Sermons and Biblical Studies

by John O. Reid (1930-2016) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," January 1998 Our fifteen-year-old grand-daughter came to spend a weekend with us a few months ago. Like so many young people her age, she does not always consider the consequences of her actions. So, while she was with us, I decided to impart a little wisdom to … Continue reading “Ask, Seek, Knock”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 1998 Bahal was beginning to worry, since, as mayor, it was his job to worry for the rest of his remote, highland community. His wife, Chera, had remarked the day before that the rain was unusually heavy for this time of the year, but he had shrugged … Continue reading “‘As It Was In the Days of Noah’”

by Staff Forerunner, January 1998 Have you ever had a day when you felt that God was picking on you? Have you ever wondered whether you were worth a plugged nickel to Him? Have you ever had days when you felt that you were not doing all that you could? Have you ever wondered if … Continue reading “Discouraged? Why?”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," December 1997 The Talmud tells the story of a king's two jesters whose sage and pithy wisdom were the talk of the kingdom. One day, in a philosophical mood, the king sent them on an errand. “Simon, my fool, go out and bring back the best thing in the … Continue reading “The Ninth Commandment (1997)”

by Martin G. Collins Forerunner, December 1997 The United States government has a Federal Witness Protection Program to protect those who testify against organized crime when they are in danger of being killed or harmed by the accused person or organization. These witnesses provide proof—either in the form of written material or their own verbal … Continue reading “‘You Are My Witnesses…’”

by David F. Maas Forerunner, "Ready Answer," December 1997 Most of the time an article on anger would focus upon its negative aspects. » “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). » “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26). » “Make no friendship … Continue reading “Anger: Spiritual Drano®”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," December 1997 Luke writes in Acts 17:6 that the Thessalonians considered the first-century apostles to “have turned the world upside down.” This back-handed compliment means that they had “stirred up,” “excited” or “troubled” everyone who had heard the gospel of God's Kingdom. No one could be neutral on … Continue reading “Right? Wrong?”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," November 1997 In every culture on earth, possession of property provides evidence of a person's worth. Whether the property is land, houses, autos, jewelry, cattle, chickens, sheep or industry, others look upon the property and think, “The owner must be somebody of consequence because I can see the proof.” … Continue reading “The Eighth Commandment (1997)”

by John O. Reid (1930-2016) Forerunner, November 1997 When I was a boy of twelve, my mother and I lived with my grandmother in the top half of a two-story flat in Oakland, California. The Browns lived downstairs with their daughter, Clarice. It was 1942 and World War II raged. Though I was not old … Continue reading “Do You Have ‘the Hunger’?”

by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," November 1997 As a society, we have become so fearful of success and achievement that we bend over backward to reward sloth and incompetence. It is “politically incorrect” to say, “You failed,” or “You blew it,” or “Go back and do it over.” Our culture is teaching our … Continue reading “Perfection…Piece by Piece”