Sermons and Biblical Studies

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," June 8, 2017 Without a doubt, the major subject in the Bible is the gospel of the Kingdom of God. It supplies the important linkage and many details of God’s purposes and His plans for bringing them to pass. Most of His plans focus on human salvation, that is, … Continue reading “Do Angels Live Forever?”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Ready Answer," June 8, 2017 The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is a Sabbath of solemn rest, set apart by its unique requirements to afflict one’s soul and do absolutely no work (Leviticus 23:26-32). Within its instructions are a few rituals that make it even more extraordinary. Chief among these … Continue reading “Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat—Satan or Christ? (Part One)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," June 8, 2017 Imagine enjoying a grand time at a gathering of friends and family, eating good food, engaging in lively and pleasant conversation, and soaking up a warm glow of mutual affection and goodwill. Just as the party reaches full-swing, an uninvited guest with an obnoxious personality … Continue reading “The Binding of Satan”

by Joseph B. Baity Forerunner, "WorldWatch," June 8, 2017 For generations, mankind—including even nominal Christians—has debated the existence of Satan. Bishop Fulton Sheen, the much-venerated Catholic bishop who rose to prominence in the 1960s, made popular the adage that the greatest trick that Satan plays on mankind is to make us believe that he does … Continue reading “The Satanic Surge”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," March 21, 2017 It is time to become reacquainted with an old friend. “Friend” may not be the correct term, but we normally feel very comfortable with it. In fact, we feel close to this friend because we have known it intimately since birth. We strongly desire to protect … Continue reading “Leadership and Covenants (Part Seven)”

by Ronny H. Graham Forerunner, "Ready Answer," March 21, 2017 On the Roman calendar that much of the world uses, one year has ended and another has begun. The beginning of a new year is the time when countless millions of people make New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps many church of God members have done so … Continue reading “Resolutions: Man’s and God’s”

by Pat Higgins Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," March 21, 2017 Who is the Israel of the Bible? As Part One demonstrated, it is not the house of Judah or the modern nation of Israel, as Bible speakers and teachers often claim. Rather, in the Bible, Godapplies the names “Israel” and the “house of Israel” to what … Continue reading “The Nation of Israel—Biblical Israel? (Part Two)”

by Joseph B. Baity Forerunner, "WorldWatch," March 21, 2017 Freedom of speech is a major tenet of Western democracy, born of a people once steeped in the Judeo-Christian ethic. While the United States was a trailblazer for its support of free speech, the idea that mankind is better served when individuals are granted the freedom … Continue reading “Safe Spaces or Dangerous Places? The Assault Upon Our Future (Part One)”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," February 9, 2017 In the previous issue, we ended with a discussion on God’s creation of Eve as Adam’s companion. God clearly created her, not to be a mere companion, but Adam’s wife, a fact that the man recognizes quickly, saying in Genesis 2:23-24, “‘This is now bone of … Continue reading “Leadership and Covenants (Part Six)”

by Austin Del Castillo Forerunner, "Ready Answer," February 9, 2017 “Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” —Matthew 18:33 Each year we are commanded by God to keep the Day of Atonement. The great overall message of that day focuses on how we will … Continue reading “The Prisoner”