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Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Six): Sunshine, Fresh Air, Cleanliness
Sermon by David F. MaasThe Hebrew word translated as breath or wind is *ruwach* (H7307), which is in the feminine grammatical case. Likewise, the term for Holy Spirit in Hebrew is transliterated as *ruwach ha kodesh*, also in the feminine case. Both *ruwach* and its Greek counterpart *pneuma* refer metaphorically to the power of the wind, a force that cannot be seen but can be felt, providing a grounds of comparison between the spirit in man and God's Holy Spirit. This imagery of breath or wind serves as a physical connection between the physical and spiritual dimensions, illustrating the vital link that sustains life and reflects divine power.
A Primer On Spirit
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Hebrew word *ruwach* (H7307), transliterated as 'spirit,' appears 389 times in the Bible, highlighting its significant role in understanding spiritual concepts. *Ruwach*, along with its Greek counterpart *pneuma* and the English term 'spirit,' conveys the same fundamental idea across these languages. The root of *ruwach* suggests a movement of air, implying that spirit is an invisible force or power, much like air itself, which cannot be seen but whose effects are evident, such as moving leaves on a tree. This invisible power motivates action or inaction, influencing both external manifestations observable by the senses and internal thought processes discernible through careful observation. The fuller meaning of *ruwach* emerges from its contextual usage in Scripture. It represents an immaterial, invisible force that can be witnessed through its effects, such as in body language, vocal inflections, or demeanor. In Genesis 1:2, *ruwach* is associated with the thought processes emerging from the mind of God, hovering over the face of the earth, planning and preparing, not as a material entity but as pure thought. This illustrates that *ruwach* is tied to the immaterial essence of God's mind. Furthermore, *ruwach* is linked to the spirit in man, as described in Job 32:8, where it could be translated as spirit instead of breath, indicating that the spirit of the Almighty gives understanding. This God-given spirit is an immaterial quality that empowers intellect and enables a spiritual link with God, distinguishing humans from animals by imparting the ability to think, plan, remember, and worship. It is not a material organ but a tool that facilitates communication within the brain and with the body's other functions, making humans capable of reflecting God's image even before conversion. In broader contexts, *ruwach* as spirit also encompasses the power of words, which are invisible and immaterial yet carry significant influence. Words, as expressions of the mind, can motivate, inspire, depress, or inform, demonstrating the dynamic force of spirit in human interaction. Thus, *ruwach* encapsulates an essential, invisible power that shapes both individual lives and broader spiritual realities.
Wind and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles WhitakerThe Hebrew noun *ruwach* (H7307), often translated as wind, also means spirit and represents that which is invisible except through its manifestations. As with the wind, which may raise dust but is not the dust itself, *ruwach* signifies an unseen force evident only by its effects. This connection between wind and spirit emphasizes invisibility and independence, mirroring the nature of God's Spirit as an unseen yet powerful presence. Additionally, *ruwach* can relate to breath, which on a micro level is akin to wind, and when shaped by a spirit, becomes voice or words, demonstrating the transformative power of spirit over breath. In certain contexts, *ruwach* also appears in relation to deceptive or malevolent influences, as when an evil spirit might gain control over a person's breath to speak through them, highlighting the diverse manifestations of spirit as wind.
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.
Defining the Human Mind
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The Hebrews used metaphorical extensions such as the terms 'heart' and 'head' to refer to the repositories of the breath of life given to the human soul.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is never venerated as a separate being. Our hope is the indwelling of Christ, used interchangeably with 'Spirit of God' and 'Spirit of Truth.'
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.
Misconceptions and Malarkey About the Holy Spirit (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasMost of Christianity believes in the Trinity, but a slim minority holds to a much older belief, one that hearkens back to the earliest Christians.
Using Power Righteously (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we yield to God's Spirit, we receive the power to do the things God has prepared His firstfruits to accomplish, adding to the capabilities of the spirit in man.
Using Power Righteously (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has singled each one of us out individually, calling us, gifting us with capabilities, and preparing us for eternal life as members of His family.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn most biblical contexts, 'spirit' refers to the invisible, internal activating dimension of the mind. Synonyms include heart, mind, and thoughts.
Reap the Whirlwind
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamHaman's evil purposes were thwarted; he had sown the wind only to reap the whirlwind, paying for his evil communication with his life and his family.
The Right Use of Power
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWith dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.
Is Your Soul Immortal?
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prevailing idea is that the soul is the indestructible part of a human being that lives on after death. The Bible reveals a different reality of life and death.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe numerous scriptural references to angelic beings indicate that the spiritual entities have tangible substance. God is not a universal nothingness.

The Father's Promise of Power!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe first fruits who have received the gift of God's Holy Spirit have a second spirit to bring the spirit in man in line with God's will.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe numerous figures of speech describing God's body parts substantiate that God has shape and form and occupies a specific location.
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.