Beth Ariel Messianic Congregation
Beth Ariel is a Messianic Jewish Congregation in the greater Los Angeles area of Southern California. We are a spiritual home for Jews and Gentiles who have embraced Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah and Lord. This podcast content includes Rabbi Gary's "Messianic Perspective", a 1-minute radio feature that airs on KKLA 99.5 FM in Los Angeles, on Fridays during rush hour. Gary teaches the Jewishness of Christianity. This podcast also includes Rabbi Gary's messages from Beth Ariel's Shabbat Services on Saturday mornings in Tarzana, CA.
Beth Ariel Messianic Congregation
THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS A PERSON - 8/9/25
In Jewish thought, the Spirit of God is referred to as "the Spirit of the Lord," "the Spirit of God," and "the Holy Spirit" or "Ruach ha-Kodesh" (רוח הקדש). He is often identified with the Shekinah Glory.
However, in Jewish thought, the Spirit of God is not understood to be a person. Rather, He is conceived of as a created entity brought into existence, often thought of as merely God's active force or abstract manifestations of God's power.
Interestingly, whenever the Spirit of God is made reference to in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, His work and activities, His responses and actions, are always described in personal attributes.
He possesses "wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord" (Isaiah 11:2). The Spirit of God possesses emotions. He is one who can be rebelled against (Psalm 106:33), and as a result, be grieved. In addition, the Spirit of God possesses a will. As such, He provides instruction regarding the will of God.
For this and other reasons we will review, the Spirit of God is a person, not a force, a metaphor, or a figure of speech. He is a person, for He manifests the attributes of personhood - namely, intelligence, emotions and will.
YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/DjyvJZJDj4s
