by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, September-October 1996 At the time of the Exodus, did God offer certain Gentiles the chance to be part of national Israel? Did some take Him up on the offer and become woven into the “chosen people”? The surprising answers should sound a loud warning to all in the Israel of … Continue reading “The Mixed Multitude”
Should We Make Vows Today?
by John O. Reid (1930-2016) Forerunner, September-October 1996 Our desires strongly influence our lives. At times we wish to have something so badly that we will go to almost any length to obtain it. Some people in business and industry have a ruthless, cutthroat desire to succeed, and they will ruin other people's lives and … Continue reading “Should We Make Vows Today?”
Will Europe Ever Unite?
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," September-October 1996 Before spending a week in Belgium, Holland, France and Germany recently, I was only academically aware of the problems involved in the creation of a United Europe. Membership in God's church has given me a natural interest in the formation of this future colossus, but I … Continue reading “Will Europe Ever Unite?”
The Third Resurrection: What Is Its Value?
by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," September-October 1996 We generally think of the third resurrection as totally negative—if we pause to think of it at all! Doesit benefit anyone? What is its purpose? Why must such a horrible event have to occur? I Corinthians 15:23 describes an order of resurrections: “But each one in his own … Continue reading “The Third Resurrection: What Is Its Value?”
Preparing to Rule!
by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," August 1996 I Corinthians 1:26-29 resounds through our minds as a constant reminder that we are the foolish, weak, base and despised of this world. In these verses God formally states that He has sought no particular advantage in carrying out His purpose by calling us. Paul writes: For … Continue reading “Preparing to Rule!”
Fellowship Across the Miles
by Sherly J. Togans, Jr. (1931-2011) Forerunner, August 1996 Chess enthusiasts have a unique method of sharpening their playing skills: They play the game by correspondence. All experienced chess players are familiar with chess notation, a method of indicating space by space each location on a chess board. With this simple notation, they can carry … Continue reading “Fellowship Across the Miles”
What Do We Have to Offer?
by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, August 1996 Lately, my 12-year-old son Cody has been re-reading Basil Wolverton's The Bible Story, published several years ago by the Worldwide Church of God. The narrative of these books, written for children but enjoyable for almost everyone, is naturally devoted to the Israelites. The six books cover the time … Continue reading “What Do We Have to Offer?”
Caught Up in the Rapture
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," August 1996 What would you think if I said that the Rapture IS a biblical teaching? In the church of God, we do not like to use this term because of its evangelical overtones and its reputation as a doctrine of wild-eyed, Bible-thumping fanatics. The essence of the … Continue reading “Caught Up in the Rapture”
Men and Women, Hats and Hair
by Earl L. Henn (1934-1997) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," August 1996 Numerous churches have a tradition specifying that women should wear a veil, a hat or some other kind of head covering when attending church services. Claiming that their teaching derives from the custom of the early New Testament church, these churches say that the apostle … Continue reading “Men and Women, Hats and Hair”
Do We Want to Catch ‘Olympic Fever’?
by Staff Forerunner, August 1996 Hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising and non-stop media hype will ensure that “Olympic Fever” will catch on! Is this a “bug” we want to catch? What is the “Olympic Spirit”? What are its origins? Everyone knows that the Olympic games began in Greece nearly eight centuries before Christ. … Continue reading “Do We Want to Catch ‘Olympic Fever’?”