Filter by Categories
Persecution Edges Closer
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In Israelitish nations, persecution against the Christian religion has not manifested through violence but through subtler means, orchestrated by satan using a gradual approach to undermine faith. This strategy has been particularly effective through educational institutions and the courts, where humanists, who prioritize human achievements over the Creator, hold significant positions of secular authority. These humanists, often appearing moral and even claiming to be Christian, do not recognize God as the ultimate authority, nor do they acknowledge satan as the ruler of this world who deceives mankind. The decline of religious liberty in America is evident, with recent surveys indicating growing concern among older generations, while younger adults show little worry. The leadership in government, business, education, media, science, and courts often operates under humanist influence, leading the nation away from trust in God and toward lawlessness, as foretold in Hosea 10:13. This misplaced trust in human authority, manipulated by satan, has resulted in a culture that follows humanist leadership into moral decline. A specific instance of state persecution is seen in the Obamacare Act, which mandates employers to fund abortifacients, conflicting with the religious convictions of many, particularly Catholics. This requirement forces individuals and businesses, such as Hercules Industries, to act against their conscience by indirectly supporting abortion, which they view as murder. Despite resistance in court, where the government argues that funding abortion pills is not a significant burden on conscience, the issue remains unresolved. This conflict highlights a broader struggle over authority in matters of faith, pitting God's commands against secular dictates, and foreshadows potential threats to other religious practices like observing the Sabbath, Holy Days, and tithing.
Persecution, Israelitish Style
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In Israelitish nations, persecution of Christians often manifests in non-violent but psychologically traumatic ways, frequently through legal channels by denying the right to worship God according to conscience. During the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, over 9,000 people from 56 local churches gathered to pray and offered hospitality to delegates with gift baskets of Carolina pralines and welcome letters. However, the DNC banned the distribution of these baskets, citing that the churches' values were contrary to the party platform, including views on God and other Christian principles. City officials, including the mayor, supported the DNC, further criticizing the churches for their stances on women's rights and pro-life values, despite the baskets containing no political messages. In contrast, a gathering of 200 Muslims praying for the convention was warmly welcomed by the Democrats and received extensive media coverage. In American courts and universities, sustained pressures on religious freedom are evident. At Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, the Christian Legal Society was denied campus status for requiring members to adhere to traditional Christian norms on sexual morality, a decision upheld by a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2010, forcing the group to disband. Similarly, Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and the University of Illinois have rewritten policies to exclude traditionally Christian student groups from campus facilities. In states like Washington and Illinois, authorities have attempted to compel pharmacists to dispense morning-after pills against their conscience, despite alternatives being available nearby. Additionally, Hercules Industries in Colorado, owned by a Catholic family, faced legal challenges from the Obama Justice Department, which argued that no incorporated business could claim religious freedom or conscience rights to override legal mandates. These actions illustrate a creeping encroachment on the ability of Christians to maintain their faith while engaging in public life or professional roles.
Persecution From the Nones?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the United States, persecution against Christianity, though not violent, is intensifying considerably. Opposition to Christian religious liberties is widespread, manifesting through actions by various authority figures such as policemen, sheriffs, school principals, employers, and judges. These actions are often prompted by lawyers for anti-religious groups, local activists, atheist organizations, or government representatives at federal, state, or local levels. This opposition, while not merely irritating, is deeply discouraging and disheartening to Christians who seek to share blessings freely with others. Religious liberty in America is being redefined by a secular establishment aiming to reduce the autonomy of religious institutions and limit the influence of faith in the public square. The secular culture increasingly views Christianity as troublesome and reactionary, perceiving Christians as opposed to science, certain social groups, and gender equality. The religious climate grows colder each year, with significant changes in public institutions where practices like reading Bible verses or displaying the Ten Commandments have been largely eradicated. A notable group contributing to this opposition is the Nones, who now comprise 20% of the U.S. population, equaling 60 million people. This group, predominantly anti-Christian, believes Christianity ruins everything. Largely composed of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, many hold powerful positions in education, science, and corporate business. They are ideologically rigid, uncompromising regarding Christianity, and overwhelmingly aligned with humanistic values, making it increasingly difficult for the Christian faith to maintain its influence.
Now Playing: Religious Persecution in Canada
'WorldWatch' by Charles WhitakerIn Canada, state-driven persecution of religious freedom manifests through various regulatory and legal actions. The British Columbia College of Teachers denied a license to Trinity Western University, affiliated with evangelical groups, due to its code of conduct prohibiting homosexual relationships, though the college ultimately prevailed on appeal. The Ontario Human Rights Commission fined a print shop owner $5,000 for refusing, on religious grounds, to print materials for the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Archives, ruling that his beliefs did not justify rejecting business from homosexual groups. A court ordered a religious high school to admit a male student and his boyfriend to the prom, with the case still under appeal. The Canadian House of Commons passed legislation adding sexual orientation to 'hate speech' categories, potentially criminalizing public expression of orthodox moral judgments on homosexuality if the bill passes the Senate, which could penalize ministers for preaching God's truth on the matter. Additionally, the organization regulating pharmacists mandated dispensing contraceptives and abortifacients, rendering a pharmacist's conscientious objection ineffective by requiring referral to another provider. A medical student faced penalties for refusing to perform abortions, with the case under review, highlighting the risk that medical schools could punish dissenting opinions on controversial procedures. These actions illustrate a significant erosion of religious liberty in Canada.
Persecution (1993)
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsChristians have been subject to psychological abuse as well as torture. Peter says that persecution is inevitable and is often triggered by good works
Lessons from New Zealand Circumcisions
Commentary by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The marked decline in circumcision in New Zealand during the 20th century attests to the power of governments over their citizens in socialized environments.
Persecution
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.

Facing Times of Stress: Forewarned of Persecution!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnder the best of times, God's people are not immune to persecution. Persecution for righteousness' sake is evidence that God's people have Christ's Spirit.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)America has never embraced true Christianity as its dominant faith, nor has it ever really followed Christ, but has instead embraced a counterfeit.
Religious Liberty at Risk
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe First Amendment protects religion from government interference. However, some liberal politicians are exploiting the coronavirus crisis to erode this right.
The Intolerance of Liberals
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Political correctness is an intolerant point of view, demanding that orthodox religious views be condemned, and perverse lifestyles should be preferred.
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.
Liberal Haters of God
CGG Weekly by Charles WhitakerTo secularists, faith in the unseen God is incomprehensible and irrational. They view it as divisive to the coherence of society, as well as destructive.
Liberty and Justice for All
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod has freed us from the bondage of sin, the breaking of His law. Liberty comes only from obeying God and accepting the positive yoke of Jesus Christ.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThroughout the 'Christian' world, militant atheism may be decreasing, but religious indifference is also increasing at even a more dramatic rate.

Titus (Part One): Introduction
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Cretan people had earned the reputation of duplicity. Church members faced the consequences of being tarred with the same brush—sometimes deservedly.
Matthew (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe commission to the disciples evolves from their initial orders to go to the House of Israel to their ultimate commission of going to the Gentiles.
Church Unity Despite the Spirit of the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe unity of God's church does not derive from organizational expertise, the conformity of ecumenism, or the tolerance for evil, but from the family model.