Forerunner: Preparing Christians for the Kingdom of God



David the Prophet (January-February 2011)

January-February 2011
Volume 20, Number 1


King David of Israel lived a life that is the stuff of legends. Among other things, he fought wars, ruled kingdoms, slew giants, spent years as a fugitive, sinned deeply, and composed dozens of songs in praise of God. One aspect of his life that we often disregard is that he was a great prophet, as can be seen in many of his psalms. In fact, some of the best known Old Testament prophecies come from his pen. (Alamy)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Is There a True Church?

With many "churches of God" around the world claiming to be part of or even the only church of God, the question "Is There a True Church?" is a pertinent one. John Ritenbaugh examines, not their claims, but what the Bible reveals about the makeup of God's church, especially as time draws near to the return of its Head, Jesus Christ.

Ready Answer
Little Compromises

by John O. Reid

Jesus teaches us in Luke 12:48 that if we are faithful in little, we will be faithful in much. John Reid tells the story of King Solomon's inability to be faithful in what he likely considered to be "little things." Scripture chronicles how Solomon's little compromises with God's law sent Israel down an idolatrous road leading to destruction and captivity.

Prophecy Watch
David the Prophet

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In thinking about David son of Jesse, we immediately bring to mind that he was King of Israel, a shepherd, a warrior, a psalmist, and a man after God's own heart. But we often fail to realize that, among his many other accomplishments, he was a significant prophet. Richard Ritenbaugh examines Psalm 22, a most clearly recognizable prophecy of Christ's suffering among the many psalms of David.

WorldWatch
The Burning Middle East:
Revolution or Power-Grab?

by David C. Grabbe

An entire region of the world—cutting a swath across North Africa and through the Middle East to the Arabian Sea—is aflame with protest and revolution. David Grabbe analyzes the unrest throughout the Arab world, concluding that, while the geopolitics of the area have not substantially changed, Iran may benefit the most from the ongoing turmoil.

Bible Study
The Miracles of Jesus Christ:
Feeding the Five Thousand (Part Two)

by Martin G. Collins

The feeding of the five thousand—a miracle attested in all four gospels—tells us far more than the fact that Jesus was a marvelous miracle-worker. Martin Collins shows that it also reveals Christ's compassion on those who hunger, as well as His ability to teach vital lessons to His disciples—lessons we, too, can learn.