Sermons and Biblical Studies

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," August 2005 Previously, we explored the sin of presumption using a number of models from the world and the church of God. The observance of Christmas and Easter are visible examples of presumption from the world, as is the doctrine that once one accepts Jesus as His Savior, his … Continue reading “Presumption and Divine Justice (Part Two)”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," August 29, 2005 “Children are our most valuable natural resource.” —Herbert Hoover The previous article focused on the realities of the so-called new demographics, the three-decade-old trend toward measurably reduced fertility rates. The phenomenon appears to be waxing in both depth and breadth—in the magnitude of sub-replacement fertility … Continue reading “The Zeitgeist of Suicide (Part Two): Causes and Results of Rejecting True Values”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," August 29, 2005 “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.” —Leviticus 23:24 Each year in the autumn, the people of God's church celebrate the Feast of Trumpets. Before the arrival of this … Continue reading “What Is the Feast of Trumpets, Anyway?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "WorldWatch," August 29, 2005 Here in America, July 1, 2005, passed without a great deal of stir. It was the beginning of a new quarter and—other than for personal milestones and the fact that it was the last workday before the Independence Day holiday—the date held little significance for most … Continue reading “Once Again, Britain Dominates Europe”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," July 25, 2005 King David specifically requests of God in Psalm 19:13, “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.” The Reader's Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary defines presumptuous as … Continue reading “Presumption and Divine Justice”

by Staff Forerunner, July 2005 A few years ago, I was on a training course with eleven other technicians at our employer's training school. We were there to learn about some of the latest telecommunications equipment, and part of the training involved a one-day field trip to see some of this equipment in operation. The … Continue reading “Peer-Pressure: A Challenge for All”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Ready Answer," July 25, 2005 “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” —John 10:10 It is a common misconception among non-Christians that the Christian life is, frankly, boring. Christians of every stripe the world over are thought to be dull, humorless, … Continue reading “Are You Living the Abundant Life?”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "WorldWatch," July 2005 For several years now, various media sources and analysts have been discussing how the European Union (EU) seems to be languishing—or treading water, at best—while the U.S. continues to surge ahead. This is not to suggest that either of these trends will continue indefinitely; America certainly has … Continue reading “Is Europe Dying?”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," July 25, 2005 “Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder.” —Arnold Toynbee, Historian “Within a few centuries, the world's population could shrink below the level of America's today.”1 Any resident in urban America, living as he does with ever-more cars and ever-less road space, would not readily agree … Continue reading “The Zeitgeist of Suicide (Part One): Weeping for the Children Who Are Not”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," June 10, 2005 Last month's Personal, “An Unpayable Debt and Obligation,” had as its theme a subject that helps us to recognize that, even now, we stand indebted. We are obligated to the Father and Son for Their payment of a debt we could not possibly pay. That debt … Continue reading “A Priceless Gift”