Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Earl L. Henn (1934-1997) Forerunner, May 1996 Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before. So reads the chorus to a very popular Christian hymn that churches have sung for many years. The song portrays the cross as the identifying sign of everything for which Christianity stands … Continue reading “The Cross: Christian Banner or Pagan Relic?”

by John O. Reid (1930-2016) Forerunner, May 1996 God hates rebellion (I Samuel 15:23; Isaiah 30:1; 63:10)! He hates the attitude of lawlessness it produces, as well as the crop of wicked fruit that results from it. The prince of all rebellion is Satan the Devil, also known as “the sum of all moral impurities.” … Continue reading “Should We Obey the Laws of Our Government?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," May 1996 On the isle of Patmos, the apostle John stood gaping in astonishment. One of the seven angels who had previously shown him the seven last plagues of God's wrath had turned the man's attention to another amazing vision. The angel had carried him into the wilderness … Continue reading “The Woman Atop the Beast (Part 1)”

by Staff Forerunner, "WorldWatch," May 1996 Earthquakes » An earthquake of 6.3 magnitude occurred in northwest China on March 19, killing at least 28 and leaving nearly 15,000 homeless. Quakes of 6.8 and 6.3 struck the Aleutian Islands on March 22 and 30, respectively. Two quakes of 6.0 occurred in the Arabian Sea (March 28) … Continue reading “WorldWatch”

by Staff Forerunner, "Ready Answer," May 1996 For years, members of God's church have had questions about the tithing system. Are there really three tithes—or only one tithe split into three parts for different uses? Should ministers support themselves or be supported by tithes? Since the instruction is to tithe the produce of agricultural work, … Continue reading “Common Tithing Questions”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, January 12, 2003 Josiah Was it folly, Josiah – pride? – That inspired you to disobey,You, who turned neither left nor right,Who walked as David did, God’s way? By Pharaoh God sent you warning,Saying, “Why fight, King of Judah?Why hasten the day of mourning?Stay home! God warns you, Josiah!” But … Continue reading “Verse in Due Season”

by Earl L. Henn (1934-1997) Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," April 1996 “Germany is making itself unloved around Europe again.” So began an article in The Economist entitled “The Urge to Shove” (January 6-12, 1996). This statement reflects the attitude of former chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who has expressed his concern about how Germany has recently been treating … Continue reading “Germany Flexes Its Muscles”

by Staff Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," March 1996 Why even ask this question? January has been a very interesting month throughout the modern history of the church of God (see inset below). As we can see, some of the most significant events in our spiritual lives have had their beginnings in this mid-winter month. January 11, … Continue reading “January 1996: What Happened?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Ready Answer," March 1996 Sin. Crime. Error. Foul. Wrong. Vice. Each of these words names behavior that fails to reach an accepted standard. Any group of people joining to accomplish a goal will establish a set of rules, laws, guidelines or principles to regulate proper conduct. When such a code … Continue reading “Sin Is Spiritual!”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," February 1996 Judaism breaks the Old Testament down into three major sections: the Law, the Prophets and the Writings or Psalms (see Luke 24:44). As an organizational tool, this division of books works well, but it has also served to restrict Bible students to a narrow view of … Continue reading “Prophecy in Song”