• Ephesians 2:1-3
    And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
     
  • 1 John 2:15-17
    Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
     
  • Revelation 18:4
    And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
     
  • Romans 12:2
    And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
     
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33
    Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'
     
  • 2 Timothy 3:1-4
    But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
     
  • James 4:4
    Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Environment, Influence of


Resources

Scratching Our Itches

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The church of God does not exist in isolation from the world, and worldly trends—whether trivial or significant—inevitably seep into the congregation, requiring constant vigilance. While minor cultural fads pose little threat, worldly ideas regarding church government, prophecy, race, or the nature of God muddy …


Psychological Manipulation

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The influence of environment shapes mental and spiritual states in both subtle and overt ways. Banks constructed impressive buildings to convey strength, stability, and safety for deposits, while medieval cathedrals were built large to glorify God and provide a sense of sanctuary amid precarious conditions, offering awe and …


Submitting to Sin?

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must analyze and evaluate everything that enters our minds from the media sources that primarily promote a leftist, secular humanist agenda.


Controlling the Gap (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Bill Onisick

Controlling the gap between stimulus and response is a Christian responsibility. We must recognize its existence and learn to use this moment properly.


The Christian Fight (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Christian life is a constant battle against our own human natures, this evil world, and spiritual foes who do not want to see us inherit the Kingdom.


Childrearing (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our children internalize our values; we teach largely by example. If we do not take seriously the responsibility for rearing our children, somebody else will.


For the Children

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

For too many youths, God's way of life is not real because their parents are not fully convicted, but merely express a lukewarm preference for God's truth.


Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must avoid following the negative examples of our forbears. We have been enlisted into spiritual warfare on three fronts: the heart, the world, and Satan.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Environment, Influence of