Vanity of Vanities (March-April 2013)

March-April 2013
Volume 22, Number 2

The book of Ecclesiastes famously begins, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." Solomon, traditionally acknowledged as the author, suggests that life is brief and ephemeral, like smoke or vapor, here and gone in an instant. Surprisingly, Ecclesiastes indicates that vanity has a place in God's purpose, revealing the emptiness of life without Him. (DesignPics)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part One)

Among the Old Testament's books of wisdom, Ecclesiastes stands as one seemingly out of place: full of frustration, blunt, and even a little hopeless. However, since God is its ultimate Author, its themes are realistic and necessary for us to grasp. With this article, John Ritenbaugh begins an extended series on Ecclesiastes and its trove of deep understanding.

Ready Answer
Misconceptions and Malarkey About the Holy Spirit (Part One)
by David F. Maas

Most of Christianity, both presently and historically, believes firmly in the Trinity as the structure of the Godhead, but a slim minority holds to a much older belief, one that hearkens back to the earliest Christians. David Maas analyzes some of the proofs offered in support of this doctrine and finds them lacking.

Prophecy Watch
Hananiah's Error
by David C. Grabbe

Most Bible students are not familiar with the prophet Hananiah—or perhaps he should be called a false prophet. In his interactions with Jeremiah, a true prophet of God, Hananiah made a significant mistake: prophesying good when God had called for destruction. David Grabbe explains that, while God's will is to do good—eventually—the timing of matters makes all the difference.

WorldWatch
An Israel-Turkey Reconciliation?
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Even before the 2010 Israeli commando raid on a Gaza blockade-running Turkish ship, relations between Israel and Turkey were at a low ebb. Recently, positive signs of a reconciliation have appeared, although nothing is certain. Richard Ritenbaugh provides proof that, despite the on-again, off-again nature of their ties, both nations could use a friend in the region.

Bible Study
The Miracles of Jesus Christ:
Healing a Man Born Blind (Part Two)
by Martin G. Collins

The episode of the healing of the man born blind takes up an entire chapter of the book of John, signalling its importance in understanding the work of Christ. Martin Collins discusses the blind man's response to Jesus, the part the Sabbath plays in the healing, and the ubiquity of opposition to true Christians.