Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "WorldWatch," February 24, 2021 Though “cancel culture” is a recent phrase, the practice has been around for a very long time, as John 9 attests: They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees. . . . But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been … Continue reading “Where Is Cancel Culture Headed?”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," February 17, 2021 The turmoil that arose during the election campaign of 2016 continues in the United States’ government, education system, and media, even after the 2020 election. The tensions these institutions have generated have filtered out to the public, resulting in a building fear. Unsure about what to … Continue reading “Why Was Hebrews Written? (Part Eleven): God Is Not Silent”

by James Beaubelle Forerunner, February 3, 2021 Every Christian knows that obedience to God’s moral laws and His statutes and judgments brings excellent benefits. By learning and then living within their framework, we each receive a rich reward in developing godly character. After we choose to follow God, He begins forming each of us into … Continue reading “Character and Reputation”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," January 27, 2021 Is any sin as prevalent and destructive as pride? Is any other sin the underlying and perhaps unseen cause of so many other sins as is pride? Some say ingratitude is the most common sin, but is not pride at the root of much ingratitude? In … Continue reading “Pride, Contention, and Unity”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," January 20, 2021

by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," January 13, 2021 “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” —I Corinthians 16:13 One night recently, as I sat at my computer and caught up on emails, I was struck by the number and intensity of the threats that face us: swine flu and the … Continue reading “Courage and the Dog Soldier”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 6, 2021 Biblically, the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” can apply in different senses, though it always describes God’s dominion in some way. When Jesus responded to Judah’s leaders or spoke to multitudes, the “Kingdom of Heaven” referred to the nation/kingdom God founded through Abraham. We can easily … Continue reading “God’s Kingdom in the Parables (Part Four): The Pearl, the Dragnet, and the Householder”

by Joseph B. Baity Forerunner, "WorldWatch," December 30, 2020 The modern age of man owes much to the efforts and achievements of the scientific community. With little concern for political fealty, most scientists promote a search for truth through an unadulterated examination of the physical world around us—asking and answering critical questions—and expanding our vision … Continue reading “‘Political’ Science”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," December 23, 2020 In 1980, the host of a Columbia, South Carolina, radio talk show invited the pastor of a large Baptist church onto his show to discuss Christmas and some of its customs. The clergyman admitted to the pagan origin of Christmas, but said that it really did … Continue reading “Christmas, Syncretism, and Presumption”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," December 9, 2020 The author of Hebrews writes, “. . . having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:4). Some readers of Hebrews have trouble grasping His usage of “having become” here. The key to … Continue reading “Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Ten): Christianity’s Claims”