Sermons and Biblical Studies

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," March 1998 “What the world needs now is love, sweet love” are the opening words to a popular ballad of a number of years ago. It expresses a desire that virtually everyone holds. But what is love? Judging by the commonly held understanding of “love,” the world does not … Continue reading “The Fruit of the Spirit: Love”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," March 1998 Jesus had to be crucified for our sins. Crucifixion, not uncommon in New Testament times, was a horrible execution reserved for slaves and hardened criminals. Roman conquerors kept their subjects in line by openly exhibiting this most gruesome and most feared execution. Nobody in his right mind would … Continue reading “Are You Bearing Your Cross?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," March 1998 In our frequent studies of the Old Testament prophecies, we have undoubtedly read the sections on the Branch. In many translations, the word “branch” is in all capital letters so it is obvious to the reader that it refers to the Messiah. Usually, a quick survey … Continue reading “The Branch”

by Martin G. Collins Forerunner, March 1998 An air of excited expectation hovers in the room. A dozen or more guests, replete with party hats and favors, sit around a long dining-room table laden with gift-wrapped presents and a decorated cake. Six shining candles—five and one to grow on—await the extinguishing breath of the young … Continue reading “Celebrating Birthdays”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," February 1998 The Bible's peculiar elegance in its writing has helped make it the world's best seller decade after decade. The divine Author, who possesses beauty of expression far beyond even the best of human authors, has given us tiny glimpses of His genius in the soaring literary majesties … Continue reading “The Fruit of the Spirit”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Ready Answer," February 1998 It is absolutely wonderful when God answers one of my questions. Now, I would not want anyone to think that God speaks to me personally, sends me dazzling visions or the like. That sort of thing has yet to happen. Just like everyone else, I usually … Continue reading “Why the Transfiguration?”

by Staff Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," February 1998 Who can understand the Bible? Just anyone? Christ spoke in parables to hide the spiritual meaning from all but His true disciples (Matthew 13:10-17). In these verses, he quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 to show that rebellious physical Israel and the rest of the world could not understand His Word, … Continue reading “Symbolism and Duality”

by David F. Maas Forerunner, February 1998 How many of you have ever bowled? played golf? played tennis? thrown a ball or swung a bat? kicked a ball? Though these activities are quite different, at least one skill is common to them all. One of the most valuable metaphors or analogies we can apply from … Continue reading “The Importance of Follow-Through”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," January 1998 In 1977 my wife and I attended a “Positive Thinking Rally” in Charlotte, North Carolina, that boasted such motivational speakers as Paul Harvey, Art Linkletter, Robert Schuller, Ira Hayes, and the forerunner of them all, Earl Nightingale. After hearing several presentations, it became apparent that the “get” … Continue reading “The Tenth Commandment (1998)”

by Staff Forerunner, January 1998 “Quality—we make it a way of life.” These words are emblazoned on one side of my company van. Residents of British Columbia, Canada, will recognize the phrase as a recent advertising logo of the British Columbia Telephone Company (or “BC Tel,” as it is commonly known), which it displays on … Continue reading “God’s Quality Way of Life”