Why the Family? (January-February 2009)

January-February 2009
Volume 18, Number 1

The family has been an enduring institution throughout history. In fact, God ordained the family at creation with the marriage of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and it has been a hallmark of the rise of great civilizations ever since. Conversely, when families crumble, so does society. Is that why God created families? Or is there more to it? What is God's purpose for the family? The answers are found in studying the principles of the fifth commandment. (iStockphoto)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fifth Commandment

The fifth commandment stands at the head of the second tablet of the Decalogue, the section defining our relationships with other people. John Ritenbaugh examines why this commandment is so necessary for our families, for our societies, and even ultimately for our and our children's relationships with God Himself.

Ready Answer
Will Christ Find Faith?
by John O. Reid

It is easy to look around this world and become discouraged by how far from God so many people seem to be. Even chuch members can appear to be distracted by this world. To counter this pessimistic view, John Reid explains the Parable of the Persistent Widow, at the end of which Jesus asks, "When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" The answer is more positive than one may think!

Prophecy Watch
The Marriage of the Lamb
by Staff

Many people tend to feel excited and become involved in plans for an upcoming wedding, especially when the bride or groom is part of the family. The most important wedding in world history is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb to His bride, the church of God. Are we getting ready for it?

WorldWatch
So Much for Global Warming
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Across much of the northern hemisphere, the winter of 2008-2009 was one of the coldest in a long time. So what happened to global warming? Richard Ritenbaugh takes on the environmental hysteria surrounding "climate change," explaining that far stronger forces than man drive earth's climate.

Bible Study
The Miracles of Jesus Christ:
Healing a Centurion's Servant (Part Two)
by Martin G. Collins

The healing of the centurion's servant is significant in that it is one of only two miracles that Jesus did for Gentiles, and He is especially taken with the Roman officer's faith. Martin Collins shows that, along with his faith, the centurion also shows great compassion and humility, so rare even among Israelites.