Playlist:

playlist Go to the Economics (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

Is This How to Fix a Broken Economy?

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, a key economic adviser to President Barack Obama, stated that the economy is broken. A sound economy should be a thrifty and efficient structure for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in a country or area. Most nations aim for prosperity, which usually requires peaceful relations with neighbors and an efficient economic structure. However, under the Obama Administration, the United States seems to prioritize being loved abroad and achieving fairness at home over maintaining economic power, reflecting the goals of a declining state. The administration has abandoned free-market principles, plunging the country into socialism, where the means of production and distribution are state-controlled. Over recent months, the nation has taken on trillions of dollars of debt to rescue banks, automobile manufacturers, and the housing industry, while redistributing wealth based on righting past wrongs rather than merit. Capitalism, based on property ownership and individual liberty, allows a person to succeed through their own labor and talents, choosing their level of effort and income. Socialism, in contrast, curtails freedoms, with a ruling elite accruing power and wealth while others share what little remains. Americans' choices and liberties are disappearing quickly as a command-and-control economy emerges, with political, bureaucratic, and corporate elites manipulating power to regulate every facet of life. Rather than fixing the broken economy, the administration appears to use the crisis as an opportunity to advance a radical agenda.

Economics in Prophecy

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Over recent years, the language of economics has permeated daily life amid the deepening American debt crisis. Terms like trillion, stimulus, inflation, quantitative easing, unemployment compensation, revenue enhancement, and unfunded mandates are now familiar, reflecting the vast scope of an economic disaster that impacts not only the United States but also many nations tied to it. The federal debt nears $15 trillion, private debt exceeds $16 trillion, and unfunded liabilities for programs like Social Security and Medicare surpass a staggering $115 trillion, topping the world's gross domestic product by about $40 trillion. Per American citizen, this translates to a federal debt share of roughly $47,000, a personal debt share of over $51,000, and an unfunded liability share of $1,021,000, totaling a crushing $1,119,000 per person. Debt is a historical constant, with governments often outspending their treasuries to finance wars, vast building projects, and other endeavors through loans from wealthy usurers when taxation and plunder fell short. Many nations and empires weakened and fell under the burden of such debts. Average citizens, too, have historically fallen into debt due to desires for property, advancement, or extravagance, or through misfortunes like crop failure, business collapse, war, drought, and economic disaster. Scripture addresses economics in detail, outlining principles for a sound economy through commands on just weights and measures, fines for stealing, and regulations on charging interest. Larger economic principles such as labor, management, taxation, tribute, property, trade, buying and selling, saving, and inheritance are frequently mentioned throughout God's Word. Economic issues, significant in biblical times and today, also appear in prophecy, indicating factors that cause, drive, and heighten end-time events. From early Scripture, economic implications arise in God's curse on Adam, dooming mankind to hard labor for survival against nature, focusing life on meeting needs and subduing the environment with little time for higher pursuits. Prophecies to the patriarchs and tribes of Israel include economic blessings like fertile lands, fruitfulness, and strategic holdings, with specific economic indicators for tribes such as Zebulun's sea-based economy, Asher's rich foods, and Issachar's pleasant land. Later prophecies outline economic rewards for obedience, including productivity and prosperity, and punishments for disobedience, such as drought, famine, and infertility. Economic decline is marked by currency devaluation and excessive wealth, with societal indicators like vast land acquisitions yielding little profit and indulgent lifestyles among the wealthy. In end-time prophecies, economic conditions include famines as signs of Christ's return, reflecting scarcity from declining circumstances. Symbols and allusions to economic issues appear, such as the mark of the beast enabling buying and selling, and the fall of Babylon triggering worldwide economic mourning as the system crashes. The world's economy remains a critical factor in geopolitics, necessitating close attention until Christ's return.

The Money Has Failed (Part Four)

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

The move to a cashless society will drastically drive up inflation, causing bankruptcies and foreclosures on a massive scale. The price of food rises 8% annually.

Cleansing the Temple and Economics

CGG Weekly by Charles Whitaker

Violently, Christ responded to the corrupt, moneymaking establishment, overturning tables, driving away people and animals. But why did He do so twice?

The Red Dragon: Rising or Falling?

'WorldWatch' by David C. Grabbe

Behind China's economic successes, technological progress and military advances are latent weaknesses that are set to converge soon.

Death by Debt

'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. Baity

The United States' national debt has ballooned to over $34 trillion, and it gives no sign of stopping. Economic hardship, if not death by debt, looms.

The Economics of an Offering

Article by Staff

Both we and God will get more out of our holy day offerings (Deuteronomy 16:16-17), especially spiritually, when we plan our giving.

The Fear Has Shifted

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

A family, a company, or nation cannot keep spending beyond its means without consequences. It is illogical that we need to spend money to get out of debt.

The Last Throes of Capitalism

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Capitalism is based on the ability to own land, making it possible to produce wealth. In the new socialist economic system, we are becoming economic marionettes.

Biblical Finance

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Bible is not an economic text, but it does include financial principles that all should know and follow as well as they are able. Here are a few.

The Money Has Failed (Part Three)

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

The Globalist war on cash is underway with the ultimate objective of taking away freedom and privacy for all.

Skyrocketing Indebtedness

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

47% of Americans are dependents of the Federal government, which, because of incompetency, is also cash poor. Most are ignorant about the causes of this demise.

The Money Has Failed! (Part One)

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

When it comes to eating or starving, money has no value compared to food. During the famine in Egypt, the value of money had fallen to zero.

Walter E. Williams (1936-2020)

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Dr. Walter E. Williams was a stalwart champion of free enterprise and capitalism as well as a fearless enemy of the welfare state and victimhood mentality.

A Prophecy for Our Time

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The 'change' that was promised has turned out to be national bankruptcy as we plunge into insurmountable debt, leaving us at the mercy of others.

Global Financial Instability

'WorldWatch' by David C. Grabbe

Predicting economic activity is about as tricky as forecasting the weather. Even so, the stage is set for economic instability around the world.

The Money Has Failed! (Part Two)

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

The motives of those who desire to create a cashless society are not pure; behind them lurks the sinister goal of controlling and stealing.

The High Cost of Hypocrisy

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The invasion of illegal aliens has strained American hospitals, with a startling annual cost of 27 billion dollars.

The World's Buckling Supply Chain

'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. Baity

The COVID-19 pandemic produced an unexpected side-effect: a prolonged, global interruption of the transport and delivery of goods — a supply chain crisis.

The Other Great Tribulation

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

We have anticipated the coming of the end-time Great Tribulation. However, there was a historical great tribulation, similar to what has happened in the U.S.

Set Up For Success

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Richard Ritenbaugh acknowledges that young people display a proclivity to accept socialism, oblivious to the horrendous damage socialist experiments have brought to the world. Politicians of the ilk of Bernie Sanders have fomented hatred toward capitalism by comparing it to an imaginary utopia. Economist Walter Williams insists that the free market, with all its warts, is far superior to collectivism at protecting people from poverty. Poverty is not usually an economic issue but stems from ethical and moral deficits. Socialism simply transfers wealth to the leaders of a government, leaving most of the citizenry in greater poverty. Williams, in his article, "Do These Four Things to Avoid Poverty," suggests that a young person, to keep his nose above poverty or failure, needs to (1.) complete high school, (2.) get a job, (3.) get married before having children, and (4.) be a law-abiding citizen. Poverty is self-caused—not the result of society, bad laws or systemic bigotry. Young people who drop out of school, take drugs, and fornicate set themselves up for failure. The law is no problem for those who obey it, but it will break those who break it, making it difficult to rebound.

Is China's Threat a Mirage?

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A highly placed Chinese official made a point of telling the U.S. Treasury Secretary that China is no threat to the United States. This may be true—for now.

Universal Basic Income

'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. Baity

Some politicians are proposing legislation to give cash handouts on a regular basis - a new, permanent entitlement program without regard to employment.

Global Rebalancing: Money, Power, and Islamic Banking

'WorldWatch' by David C. Grabbe

For decades, the dollar has been the reserve currency of choice. But in the last few years, a trend called 'global rebalancing' has come to the fore.

Lacking Nothing (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Scarcity seems to redefine the value of everything, including tools, food, or sentimental objects. Utility trumps every other consideration.

A "Gimme" Nation

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The noble trait of self-sufficiency, long associated with the American spirit, has sadly been eclipsed by a spoiled brat, whiney, 'gimme' welfare mentality.

The Illegals' Cost

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Currently, 29% of convicted felons (630,000 individuals) in American prisons are illegal aliens, costing the tax payer $1.6 billion dollars.

What We Don't Know

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God promises to answer our requests with gifts that will unlock the shackles of ignorance, producing the confidence to live by faith while the world burns.

Demography Is Destiny

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Population trends become reliable trends of future national consequences. We do not have a debt crisis as much as a death crisis.

Lacking Nothing (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We should reduce expenses today in order to be free tomorrow. Debt is designed to bring people under subjection; the debtor is always the servant.

Is Redistribution of Wealth Biblical?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Bible shows that economic disparity is a given. Scripture teaches that we should voluntarily help the poor rather than be coerced by the government.

A Growing Divide

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

America and Europe have been moving away from each other politically, economically, and culturally. How does this affect our understanding of prophecy?

How Do the Land Sabbath and Jubilee Years Work (Leviticus 25)?

Bible Questions & Answers

After seven cycles of sabbatical years, a total of 49 years, the fiftieth year was proclaimed a jubilee. The land was to rest from cultivation.

The Saudi Arabian Makeover

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has given the fundamentalist, cleric-influenced regime an intense, severe punch in the solar plexus.

Germany's Dilemma

'WorldWatch' by David C. Grabbe

Germany is an industrial powerhouse, the richest economy in Europe, but it must prop up several poor-performing economies throughout the rest of the EU.

Things We Won't Get Rid Of

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The United States is of major concern to the world's nations because they witness America's profligate spending and realize that their economic futures are precariously linked to the American economic system. Americans cannot discipline themselves to go without, clinging to portable computers, high-speed internet, smart phones, movies, television, music downloads, pets, booze, coffee, and education. These indeed have become America's idols.

The Zeitgeist of Suicide (Part Two): Causes and Results of Rejecting True Values

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

What are the causes—moral, social, and technological—behind the new demographic realities? Perhaps more importantly, what will be their consequences?

The Present and Future Crisis (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need to exercise diligence, acquiring economic stability by submitting to God's counsel, sacrificing now before forces usurp our economic substance.

Who Is America's Greatest Enemy?

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The United States stands weakened by worldwide conditions, but its foreign enemies cannot match its power. Its real foe lies much closer.

Was the Early Church Socialist or Communist?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The apostles never required converts to give up property as a precondition for church membership. Rather, the members voluntarily gave, retaining ownership.

What to Do in Babylon

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

There is nothing to be desired in the Babylonish system, but we can grow spiritually in spite of the downward pulls.

Cash No Longer King?

Commentary by Bill Onisick

Instead of stuffing our mattresses with potentially worthless cash, we should focus on maintaining allegiance to God, storing up spiritual treasure.

Jumping Into the Shallow Pond (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker

Communism presents itself as high-minded in its redistribution of wealth, producing prosperity for all. However, reality belies collectivist theory.

The Present and Future Crisis (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The United States' enormous debt, coupled with its escalating trade deficit, is inevitably leading to what economist call economic Armageddon.

Are We Already In Captivity?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Major curses, including economic oppression, famine, pestilence, mental illness, alien invasion, the scattering of modern Israel are yet to occur.

The Zeitgeist of Suicide (Part Four): A Soup Tureen of Trouble

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

With populations around the world in decline, how will governments and businesses maintain the present standard of living?

Globalism (Part Five): Globalism's Teeth

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Globalism is not just an economic phenomenon, but it is also a strong political and military movement—and America's military gives it its teeth.

Where Have All the Babies Gone?

'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. Baity

Western nations, producing too few babies, are not maintaining their populations. Immigration is not a workable solution, only causing society turmoil.

Housing and Property Redistribution

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

The United Nations Agenda 21 plan recommends the confiscation of private property for the sake of an equitable economic and social system.

Socialism is Mob Rule (Part One)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Socialism is a denial of law, resulting in the masses to plundering the productive. When agitators convince people of their victimhood, they unleash mob rule.

The Zeitgeist of Suicide (Part Three): Answers That Miss the Mark

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

The numbers do not lie—birthrates are declining. But what are governments planning to do about this imminent problem? Both proposals are wrongheaded.

Tangible Money is on Life Support!

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Money created virtually, encouraging the something-for-nothing mentality, as well as gambling, following the way of selfishness, violates God's way.

More on Modern Liberalism

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The economic crisis was caused by wrong choices made by bankers acting like the seductress in Proverbs 7 to make a profit. Liberalism follows from Adam and Eve.

Scarcity Amid Plenty

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The specter of famine has again crept into the public consciousness with spiking food prices, as prophesied in the Third Seal of Revelation 6.

How to Become Rich

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

God does not measure prosperity by the ownership of physical possessions but with the depth of a person's relationship with Him.