Forerunner: Preparing Christians for the Kingdom of God



Feeling Lucky? (June 2006)

June 2006
Volume 15, Number 5


Is there such a thing as luck, or do we live in a world in which blind chance or fate governs every act? Does God's Word have anything to say on the subject? Would a sovereign God leave the oversight of His creation--especially His begotten children--to coincidence? (Corbis)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Three)

We have been called, not just to believe in Christ, but also to overcome sin, an action that takes a great deal of effort. John Ritenbaugh takes pains to explain God's act of justification and what we are required to do in response.

Ready Answer
Jesus and 'the Spirits in Prison'

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Peter's statement that Jesus 'preached to the spirits in prison' (I Peter 3:19) has for years baffled many a Bible student. Richard Ritenbaugh examines this verse in context, showing that the traditional interpretation is woefully off-base to the point of suggesting a totally unbiblical conclusion.

Prophecy Watch
The Cold Culture of Silence (Part Two)

by Charles Whitaker

Sadly, our culture has deteriorated into one of cold, unloving silence on the subject of the dysfunctional family and the frequent delinquency of its children. Charles Whitaker proposes what many social scientists might consider a 'novel' solution: speaking the truth.

Do You Feel Lucky?
by Mike Ford

Is there such a thing as luck? Is the world subject to pure coincidence or blind fate? Mike Ford tackles this philosophical subject with the truth of God's Word, concluding that, when it comes to His chosen people, God leaves nothing to chance!

WorldWatch
Global Financial Instability

by David C. Grabbe

Predicting economic activity is about as tricky as forecasting the weather. Nevertheless, David Grabbe, citing recent financial news items, posits that the stage is set for economic instability around the world in the short term.

Bible Study
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Eight):
The Parable of the Dragnet

by Martin G. Collins

The penultimate parable of Matthew 13 uses the illustration with which Christ's disciples were very familiar: fishing in the Sea of Galilee. Martin Collins explains that this parable focuses on the equity of God's judgment.