Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," May 1997 The four gospels provide the foundation for many aspects of Christianity. Of course, the life of Jesus Christ shows us how to live. His teachings expand upon and give the spirit of the revelation of God in the Old Testament. In the Olivet Prophecy, Jesus builds … Continue reading “No Private Interpretation”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," April 1997 Is the Sabbath commandment done away? Has it been tossed into the dustbin as a relic of theological debate? Is it no longer part of the great spiritual law of God because men have the power to declare it null and void by saying it is merely … Continue reading “The Fourth Commandment (Part One) (1997)”

by John O. Reid (1930-2016) Forerunner, April 1997 The book of Hebrews, traditionally thought to be authored by the apostle Paul, was written around the year AD 63, a year or so before Nero's persecution began. Paul, weighing the signs both in Rome and in the church, knew that trouble approached, and the church was … Continue reading “Contend Earnestly”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," April 1997 Crucifixion shows up in movies depicting Christ or people in Christ's time meeting horrible deaths: The Robe, King of Kings, Quo Vadis?, Spartacus, Ben Hur. These movies never even come close to depicting the horror of crucifixion. Modern capital punishment seems humane, almost gentle, in comparison to the … Continue reading “Why Did Jesus Have to Die by Crucifixion?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," April 1997 The descendants of Israel, scattered from their God-given homeland by war, captivity and migration, eventually found a home in northwestern Europe. From there, some of them took to the seas, colonizing distant lands across vast oceans. These colonies became great nations themselves—the United States, Canada, Australia, … Continue reading “Israel: Future”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," March 1997 It is not difficult for me to decide what the most common sin is: idolatry. Five of the Ten Commandments—numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 10—bear directly on it. Additionally, we can easily include the others within idolatry by seeing them in their spiritual application. Though idolatry … Continue reading “The Third Commandment (1997)”

by Martin G. Collins Forerunner, "Ready Answer," March 1997 The omnipotent God of the Bible gives this eternal command and warning to the Israelites through Moses: If you do not carefully observe all the words of the law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD … Continue reading “The Names of God”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," March 1997 Having rehearsed Israelite history from Abraham's call to the return of the Judean exiles from Babylon, we can see that—though Israel had disappointed God, and He had punished them severely—He did not cast them off completely (Romans 11:1). Not only did He retain most of Judah, … Continue reading “Israel: Present”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," February 1997 Last month's “Personal” began this Ten Commandments series with the first commandment, which is most directly concerned with loyalty to the true God who is Creator, Ruler, Sustainer and Provider of this universe. He is the One who gives life and “[upholds] all things by the word … Continue reading “The Second Commandment (1997)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," February 1997 Prophecy—everyone has his own interpretation of Bible prophecy. Some ignore it altogether, rejecting it as “confusing,” “irrelevant,” or “worthless.” Many, even among “mainstream Christians,” lump it with Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce, while evangelicals delve into it with fervor. Few are indifferent to it. To the church … Continue reading “Israel: Past”