Simplify Your Life!
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Time marches relentlessly on, and each of us has a finite amount of it to spend. Even so, we waste much of it on foolish pursuits, procrastination, and distractions, ignoring or forgetting that it is a precious resource. John Ritenbaugh explains how taking control of our limited time works to our advantage in our pursuit of God's Kingdom!
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Time marches relentlessly on, and each of us has a finite amount of it to spend. Even so, we waste much of it on foolish pursuits, procrastination, and distractions, ignoring or forgetting that it is a precious resource. John Ritenbaugh explains how taking control of our limited time works to our advantage in our pursuit of God's Kingdom!
Thanksgiving
'Ready Answer' by Staff
Each year, Americans and Canadians enjoy their autumn Thanksgiving celebrations — maybe too much sometimes! Using the grateful words of Psalm 92, this article explores why we should be thankful, how much we have to be thankful for, and how we can give God our thanks. Gratitude is a necessary part of our praise and worship of the Father and the Son.
'Ready Answer' by Staff
Each year, Americans and Canadians enjoy their autumn Thanksgiving celebrations — maybe too much sometimes! Using the grateful words of Psalm 92, this article explores why we should be thankful, how much we have to be thankful for, and how we can give God our thanks. Gratitude is a necessary part of our praise and worship of the Father and the Son.
The Model Prayer (Part Seven): Forgive Us Our Debts
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Among the three personal requests included in Jesus Christ's Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), the middle one on forgiveness is the only one our Savior comments further upon (verses 14-15). So that we do not miss the point, He plainly states that God's forgiveness of us depends on whether we forgive others. Richard Ritenbaugh explains how our loving acts of forgiveness spur reconciliation among God's people.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Among the three personal requests included in Jesus Christ's Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), the middle one on forgiveness is the only one our Savior comments further upon (verses 14-15). So that we do not miss the point, He plainly states that God's forgiveness of us depends on whether we forgive others. Richard Ritenbaugh explains how our loving acts of forgiveness spur reconciliation among God's people.
Slowly Sinking
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Over the past century, and certainly since the end of World War II, the United States has held sway over the world with its enormous economy and dominant military might. Recently, however, the vaunted power of the American armed forces has begun to erode under weak and vacillating leadership. Joseph Baity chronicles what has undermined American hegemony and warns of a growing power in Asia.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Over the past century, and certainly since the end of World War II, the United States has held sway over the world with its enormous economy and dominant military might. Recently, however, the vaunted power of the American armed forces has begun to erode under weak and vacillating leadership. Joseph Baity chronicles what has undermined American hegemony and warns of a growing power in Asia.
The Duality of Prophecy
'Prophecy Watch' by Earl L. Henn
Many Bible students love to study prophecy and search out how the predictions of Scripture have been fulfilled. Less well-understood is that a large number of biblical prophecies are dual, meaning that they have a historical fulfillment and a future one, which scholars call a type and an antitype. Earl Henn explains this vital Bible study principle so we can gain a better understanding of prophecy.
'Prophecy Watch' by Earl L. Henn
Many Bible students love to study prophecy and search out how the predictions of Scripture have been fulfilled. Less well-understood is that a large number of biblical prophecies are dual, meaning that they have a historical fulfillment and a future one, which scholars call a type and an antitype. Earl Henn explains this vital Bible study principle so we can gain a better understanding of prophecy.
Do Not Be Afraid!
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. Bowling
Jesus is well-known for bringing significant spiritual principles out of common human experiences in nature. Nothing is as common as the lowly sparrow, a tiny bird that seems to have little or no value. Ted Bowling describes how our Savior utilizes this forgettable bird to teach about God's watchfulness and care over His "little flock" and each of His chosen people in it.
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. Bowling
Jesus is well-known for bringing significant spiritual principles out of common human experiences in nature. Nothing is as common as the lowly sparrow, a tiny bird that seems to have little or no value. Ted Bowling describes how our Savior utilizes this forgettable bird to teach about God's watchfulness and care over His "little flock" and each of His chosen people in it.
The Crown of Life
Article by Martin G. Collins
In these times of democracy and self-rule, we do not think of crowns very often. We may gape at the crowns of monarchs around the world, but they play little part in our lives. However, if we are true Christians, crowns await us if we continue in the faith! Martin Collins researches the two main kinds of crowns seen in the New Testament, both of which we will receive upon entrance to God's Kingdom.
Article by Martin G. Collins
In these times of democracy and self-rule, we do not think of crowns very often. We may gape at the crowns of monarchs around the world, but they play little part in our lives. However, if we are true Christians, crowns await us if we continue in the faith! Martin Collins researches the two main kinds of crowns seen in the New Testament, both of which we will receive upon entrance to God's Kingdom.
The Israel of God
Article by Charles Whitaker
In Galatians 6:16, the apostle Paul refers to the church as "the Israel of God." Why? Why does he choose to compare God's elect with the patriarch Israel, whose name was originally "Jacob" until God Himself changed it. Charles Whitaker helps to connect the dots between the man who wrestled with God and those whom God has called into His church.
Article by Charles Whitaker
In Galatians 6:16, the apostle Paul refers to the church as "the Israel of God." Why? Why does he choose to compare God's elect with the patriarch Israel, whose name was originally "Jacob" until God Himself changed it. Charles Whitaker helps to connect the dots between the man who wrestled with God and those whom God has called into His church.
Does Paul Condemn Observing God's Holy Days?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn
Galatians 4:9-10 - verses that condemn returning to keeping "days and months and seasons and years" - is a favorite target of those who claim Christians no longer need to observe God's holy days. Is that really what Paul means? By explaining the context of the passage, Earl Henn shows that the apostle meant something entirely different - in fact, just the opposite!
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn
Galatians 4:9-10 - verses that condemn returning to keeping "days and months and seasons and years" - is a favorite target of those who claim Christians no longer need to observe God's holy days. Is that really what Paul means? By explaining the context of the passage, Earl Henn shows that the apostle meant something entirely different - in fact, just the opposite!
The Model Prayer (Part Six): Our Daily Bread
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In Matthew 6:11, Christ's Model Prayer turns to the supplicant's physical needs by requesting, "Give us this day our daily bread." While it petitions God to supply physical food, the entreaty should not be limited to mere physical needs. Richard Ritenbaugh suggests that Jesus' words hold far deeper meanings in terms of God's complete providence for His people.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In Matthew 6:11, Christ's Model Prayer turns to the supplicant's physical needs by requesting, "Give us this day our daily bread." While it petitions God to supply physical food, the entreaty should not be limited to mere physical needs. Richard Ritenbaugh suggests that Jesus' words hold far deeper meanings in terms of God's complete providence for His people.
Biden's 'Battle for the Soul of the Nation' Speech
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
American President Joseph Biden gave his "Battle for the Soul of the Nation" speech in front of Philadelphia's Independence Hall. His condemnatory rhetoric matched the strange, blood-red lighting of the background, evoking the typical depictions of hell. Richard Ritenbaugh describes the speech and the setting as signs that God's judgment on the nation may be nearer than we think.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
American President Joseph Biden gave his "Battle for the Soul of the Nation" speech in front of Philadelphia's Independence Hall. His condemnatory rhetoric matched the strange, blood-red lighting of the background, evoking the typical depictions of hell. Richard Ritenbaugh describes the speech and the setting as signs that God's judgment on the nation may be nearer than we think.
Separation and Oneness With God
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Throughout the generations since Adam and Eve, war has been humanity's solution to problems between people, groups, and nations. Millions have died by the sword because sin drives people into conflict and denies them the means of reconciliation and harmony. Is there any hope for humanity? John Ritenbaugh gives the comforting answer: Oneness with God is possible through Jesus Christ!
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Throughout the generations since Adam and Eve, war has been humanity's solution to problems between people, groups, and nations. Millions have died by the sword because sin drives people into conflict and denies them the means of reconciliation and harmony. Is there any hope for humanity? John Ritenbaugh gives the comforting answer: Oneness with God is possible through Jesus Christ!
The Shout of a King
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
A primary principle of biblical interpretation is that the Bible interprets itself. In the case of the Feast of Trumpets, the "blowing of trumpets" or better, "shout of the shofar" (Leviticus 23:24), provides a clue to the meaning of the day whose key can be found in several other passages in which "shout" (Hebrew teruah or ruwa) appears. David Grabbe gathers evidence that shows the holy day is tied to God's presence among His people.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
A primary principle of biblical interpretation is that the Bible interprets itself. In the case of the Feast of Trumpets, the "blowing of trumpets" or better, "shout of the shofar" (Leviticus 23:24), provides a clue to the meaning of the day whose key can be found in several other passages in which "shout" (Hebrew teruah or ruwa) appears. David Grabbe gathers evidence that shows the holy day is tied to God's presence among His people.
Do We Need the Old Testament?
'Ready Answer' by John Reiss
Many nominal Christians undervalue, neglect, and ignore the Old Testament, believing it has been superseded by the teachings in the New Testament. Even well-known pastors have taken this view. John Reiss provides five significant reasons why New Covenant Christians should consider the Old Testament to be just as valuable and necessary to their salvation as the New Testament.
'Ready Answer' by John Reiss
Many nominal Christians undervalue, neglect, and ignore the Old Testament, believing it has been superseded by the teachings in the New Testament. Even well-known pastors have taken this view. John Reiss provides five significant reasons why New Covenant Christians should consider the Old Testament to be just as valuable and necessary to their salvation as the New Testament.
The Model Prayer (Part Five): Your Will Be Done
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In His Model Prayer, Jesus instructs His people to pray that the Father's will be done. What is God's will? Can a human know it, understand it, and follow it? Richard Ritenbaugh explains that the prayer's third petition requests, not only that God's purpose be fulfilled, but particularly that the individual - the one praying - follow His will more fully.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In His Model Prayer, Jesus instructs His people to pray that the Father's will be done. What is God's will? Can a human know it, understand it, and follow it? Richard Ritenbaugh explains that the prayer's third petition requests, not only that God's purpose be fulfilled, but particularly that the individual - the one praying - follow His will more fully.
Five Teachings of Grace
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Protestant world presents grace as "free," but nothing could be more costly. It cost our Savior His life! While God bestows grace on those He chooses of His own volition, John Ritenbaugh shows from Scripture that God expects a great deal of effort - such things as continued repentance, spiritual growth, and godly fruit - from His people once they receive it.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Protestant world presents grace as "free," but nothing could be more costly. It cost our Savior His life! While God bestows grace on those He chooses of His own volition, John Ritenbaugh shows from Scripture that God expects a great deal of effort - such things as continued repentance, spiritual growth, and godly fruit - from His people once they receive it.
Pulling the Plug
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Fossil fuels have energized the industrialization and high standard of living of Western society. Climate-change advocates, however, are pushing for a major reduction in the world's reliance on oil and natural gas, touting "environmentally friendly" electric cars and solar and wind power. Joseph Baity warns that the technology behind alternative energy sources cannot handle demand, and they create ecological problems of their own.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Fossil fuels have energized the industrialization and high standard of living of Western society. Climate-change advocates, however, are pushing for a major reduction in the world's reliance on oil and natural gas, touting "environmentally friendly" electric cars and solar and wind power. Joseph Baity warns that the technology behind alternative energy sources cannot handle demand, and they create ecological problems of their own.
Why Must Satan Be Released?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Have you ever wondered why the Bible prophesies that God will release Satan from the bottomless pit near the end of the Millennium? Would that not be counterproductive to the purpose of Christ's reign on the earth? David Grabbe explains that Satan's release will reveal the Devil's unrepentant rebellion against God and test the character of humanity one last time.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Have you ever wondered why the Bible prophesies that God will release Satan from the bottomless pit near the end of the Millennium? Would that not be counterproductive to the purpose of Christ's reign on the earth? David Grabbe explains that Satan's release will reveal the Devil's unrepentant rebellion against God and test the character of humanity one last time.
Can Angels Marry Women?
'Ready Answer' by John Reiss
Genesis 6:1-4 has confounded many Bible students through the centuries. Most often, they have trouble determining who the "sons of God" were, leading them to fantastic and very unbiblical interpretations of the passage. John Reiss examines these verses in light of the rest of Scripture and posits an explanation that conforms to both biblical and scientific principles.
'Ready Answer' by John Reiss
Genesis 6:1-4 has confounded many Bible students through the centuries. Most often, they have trouble determining who the "sons of God" were, leading them to fantastic and very unbiblical interpretations of the passage. John Reiss examines these verses in light of the rest of Scripture and posits an explanation that conforms to both biblical and scientific principles.
A Basket of Summer Fruit
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
Summertime reminds us of "those lazy, hazy, crazy days" of our youth. The hot summer months are often times of careless play and distraction, of letting responsibilities lie dormant while we pursue fun and relaxation. Charles Whitaker shows that, biblically, summertime sounds a warning to us to prepare for the fall harvest, a time of judgment.
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
Summertime reminds us of "those lazy, hazy, crazy days" of our youth. The hot summer months are often times of careless play and distraction, of letting responsibilities lie dormant while we pursue fun and relaxation. Charles Whitaker shows that, biblically, summertime sounds a warning to us to prepare for the fall harvest, a time of judgment.