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Wisdom for the Young (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPart of the problem confronting young people today is a devilish misconception of what constitutes fun, a view shared by much of society. Many of today's youth believe that fun must carry an edge, being not only amusing but also risky, dangerous, and potentially lethal. Their version of fun often starts with alcohol and illicit sex, descending into dangerous pranks, illegal activities, and various perversions. Too many young people end up as addicts to alcohol or drugs, while far too many young women resort to abortion, and a high percentage contract sexually transmitted diseases. About five percent begin adulthood with criminal records, all while believing they were having fun. For many teens, fun is not a wholesome activity but behavior that is exciting, risky, and often rebellious. When one kind of fun loses its edge, a more extreme form takes its place. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, and without correction, this tendency toward foolish behavior intensifies into something extreme and dangerous. Unrestrained youth, lacking internal controls or a godly vision to work toward, often exhibit chaotic behavior. It is the parents' responsibility to place restraints on a youth's unruly nature and guide them in the right path, helping them grow into happy, functioning adults and ultimately into well-loved, wise members of God's Family. Unfortunately, most young people view keeping the law and doing what is right as uncool, square, boring, and nerdy, another of those devilish misconceptions. They face constant negative peer pressure, worrying about fitting in with thrill-seeking peers who urge them to engage in questionable activities. Parents must teach their children from an early age that the first thing they should desire is to please God, and they can achieve this by also pleasing their parents. In this way, they can learn a more godly idea of fun, understanding that true happiness and blessing come from keeping the law.
Even From My Youth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn our society, shaped profoundly by the Baby Boomers, a dominant youth culture has emerged, driven by a nostalgic fixation on their own youth in the fifties and sixties, which they view as America's Golden Age. This culture excessively caters to, protects, and even worships the young, evident in overprotective measures like mandatory car seats and bicycle helmets, which, while beneficial, often go to extremes. Such coddling fosters a generation of pampered children who, as they grow, expect the world to cater to their needs, becoming demanding and entitled. This youth culture permeates entertainment, media, and advertising, predominantly targeting the young with stars, and commercials aimed at the 18-24 age group. Movies, music, and even sports focus on younger audiences, with athletes entering professional leagues straight from high school and Olympic stars often in their early teens. Politically, the phrase "It's for the children" is a powerful motivator, often used to justify laws and policies, sometimes at the expense of broader societal needs, further illustrating how society prioritizes youth. However, this youth culture imparts harmful principles, teaching children to focus solely on themselves and view youth as a time for carefree, risk-free fun while others bear the burdens. It promotes the idea of sowing wild oats and prolonging youth to avoid the seriousness of adulthood. In contrast, youth should be a time of enjoyment but also preparation, using youthful energy and sharpness in service to God before life's challenges dull these qualities. Seeking God early helps avoid the baggage of sin and flawed character, making it easier to live rightly without the pull of past mistakes. Young people often perceive fun as needing an edge—wild, rebellious, and risky activities that defy parental oversight, leading to destructive outcomes like drug addiction and immorality. Without a godly vision, youth run wild, lacking the restraints that maturity brings. Parents must guide them, instilling proper values to counteract these tendencies and help them become functioning adults. True joy and happiness come from living under God's guidance, not from fleeting, edgy fun that ultimately proves futile. Many young people view God's way as irrelevant or outdated, suited only for older generations, failing to see its relevance to their current lives in high school or college. Yet, God often works with the young, valuing their energy, zeal, idealism, and courage. Examples abound of youthful figures God called to great purposes, demonstrating that wisdom and righteousness are not confined to age but available to anyone who follows His Word. Youth must be shown that the church and righteousness are for them too, relevant to their lives now. Seeking God is a personal journey, manifested publicly through changed conduct. It involves pursuing righteousness, learning and internalizing God's law, praying for a relationship with Him, repenting of sins, and forsaking wrongful ways and thoughts. There is urgency in this pursuit—do not delay, for the time to seek Him and live abundantly is now, before the darker days come. God desires all, especially the young, to turn to Him and find true life.
Children in the Era of AI (Part One)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) brings significant concerns regarding its impact on youth. Devices that are designed to comfort, entertain, teach, and assist children, raise alarms about privacy and the potential displacement of essential parenting functions. Critics highlighted the risk of children forming attachments to AI, as these devices could collect and upload personal information from the bedroom to the cloud. AI-powered devices like are already present in many homes. These devices engage children by telling jokes, playing games, answering questions, and providing entertainment, often acting as a substitute for parental interaction. However, they also continuously listen to conversations, recording and uploading them to improve their functionality, which poses ongoing privacy risks. Studies suggest that such interactions with AI may affect how children learn and process information, potentially diminishing their ability to engage in deep reading and critical thinking. The influence of AI voices, which can become like imaginary friends, raises concerns about the exposure of young minds to harmful or inappropriate content without the necessary discernment to recognize underlying dangers.
Cultural Manipulation
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughEvery new teen fashion, music, movie, and television trend is marketed and sold. Our kids are being manipulated to absorb and reflect a deviant culture.
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 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 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?
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.
For Teens Too!
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThough God does take youth, ignorance, and inexperience into consideration, He still holds a person responsible for everything he does. Age makes no difference.
Wisdom for the Young (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe young often lack the wisdom to distinguish mere fun from real joy. Sometimes such wisdom has to come from the hard knocks that result from bad decisions.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Nine): Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 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.
Wisdom for the Young (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughBaby Boomers have created what sociologists call a 'youth culture,' which is a society that panders to, overprotects, and essentially worships its young people.
Childrearing (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf 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.
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 Vicissitudes of Old Age
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The indiscretions we commit in our youth have the invariable tendency to whip our hind ends. Even when God forgives, the piper will demand his fee.
What's Wrong With the Kids?
Sermonette by Mike FordA major factor of the snowflake syndrome is the self-esteem movement, which has brainwashed young people into thinking they were unique and special.
Kid Kid-Killers
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe rash of school shootings in America definitely has a cause, but it is not the ones that the experts predictably blame on the evening news.
Don't Cherry Pick God's Law
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersWhile many people like some of God's laws, they like to pick and choose, preferring a blend of their own preferences with some of God's laws added in.
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.
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.
Shane and Integrity
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If the past is good, the present can't hurt you, and if the past is bad, it will haunt you. In Wordsworth's words, 'The child is the father of the man.'
Childrearing (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe family problems predicted for the end times in II Timothy stem from faulty childrearing practices. We must help prepare our children for the Kingdom.
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.
Grow Up!
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 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.
Christian Dating: Advice for Today
Article by StaffHow are the young people in the church of God supposed to approach the dating situation today? Here is advice on dating, sex and enjoying one's youth.
An Exhortation for Young Adults
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom is not a trait valued or acquired by youth, but takes second place to strength, beauty, or fun. We get too soon old and too late smart.
My Parents Won't Let Me!
Article by Clyde FinkleaHere is the story of a young man's momentous choice regarding his keeping of the Sabbath, a decision he had to make all on his own.
Wisdom for the Young (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSolomon already lived the wild side, considered it deeply, and reported on it. If we will listen to what he says, we can avoid all kinds of heartache.
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.
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.
Learning to Live in the Light
Sermon by Kim MyersThrough the indwelling of His Spirit, God has enabled us to walk exclusively in the Light. However, three forces work against living this lifestyle.
Murder By Selfishness!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSuicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15-24 year-olds. Contributory factors include depression, deteriorating family life, media glorification, and drugs.
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.
The Curse
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamMalachi 4:4-6 warns of a a coming Elijah and of a curse if the hearts of the children are not turned back to the fathers and vice versa. Are we seeing this?
The Promise in the Fifth Commandment (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasWhat is the connection between keeping the fifth commandment—honoring parents—and enjoying a long, fulfilling, productive life on earth?
Peer-Pressure: A Challenge for All
Article by StaffThough the Bible does not use the term 'peer pressure', it teaches us not to conform to our peers but to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
Knowledge and Wisdom (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordAnyone, of any age, with the gift of God's Holy Spirit, through study, prayer, and meditation can gain wisdom, that skill in living that we all need and want.
Hiding in Plain Sight
Sermonette by Mike Ford59% 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.
Christian Marriage (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsCohabitation has led to increased divorce, marital violence, and lack of fidelity after marriage. Mass media has shamelessly used sex to promote materialism.
The Commandments (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHonor of parents is the basis for good government. The family provides the venue for someone to learn to make sacrifices and be part of a community.
Knowledge and Wisdom
Sermonette by Mike FordThe wise of the world are fools in comparison to those who find and protect godly wisdom, realizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Dating (Part 1): The Purposes of Dating
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA key ingredient in dating is faith in God's purpose. The relationship one has with God takes precedence over any relationship with any other human being.
You Are What You Choose
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people must make a choice in favor of God's will. We have the freedom of choice to set our destiny, and must bear the consequences of our choice.
Something Is Wrong
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWith the hubris that comes from money, power, and boredom, Americans are trying to outdo the ancient Romans for spectacle and perversion.