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Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPentecost 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. RitenbaughWater has great metaphorical significance on the Last Great Day of the Feast, symbolizing God's Holy Spirit given without measure.
Jesus and the Feast (Part Two): Belief in the Spirit
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn 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 McClureIn 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. MaasOne 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. RitenbaughAre 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. RitenbaughGod 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 FordTrees 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. RitenbaughThe 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. GrabbeThe 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. CollinsGod 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. RitenbaughTrue 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. RitenbaughIn 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. RitenbaughWe must understand Jesus' words about being born again from a spiritual perspective. Interpreting His symbols physically obscures necessary truths.