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A Cause of Terrorism
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughTerrorism occurs nearly every day around the world, though only the most significant attacks in Western nations receive widespread attention. Recent incidents in France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium illustrate this pattern, each involving lone attackers who killed or injured civilians and security personnel through bombings, stabbings, and vehicle assaults. These events are presented as characteristic of the Israelitish nations, whose scholars and commentators attribute the rise of terrorism since the 1970s to various human causes such as religious fervor, politics, and envy. The material identifies a more fundamental cause in God's sovereign governance: nothing of this magnitude occurs without His permission. Deuteronomy 32 records the Song of Moses, which foretells Israel's future prosperity followed by rebellion, as the people forsake the Rock of their salvation, sacrifice to demons, and forget the God who fathered them. In response, God declares He will hide His face, kindle a fire of anger, heap disasters upon them, and send the sword, pestilence, beasts, and terror within, affecting every segment of the population from the young to the aged. Similar warnings appear in Leviticus 26, confirming that terror forms part of the curses that follow disobedience. Isaiah 54 shows the reversal of this condition once a repentant Israel is reestablished in righteousness, at which point terror will no longer approach. Thus the material presents terrorism among the Israelitish nations as the direct consequence of forsaking God, with the only effective remedy being humility and return to Him rather than increased security measures. Individuals who dwell in the secret place of the Most High are assured they need not fear the terror by night or the arrow by day.
Godly Fear is Humble Reverence
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingThe fear and trembling before God is more like reverence and awe instead of abject terror. It leads us to total dependence upon God with a desire to repudiate sin.
Deuteronomy: Fear
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen people allow fear to rule them, they lose their mind. Fear of God, however, is not mind killing, but inspires a reverential awe of the Creator.
The Elements of Motivation (Part One): Fear
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEven though a Christian's potential is so wonderful, it is still necessary for God to motivate His children to reach it. This begins with the fear of God.
Sin, Christians, and the Fear of God
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughScripture takes a very stern view of sin because it is failure to live up to God's standard and destroys relationships, especially our relationship with God.
Hollywood Horror: Promoting the Spirit of Fear
'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. BaityThe horror movie genre is now a critically acclaimed sector of Hollywood. Horror's upswing at the box office is connected to the culture's state of fear.
The Fear of God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany have inadvertently adopted a soft concept of God, disrespecting and showing contempt for God's authority and power. Godly fear is a gift of wisdom.
Connecting the Dots
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhat has changed in America so that we are no longer safe walking our own streets? Why has terror come to our soil? What can the individual do to stop it?
Be Anxious For Nothing
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFear and anxiety are normal human emotions. But through changing our focus from earthly to heavenly things, we can rise above the concerns, remembering Who is with us.
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.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe may find God's means of correction discouraging, but when we place His actions in context with His overall plan, we can find peace in God's sovereignty.
The Fear of God (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fear of God is the first line of defense, keeping us from profaning God's name, tarnishing the image of the Lord, and defending us from pain and/or death.
The Spirit of Bondage
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod did not give us a spirit of fear or bondage. Faith is the antidote to a spirit of slavish cowardice and timidity, the opposite of boldness from the Holy Spirit.
Promised: Protection and Healing
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod gives several conditions for receiving protection and healing, including God's sovereignty, God's purpose, and one's level of growth.
The Fear of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven before we acquire the necessary building blocks of faith, hope, and love, we must acquire the fear of God, which unlocks the treasures of God.
Psalms: Book Four: He Is Coming!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is like the opening salvo of the fall feasts, beginning with a blast of the trumpet or shofar, reminiscent of the event on Mount Sinai.
The Fear of God (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAfter the Spirit of God is imparted, removing the fear of men and installing the life-sustaining fear of God, the real dramatic growth takes place.