Leadership and Covenants (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
We carry an "old friend" around with us wherever we go, one whom we cherish and protect even though it frequently influences us to think, say, and do the wrong things. Referring to our human nature, our carnal or fleshly mind, John Ritenbaugh argues that, deceived or not, our sinful nature drives us to disobey God's laws, just as Adam and Eve transgressed by choosing the way of death. Such choices by all humanity have fashioned this present, evil world.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
We carry an "old friend" around with us wherever we go, one whom we cherish and protect even though it frequently influences us to think, say, and do the wrong things. Referring to our human nature, our carnal or fleshly mind, John Ritenbaugh argues that, deceived or not, our sinful nature drives us to disobey God's laws, just as Adam and Eve transgressed by choosing the way of death. Such choices by all humanity have fashioned this present, evil world.
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.
The Nation of Israel—Biblical Israel? (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins
Just whom the name "Israel" identifies is a great deal more difficult to figure out than the average person may think. Most people, without a thorough knowledge of Scripture, believe it means "the Jews." Pat Higgins, showing from the Bible that the Jews are only part of the larger people of Israel, uses biblical clues to point out where certain Israelite tribes are located in today's world.
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins
Just whom the name "Israel" identifies is a great deal more difficult to figure out than the average person may think. Most people, without a thorough knowledge of Scripture, believe it means "the Jews." Pat Higgins, showing from the Bible that the Jews are only part of the larger people of Israel, uses biblical clues to point out where certain Israelite tribes are located in today's world.
Safe Spaces or Dangerous Places? The Assault Upon Our Future (Part One)
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The terms "safe spaces" and "trigger warning" have cropped up frequently in the past year or so in the media, often accompanied by photographs or videos of protesting young people on college campuses. Joseph Baity helps to define these terms and the philosophical/political movements that have propelled them onto our national consciousness.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The terms "safe spaces" and "trigger warning" have cropped up frequently in the past year or so in the media, often accompanied by photographs or videos of protesting young people on college campuses. Joseph Baity helps to define these terms and the philosophical/political movements that have propelled them onto our national consciousness.
Does the Bible Contain Discrepancies?
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
Christians believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, and therefore, it is inspired and essentially free from error (any errors being the result of human misunderstanding and misinterpretation). Asking if the Bible can in any way contain contradictions, Martin Collins answers that, while difficulties do exist, they can be explained with thoughtful analysis.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
Christians believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, and therefore, it is inspired and essentially free from error (any errors being the result of human misunderstanding and misinterpretation). Asking if the Bible can in any way contain contradictions, Martin Collins answers that, while difficulties do exist, they can be explained with thoughtful analysis.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Our culture appears to be in steep decline, a fact we can see in the undermining of marriage throughout society. Despite having served mankind well down through the millennia, the institution of marriage is crumbling under a three-pronged attack engineered by Satan the Devil. John Ritenbaugh teaches that marriage is vital to understanding God's purpose and learning to live in harmony with one another.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Our culture appears to be in steep decline, a fact we can see in the undermining of marriage throughout society. Despite having served mankind well down through the millennia, the institution of marriage is crumbling under a three-pronged attack engineered by Satan the Devil. John Ritenbaugh teaches that marriage is vital to understanding God's purpose and learning to live in harmony with one another.
The Prisoner
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del Castillo
When Jesus declared His purpose to the Jews in Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19), the theme of His comments focused on liberty so that humanity can be reconciled and at-one with God. Austin Del Castillo posits that we tend to work at cross-purposes to God, imprisoning ourselves and others in our adversarial relationships. The key to our cell is true forgiveness, for it is only through this means that we will be reconciled to God and to each other.
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del Castillo
When Jesus declared His purpose to the Jews in Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19), the theme of His comments focused on liberty so that humanity can be reconciled and at-one with God. Austin Del Castillo posits that we tend to work at cross-purposes to God, imprisoning ourselves and others in our adversarial relationships. The key to our cell is true forgiveness, for it is only through this means that we will be reconciled to God and to each other.
The Nation of Israel—Biblical Israel? (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins
Most readers of the Bible make an understandable but unwarranted assumption when considering the people of Israel: They believe that today's Jews are the biblical children of Israel. Pat Higgins, however, explodes this erroneous assumption with multiple passages from Scripture that show that modern-day Jews are just a fraction of those whom the Bible calls "Israelites." This is a distinction we must understand if we wish to grasp vital truths in God's Word.
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins
Most readers of the Bible make an understandable but unwarranted assumption when considering the people of Israel: They believe that today's Jews are the biblical children of Israel. Pat Higgins, however, explodes this erroneous assumption with multiple passages from Scripture that show that modern-day Jews are just a fraction of those whom the Bible calls "Israelites." This is a distinction we must understand if we wish to grasp vital truths in God's Word.
Germany's Dilemma
'World Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Germany is in a bind. It is an industrial powerhouse, the richest economy in Europe, but it must prop up several poor-performing economies throughout the rest of the European Union. Berlin cannot continue this practice lest they drag it down with them. David Grabbe warns that Germany's decisions on these matters could have far-reaching consequences for Europe and the rest of the world.
'World Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Germany is in a bind. It is an industrial powerhouse, the richest economy in Europe, but it must prop up several poor-performing economies throughout the rest of the European Union. Berlin cannot continue this practice lest they drag it down with them. David Grabbe warns that Germany's decisions on these matters could have far-reaching consequences for Europe and the rest of the world.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Malchus' Ear (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
Even while in the process of being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus showed mercy on the stricken Malchus, healing his detached ear. Martin Collins continues to explore this incident in the life of Christ, showing that He was true to His Father's will even during the most agonizing night of His life, drinking the cup He had been given.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
Even while in the process of being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus showed mercy on the stricken Malchus, healing his detached ear. Martin Collins continues to explore this incident in the life of Christ, showing that He was true to His Father's will even during the most agonizing night of His life, drinking the cup He had been given.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Having laid extensive groundwork for the Bible's covenants, John Ritenbaugh begins to explore the first of these, the Edenic Covenant. Universal in scope, this covenant introduces God to mankind as his Creator and establishes the rules by which human beings are to relate to Him and to the earth and its human and non-human inhabitants. It is simultaneously a covenant of blessing and responsibility.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Having laid extensive groundwork for the Bible's covenants, John Ritenbaugh begins to explore the first of these, the Edenic Covenant. Universal in scope, this covenant introduces God to mankind as his Creator and establishes the rules by which human beings are to relate to Him and to the earth and its human and non-human inhabitants. It is simultaneously a covenant of blessing and responsibility.
Defining Hope for the Creation
'Ready Answer' by James Beaubelle
None of us is perfect. We are all, in a sense, broken to some degree, whether from birth or by the constant grind of life. We have little hope of repair. James Beaubelle, however, finds real hope in Scripture, arguing that, if our hope is in our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, we can have faith that our hope will be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.
'Ready Answer' by James Beaubelle
None of us is perfect. We are all, in a sense, broken to some degree, whether from birth or by the constant grind of life. We have little hope of repair. James Beaubelle, however, finds real hope in Scripture, arguing that, if our hope is in our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, we can have faith that our hope will be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.
The Goodness and Severity of God (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
We worship a God, who, though all-powerful and loving, seems to display irreconcilable contradictions, such as His great wrath and His deep compassion. Charles Whitaker explains that these are not contradictory traits but rigorous responses to sin and its consequences. Though His wrath burns hot "for a little while," His compassion follows quickly after, bringing restoration.
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
We worship a God, who, though all-powerful and loving, seems to display irreconcilable contradictions, such as His great wrath and His deep compassion. Charles Whitaker explains that these are not contradictory traits but rigorous responses to sin and its consequences. Though His wrath burns hot "for a little while," His compassion follows quickly after, bringing restoration.
Zika: A Real Health Emergency?
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Apart from the coverage of the U.S. presidential election, the Zika virus was this summer's major news story, casting a pall over the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Richard Ritenbaugh covers the history and substance of the Zika virus, concluding that the sensational headlines obscured the fact that the relative handful of infections did not make it a threat.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Apart from the coverage of the U.S. presidential election, the Zika virus was this summer's major news story, casting a pall over the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Richard Ritenbaugh covers the history and substance of the Zika virus, concluding that the sensational headlines obscured the fact that the relative handful of infections did not make it a threat.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Malchus' Ear (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
The last of Jesus' miracles during His human life occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane as He was being arrested by a large contingent of troops. Peter, defending his Lord, drew his sword and lopped an ear from the head of Malchus, the high priest's servant. Martin Collins shows that, while exposing a few of Peter's character flaws, the scene reveals Jesus' love and kindness, even under heavy stress.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
The last of Jesus' miracles during His human life occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane as He was being arrested by a large contingent of troops. Peter, defending his Lord, drew his sword and lopped an ear from the head of Malchus, the high priest's servant. Martin Collins shows that, while exposing a few of Peter's character flaws, the scene reveals Jesus' love and kindness, even under heavy stress.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Even though Christians have been called to follow Christ, their journey to the Kingdom of God is preparation for leadership under Him. John Ritenbaugh explains that the covenants play a key role in this godly preparation. They not only show us what God requires of us in our relationship with Him, but they also instruct us in the minute details of God's way of living and ruling.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Even though Christians have been called to follow Christ, their journey to the Kingdom of God is preparation for leadership under Him. John Ritenbaugh explains that the covenants play a key role in this godly preparation. They not only show us what God requires of us in our relationship with Him, but they also instruct us in the minute details of God's way of living and ruling.
What Is Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
In Matthew 12:31-32, Jesus warns the Pharisees about crossing a line that cannot be uncrossed, an act of blasphemy that is commonly called "the unpardonable sin." David Grabbe explores the Bible's references to this often-misunderstood subject, showing that, while rare, one could fall into it through bitterness or neglect.
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
In Matthew 12:31-32, Jesus warns the Pharisees about crossing a line that cannot be uncrossed, an act of blasphemy that is commonly called "the unpardonable sin." David Grabbe explores the Bible's references to this often-misunderstood subject, showing that, while rare, one could fall into it through bitterness or neglect.
The Goodness and Severity of God (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
The Bible oftentimes speaks in polar opposites: good and evil, light and darkness, heaven and earth. A pair of opposites like these, called a merism by theologians, is destruction and restoration. Citing many prophecies, Charles Whitaker points out that restoration often follows swiftly on the heels of God's wrath, providing us with hope that God's blessing will come sooner rather than later.
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
The Bible oftentimes speaks in polar opposites: good and evil, light and darkness, heaven and earth. A pair of opposites like these, called a merism by theologians, is destruction and restoration. Citing many prophecies, Charles Whitaker points out that restoration often follows swiftly on the heels of God's wrath, providing us with hope that God's blessing will come sooner rather than later.
Brexit (Part Two): Exposing the Divide
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
As reactions to the Brexit vote run the gamut from applause to denunciation, one fact shines through clearly: The vote exposes just how divided this world has become. Joseph Baity describes the fragmentation occurring all over the world—a situation that can lead only to greater problems that this world is not designed to face, must less overcome.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
As reactions to the Brexit vote run the gamut from applause to denunciation, one fact shines through clearly: The vote exposes just how divided this world has become. Joseph Baity describes the fragmentation occurring all over the world—a situation that can lead only to greater problems that this world is not designed to face, must less overcome.
Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
As the election approaches in the United States, many are proclaiming this to be the most important election in generations. While it may seem to be the height of patriotism to cast a ballot, Martin Collins shows that Christians are urged to refrain from interfering in the politics of this world, following the example of Jesus during His life and ministry.
Bible Study by Martin G. Collins
As the election approaches in the United States, many are proclaiming this to be the most important election in generations. While it may seem to be the height of patriotism to cast a ballot, Martin Collins shows that Christians are urged to refrain from interfering in the politics of this world, following the example of Jesus during His life and ministry.