Spiritual Blindness (Part One): The God of This World
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Christians come from varying backgrounds and experiences, so not all church members react the same way to some of God's attributes. Those raised by critical parents may find forgiveness hard to fathom, while those brought up in a strict home may have trouble understanding love and grace. David Grabbe discusses one of these problematic characteristics of God, that He blinds certain people to the truth as He works out His purpose.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Christians come from varying backgrounds and experiences, so not all church members react the same way to some of God's attributes. Those raised by critical parents may find forgiveness hard to fathom, while those brought up in a strict home may have trouble understanding love and grace. David Grabbe discusses one of these problematic characteristics of God, that He blinds certain people to the truth as He works out His purpose.
From Start to Finish (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
The New Testament translates the Hebrew word, yacad, with the Greek word, katartizo, but their meanings are not the same. Rather than meaning "to begin" or "to found," katartizo has to do with mending or restoring. Charles Whitaker dives into the connotations and denotations of this intriguing Greek word and its significance to a Christian's walk with God.
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
The New Testament translates the Hebrew word, yacad, with the Greek word, katartizo, but their meanings are not the same. Rather than meaning "to begin" or "to found," katartizo has to do with mending or restoring. Charles Whitaker dives into the connotations and denotations of this intriguing Greek word and its significance to a Christian's walk with God.
Thanksgiving or Self-Indulgence?
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Each year, Thanksgiving Day falls between Halloween and Christmas, and some Christians contend that the three holidays are equally off-limits to church members. Is this true? Are all of this world's holidays forbidden to God's people? John Ritenbaugh shows the proper balance Christians should seek when determining whether to observe a holiday not found within the pages of Scripture.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Each year, Thanksgiving Day falls between Halloween and Christmas, and some Christians contend that the three holidays are equally off-limits to church members. Is this true? Are all of this world's holidays forbidden to God's people? John Ritenbaugh shows the proper balance Christians should seek when determining whether to observe a holiday not found within the pages of Scripture.
Halloween
Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In recent years, Halloween has become the second-most popular holiday on the calendar—even to the point that some churches sponsor parties on it! Many nominal Christians shrug off its pagan and occultic features as "just good, clean fun for the kids." Richard Ritenbaugh shows that this night of ghouls not only lacks any biblical foundation, but the Bible warns us against participating in such activities.
Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In recent years, Halloween has become the second-most popular holiday on the calendar—even to the point that some churches sponsor parties on it! Many nominal Christians shrug off its pagan and occultic features as "just good, clean fun for the kids." Richard Ritenbaugh shows that this night of ghouls not only lacks any biblical foundation, but the Bible warns us against participating in such activities.
The Model Prayer (Part One): Introduction
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Most nominal Christians know what is called "the Lord's Prayer," found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, because they recite it frequently. Jesus, however, never intended His teachings in these verses to become "vain repetitions," rote recitations that soon diminish into meaninglessness. Richard Ritenbaugh contends that Jesus gave His disciples a basic outline or model from which they could craft their own meaningful prayers to the Father.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Most nominal Christians know what is called "the Lord's Prayer," found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, because they recite it frequently. Jesus, however, never intended His teachings in these verses to become "vain repetitions," rote recitations that soon diminish into meaninglessness. Richard Ritenbaugh contends that Jesus gave His disciples a basic outline or model from which they could craft their own meaningful prayers to the Father.
The Pragmatic Japanese
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Nations are composed of people, and people are driven by self-interest. Japan, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean yet not far from rival nations on the mainland, has a history of abrupt changes in policy when the geopolitical situation alters against their self-interests. Richard Ritenbaugh explains why the current state of the world may force the Japanese to shift their foreign policy once again.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Nations are composed of people, and people are driven by self-interest. Japan, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean yet not far from rival nations on the mainland, has a history of abrupt changes in policy when the geopolitical situation alters against their self-interests. Richard Ritenbaugh explains why the current state of the world may force the Japanese to shift their foreign policy once again.
Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
After the Jewish leadership tried to indict Jesus with false testimony, the high priest asks Him directly, 'I adjure You by the living God that You tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.' Christ's affirmative answer raises more questions than it answers. David Grabbe uses the Old Testament sources of Jesus' answer to explain just what He conveyed to the chief priests, elders, and council members.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
After the Jewish leadership tried to indict Jesus with false testimony, the high priest asks Him directly, 'I adjure You by the living God that You tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.' Christ's affirmative answer raises more questions than it answers. David Grabbe uses the Old Testament sources of Jesus' answer to explain just what He conveyed to the chief priests, elders, and council members.
From Start to Finish (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
The Bible contains seven instances - in Isaiah and Revelation - of God declaring Himself to be "the First and the Last" or "the Beginning and the End." These phrases constitute a merism, the use of extreme opposites to signify, not just the extremes, but also everything in between. Charles Whitaker examines the "first" or "beginning" part of this merism, showing that it speaks to God's foundational works.
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
The Bible contains seven instances - in Isaiah and Revelation - of God declaring Himself to be "the First and the Last" or "the Beginning and the End." These phrases constitute a merism, the use of extreme opposites to signify, not just the extremes, but also everything in between. Charles Whitaker examines the "first" or "beginning" part of this merism, showing that it speaks to God's foundational works.
The Feast Is Over . . . Now What?
Article by Staff
The Feast of Tabernacles is always the highlight of our year, but what do we do afterward? How can we sustain the high level of zeal that began at the Feast? An episode from the book of Nehemiah provides a template we can use to bolster our faith and motivate growth in our relationship with God.
Article by Staff
The Feast of Tabernacles is always the highlight of our year, but what do we do afterward? How can we sustain the high level of zeal that began at the Feast? An episode from the book of Nehemiah provides a template we can use to bolster our faith and motivate growth in our relationship with God.
Sharing Our Lives at the Feast
Article by Mark Schindler
The Feast of Tabernacles is a wonderful gift God has given us to spend time with each other, really sharing ourselves. Through the stories of our experiences, both good and bad, we can be great sources of wisdom and encouragement, spurring our brethren to greater faith and zeal during times of trial. Mark Schindler provides a few examples of how this can be done.
Article by Mark Schindler
The Feast of Tabernacles is a wonderful gift God has given us to spend time with each other, really sharing ourselves. Through the stories of our experiences, both good and bad, we can be great sources of wisdom and encouragement, spurring our brethren to greater faith and zeal during times of trial. Mark Schindler provides a few examples of how this can be done.
Holy Days: Atonement
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Atonement, a day of fasting, pictures God's solution to the problem of human sin. This study shows why this solemn day is so vital!
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Atonement, a day of fasting, pictures God's solution to the problem of human sin. This study shows why this solemn day is so vital!
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Thirteen): Hebrews 2 and the Next Five Years
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In just a short time, American morality and freedom have descended into an increasingly Godless and restrictive morass. Disciples of Christ need to be extra-vigilant over the next five years as the inevitable decline of this once great nation continues. John Ritenbaugh urges God's people to keep God's Word fresh in their minds through diligent study and practice of His way of life.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In just a short time, American morality and freedom have descended into an increasingly Godless and restrictive morass. Disciples of Christ need to be extra-vigilant over the next five years as the inevitable decline of this once great nation continues. John Ritenbaugh urges God's people to keep God's Word fresh in their minds through diligent study and practice of His way of life.
God's Promises Are Sure!
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Using primarily the story of Joseph, John Ritenbaugh expounds the lessons we can learn and the encouragement we can glean from God's dealings with men during the time of the Feast of Trumpets.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Using primarily the story of Joseph, John Ritenbaugh expounds the lessons we can learn and the encouragement we can glean from God's dealings with men during the time of the Feast of Trumpets.
Like a Tree
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
The psalmist writes in Psalm 1 that the blessed person "shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water" (verse 3). What characteristics of trees does God want His people to emulate? Mike Ford, who has spent many years in landscaping, shows how trees provide living illustrations of godly behavior that will prepare Christians to partake of the Tree of Life in God's Kingdom.
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
The psalmist writes in Psalm 1 that the blessed person "shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water" (verse 3). What characteristics of trees does God want His people to emulate? Mike Ford, who has spent many years in landscaping, shows how trees provide living illustrations of godly behavior that will prepare Christians to partake of the Tree of Life in God's Kingdom.
Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
The prophet Amos describes the Israelites of his day as proud and secure in their special relationship with God, while God Himself castigates them for presuming He approved of them. They so misjudged matters that they eagerly desired the Day of the Lord! Using their example, David Grabbe compares them to what Jesus says about the Laodiceans, sounding a warning to us to pay attention to our true spiritual condition.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
The prophet Amos describes the Israelites of his day as proud and secure in their special relationship with God, while God Himself castigates them for presuming He approved of them. They so misjudged matters that they eagerly desired the Day of the Lord! Using their example, David Grabbe compares them to what Jesus says about the Laodiceans, sounding a warning to us to pay attention to our true spiritual condition.
A Drop to Drink
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The American West is once again under severe drought conditions, and we are seeing its effects in more than just raging forest fires. And now a first-ever federal water-shortage declaration on the Colorado River will soon be announced. Joseph Baity explains that God often uses droughts as signs that people need to repent of their sins and return to Him.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The American West is once again under severe drought conditions, and we are seeing its effects in more than just raging forest fires. And now a first-ever federal water-shortage declaration on the Colorado River will soon be announced. Joseph Baity explains that God often uses droughts as signs that people need to repent of their sins and return to Him.
Three Missing Kings (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
On the list of Judah's monarchs are three kings in a row who share a common, spiritually deadly characteristic. Joash, Amaziah, and Uzziah begin their reigns on high notes but end disastrously. John Ritenbaugh chronicles the reasons for their ignominious downfalls, showing that their negative examples highlight a vital principle for New Testament Christians.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
On the list of Judah's monarchs are three kings in a row who share a common, spiritually deadly characteristic. Joash, Amaziah, and Uzziah begin their reigns on high notes but end disastrously. John Ritenbaugh chronicles the reasons for their ignominious downfalls, showing that their negative examples highlight a vital principle for New Testament Christians.
God's Non-Transmittable Attributes (Part Four): Immutability
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
The classical gods of Mount Olympus reflected their worshipers' ideas and morals, and so they were flawed. They fought and schemed, lied and betrayed, lusted and abused. Not so the God of the Bible. Martin Collins explains that God Almighty is immutable; He does not change. This character trait allows us to trust and follow Him in hope.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
The classical gods of Mount Olympus reflected their worshipers' ideas and morals, and so they were flawed. They fought and schemed, lied and betrayed, lusted and abused. Not so the God of the Bible. Martin Collins explains that God Almighty is immutable; He does not change. This character trait allows us to trust and follow Him in hope.
Was Jesus Married?
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
Over the past century and more, critical scholars have worked to undermine God and the Bible. In concert with sensationalist fiction writers, they have foisted spurious gospels and outlandish theories on an increasingly irreligious public. Mike Ford analyzes a recent find, dubbed "The Gospel of Jesus' Wife," that claims our Savior was married to Mary Magdalene. But was He?
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
Over the past century and more, critical scholars have worked to undermine God and the Bible. In concert with sensationalist fiction writers, they have foisted spurious gospels and outlandish theories on an increasingly irreligious public. Mike Ford analyzes a recent find, dubbed "The Gospel of Jesus' Wife," that claims our Savior was married to Mary Magdalene. But was He?
Clouds (Part Three): The Revealing of Christ
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
Clouds are frequently associated with the Day of the Lord, the perhaps year-long time of God's wrath on those who opposed Him. What will those clouds conceal and what will they reveal once drawn back? Charles Whitaker surveys the scriptural evidence of the dramatic cloud-cover at the time of Christ's return.
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
Clouds are frequently associated with the Day of the Lord, the perhaps year-long time of God's wrath on those who opposed Him. What will those clouds conceal and what will they reveal once drawn back? Charles Whitaker surveys the scriptural evidence of the dramatic cloud-cover at the time of Christ's return.