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The Nanny Church (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeHuman benefactors arise when those in authority expand their power and responsibility by assuming duties that properly belong to individuals, a pattern that develops as the governed surrender their liberty in return for being cared for. This dynamic surfaces in human governments as well as within the church, where it reflects conduct like that of the Gentiles, whom Jesus Christ identified as those who do not know God. The issue is compounded when people themselves invite such overreach through rebellion or refusal to work and provide for their own households, prompting leaders to enlarge their role and thereby deny the faith in a manner worse than unbelievers. The antidote is self-government rooted in the Holy Spirit, which supplies internal self-control and produces liberty so that leaders refrain from becoming benefactors or lording authority over others. Where this Spirit operates, both leaders and people exercise restraint, eliminating the need for external coercion while granting time and space for character development that becomes permanent and eternal. This internal order fulfills God's purpose of bringing many sons to the same glory and liberty He possesses, sparing the church the progression from a benefactor system into heavier controls that otherwise follow when self-government is absent.
Charity Begins at Home
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If Christians had taken care of their families in the first place, despotic governments would have not metastasized to the dangerous level they are now.
The Nanny Church (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus does not want 'serving' through iron-fisted control and ruling by fear, nor does He mean 'benevolently' doing for them what they can do for themselves.
The Nanny Church (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeCharacter is born out of struggle—out of pitting ourselves against circumstances or our own nature. Without struggle, we will never spiritually develop.
Conservatism and Liberalism
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Political and spiritual liberals both subvert standards based on law and the covenant relationship by those believing they have a better way than God's.
In the Wake of an Unnatural Disaster (Part Eleven)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Socialism is a cancerous evil, robbing from the productive and giving to the unproductive, destroying all incentives for growth or real productivity.
A Government to Fear (Part Seven)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even though Western governments are comparatively less tyrannical than their Gentile counterparts, they too can force their ways on the populace.
Did the Early Church Practice Socialism? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod's Word encourages a strong work ethic, something socialism tends to discourage. Work produces profit, from which a person can generously give to others.
Self-Government (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Regardless of whether one submits to God, government, or community, self-government is the best means to having a safe, smooth course toward an objective.
A "Gimme" Nation
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe noble trait of self-sufficiency, long associated with the American spirit, has sadly been eclipsed by a spoiled brat, whiney, 'gimme' welfare mentality.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.
Was the Early Church Socialist or Communist?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe apostles never required converts to give up property as a precondition for church membership. Rather, the members voluntarily gave, retaining ownership.
The False Morality of Compassion
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJust as love can be feigned to get a spouse's money or loyalty can be faked to attain a promotion, so can compassion be put on to gain sympathy, votes, and power.
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.
Philippians (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGodly righteousness demands humility, a readiness to admit shortcomings, a yieldedness to correction, and a willingness to be refashioned.