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A Primer On Spirit
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The concept of the Spirit of the Age, or zeitgeist, emerges as a pervasive and often dangerous spiritual influence that shapes human attitudes and decisions without individuals being aware of the manipulation. This invisible force, prevalent in a given period of history within a city or nation, impacts citizens on a large scale, motivating behaviors in specific directions, whether apprehensive, fearful, confident, or patriotic. It is a spirit of the times that is rarely good, reflecting the world's nature. This spiritual power is exploited by those in positions of commercial and political influence, particularly in the United States, Britain, and Europe, through electronic communication like radio and television. These mediums are widespread, easily accessible, and highly effective in spreading this spirit, which, if sourced from evil, can enslave minds to practice wickedness. The deliberate use of this power, seen in advertising and movie music to establish moods, manipulates inclinations on important issues to favor certain agendas, demonstrating the subtle yet potent danger of spiritual influence. Moreover, God has allowed satan to spread knowledge of this destructive spiritual reality to men of evil intent, often for controlling masses and bending them to a governing will. Historical examples, such as Adolf Hitler's entrapment of the German people, show how this spirit can lead to blind following and overlooking atrocities. In America, the belief that murdering the unborn is good illustrates spirit's power put to an evil end, driven by lies and repeated exaggerations that sway public opinion through carnal logic and social pressure. Counteracting this pervasive evil spirit requires a good, clean, pure, and honorable spirit. The difference lies in the holiness of God's Spirit, which stands in stark contrast to the unholy influence of satan's spirit. While both are invisible forces, God's Holy Spirit exudes purity, righteousness, and love, never aiming to enslave but to liberate and produce life on a divine level. The choice rests with individuals to resist the evil spirit and embrace the holy influence by spending time with God, imbibing Their essence through Their word and prayer, thus ensuring the spirit guiding them remains good.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere are varieties of spirit, motivating people to 'go with the flow' and conform to a sheep-like mob psychology. Satan's spirit encourages sinfulness.
Wind and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles WhitakerGod 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.
The Spiritual Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnger and hostility, driven by self-centered competitive pride constitute Satan's spiritual mark that divides nations, ethnic groups, families, and the church.
Is This the Spirit of the Times?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our culture has undergone a vast change in its standards of morality, seen in a change in national attitude, a lifting of mental fog and an emergent rage.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true understanding of Elohim dismantles the entire trinity argument. God is reproducing Himself; we are being prepared to become a part of Elohim.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFaithfulness is a hallmark of a true Christian, yet unfaithfulness is prevalent at the end of the age. Here is what the Bible teaches about faithfulness.
American Conservatism (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The partisan interview conducted by ABC's David Muir is an example of how shamefully low the media have stooped to destroy the reputation of a public official.
Its All the Rage
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The mercurial fads in fashion and music have a lot to do with what the Germans refer to as Zeitgeist - or the spirit of the times or spirit of the age.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur human nature reflects the nature of malevolent spirits' attitudes. The only way to overcome it is through God's creating a new heart in us by His Spirit.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe are open to invisible communication from the spirit world—communication designed to conform us to the course of this world. Recognizing it is vital.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAll of us are influenced by the culture of the world, guided and inspired by the prince of the power of the air. Satan has deceived the whole world.
The Christian and the World (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHelp in following God comes from displacing the love for the world with the love for God, and setting our hearts on spiritual treasures instead of earthly ones.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan can fine-tune the course of this world (Zeitgeist), customizing it depending on whom he may seek to murder. We need to be thinking and vigilant.
The Christian and the World (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe prince of the power of the air is responsible for influencing the zeitgeist (dominant mindset of the time), pulling us away from God and His law.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe demons who already inhabit the earth look upon us as interlopers. We need to monitor our thought impulses, lest we be bothered by demons.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The apostle John warns us to be vigilant about the world, not loving its attitudes, mindsets, and frame of mind. We cannot both love the world and love God.
Me, Myself, and You
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThis generation promotes self-gratification, self-realization, and self-indulgence, with a plethora of self-help books elevating self interest above others.
The Wisdom of Men and Faith
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe pressures and conflicts that the church has undergone is part of the spirit of the time that has embroiled religious and political institutions worldwide.