Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," February 10, 2003 When thinking of prophecy, we usually call to mind God's prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the “minor” prophets. We may consider the great prophecies of the New Testament: Jesus' many prophecies, including the Olivet Prophecy; Paul's prophecies in I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4-5, … Continue reading “The Prophecies of Balaam (Part One)”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, February 2003 Have you ever noticed how many different men God mentions in His Word? Not fellows like Adam, David, John, and Paul, but the outward man and the inward one (II Corinthians 4:16), the inner man (Ephesians 3:16) and the natural one (I Corinthians 2:14). Men like the first … Continue reading “Choosing the New Man (Part One)”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," January 2003 The motivating element covered in this concluding article is probably the one we hear of most often. It is also the only one with a strong negative flavor. It is a desire not to do something that provides impetus to do something else instead. This impetus can … Continue reading “The Elements of Motivation (Part Seven): Fear of Judgment”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Ready Answer," January 9, 2003 Among mainstream Christianity, a growing sentiment allows for—or even endorses—Christians taking up weapons for their own defense or the defense of other Christians. Proponents often point to an incident in South Africa, where attackers charged into a church service one Sunday and began shooting and … Continue reading “Does Scripture Allow for Killing in Self-Defense?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 10, 2003 Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate … Continue reading “A Growing Divide”

by David F. Maas Forerunner, January 2003 As the greater church of God has continued to fragment, splintering asunder congregations and creating yawning chasms between former friends and acquaintances, my wife Julie and I have come to the conclusion that a close friend who has God's Holy Spirit is one of the most valuable commodities … Continue reading “Godly Friendship: A Priceless Commodity”

by Staff Forerunner, December 12, 2002 The Christmas season is almost over for another year! Almost—but not quite! Traditionally, there are twelve days of Christmas, as the popular Christmas carol says, and as always, January 6 will again be the twelfth and last day of the season. Some churches keep January 6 as Christmas Day, … Continue reading “Who Were the Wise Men?”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," December 2002 The last element of motivation encompasses all of the previous five, which will become obvious once we understand what it is. This final element contains a term with which we are quite familiar because we hear it so often in conversations regarding religious issues. However, do we … Continue reading “The Elements of Motivation (Part Six): Eternal Life”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," December 11, 2002 Once the trick-or-treaters all go home to eat their confections, the public is made increasingly aware of the year's most awaited holiday, Christmas. Unlike most who call themselves Christians, those who adhere to biblical Christianity feel a kind of dread for this year-end marathon of … Continue reading “Born of a Woman”

by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Ready Answer," December 13, 2002 And [Jesus] said to them, “When I sent you with out money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing.” Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; … Continue reading “Living By the Sword”