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A Primer On Spirit
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ teaches a profound truth about the nature of words as spirit, emphasizing their invisible yet powerful influence. He declares that the words He speaks are spirit, carrying a depth that, when believed, become spiritual influences leading to salvation. Words, though immaterial and unseen, are the essence of a mind, communicating concepts that can inspire, motivate, exhort, depress, inform, or even destroy reputations. They hold the power to create faith, love, hope, determination, courage, endurance, fear, enthusiasm, morality, and repentance by influencing thought processes within another's mind. This invisible force of words can move one to action or inaction, as they plant ideas from one mind into another, often without being seen or touched. When accompanied by visible emotions or gestures, their impact intensifies, driving responses like weeping, anger, reconciliation, or conviction of sin. Words, as spirit, provide solutions, create awareness of needs, or even instigate problems, demonstrating their capacity to shape behavior and thought. Moreover, the spirit of words can be used for evil purposes, as seen in the influence of satan, the liar and murderer, whose temptations often come through words. These fiery darts penetrate minds and hearts, motivating destructive actions such as covetousness, anger, pride, or deceit unless resisted. In contrast, the solution lies in God's words, which counteract evil influences with purity and righteousness, offering a holy spirit that liberates and produces life on the God level. By spending time with God and immersing oneself in Their words, one imbibes Their holy essence, growing in the quality and use of that spirit to resist negative influences and embrace the good.
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 Gift of Discerning Spirits
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasGod gives the ability to determine the source of a spiritual manifestation. However, this gift depends on a thorough knowledge and understanding of God's Word.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBeing 'in Christ' does not refer to location, but instead our 'concern with' or 'involvement with' Him—and He with us.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe architects of the trinity doctrine admit that it is a 'somewhat unsteady silhouette', requiring assumptions and inferences, but unsupportable by Scripture.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's Spirit is the essence of His mind rather than a third person. With this Spirit, God opens our minds, dwells in us, and transfers His nature to us.
Metaphors of God's Word
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist says His words are Spirit and Life; they have a quality above human words because their source is divine. If ingested, these words lead to eternal life.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist emphasizes that the internal, weightier matters, which change the heart, take precedence over external ceremonial concerns that don't change the heart.
Words of Life, Words of Death
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasBy exposing the negative self-talk, we can turn the self-imposed words of death into words of life.
Our Spiritual Reality
Sermonette by Bill OnisickNeither virtual reality nor spiritual reality can be seen with the naked eye—the first requires equipment, and the second requires eyes of faith.
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 Cunning of Satan
Sermon by Kim MyersThe process of being taken over by sin usually takes place over a lengthy period of time as we allow Satan's deceptive words to corrode our attitudes.
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.
Mightier Than the Sword (Part Six)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Rousseau's malignant ideas have metastasized into a virulent cancer of collectivism, socialism and Communism, the centralization of power.
Freedom, Liberty, and Bondage
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Grace places limits on our freedom, training us for the Kingdom of God. Our behavior must be clearly distinguishable from the non-believers in society.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe draw closer to God through Bible study and prayer. Here are practical techniques for augmenting our Bible study, gathering our daily spiritual manna.