Filter by Categories
Shaping Your Worldview
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Why should we be concerned about our worldview? Whether we have ever stopped to think seriously about it, our worldview quietly influences virtually every decision we make. If God is not a part of our worldview, that absence profoundly affects our choices in life's purposes, morality, time management, relationships, finances, and work. This illustrates how a single factor within our worldview significantly impacts the influence we receive as we consider life's choices daily. Everyone has their own worldview, shaped by personal life experiences, conclusions, and their effects, making each perspective slightly different. A worldview is the particular lens through which we tend to understand and see everything, encompassing the total sum of our experiences, beliefs, values, and feelings. It guides how we perceive and interpret life's events within the framework of our past. A worldview is not a constant; it shifts, especially if one is growing in truth and understanding or, conversely, degenerating. It contains our values, often becoming mere assumptions that automatically influence us without conscious thought. These assumptions reflect the relative value we place on what we believe, guiding our judgments on what is important or worthless. Thus, our worldview is exceedingly important, providing guidance for virtually every action in life, working automatically to influence choices at all times. One's worldview can be deliberately shaped by anyone who makes the effort, though most allow it to be shaped by chance rather than deliberate choices. A worldview given by God Himself can be altered for evil, as seen with Adam and Eve, despite its divine source. Their desires, aided by the serpent's lies, motivated them to override the worldview God provided. This teaches that all of life must be rooted and nourished by a relationship with God, and we must practice submitting to the worldview He gave. Even a directly God-given worldview must be believed and used, or it will not influence in the right manner and direction, as worldviews are subject to change, sometimes almost on a whim.
Worldview and Government
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The solution to all of man's problems begins incrementally when each called-out person turns his life around, governing himself rightly by yielding to God.
Jonah: A Worldview Correction
Sermonette by James BeaubelleJonah's worldview did not align with God's overview, believing that Israel's welfare was paramount to any Gentile nation, but especially Nineveh.
Our Historical Myopia
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughMost people's window of experience and knowledge—their perspective on life—does not stretch beyond their own memories.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A Christian worldview includes the importance of our calling and the reality of God and His laws. Our worldview determines how we spend our time.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The modern nations of Israel, by turning its back on the truth, has blown its opportunity for moral leadership every bit as much as ancient Judah did.
Everything Is Upside Down
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have crossed over into a dystopian society, where wrong is right and right is wrong, bad is good and good is bad, error is truth and truth is error.
Are Humans Becoming More Intelligent? (Part One)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWhile Daniel proclaimed that knowledge would increase in the end times, he did not debunk the stellar accomplishments of ancient civilizations like Egypt.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.
Disintegration
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeOur advanced communications, which have allowed globalism, are also bringing about tribalism. Rather than uniting everyone, they are dividing.
Not-So-Great Expectations
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAt every turn, Jesus Christ was doubted, challenged, and scorned by people blinded and enslaved by their expectations of what God should be like.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The responsibility given to the church Christ has called out of this world is to expand His teachings, magnifying them and making them clear and honorable.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan can fine-tune the course of this world (Zeitgeist), customizing it depending on whom he may seek to murder. We need to be thinking and vigilant.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Each member has been gifted by Christ. We must not go beyond the gifts that have been given to us, but must use them humbly, employing them to edify.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.
In Focus or Out?
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryWhat do an astronomer, a microbiologist, and a photographer have in common? They each use a lensed instrument to see God's physical creation in detail.
What's Your Attitude?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Scriptures reveal that attitude or disposition constitutes the critical difference between pleasing God and incurring God's wrath.
The Only Path to Reconcliation
Commentary by Mark SchindlerWe must avoid being drawn into political conflicts because resolution and reconciliation is only available through yielding to Jesus Christ.
Deuteronomy: What Is God Looking For?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Deuteronomy constitutes instruction for the Israel of God, serving as a compass and guide, preparing God's people to enter the Kingdom of God.
Newsworthy?
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is blatantly apparent that the dominant (state controlled) media is deliberately tilting the slant of the news to the extreme far left.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughClothing and hair length signal and reflect areas of rebellion, defiled attitudes, and spiritual health, providing a barometer of a person's character.
Part of the Narrative
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughNarratology posits the existence of a contract between author and reader to adhere to a predisposed belief system with fixed rules and explanations.
Learning the Right Things (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If parents are not gatekeepers of their children's culture, other philosophies will capture their attention and warp their perception of reality.
The Christian and the World (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughClear vision lights the way spiritually. If the eye of the heart is aimed at spiritual treasure and the glory of God, it will remain singly focused.
Joy in Our Time
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Attainment of calm joy does not come from anything earthly, but it comes from God, and is dependent upon inculcating godly love.
The Zeitgeist of Suicide (Part Four): A Soup Tureen of Trouble
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerWith populations around the world in decline, how will governments and businesses maintain the present standard of living?
What Does God Really Want? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God really wants is for us to see things from His point of view, making the right choices, striving to build character, developing into His image.