Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, May 1999 Matthew 16:25 states a profound paradox: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” An incident in the life of a virtually unknown character in history illustrates the outworking of this paradox. The actors in … Continue reading “Servant of God, Act One: Going Around, Coming Around”

by Staff Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," May 1999 “Ephraim” is the name of the younger son of Joseph as well as of the Israelite tribe that descended from him (Genesis 41:50-52). This descent continues, we understand, to modern-day Britain and to the tattered remains of its once glorious Empire and Commonwealth. God's prophets record many things … Continue reading “Like a Silly Dove”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," April 1999 It is not at all uncommon these days to hear of an ambitious person as being “hungry” to accomplish significant things. Writers apply this term to athletes who want to make it to the professional leagues, to actors who want to attain stardom, and to businesspersons who … Continue reading “The Beatitudes, Part Four: Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness”

by Mark Schindler Forerunner, April 1999 Just about everyone knows of the daring exploits of four young men who were captives of the Babylonians: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (also known by their Babylonian names: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, respectively). Daniel's dreams and his faith in God, even in the face of death in … Continue reading “Lessons From Esther: Mordecai Never Grew Weary”

by Ronny H. Graham Forerunner, April 1999 A long time ago in a land far away, a little orphan girl looked forward on an uncertain future until an older cousin stepped forward. He took her into his home and raised her as his own child. This cousin taught her to fear God, and God blessed … Continue reading “Lessons From Esther: Esther Sacrifices Herself”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," April 1999 From all indications, Albert Einstein, the famous physicist best known for his Theory of Relativity, believed in a Creator God. He often spoke of God in very humble and reverent ways: » “I want to know God's thoughts; the rest are details.” » “I am convinced … Continue reading “Fooling With the Code”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," March 1999 Have you ever been acquainted with anybody who truly desires to mourn? No doubt we have all known people who were deeply depressed with the way things were going in their lives. Perhaps we have all been that way ourselves at some point. When we are dejected … Continue reading “The Beatitudes, Part Three: Mourning”

by David F. Maas Forerunner, "Ready Answer," March 1999 Several years ago a couple in our congregation went through the process of adopting a child. The adoption agency even allowed the child to live with this family almost a year. Then a legal snafu developed, and the child was taken away. While both hopeful parents … Continue reading “A Time to Laugh”

by Staff Forerunner, March 1999 How would you like to be an old fashioned cupbearer to a real king? Perhaps you are! In a short time we will be drinking a small portion of red wine at Passover. At Jesus' last Paschal service, He refers to it as drinking from His cup. What does that … Continue reading “Are You Drinking of the Master’s Cup?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," March 1999 Sometime around 700 BC, God inspired the prophet Isaiah to write a prophecy concerning “His anointed,” His messiah. This person would act for God upon earth, conquering kingdoms, rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, and shepherding His people. God would go before him—even hold his hand, Isaiah … Continue reading “Cyrus: God’s Anointed”