Sermons and Biblical Studies

by David F. Maas Forerunner, July 2001 Emily Dickinson once wrote a cynical poem about a disgusting proclivity of human nature—to act irresponsibly and then to attempt to dodge the inevitable consequences: The Heart asks pleasure—first— And then—Excuse from Pain— And then—those little Anodynes That deaden suffering— And then—to go to sleep— And then—if it … Continue reading “The Buck Stops Here”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," July 2001 Ronald McDonald tells an interesting story. Today, McDonald's has more than 25,000 fast-food outlets in 119 nations. The corporation's international revenues surpass its stateside revenues. In “closed” China, 235 McDonald's exist, in tiny Taiwan, 310, and in cramped Japan, 2,985.1 As if that were not enough, … Continue reading “Globalism (Part Two): The Tents of Shem”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," June 2001 The Bible frequently employs a parallel between physical and spiritual eating. Such verses as Jeremiah 3:15 say, “And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Here, God appeals to His people, promising to supply leaders who will … Continue reading “Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Four)”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," June 2001 From the beginning, humanity has found many ways to sin. Similarly, men have developed various methods to curb sin among themselves, whether through laws, fines, prisons or executions. Some methods have been more successful than others, and some have not worked at all. James 3 is a commentary … Continue reading “Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part Two)”

by Staff Forerunner, June 2001 After presenting the Creation narrative, God intriguingly sets the Bible's first scene in an agricultural environment, the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:29; 2:8). In that garden, God had placed two trees—the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil—that represent man's choice of relationship with God … Continue reading “The Garden of God”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," June 2001 At the dawn of a new millennium, we can envision a new era that escapes the twentieth century's darkest moments, fulfills its most brilliant possibilities. The forces of global integration are a great tide, inexorably wearing away the established order of things. – William Clinton, 1999 … Continue reading “Globalism (Part One): Founded on Fear and Faithlessness”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," May 2001 As we have seen previously, the lives of Jacob and Esau provide major spiritual lessons. Esau represents the uncalled man of the world, and Jacob, the elect of God. The Bible plainly shows that Jacob's election gave him a decided advantage over Esau in fulfilling God's purpose. … Continue reading “Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Three)”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," May 2001 The idea of a “sharp tongue” was always humorous to me as a child. Mental pictures of huge pencil sharpeners shaping one's tongue into a spear would play across my mind. Such weird imagery is reminiscent of cartoons drawn by the late Basil Wolverton. Probably no other part … Continue reading “Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part One)”

by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, May 2001 In the process of a Bible study I was doing on relationships, I came across some examples of friendships in one of my study aids. Some of the examples listed were Abraham and Lot, David and Jonathan, and Christ and Joseph of Arimathea. We are all well versed … Continue reading “Joseph of Arimathea”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," May 2001 The Japanese people call their islands “the Land of the Rising Sun.” They are indeed among the easternmost islands before the broad expanse of the Pacific Ocean extends for thousands of miles toward the Americas. From the mainland to the west, the place from whence the … Continue reading “Japan: Rising or Setting Sun?”