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America's Number One Addiction
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughAmerica's most socially and financially costly addiction is pornography, wreaking havoc by destroying family life as insidiously as a hidden cancer. This addiction does not require leaving one's home to indulge, and despite a reported small decline in the USA recently, the spread among more sellers makes tracking difficult. Approximately 22 million Americans are truly addicted, with one in six being women, and every third person accessing a porn site being female. The financial impact is staggering, with the industry reaching $14 billion annually in the United States, surpassing combined revenues of major sports leagues. Since 1970, when a federal study estimated the retail value of hardcore pornography at $10 million, the advent of the Internet has brought it directly into homes, enabling secret indulgence and driving sales to $13.3 billion by 2006. Worldwide, the sex industry generates $97 billion, with significant consumption in countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and America. Every second, $3075 is spent on pornography in the United States, with 28,258 Internet users viewing such sites and 372 typing adult search terms. Child pornography alone accounts for $3 billion of the annual total. Major cable companies and hotel chains also profit immensely from adult content, with 50% of hotel guests utilizing in-room adult film services, which account for 70% of room profits. The social damage is immense, though hard to quantify, as pornography destroys intimacy with spouses, fosters objectification, and turns sex into a self-gratifying act rather than an expression of love as intended by God.
Addiction, Slavery, and Serving
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAs God calls people to service in the church, He demands that they not be enslaved to alcohol or any other lust, but have their desires under control.
What Will Happen to Liars?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The current President has seemingly woven a three-ear plus web of deceit, lying or covering up information about his birth place, his academic records, etc.
Addicted
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityIndividuals from stable families or those having a network of healthy relationships are less vulnerable to addiction than those who suffer isolation.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe have to learn to rely on God to get us out of strait and difficult situations, realizing that God may want to help us to develop a backbone and mature.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReminding us to stay sensitive to conscience, Paul suggests we become other-centered, doing everything to the glory of God, especially in our relationships.
Fatherhood and Modern Temptations
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany fathers abdicate their leadership responsibilities, becoming addicted to workaholism, television, or even pornography. The culture teeters on destruction
John (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAs long as we are slaves of sin and following the dictates of our lusts, we have no free moral agency. God liberates us from sin so we are free to obey Him.
Are You Sure You Believe in God? (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBelief in God involves more than believing He exists, but in faithfully obeying what He asks us to do. Genuine faith gives us access to genuine power.
Little Things Count!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughNo act is insignificant because of two natural principles: the tendency toward increase and reaping what we sow. They play major roles in our lives.
Conscience (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature will degenerate as far as it is allowed. It can adapt quickly to its environment, adjusting effortlessly to immorality and perversion.
Of Living Dogs and Dead Lions
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloGuilt from failure to overcome is a dangerous distraction. When we consider God's profound pity, we realize that He is able to cleanse us, too.