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Crisis of Leadership
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughReal leadership is lacking in this country, evident on both sides of the political aisle. Neither liberals nor conservatives have produced a leader over the past few decades who is willing to act decisively without being swayed by political costs or public opinion polls. Instead, the American people have been given weak, narcissistic politicians rather than true leaders, as seen in the last several Presidents who have avoided making hard, mature decisions. At the national level, leaders behave like immature children in their governance. In contrast, a small handful of governors demonstrate true leadership by making tough decisions, such as balancing budgets, confronting unions and lobbies, and challenging the federal government when necessary. These individuals are problem solvers, mature people striving to right wrongs and promote well-being and prosperity. Moreover, many national leaders act childishly despite their age, displaying behaviors akin to spoiled children throwing tantrums, ranting, and pursuing personal gains. They indulge in the perks of their offices, feasting for personal satisfaction rather than for strength to tackle the nation's problems with humility and resolve.
What's Wrong with Leadership Today?
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsPoor leadership is a pervasive issue, marked by traits such as pride, arrogance, dishonesty, and unethical behavior. Leaders who exhibit these qualities often lack goodness, empathy, respect for others, integrity, responsibility, and vision for the future. When they err, they rarely learn from their mistakes, continuing to dominate and influence society negatively with their actions. Leadership carries a heavy responsibility for the affairs of those who follow, as leaders significantly shape the thoughts and behaviors of their followers. God carefully examines the integrity of a leader, and there is a direct correlation between a leader's integrity and the security of their tenure. Righteousness guards a leader, while wickedness leads to their overthrow. God sets up leaders or removes them, rewarding the righteous and overthrowing the wicked. Leaders are also held responsible for being faithful to justice and providing wise instruction, ensuring protection for the innocent and executing justice against those who oppress the poor and helpless. Breaking moral law, even by followers, can bring judgment upon a leader, as they are inextricably bound to those they lead.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe must learn the lessons of godly leadership now because our positions in the Kingdom will require their use. Society demonstrates a lack of personal leadership.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is putting us through exercises to create leaders in His image. His covenants are a primary tool in this process.
Leadership and Covenants (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe 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.'
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The first use of the word 'grace' in Scripture is in context with the rescuing of Noah, a preacher of righteousness from the line of Seth.
Poor Choices
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHuman beings with carnal minds, when faced with a choice between God (or a God-fearing man) or Satan (or a scoundrel) will automatically choose the scoundrel.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ezekiel prophetically warns Israelites today of imminent cultural collapse because of ungodly leadership. We must treasure and appreciate the truth we have.
Coming: A Truly Benevolent Ruler
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughC.S. Lewis once wrote, 'Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.' In light of human nature, this is very true.
Humanism's Flooding Influence (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)James Madison and the other founding fathers realized that a democratic republic would only work in a godly, moral, or Christian administration.
Ministerial Misleading
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughThe biblical illiteracy of the American people is illustrated with the 'clergy' who have been instrumental in the passage of same-sex 'marriage' laws.
What Does It Say?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhat does it say about a nation that lacks both the heart and the leadership to stop itself from committing suicide? God says we are headed for a fall.
Deuteronomy (Part 3)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur goal shouldn't merely be to be saved, but to finish the spiritual journey God has prepared for us, developing the leadership to help those who follow.
Individual State Bankruptcies (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)California, Illinois, and Minnesota, while levying confiscatory taxes for liberal programs, are hemorrhaging productive taxpayers to more responsible states.
What Type of Leader Are You?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJesus Christ did not teach the pyramid model of leadership, where successive levels of leaders provide direction to those in the lesser ranks. He served.
Are These Your Feasts? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mark SchindlerThis earth is a prison, and Satan is its jailer. The inmates—mankind—do not realize that there is no free will! A prison takes away freedom.
Dominion and Leaven (Part One)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDominion theology holds that the church's responsibility is to spread God's Kingdom around the world, but it misunderstands the Parable of Leaven.
Deuteronomy (Part 4)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we learn to fear and love God, loyalty, faithfulness and commandment-keeping will naturally follow, and we will instinctively hasten to depart from evil.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Six): Ecclesiastes 10:5-11
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCause and effect relationships will always cause multiple metaphorical dominoes to fall. Similarly, sin never occurs in a vacuum but will continue to ripple.
God and Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGovernment run by carnal men will never work, but those under the New Covenant, having God's law written on their hearts, can make any form of government work.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Six): Complacency and Laodiceanism
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophet Amos preached a warning message from God against the complacency of the Israelites toward God and His way. Our nations should heed his warning.
God's Simple Commands
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God puts His commands in such clear terminology that no one can retort with 'yes, but....' We continue to sin because we do not really believe what He says.