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.
Wandering the Wilderness in Faith
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The wandering of the children of Israel stands as an object lesson for God's people. Hebrews 3 testifies that a whole generation of Israelites died in the wilderness, failing to reach the Promised Land, because they lacked faith in God. John Ritenbaugh examines this vital component of Christian living, exhorting those whom God has called to choose to trust Him and avoid the Israelites' lamentable failure in the wilderness.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The wandering of the children of Israel stands as an object lesson for God's people. Hebrews 3 testifies that a whole generation of Israelites died in the wilderness, failing to reach the Promised Land, because they lacked faith in God. John Ritenbaugh examines this vital component of Christian living, exhorting those whom God has called to choose to trust Him and avoid the Israelites' lamentable failure in the wilderness.
The Model Prayer (Part Four): Your Kingdom Come
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The third line of Jesus' Model Prayer deals with both the present reality and the expectation of a future Kingdom of God. Its mention immediately after the salutation adds another trait of the divine nature: God's sovereignty over all things. Richard Ritenbaugh suggests that, in this part of the prayer, Jesus is helping to align the supplicant with God in the outworking of His plan for humanity.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The third line of Jesus' Model Prayer deals with both the present reality and the expectation of a future Kingdom of God. Its mention immediately after the salutation adds another trait of the divine nature: God's sovereignty over all things. Richard Ritenbaugh suggests that, in this part of the prayer, Jesus is helping to align the supplicant with God in the outworking of His plan for humanity.
A Chance to Right the Abortion Curse
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
As soon as the leaked draft opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization hit the Internet, pro-abortion protesters hit the streets and mobbed the Supreme Court building. The political left has already promised a "summer of rage" against the presumed ruling. Richard Ritenbaugh points out the clear moral flaws in Roe v. Wade, not to mention that even progressive legal experts admit its Constitutional basis is unstable.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
As soon as the leaked draft opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization hit the Internet, pro-abortion protesters hit the streets and mobbed the Supreme Court building. The political left has already promised a "summer of rage" against the presumed ruling. Richard Ritenbaugh points out the clear moral flaws in Roe v. Wade, not to mention that even progressive legal experts admit its Constitutional basis is unstable.
Father Knows Best
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
Not long ago, the father was considered the undisputed leader of the family, as depicted in the old TV show, Father Knows Best. How things have changed! Now the role models are predominantly negative, and men are increasingly failing to take responsibility for their offspring. Mike Ford takes a hard look at why this is happening and provides solutions from God's Word.
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
Not long ago, the father was considered the undisputed leader of the family, as depicted in the old TV show, Father Knows Best. How things have changed! Now the role models are predominantly negative, and men are increasingly failing to take responsibility for their offspring. Mike Ford takes a hard look at why this is happening and provides solutions from God's Word.
Heirs of Salvation
'Prophecy Watch' by Ronny H. Graham
The author of Hebrews makes some astounding statements in the course of his epistle, including what he writes in Hebrews 1:14: that God sends His angels to serve the needs of "those who will inherit salvation." Their job is to be caretakers of those God has called as firstfruits of His Kingdom. Ronny Graham explains the awesome potential of the elect, who are in training to rule as joint-heirs with Christ!
'Prophecy Watch' by Ronny H. Graham
The author of Hebrews makes some astounding statements in the course of his epistle, including what he writes in Hebrews 1:14: that God sends His angels to serve the needs of "those who will inherit salvation." Their job is to be caretakers of those God has called as firstfruits of His Kingdom. Ronny Graham explains the awesome potential of the elect, who are in training to rule as joint-heirs with Christ!
Our Heavenly Citizenship
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del Castillo
It is natural to want to "do our part" when we see the nation of our birth reel from internal dissent, our cities burning, our leadership incompetent. Yet, God has called His elect to a higher loyalty: to Himself and His Kingdom. Austin Del Castillo maintains that members of the church must focus on their identity in Christ and producing spiritual fruit even during such tumultuous times.
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del Castillo
It is natural to want to "do our part" when we see the nation of our birth reel from internal dissent, our cities burning, our leadership incompetent. Yet, God has called His elect to a higher loyalty: to Himself and His Kingdom. Austin Del Castillo maintains that members of the church must focus on their identity in Christ and producing spiritual fruit even during such tumultuous times.
God's List
Article by Mark Schindler
Oskar Schindler was determined to rescue as many Jews as possible from the horrors of the Final Solution. God acts in a similar way with His people. Mark Schindler explains.
Article by Mark Schindler
Oskar Schindler was determined to rescue as many Jews as possible from the horrors of the Final Solution. God acts in a similar way with His people. Mark Schindler explains.
Was God's Law Nailed to the Cross?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn
Many point to Colossians 2:14 to "prove" that it is no longer necessary to keep God's law, but is this really what the apostle Paul means? Was the law nailed to Christ's cross? What is the "handwriting of requirements" he writes of? Using the immediate context and supporting scriptures, Earl Henn untangles the apostle's intent in this verse.
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn
Many point to Colossians 2:14 to "prove" that it is no longer necessary to keep God's law, but is this really what the apostle Paul means? Was the law nailed to Christ's cross? What is the "handwriting of requirements" he writes of? Using the immediate context and supporting scriptures, Earl Henn untangles the apostle's intent in this verse.
An Unpayable Debt and Obligation
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
When God calls us and redeems us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ, we suddenly come under obligation, an immense debt we cannot pay. Were we to somehow pay it ourselves - which we could do only by dying - we would have no hope of eternal life, just the finality of death. John Ritenbaugh illustrates the magnanimity of God's gracious redemption and the response it compels the redeemed to give Him in turn.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
When God calls us and redeems us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ, we suddenly come under obligation, an immense debt we cannot pay. Were we to somehow pay it ourselves - which we could do only by dying - we would have no hope of eternal life, just the finality of death. John Ritenbaugh illustrates the magnanimity of God's gracious redemption and the response it compels the redeemed to give Him in turn.
God's Non-Transmittable Attributes (Part Five): Independence
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
While humans desire independence, of all beings across the universe, only God is truly free from all external restraint. As the eternal Creator, He is superior to everyone and everything within His Creation, and as Provider, He is never subject to need. Martin Collins explains that God is constrained only by His unimpeachable goodness and His faithful will, which we can rely on to bring about what is best for all.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
While humans desire independence, of all beings across the universe, only God is truly free from all external restraint. As the eternal Creator, He is superior to everyone and everything within His Creation, and as Provider, He is never subject to need. Martin Collins explains that God is constrained only by His unimpeachable goodness and His faithful will, which we can rely on to bring about what is best for all.
The Vulgar State of America
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
These days, it is difficult to find a "clean" show or movie to watch. Many songs spew profanities and obscenities into the airwaves. Even the Super Bowl halftime show sent bleep-worthy content into millions of American and international homes. Joseph Baity laments the lowest-common-denominator, coarse spirit that has overtaken modern culture, urging God's people to counter it with personal purity.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
These days, it is difficult to find a "clean" show or movie to watch. Many songs spew profanities and obscenities into the airwaves. Even the Super Bowl halftime show sent bleep-worthy content into millions of American and international homes. Joseph Baity laments the lowest-common-denominator, coarse spirit that has overtaken modern culture, urging God's people to counter it with personal purity.
Spiritual Blindness (Part Three): Choosing a Curse
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
God does not need to intervene to afflict someone with spiritual blindness because diminished understanding is an effect of sin. In this way, people choose the curse of spiritual blindness through habitually practicing the evils God commands us to avoid. David Grabbe pursues this principle, concluding that we all have areas of spiritual blindness in our lives, which we can overcome with a proper focus on Christ.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
God does not need to intervene to afflict someone with spiritual blindness because diminished understanding is an effect of sin. In this way, people choose the curse of spiritual blindness through habitually practicing the evils God commands us to avoid. David Grabbe pursues this principle, concluding that we all have areas of spiritual blindness in our lives, which we can overcome with a proper focus on Christ.
Seeing Is Not Believing
'Ready Answer' by Ryan McClure
The old saw, 'Seeing Is Believing,' may be true in many cases but not all the time. Humans rely on their five senses to give them the information they need to make rational judgments, but they are not foolproof. Ryan McClure explores how our senses can be deceived through distraction and misdirection, which becomes especially critical when determining matters of spiritual importance.
'Ready Answer' by Ryan McClure
The old saw, 'Seeing Is Believing,' may be true in many cases but not all the time. Humans rely on their five senses to give them the information they need to make rational judgments, but they are not foolproof. Ryan McClure explores how our senses can be deceived through distraction and misdirection, which becomes especially critical when determining matters of spiritual importance.
Passover, Obligation, and Love
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In the Model Prayer, Jesus mentions the forgiveness of sin in terms of paying off debt. Anyone with an unpayable debt that was redeemed by another would feel an immense sense of gratitude and obligation to his benefactor. John Ritenbaugh discusses how Christ's redemption of us from our massive debt of sin obligates us to obey and serve Him by doing good in acts of love and service to others.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In the Model Prayer, Jesus mentions the forgiveness of sin in terms of paying off debt. Anyone with an unpayable debt that was redeemed by another would feel an immense sense of gratitude and obligation to his benefactor. John Ritenbaugh discusses how Christ's redemption of us from our massive debt of sin obligates us to obey and serve Him by doing good in acts of love and service to others.
A Day of Lust, Not Love
Article by Martin G. Collins
Should a Christian celebrate Saint Valentine's Day, a holiday with its origins firmly rooted in paganism? Some would reason that, since it is not observed as worship, this holiday, which focuses on love, does not break God's commands against idolatrous practices. Martin Collins argues that Valentine's Day concentrates, not on real love, but on lust and sexual immorality, which are contrary to the way of life that pleases God.
Article by Martin G. Collins
Should a Christian celebrate Saint Valentine's Day, a holiday with its origins firmly rooted in paganism? Some would reason that, since it is not observed as worship, this holiday, which focuses on love, does not break God's commands against idolatrous practices. Martin Collins argues that Valentine's Day concentrates, not on real love, but on lust and sexual immorality, which are contrary to the way of life that pleases God.
The Model Prayer (Part Three): Hallowed Be Your Name
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The salutation of Jesus' Model Prayer expresses a desire for God's name to be hallowed. What is hallowing anyway? Why does God want us to revere His name? How do we do this? Richard Ritenbaugh explains that human beings can hallow God's name through obeying His instructions and seeking to transform into His character image.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The salutation of Jesus' Model Prayer expresses a desire for God's name to be hallowed. What is hallowing anyway? Why does God want us to revere His name? How do we do this? Richard Ritenbaugh explains that human beings can hallow God's name through obeying His instructions and seeking to transform into His character image.
Transgenderism: Erasing the Created Order
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Among God's first recorded words in Scripture is His declaration in Genesis 1:27 that He had made humanity in two basic biological sexes: male and female. Since about 1950, however, progressive intellectuals have sought to erase this binary distinction by arguing that humans come in many dozens of different genders. Richard Ritenbaugh posits that the current transgender movement indicates that Christ's return is near.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Among God's first recorded words in Scripture is His declaration in Genesis 1:27 that He had made humanity in two basic biological sexes: male and female. Since about 1950, however, progressive intellectuals have sought to erase this binary distinction by arguing that humans come in many dozens of different genders. Richard Ritenbaugh posits that the current transgender movement indicates that Christ's return is near.
Spiritual Blindness (Part Two): The God of This Age
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Many modern translations of II Corinthians 4:4 render the verse to refer to Satan as "the god of this world." But is this justified? Does God anywhere else consider the Devil a "god"? David Grabbe explains that the Bible as a whole shows God to be the One who blinds people's understanding of the truth for His own purposes, not Satan, who can only twist and distort the truth in self-serving ways.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Many modern translations of II Corinthians 4:4 render the verse to refer to Satan as "the god of this world." But is this justified? Does God anywhere else consider the Devil a "god"? David Grabbe explains that the Bible as a whole shows God to be the One who blinds people's understanding of the truth for His own purposes, not Satan, who can only twist and distort the truth in self-serving ways.
From Start to Finish (Part Three)
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
The Bible contains dozens of merisms: phrases of opposites like "day and night" that include the whole spectrum of possibilities between them. "The First and the Last" is another example. Charles Whitaker explains that this divine title describes God's intensive activity - from start to finish - in bringing His purpose for humanity to fruition.
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
The Bible contains dozens of merisms: phrases of opposites like "day and night" that include the whole spectrum of possibilities between them. "The First and the Last" is another example. Charles Whitaker explains that this divine title describes God's intensive activity - from start to finish - in bringing His purpose for humanity to fruition.