A Commandment With Promise (August 2007)

August 2007
Volume 16, Number 7

Three generations pose for a family picture. The fifth commandment is the first of the Ten to deal with our relationship with other people, in this case, those who are closest to us, our parents. It is also the only commandment to contain a specific promise, length of days. How does honoring one's parents lead to a long life? (Jupiter Images)

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

While we must express some of our own faith as we come to salvation, the great bulk of "saving faith" is a gift of God, given graciously and miraculously as part of God's creative process in us. In particular, John Ritenbaugh uses the examples of Abel and Enoch to illustrate the pattern of faith through which God walks His people.

Ready Answer
The Promise in the Fifth Commandment (Part One)
by David F. Maas

In Ephesians 6:2, the apostle Paul designates the fifth commandment as "the first commandment with promise." What is the connection between honoring our parents and long life? David Maas, observing the declining family in America, reveals a vital link between honoring parents and wisdom that can lead to "length of days."

Prophecy Watch
The Second Exodus (Part Two)
by David C. Grabbe

The fact of a Second Exodus that will far eclipse the Exodus from Egypt is generally understood by Bible students. The timing of this great migration, however, is more elusive. David Grabbe points out the Scriptural markers that narrow the time frame to a specific, significant prophetic event.

Praying Always (Part Three)
by Pat Higgins

The dual subjects of Luke 21:36—paying careful attention to overcoming and praying always—are top-tier priorities for those living at the time of the end. Before showing how to apply these commands practically, Pat Higgins explains how praying always is our primary weapon in the battle to overcome our spiritual enemies.

WorldWatch
The 'Exceptional' 2007 Drought
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Large areas of the American Southeast are suffering under hundred-year drought conditions, and particularly hard hit is northern Georgia. Richard Ritenbaugh shows that God often used the lack of rain as a warning to Israel that they had strayed from Him.

Bible Study
The Miracles of Jesus Christ:
Healing a Leper (Part Three)
by Martin G. Collins

Jesus' healing of the leper in Mark 1:40-45 exhibits His compassion for those suffering the repulsive effects of sin. Martin Collins examines how the cleansing of this horribly diseased man parallels the spiritual cleansing that prepares us for salvation.