Playlist: Wealth, Ungodly (topic)
On Taking Bribes
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ungodly wealth appears in this discussion through the mechanism of bribery, which corrupts governmental and economic systems even as it appears, on the surface, to benefit those who participate in it. The pattern begins with the observation, attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville, that democracies unravel once citizens discover …
Water Scarcity
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe financial crisis and its erosion of wealth parallel the global water crisis, both revealing a deeper spiritual reality about the fleeting nature of worldly riches. Wealth accumulated through ungodly pursuits is inherently unstable, much as the earth suffers a literal drought of fresh water due to demand outpacing supply, …
More on Modern Liberalism
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The pursuit of ungodly wealth is presented as a modern expression of an ancient pattern of imprudence, one that ignores clear warnings and chooses destruction over divine wisdom. This principle is illustrated through the testimony of a judge who presided over the savings and loan banking crisis of the late 1980s and 1990s. Bank …
God's Rest (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe pursuit of ungodly wealth emerges as a central illustration of how the tenth commandment against coveting operates within a culture. This theme is introduced through a 1975 Positive Thinking Rally attended in Charlotte, North Carolina, where speakers such as Earl Nightingale, Robert Schuler, and others promoted a "get …
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe prophet Habakkuk pronounces a series of woes upon the Chaldean-Babylonian oppressors, and the first of these directly addresses ungodly wealth: "Woe to him who increases what is not his, how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges." This oppressor piled up stolen goods and made himself wealthy through extortion, …
The Commandments (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWealth accumulated by honest work and diligence will be blessed, but hastily acquired by any kind of theft or dishonesty will be cursed.
The Eighth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Though God indicts Gentile nations for violent crimes, He indicts Israelitish nations for untrustworthiness and their tendency to defraud or misrepresent.
The Sin of Self-Deception
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn our relationship with God, we must emphasize principle over pragmatism. If we are led into deception, it is because our carnal nature wanted it that way.
Are You an Israelite?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMost of ancient Israel, because of their hardened hearts, did not please God. We must reflect on the the ways they stumbled so we can walk differently.