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The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Holy Spirit is presented as the power of God, not a personality within the God family. It is described as the means through which the Father accomplishes His will, emanating from His mind to affect events and circumstances anywhere in creation at any time. In various scriptures, the Holy Spirit is depicted with inanimate characteristics, such as falling, being poured out, or filling a house like a rushing mighty wind, which are inconsistent with a personal being. It is the power sent forth from the Father and the Son, enabling communion with God and joining believers into one spiritual family with each other, the Father, and Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ explained that His return to heaven was advantageous because, while on earth, He could only be in one place at a time, but as Holy Spirit in 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 portrayed as the expression of the divine nature given by God to begin creating believers into His kind, the God kind. Descriptions of the Holy Spirit as wind, water, or oil further emphasize its inanimate nature, as these are elements that cannot be personal beings. In scriptural greetings and references to the God family, the apostles consistently mention only the Father and the Son, omitting the Holy Spirit as a personality, indicating it does not exist as such. The Holy Spirit is not included in roles of authority, mediation, or inheritance alongside the Father and the Son, reinforcing its nature as a power rather than a person. For instance, Jesus Christ is identified as the Intercessor and Mediator, not the Holy Spirit. Even in translations where the Holy Spirit is referred to with masculine pronouns, grammatical analysis reveals that the subject is the neuter term for spirit, not a personal helper, confirming its inanimate essence.
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 presented 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 the right way, serving as a light to the world. This responsibility is vital, as it influences Jesus Christ's decision to save the world for the sake of the elect. At Pentecost, the disciples were assembled in unity when the Holy Spirit descended with a sound like a mighty wind filling the house, though no air moved. Above them, fire appeared as cloven, tongue-shaped flames resting on each of them, yet no heat was felt. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in unfamiliar languages, astonishing all present. This power enabled every man from various countries to understand the message in his own language and dialect, showcasing the miraculous nature of God's Spirit in action. The Holy Spirit is the power of God in action, inspiring and accomplishing feats through individuals. It fills with superhuman strength and courage, as seen in the mighty men of David who performed impossible deeds. This same Spirit assists in fulfilling the calling given to God's people, teaching and shaping the will through righteous knowledge. It reminds and reveals the obedience, faith, and righteous character of Jesus Christ, urging obedience to His commandments. As a helper, the Holy Spirit bears witness to the way Jesus lived, amplifying the laws of God, His love, concern for others, and the absolute truth regarding God's Kingdom. It guides into all truth, declaring God's will individually and setting free from the lies and superstitions of the world. The Spirit convicts the world of sin, revealing the necessity of righteous living through Jesus Christ's victory and resurrection, which bear God's stamp of approval. God's Holy Spirit is a gift that must be used to overcome, resisting the pulls of the world and Satan's lies. It provides the power to develop godly character, changing human nature to align with God's Kingdom. Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, it serves as a down payment of the inheritance of living as members of the God family, marking authenticity and approval by God. This gift, given to the first fruits, calls for appreciation and obedience, influencing thinking with hope and a forward look to the ultimate transformation into Spirit beings.
The Helper and the Angel of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIn John 14:16, Jesus declares that He will pray to the Father, and He will provide another Helper to abide with the disciples forever. This Helper, known as Parakletos in Greek, signifies an advocate, intercessor, or aide, meaning One who goes alongside. Jesus clarifies in verse 17 that the disciples already know this Helper, the Spirit of Truth, who has been dwelling with them, indicating a pre-existing relationship. In verse 18, He further explains that He will not leave them as orphans, promising, "I will come to you," revealing that He Himself will return as this Helper. In verse 23, Jesus expands this promise, stating that both the Father and the Son will make Their home with those who love Him and keep His word. In verse 26, He equates the Helper with the Holy Spirit, and though the language may seem to suggest separation, Jesus employs figurative speech to describe His spiritual return. In John 15:26, He again refers to the Helper as the Spirit of Truth, dwelling with the disciples, signifying His own presence in a new form after departing from them physically. In John 16:7, Jesus reiterates that after He departs, He will send the Helper, emphasizing through figurative language that He is sending Himself in a spiritual capacity. This pattern of sending Himself reflects the unified will of the Father and the Son to dwell within Their people, aiding them to grow into the divine image.
Yoked With Christ, Our Helper
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingThe Paracletos (Helper or One who goes alongside) clarifies the biblical metaphor of taking Christ's yoke, which eases burdens because He shares them.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Five)
Sermon by David F. MaasGod is not a closed triangular Trinity, but a family consisting of God the Father and God the Son, and will include billions of resurrected, glorified saints.
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 Five Paraklete Sayings
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe five parakletos sayings of Christ prove that the Holy Spirit is the essence, mind, and power of God and Christ in us, providing us assistance and counsel.
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.

Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGovernment may be the most important subject in the Bible because it touches on how Christians are to govern themselves under the sovereignty of God.

Living By Faith and God's Grace (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh'Grace' is a term that represents God's awesome generosity toward us, His continuously flowing blessings and saving acts. It goes beyond just forgiveness.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Eight): Conclusion (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe offerings have a great deal to do with our relationship with God. How closely do we identify with Christ? Are we being transformed into His image?
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ is the architect of the church, indicating that the institution must take on the characteristics of the Builder, reflecting His character.
Philippians (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ, through His voluntary humility, has given us a model of the mindset that we need to have in order to attain membership in the family of God.

The Christian Walk (Part Three): In Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to take our salvation seriously, walking in love, light, and wisdom, attaining the know-how to work out our own salvation, redeeming the time.
Healing the Breach
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have been called as an elite unit to work with Christ to help repair the breach caused by ruptured covenants between God and man for all mankind forever.