His control, apportioned according to His will for creation, transformation, and the edification of His church.

What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Spirit of God, as revealed in the beginning of Scripture, belongs to Him, a possession of His essence that He employs. It is not a separate entity but an extension of His will, constantly active and poised with eager readiness to act at His command. This dynamic force, depicted as hovering over the waters with a fluttering motion like a bird, embodies ceaseless movement and expectancy, never static or passive, but always prepared to execute His purpose. The Spirit does not initiate action independently but responds when He speaks, as seen when He declared, "Let there be light," and light came into being through the Spirit's power. Thus, His will, expressed through His spoken word, directs the Spirit, which then acts to fulfill His command. This foundational understanding shows that the Spirit is ever-ready to perform His bidding. In the life of Joseph, the Spirit set him apart, granting discernment to comprehend obscure dreams and wisdom to make sound judgments, elevating him above others in understanding and action. Similarly, in Jesus Christ, the Spirit manifested these qualities, along with counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, demonstrating its broad influence beyond mere wisdom. The Spirit also enhances natural talents for His work, as with Bezaleel, who was filled with abilities to craft the Tabernacle with excellence. It not only improved his skills but inspired an attitude of dedication to fulfill His purpose, showing that the Spirit equips individuals for specific tasks He assigns. Moreover, the Spirit reveals truth, opening eyes to reality as He sees it, as with Balaam, a pagan sorcerer, whose vision was broadened to perceive His perspective, even prophesying of the Redeemer. This unveiling of truth removes deception's blinders, allowing a wider, godly understanding that grows over time. In moments of need, the Spirit provides strength, exemplified by Samson, who was empowered to overcome a lion, symbolizing spiritual fortitude to resist and prevail against adversaries like Satan. This same empowerment enabled Jesus Christ to do good and serve others, and filled Paul to perform signs and preach, showing the Spirit's power extends to acts of kindness and service. The Spirit also inspires fitting words at critical times, as with Jahaziel, who spoke encouragement to Judah facing defeat, and as promised by Jesus Christ, who assured that the Spirit would provide words for witness in adversity. This inspiration mirrors the guidance given to prophets and apostles, ensuring His truth is conveyed through spoken or written word. Additionally, the Spirit facilitates fellowship, linking believers to the Father, to His Son, and to one another, creating a shared mind and purpose across distances. It pours out His love into hearts, ensuring that all actions inspired by the Spirit are rooted in love, never leading to harmful or foolish deeds but always aligning with sound, godly reasoning. Finally, the Spirit sets individuals apart for special purposes, as seen in Joshua's ordination to lead Israel, and in the church through baptism and the laying on of hands, marking believers as His children, justified and sanctified to inherit His glory. It imparts courage, strength, and a sound mind, guiding decisions within the bounds of love and reason, ensuring actions reflect His will.

What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's, I've rewritten the sections of the provided material that pertain to "God's Spirit, Manifestation of," maintaining the original tone and focusing on the relevant content as it relates to the broader context. The result is a concise version with complete sentences, adhering strictly to the source material and capitalizing personal pronouns for God and Jesus Christ. —- God's Spirit manifests powerfully within the body of Christ, empowering each member for the common good. He has set every part in the body as it pleases Him, ensuring that each individual is equipped with gifts to profit the whole. Through His Spirit, we can draw on the same awesome power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead, enabling us to overcome and produce fruit. He administers this Spirit as the Head of the church, providing the strength needed when we align our will with His. If we abide in Him and ask, He promises the power to produce fruits such as love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and faithfulness, which enhance the body and glorify Him. Receiving His Spirit obligates and empowers us to work for the well-being of the whole, with the flow of His Spirit regulated by our active use of what we have been given. Without Him, we can do nothing, but His power is granted to those contributing to the body's health, ensuring that all may profit as we use His Spirit according to His will. —-

God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Two)

Sermon by David F. Maas

God's promises to give us the desires of our hearts, His Holy Spirit, wisdom, and spiritual gifts to edify the Body all come with strings attached.

God's Workmanship (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's creation did not end with the physical creation or our election, but God continues to work, giving us the motivation and the power to do His will.

Is Speaking in Tongues the Only Sign?

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

In Pentecostalism, speaking in 'tongues' is the worshipped sign that God has accepted a person. Yet the miracle of Pentecost was not the speaking gibberish.

Pentecost and Speaking In Tongues

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The apostle Paul teaches that tongues (languages) are only used to communicate intelligently, not gibberish. Tongues originally served as a sign for unbelievers.

Acts (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Adherents 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.

The Pentecost Witness

Article by David C. Grabbe

Pentecost is known for its stupendous signs, particularly in Acts 2. Yet it teaches us of another witness: our own display of Christ's way of life in us.

Acts (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, chronological narrative (Acts), perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke.

Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus Christ was not a sunshine patriot, but sacrificed everything He had for the sake of God's people and the Kingdom of God—His holy nation.

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.

Pentecost and Hope

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Simeon's life serves as a precursor to that of God's called-out ones, demonstrating the elements necessary to bring a person to spiritual maturity.

The Two Witnesses (Part Four)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The seven golden lamps symbolize 7 churches, empowered by abundant oil, manifested as spiritual words. Zerubbabel is a type of Christ, finishing the Temple.

Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Titus 2 gives specific instructions to senior members of the congregation, followed by instructions to the youth, explaining their responsibilities.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We are being trained to become leaders, but before we can lead, we must be able to carry out responsibilities, conforming to God's leadership and covenants.

John (Part Twenty-Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus encouraged His disciples by promising to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the challenges of the Christian life, making us sensitive to God.