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Teaching Our Children

Commentary by Ryan McClure

Children often ask questions about the holidays they see around them, wondering why some are kept and others are not, and whether others know the truth. These moments provide opportunities for parents to teach their children the truth about worshipping God. If parents fail to instruct their children, the proper worship of God could be lost over generations. There is a pressing concern that if parents do not teach their children about God, others will teach them contrary values. In today's world, there feels like an intense battle for the minds of children, with educational systems and societal influences promoting ideas that oppose God's teachings, starting as early as kindergarten. The public school system, spanning many years of a child's life, often shifts from fundamental education to moral and ethical indoctrination that contradicts what God desires for children to learn about Him and the way He wants them to live. God has blessed parents with children and commanded them to train them in the right way, focusing on living spiritually and godly lives that lead to eternal life with Him. This training equips children with the truth and tools to make correct choices when faced with teachings contrary to God's way. Children are a blessing from God, and parents have the God-given responsibility to teach and train them in the right way to live.

Teaching Children

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

The teaching of children must be evaluated in light of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Programs like Y.E.S. and Y.O.U., while producing some good fruit, largely failed to have a positive impact on the church's children, as they inverted the biblical priority of parental responsibility. The responsibility for teaching children lies directly with the parents, not the church, as God commands individuals to diligently teach His words to their children at all times, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:19-21. The church cannot compete with the constant presence of parents in a child's life, nor can it adequately set the example that parents must provide by living out God's instructions. Historically, during the 1970s, this responsibility shifted from parents to the church through programs like Y.O.U. and Y.E.S., sometimes even excluding parents from involvement, which produced poor fruit in both children and parents. The church's role, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-14, is to equip the saints—converted parents—for ministry, not to take over the spiritual education of their children. Genesis 18:17-19 illustrates this with Abraham, whom God knew would faithfully command his children to keep the way of the Lord, taking personal responsibility rather than passing it to others. Parents stand in the place of God to their children, molding their character as God molds His children, and failing in this duty carries serious consequences, as shown in Exodus 21:15 and 17. While the church can organize occasional group activities for children, such as bowling or camping, establishing dominant organizations within the church risks repeating past mistakes where such programs overtook church priorities and led parents to relinquish their God-given responsibility. The key to success in rearing children lies in the parents' personal relationship with their Father in heaven, from Whom the resources flow to fulfill this solemn obligation.

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Sermonette by Mike Ford

Because 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.

Are We Losing Our Children?

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The 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?

Teaching By Example

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Good skills and habits learned as children will ensure success in later life. Our characteristics (good or bad) we find reflected in our children.

For the Children

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

For 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.

Children in the Era of AI (Part Two)

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

As AI toys befriend children, parents should be alarmed about the values these virtual assistants are teaching them. AI has officially become a religion.

The Importance of Parenting

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God 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.

Teaching Us to Think (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God is putting His children through a demanding educational program designed to teach godly values and impart spiritual maturity. Learning is hard work.

Teaching the Good News of the Promise

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

We must teach God's ways to our offspring, orienting them to the way of give rather than get, admonishing them to purify themselves from the ways of the world.

Wisdom for the Young (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Part of the problem that confronts young people today is that they—and frankly, all of society—have a devilish misconception of what is fun.

The Century of the Child

'Prophecy Watch' by Martin G. Collins

Self-appointed experts insist that rapid technological change requires a transfer of influence over children from 'ill-prepared' parents to 'Those Who Know Better.'

Fatherhood

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

When 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.

Parenting (Part 5): Methods

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Of the various approaches to discipline, spanking is really the only method endorsed by the Bible. Properly administered, spanking smarts but leaves no bruises.

Surviving the Next Hit

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

How can there be such a high attrition rate among the younger generation? How could 84 percent so easily give up the doctrines that they ostensibly believed?

The Politicization of Motherhood (Part Two)

'WorldWatch' by Mike Ford

The politically charged rhetoric of leading feminists demonizes traditional marriage and motherhood, painting stay-at-home moms as domestic slaves.

A Heritage and a Reward

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

American society is cursed because the family, its most important component, is dysfunctional. It is impossible to raise families without God.

Learning the Right Things (Part Two)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

If parents are not gatekeepers of their children's culture, other philosophies will capture their attention and warp their perception of reality.

Crucial Parenting Principles

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Recently, the University of Virginia's Institute on Advanced Culture identified four current parenting styles, with mixed results.

Toys as Tools

Article by John O. Reid

We often take our children's toys for granted, but they are tools that can teach either right or wrong. Here are guidelines for choosing appropriate toys.

To Whom Honor Is Due

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Dishonoring 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 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.

Why We Homeschool

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A growing number of conservatives, frustrated with both the iron grip of liberals on the country's educational system, have opted to teach their children at home.

The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2005)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The 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.

Parenting (Part 1): Principles

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because of our upside down emphasis on the youth culture and its characteristic selfishness or self-centeredness, the family is crumbling and deteriorating.

Anything Goes (Part Two): Transparency for the Transgender Agenda

'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. Baity

Pro-transgender forces are targeting the nation's children in an attempt to indoctrinate them to support their perverse practices.

The Commandments (Part Eleven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Honor 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.

Fruit of the Body

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Teaching 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.

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.

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 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.

A Light To The World

Commentary by Mark Schindler

Exposure to more than two hours per day on digital screens lowers scores on thinking and language tests. We must not abandon our children to smartphones.

Christian Heroes

Sermonette by John Reiss

While it is inspiring to observe the acts of heroism performed by Medal of Honor recipients, it is far more inspiring to recognize everyday heroes living among us.

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.

Christian Dating: Advice for Today

Article by Staff

How 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.

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.

Leadership and Covenants (Part One)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The 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.'

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.

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.

Childrearing (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Children 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.

True or False Guilt?

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

We 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 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.

Absalom: A Study in Narcissism

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Probably the biblical character best exemplifying the narcissistic personality is David's son, Absalom, clearly a spoiled son in a dysfunctional family.

The Plan of Salvation in Genesis 3:15

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The sin of Adam and Eve led to three prophecies that outline God's plan to remedy this grim situation. The conflict ends with the Christ destroying Satan.

Our Family Resemblance

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

Even though we may not recognize changes in ourselves, when we do the work of God with the right heart, we begin displaying the spiritual family traits.

Deuteronomy: Hearing

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

By listening, taking heed, and drinking in of God's Word daily, we take on the wisdom of God, upending and making foolish the wisdom of man.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We qualify to lead by internalizing the covenants, not only believing God, but doing what He says, realizing that the covenants are not complicated.