Playlist: National Decline (topic)
A Badly Divided Nation
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our country is divided politically and culturally more than at any other time since the Civil War and the population as a whole has become more callused.
Birthrates in Decline
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughStatistics show that the birth rate for the Western nations has dropped below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman, sometimes significantly so.
A Lesson From History
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A democracy only works when the citizenry are moral and capable of governing themselves, neither of which the current citizenry possess.
Another Supreme Court Nomination
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe upcoming Supreme Court appointment could possibly tilt the court in favor of conservatives for the first time in decades.
The Beat Goes On
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Secular progressive propagandists began spreading the rumor that young women were dying in make-shift abortion clinics in an effort to force legislation.
In the Wake of an Unnatural Disaster (Part Seven)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Of the things God says He hates, including pride and hands that shed innocent blood, nothing seems to be more disgusting than the American abortion industry.
Do Americans Really Care? (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Those who really care about what is happening to this country are too few to make any difference, and the youth have been schooled without reference to God.
What's in the Bucket? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The last three American generations have had their minds poisoned, such that they unquestioningly embrace socialism and deviant lifestyles as the norm.
Do Americans Really Care? (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The vast majority of the citizenry has been dumbed-down by a half-century of leftist, progressive education, eradicating God from the minds of most people.
Do Americans Really Care? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are no longer a representative democracy, but an oligarchy taken over by thugs, whose economic policies have put us into serfdom in our own country.
A Government To Fear (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The 'religious' communities of America are so biblically ignorant that they have learned to tolerate immorality, accepting lying in governmental leaders.
Liberal Lunacy (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Progressive humanists are neither satisfied with God's standards nor common sense, but strive to replace them with something they deem to be 'better.'
Persecution From the Nones?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)From 1950 to the present, the secular progressives called the Nones have risen from 3% to 20% of the population. This group has a Leftist political ideology.
Liberals and the Election
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The next four years will require sacrifices from our citizenry, just like Americans were required during the Second World War.
Sodom and Egypt
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh'Sodom and Egypt' in Revelation 11:8 identifies Jerusalem, but stands for all the inhabitants of modern Israel, including the US, Canada, and England.
Leaving Religion Behind
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughMore Millennials identify themselves as non-religious and show no indication of embracing religion in the foreseeable future.
Two Different Perspectives
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While more people consider themselves spiritual, fewer are religious. They are less sure about what they really believe and more tolerant of other beliefs.
Freedom Isn't Free
Commentary by Ryan McClureAbraham Lincoln, in his 1838 Lyceum Address, warned that America's destruction could occur only from moral rot within, as exampled by the Roman Empire.
The Handwriting is on the Wall (2017): The Fourth Turning
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Steve Bannon embraced The Fourth Turning, a book which explains why many Americans no longer recognize the country they once knew and respected.
Liberalism and Education (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Liberalism is much easier to push than conservatism because the latter requires discipline, while the former caters to self-interest and emotion.
Liberalism and Education (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While liberalism claims to champion civil liberties and individual liberties, liberal governments rob us of liberty and saddle us with useless regulations.
Has America Gone Crazy? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)America today resembles pre-revolution France. Like other mass movements, America's civil war drums are beaten by leaders in government, religion, and education.
A Quick Survey of American Christianity
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A nation's religions generally determine the moral standards of a nation. The United States is currently afflicted with biblical illiteracy.
Hebrews as a Sermon (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even as Hebrews prepared the first century church for persecution, so it is also relevant to today's church as it faces an increasing assault on God's law.
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Keeping God's laws becomes dangerous in a godless society, in which bribery is good, homosexuality is good, murder is good, theft is good, and sin is good.
Urgency to Get Closer to God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersThe time when the offspring of Jacob are going to pay the piper is rapidly closing in. We must cultivate a sense of urgency in our relationship with God.
If You Can Keep It
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityAmericans, having by and large lost both their morality and their sense of vigilance, now stand on the verge of losing the republic.
Hebrews 2: God Is Present
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's people must immerse themselves daily in the Scriptures. While sinning Israelites consider God to be absent, He is nevertheless present with His saints.
A Search for a Singular Truth
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A political party has the trappings of a religion, trying to get adherents to their beliefs and ideas. America is being torn apart by two false religions.
Everywhere But Up
Commentary by Joseph B. BaityWestern society is looking to technology, medicine and government for solutions to its seemingly unsolvable problems, looking everywhere but up.
Our Moral Bearings Lost
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)America's leaders have lost their moral compass. God has replaced wise adults with foolish children mocking and scoffing at wisdom and moral standards.
The Philosophy of Black Friday
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBlack Friday stirs up greedy, materialistic, covetous attitudes. When a nation reaches a materialistic mindset, it is on its way to oblivion.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1995)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause restraints that once held human nature in check have been removed, the US has grown increasingly more corrupt, approaching conditions before the Flood.
Is Education the Answer? (Part 4)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because the secular progressives control the media, entertainment, and education, Americans have no inkling about how sin destroys the quality of life.
Demography Is Destiny
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Population trends become reliable trends of future national consequences. We do not have a debt crisis as much as a death crisis.
What Makes Generation "Me" Tick?
Commentary by David F. MaasOver the past six decades (from the Boomer Generation to the Millennial generation), individuals have grown more narcissistic, entitled and miserable.
The Wilderness Trek and Judgment Begins
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's people must learn to trust Him for their survival, remembering that the eating of Unleavened Bread is a reminder that only God has the power to rescue.
No Time to Think!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe media attempt to hypnotize the citizenry to hate Donald Trump and love Hillary, pretending to explain complex situations by two second sound-bites.
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.
The Fruit of Existentialism
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Progressives, oozing with pride, have brainwashed young people into embracing evil, godless propaganda, embracing immorality and ethical relativism.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Seven)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan has done a good job of sabotaging the educational system of this nation, a deliberate effort by those motivated by a desire for wealth and power.
A Body in Motion
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Just as a body in motion tends to stay in motion, the standards of morality in this nation have eroded exponentially since the time of the Founding Fathers.
The Not-A-Problem Folk
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerWe have no bold Phineases today who are unafraid of political correctness. The die has been cast for morally bankrupt America.
Another Step Further
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The leadership of the current government is enacting Executive orders to box in the citizenry, preparing to restrict the movements of all enemies of the State.
Abortion
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsWhen abortion becomes a social custom, it is a major indicator of the decadence of a people. Today, even mainstream churches have approved abortion.
The Importance of God's Word
Commentary by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)II Thessalonians 2:6-7 speaks of a force capable of restraining the emergence of the man of lawlessness. God's word and revelation is what restrains iniquity.
South Africa's Land Confiscation
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe sinister handwriting is on the wall for South Africa, hell-bent to follow the same Marxist principles which destroyed Zimbabwe.
Hope to the End (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We need these horrific times and conditions to learn the consequences of foolish decisions in order to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.
A Government to Fear (Part Six)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The US government has changed for the worse in the past 50 years, incrementally following collective dictatorships like Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia.
Self-Government
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSubmitting to a human government is a work that requires self-government. Paul thoroughly disciplined his body as he followed the example of Jesus Christ.
A Time For Thanksgiving
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our annual Thanksgiving was derived from the harvest festivals, patterned after the Holy Days such as Pentecost and Tabernacles. We must not forget God.
The Entertainment Craze
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Elizabeth Taylor exemplified the hedonistic, pleasure-mad lifestyle that destroyed the ancient Roman Empire.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Purpose Driven Church will be a major player trying to take the true, end-time church in the wrong direction.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMost people have not used the Word of God as their standard of morality and conduct, but instead are allowing society and culture to shape their attitudes.
In Our Time of Need
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWhen we accepted God's calling, we trusted in His ability to fend off the evil influences of the world as well as our deadly carnal nature.
The Handwriting on the Wall (2012)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Lying and flattering seem to be the modus operandi of many of the officials holding public office, from the President to the constable.
A Cure for News Depression
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The overwhelmingly depressing news must be counterbalanced by edifying news, namely God's Word. The Scripture, with its life-giving words, provides hope.
The Beginning of History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerMany believe that history is progress—that mankind, along with his nature, governments, and technology, is on an inevitable course of advancement.
Facing Cultural Headwinds
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's saints encounter great difficulties keeping their balance and moving toward the Kingdom while being buffeted by the anti-God, progressive culture.
Intensity is Increasing: Are You Listening?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)It is far more important for God's called-out ones to be ready than to know the time of Christ's return, an event to which even He is not privy.
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.
Its All the Rage
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The mercurial fads in fashion and music have a lot to do with what the Germans refer to as Zeitgeist - or the spirit of the times or spirit of the age.
The Wearing Out of the Saints
Sermon by John O. ReidDaniel foretells of a leader who will 'wear out the saints of the Most High.' Though we may feel worn out now, we will prevail in the end if we stay the course.
If You Do Not Obey My Voice
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAmerica's infrastructure, educational standards, and economy, etc. are beginning to flag, largely from disobedience to God's laws and squandering blessings.
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.
Handwriting on the Wall: Without Natural Affection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNarcissism and self-centeredness have snuffed out out-going concern, and everyone does what is right in their own eyes as the love of many grows cold.
Micah (Part One): Hope for the Hopeless
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe prophecy of Micah had a delayed effect, taking many years before a reformer emerged on the scene. Jeremiah's life was spared because of the memory of Micah.
Simple Gifts: American Reflection
Commentary by Mark SchindlerLiberty cannot exist without morality, or morality without faith. Today, humanists are destroying God's 'simple gifts' that made America exceptional.
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 Handwriting is on the Wall (2008)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must allow God to change our lives. The blessings and cursing principle of Deuteronomy 28 remains unchanged, applying to all who have made the covenant.
Intimacy: The Ultimate Gratitude
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloIn the lands occupied by Jacob's offspring, Thanksgiving Day has degenerated into self-indulgence, with the Source of blessings obliterated.
Handwriting on the Wall: Forgetfulness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAmerica once had national greatness, but because of the ignorance of youth, forgetting the lessons from history, they will soon pay for their forgetfulness.
Truth Has Fallen in the Streets
Commentary by Clyde FinkleaIsraelites have reached a time when truth has perished and the legal system has turned justice aside, praising the wicked while persecuting the righteous.
Mightier Than The Sword (Part Twenty-Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Every one of the philosophers who have wreaked havoc upon greater Israel were themselves Israelite and Semitic, bringing curses on their fellow Semites.
Psalms: Book Three (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 75 reveals that God both promotes and removes individuals from positions of power and He has the final say as to how power will be administrated.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsNations, like individual people, die first in spirit and then physically. They seldom die cataclysmically, but in gradual, incremental stages.
Handwriting on the Wall: Cultural Christianity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh'Cultural Christianity' is a Christ-free, worldly adaptation of faith used for cultural identity, often embraced for its social influence, lacking true devotion.
Zephaniah (Part One): The Day of the Lord Is Near!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughZephaniah's prophecy is sharply focused on Judah and Jerusalem because they should have known better. They are ordered to keep silent and consider their sins.
Hebrews (Part Fifteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even though we must cooperate in cultivating spiritual fruit, God alone creates character and takes responsibility for creating spiritual offspring.
The Unshakable Kingdom!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause all things will be violently shaken, God commands His people to place their trust in the unshakeable Kingdom of God which will displace all empires.
Destroying America From Within (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Recently, 'Christians Against Nationalism' published a set of 'Interfaith Principles,' suggesting that any religion is acceptable—and thus denying Christ.
Forget Not All His Benefits
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaAs long as the nation truly remembers God, He will prosper us. When we forget that foundational principle, He will break the pride of our power.
Hope to the End (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The church must forcefully deal with the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or it too will succumb to the terrifying vortex of despair.
Homosexual Marriage?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHomosexuality is not a lifestyle, but a sin directly against God, flouting God's creation of male and female, and perverting the natural use of the human body.
'But I Say to You' (Part Four): Divorce
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen divorce takes place, spiritual growth from the relationship stops, but when conflict escalates within a dying relationship, no growth can occur either.
COVID-19 and Returning to Normal
Commentary by David C. GrabbeWhile we naturally desire to 'get back to normal,' what the United States experienced before COVID-19 was hardly normal when viewed from God's perspective.
Destroying America From Within (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God confused the languages at the tower of Babel, causing confusion similar to the discord in the West. Without communication, productivity grinds to a halt.
Love Thy Neighbor
Sermon by John O. ReidAs the Good Samaritan took pity on what normally would be his adversary, we are obligated to be sensitive to the needs of those around us, enemy and friend.
Without Natural Affection
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of lawlessness, love has gone stone-cold. Sin and lawlessness begets more sin and lawlessness, and natural affection and love disappear.
Never Allow Your Love to Wax Cold
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaDestruction comes from a gradual withdrawal from intimacy with God rather than outright rejection. We must be vigilant against spiritual complacency.
Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ was not a sunshine patriot, but sacrificed everything He had for the sake of God's people and the Kingdom of God—His holy nation.
Living Among the Ruins
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)To tear down cherished institutions is to leave a nation culturally ruined. God's people, in choosing the old pathways, tread the roadway to eternal life.
Marxism in Academia: The Origins of Political Correctness
Commentary by David F. MaasHerbert Marcuse and Saul Alinsky introduced a more pragmatic form of Marxism into American academia, facilitating self-destruction by creating 'victim groups.'
Deuteronomy and Holiness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has provided the God-plane marriage relationship to teach us how to submit to one another, sacrificing our self-centeredness for the benefit of our spouse.
Amos (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughModern Israel cannot see the connection between its own faithlessness to the covenant and the violence of society that mirrors her spiritual condition.
A Rewired Society (Part Two): A Post-Truth World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe new morality is lawlessness and rejection of all restraints, which ironically makes them abject slaves of sin and candidates for the Lake of Fire.
Micah (Part Three): Who Is a God Like You?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMicah 5 describes legal proceedings against the people who have rejected God, promising a harsh retribution but future restoration for a physical remnant.
Don't Be Indifferent
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe frightful Trumpet Plagues are coming on the world because of the breaking of covenants on the part of people who should have known better.
Hope to the End
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPeter, while warning about impending suffering, nevertheless distinguishes himself as the apostle of hope, keeping our minds on what is to be rather than what now is.
Are We Already In Captivity?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Major curses, including economic oppression, famine, pestilence, mental illness, alien invasion, the scattering of modern Israel are yet to occur.
Make Sure of Your Focus!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDistractions produce a movement toward randomness and confusion, seriously endangering one's calling. We must sharpen our focus on God and His purpose.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our exodus from the bondage of sin begins and ends with God. He commanded Israel to mark their escape with unleavened bread because of what He did.
Spiritual Blindness: Choosing a Curse
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod proclaims a cause-effect relationship between sin and madness, blindness, and confusion of heart. Sin causes blindness, and blindness begets more sin.
Foundations
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe pillars of the Parthenon were fitted together in sections. It is impossible for these pillars to stand without a solid foundation.
Habakkuk
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHabakkuk learns to look, watch, wait, then respond, realizing that God is sovereign and will rectify all the injustices in His own time.
Amos (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Amos is addressed to the ones who have made the new covenant with God. Having made the covenant, we must remember that privilege brings peril.
Zephaniah (Part Two): God's Wrath on the Whole World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though the Gentiles will be punished, only Israelites had a special relationship with God, and consequently were more accountable for their failure.
The Problem Of Leadership
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The demise of society is caused by the lack of leadership within the family. The breakdown of society derives from the breakdown and of the family.
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.
The Book of Daniel (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe circumstances surrounding Nebuchadnezzar's dream set the stage for God's revelation of His power, plan, and prophetic intentions (through His servants).
The March Toward Globalism (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan is cultivating vessels of destruction by turning God's principles of child-rearing upside-down, encouraging permissiveness and destroying the family.
Together We Stand - But on What?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul, using the body analogy in I Corinthians, focuses on the need for unity and inter-relatedness by concentrating upon sound doctrine.
God's Epistle
Sermon by John O. ReidWe as Christians have the obligation or responsibility to provide a light or shining example in a darkened world that generally hates God's way.
Amos (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos severely chides Israel for exalting symbolism over substance, superstitiously trusting in locations where significant historical events occurred.
A Rewired Society (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are being rewired, with the social Internet and media dangerously altering thought processes, making young and old more susceptible to believing lies.
Deuteronomy (Part 3)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur goal shouldn't merely be to be saved, but to finish the spiritual journey God has prepared for us, developing the leadership to help those who follow.
Jesus and the Rebellious Son
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe law for stoning a rebellious son was never recorded as having been carried out, but ironically the nation put to death the maximally obedient Son.
The Momentum of Sin
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityBoth David and Eve failed to slow down the momentum of their carnal lusts. The momentum of sin is dangerous, especially when the consequences appear to be far away.
Habakkuk: God's Power and Patience
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod has expressed infinite patience with Jacob's rebellious children, but He has also put a time limit on their tolerance and craving for lawlessness.
The Good Ol' Days
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityMany try to run away from the pessimistic view of the future by retreating into the past, a nostalgic participation in the 'good old days.'
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.
The Point of No Return
Commentary by Joseph B. BaityEven before COVID-19, Americans were gripped by anxiety, fear, and depression, pointing to an unrecognized but quickly spreading mental health pandemic.
Of Living Dogs and Dead Lions
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloGuilt from failure to overcome is a dangerous distraction. When we consider God's profound pity, we realize that He is able to cleanse us, too.
Discerning Signs and Redeeming Time
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's people have an obligation to awaken out of their complacency, realizing that their allotted time for repenting and overcoming is drawing to its close.
Engage!
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOur daily social interaction has become digital rather than flesh and blood. Social media has divided us into media ghettos. Society has become disengaged.
Who Am I?
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityGod has called us into the His Family; we should form a bond among each other, comforting, edifying, and encouraging one another—the best antidote to loneliness.
Hope to the End (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faith, hope and love are spiritual gifts which safeguard us from discouragement and depression, giving us a mature perspective that will last eternally.
Skyrocketing Indebtedness
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)47% of Americans are dependents of the Federal government, which, because of incompetency, is also cash poor. Most are ignorant about the causes of this demise.
Time to Repent
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod usually grants abundant time for people to repent, but the recipients of this grace often interpret it as God's tolerance for their sin.
Unprepared
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOnly those close to God will be able to handle the turmoil. No carnal solutions offered by survivalists will ultimately save us from these calamities.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEight of the psalms of Book Two were not written by David, but by Asaph, the sons of Korah, and Solomon. These psalms have more of a group emphasis.
How Was it Accomplished So Easily? (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The leftist takeover was accomplished not by brute force, but through unctuous prevarications — words designed to appeal to people's thinking.
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because of the rapid information flow, the changes occur faster and the regressions become the norm, as is seen in the acceptance of homosexuality and abortion.
Liberal Lunacy (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A large percentage of American citizenry has been hopelessly dumbed-down, totally oblivious to the demise coming upon this nation for national sins.
Finishing Your Gun Lap
Sermon by John O. ReidThe most dangerous lap we encounter is when everyone around us tends to be compromising. Today, what was once aberrant behavior is now considered normal.
Out of Control
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Diverse cultures separate peoples, causing cantankerousness and hostility, even when these cultures share the same language or share a common language.
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (2011)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While love grows cold because lawlessness abounds, the church may well have to go underground in order to survive. We must prepare for horrific times.
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.
Some Reasons for Hope
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have hope that our sins are forgiven, that the foolish things will be destroyed by Christ's second coming, and have the indwelling spirit of Jesus.
Change and Hope
Sermon by John O. ReidAs God found it necessary to test our forbears, He allows us to go through grueling experiences (trials, tests, and temptations) for maximum growth.
Modesty (Part One): Moderation and Propriety
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must avoid the world's extremes and sensual excesses in matters of dress and fashion, adopting instead humility, chastity, decency, morality, and self control.
Prophets and Prophecy (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA prophet is one who speaks for God, expressing His will in words and sometimes signs. Standing outside the system, he proclaims God's purpose, including repentance.
Avoiding Spiritual Burnout
Sermon by John O. ReidThe inability to solve mounting cultural and social problems despite advances in technology puts a strain on anyone who cares about the consequences.
Every Action Has a Reaction
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEvery action has a corresponding reaction; even the little things we do matter. Sin produces increase (the leavening effect) just as righteousness does.
Reconciliation and the Day of Atonement
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRepentance is something we must do with our God-given free moral agency. Reconciliation is an ongoing process that enables us to draw closer to what God is.
Amos (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos indicts rampant, dishonest practices, placing gain above honesty, morality, or ethics, and arrogantly and covetously exploiting the needy for profit.
Amos (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people to whom Amos writes have the mistaken assumption that because they have made the covenant with God, they can bask in a kind of divine favoritism.
Amos (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAncient Israel had at the core of its religion an obsession to please the self at the expense of justice and the best interests of the disadvantaged.
Amos (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe favorite-son status of Israel was conditioned on accepting the terms of the covenant with God. Israel, then and now, has placed her trust in material things.