Leadership and Covenants (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The quality of human life on this earth has in large part been determined by the character of its leaders. In the Bible we have a record of both good and bad leaders, and it provides a repetitive principle that "as go the leadership, so goes the nation." John Ritenbaugh begins a new series that links leadership to the various scriptural covenants and their success or lack thereof.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The quality of human life on this earth has in large part been determined by the character of its leaders. In the Bible we have a record of both good and bad leaders, and it provides a repetitive principle that "as go the leadership, so goes the nation." John Ritenbaugh begins a new series that links leadership to the various scriptural covenants and their success or lack thereof.
Are Humans Good or Evil?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
One of the "big questions" of philosophy asks whether human beings are by nature good or evil, and despite a long history of philosophers and theologians weighing in on the subject, people seem to be evenly split on the answer. Richard Ritenbaugh, going to the Bible for God's answer, finds that Scripture is consistent in its description of man's nature.
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
One of the "big questions" of philosophy asks whether human beings are by nature good or evil, and despite a long history of philosophers and theologians weighing in on the subject, people seem to be evenly split on the answer. Richard Ritenbaugh, going to the Bible for God's answer, finds that Scripture is consistent in its description of man's nature.
What Is the Second Death?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
The common belief among Christians—and other religions have similar depictions of the afterlife—is that one's immortal soul goes either to heaven or hell after death. David Grabbe argues that this ignores the biblical concept of the second death, an event beyond physical death that not only undermines the traditional heaven-hell and immortal soul doctrines, but also highlights God's perfect sense of justice.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
The common belief among Christians—and other religions have similar depictions of the afterlife—is that one's immortal soul goes either to heaven or hell after death. David Grabbe argues that this ignores the biblical concept of the second death, an event beyond physical death that not only undermines the traditional heaven-hell and immortal soul doctrines, but also highlights God's perfect sense of justice.
Anything Goes (Part Two): Transparency for the Transgender Agenda
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The transgender movement is becoming frighteningly vocal and hostile to traditional values, and now corporations all across America have added their strength to the matter. Joseph Baity reveals that pro-transgender forces are also targeting the nation's children in an attempt to indoctrinate them to support their perverse practices.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The transgender movement is becoming frighteningly vocal and hostile to traditional values, and now corporations all across America have added their strength to the matter. Joseph Baity reveals that pro-transgender forces are also targeting the nation's children in an attempt to indoctrinate them to support their perverse practices.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Withering of a Fig Tree
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
Some Bible students scratch their heads over the incident, recorded in Matthew and Mark, in which Jesus curses a fig tree for not having any fruit, even though it was not yet the season for figs! Martin Collins explains this difficult passage, showing that Jesus used the situation to teach His disciples a lesson on hypocrisy.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
Some Bible students scratch their heads over the incident, recorded in Matthew and Mark, in which Jesus curses a fig tree for not having any fruit, even though it was not yet the season for figs! Martin Collins explains this difficult passage, showing that Jesus used the situation to teach His disciples a lesson on hypocrisy.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Fifteen): Deference
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
"Deference" is a word that receives scant support in these days of individual rights and equality. Solomon, however, makes the subject of deference—that is, being properly respectful and submissive to an authority figure—a major part of Ecclesiastes 8. John Ritenbaugh urges Christians always to see God behind those in power over us, which will help in giving proper deference.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
"Deference" is a word that receives scant support in these days of individual rights and equality. Solomon, however, makes the subject of deference—that is, being properly respectful and submissive to an authority figure—a major part of Ecclesiastes 8. John Ritenbaugh urges Christians always to see God behind those in power over us, which will help in giving proper deference.
What a Difference a Day Makes
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
We have read the accounts in Scripture on the Day of the Lord, and there is no doubt that it will be a chaotic, horrifying time. God will use the forces at His disposal to bring drastic change to planet Earth. Charles Whitaker explains that two of those forces, fire and water, are cleansing agents by which God will purify the earth before the second coming of Christ.
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
We have read the accounts in Scripture on the Day of the Lord, and there is no doubt that it will be a chaotic, horrifying time. God will use the forces at His disposal to bring drastic change to planet Earth. Charles Whitaker explains that two of those forces, fire and water, are cleansing agents by which God will purify the earth before the second coming of Christ.
What Does It Mean to Take Up the Cross?
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
Beyond the fact that our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross of some sort, He used its imagery to instruct His followers: He bids us take up our cross and follow Him. David Grabbe analyzes what Jesus' command would have meant to those who heard Him, showing that our Savior is asking us to follow His example of sacrifice in our own Christian lives.
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
Beyond the fact that our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross of some sort, He used its imagery to instruct His followers: He bids us take up our cross and follow Him. David Grabbe analyzes what Jesus' command would have meant to those who heard Him, showing that our Savior is asking us to follow His example of sacrifice in our own Christian lives.
Is Your Conscience a Good Guide?
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
For many, the nature of the human conscience, an individual's inner sense of right and wrong, is a difficult concept. Most importantly, can we trust it? Martin Collins examines the Bible's perspective on the conscience, showing that, while it may be God-given, it is not the final arbiter between what is good and what is evil.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
For many, the nature of the human conscience, an individual's inner sense of right and wrong, is a difficult concept. Most importantly, can we trust it? Martin Collins examines the Bible's perspective on the conscience, showing that, while it may be God-given, it is not the final arbiter between what is good and what is evil.
Anything Goes (Part One): Transparency for the Transgender Agenda
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The LGBT movement has experienced a banner year. It has dominated the major headlines with the legalization of same-sex "marriage" and the widespread praise of Bruce Jenner's courage in "coming out" as a transgender person. Joseph Baity chronicles the path this movement has taken to get to this point.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The LGBT movement has experienced a banner year. It has dominated the major headlines with the legalization of same-sex "marriage" and the widespread praise of Bruce Jenner's courage in "coming out" as a transgender person. Joseph Baity chronicles the path this movement has taken to get to this point.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Fourteen): A Summary
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Calling Ecclesiastes 7 "the most significant Old Testament chapter I have studied," John Ritenbaugh summarizes the many lessons Solomon teaches in its twenty-nine verses. Along with its central paradox, the chapter emphasizes the importance of an individual's lifelong search for wisdom, closing with an admonition that mankind has brought his problems on himself.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Calling Ecclesiastes 7 "the most significant Old Testament chapter I have studied," John Ritenbaugh summarizes the many lessons Solomon teaches in its twenty-nine verses. Along with its central paradox, the chapter emphasizes the importance of an individual's lifelong search for wisdom, closing with an admonition that mankind has brought his problems on himself.
Light Affliction?
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
Affliction seems to be an integral part of Christianity. Our Savior Jesus Christ and His apostles suffered a great deal during their ministries, and though modern Christians' burdens cannot compare to theirs, they are still significant enough to cause great pain. Pat Higgins demonstrates the relative nature of Christian affliction, urging believers to take the Bible's long view of their suffering.
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
Affliction seems to be an integral part of Christianity. Our Savior Jesus Christ and His apostles suffered a great deal during their ministries, and though modern Christians' burdens cannot compare to theirs, they are still significant enough to cause great pain. Pat Higgins demonstrates the relative nature of Christian affliction, urging believers to take the Bible's long view of their suffering.
How Much Longer Do We Have?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
How often have we heard—or cried ourselves—"How long, O Lord?" Our great hope is in Christ's return, but despite His assurances that He is coming quickly, it seems as if that time is delayed. David Grabbe, keying in on II Peter 3, cautions us not to be distracted by scoffers or cunning arguments, but trust that Christ will return at exactly the best time.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
How often have we heard—or cried ourselves—"How long, O Lord?" Our great hope is in Christ's return, but despite His assurances that He is coming quickly, it seems as if that time is delayed. David Grabbe, keying in on II Peter 3, cautions us not to be distracted by scoffers or cunning arguments, but trust that Christ will return at exactly the best time.
Euthanizing a Civilization
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
All across the world, but particularly in the liberal democracies of America and Europe, laws allowing euthanasia and assisted suicide are on the increase. Richard Ritenbaugh details, not only their expansion, but also how they push a progressive agenda that results in a culture of death.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
All across the world, but particularly in the liberal democracies of America and Europe, laws allowing euthanasia and assisted suicide are on the increase. Richard Ritenbaugh details, not only their expansion, but also how they push a progressive agenda that results in a culture of death.
Admission of Sin
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
For the last generation or two, modern society has been pulling away from acknowledging the reality of sin. Yet, when people believe that God's law is no longer valid, they deceive themselves. Martin Collins surveys scriptures that urge Christians to admit or confess their sins, showing how it benefits our understanding and growth.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
For the last generation or two, modern society has been pulling away from acknowledging the reality of sin. Yet, when people believe that God's law is no longer valid, they deceive themselves. Martin Collins surveys scriptures that urge Christians to admit or confess their sins, showing how it benefits our understanding and growth.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Thirteen): Confessions
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
As he closes the seventh chapter of Ecclesiastes, Solomon makes a confession about the search for wisdom, saying that, even to him, true wisdom remained beyond his grasp. Acknowledging this truth, John Ritenbaugh explains that, while wisdom will ultimately elude us too, we must continue to seek it because pursuing it is itself a great reward.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
As he closes the seventh chapter of Ecclesiastes, Solomon makes a confession about the search for wisdom, saying that, even to him, true wisdom remained beyond his grasp. Acknowledging this truth, John Ritenbaugh explains that, while wisdom will ultimately elude us too, we must continue to seek it because pursuing it is itself a great reward.
Wool and Linen
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
Not a few people, and even many Christians, think that the Bible contains some strange laws. For instance, Deuteronomy 22:11 forbids the wearing of a garment that contains different fabrics. Mike Ford tackles this particular command, contending that it contains a spiritual principle with a profound impact on Christian life.
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
Not a few people, and even many Christians, think that the Bible contains some strange laws. For instance, Deuteronomy 22:11 forbids the wearing of a garment that contains different fabrics. Mike Ford tackles this particular command, contending that it contains a spiritual principle with a profound impact on Christian life.
Every Word?
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins
A common scriptural refrain—and especially in the book of Deuteronomy—is God's admonishment to be careful to observe His commands. Pat Higgins applies the principle of being careful to observe to two verses that have great significance to us as we near the end of the age, as our carefulness in living by God's every word may have life-or-death consequences.
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins
A common scriptural refrain—and especially in the book of Deuteronomy—is God's admonishment to be careful to observe His commands. Pat Higgins applies the principle of being careful to observe to two verses that have great significance to us as we near the end of the age, as our carefulness in living by God's every word may have life-or-death consequences.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Blind Bartimaeus
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
One of the last of Jesus' miracles was the healing of blind Bartimaeus near Jericho about a week before His arrest. Martin Collins shows that Jesus' compassion for the man's blindness points to His compassion for all those who are spiritually blind, a compassion He proved by giving His life to pay the penalty for sin.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
One of the last of Jesus' miracles was the healing of blind Bartimaeus near Jericho about a week before His arrest. Martin Collins shows that Jesus' compassion for the man's blindness points to His compassion for all those who are spiritually blind, a compassion He proved by giving His life to pay the penalty for sin.
Is Obama Redistributing Power?
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
A major news story of the year has been the accord reached between U.S. and Iranian negotiators that allows Tehran to advance its nuclear ambitions and have its sanctions lifted. Richard Ritenbaugh speculates that the agreement follows American President Barack Obama's stated desire to redistribute from those who have to those who do not, and this time he is redistributing international power.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
A major news story of the year has been the accord reached between U.S. and Iranian negotiators that allows Tehran to advance its nuclear ambitions and have its sanctions lifted. Richard Ritenbaugh speculates that the agreement follows American President Barack Obama's stated desire to redistribute from those who have to those who do not, and this time he is redistributing international power.