Unsheathe Your Sword! (Part One) (February 2024)

February 2024
Volume 33, Number 2

The New Testament describes Christians as soldiers at war against the adversary, Satan, the surrounding culture, and their carnal natures. The last battleground, human nature, is the primary one, on which we fight daily to overcome ingrained, sinful habits. The weapon of our warfare is the Word of God, "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). Pat Higgins shows how we can deploy our sword in the many battles we face during our converted lives.

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Why Worship God?

Worship is ingrained into human beings; it is almost as if we must worship something. So, why should we worship the God of the Bible rather than some other person or thing? What benefits does worship of the true God of Creation bring to those who worship Him? John Ritenbaugh provides three fundamental reasons why worship of the God of heaven and earth is necessary and beneficial to those who seek Him.

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Why Worship God?

Worship is ingrained into human beings; it is almost as if we must worship something. So, why should we worship the God of the Bible rather than some other person or thing? What benefits does worship of the true God of Creation bring to those who worship Him? John Ritenbaugh provides three fundamental reasons why worship of the God of heaven and earth is necessary and beneficial to those who seek Him.

Ready Answer
Unsheathe Your Sword! (Part One)
by Pat Higgins

The New Testament describes Christians as soldiers at war against the adversary, Satan, the surrounding culture, and their carnal natures. The last battleground, human nature, is the primary one, on which we fight daily to overcome ingrained, sinful habits. The weapon of our warfare is the Word of God, "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). Pat Higgins shows how we can deploy our sword in the many battles we face during our converted lives.

Ready Answer
Was Jesus Resurrected on Easter Sunday?
by Staff

Most people who claim to be Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on a Sunday, usually with a dawn service. Is this biblically accurate? Jesus Himself said He would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Can that period of time be squeezed into a Friday sunset to Sunday dawn scenario? If we allow Scripture to define its terms and follow the clues, our Savior's resurrection cannot have happened on a Sunday!

Ready Answer
Unsheathe Your Sword! (Part One)
by Pat Higgins

The New Testament describes Christians as soldiers at war against the adversary, Satan, the surrounding culture, and their carnal natures. The last battleground, human nature, is the primary one, on which we fight daily to overcome ingrained, sinful habits. The weapon of our warfare is the Word of God, "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). Pat Higgins shows how we can deploy our sword in the many battles we face during our converted lives.

Prophecy Watch
The Prophesied Creation of Light
by Charles Whitaker

Most Bible students consider God's Words to the Serpent in Genesis 3:15 to be Scripture's first prophecy, but the apostle Paul found one far earlier - in Genesis 1:3! "Let there be light," he asserts, looks forward to the creation of spiritual light in God's future children. Charles Whitaker dissects this idea, concluding that God's creation of light is ongoing in His elect, with the goal of their becoming light as He is light.

Prophecy Watch
The Prophesied Creation of Light
by Charles Whitaker

Most Bible students consider God's Words to the Serpent in Genesis 3:15 to be Scripture's first prophecy, but the apostle Paul found one far earlier - in Genesis 1:3! "Let there be light," he asserts, looks forward to the creation of spiritual light in God's future children. Charles Whitaker dissects this idea, concluding that God's creation of light is ongoing in His elect, with the goal of their becoming light as He is light.

Be My Valentine?
by Mike Ford

February 14, Valentine's Day, may seem harmless enough — a day to celebrate romantic love — until the holiday's origins come to light. Not only is it a glorification of sex, but it also has its source in pagan fertility rites and the worship of the gods of many ancient nations. Mike Ford peels back the curtain that has shrouded the origins of this pagan holiday.

Another Look at Footwashing
by Bill Keesee

Each year, members of God's church participate in a footwashing ritual during the Passover service. Most consider it a symbolic action to remind us of the need to serve one another as Christ served His disciples. However, Bill Keesee asserts that it means much more: Footwashing helps us to remember our need to forgive one another as Christ forgave us.

Be My Valentine?
by Mike Ford

February 14, Valentine's Day, may seem harmless enough — a day to celebrate romantic love — until the holiday's origins come to light. Not only is it a glorification of sex, but it also has its source in pagan fertility rites and the worship of the gods of many ancient nations. Mike Ford peels back the curtain that has shrouded the origins of this pagan holiday.

Another Look at Footwashing
by Bill Keesee

Each year, members of God's church participate in a footwashing ritual during the Passover service. Most consider it a symbolic action to remind us of the need to serve one another as Christ served His disciples. However, Bill Keesee asserts that it means much more: Footwashing helps us to remember our need to forgive one another as Christ forgave us.

WorldWatch
The Days of Our Lives
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Over the past several decades, people have been living longer lives. It appears, however, that longer lifespans correlate with more incidences of diminished mental capacity issues like dementia. This year, the American electorate will be choosing between two elderly candidates, one of whom already shows signs of mental lapses. Richard Ritenbaugh shows that God warns against old, foolish leaders who refuse to take counsel.

WorldWatch
The Days of Our Lives
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Over the past several decades, people have been living longer lives. It appears, however, that longer lifespans correlate with more incidences of diminished mental capacity issues like dementia. This year, the American electorate will be choosing between two elderly candidates, one of whom already shows signs of mental lapses. Richard Ritenbaugh shows that God warns against old, foolish leaders who refuse to take counsel.

Bible Study
The Seven Churches (Part Six):
Thyatira
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Thyatira, the middle of the seven churches of Asia to whom Jesus Christ writes a letter, receives both praise and rebuke from our Savior. On the positive side, He commends them for significant works, love, service, faith, and patience. However, He also points out their sins: particularly sexual immorality and its spiritual counterpart, idolatry. Richard Ritenbaugh examines this detailed epistle to a church that seems half-in, half-out of the world.

Bible Study
The Seven Churches (Part Six):
Thyatira
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Thyatira, the middle of the seven churches of Asia to whom Jesus Christ writes a letter, receives both praise and rebuke from our Savior. On the positive side, He commends them for significant works, love, service, faith, and patience. However, He also points out their sins: particularly sexual immorality and its spiritual counterpart, idolatry. Richard Ritenbaugh examines this detailed epistle to a church that seems half-in, half-out of the world.