Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, March 10, 2006 Last month, we explored the definition of proselytism. We also reviewed the theory and practice of proselytism during the Old and New Testament periods. We concluded by turning our attention to the modern era, noting that reasonable proselytism is protected by international law, as it has developed … Continue reading “Proselytism Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Part Two)”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "WorldWatch," March 10, 2006 As discussed in “Fiddling While Europe Burns”(Forerunner, November 2005), the current social unrest in Europe is caused by the slow collision between a culture roughly based on the Koran and one roughly based on the Bible—between Islam and Christendom. Whether or not the cultural clash is … Continue reading “The Culture War and the Cartoon Ruckus”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," March 10, 2006 In the prior two articles in this series, the main theme has been the place, the importance, and the effect of the communication from this world that adds immeasurably to what we have become in terms of attitude and character since our birth. In the beginning, … Continue reading “Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Three)”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," February 15, 2006 Last month's article centered on God's clear command in Revelation 18:4 to come out of Babylon lest we experience the same plagues it is to receive. However, fleeing from Babylon is presently physically impossible because it is a worldwide system. Nevertheless, until God provides a place, … Continue reading “Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Two)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," February 15, 2006 Most of us have probably had the—sometimes excruciating—experience of hearing second- or third-hand the plot of a movie or the account of an event or incident. Obviously, the story is nowhere nearly as detailed and gripping as actually witnessing it would be, and to have … Continue reading “The Birth of Jesus Christ (Part Two): Nativity”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "WorldWatch," February 15, 2006 Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's second stroke in early January 2006 interrupted his strategy of unilateral disengagement from the Palestinians, leaving his new political party—Kadima (“Forward”)—without its charismatic leader. More than this, the abrupt shift in leadership portends increased instability in Israel itself, the emerging Palestinian … Continue reading “Israel After Ariel Sharon”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," February 15, 2006 “There is sin leading to death.” —I John 5:16 One day not long ago, a fellow church member and I were talking over tea about some mutual friends—old friends, good friends, but friends who are no longer with us—no longer in God's church. The family we were … Continue reading “A Sin Unto Death”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, February 15, 2006 Imagine you have gone to an automobile show. Been there, done that: Most of us have endured that materialistic orgy where a person pays money to be admitted into a huge convention center to subject himself to advertising from every car dealership in town. There, prominently baking … Continue reading “Proselytism Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Part One)”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," January 6, 2006 Revelation 18:4 records this sobering command: “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, 'Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.'” This is sobering because the course of this world is closer than ever … Continue reading “Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part One)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 6, 2006 The world, with its catchy ditties, pretty lights, red-nosed reindeer, and candy canes, has taken all the meaning out of Christmas! That probably sounds strange coming from someone in the church of God. Indeed, God's people should not keep Christmas, as it is nowhere biblically … Continue reading “The Birth of Jesus Christ (Part One): Annunciation”