Forerunner: Preparing Christians for the Kingdom of God



Answer Him or Not? (June 2007)

June 2007
Volume 16, Number 5


When biblical contradictions are discussed, Proverbs 26:4-5 is invariably mentioned. One verse says we should not answer a fool, and the next says we should! What is going on here? How could such an obvious error have sneaked past the Bible's editors--unless there is more to it than meets the eye. Perhaps this seeming contradiction contains a great deal of practical wisdom.  (PictureQuest)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Christian Fight (Part Two)

Contrary to the common idea that the Christian life is one of peace and contentment, John Ritenbaugh explains that it is really a constant, grueling battle against enemy forces such as our own human natures, this evil world, and 'principalities and powers' that do not want to see us inherit the Kingdom of God. Even so, if we are steadfast in the faith, we can prevail.

Ready Answer
To Answer a Fool—or Not

by David F. Maas

It can pose quite a quandary: Do we answer a foolish question in an attempt to help, or do we refrain from answering, not wanting to legitimize the fool and his foolishness? David Maas demonstrates that Proverbs 26:4-5 is not a biblical contradiction, providing advice on how we can apply its wisdom.

Prophecy Watch
What Is the Book of Revelation?

by David C. Grabbe

Everyone knows what the book of Revelation is all about, right? The end of the world, strange and fearsome symbols, and enigmatic clues about the shape of things to come. David Grabbe, however, argues that, though those are included in its pages, the real subject of Revelation is readily apparent.

Praying Always (Part One)
by Pat Higgins

Many of us know Luke 21:36 by heart: 'Watch and pray always. . . .' We think we know what it means because the church has traditionally taught that it refers to watching world events. But does it? Pat Higgins contends that there is far more to this verse spiritually than meets the eye.

WorldWatch
Following the Bean

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Keeping an eye on the news in order to 'watch world events' can be both time-consuming and maddening. Richard Ritenbaugh compares this task to playing a shell game, wondering if the game itself, hard to follow as it is, is distracting some of us from more important pursuits.

Bible Study
The Miracles of Jesus Christ:
Healing a Leper (Part One)

by Martin G. Collins

Leprosy is a horrible, disfiguring disease, one that the ancients said could only be cured by an act of God Himself. Martin Collins shows that Jesus' healing of a leper manifested His divine power and mercy.