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Freedom and Security?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks, the struggle to balance individual freedom and national security remains a distant hope. Terrorism, as a tactic targeting civilians, cannot be the direct object of a declared war, much like surprise attacks or artillery use. Instead, the underlying conflict appears to be with militant Islam, which has declared jihad against the United States and Israel. Yet, the U.S. response focuses on combating the tactics rather than the ideology, constrained by constitutional protections against laws targeting religion. Proposals like racial profiling of Arab males or internment camps are flawed, as terrorism is not exclusive to one group, and U.S. citizens are protected by law until proven guilty. Moreover, the current intifada against Israel demonstrates that terrorism extends beyond specific demographics, complicating simplistic solutions. The crisis underscores deeper national vulnerabilities, revealing that without a fundamental change in character, achieving both freedom and security will remain elusive.
Should We Fear Terrorism?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughTerrorism remains a pervasive threat across the globe, with numerous incidents recorded monthly. In July 2016 alone, over 120 terror acts were documented, ranging from bombings in Bahrain to executions in Iraq. The Middle East, particularly Iraq and Syria, bears the brunt of the worst attacks amid ongoing civil wars, exemplified by the devastating car bomb explosion in Baghdad on July 3, which claimed 308 lives. Internationally, attention has been drawn to the ISIS-inspired truck attack in Nice, France, on Bastille Day, where 84 people were killed and 303 injured as a cargo truck plowed through crowds along the Promenade des Anglais. In the United States, recent homegrown terrorist acts include police shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge, resulting in eight deaths and twelve injuries, and a house bombing in Panaca, Nevada. Islamic terrorism continues to pose a constant danger, with lone-wolf attackers, inspired by events like the Orlando nightclub shooting that killed 49 and wounded 53, likely to target soft public spaces. Despite the daily occurrence of terrorism worldwide, the federal government offers limited practical guidance to the public, focusing primarily on interdiction at entry points and transit rather than proactive public preparation. Recommendations such as avoiding large gatherings, likely targets, or symbolic sites are avoided by officials to prevent panic and economic disruption. However, individuals can still adopt such common-sense measures independently to navigate an increasingly turbulent world.
Christian Reaction to Terror
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughEvents of this nature should be a wake up call to repent to all who survive! We should focus on our own guilt, our failure to live up to God's standards.
A Cause of Terrorism
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is allowing these increasing acts of terrorism as punishment for our peoples' forsaking the Covenant with Him and despising His holy law.
So There Has Been Another Terror Strike
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughOur fight is not the kind the government wages against terrorists, but the martial spirit is no less necessary in our fight against sin, Satan and the world.
Christian Reaction to Terror
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughAsaph's godly and humane reaction to the attack on Judah contrasts greatly with America's more self-righteous and vindictive approach.
Lost Perspective
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn many ways, we have lost our perspective since those moments of clarity in the weeks following September 11, 2001.
Could You Be a Spiritual Terrorist?
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasTerrorism is commonplace today, yet we may be causing just as much destruction spiritually as the average terrorist through negligence and passivity.
At It Again
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughTe Middle East has become embroiled in a deadly new intifada, with angry haters of Jacob's children unleashing unending hamas on the descendants of Judah.
Israel After Ariel Sharon
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeWith Ariel Sharon incapacitated by a debilitating stroke, what course will the State of Israel take in the months ahead?
The Rise of the Caliphate
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Islamic State, formed in 1999 and commonly known as 'al-Qaeda in Iraq,' is a Sunni Muslim jihadist group with a hardline ideology and global aspirations.
The .45, the GSF, and One-World Government
'WorldWatch' by Charles WhitakerNews, events, and trends highlighting Bible prophecy for February 2005.
Behind the Scandal
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughMany Americans have reached the nadir of morality and inhumanity described in Hosea 4:1-2. How much lower can we go and still function as a civil society?
Exalting the Base
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughA person who received his knowledge through the mainstream media might be convinced that Yasser Arafat stood as a colossus on the world stage.
Connecting the Dots
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhat has changed in America so that we are no longer safe walking our own streets? Why has terror come to our soil? What can the individual do to stop it?
The World's Need for Atonement
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughAccording to the liberal media, all we have to do is get world leaders in one room, and after a few handshakes and a couple of beers—voila! World peace!
Waving the White Flag
Commentary by Joseph B. BaityThe radical Islamic forces, like hungry sharks, are circling America and the West, smelling blood in the water and the scent of fear from a defeated nation.
You Fight and War
CGG Weekly by Martin G. CollinsIn all religious confrontations, the motivation is the desire for power. It is a desire to have the upper hand, to control the target of one's desires.
The Haditha Non-Story
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughNow that sober investigations have been done and pre-trial hearings have taken place, it seems that the media was once again horribly wrong.
9-11 and American Decadence
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThis morning marked the eighth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center buildings in New York City by Islamic fundamentalists. ...
'Dangerous' Speakers of Truth
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWatchwords of our time are 'Islamic terrorism' and 'Muslim extremists,' and nearly every point of conflict on the planet involves Muslim aggression.
The Four Horsemen (Part Three): The Red Horse
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughOf the Four Horsemen, the red horse is the easiest to interpret. While war is the predominant symbol, the rider of the red horse may strike closer to home.
The Sixth Commandment (Part 2): War! (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughA reason lies behind the devastating wars that have plagued mankind since the beginning. The reason is simple: Men have broken the sixth commandment!
Conspiracy Theory
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhat can we do about these conspiracies? We only have control over the big, Satanic one. The other plots and schemes are distractions and time-wasters.
Jihad in Our Streets
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe spirit of jihad has jumped its bounds, eagerly infecting a generation of deluded, mis-educated American youth to take to the streets in a new holy war.
Why Liberals Love Illegals (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Demonic influence seems to be guiding the decision to court the favor of Islamic extremists, with the Attorney General forbidding profiling of Islamists.
A World Upside-Down
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughHezbollah has been successful in its public-relations coup because it set Israel up under a set of parameters for victory that no nation could accomplish.
Bin Laden's Death and Our Reaction
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughRather than rejoice that he is dead, we should thank God that He has allowed justice to be done and beseech Him to deliver His people from further wicked acts.
Our Moral Bearings Lost
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)America's leaders have lost their moral compass. God has replaced wise adults with foolish children mocking and scoffing at wisdom and moral standards.
Is God to Blame?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe 9/11 bombings were tragic and terrible. Some have since asked, 'Was God involved? Is He to blame?' These tough questions have challenging answers.
The Saudi Arabian Makeover
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughCrown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has given the fundamentalist, cleric-influenced regime an intense, severe punch in the solar plexus.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2002)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe prophecy of Deuteronomy 28:42-49 concerns the curse of the stranger rising higher and higher above us, displacing our Israelitish culture with a foreign one.
The Commandments (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod has never given mankind the prerogative to determine whether war is just or not. God has promised to protect us, conditioned on our obedience to our covenant.
The Sixth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe sixth commandment, forbidding murder, is rare among the Ten Commandments in that a clear line can be drawn between its commission and its consequences.
Islam: Dark Beginnings
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeRelatively few in the Western world know the origin of Islam and the Koran, and fewer still understand the implications. What is the source of this spring?
All About Edom (Part Five): Obadiah and God's Judgment
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe latter half of the prophecy of Obadiah provides clues to the timing and extent of Edom's prophesied demise for its hatred of the people of Israel.
The Commandments (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMany biblical examples illustrate that when the leader put his faith in God and submitted himself to God's rule, God supernaturally protected His people.
Many Excuses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to avoid the trap of self-justification, allowing our hasty words to lure us into sin. We must be quick to listen, and slow to speak.
The King of the South
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe King of the South (Daniel 11:40) might be a confederation of Arabic/Islamic nations continually at war with the people of Israel.