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Pentecost and the Holy Spirit

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Pentecost holds a profound significance in God's purpose, particularly through the giving of His Holy Spirit, which surpasses the importance of the Old Covenant and the giving of the Law. This event marks the beginning of a transformative process, enabling us to achieve our destiny to be in the image of God spiritually and morally, as sons in His family. Under the Old Covenant, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:2-4, most Israelites lacked God's Holy Spirit, highlighting the unique power and privilege of its New Covenant bestowal. The Holy Spirit is the channel through which God's creative energy and power are manifested, as illustrated in Psalm 104 where His Spirit brings forth creation and renewal. Without His Spirit, the earth would remain in destruction, and no transformation would occur. Isaiah 32:13-18 and Ezekiel 37:12-14 further emphasize that it is by God's Spirit, not human might, that change and renewal are accomplished. He sprinkles clean water, changes natures, and causes growth, showing that His Spirit is essential for any progress or transformation. Jesus Christ affirms in John 5:17 that He and His Father are continually working, shaping and molding as the Potter does with clay. The Holy Spirit, likened to water used by a potter, brings the right consistency to enable this shaping. Galatians 6:15 and II Corinthians 3:18 reveal that receiving God's Spirit initiates a new life, transforming us from confusion and destruction to purity and order, paralleling the creative act in Genesis 1 where His Spirit brought order from chaos. God's Spirit is given for His creative work in us, not for our control or self-glorification, as seen in the error of Simon the magician who sought it for personal gain. God's Spirit is bestowed to those who obey Him, conditioned by the purity of their desire to glorify Him, as noted in I Corinthians 14:1. It is not a power to be manipulated but a gift for His purposes, including the benefit of the church, as stated in I Corinthians 12:7, where it is apportioned according to His will. Additionally, the Spirit is given for our spiritual growth and well-being, empowering us to yield to God and prepare for His Kingdom, as described in II Peter 1:2-4. It provides essential truths about relationships with God and man, determining the quality and length of life. Romans 15:13 and Romans 5:5 highlight that hope and love are imparted through His Spirit, motivating and strengthening us. Finally, Ephesians 3:14-21 underscores the inward strength and power granted through His Spirit, enabling us to grasp the vastness of Christ's love and be filled with the fullness of God.

An Abundance of Living Water

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Water, as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, holds profound significance on the Last Great Day, a day that highlights the abundance of living water promised by God to all humanity. This living water, far beyond the physical water seen in lakes and streams, represents the Holy Spirit that Jesus Christ Himself revealed as a vital element of salvation. On the Last Great Day, during a water ceremony in the Temple, Jesus stood amidst thousands and declared that if anyone thirsts, they should come to Him and drink, promising that out of their heart would flow rivers of living water, an abundance far surpassing the ceremonial pitcher of water poured on the altar. This living water, unlike the stagnant seep of Jacob's well, is described as flowing, running, and inexhaustible, a refreshing fountain that nourishes and energizes eternally. Jesus emphasized to the Samaritan woman that the water He offers is so abundant and fulfilling that once drunk, one would never thirst for anything else, leading to eternal life. This water, the Holy Spirit, works within to refresh, fill, and bring one to the point of eternal salvation, satisfying all yearnings of the human spirit when combined with God's Spirit. In the vision of Ezekiel, water flows from the Temple, increasing in depth and volume as it moves eastward, transforming the Dead Sea into a living sea teeming with life, illustrating how the Holy Spirit heals and fosters growth and abundance. This river of living water, originating from the Source at the Temple, symbolizes the miraculous intervention of God, bringing the dead to life and creating an environment for flourishing. Habakkuk further illustrates this outpouring, showing that the water from the Temple does not stop at the Dead Sea but continues to fill the earth, saturating it with God's knowledge and understanding. This gradual flow, rising over time, signifies how God's Spirit, working with His Word, provides revelation, correction, and guidance necessary for salvation. God implores humanity to drink of this living water, promising an inundation of every good thing, an active energy that inspires action akin to Jesus Christ Himself. During the Great White Throne Judgment, a time of judgment after the Millennium, this proclamation of abundant water will echo Jesus' invitation at the water ceremony, calling everyone who thirsts to come and drink freely. The children of men will put their trust in God, finding abundant satisfaction in the Fountain of Life, the river of living waters that promises life not just now, but forever.

Jesus and the Feast (Part Two): Belief in the Spirit

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

On the last day of the Feast, Jesus proclaimed Himself as the One who will dispense God's Spirit, amplifying the promise He had made to the woman at the well.

That Great Day of the Feast

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

In the Millennium, God will call all nations of the world to Jerusalem to be taught by God, to receive His Holy Spirit to know Him and His way of life.

Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Four)

Sermon by David F. Maas

One of the most marvelous gifts God has given humanity is water—having both physical and spiritual dimensions, serving as the symbol of God's Spirit.

The Final Harvest

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Are millions lost because they never heard the name of Christ? What about infants who died? Are the doors forever shut on those born into false religion?

The Second Resurrection

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has a timetable, carefully calculated to allow people to receive and respond to the truth at their best time for salvation, each in his own order.

Like a Tree

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

Trees provide living illustrations of godly behavior that will prepare Christians to partake of the Tree of Life in God's Kingdom.

John (Part Thirteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The myriad opinions of the crowd concerning Jesus were all conditioned from their perspectives and traditions, but hardly ever from God's perspective.

Teachings from Tabernacles

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The temporary dwellings remind us that nothing earthly is permanent nor our true inheritance, and that our focus must be on what God is doing.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.

A Seed of Highest Quality

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God calls Israel a seed of highest quality, but she turned into a degenerate vine, bearing bitter fruit, rejecting God and relying on her own resources.

Psalm 133

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

True unity comes from God via His Holy Spirit and requires humbly submitting to God's terms rather than our own agendas.

Four Views of Christ (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the typology of the four living creatures (Revelation 4:6-8) lies the foundation for understanding the gospels as four representations of the same Life.

Born Again or Begotten? (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

We must understand Jesus' words about being born again from a spiritual perspective. Interpreting His symbols physically obscures necessary truths.