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The Holy Spirit
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsUnderstanding God's Holy Spirit is vital, as it is the Spirit of God within us that enables us to grasp His way of life and transforms us into the image of Christ. It is through the Holy Spirit that we become children of God and receive eternal life. When the Holy Spirit works in us, our lives produce the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting elements of God's very character. God gives His Holy Spirit only to those who have repented, demonstrated this through attitude and behavior, been baptized, and obey His commandments. No one living apart from God's law has received His Spirit or has His power working in them. It is through the intervention of the Holy Spirit that God calls us to understand the truth, opening our minds to the mysteries vital to our salvation by divine revelation. The Holy Spirit also imparts wisdom and understanding, teaches God's way of life, comforts, and helps us, even aiding in our prayers when we cannot express ourselves. By giving His Spirit to those He has called, God creates and shapes traits in them that produce the fruit of the Spirit, by which a Christian is known through their actions and works. Although God has not offered salvation to all of humanity since Adam's rejection, He began offering His Spirit to those called as firstfruits when Christ established His church. In the World Tomorrow, God will extend this opportunity to everyone. The Holy Spirit delivers us from death and leads us to the gift of eternal life, a gift from God that we are neither born with nor can earn. Once regenerated by the Holy Spirit from the Father, we must continually be led by it, bearing spiritual fruit throughout our lives. If we produce the fruit of the Spirit, which exhibits a sound mind, we know it is working in us. The Spirit empowers the mind to comprehend spiritual matters, produces conversion, and gives us the strength, will, and faith to overcome our sins.
The Wonderful, Powerful Gift of God's Holy Spirit
Sermon by John O. ReidIn 31 AD, after His crucifixion, Jesus appeared to His disciples and breathed on them, declaring, Receive you the Holy Spirit. He described it as a gift from their Father, instructing them to wait in Jerusalem to receive it. With the receiving of the Holy Spirit comes the responsibility of living in a manner that reflects God's way, serving as a light to the world. This responsibility is crucial, as Jesus will save the world for the sake of the elect, cutting the days short to preserve flesh alive. God's people are tasked with fully using this Spirit that is given to them. On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were assembled in unity when a mighty wind sound filled the house, though no air moved. Above them, fire appeared as cloven, tongue-shaped flames, resting on each of them without heat. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the power of God manifested in an awesome miracle as they began to speak in unfamiliar languages. The gathered multitude, devout men from every country, heard the message in their own languages and dialects, marveling at the Galileans' refined speech. This event marked the introduction of God's Holy Spirit to the world, making it available to mankind upon being called by God the Father. God's Holy Spirit is the power of God in action, inspiring and accomplishing feats through individuals. It fills with superhuman strength and great courage, enabling extraordinary acts. This Spirit assists in fulfilling the calling to become members of God's family, teaching and shaping the will of those who receive it with righteous knowledge. It reminds believers of Jesus' obedience, faith, and character, urging them to imitate Him and obey His commandments. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the truth of God's Kingdom, amplifying it amidst a world of persecution and hatred, prompting a life of love, kindness, and service. The Spirit also convicts the world of sin, revealing the necessity of righteous living under God's law. It guides into divine truth, setting believers free from the lies and superstitions of the world, and declares God's will individually. Though powerful, the Holy Spirit does not instantly perfect, as godly character must develop over time with personal cooperation. It is possible to quench this gift through actions that prioritize worldly attractions over obedience to God, allowing the cares of this world to smother its influence. God has given this Spirit as a down payment of inheritance, sealing believers as genuine and approved, marking them for the ultimate transformation into Spirit as members of the God family. This gift should be cherished, never neglected or taken for granted, but appreciated with a desire for its increase through obedience and love for one another.
What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit, as a possession of God, is a dynamic force constantly active and ready to act at His command. It does not initiate action independently but responds when God speaks, serving as the means by which His will is accomplished. Through the Spirit, God imparts discernment and wisdom, setting individuals apart with deep understanding and sound judgment to make godly decisions, as seen in Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams. The Spirit also enhances natural talents, as with Bezaleel, who was filled with abilities to craft the Tabernacle, inspiring excellence for God's work. Moreover, the Holy Spirit reveals truth by opening eyes to reality from God's perspective, as demonstrated with Balaam, who saw what God saw when the Spirit came upon him. It provides strength to overcome challenges, exemplified by Samson's empowerment to defeat a lion, paralleling the spiritual strength given to resist satan's attacks. The Spirit empowers for service, as seen in Jesus Christ, who used this power to do good, and in Paul, who performed signs and preached through the same might. The Holy Spirit is instrumental in setting individuals apart for special purposes, such as Joshua's ordination to lead Israel, and in the church through the laying on of hands at baptism, marking believers as God's children with a Spirit of sonship. It facilitates fellowship, linking believers to the Father, to Christ, and to each other, enabling shared understanding and unity. Additionally, the Spirit inspires fitting words at the right time, giving hope and encouragement, as with Jahaziel's message to Judah, and providing truth to speak in witness, as promised by Jesus Christ. Finally, the Holy Spirit pours out God's love into hearts, ensuring that all inspired actions are rooted in love, while imparting a sound mind to avoid foolish or harmful deeds. It grants courage and godly reason to act in ways that are helpful and good, guiding believers to evaluate their inspirations to ensure they align with God's will.
What the Holy Spirit Does
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit, as revealed through Scripture, plays a vital role in the life of believers by empowering and guiding them in accordance with God's will. Receiving the Holy Spirit transforms individuals, setting them apart from others and endowing them with unique qualities and abilities to fulfill God's purposes. It is a possession of God, directed solely by Him, and acts only at His command, poised for immediate action to accomplish His desires. When the Holy Spirit comes upon a person, it grants wisdom, discernment, deep understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments leading to proper actions. It also imparts counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, producing godly character and insight. Furthermore, it equips individuals with specific skills and talents necessary for God's work, whether physical or spiritual, ensuring they have what is needed to complete their assigned tasks, no matter how great or small. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes and ears of those who receive it, revealing truth and reality as God sees it, removing the blinders of deception and enabling a clear perception of His perspective. It sets believers apart as holy, sanctifying and justifying them as children of God through processes like baptism and the laying on of hands, marking them for eternal life and a special relationship with Him. In times of trial, the Holy Spirit provides strength and power to overcome enemies, both external and internal, energizing believers to endure sudden attacks and resist evil influences. It inspires fitting words of encouragement, hope, and truth, ensuring that what is spoken is appropriate and beneficial, especially in moments of difficulty or persecution. Additionally, it fosters fellowship with God, with Jesus Christ, and among believers, creating a unifying bond that transcends differences and builds deep connections. Receiving the Holy Spirit also means being filled with God's love, which guides actions to be powerful, loving, and sound-minded, never leading to fear, foolishness, or harm. It instills courage, strength, and reason, ensuring that inspired actions are always helpful and good. By understanding these workings, believers can discern the true inspiration of God's Spirit and reject any contrary influence that does not align with His nature.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Holy Spirit is the power of God, emanating from the Father and the Son, by which He directs and carries out His purposes in creation. It is described in Scripture with terms such as falling, being poured out, and rushing like a mighty wind, indicating an inanimate force rather than a personality. The Holy Spirit is received as the power of the Highest, resulting in visions and dreams when bestowed upon individuals. It dwells within believers, joining them into one spiritual family with each other, with God, and with Jesus Christ. This Spirit enables and maintains communion with God, serving as the expression of the divine nature given by Him to begin creating us into His kind. As Jesus Christ returned to heaven, He could send forth His Spirit anywhere at any time to meet the needs of His people, just as the Father does. The Holy Spirit is also the means by which we are called, convicted of sin, and led to baptism, empowering us to make use of the privilege of being sons of God.
Did God Change the Sign From the Sabbath to the Holy Spirit?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeA common idea is that the Sabbath is the sign of the Old Covenant, but the Holy Spirit is the sign of the New. Yet the seventh day has been holy since creation.
Grace, Unleavened Bread, and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe receiving of the Holy Spirit is a vital step in the journey of salvation, as it empowers and prepares us for the Kingdom of God. This process is foreshadowed in the events following the exodus of Israel from Egypt and is fulfilled in the New Testament. Jesus instructed His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they received power, as noted in Luke 24:49 and reiterated in Acts 1:4, 5, and 8, promising them the strength they would need. Further insights into this gift are provided in John 14:16-17 and John 16:14, where the Holy Spirit is described as a comforter and a spirit of truth, guiding us in our walk. Additionally, I Corinthians 2:10-12 highlights the role of the Spirit in revealing deeper understanding to us. The Holy Spirit is given to us in trust, as described in I Corinthians 12:6-7, not in its fullness, which awaits the resurrection, but as a portion to strengthen and empower us. This gift is not only for personal preparation for the Kingdom but also to be shared with others so that all may profit. Just as a machine can only perform what its creator enables it to do, we can only accomplish what God creates and enables within us. This principle mirrors how God provided everything needed for Israel in the wilderness—manna, water, protection, guidance, and knowledge—and continues to provide for us through the Holy Spirit. Without Him, as Jesus Himself stated, we can do nothing, for it is the Father working through Him and through us that accomplishes the work. Salvation, therefore, is by grace, with every necessary gift created in us by God to enable us to complete the journey to the Promised Land.
God's Gift of the Spirit
Sermonette by James BeaubelleCompared to the Pentecost in Acts 2, our receipt of God's Spirit was attended with far less drama. However, the power of God's Spirit is no less potent.
Law and Spirit Together
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOver-emphasis on law produces rigidity and loophole hunters, while over-emphasis on spirit produces emotional imbalance, permissiveness, and lack of structure.
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.
Basic Doctrines: The Laying On of Hands
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsLaying on of hands may seem strange to the non-Christian. However, it is one of the church's fundamental doctrines, found in baptism, healing and ordination.
Pentecost and Speaking In Tongues
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle Paul teaches that tongues (languages) are only used to communicate intelligently, not gibberish. Tongues originally served as a sign for unbelievers.
Acts (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAdherents to the Pentecostal movement try to mimic some of the superficial surface manifestations of Acts 2 rather than follow the teaching given on that day.
What Is 'Laying on of Hands' (Hebrews 6:2)?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe laying on of hands is a symbolic act that sets individuals apart and signifies the imparting of spiritual blessings, authority, and/or power.
Our Ultimate Purpose (2024)
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloAs David pointed out in Psalm 139, God had His eyes on us before our birth, foreknowing the individuals He would call, predestining them into His plan.
Basic Doctrines: Repentance
Bible Study by StaffRepentance is a condition for baptism, and ultimately of conversion and salvation. It is also a lifelong process—one never stops needing to repent.
The Three Witnesses of Christ (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Trinitarian controversy surrounding I John 5:7-8 overshadows the record of what Jesus Christ did. It also hides key characteristics of God's children.
The Pentecost Witness
Article by David C. GrabbePentecost is known for its stupendous signs, particularly in Acts 2. Yet it teaches us of another witness: our own display of Christ's way of life in us.
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSome in Antioch believed the preaching of the persecuted Christians, and they not only agreed with the teaching but also changed or transformed their lives.
Never With Hands Hanging at Your Sides
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerRejoicing did not become commanded until Pentecost, a joyous time in which God has brought us into fellowship with Our High Priest, enabling peace with Him.
Acts (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, chronological narrative (Acts), perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke.
Acts (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul's success at promoting the Way started to undermine the prosperity of vendors promoting the worship of Diana, leading to a riotous assembly in her temple.
Gifted With Power From on High
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWith the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts that amplify extant physical abilities for the expressed purpose of edifying the church.
The Wonderful Ordinance of Water Baptism
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBaptism symbolizes a burial and resurrection, or the crucifixion of the carnal self. After a person realizes his ways have been wrong, he should counsel for baptism.
Baptized in the Sea
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael experienced a type of baptism in passing through the Red Sea on the last day of Unleavened Bread. Baptism symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.
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.