Unsheathe Your Sword! (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
The New Testament describes Christians as soldiers at war against the adversary, Satan, the surrounding culture, and their carnal natures. The last battleground, human nature, is the primary one, on which we fight daily to overcome ingrained, sinful habits. The weapon of our warfare is the Word of God, "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). Pat Higgins shows how we can deploy our sword in the many battles we face during our converted lives.
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
The New Testament describes Christians as soldiers at war against the adversary, Satan, the surrounding culture, and their carnal natures. The last battleground, human nature, is the primary one, on which we fight daily to overcome ingrained, sinful habits. The weapon of our warfare is the Word of God, "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). Pat Higgins shows how we can deploy our sword in the many battles we face during our converted lives.
Little Things Count!
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
When we look at ourselves against the backdrop of humanity, we can feel that we do not matter. We are just a number among billions. Yet, no one and no act is truly insignificant because of two natural principles: the natural tendency is to increase, and we reap what we sow. John Ritenbaugh shows that, concerning sin and righteousness, these principles play major roles in our personal lives and in the Body of Christ.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
When we look at ourselves against the backdrop of humanity, we can feel that we do not matter. We are just a number among billions. Yet, no one and no act is truly insignificant because of two natural principles: the natural tendency is to increase, and we reap what we sow. John Ritenbaugh shows that, concerning sin and righteousness, these principles play major roles in our personal lives and in the Body of Christ.
Death by Debt
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Not long ago, America's economy stood as the envy of the world, and the nation spread its wealth all around the globe. It still leads the world in economic strength, but huge cracks of debt - now over $34 trillion - undermine its foundation. And government spending shows no sign of slowing anytime soon. Joseph Baity suggests that, though the United States has so far avoided economic catastrophe, the outlook is grim indeed.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Not long ago, America's economy stood as the envy of the world, and the nation spread its wealth all around the globe. It still leads the world in economic strength, but huge cracks of debt - now over $34 trillion - undermine its foundation. And government spending shows no sign of slowing anytime soon. Joseph Baity suggests that, though the United States has so far avoided economic catastrophe, the outlook is grim indeed.
The Seven Churches (Part Five): Pergamos
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The church members in Pergamos stood under Christ's judgment. While He commends them for holding fast to His name and not denying the faith, He finds fault with them for a few things: Some of them held to the doctrine of Balaam, and others followed the teachings of the Nicolaitans, both of which He hates. Richard Ritenbaugh examines the third letter to the seven churches, showing that we must also heed Christ's warning in it.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The church members in Pergamos stood under Christ's judgment. While He commends them for holding fast to His name and not denying the faith, He finds fault with them for a few things: Some of them held to the doctrine of Balaam, and others followed the teachings of the Nicolaitans, both of which He hates. Richard Ritenbaugh examines the third letter to the seven churches, showing that we must also heed Christ's warning in it.
1335 (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
What prophetic principle should we be most concerned about? Is it knowing the timing of the fulfillment of certain prophecies? Is it putting prophetic events in the right order? The apostle Paul, writing to his protege, Timothy, suggests something far different: that we love Christ's appearing. Charles Whitaker takes a unique, spiritual perspective on the enigmatic 1,335 days mentioned in Daniel 12:12.
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
What prophetic principle should we be most concerned about? Is it knowing the timing of the fulfillment of certain prophecies? Is it putting prophetic events in the right order? The apostle Paul, writing to his protege, Timothy, suggests something far different: that we love Christ's appearing. Charles Whitaker takes a unique, spiritual perspective on the enigmatic 1,335 days mentioned in Daniel 12:12.
Resolutions: Man's and God's
'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. Graham
With the new year invariably come New Year's resolutions—and days or weeks later, a great deal of failure in keeping them! The idea of making resolutions to improve oneself is commendable, but we should carefully consider the kind of resolutions we make. Ronny Graham suggests that we take up godly resolutions, so that we "put on" the righteous character of the new man.
'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. Graham
With the new year invariably come New Year's resolutions—and days or weeks later, a great deal of failure in keeping them! The idea of making resolutions to improve oneself is commendable, but we should carefully consider the kind of resolutions we make. Ronny Graham suggests that we take up godly resolutions, so that we "put on" the righteous character of the new man.
Who Were the Wise Men?
Article by Staff
Mentioned in Matthew 2, the wise men or magi have been mysterious figures since their appearance two thousand years ago. For centuries, scholars and Bible students have tried to determine who they were, and their speculations have varied widely. Careful research into the biblical description of their visit to the young Jesus can provide satisfying answers to this longtime question.
Article by Staff
Mentioned in Matthew 2, the wise men or magi have been mysterious figures since their appearance two thousand years ago. For centuries, scholars and Bible students have tried to determine who they were, and their speculations have varied widely. Careful research into the biblical description of their visit to the young Jesus can provide satisfying answers to this longtime question.
Are You a Christian?
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet contains Juliet's famous lines: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose/By any other name would smell as sweet." True, a person's essential character means more than a name. Yet, what about the term "Christian," which a third of the world's people appropriate for themselves, no matter how divergent their beliefs? David Grabbe explores whether Christ's disciples should call themselves "Christian."
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet contains Juliet's famous lines: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose/By any other name would smell as sweet." True, a person's essential character means more than a name. Yet, what about the term "Christian," which a third of the world's people appropriate for themselves, no matter how divergent their beliefs? David Grabbe explores whether Christ's disciples should call themselves "Christian."
Israel's Long War
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel drew the world's eyes back to the longtime conflict over the Holy Land. While the present war has killed and wounded thousands, it may be just another flare-up of an enmity that stretches back nearly four thousand years. Richard Ritenbaugh advises Christians to temper their expectations of it signaling Christ's return since "wars and rumors of wars" are but "the beginning of sorrows."
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel drew the world's eyes back to the longtime conflict over the Holy Land. While the present war has killed and wounded thousands, it may be just another flare-up of an enmity that stretches back nearly four thousand years. Richard Ritenbaugh advises Christians to temper their expectations of it signaling Christ's return since "wars and rumors of wars" are but "the beginning of sorrows."
Ingratitude
Article by Mark Schindler
Why do some people gripe, complain, and feel slighted even when others have jumped through hoops to smooth their way? The answer may be ingratitude. A reluctance to thank others - particularly God - for their help reveals a self-centered and inconsiderate attitude. In recounting a personal story, Mark Schindler shows how ingratitude can stifle and eventually derail our relationship with God if we let it.
Article by Mark Schindler
Why do some people gripe, complain, and feel slighted even when others have jumped through hoops to smooth their way? The answer may be ingratitude. A reluctance to thank others - particularly God - for their help reveals a self-centered and inconsiderate attitude. In recounting a personal story, Mark Schindler shows how ingratitude can stifle and eventually derail our relationship with God if we let it.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Four): Obligation
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
No one likes to be indebted to someone else. However, when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, and He pays for our sins by His blood, we owe Him our lives! But rather than being onerous, our spiritual obligation produces good, leading to a deeply held, personal loyalty to Him. John Ritenbaugh explains that our redemption should make us strive to please Him in every facet of life.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
No one likes to be indebted to someone else. However, when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, and He pays for our sins by His blood, we owe Him our lives! But rather than being onerous, our spiritual obligation produces good, leading to a deeply held, personal loyalty to Him. John Ritenbaugh explains that our redemption should make us strive to please Him in every facet of life.
The Seven Churches (Part Four): Smyrna
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The letter to Smyrna contains a rarity among the seven churches: Its Author, Jesus Christ, mentions no criticism of its poor, persecuted members! Instead, He calls them spiritually rich and encourages them to be faithful, even unto death, while they suffer severe troubles. Richard Ritenbaugh probes the paradox of the letter to Smyrna, that those who please God due to their righteousness often suffer most.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The letter to Smyrna contains a rarity among the seven churches: Its Author, Jesus Christ, mentions no criticism of its poor, persecuted members! Instead, He calls them spiritually rich and encourages them to be faithful, even unto death, while they suffer severe troubles. Richard Ritenbaugh probes the paradox of the letter to Smyrna, that those who please God due to their righteousness often suffer most.
1335 (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
The period just before and after Jesus Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension was a whirlwind of remarkable events that fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies. That time stretched from Jesus' raising of Lazarus to His ascension to heaven ten days before Pentecost, a span of roughly 75 days. Charles Whitaker considers the mindset of the early church, providing a comparison to aid us in handling the coming whirlwind of the end time.
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
The period just before and after Jesus Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension was a whirlwind of remarkable events that fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies. That time stretched from Jesus' raising of Lazarus to His ascension to heaven ten days before Pentecost, a span of roughly 75 days. Charles Whitaker considers the mindset of the early church, providing a comparison to aid us in handling the coming whirlwind of the end time.
Hating Evil, Fearing God
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
II Corinthians 6:14-16 contains a strong warning against mixing evil with good. As Christians, we must be careful to avoid having anything to do with things like Halloween that are evil or glorify it, even if it is "just in fun." Highlighting Proverbs 8:13, David Grabbe explains how the fear of God plays a significant role in helping us rid evil from our lives.
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
II Corinthians 6:14-16 contains a strong warning against mixing evil with good. As Christians, we must be careful to avoid having anything to do with things like Halloween that are evil or glorify it, even if it is "just in fun." Highlighting Proverbs 8:13, David Grabbe explains how the fear of God plays a significant role in helping us rid evil from our lives.
God's Plan and the False Immortal Soul Doctrine
'Ready Answer' by Craig Sablich
Most nominal Christians and their denominations believe in the Doctrine of the Immortal Soul, but it is a weak reed on which to lean. The Bible does not support it; instead, it teaches the exact opposite, contradicting Satan's argument to Eve that she will not surely die. Craig Sablich explains that it also fails to mesh with God's revealed Plan for humanity, based on God's perfect judgment and His gift of eternal life.
'Ready Answer' by Craig Sablich
Most nominal Christians and their denominations believe in the Doctrine of the Immortal Soul, but it is a weak reed on which to lean. The Bible does not support it; instead, it teaches the exact opposite, contradicting Satan's argument to Eve that she will not surely die. Craig Sablich explains that it also fails to mesh with God's revealed Plan for humanity, based on God's perfect judgment and His gift of eternal life.
Be There Next Year
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Members of God's church usually return home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed spiritual vigor. Even so, we are painfully aware that some members fall away each year. John Ritenbaugh writes that we must actively seek God and His righteousness to ensure that we will be around to enjoy next year's Feast.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Members of God's church usually return home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed spiritual vigor. Even so, we are painfully aware that some members fall away each year. John Ritenbaugh writes that we must actively seek God and His righteousness to ensure that we will be around to enjoy next year's Feast.
The Tent of God
Article by Ronny H. Graham
Mentions of tents or tabernacles are fairly common in Scripture, from the tents of the Patriarchs to God's Tabernacle in which He dwelt with the Israelites in the wilderness. Some of the Bible's heroes of faith humbly lived in tents for extended periods after living luxuriously in fine homes and palaces when younger. Ronny Graham discusses the spiritual meanings of this biblical image to those whom God has chosen in this age.
Article by Ronny H. Graham
Mentions of tents or tabernacles are fairly common in Scripture, from the tents of the Patriarchs to God's Tabernacle in which He dwelt with the Israelites in the wilderness. Some of the Bible's heroes of faith humbly lived in tents for extended periods after living luxuriously in fine homes and palaces when younger. Ronny Graham discusses the spiritual meanings of this biblical image to those whom God has chosen in this age.
Azazel: Observations and Questions
Article by Pat Higgins
The apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:7 that "we have this treasure [God's revelation] in earthen vessels," and this fact is never more noticeable than when we realize that we have believed something in error for many years. Why were we so blind? Why did God not open our eyes to the truth sooner? What is God trying to teach us? Pat Higgins ponders some observations and asks some questions in the wake of learning who the azazel goat truly represents.
Article by Pat Higgins
The apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:7 that "we have this treasure [God's revelation] in earthen vessels," and this fact is never more noticeable than when we realize that we have believed something in error for many years. Why were we so blind? Why did God not open our eyes to the truth sooner? What is God trying to teach us? Pat Higgins ponders some observations and asks some questions in the wake of learning who the azazel goat truly represents.
The Fall Holy Days
Article by John Reiss
In keeping God's Sabbath and annual holy days, the church of God has gained considerable insight into the biblical appointed times. While the springtime festivals primarily focus on Christ's work for and with His elect, the final four holy days, all occurring in the autumn, represent God's plan of salvation for humanity in general. John Reiss provides a theological and prophetic overview of the fall feasts of God.
Article by John Reiss
In keeping God's Sabbath and annual holy days, the church of God has gained considerable insight into the biblical appointed times. While the springtime festivals primarily focus on Christ's work for and with His elect, the final four holy days, all occurring in the autumn, represent God's plan of salvation for humanity in general. John Reiss provides a theological and prophetic overview of the fall feasts of God.
This Is Not God's World
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In several places in Scripture, God urges His people to come out of this world. Because He is the earth's and humanity's Creator, we may struggle with this command. But the world of which He speaks consists of society's anti-God religious, psychological, and philosophical systems whose beginnings reside in the Adversary, Satan the Devil. John Ritenbaugh suggests we thoroughly evaluate how much of this world still influences us.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In several places in Scripture, God urges His people to come out of this world. Because He is the earth's and humanity's Creator, we may struggle with this command. But the world of which He speaks consists of society's anti-God religious, psychological, and philosophical systems whose beginnings reside in the Adversary, Satan the Devil. John Ritenbaugh suggests we thoroughly evaluate how much of this world still influences us.