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What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Holy Spirit, as revealed in the beginning of the Bible, is the Spirit of God, belonging to Him and used by Him. It is not a separate entity but a dynamic force that is constantly active, hovering with eager readiness to act at God's command. The Spirit does not initiate action independently but responds when God speaks, carrying out His will, as seen when God spoke, "Let there be light," and the Spirit acted to create light. The Holy Spirit sets individuals apart, endowing them with discernment and wisdom, as evidenced in Joseph, who interpreted Pharaoh's dreams with deep understanding and sound judgment. This same Spirit was in Jesus Christ, granting Him not only wisdom and discernment but also counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. Additionally, the Spirit enhances natural talents for God's work, as with Bezaleel, who was filled with abilities to craft the Tabernacle with excellence, showing that the Spirit inspires both mental and physical skills for divine purposes. The Spirit reveals truth by opening eyes to reality, as it did for Balaam, a pagan sorcerer, enabling him to see and prophesy as God sees, even if he did not fully accept the truth. Similarly, in Elisha's time, the Spirit allowed a servant to see the unseen reality of God's protection, instilling confidence and faith. The Holy Spirit also plays a role in setting apart for special purposes, as seen in Joshua's ordination to lead Israel, and in the church through the laying on of hands at baptism, marking believers as God's children and heirs with Christ. Furthermore, the Spirit provides strength, exemplified by Samson, who was empowered to overcome a lion, illustrating how it equips believers to resist spiritual attacks and prevail over adversaries. This same empowerment was in Jesus Christ, who used it for acts of service, and in Paul, who performed signs and preached through the Spirit's might. The Spirit also inspires fitting words at critical moments, as with Jahaziel, who encouraged Judah, and as promised by Jesus Christ, ensuring believers speak truth when needed. The Spirit's inspiration extends to the writers of Scripture, guiding prophets and apostles to record God's words, revealing truths even angels did not know. This inspiration continues in ministers who deliver messages through the Spirit's guidance. Additionally, the Spirit facilitates fellowship, linking believers to the Father, to Christ, and to each other, creating a shared understanding and unity across distances. Finally, the Spirit pours out God's love into hearts, ensuring that all inspired actions are rooted in love, though this love may not always appear sentimental or emotional. It also imparts power, courage, and a sound mind, preventing actions that are foolish or harmful, and instead urging deeds that are helpful and good, grounded in godly reason.

What the Holy Spirit Does

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Holy Spirit, as revealed through Scripture, plays a vital role in guiding and empowering those who follow God's will. It is introduced as the Spirit of God, possessed and directed by Him, not as a separate entity but as a tool under His command, poised to act at His word with constant activity and readiness. From the very beginning in Genesis, we see it hovering over the waters, ready to bring forth creation when God speaks, demonstrating its power and immediate response to His will. In the life of Joseph, the Holy Spirit sets a person apart, endowing him with discernment and wisdom, enabling deep understanding and sound judgment that stand out among others. Similarly, in the prophecy of Jesus Christ in Isaiah, the Spirit brings counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, producing qualities that reflect God's character in those it touches. With Bezalel in Exodus, the Spirit grants skills and talents for God's work, equipping individuals with both character and practical abilities to fulfill specific tasks, no matter how great or small. The Holy Spirit also reveals truth and reality as God sees it, as shown with Balaam in Numbers, opening eyes and ears to perceive beyond human deception and recognize God's perspective. In II Kings, through Elisha's servant, it opens minds to see God's protection, instilling faith and clarity in the face of danger. It sets individuals apart for special purposes, as with Joshua in Deuteronomy, marking them as holy to God through ordination, whether for leadership or as His children at baptism, as further seen in Acts and Romans. Strength to overcome enemies is another gift of the Holy Spirit, illustrated in Samson's encounter with the lion in Judges, energizing and empowering to meet sudden trials and resist spiritual attacks. In Acts, Jesus exemplifies using this strength to do good, turning the Spirit's power outward to help others, a principle for all to follow. Through Jahaziel in II Chronicles, the Spirit inspires fitting words of hope and encouragement, providing timely and appropriate messages, a promise echoed by Jesus in Matthew for times of persecution. Finally, the Holy Spirit fosters fellowship with God, with Christ, and among believers, as highlighted in II Corinthians and I John, binding them together through a shared connection. It pours out God's love into hearts, as noted in Romans, ensuring that its inspirations are always acts of love, power, and sound mind, never leading to fear or harmful actions, as affirmed in II Timothy. Thus, the Holy Spirit works ceaselessly to fulfill God's will, equipping, guiding, and uniting those who seek Him.

Jesus on the Holy Spirit

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Holy Spirit, as the vital force of God's work, is evident throughout the scriptures, acting under His command to accomplish His purposes. From the very beginning in Genesis 1:2, the Spirit is seen waiting expectantly for God's directive to engage in creative work, imagery akin to a bird fluttering in anticipation. It endowed Joseph with wisdom and discernment before Pharaoh, not only in actions but in words. The Spirit granted Bezaleel strength and skill to construct the tabernacle and its furnishings. It opened Balaam's eyes to perceive Israel as God sees it, leading to prophecy. The Spirit set Joshua apart as Moses' successor to lead Israel into the promised land and conquer the Canaanites. It surged through Samson, enabling him to tear apart a young lion with the ease of handling a young goat. The Spirit inspired Jahaziel to speak fitting words of encouragement to Judah and Jehoshaphat as they faced the Assyrian army's onslaught. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit serves as the essential link between us and God, and among ourselves, binding us in harmony to think, speak, and act in unity. In the ministry of Jesus Christ, He expanded the understanding of the Holy Spirit, revealing its deeper spiritual significance beyond the physical manifestations seen in earlier times. He identified it as the Spirit of your Father, emphasizing its divine origin and possession by God, as noted in Matthew 10:20. Jesus taught that the Spirit inspires testimony, particularly under duress before authorities, enabling disciples to speak God's words as a witness to governors, kings, and unbelievers. In Matthew 12:24-28, He demonstrated that the Spirit of God empowered Him to cast out demons, showcasing God's authority over evil forces that must obey His command. The Spirit is the means by which God performs all His works—creation, redemption, salvation, and governance—ensuring that when sent forth, it accomplishes its purpose without fail. Jesus also warned of the grave danger of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, as seen in Matthew 12:31, indicating a deliberate rejection of God's power and mercy that hardens the heart beyond repentance. In Luke 4:18, He declared the Spirit of the Lord upon Him to fulfill prophetic works, affirming its role in His mission. In John 3, He explained to Nicodemus that the Spirit's invisible work, like the wind, facilitates the spiritual birth process necessary to see and enter the Kingdom of God, transforming believers from sinful humans into righteous sons and daughters of God. The Spirit remains with us from our first contact with God, actively working within us, providing gifts, motivation, strength, inspiration, and fellowship, never ceasing in its transformative power. In John 4:23, Jesus emphasized that true worship must be in spirit and truth, responding to God's work in us through His Spirit, reflecting His teachings back to Him in our lives. In John 6:63, He clarified that eternal life comes through spiritually imbibing His words, not through physical interpretation, underscoring the Spirit's role in sustaining a Christian life of constant engagement with God's Word. In John 7:37-38, He urged believers to let the Spirit flow out like rivers of living water, motivating godly behavior, service, encouragement, and kindness, rather than quenching its power through human restraint. Finally, in Acts 1, the imagery of baptism with the Holy Spirit conveys total immersion in God's power, equipping believers to be witnesses of Christ worldwide, a privilege and joy for the select few who receive it.

Testing the Spirits (Part 1)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Apostle John exhorts us to test and discern the spirits, judging between the true and the false, using the scripture as the steady standard of truth.

Discern and Distinguish Between Spirits

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Inspiration and doctrine were meant to be complementary rather than adversarial. Many believe they have found new truth when they have recycled old heresies.

Jabez: 'That I May Not Cause Pain'

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Jabez's brief but powerful prayer identifies him as a spiritual beacon, a man born in pain who seeks blessing and alignment with God's will.

Acts (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The early church had confidence in God's sovereignty, realizing that no human authority could thwart God's power. This conviction gave them strength.