Forerunner: Preparing Christians for the Kingdom of God



Steal No Longer (July-August 2009)

July-August 2009
Volume 18, Number 4


Human beings seem to be inclined to acquire things -- and too many of them have little compunction about taking them from others. Stealing of all sorts is so widespread that, in America, a stealing crime occurs every three seconds! All of the thievery destroys morality and erodes trust, but there is a workable, biblical solution. (iStockphoto)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Eighth Commandment

The eighth commandment seems so simple: "You shall not steal." Yet, it seems that just about everyone on earth has his hand in someone else's pocket! John Ritenbaugh documents the ubiquity of thievery, particularly in the U.S., explaining that the solution is equally simple: honest, hard work.

Ready Answer
To Live, We Must Die

by Bill Onisick

How many of us go through life with our noses to the grindstone, as it were, always trying to get ahead and never really appreciating what God has given us? Using Mitch Albom's book, Tuesdays With Morrie, Bill Onisick focuses on a major lesson of Christianity: Real life comes as a result of giving our own.

Prophecy Watch
Who Will Be Kept from the Hour of Trial?

by David C. Grabbe

It is an entirely human reaction to attempt to avoid anything that might be unpleasant, and this is especially true of an event as destructive as the Great Tribulation. David Grabbe posits that, if we show patient endurance now, overcoming and growing, God may bless us with protection from that horrible trial.

WorldWatch
The Pope's 'World Political Authority'

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Pope Benedict XVI recently issued a new encyclical in which he called for a strong "world political authority" to tackle the mounting global problems. Richard Ritenbaugh analyzes his statement in context, suggesting that the Catholic Pontiff had other aims than what most pundits assumed.

Bible Study
The Miracles of Jesus Christ:
Stilling a Storm

by Martin G. Collins

To many, one of Christ's greatest miracles is His calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee, showing His awesome power over His creation. Martin Collins explains that the miracle not only highlights Jesus' glory, but it also reveals the disciples' need of greater faith.