Forerunner: Preparing Christians for the Kingdom of God



The Cartoon Riots: 'Death to the West!' (February 2006)

February 2006
Volume 15, Number 2


Protestors burn the Danish flag during a riot in front of the Danish embassy in Tehran, Iran. These widespread demonstrations have been orchestrated to inflame hostilities against Western nations. How will Europe's leaders react?  (Reuters)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Three)

Human history proves that individuals quickly absorb the course of the world, losing their innocence and becoming self-centered and deceived like everybody else. John Ritenbaugh contends that Christians must continue to fight against these anti-God attitudes long after their calling to deepen and strengthen their relationships with God.

Ready Answer
What Does 'Examine Yourselves' Mean?

by Staff

Each year, Christians prepare for Passover by engaging in a thorough, spiritual self-examination. An analysis of the apostle Paul's instruction in II Corinthians 13:5 shows us what we need to look for.

Prophecy Watch
Why Israel? (Part One)

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Even the beginning Bible student knows that Israel plays a prominent part in Scripture. Why? Richard Ritenbaugh explores God's stated purposes for choosing and using the children of Israel throughout His Word—and beyond.

Proselytism Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Part Two)
by Charles Whitaker

Though the world's political bodies have agreed that proselytism is a human right, in practice it is a right denigrated and even suppressed in certain regions. Charles Whitaker holds that, though proselytism has a poor reputation now, a time is coming when it will be used properly to bring this world peace and prosperity.

WorldWatch
The Culture War and the Cartoon Ruckus

by David C. Grabbe

A major news item over the past month has been the riots over the publishing of cartoons depicting Islam's prophet, Mohammad. David Grabbe ponders the rather belated reaction of the Muslim street, asking, "Why all the sound and fury?"

Bible Study
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Five):
The Parable of the Leaven

by Martin G. Collins

Most commentators see in the Parable of the Leaven a positive message of the growth of the church. Martin Collins, however, shows that they have it exactly backward—Jesus' parable is a warning of internal corruption!