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What Is the Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbePaul, in II Timothy 1:6-7, urges Timothy to stir up the gift of God which is in him through the laying on of hands, emphasizing that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. This gift, identified as the Holy Spirit, is bestowed through the laying on of hands and is something that can be actively stirred up. It counters human fear and shame, enabling strength and endurance in hardship. The Holy Spirit, as a spirit of power, provides the capacity for achieving God's will and work through an individual, though this power is not for personal use but is constrained by love and sound-mindedness. As a spirit of love, it moves us to act rightly toward God and others, regardless of personal cost, and as a spirit of a sound mind, it disciplines our thoughts, making them sensible, balanced, and aligned with God's own mind. By yielding to and making use of this Spirit, we grow in God's image, becoming witnesses of His goodness, love, and holiness, reflecting His glory to the world.
Lying to the Holy Spirit
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the early church, as described in Acts, the Holy Spirit was a powerful presence among the believers, guiding and revealing truth through the apostles. Paul instructs Timothy to stir up the gift of God which is in him through the laying on of hands, emphasizing that God has not given a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:6-7). This language, using verbs like "stir" typically associated with objects, illustrates how the Holy Spirit is described as a dynamic force or gift from God, to be actively engaged and utilized by believers. Through this gift, God's power and will are manifested, enabling His children to live according to His purpose and overcome challenges.
Elite, Special Spiritual Forces Training
Sermonette by Bill OnisickLike a muscle, God's Spirit must be continually used to overcome Satan's attacks in our minds which are, without discipline, hostile to God's laws.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHas anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.
Is Speaking in Tongues the Only Sign?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingIn Pentecostalism, speaking in 'tongues' is the worshipped sign that God has accepted a person. Yet the miracle of Pentecost was not the speaking gibberish.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Five)
Sermon by David F. MaasGod is not a closed triangular Trinity, but a family consisting of God the Father and God the Son, and will include billions of resurrected, glorified saints.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBoth food and information are readily available in the West. What is our approach to them? Our attitude toward and application of them makes all the difference.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Ten): Cultivating the Fruit of Self Control
Sermon by David F. MaasIt is impossible to cultivate self-control unless one uses God's Spirit to reprogram the desires of the heart from self-centeredness to submission to God.
Be There Next Year!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhether we do or do not make it to the Feast of Tabernacles next year depends on our faithfulness at stirring up the gift of God's spirit within us.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 9)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGood spiritual health follows the same patterns and laws as do physical and psychological health. Any permanent change in character must come from within.
Assurance (Part One): Self Examination
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSalvation is an ongoing work of God, obligating us to walk in the Spirit. If we do, we will be not captivated by the lusts of the flesh.
Are You Weary of Doing What's Right?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSowing to the Spirit enables us to walk in the Spirit, keeping ourselves from spiritual weariness while keeping an environment of peace and tranquility.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasIn the Olivet prophecy, Jesus gave His disciples a pointed warning about rampant deception occurring at the close of the age, engineered by the arch deceiver.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasGod has generously given us a set of tools that we must use for overcoming and building character, as well as edifying our spiritual siblings.
What Do You Fear? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeFear can be broken down into two broad categories: the fear of God and the fear of everything else. If we fear God, we will not need to fear anything else.
Becoming Fearless
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWhen Job was afflicted with physical problems, he learned that God was using them to perfect him. Afflictions are intended to bind us together.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.