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Parenting (Part 4): Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughParenthood is a sacred partnership with God, aimed at shaping human character and determining destiny by molding godly character in children. The high goal of reaching the Kingdom of God necessitates methods that align with God's will, making biblical principles the sole authority for childrearing. Discipline is a fundamental responsibility of parents, essential for instilling respect and honor for authority, starting with parental authority as a foundation for respecting other figures and ultimately God Himself. This respect, rooted in the fifth commandment, promises long life and well-being, blessings that depend on parents establishing a proper foundation of authority. Parental authority is divinely ordained, a hierarchy where the father holds chief responsibility, supported by the mother, with children under their guidance. This authority must be coupled with godly love to avoid becoming authoritarian or abusive, focusing on the long-term good of the child rather than momentary comfort. Discipline, even when painful like spanking, is an act of love intended to yield future joy, peace, and righteousness, mirroring how God disciplines His children out of love. Children are required to obey their parents as part of honoring them, doing so as if obeying Christ Himself, and because it is His will. Disobedience, such as striking or cursing a parent, is gravely serious, and parents must address such behaviors early to prevent escalation. Discipline must be prompt and diligent, starting early in a child's life to counter negative influences and instill right living, ensuring that the child connects the correction with the infraction for effective learning. Parents must establish clear rules and limits, modeled after God's commandments, to guide children until they internalize these principles as part of their character. These rules should cover various aspects, including safety, respect for property, etiquette, and personal courtesy, teaching children to value work and serve others. Specific instructions are necessary to avoid misunderstandings, ensuring that expectations are clear. Without such rules and consistent enforcement, chaos and destruction loom, but with proper discipline, peace and righteousness can settle over the home.
Godly Training and Admonition
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGodly training forewarns a child of danger or faults in human nature. The Scriptures do not contain many examples of exemplary child rearing.
Parental Leadership
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough human fathers have authority, they are not to provoke their children to wrath. Our goal is to produce children whom God would be delighted to call.
Parenting (Part 5): Methods
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOf the various approaches to discipline, spanking is really the only method endorsed by the Bible. Properly administered, spanking smarts but leaves no bruises.
A People Being Prepared to Pass the Rope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe are students in a spiritual academy, something like the Citadel, learning to be leaders, learning to pass the rope to save our fellow passengers.
Childrearing (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must not leave child rearing to chance, but ought to bend the tender twigs entrusted to us toward God's purpose, training our children in righteousness.
Whom the Lord Loves He Chastens (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we endure chastisement and discipline from God, we prove we are His children. Sanctification is an incremental process, requiring trials and chastening.
The Chemistry of Government
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughExpectation of reward, fear of disadvantage, and charisma all constitute the chemistry of government and childrearing, but require the right proportion.
Endure as a Good Soldier
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn God's plan, the development of uncompromising character requires struggle and sacrifice. Our victory requires continual drill, tests and development of discipline.
Enduring as a Good Soldier
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To wage spiritual warfare, we must endure hardship, not entangling ourselves in the affairs of the world, being single-minded in pleasing our Captain.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHas anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We accept most of our opinions, prejudices, and beliefs unconsciously. We must scrutinize our own beliefs through the principles of God's Holy Scriptures.
Make Sure of Your Focus (1998)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur focus should be to seek God's kingdom, reciprocating God's love, committing ourselves to a life of service, fulfilling His purpose without complaining.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe husband is commanded to love his wife as his own body, regarding her as precious and delicate, continually nourishing and protecting her.
Deuteronomy (Part 5) (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParadoxically, humble obedience and dependency upon God strengthens us, while prideful self-sufficiency weakens us.
Liberty Through Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly by using God's Spirit can we gain the self-discipline, self-mastery, and self-control to put to death the carnal pulls, giving us freedom from sin.
Titus (Part Five): A Church in Training
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul, realizing that the tiny flock was no match for the Roman Empire, did not crusade to abolish slavery, but instead taught the church how to deal with it.
Love's Greatest Challenges
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAn irrational fear of loss prevents the development of agape love — we fear that keeping God's commandments will cause us to lose something valuable.