Sermons and Biblical Studies

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," February 2005 Most of the articles in this series have dealt with identifying the location of modern, spiritual Babylon. Using evidence given in the Bible and applying it to world conditions today, we have seen that the evidence applies only to one people on earth: the Israelitish people. In … Continue reading “The Beast and Babylon (Part Ten): Babylon the Great Is a Nation”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," January 2005 Before leaving the identity of the Harlot of Revelation 17 and 18, we should take a final look at how the Bible describes prostitution, harlotry, or even fornication, as the King James Version may translate the term. We will be able to see more specifically how an … Continue reading “The Beast and Babylon (Part Nine): Babylon the Great”

by Staff Forerunner, January 2005 Everyone is familiar with the story of Joseph, the eleventh of Jacob's twelve sons. However, fewer people are familiar with the story of his younger full-brother, Benjamin. His story and that of the tribe he fathered contain some interesting parallels and lessons for us today. Benjamin's tale begins in Genesis … Continue reading “Benjamin: Son of the Right Hand”

by David F. Maas Forerunner, "Ready Answer," January 2005 In Proverbs 25:2, we read the enigmatic passage, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” Countless individuals throughout history have expressed frustration and bewilderment at God's proclivity to conceal things or keep … Continue reading “Why Does God Keep Secrets?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2005 Scattered within its pages, the Bible provides signs or clues about the person known as the Beast—or to some, the Antichrist—who will dominate the world scene during the last several years before Christ's return. Because we believe that time to be just ahead, it follows that … Continue reading “The Beast’s Militarism”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, January 2005 “Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David: His seed shall endure forever, and His throne as the sun before Me; It shall be established forever like the moon, even like the faithful witness in the sky.” (Psalm 89:35-37) Jeremiah 52:7-11 describes the … Continue reading “Searching for Israel (Part Nine): The Migration of a Monarchy”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "WorldWatch," January 2005 For centuries, Europe was essentially “ruled” by Catholic and Protestant Christianity—if not in a direct, civil sense, then at least in a cultural sense. Religion was at the core of society, and the various governments could not dismiss the opinion of the churches as they do now. … Continue reading “How Did Europe Get This Way?”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," December 2004 For those who consider themselves Christian, the issue is clear: Do we believe God? Do we really believe He is involved in our lives and that He truly does love us? Are we willing to discipline ourselves and sacrifice, bringing a measure of discomfort upon ourselves, in … Continue reading “The Beast and Babylon (Part Eight): God, Israel, and the Bible”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, December 2004 Christmas Contradictions An anonymous quotation that made the rounds of the Internet last year runs, “Christmas is weird. What other time of year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?” Though it may induce a chuckle from its readers, … Continue reading “Cogitations on Christmas”

by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," December 2004 In the three and a half years of Christ's earthly ministry, He held thousands of conversations and counseled perhaps many hundreds of people. The Gospels record only a portion of those exchanges, indicating that those dialogues chosen for inclusion in the Bible are of particular importance … Continue reading “The Rich Young Ruler and the Needle’s Eye”