by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, July 1995 Paul warns Christians in Colossae, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men” (Colossians 2:8, KJV). James Moffatt renders the same verse as, “Beware of anyone getting hold of you by means of a theosophy [a branch of philosophy] which … Continue reading “Beware of Philosophy”
A Stone Named Jerusalem
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," July 1995 When referring to Jerusalem in their reports, reporters invariably mention something akin to “the holy city of three great religions.” Not only is Jerusalem the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity, but it is also the third most holy place—after Mecca and Medina—to Islam. That it is … Continue reading “A Stone Named Jerusalem”
The Whirlpool of War
by John O. Reid (1930-2016) Forerunner, June 1995 Isaiah writes of a wonderful future coming in the years just ahead of us: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). We all look forward … Continue reading “The Whirlpool of War”
Peace and Safety?
by Earl L. Henn (1934-1997) Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," June 1995 With the dismantling of the former Soviet Union, the Cold War is now over. The United States and Russia have begun destroying some of their nuclear weaponry. Many believe that they are a lot safer now than they were during the days when the two … Continue reading “Peace and Safety?”
Judgment, Tolerance, and Correction
by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," May 1995 The subject of judging often seems very difficult to grasp. Some use the term “judge” in a generalized way, making assertions such as, “We shouldn't judge one another.” Is this true? If we took this to an extreme, we could make no evaluation of whether a person's … Continue reading “Judgment, Tolerance, and Correction”
The Beasts Among Us
by Ronny H. Graham Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," May 1995 As God's new year begins (Exodus 12:2), His creation is once again springing to life, displaying in sometimes awesome ways the beauty and freshness of nature. Trees are putting forth new leaves. Flowers, shrubs and fruit trees are arrayed in brilliant shades of red, pink, yellow, … Continue reading “The Beasts Among Us”
By the Waters of Ahava
by Ted E. Bowling Forerunner, May 1995 In the first year of his reign, King Cyrus of Persia allowed a small portion of the Jews who had been in captivity to return to their own land. Led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, they were commissioned to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1-2). By 516 BC … Continue reading “By the Waters of Ahava”
Is Obedience Required Before Receiving God’s Holy Spirit?
by Earl L. Henn (1934-1997) Forerunner, "Ready Answer," May 1995 We have heard about so-called “difficult” scriptures—verses that seem to have a somewhat ambiguous meaning that needs to be clarified. Sermonettes and even sermons have been given on such scriptures. Some scriptures need clarification because human beings often read into them their own preconceived notions … Continue reading “Is Obedience Required Before Receiving God’s Holy Spirit?”
Is God a False Minister?
by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," April 1995 Jesus strongly warns us in Matthew 7:15 when He says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” We do well to pay attention to this at any time, but as we approach the end, this warning should … Continue reading “Is God a False Minister?”
The Remnant
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," April 1995 Retailers of carpet, linoleum and cloth call the unused and unwanted scraps of these materials “remnants.” Stores will often advertise sales of these leftovers, and a smart shopper can get variously sized rectangles of these materials for himself for a song. The Bible also has its … Continue reading “The Remnant”