Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Staff Forerunner, January 1995 The book of Acts relates the dramatic launching of the New Testament church and its subsequent growth and expansion throughout the world. During this time, the apostles performed stunning signs and wonders—to the point that even Peter's shadow left healed people in its wake (Acts 5:12-16)! God was adding believers … Continue reading “Stephen and the New Deal”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 1995 One of the more fascinating trends in the world today is the rise and expansion of the Pentecostal movement in this world's Christianity. More than any other religious persuasion, Pentecostalism is sweeping not only American Protestants into “spiritual ecstasy,” but it is also making serious inroads … Continue reading “Touched by the ‘Spirit’?”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," December 1994 In 1980, the host of a Columbia, South Carolina, radio talk show had the pastor of a large Baptist church on his show, and they discussed Christmas and some of its customs. The pastor readily admitted to the pagan origin of Christmas but said that it really … Continue reading “Christmas, Syncretism and Presumption (1994)”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," December 1994 While Herbert W. Armstrong was alive, the church preached and published a great deal about prophecy. Especially in the World Tomorrow broadcasts, the church focused on Nebuchadnezzar's image (Daniel 2), the beasts that represent world empires (Daniel 7), and the symbols and time frame of the … Continue reading “‘Seventy Weeks Are Determined…’”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," November 1994 Will someone please explain to me how a person can be more than the sum of his parts? To me it seems to be illogical that when we consider all the parts of something separately, that the conclusion is greater than when the parts are joined together … Continue reading “Fully Man and Fully God?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," November 1994 In the “good old days” of America's national pastime, players had a sense of loyalty to their teams. Many baseball players showed their loyalty by staying with the same team for years. Many of the “greats”—Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Carl Yastrzemski, Lou Gehrig, Ted … Continue reading “America’s Mercenary Culture”

by Martin G. Collins Forerunner, November 1994 On the isle of Patmos, as the first century came to a close, the apostle John received revelation from God regarding future events. What he recorded provides us with indications of what our responsibilities will be as spirit beings in the Kingdom of God. John writes: Blessed and … Continue reading “The Sacrifice of Praise”

by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, November 1994 Today we live in a very technological, industrialized world. We make our homes in crowded cities of hundreds of thousands of people. We drive highly sophisticated cars controlled by complicated computer components. We buy our food in supermarkets far removed from the farms, ranches, orchards, and fields where … Continue reading “Goats on the Left”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, September-October 1994 One of God's names is Yahweh Jireh—the Ever-Living One, our Provider. Our Father supplies all our needs—what we need for our daily living as well as what we need to carry out His work. The story of the building of the Tabernacle of Meeting illustrates how God provides … Continue reading “God Our Provider”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," September-October 1994 By far, Daniel gives more details about the fourth world empire of Nebuchadnezzar's image than he does the first three. He describes this part of the image in Daniel 2:33: “Its legs [were] of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.” As we … Continue reading “Nebuchadnezzar’s Image (Part Four): Iron and Clay”