Stem-Cell Research: Pro or Con? (July 2006)

July 2006
Volume 15, Number 6

Human technology has advanced to the point that scientists claim they can cure disease using embryonic stem cells to manufacture healthy tissues. Is this true? What is this new research all about? And what are the costs? Is this an area of knowledge God wants mankind to meddle in?  (Reuters)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Four)

The Bible makes it very plain that salvation is by grace, but it is also clear that we are 'created in Christ Jesus for good works' (Ephesians 2:10). Having explained justification, John Ritenbaugh tackles the process of sanctification, showing that the far greater part of God's saving work in us occurs after baptism!

Ready Answer
Desire Earnestly to Prophesy
by Bill Cherry

Paul's admonition to the Corinthians to desire to prophesy has confused some due to a fundamental misunderstanding of what prophesying really is. Bill Cherry examines this command in its context, showing that it has everything to do with Christian fellowship, particularly on the Sabbath.

Prophecy Watch
Embryonic Stem-Cell Research:
The Promise and the Reality (Part One)
by Charles Whitaker

Stem-cell research has recently been in the news as a few bills wound their way through the U.S. Congress. Charles Whitaker takes the opportunity to explain the details of embryonic stem-cell research, exposing some of the hidden truths science and business interests do not want the public to know.

WorldWatch
The Fractured Middle East
by David C. Grabbe

Most Westerners tend to simplify their perception of the situation in the Middle East by using dichotomies: Israel vs. Arabs, Jew vs. Muslim, Western vs. Islamic, etc. However, as David Grabbe explains, it is not that simple, particularly on the Muslim side, where multiple factions exist.

Bible Study
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Nine):
The Parable of the Householder
by Martin G. Collins

The last of the parables of Matthew 13, the Parable of the Householder is addressed directly to Christ's disciples, and beyond them, to God's ministers. Martin Collins reveals that Jesus wants His ministers to use their learning and experience to feed His flock a balanced spiritual diet.