Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Martin G. Collins Forerunner, "Ready Answer," February 1999 Have you ever compromised about something you thought was just a little thing, something you considered inconsequential? What about more important matters? Have you compromised a belief only to realize that what you thought was a conviction was really a preference? Have you let your standards … Continue reading “The Enduring Results of Compromise”

by Staff Forerunner, February 1999 How can we say, “I love you”? Let me count the ways! On their wedding anniversary, a husband might give his wife a nice card and a gift, perhaps some flowers and maybe even a romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant. He is saying, “I love you”! On Father's Day, … Continue reading “Valentine’s Day and Real Love”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," February 1999 In listening to the American media, a person could be led to believe that God and Christianity are enemies of nature. Thrown in among the epithets mouthed by environmentalists against their adversaries are “Christian,” “right-wing” and “conservative,” as if they believe that these words describe the … Continue reading “The Bible and the Environment”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," February 1999 Jesus Christ is easily the most important figure in the history of mankind. No matter how one may regard Him, he will eventually have to concede this point. Jesus' life and death and the teachings attributed to Him have influenced the course of human history more than … Continue reading “The Beatitudes, Part Two: Poor in Spirit”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," January 1999 Certain portions of Scripture seem to be etched more deeply into people's minds than others. Psalm 23 is definitely one of these, as are I Corinthians 13 and Hebrews 11. The Sermon on the Mount, as Matthew 5-7 is commonly called, is another. Its popularity may stem … Continue reading “The Beatitudes, Part One: The Sermon on the Mount”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," January 1999 One month after leaving Egypt, the children of Israel found they were rapidly running out of food! Every night more animals had to be slaughtered to feed millions of hungry mouths. They surely wondered how long they could go on like this. God had them right where He … Continue reading “Have You Had Your Manna Today?”

by Staff Forerunner, January 1999 One of the most popular movies of 1995 was Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson as William Wallace (c. 1270-1305), who led a Scottish rebellion against the British beginning in 1297. The Scots had for many years suffered abuse from the English, particularly King Edward I, and finally revolted under the courageous … Continue reading “How Brave Is Your Heart?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 1999 One of the interesting exhibits in Charlotte's Discovery Place, a children's science museum, is the wave machine. The exhibit's purpose is to show the effects of wave action on a sandy beach, a problem of great concern to scientists, environmentalists, businesspeople, residents and tourists along the … Continue reading “Navigating the Third Wave”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," December 1998 Have you ever lamented the fact that this world seems out of control? Partly because of rapid transportation and communication, events seem to occur so rapidly that they tumble one upon another. In our minds we are carried furiously along in their current, unable to conclude one … Continue reading “The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control”

by David F. Maas Forerunner, "Ready Answer," December 1998 “I'm sorry, Bill. I really would like to discuss plans for the new corporate merger this afternoon, but I gave my word to my kids that I would take them to the park.” Does a statement like this sound far-fetched? Does it seem incredible that at … Continue reading “How Good Is Your Word?”