Absolute Power Corrupts
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughOur national anthem ends with the line, "Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave/O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave??" It is a good question—not whether the flag still waves but whether it waves over a land of free citizens. ...
The Right Use of Power
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWith dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.
'Christianity Today' and Trump
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughDonald Trump is not a paragon of virtue but is a change from the doctrines entrenched in Washington. Personal morality is not enough to remove anyone from office.
Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsBecause it is not directly mentioned in Scripture, people often ask if voting is biblically condoned. The real question is, would Jesus vote?
Trump, Comey, and Theology
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting on a recent article in Christianity Today analyzing "The Theology Beneath the Trump-Comey Conflict" reveals that James Comey's favorite philosopher—theologian is moral "pragmatist" Reinhold Niebuhr, the subject of the former FBI director's master's thesis. Niebuhr, who …
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2000)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn this keynote address of the 2000 Feast of Tabernacles, John Ritenbaugh, drawing on descriptions in Amos 2, suggests that those entrusted with leadership (power within the community, power within the nations) are taking advantage of their positions, metaphorically raping those who have no power. Most notably, an American …
Hebrews 2: God Is Present
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's people must immerse themselves daily in the Scriptures. While sinning Israelites consider God to be absent, He is nevertheless present with His saints.
Intensity is Increasing: Are You Listening?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is far more important for God's called-out ones to be ready than to know the time of Christ's return, an event to which even He is not privy.
Control and Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughParadoxically, when we yield to God's sovereignty, He wants to cede control over to us, teaching us to develop self-control as an ingrained habit.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Fifteen): Deference
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSolomon makes the subject of deference a major part of Ecclesiastes 8. Christians must always strive to see God behind those in power over us.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAmerica has never embraced true Christianity as its dominant faith, nor has it ever really followed Christ, but has instead embraced a counterfeit.
Using God's Given Authority
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has gifted all His called-out ones, expecting them to use those gifts with the pillars of godly wisdom for the edification of the Body of Christ.
Self-Government: Overcoming
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the recent demise of our prior fellowship, suggests that many of us have been guilty of making an idol of the church, letting it stand between God and ourselves. Our obligation is to follow the life-saving message (a message given to Herbert W. Armstrong during his tenure as God's apostle), …
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe sanctification process requires us to cooperate with God in order to produce Christian works and character, preparing us for the Kingdom of God.
The Leavening of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJesus warned of three varieties of leaven that we must guard against, staying aware of the pitfalls that will pull us down and corrupt us.
Authority: Why So Many Resent It
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPride, the father of all sins, is the source of self-exaltation, self-justification and the despising of authority. It cloaks rebellion in a deceptive appeal.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2004)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh in this keynote address of the 2004 Feast of Tabernacles, continuing on the perennial "handwriting on the wall" theme, warns us to be aware of disturbing coming trends (both in society and in the church of God) especially the very real possibility of persecution, betrayal, incredible tribulation …
Acts (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh continues to reflect on Stephen's incendiary message to fellow Hellenistic Jews (ostensibly given in hopes of their repentance), chastising them for their perennial rejection of prophets and deliverers, including the greatest Deliverer ever sent (namely Jesus Christ), clinging instead superstitiously to the land, …
Seeking God's Will (Part Three): Patience
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must adopt God's perspective on time, developing longsuffering and developing tranquility under adversity, waiting patiently on God.