Sermons and Biblical Studies

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," April 1993 Sometimes I think that if I did not have the hope of the return of Jesus Christ to establish the government of God on earth, I would live my life in tormented, screaming desperation. I get especially frustrated by the criminally careless, yet urbane and sophisticated pronouncements … Continue reading “The Scourge of AIDS and the Sacrifice of Christ”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," April 1993 Unlike America, whose people elected a left-of-center government last November, European capitals may soon take on a decidedly conservative tilt in coming elections. If nothing else, this change in direction will further widen the rift between Europe and the United States on issues ranging from trade … Continue reading “Europe Steps to the Right”

by Staff Forerunner, April 1993 Why do we, in our human nature, not want to stand up against a crowd? Let's face it, we all want to be accepted by our families, friends, our peers or whatever social group with which we may find ourselves involved. We want the affection, respect and approval of others … Continue reading “Standing Up for God”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," March 1993 Few subjects cause as much confusion as judgment. Is it proper to judge? If so, when? Why do we so often make poor judgments? How do we become more godly judges? Is any subject more mystifying to Christian life than judging? We are familiar with Matthew 7:1 … Continue reading “Judging Our Brothers”

by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021) Forerunner, March 1993 Ever jump the gun? When I officiated at junior high and high school track meets years ago, I saw runners do it now and then. An overzealous boy would leap from the starting blocks prematurely, before the gun sounded, before the clock started. Often, his precipitate action was … Continue reading “On Your Marks . . . Get Set . . . Go!”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," February 1993 The Bible frequently cautions us against respect of persons, yet we are also instructed to show proper respect for leaders, the elderly and others. What is the proper balance? Unlike the current parental teaching, people in previous generations were taught to practice different attitudes of respect for … Continue reading “Respect or Respect of Persons?”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," February 1993 Anyone claiming that the world is more peaceful today than it was during the Cold War needs to be treated as a lunatic. A recent study, published by the Institute for Political Science of the University of Hamburg, Germany, tallied 52 wars fought during 1992, making … Continue reading “Wars and Rumors of Wars”

by Staff Forerunner, February 1993 To avoid becoming unsettled and disoriented in this spiritually confused world, one needs to understand his purpose in life and in God's church. Concerning the purpose of the church, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote: Those called now are called for the purpose of getting a job done. They are given … Continue reading “Our Calling – The Work of God”

by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," January 1993 Christ said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Is the gospel limited to preaching to the world? Are you supporting a work that is preaching the gospel? … Continue reading “Get the Church Ready!”

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 1993 Still in its infancy in Russia, democracy may not survive into toddlerhood. The once-popular, reform-minded Boris Yeltsin, like his predecessor Mikhail Gorbachev, is better liked internationally than at home. A recent U.S. News poll (December 21, 1992, p. 69) showed only a 34 percent approval rating, … Continue reading “The Bear Looks Eastward”