Filter by Categories
Where Are the Parents?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughParental involvement and control over offspring remain crucial, even as children reach legal adulthood. In the case of Brooklyn Decker, her parents fully support her modeling career, embracing the revealing nature of her work as beautiful and a source of pride, believing it does not affect their family values. Conversely, Brock Franklin's tragic incident on the interstate reveals a lack of parental oversight, as his mother appears to have been either unaware or inactive regarding his destructive behaviors, including drinking and drug use. The permissiveness or absence of guidance in their younger years likely contributed to the current situations of both young adults. Parents must act as the moral and ethical voice to direct the energies and aspirations of youth, providing necessary discipline and advice to prevent lifetimes of grief and ruin.
Childrearing (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughChildrearing carries a profound responsibility, as it shapes the trajectory of a child's life. If bad habits, inclinations, and approaches to life are not corrected early, they become deeply ingrained, making change nearly impossible. The burden of overcoming these ingrained patterns is immense, and it is a gift to dedicate oneself to ensuring that children do not repeat the same mistakes as their parents. The apple often falls close to the tree, meaning children are likely to mirror their parents' errors unless deliberate efforts are made to alter their path through proper training and guidance. Punishment plays a critical role in childrearing, as it helps change the trajectory of a child's life. Without swift consequences, the mind becomes set to do evil, and mere verbal reasoning or explanation often fails to redirect a child. Pain, such as spanking, is necessary as a tool of discipline to drive out foolishness, which binds a child's heart. Foolishness in children manifests as weakness of mind, impulsive actions, lack of foresight, and an inability to consider consequences. They act without prudence, form rash opinions, and are easily provoked, often bouncing from one idea to another without aim or counsel. Children are in bondage to this foolishness, unable to relate to long-term consequences due to their lack of experience and intellectual capacity. They cannot be reasoned out of folly; immediate pain through punishment helps them associate cause and effect, teaching them to consider the end result of their actions. Punishment must be immediate to match a child's short attention span, fair to reflect justice, painful enough to make an impact without causing harm, and consistent to avoid confusion. It serves as a boundary, providing security and guiding children within safe limits, much like a fence around a playground offers protection. Childrearing is not solely about punishment; it involves building character and personality through various tools, including verbal education, practice, rewards for good behavior, and tailored consequences as children mature. Rewards should be given generously for good behavior within the child's ability, reinforcing desired traits. Parents must not abdicate their role by allowing children to define good behavior, as this undermines authority and guidance. The younger a child is when training begins, the better, as early submission and guidance shape their path more effectively. Parents must study their children and situations to apply discernment in discipline, recognizing whether disobedience stems from forgetfulness or deeper attitudes like anger or pride, adjusting punishment accordingly. Consistency in rules and consequences prevents confusion, ensuring that an infraction remains an infraction regardless of time or place. Childrearing demands immense time, energy, thoughtfulness, and planning to guide children into the right path, avoiding laziness or preoccupation with personal matters. It is a major responsibility within marriage, vital to a child's future, requiring diligent effort to produce the right fruit, little by little, without quick fixes.
Childrearing (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughChildrearing carries an awesome responsibility to guide potential into greatness, setting a goal to strive for in our efforts. It involves understanding the chemistry of government through reward, punishment, and charisma, which is akin to a deep respect for higher authority. Building charisma requires a strong relationship with God, a positive attitude between mates, a loving attitude toward children, and, least importantly, the techniques used in the mechanics of rearing a child. Specific techniques include maintaining eye contact, physical touch, and focused attention to ensure children feel valued. God serves as the ultimate role model in childrearing, demonstrating intense focus on His people, never delegating this responsibility to others. His attention is fixed on His family, ensuring their growth and protection, as seen in His guidance of Israel through the wilderness with purpose and direction. He encircles, instructs, and bears up His children like an eagle tending its young, stirring them to leave the nest and supporting them until they can stand on their own. This illustrates that childrearing is a primary concern, not a secondary task to be passed off. The responsibility of childrearing is urgently necessary and obligatory, requiring dedication and commitment from the earliest stages of a child's life. Training must be systematic, repetitive, and diligent, akin to sharpening a knife, to instill lasting impressions. It involves narrowing a child's path early to keep them within safe boundaries, protecting them from wandering aimlessly. This training is a lifelong project, not a haphazard effort, demanding consistent thought and love to shape character. Parents must avoid breaking a child's spirit through excessive harshness or criticism, which can lead to exasperation, resentment, or loss of self-esteem. Discipline should balance firmness with tenderness, considering a child's feelings and youth. Recognizing that each child has unique abilities, parents must study and meditate on their differences, helping each to produce according to their capacity without expecting identical outcomes. Training children in righteousness is essential, using God's unchanging standards as the foundation for morality and stability. Parents should teach from historical lessons and personal experiences of God's work in their lives, instilling a way of life with no alternative but the right path. This includes memorizing key teachings, expounding on practical wisdom, and discussing life's challenges to provide vision and prevent aimlessness. Even brief daily sessions of teaching, combined with a good example, can have a profound impact. Teaching responsibility is vital, ensuring children complete tasks well within their age and capacity, without allowing half-finished efforts. Parents must set an example of diligence and avoid taking over tasks out of impatience, instead guiding children gently toward perfection. Drills and practice sessions can instill good habits, such as proper manners, personal cleanliness, and respect for routines, making work enjoyable through teamwork and creativity. Respect must also be taught, encompassing deference toward God, others, and things. This involves cultivating appreciation for what is given, honoring the elderly, and caring for possessions and living creatures. Observing how children treat their belongings reveals their character, and parents must guide them to avoid destructive or careless attitudes, fostering a sense of honor and consideration in all aspects of life. Character in a child is revealed by conduct, and it is the responsibility of parents to work toward shaping it with dedication and purpose.
Childrearing (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughChildrearing holds a profound significance in the eyes of God, as it shapes the foundation of society and the future of His people. The goal of raising children is not merely to have obedient or quiet offspring, but to produce godly seed, individuals who reflect the character and values that align with God's purpose. This responsibility is paramount, as poor childrearing practices can be the spawning ground for many societal ills, contributing to behaviors that disrupt harmony and stability. The process of rearing children requires learning to love them in a way that goes beyond natural affection. True love, in the biblical sense, is not inherent but must be cultivated, often through the guidance of experienced individuals and the presence of God's Spirit. Without this divine love, it is impossible to nurture children in the manner that God intends. Additionally, parents must have a clear vision of God's purpose for their children. Without the revelation of His plan, efforts in childrearing may lead to outcomes that do not align with His ultimate goal, resulting in a divergence from the path He has set. Children are a gift from God, entrusted to parents as a heritage for a specific purpose. They are not merely possessions but are consecrated to Him, set apart with access to His truth through the faith of their parents. This unique position offers them a significant advantage, protecting them from the destructive influences of the adversary and equipping them to face challenges with the knowledge of God's ways. Parents, as the primary teachers, bear the responsibility to develop and guard their children, enhancing their growth while shielding them from degeneration in all aspects of life. The model for childrearing is God Himself, the ultimate Parent, whose methods and attitudes should guide parental practices. Harsh or overly punitive approaches can lead to rebellion or diminished self-worth in children, whereas God's example shows patience and value for even the youngest among us. Parents must recognize the immense potential in their children, seeing them as future participants in God's Kingdom, and rear them accordingly with the aim of preparing them for both human and godly life. This preparation involves instilling the ability to make right decisions, internalize God's values, exercise self-control, exhibit patience, use power wisely, face trials bravely, and develop a strong sense of self-esteem and obedience, all of which are essential for their future roles.
Childrearing (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughChildren do not initiate love but reflect it. If a child does not receive a convincing demonstration of this love, he will not become a conductor of love.
Childrearing (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot turn the teaching of our children over to others, but instead must train and educate them to become productive citizens in the Kingdom of God.
Childrearing (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur children internalize our values; we teach largely by example. If we do not take seriously the responsibility for rearing our children, somebody else will.
The Importance of Parenting
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is most interested in how a parent affects the spiritual outcome of a child's life and less concerned with how a parent shapes the child's material success.
Are We Losing Our Children?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe demands of life leave most adults gasping for breath and struggling to shoulder the load. But what effect is this pace having on the next generation?
The Century of the Child
'Prophecy Watch' by Martin G. CollinsSelf-appointed experts insist that rapid technological change requires a transfer of influence over children from 'ill-prepared' parents to 'Those Who Know Better.'
Teaching Our Children
Commentary by Ryan McClureIf we do not train our children, someone else will—namely the leftist educational system currently teaching Satan's lies, destroying the family.
Fatherhood
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWhen we were single, we had all the answers to the art of parenting, but actual practice humbles us as to how ill-equipped we are for this task.
Over-Honoring Children
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsMany misguided parents place their children on pedestals, virtually worshipping them, catering to every whim, fearing to offend them, failing to rein them in.
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.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While God expects parents to cultivate sound-mindedness, balance, and self-control in our children, Satan has been shaping young minds his own way.
A Heritage and a Reward
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAmerican society is cursed because the family, its most important component, is dysfunctional. It is impossible to raise families without God.
Crucial Parenting Principles
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRecently, the University of Virginia's Institute on Advanced Culture identified four current parenting styles, with mixed results.
You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Sermonette by Mike FordBecause we lean towards resting on our laurels and coasting, learning as we get older tends to slow down, but it does not have to be that way.
The Politicization of Motherhood (Part Two)
'WorldWatch' by Mike FordThe politically charged rhetoric of leading feminists demonizes traditional marriage and motherhood, painting stay-at-home moms as domestic slaves.
Wisdom for the Young (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPart of the problem that confronts young people today is that they—and frankly, all of society—have a devilish misconception of what is fun.
Happy Father's Day
Commentary by Mike FordEven a poor father is better than no father. In a single parent household, children are 4 times as likely to be poor, have bad grades and a confused sexual identity.
Fathers Provoking Children
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMost families in God's church have a functional father, but even so, extremes of leniency and overbearing strictness do not make an ideal father.
The Politicization of Motherhood (Part One)
'WorldWatch' by Mike FordThe facts indicate that children - and society as a whole - function better when mothers fulfill the role of nurturers in the home.
Teaching Children
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughShould we teach our children or should we allow the church to do that? Do youth programs have a positive impact? Do they keep youth them in the church?
The March Toward Globalism (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Neither permissiveness nor harshness are endorsed by God; sound-mindedness in child-rearing requires control and measured justice while avoiding extremes.
Overcoming (Part 7): Selfishness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsPerhaps the main impediment to overcoming is our innate selfishness. Our goal is to bear the character of our God, whose primary characteristic outgoing concern.
For the Children
Sermon by David C. GrabbeFor too many youths, God's way of life is not real because their parents are not fully convicted, but merely express a lukewarm preference for God's truth.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We cannot instill sound-mindedness in our offspring unless we are personally filled with the fruits of God's Holy Spirit, modeling these for our children.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Self-will must be extirpated from our children; God's will must take its place. Childrearing must begin at the start of a child's formative life.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Parents have incrementally abandoned the responsibility of disciplining their children. Satan has taken over the responsibility through his matrix.

The Fifth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe fifth commandment stands at the head of the second tablet of the Decalogue, which governs our human relationships. It is critical for family and society.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 3)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsParents are obligated to teach God's laws to their children. According to Emily Post, good manners are to the family what good morals are to society.
Public Schools and Teaching Character
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhereas homeschooling used to be equated with liberal, hippie, granola-munching types, the movement is now predominantly conservative and Christian.
The Fifth Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe fifth commandment begins the section of six commands regarding our relationships with other people. Children should learn proper respect in the family.
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.
To Whom Honor Is Due
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDishonoring one's parents is a serious abomination, considered a capital offense by God. Fathers must be worthy of honor, teaching their children to honor God.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2005)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe family is under savage attack, with more and more children born out of wedlock. With the destruction of the family, we are witnessing the death of the U.S.
Teaching Respect for Property
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughNascent socialism is seen in the attitudes toward private property. Many have a nagging feeling that they do not control anything, even what they supposedly own.
Fruit of the Body
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamTeaching God's laws to our children is not just a suggestion but a command. If we do not rear and educate our children, Satan will.
Gender Madness
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughSome leftists have created 112 genders. This bizarre gender madness is a symptom of what was formerly known as craziness — simply being out of one's mind.
The Politicalization of Motherhood
Sermonette by Mike FordMothers are crucial in developing the baby's nervous system during the first three years, something that husbands, fathers, or day care centers cannot do.
Psalms: Book Three (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we would keep God's Feasts properly, we would be in sync with God's noble purpose for us, defending us from falling into apostasy and idolatry.
Mightier Than The Sword (Part Eight)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Rousseau crafted the blueprint followed by proponents of socialist/communistic governments, disparaging private property, free enterprise, and the family.
Teach Them Young
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe most dramatic growth in the brain occurs between age 3 and age 12, at which time 1000 trillion synaptic connections turn the child into a knowledge sponge.
Parenting (Part 3): Mothers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe mother provides a gentle, cherishing quality to child rearing compatible with the strength provided by her husband.
Leadership and Covenants (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe contains a detailed record of both good and bad leaders, and it provides a repetitive principle that 'as go the leadership, so goes the nation.'
Does the Bible Endorse Spanking?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy Christians support spanking is not that difficult to figure out: The Bible endorses it as a valid method of child discipline, yet without suggesting abuse.
Our Father
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidEmotional and spiritual well-being of children improves when fathers fulfill their role. People from dysfunctional families have a skewed image of God.
Why Be Industrious?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughTraining a child to be industrious helps him to be successful, which in turn promotes a stable family, community, nation and will transfer into God's Kingdom.
Mightier Than The Sword (Part Seven)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Rousseau's modern disciples, gaining ascendancy in today's political climate, have plans to dismantle the family, replacing it with the State.
Absalom: A Study in Narcissism
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughProbably the biblical character best exemplifying the narcissistic personality is David's son, Absalom, clearly a spoiled son in a dysfunctional family.
Strengthening the Family
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod ordained marriage and the family for the physical and spiritual growth and nurturing of children. God's goal is a Family composed of mature spirit beings.
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.
Prove Yourself A Man!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMasculine leadership is demonstrated by men who embrace God's commandments, love and protect their wives, and instill a love of God's truth in their children.
Have You Had Your Manna Today?
'Ready Answer' by StaffGod gave Israel manna to eat every day for forty years. Today, we have God's Word as our daily bread. Are we taking advantage of it, or are we allowing it to spoil?
God's Will in the End Time
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod does not like to inflict punishment on people, but because of sin, He is obligated to correct. But as quickly as God punishes, God restores and heals.
True or False Guilt?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingWe must be able to separate genuine guilt, which is the spiritual equivalent of pain, from false guilt when we call into question God's forgiveness.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As parents, we can protect our children from death and destruction if we discourage the self-absorptive pulls through correction and discipline.
Parenting (Part 4): Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRealizing that parental authority must be used with godly love, the prompt discipline we mete out should be fair and appropriate.
The Commandments (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughParents need to teach their children to consider the long-range consequences of current behaviors, chastening and disciplining them while there is hope.

Specks as Mirrors
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasOur ability to see the specks in others' eyes may indicate spiritual deficiencies in ourselves, as we project our own sins onto others.
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.
Nannyism and Caring
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughThis nation was developed by self-reliant, self-motivated people. Yet today, many people seem frozen in place, waiting for the government to do something for them.
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.
Fatherhood and Modern Temptations
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany fathers abdicate their leadership responsibilities, becoming addicted to workaholism, television, or even pornography. The culture teeters on destruction
Studying the Bible
Sermon by John O. ReidBible study provides a personal means of attaining the mind of God, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Narrow Is the Way
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParadoxically, becoming a slave of righteousness — maintaining the narrow way — leads to freedom, peace of mind, and ultimately, God's Kingdom.
Sanctification, Teens, and Self-Control
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people are responsible for the spiritual knowledge that they have learned from their parents, as well as the custodianship of spiritual blessings.
Sanctification and the Teens
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people in the church must realize that they are not invincible. Not only is God's law no respecter of persons, but also sanctification can be lost.
Why Do You Feel Entitled?
Sermon by Kim MyersThe entitlement attitude has crept into God's church, with people seemingly feeling they should be served instead of eagerly serving others.
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.