The Prisoner (September-October 2016)

September-October 2016
Volume 25, Number 5

Most of us never end up in jail. None of us would want to go there. But at one time or another, all of us imprison ourselves and others when we lock down our hearts and refuse to forgive one another. Christ came to bring us atonement—reconciliation with God and with each other—and forgiveness is a crucial element in bringing this to pass. When we forgive each other, real freedom becomes possible. (iStockphoto)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Leadership and Covenants (Part Six)

Our culture appears to be in steep decline, a fact we can see in the undermining of marriage throughout society. Despite having served mankind well down through the millennia, the institution of marriage is crumbling under a three-pronged attack engineered by Satan the Devil. John Ritenbaugh teaches that marriage is vital to understanding God's purpose and learning to live in harmony with one another.

Ready Answer
The Prisoner
by Austin Del Castillo

When Jesus declared His purpose to the Jews in Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19), the theme of His comments focused on liberty so that humanity can be reconciled and at-one with God. Austin Del Castillo posits that we tend to work at cross-purposes to God, imprisoning ourselves and others in our adversarial relationships. The key to our cell is true forgiveness, for it is only through this means that we will be reconciled to God and to each other.

Prophecy Watch
The Nation of Israel—Biblical Israel? (Part One)
by Pat Higgins

Most readers of the Bible make an understandable but unwarranted assumption when considering the people of Israel: They believe that today's Jews are the biblical children of Israel. Pat Higgins, however, explodes this erroneous assumption with multiple passages from Scripture that show that modern-day Jews are just a fraction of those whom the Bible calls "Israelites." This is a distinction we must understand if we wish to grasp vital truths in God's Word.

WorldWatch
Germany's Dilemma
by David C. Grabbe

Germany is in a bind. It is an industrial powerhouse, the richest economy in Europe, but it must prop up several poor-performing economies throughout the rest of the European Union. Berlin cannot continue this practice lest they drag it down with them. David Grabbe warns that Germany's decisions on these matters could have far-reaching consequences for Europe and the rest of the world.

Bible Study
The Miracles of Jesus Christ:
Healing Malchus' Ear (Part Two)
by Martin G. Collins

Even while in the process of being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus showed mercy on the stricken Malchus, healing his detached ear. Martin Collins continues to explore this incident in the life of Christ, showing that He was true to His Father's will even during the most agonizing night of His life, drinking the cup He had been given.