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Shifting American Values
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe importance of values in American life remains critical as society continues to coarsen and deteriorate. Over time, the nation's values have not improved, with a noticeable shift leftward across the entire Liberal-Conservative spectrum since at least the early twentieth century. This shift reveals a major weakness: American values are no longer anchored to immovable principle, having only a tenuous hold on the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Progressive demands often require stretching Constitutional principles or appealing to non-American sources to justify their place in jurisprudence, while conservatives generally support the original intent of fixed principles. This untethering from foundational values separates members of God's church from the Liberal-Conservative spectrum, as their views do not align with the world's values, hopes, or goals. Called to be different and set apart, their values are rooted in God's Word, the certain and authoritative bedrock that guides and preserves them toward God's Kingdom, where their true citizenship resides. In these days of societal degeneration, holding firmly to this foundation ensures they remain strong amidst shifting values.
Values and Conversion
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRepentance involves incorporating God's values, alien to our human nature—ones that will unify us with God and with others who accept His value system.
The Cultural Moral Norm
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsShockingly, two-thirds of the American populace believe truth is relative, while only one-third believe in absolute standards.
Comparing
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsWhen we compare ourselves with others instead of God's standards, we can justify any behavior. It is inexcusable to judge others for the same things we practice.
The Commandments (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhat have we accepted as our authority for permitting ourselves to do or behave as we do — our value system, our code of ethics or code of morality?
Do You Feel Free?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Many self-proclaimed Christians argue that perverted lifestyles have no influence on doctrinal purity, insisting that homosexual relationships are 'love.'
The First Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Ten Commandments open with the most important, the one that puts our relationship with God in its proper perspective. It is a simple but vital command.
The First Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIdolatry is probably the sin that the Bible most often warns us against. We worship the source of our values and standards, whether the true God or a counterfeit.
A New Medical Pledge
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 2017 Declaration of Geneva subtly alters the philosophy of the medical profession. Relativistic in approach, it rejects absolute standards of right and wrong.
The Commandments (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIdolatry constitutes the fountainhead from which all other sins flow, all of which amplify obsessive self-centeredness and self-indulgence.
Countering the Culture
Article by StaffThere is no doubt that America's culture is plunging to depths many of us never imagined. Here are five steps to mitigate its influence on our lives.
The First Commandment: Idolatry
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIdolatry is the most frequently committed sin, seen in five commandments. God challenges us to either defend our body of beliefs or drop them in favor of His.
Without a Clue
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Today, every large media organization is controlled by five corporations; each is guided by liberal standards, accepting adultery, homosexuality, and abortion.
God, Allah, Rick, and John
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Rick Warren, the energetic and ambitious founder of the Purpose Driven Church movement, is now seeking to syncretistically merge Islam and Christian faiths.
A Quick Survey of American Christianity
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A nation's religions generally determine the moral standards of a nation. The United States is currently afflicted with biblical illiteracy.
The Second Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost people consider the second commandment to deal with making or falling down before a pagan idol, but it covers all aspects of the way we worship.
The Second Commandment: Idolatry
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe natural mind craves something physical to remind us of God, but the Second Commandment prohibits this. Any representation will fall short of the reality.
It Was Bound to Happen
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Acceptance of transgenderism has created a malignant character defect in our culture, which is now accepting sin as a norm, calling evil good and good evil.
Humanism's Flooding Influence (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Humanism stems from the Renaissance, a time men felt free to exalt human reason and self-realization over religion and divine authority.
Be Prepared
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has given us clear records of what has occurred in the pass, enabling us to bind time, profiting from the past and preparing for the future.