Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Martin G. Collins Forerunner, February 2000 Enticing us whenever they can, restaurant dessert menus—replete with sumptuous photos of the entrees—carry such tempting statements as: “If there are seven deadly sins, then here are 8, 9 and 10!” and, “Give in to the Urge . . . SPLURGE!” And the names they give the desserts—”Death … Continue reading “Gluttony: A Lack of Self-Control (Part Two)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," February 2000 What does the “new millennium” have in store for the world? What is the outlook for the twenty-first century? What can we expect to happen around the globe over the next ten years? Forecasting the future from current trends is an inexact science, if a science … Continue reading “Outlook 2000 (Part One)”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," January 2000 Several years ago in a discussion of events concerning the church and the times we live in, someone mentioned that a certain minister had recently stated in a sermon that God was delaying the return of Jesus Christ because the church is not ready. This statement, though … Continue reading “The Sovereignty of God: Part Four”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," January 2000 The car is packed, the kids are in the back seat, and all are ready to leave for church services. Just before you climb into the driver's seat, your next-door neighbor saunters over and with a quizzical expression asks, “Where are you going?” What would we say? Most … Continue reading “Worship God!”

by Martin G. Collins Forerunner, January 2000 A Realty Times magazine article, “Gluttony . . . Sheer Gluttony: Tyson's Connecticut City—uh, home—goes on the market,” tells of how prizefighter Mike Tyson bought a Farmington, Connecticut, estate for $3 million and made some “modest” upgrades: a 3,500 square-foot nightclub designed for 1,000 people, and a 1,500 … Continue reading “Gluttony: Sin of Lust and Greed (Part One)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2000 Prophecy is a tricky business. If a prophet is too specific—like the Jeanne Dixons or Edgar Cayces of the world, predicting that certain celebrities will marry, divorce or run for political office or that an earthquake will devastate Los Angeles in a particular year—chances are slim … Continue reading “Was Herbert Armstrong a False Prophet?”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," December 1999 The prophet Daniel writes, “Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits” (Daniel 11:32). Historical evidence identifies the man referred to as “he” as Antiochus Epiphanes. Because the … Continue reading “The Sovereignty of God: Part Three”

by David F. Maas Forerunner, "Ready Answer," December 1999 In the booklet The Seven Laws of Radiant Health, in the discussion of fasting, we learn that “as food intake is retarded, elimination proceeds rapidly, and the body is truly ‘house cleaning' itself.” A similar process seems to occur in the human mind. When it is … Continue reading “Purging the Rumor Bug from the Body of Christ”

by Staff Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," December 1999 This past summer a very interesting email message circulated and recirculated over the Internet to long lists of recipients. Though this happens frequently, the content of this one made me sit up and take notice. Its anonymous originator stated that the head minister of one of the churches … Continue reading “The Prophet”

by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, December 1999 From the beginning of man's existence, people have sought leadership. Men have looked to others to take charge, make decisions and run things—always reserving the right, however, to take potshots at these leaders, to critique and criticize them. Nonetheless, we have desired leadership. Perusing the historical record, though, … Continue reading “Josiah”