Forerunner: Preparing Christians for the Kingdom of God



The New Faces of Christianity (July 2003)

July 2003
Volume 12, Number 6


Christianity has traditionally been strongest in the West, but that is quickly changing. The heart of Christianity is moving south and east into Africa and Asia, where large numbers of converts are re-energizing the religion?and coming into conflict with declining Western churches. (Reuters)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five):
The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love

The peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. John Ritenbaugh explains that our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace, follow the example of Christ, and be pure.

Ready Answer
Developing a Mature Spiritual Appetite

by David F. Maas

One of the most widely occurring metaphors in the Bible involves eating. David Maas contends that it is not just what we ingest spiritually that is important, but that we also develop the ability to feed ourselves properly.

Prophecy Watch
Today's Christianity (Part One):
Christianity Goes Global

by Charles Whitaker

Americans and Europeans once provided the driving force behind Christianity, but Charles Whitaker informs us that Asians, Africans, and Latin Americans are re-energizing Christianity—and creating conflict with declining Western churches in the process.

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Christians?
by Staff

Of all people, one might think, Christians should be the most blessed, yet they often fall under heavy trials. However, the reality is that God is putting us through the paces, correcting us and refining us, to bring us to salvation.

WorldWatch
SARS:
Peril or Panic?

by David C. Grabbe

While news of the SARS virus has been a regular feature of the mainstream media, a number of statistics have been overlooked, casting this "epidemic" in a new light and suggesting it is merely a reclassification of the flu and/or pneumonia.

Bible Study
Parable of the Good Samaritan

by Martin G. Collins

Most people understand the basic point of this well-known parable. The whole story describes working compassion as contrasted to selfishness. It also clarifies just who is our neighbor.