Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "WorldWatch," March 6, 2013 As the American mainstream continues to become more politically liberal, as recent election results indicate, long-held conservative beliefs seem to be facing increased marginalization. For instance, as minorities in the United States inch toward majority status, the conservative position on immigration—no amnesty, tightened border security, tougher … Continue reading “Endangering Our Children”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," January 17, 2013 There is a condition, a major responsibility, that every Christian absolutely must meet after he has become a Christian through belief in Jesus Christ as his Savior. This responsibility is clearly stated in Hebrews 10:35-38: Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. … Continue reading “Fully Accepting God’s Sovereignty (Part One)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 17, 2013 While most of the Minor Prophets conducted their ministries in Israel and Judah before both nations fell in war and their populations were exiled to foreign lands, the final three—Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi—prophesied in Judea after a remnant of Jews, Levites, and Benjamites returned from … Continue reading “Meet the Minor Prophets (Part Four)”

by Pat Higgins Forerunner, "Ready Answer," January 17, 2013 Because we live in times that are increasingly uncertain and perilous, fear is a reality all will face at some time. A sobering consideration is that fear appears in a list in Revelation 21:8 describing those who will be cast into the Lake of Fire: “But … Continue reading “The Sin of Fear (Part One)”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "WorldWatch," January 17, 2013 In contemplating the state of mind of leaders, Solomon observes that “money answers everything” (Ecclesiastes 10:19). The business of legalized drugs is a powerful example of the power of money to foster unethical collusion. In 2011, the total revenue of the world's pharmaceutical industry was $839 … Continue reading “Drug Money in America”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," November 6, 2012 Almost every letter authored by the apostle Paul ends with the benediction, “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (for example, II Corinthians 13:14). However, it would be careless to assume from Paul's writings that grace is associated only with Jesus Christ to the exclusion of … Continue reading “Living By Faith and God’s Grace (Part Two)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," November 6, 2012 Though it would only be partially true, one could contend that the Minor Prophets deal with the decline, fall, and return of Israel/Judah. As was noted in Part Two, only a small fraction of the people of Judah returned after their Babylonian Exile, while very … Continue reading “Meet the Minor Prophets (Part Three)”

by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," November 6, 2012 Recently, a man spoke in my hearing about the Rape of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and he gave the impression that her violation was entirely her fault. It was his opinion that she went out seeking the world and got what she deserved. Actually, … Continue reading “The Rape of Dinah”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "WorldWatch," November 6, 2012 As seen previously in this space, until recently the state of Israel has enjoyed relatively stable relations with its various neighbors (see “Israel's New Crisis,” Forerunner, July-August 2011). However, with the unrest that has swept through the Middle East and North Africa since the “Arab Spring,” … Continue reading “The Greatest Threat”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," August 14, 2012 At this point in this series, it is especially important to emphasize grace so that we may have a foundation to appreciate better what God's grace means to our salvation. We need to understand grace specifically as seen against the backdrop of God's justice, that is, … Continue reading “Living By Faith and God’s Grace”