Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," October 8, 2008 “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what one sees?” —Romans 8:24 The subject of hope is much in the news these days, due in great part to American presidential … Continue reading “The Audacity to Hope”

by Staff Forerunner, September 12, 2008 King Herod “the Great” makes only a cameo appearance in the Bible, as the conniving and cruel killer of Bethlehem's little boys, yet his mark on Judea in that period is colossal. He reigned as a Roman-appointed king over Judea from 37 to 4 BC. The son of Antipater … Continue reading “Herod the Great: A Life of Intrigue, Architecture, and Cruelty”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," September 12, 2008 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16 Have you ever used a phrase or saying that you do not fully understand? We all have and do. We too frequently use idioms, especially, … Continue reading “Should a Christian Play Devil’s Advocate?”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," September 12, 2008 Christians should have a great interest in the subject of idolatry because of its major importance to morality and our relationship with God. We ought to be constantly refining our understanding of it so we can avoid allowing anything to come between us and God. Five … Continue reading “The First Commandment”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," September 12, 2008 Over the past year, certain groups among the churches of God have brought the subject of the Two Witnesses to the fore once again. One minister is proclaiming that he and his wife are the pair of prophets that Revelation 11 foretells will appear in … Continue reading “God’s Two Witnesses”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "WorldWatch," September 12, 2008 For centuries now, non-Catholic Christians have been keeping an eye on Europe, expecting the ancient Roman Empire to revive and fulfill prophecies in Daniel and Revelation. Seemingly on cue, since the end of World War II, Europe's configuration has been continually shifting, growing into an increasingly … Continue reading “The State of the Union”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," June 23, 2008 Do we fully appreciate faith's value to our spiritual well-being? Outside of God's grace and Christ's blood, nothing—not even love—is as important as faith because, without these three, there would be no love. Faith is our response to God's love. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us that, “We … Continue reading “The Christian Fight (Part Seven)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," June 23, 2008 The U.S. Census Bureau's World Population Clock recently estimated that the earth's 6,666,666,666th child has been born somewhere on the planet. Despite the fact that the number of the Beast is 666, this population figure is relevant only because of its sheer enormity. The world's … Continue reading “Scarcity Amid Plenty”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Ready Answer," June 23, 2008 “. . . that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.” —I Corinthians 12:25 Has there ever been a time in man's history when such a prevalence of disunity existed? Everywhere one … Continue reading “Unity and Personal Responsibility”

by Staff Forerunner, June 23, 2008 So much wonderful symbolism infuses the accounts of Jesus' final hours, along with many details that we may read each year before and during the Passover service. We are so familiar with many of these details that we tend to read right over them without questioning their deep meanings … Continue reading “Of Sponges and Spears”