Sowing and Reaping (May 2025)

May 2025
Volume 34, Number 3

God has His people observe feasts to Him throughout the year, a few of which are harvest festivals. A parallel principle, both agricultural and behavioral, is the oft-repeated maxim that a person reaps what he sows. God's Word teaches that sin leads to destruction and eventually death, though we often fail to see the connection. Conversely, as David Grabbe explains, living by God's instruction produces good fruit and eternal life.

Ready Answer
Sowing and Reaping
by David C. Grabbe

God has His people observe feasts to Him throughout the year, a few of which are harvest festivals. A parallel principle, both agricultural and behavioral, is the oft-repeated maxim that a person reaps what he sows. God's Word teaches that sin leads to destruction and eventually death, though we often fail to see the connection. Conversely, as David Grabbe explains, living by God's instruction produces good fruit and eternal life.

Prophecy Watch
Will Deceive Many (Part One)
by Pat Higgins

Jesus castigates the Pharisees for their failure to recognize the signs of the times. We do not want to make the same mistake. The Bible describes the end time as terribly corrupt, and an oft-mentioned evil is increased deceit, including self-deception. Christians must be vigilant against Satan's wiles. Pat Higgins urges God's people to wake up to the dangers of this age, avoid distractions, and strengthen themselves in the truth.

How to Conduct Ourselves as Ambassadors for Christ
by David F. Maas

In II Corinthians 5:20, the apostle Paul calls Christians "ambassadors for Christ." As such, those called out of this world represent God's Kingdom in this world. As diplomats sent by God, we are commissioned to represent our heavenly country and way of life faithfully in our speech and serving attitudes. David Maas uses his experiences with ambassadors to provide insight into this aspect of Christian living.

God Our Provider
by Charles Whitaker

The story of the building of the Tabernacle of Meeting in the wilderness displays God's remarkable providence in doing His work. He provided everything the Israelites needed to do the job, and they responded eagerly - in fact, so much that God had to stop them from giving more! Charles Whitaker asserts that Christians can apply this example to Christ's promise to build His church, once again providing all that is needed to finish His work.

WorldWatch
A Revival of Hatred
by Joseph B. Baity

Antisemitism reaches far back in history to the sons and grandsons of Abraham, and the Jewish instigation of Christ's crucifixion only exacerbated the Jews' persecution among the nations. After the world wars, Jews experienced a golden age of favor, but today, Jews and Israelis are facing increased harassment, discrimination, and violence all over the world. Joseph Baity analyses the current state of antisemitism, showing it is a factor in the end time.

Bible Study
Biblical Symbolism (Part Three)
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A perceptive Bible student can understand the importance of the church to God by the sheer number of symbols and metaphors for it in Scripture. God employs them to instruct His people in the characteristics of the church, both good and bad. By comparing themselves with mundane things like vines and sheep, church members draw out lessons applicable to their relationship with God. Richard Ritenbaugh provides several more church symbols to add to the lengthy list.