Playlist: Government, Purpose of (topic)
Government (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGovernment, in its essence, is an absolute necessity, particularly as groups grow larger and their needs become more complex due to diverse attitudes and perspectives. It is omnipresent, impacting every facet of life, and is often viewed with ambivalence—seen by some as a necessary evil, by others as an objectionable good, …
Government (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe purpose of government, as revealed through the scriptures, is rooted in God's sovereign authority. Power belongs to God, and from His position of power, He delegates authority to earthly rulers. Governments exist only because God has deemed it so, and their purpose is generally for good, to maintain order in the community, …
Government (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe purpose of government, as revealed through God's interactions with His creation, is to maintain order and direction by steering or piloting toward a specific goal. From the beginning, as seen in Genesis, God governs by bringing order out of chaos and educating the governed, such as instructing Adam and Eve in the Garden …
Self-Government: Overcoming
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's government exists for the purpose of placing every person who repents and receives His Spirit under His direct rule, with nothing and no one interposed between the individual and God. This restores the relationship Adam and Eve enjoyed before sin, when God alone instructed and governed them. After conversion the Father and …
Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod establishes human government as an extension of His own rule and sovereignty, appointing authorities to protect the good, punish evildoers, and promote general welfare. Resisting these authorities therefore constitutes resistance to the ordinance of God Himself. Rulers exercise power only by divine permission, as God removes …
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder both the Old and New Covenants, refusal to keep to keep God's Law severs the relationship. God's law protects us and brings us quality life.