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.
The Flood Is Upon Us!
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In His Olivet Prophecy, Jesus likens the situation during the time of the end to the days preceding Noah's Flood. Later, in Revelation 12, He reveals another flood spewed from Satan's mouth, one designed to destroy God's people just before Christ's return. John Ritenbaugh gives insight into how this end-time flood is manifesting itself and what we can do to avoid being swept up in it.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In His Olivet Prophecy, Jesus likens the situation during the time of the end to the days preceding Noah's Flood. Later, in Revelation 12, He reveals another flood spewed from Satan's mouth, one designed to destroy God's people just before Christ's return. John Ritenbaugh gives insight into how this end-time flood is manifesting itself and what we can do to avoid being swept up in it.
When Was Jesus Born?
Article by John O. Reid
The world claims Jesus was born on December 25, a date most scholars who take chronology seriously find is unsupportable. If He was not born on the traditional Christmas Day, when was He really born? John Reid explains that the Bible provides all the clues we need to establish, not a specific date, but a two-week period in which He was likely born.
Article by John O. Reid
The world claims Jesus was born on December 25, a date most scholars who take chronology seriously find is unsupportable. If He was not born on the traditional Christmas Day, when was He really born? John Reid explains that the Bible provides all the clues we need to establish, not a specific date, but a two-week period in which He was likely born.
The Model Prayer (Part Two): Our Father in Heaven
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Jesus begins His instructions to His disciples about how to pray with, "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). There is more to this simple salutation than meets the eye. Richard Ritenbaugh explores how these four common words put those who pray in the proper frame of mind to address Almighty God and receive the help they need.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Jesus begins His instructions to His disciples about how to pray with, "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). There is more to this simple salutation than meets the eye. Richard Ritenbaugh explores how these four common words put those who pray in the proper frame of mind to address Almighty God and receive the help they need.
The World's Buckling Supply Chain
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The COVID-19 pandemic produced an unexpected side-effect: a prolonged, global interruption of the transport and delivery of goods, which has become known as the supply chain crisis. In turn, the mere trickle of parts and components has diminished manufacturing output and slowed economies. Joseph Baity explains the intricacies of the supply chain and wonders if it is yet another lever a strong leader like the Beast could use to gain power.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
The COVID-19 pandemic produced an unexpected side-effect: a prolonged, global interruption of the transport and delivery of goods, which has become known as the supply chain crisis. In turn, the mere trickle of parts and components has diminished manufacturing output and slowed economies. Joseph Baity explains the intricacies of the supply chain and wonders if it is yet another lever a strong leader like the Beast could use to gain power.
Spiritual Blindness (Part One): The God of This World
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Christians come from varying backgrounds and experiences, so not all church members react the same way to some of God's attributes. Those raised by critical parents may find forgiveness hard to fathom, while those brought up in a strict home may have trouble understanding love and grace. David Grabbe discusses one of these problematic characteristics of God, that He blinds certain people to the truth as He works out His purpose.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Christians come from varying backgrounds and experiences, so not all church members react the same way to some of God's attributes. Those raised by critical parents may find forgiveness hard to fathom, while those brought up in a strict home may have trouble understanding love and grace. David Grabbe discusses one of these problematic characteristics of God, that He blinds certain people to the truth as He works out His purpose.
From Start to Finish (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
The New Testament translates the Hebrew word, yacad, with the Greek word, katartizo, but their meanings are not the same. Rather than meaning "to begin" or "to found," katartizo has to do with mending or restoring. Charles Whitaker dives into the connotations and denotations of this intriguing Greek word and its significance to a Christian's walk with God.
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
The New Testament translates the Hebrew word, yacad, with the Greek word, katartizo, but their meanings are not the same. Rather than meaning "to begin" or "to found," katartizo has to do with mending or restoring. Charles Whitaker dives into the connotations and denotations of this intriguing Greek word and its significance to a Christian's walk with God.
Thanksgiving or Self-Indulgence?
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Each year, Thanksgiving Day falls between Halloween and Christmas, and some Christians contend that the three holidays are equally off-limits to church members. Is this true? Are all of this world's holidays forbidden to God's people? John Ritenbaugh shows the proper balance Christians should seek when determining whether to observe a holiday not found within the pages of Scripture.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Each year, Thanksgiving Day falls between Halloween and Christmas, and some Christians contend that the three holidays are equally off-limits to church members. Is this true? Are all of this world's holidays forbidden to God's people? John Ritenbaugh shows the proper balance Christians should seek when determining whether to observe a holiday not found within the pages of Scripture.
Halloween
Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In recent years, Halloween has become the second-most popular holiday on the calendar—even to the point that some churches sponsor parties on it! Many nominal Christians shrug off its pagan and occultic features as "just good, clean fun for the kids." Richard Ritenbaugh shows that this night of ghouls not only lacks any biblical foundation, but the Bible warns us against participating in such activities.
Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In recent years, Halloween has become the second-most popular holiday on the calendar—even to the point that some churches sponsor parties on it! Many nominal Christians shrug off its pagan and occultic features as "just good, clean fun for the kids." Richard Ritenbaugh shows that this night of ghouls not only lacks any biblical foundation, but the Bible warns us against participating in such activities.
The Model Prayer (Part One): Introduction
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Most nominal Christians know what is called "the Lord's Prayer," found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, because they recite it frequently. Jesus, however, never intended His teachings in these verses to become "vain repetitions," rote recitations that soon diminish into meaninglessness. Richard Ritenbaugh contends that Jesus gave His disciples a basic outline or model from which they could craft their own meaningful prayers to the Father.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Most nominal Christians know what is called "the Lord's Prayer," found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, because they recite it frequently. Jesus, however, never intended His teachings in these verses to become "vain repetitions," rote recitations that soon diminish into meaninglessness. Richard Ritenbaugh contends that Jesus gave His disciples a basic outline or model from which they could craft their own meaningful prayers to the Father.
The Pragmatic Japanese
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Nations are composed of people, and people are driven by self-interest. Japan, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean yet not far from rival nations on the mainland, has a history of abrupt changes in policy when the geopolitical situation alters against their self-interests. Richard Ritenbaugh explains why the current state of the world may force the Japanese to shift their foreign policy once again.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Nations are composed of people, and people are driven by self-interest. Japan, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean yet not far from rival nations on the mainland, has a history of abrupt changes in policy when the geopolitical situation alters against their self-interests. Richard Ritenbaugh explains why the current state of the world may force the Japanese to shift their foreign policy once again.
Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
After the Jewish leadership tried to indict Jesus with false testimony, the high priest asks Him directly, 'I adjure You by the living God that You tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.' Christ's affirmative answer raises more questions than it answers. David Grabbe uses the Old Testament sources of Jesus' answer to explain just what He conveyed to the chief priests, elders, and council members.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
After the Jewish leadership tried to indict Jesus with false testimony, the high priest asks Him directly, 'I adjure You by the living God that You tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.' Christ's affirmative answer raises more questions than it answers. David Grabbe uses the Old Testament sources of Jesus' answer to explain just what He conveyed to the chief priests, elders, and council members.