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.
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!
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 Day 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Many nominal Christians undervalue, neglect, and ignore the Old Testament, believing it has been superseded by the teachings in the New Testament.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.