Forerunner: Preparing Christians for the Kingdom of God



Why Is This Boy Starving? (March-April 2008)

March-April 2008
Volume 17, Number 2


A malnourished Ethiopian boy is measured by aid workers. While the Horn of Africa is currently suffering drought, the world produces plenty of food to help these starving people to endure their difficulties. This disaster is not "natural" but essentially manmade, brought on by a number of human factors beyond the local climatic conditions. (Reuters)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Christian Fight (Part Seven)

Most Christians realize that I Corinthians 13:13 lists faith, hope, and love as the three great Christian virtues, and love, as "the greatest of these," seems to get all the attention. However, through the life of Abraham, John Ritenbaugh illustrates how foundational faith—belief and trust in God—is to love and salvation itself.

Ready Answer
Unity and Personal Responsibility

by John W. Ritenbaugh

The most prestigious international organization dedicated to peace on earth is the United Nations, but such a name can be true only in the most vaguely hopeful way. Nations and the people who comprise them are tragically disunited. John Ritenbaugh shows what we must do, personally and individually, when calamitous events—in the world and in the church—are taking place.

Prophecy Watch
Scarcity Amid Plenty

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The specter of famine has again crept into the public consciousness with spiking prices on many of the world's staple crops. Richard Ritenbaugh probes the multiple causes for the most recent food shortages and explains the link between them and the Third Seal of Revelation 6.

Of Sponges and Spears
by Staff

When we study the great sacrifice of our Savior in preparation for the Passover, we often are too busy hitting the "big points" to see the tremendous spiritual instruction in the little ones. This article draws our attention to Jesus' cup, the gall, and the Roman spear that appear in the gospels' crucifixion narratives.

WorldWatch
The Neighbor to the South

by David C. Grabbe

The United States has been blessed with more than ideal geography, but also with mostly peaceful neighbors. Yet, the latter may be changing. David Grabbe examines the current conditions in Mexico, explaining that the drug cartels' increasing power may be driving the nation toward becoming a "failed state."

Bible Study
The Miracles of Jesus Christ:
Healing a Cripple by a Pool (Part Two)

by Martin G. Collins

Many spiritual lessons can be derived from Jesus' healing of the crippled man at the Pool of Bethesda. Martin Collins looks into Jesus' commands to the man, as well as the man's obedient response—and the reaction it caused.