Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," April 25, 2007 In Genesis 27:39-40, Isaac prophesies concerning his elder son, Esau, after the young man had discovered that Jacob had stolen the patriarchal blessing from him, and tearfully begged his father to bless him also. The gist of the prophecy is actually a curse, predicting that … Continue reading “All About Edom (Part Three): Obadiah”

by Staff Forerunner, April 25, 2007 Many years ago during my college days, I experienced a magnificent six-week career as a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman. It was a miserable but educational experience. The brand of vacuum I sold, Rainbow, may be familiar to some. Until recently, the Rainbow was unique among vacuum cleaners in that … Continue reading “Purge Me With Hyssop”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," April 25, 2007 “But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?'” —Luke 10:29 “And who is my neighbor?” the lawyer asked Christ (Luke 10:29). His question presses heavily on us today. It does so because of the undeniable fact of our global … Continue reading “Jumping Into the Shallow Pond (Part One)”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "WorldWatch," April 25, 2007 On February 10, 2007, at the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a candid speech in which he revealed his view of the present state of the world, as well as how it should be. Significant portions of his presentation were … Continue reading “The Awakening Bear”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," March 23, 2007 The two previous articles demonstrated that God is the Source of all power. He not only creates and rules, but He is also the Source of everyone else's power too. Within His purpose, He calls us, grants us repentance, forgives us, justifies us, endows us with … Continue reading “God’s Power: Our Shield Against Apostasy”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," March 23, 2007 Among the accolades men shower on great leaders, perhaps the most honorable is “father of his country.” Here in America, we have designated several famous Revolutionary War-era figures as “Founding Fathers,” but there is virtually no argument that one of them, George Washington, stands in … Continue reading “All About Edom (Part Two)”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, March 23, 2007 Scholars who define “Gnosticism” generally agree that Gnostic philosophies had their source in the Zoroastrianism and Hinduism of Persia and India, and that these ideas were brought into the West via Alexander the Great's conquest of Persia. These Eastern thoughts blended with Greek culture, producing a heady … Continue reading “Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan’s Three Heresies”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "WorldWatch," March 23, 2007 In September 2006, German Chancellor Angela Merkel began promoting the idea of a free-trade dialogue with the United States during her term at the head of the European Union in the first half of 2007. In January, she met with President George W. Bush to discuss … Continue reading “A Trans-Atlantic Free-Trade Agreement?”

by Geoff Preston (1947-2013) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," March 23, 2007 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:35 In a June 2000 sermon titled “What Does God Really Want? (Part Five),” John Ritenbaugh expounded in relation to Romans 8:28 (“And we know that all … Continue reading “Learning to Love One Another”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," December 2006 Since we believe this world is headed toward the worst time of violent warfare, the upheaval of all nations, and worldwide spiritual confusion—including the prophesied shattering of the Christian church—we must consider and take steps now to ensure we fully understand where real power and strength resides. … Continue reading “Power Belongs to God (Part Two)”