Forerunner: Preparing Christians for the Kingdom of God



Who Were the Philistines? (November 2006)

November 2006
Volume 15, Number 9


Philistine warriors captured by the forces of Rameses III march along the walls of the temple at Medinet Habu. Until recently, little was known about these Sea Peoples beyond what is written in the Bible and on a few ancient monuments and tablets. As archeologists find more artifacts, our knowledge of Philistine culture expands, adding detail to the biblical record. (Courtesy of www.greatcommission.com, Rex Geissler)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Power Belongs to God (Part One)

As the return of Jesus Christ marches ever nearer, Christians need to be sure of one critical matter: Where does real power reside? John Ritenbaugh shows that all power has its source in God—and not just the kind of power we typically think of.

Ready Answer
Out of the Abundance of Our Prayers

by John O. Reid

Jesus remarks that our lips tell the tale our hearts try to hide. Using this proverb as a foundation, John Reid asks us to consider our prayers in a similar way. What do they tell God about us?

Prophecy Watch
Who Were the Philistines?

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

For several centuries, the Philistines were a constant menace on Israel's southwestern flank. Richard Ritenbaugh summarizes what the Bible, history, and archeology have to say about this little-known yet biblically significant people.

Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One:
False Knowledge

by David C. Grabbe

"Gnosticism" sounds like an old and very dry Greek philosophy, the subject of a somnolent college lecture. Not so, says David Grabbe. Gnosticism is very much in vogue today in books and movies—and in the belief systems of a great many people who profess to be Christian.

WorldWatch
The Axis of Evil and the Western Coalition

by David C. Grabbe

"Axis of Evil" has become a byword since President George W. Bush used it in a State of the Union address a few years ago. He proposed countering it with his "Coalition of the Willing." David Grabbe ponders the West's predilection toward alliances, questioning just how effective they are.

Bible Study
The Miracles of Jesus Christ:
Water Into Wine (Part One)

by Martin G. Collins

Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine, occurred at a friend's wedding in Cana. Martin Collins examines this truly astounding event, revealing principles of the nature of Jesus' miraculous power and God's purpose in performing such signs.