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Jesus on the Holy Spirit

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Holy Spirit, as revealed through various examples, is the vital power by which God accomplishes His work. In the Old Testament, the Spirit is seen acting in tangible ways, such as giving Samson physical strength to tear apart a lion, endowing Bezaleel with skill to build the tabernacle, and inspiring Joseph with wisdom before Pharaoh. It also opened Balaam's eyes to truth, set Joshua apart as a leader, and surged through Jahaziel to encourage Judah. From the very beginning in Genesis 1:2, the Spirit is depicted as waiting expectantly for God's command to perform His creative work, illustrating its role as the means by which God acts. Under the New Covenant, as Jesus teaches, the role of the Holy Spirit expands to a more spiritual dimension. It fills believers with spiritual strength rather than merely physical power, enabling them to perform works in a spiritual realm. Jesus emphasizes that the Spirit is of the Father, a possession of God, used to inspire speech, as seen when He tells His disciples that the Spirit of their Father will speak through them in times of testimony before authorities. Additionally, the Spirit is the power by which Jesus casts out demons, demonstrating God's authority over evil forces that cannot resist it. The Holy Spirit is central to the transformation and salvation of believers. It works invisibly within, like the wind, producing visible fruits such as love, joy, and peace, though its inner workings remain unseen. From the initial drawing to Christ, through conversion, and unto glorification, the Spirit is ever-present, providing gifts, motivation, strength, and inspiration. It enables communication and fellowship with God and binds believers together, transforming them from sinful humans into righteous sons and daughters of God. Jesus further illustrates that the Spirit should flow freely through believers, motivating godly behavior, service, and encouragement, likening it to rivers of living water. He urges not to quench this flow but to allow God's power to work unhindered in thought, speech, and action. The Spirit is also the essence of eternal life, guiding believers to live according to God's truth, ensuring no condemnation for those who walk in it. Finally, immersion in the Holy Spirit, as with baptism, equips believers to be witnesses of Christ worldwide, a power given to a select few to be used for God's glory.

What the Holy Spirit Does

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Holy Spirit, as revealed through Scripture, operates as a vital force under God's command, always ready to act according to His will. It is not a separate person but a possession of God, used by Him to accomplish His purposes. From the very beginning in Genesis, the Spirit of God is shown hovering over the waters, poised for action, demonstrating constant activity and readiness to move at God's spoken word, bringing about creation as He directs. In the life of Joseph, the Holy Spirit sets a person apart, endowing them with discernment and wisdom, enabling them to grasp obscure matters and make sound judgments for godly actions. This same Spirit, as prophesied in Isaiah regarding Jesus Christ, produces qualities like counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, shaping individuals to reflect Christ's character through God's guidance. The Holy Spirit also equips individuals with specific skills and talents for God's work, as seen with Bezalel in Exodus, who was filled with abilities to construct the Tabernacle. Whatever the task—whether building, leading, preaching, or serving—the Spirit provides what is needed to complete it, no matter how great or small the work may be. Furthermore, the Spirit reveals truth and reality as God sees it, opening eyes and ears to perceive beyond human deception, as demonstrated with Balaam in Numbers and Elisha's servant in II Kings. It removes blinders, allowing one to see things through God's perspective, recognizing His people and plans as beautiful and blessed. The Holy Spirit sets individuals apart for special purposes, as with Joshua in Deuteronomy, ordaining them for leadership or ministry, and at baptism, marking believers as children of God through the laying on of hands, as shown in Acts. It distinguishes them as heirs with Christ, sanctifying and justifying them by God's power. In times of trial, the Holy Spirit provides strength to overcome enemies, as illustrated by Samson in Judges, energizing believers to resist spiritual attacks and endure sudden challenges. This inner strength enables them to stand firm against adversities and continue growing in godliness. The Spirit inspires fitting words of encouragement and hope, as seen with Jahaziel in II Chronicles, providing timely messages that uplift and guide others. This promise, reiterated by Jesus in Matthew, assures believers that God will supply the right words in moments of need, ensuring a godly witness. Finally, the Holy Spirit fosters fellowship with God, Christ, and fellow believers, acting as the tie that binds, as expressed in II Corinthians and I John. It enables a deep connection that transcends physical distance, creating unity among those who share God's Spirit. In all its workings, the Holy Spirit operates within the bounds of love, power, and a sound mind, as noted in Romans and II Timothy. It never inspires actions that are foolish, harmful, or fear-driven, but always promotes courage, strength, and loving deeds that benefit others.

What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of God, belongs to Him and is a possession He uses. It is not a separate entity but an extension of His power and will. The Spirit is constantly active, hovering with eager readiness to act at God's command, demonstrating a dynamic force that is never static or passive. It does not act independently but responds to God's spoken word, serving as the means by which His will is accomplished, such as in the creation when God spoke, "Let there be light," and the Spirit brought it into being. The Holy Spirit sets individuals apart, endowing them with distinct qualities. In Joseph, it manifested as discernment and wisdom, enabling him to interpret obscure dreams with accuracy and make sound judgments. Similarly, in Jesus Christ, the Spirit provided not only wisdom and discernment but also counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. The Spirit also enhances natural talents, as seen in Bezaleel, who was filled with abilities to craft the Tabernacle with excellence, raising his skills to a higher level for God's work. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit reveals truth and opens eyes to reality, as with Balaam, a pagan sorcerer, who saw God's perspective when the Spirit came upon him, even if he did not ultimately accept it. It removes the blinders of deception, granting a wider, godly vision over time. In Elisha's servant, the Spirit provided assurance of God's protection, instilling confidence against overwhelming odds. The Spirit is instrumental in setting apart for special purposes, as in Joshua's ordination to lead Israel, and in the church through baptism and the laying on of hands, marking believers as God's children with the Spirit of adoption. The Holy Spirit imparts strength, exemplified physically in Samson, who overcame a lion through sudden empowerment, and spiritually in believers, equipping them to resist and overcome spiritual attacks from satan. In Jesus Christ, this power was used for acts of service and good, while in Paul, it enabled signs, wonders, and preaching. The Spirit also provides fitting words at the right time, as seen with Jahaziel, who encouraged Judah in crisis, and as promised by Jesus Christ, ensuring believers speak truth when needed. This inspiration extends to the prophets and apostles, who wrote and preached God's words through the Spirit. Additionally, the Holy Spirit facilitates fellowship, linking believers to the Father, to Christ, and to each other, creating a shared mind and purpose. It pours out God's love into hearts, ensuring that all inspired actions, thoughts, and words are rooted in love, though this love may not always appear sentimental or emotional. Finally, the Spirit imparts power, love, and a sound mind, encouraging godly decisions and actions that are neither foolish nor harmful, but courageous, helpful, and good.

Psalm 133 (1998)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Unity comes only through the initiation of God. If we would follow the suggestions in Romans 12, we could do our part in promoting unity in God's church.

No One Else Matters (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Sin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.

The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The meal offering represents the second Great Commandment, love toward fellow man. Our service to others requires much grinding self-sacrifice and surrender.