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Wisdom for the Young (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Part of the problem confronting young people is a devilish misconception of what constitutes fun, a notion inspired by satan that often leads to deception and humiliation for amusement. Many youths believe fun must carry an edge, involving risky, dangerous, and potentially lethal activities. Their version of fun frequently starts with alcohol and illicit sex, descending into dangerous pranks, illegal activities, and various perversions. Too many end up as addicts to alcohol or drugs, resort to abortions, contract sexually transmitted diseases, or begin adulthood with criminal records, all while thinking they are having fun. This behavior stems from immaturity and a lack of wisdom or experience to discern what is good and right. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, and without correction, this foolishness intensifies into extreme and dangerous actions. When left to themselves without discipline, young people often bring shame through their dishonorable behavior, running wild without a godly vision or internal restraints. Unrestraint surfaces quickly in youth, leading to chaotic behavior if they lack rules and goals to guide them. Parents must place restraints on a youth's unruly nature, guiding them in the right path to grow into happy, functioning adults and ultimately into well-loved, wise members of God's Family. True happiness and real joy come from understanding and keeping the law, both parental and divine. Yet, many young people view doing what is right as uncool, boring, or nerdy, falling prey to negative peer pressure and the misguided notion of fun promoted by the world. They must be taught from an early age to prioritize pleasing God and their parents to embrace a more godly idea of fun.

The Century of the Child

'Prophecy Watch' by Martin G. Collins

Children are becoming miniature men and women before their time due to the way parents raise them, reflecting a troubling shift in society. This premature maturity stems from environments that shut children away from nature and free movement, fostering worry and nervousness in unwholesome conditions. The incompetence and ignorance of parents have been identified as a great evil, contributing to broader societal issues. Despite hopes for standardized childrearing practices, experts have failed to agree on consistent methods, often insisting that parents are ill-prepared for the challenges of modern childrearing. This has led to a transfer of influence over children from parents to self-appointed experts who claim to know better, undermining the natural guidance and authority of parents. The tragic outcomes of such permissive and disconnected parenting are evident in the behaviors of youth who cast off restraint, engaging in destructive activities with little remorse, while parents express frustration and powerlessness in controlling their children. Many parents, consumed by demanding jobs and lacking time to oversee their teens, provide material needs but fail to instill values or maintain authority, resulting in a loss of control over their children's actions.

Growing Up

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Immaturity in our culture is often marked by a refusal to grow up, even among those of advanced age. Many icons and public figures extend their youth far beyond what is appropriate, acting in ways that should have been left behind in adolescence. This behavior reflects a broader societal trend where adulthood is defined by legal age rather than by responsibility or maturity. Historically, reaching adulthood meant taking on serious life responsibilities, such as finding work, furthering education, or starting a family, but now even college graduates are not expected to exhibit the same level of maturity. Immaturity is characterized by a self-centered focus, much like that of a child who expects everything to revolve around personal needs and desires. A child speaks, thinks, and acts with self as the center, rarely considering others or sacrificing for them. In contrast, maturity involves becoming other-centered, showing love and respect, and dedicating life to providing for and pleasing others, including spouse, children, and God. Many, however, remain immature despite their age, continuing to prioritize self above all else. Youth is often a time of frivolity and cheer, which is not inherently wrong, but accountability remains crucial. God watches even the young, holding them responsible for their actions, as there are consequences for crossing boundaries. Immaturity in youth can manifest as rashness, impetuousness, and emotional reactions that provoke poor decisions. The advice is to remove such provocations from the heart and to put away evil from the flesh, turning to God early in life when one is strong and unburdened by the physical and spiritual distractions of old age. Children build reputations based on their actions, and youth is no excuse for wrongdoing if they have been taught correctly. Disobedience will face consequences, and failing to think ahead about the outcomes of actions can lead to lifelong struggles. Immaturity often shows in impulsiveness, reliance on strength over wisdom, and foolishness, which discipline must correct. Young people are urged to avoid mixing with rebels, partiers, and lawbreakers, as such company can diminish conscience and lead to trouble. Instead, they should choose friends who elevate them and work diligently, prioritizing responsibilities and living within their means, as these are marks of a mature person.

What's Wrong With the Kids?

Sermonette by Mike Ford

A major factor of the snowflake syndrome is the self-esteem movement, which has brainwashed young people into thinking they were unique and special.

Grow Up!

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The age of maturity used to be somewhere between 18 and 21 but it has steadily risen past college graduation to the threshold of a person's fourth decade.

The Commandments (Part Twelve)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Parents need to teach their children to consider the long-range consequences of current behaviors, chastening and disciplining them while there is hope.

Sanctification and the Teens

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Young 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.

The Fifth Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The fifth commandment begins the section of six commands regarding our relationships with other people. Children should learn proper respect in the family.

Why Be Industrious?

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Training 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.

A Telling Reaction

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Some demonstrators called for Donald Trump's assassination, as they 'peacefully' smashed windows, beat white people, and taunted the police.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Nine): Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The fleeting time of youth is a time of strength, exploration, and boundless opportunities, offering the freedom to try new things as well as make mistakes.

Murder By Selfishness!

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15-24 year-olds. Contributory factors include depression, deteriorating family life, media glorification, and drugs.

The Fifth Commandment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The 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.

Childrearing (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we, as Christian parents, could shape and mold the minds of our children early, we could inoculate them against making the same mistakes that we did.

Childrearing (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The family problems predicted for the end times in II Timothy stem from faulty childrearing practices. We must help prepare our children for the Kingdom.

The Fifth Commandment

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The fifth commandment teaches our responsibility to give high regard, respect, and esteem to parents and other authority figures, leading to a prosperous life.

Childrearing (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our children internalize our values; we teach largely by example. If we do not take seriously the responsibility for rearing our children, somebody else will.

Hiding in Plain Sight

Sermonette by Mike Ford

59% of 'Christians' do not believe in Satan, but we see his hand in the transgender movement, the obsession with climate change, and the abortion plague.

The Commandments (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The fifth commandment provides a bridge, connecting our relationships with God and the relationships with our fellow human beings.

How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God displays emotions, but they are always under control, unlike mankind. Using God's Spirit, we can grow into emotional (not emotionless) spiritual maturity.

Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Two): Cultivating Love

Sermon by David F. Maas

The opposite of selfishness is not self-hatred, but mature self-love, loving ourselves as a responsible, caring parent would (or should) love a growing child.

Adolescent Geriatrics

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The cultural phenomenon known as 'adolescent geriatrics' is when a senior citizen, ignoring the ravages of time, continues youthful styles, desires, and goals.

Deuteronomy (Part 4)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we learn to fear and love God, loyalty, faithfulness and commandment-keeping will naturally follow, and we will instinctively hasten to depart from evil.