Sermons and Biblical Studies

by Staff Forerunner, September-October 1994 We all want to be known as seekers of the truth. None of us would want to follow a lie! Yet oftentimes, searching for the truth brings us into conflict with others' beliefs, causing separations between brethren in the church of God. This is not to say that we should … Continue reading “Truth or Unity?”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," August 1994 Having been born and reared in Pennsylvania, I have more than a passing knowledge of the Amish country of southeastern Pennsylvania. People similar to the Pennsylvania Amish live in communities in other states too like the Amish of Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Kansas. The Amana people … Continue reading “This Is Not God’s World”

by Mike Ford (1955-2021) Forerunner, August 1994 Before my wife and I had children, we lived in Jackson, Mississippi, where for the first time we encountered kudzu. Having never seen it before, we were, to say the least, amazed by it. For those not familiar with kudzu, it is a groundcover brought to this country … Continue reading “Weeds!”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," August 1994 Not much is written in Daniel 2 in explanation of the third world-ruling empire represented in Nebuchadnezzar's image. Other than its position on the image and its bronze appearance, the only interpretation of the “belly and thighs of bronze” (verse 32) within this chapter is found … Continue reading “Nebuchadnezzar’s Image (Part Three): ‘Belly and Thighs of Bronze’”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, August 1994 From time to time, and in some specific cases seemingly endlessly, a controversy arises within the church that is never resolved to the satisfaction of all interested parties. Such an issue is which calendar should be used to set God's holy days. It continues to be a focus … Continue reading “The Cancerous Calendar Controversy”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, January 12, 2003 You cannot remember how many widgets you have replaced. So many things can go wrong with them—and usually do—at the worst time. What make of widget will you buy to replace the one that broke last night? Two companies sell widgets, Acme Corporation and Consolidated Industries. Their … Continue reading “A Tale of Two Widgets”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," July 1994 We must live in one of the most addictive ages that has ever been! This is certainly not the only period of time plagued by this, but the easy availability of substances that have addictive properties must be at an all-time high. Some substances that promote addiction, … Continue reading “Is Alcoholics Anonymous Godly?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Ready Answer," July 1994 It was the sort of thing that generals and kings have done throughout history. Before the great battle that will determine the fate of nations or empires, military leaders have prayed for divine help. Soldiers in the trenches and on the front lines do it often. … Continue reading “Jephthah’s Vow: Did He or Didn’t He?”

by John O. Reid (1930-2016) Forerunner, July 1994 As a boy growing up in the 1930s, I lived in a house built about the turn of the century that had built-in accessories that homes today just do not have. Our kitchen boasted a flour bin built into the kitchen counter that would hold a fifty-pound … Continue reading “Playing With Fire”

by Martin G. Collins Forerunner, July 1994 The Levitical priests of ancient Israel were required to be without physical defect and ritually pure before performing their duties. They followed strict guidelines related to physical condition when going before God in their Temple or Tabernacle duties. Leviticus 21 outlines the requirements for the purity that God … Continue reading “Priestly Purity”