Year
The Rift Widens (January 2003)
Europe and America have been on friendly terms for half a century, but lately, the stresses of the times have strained the relationship. Is the anti-American sentiment in Europe temporary or more longterm? Is this the end of the Atlantic alliance?
Europe and America have been on friendly terms for half a century, but lately, the stresses of the times have strained the relationship. Is the anti-American sentiment in Europe temporary or more longterm? Is this the end of the Atlantic alliance?
Are We on the Gun Lap? (February 2003)
For years, church members have been exhorted to remember that we are on the gun lap. The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of a race to describe the Christian life. Are we coasting along or running?
For years, church members have been exhorted to remember that we are on the gun lap. The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of a race to describe the Christian life. Are we coasting along or running?
The Burnt Offering (March-April 2003)
The Old Testament sacrifices are largely ignored by Christians today, but we do so to our detriment. They are wonderful pictures of Christ and His character and teach us a great deal about what God expects of us as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1).
The Old Testament sacrifices are largely ignored by Christians today, but we do so to our detriment. They are wonderful pictures of Christ and His character and teach us a great deal about what God expects of us as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1).
Let No One Deceive You (May 2003)
The Iraqi Information Minister Muhammed Saeed Al-Sahhaf became the poster child for blatant propaganda during the Iraq campaign. More seriously, Jesus warns us to beware of deceivers in these last days. Is our guard up against deception?
The Iraqi Information Minister Muhammed Saeed Al-Sahhaf became the poster child for blatant propaganda during the Iraq campaign. More seriously, Jesus warns us to beware of deceivers in these last days. Is our guard up against deception?
'I Will Pour Out My Spirit On All Flesh' (June 2003)
Throughout the Bible water is a symbol of God’s Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, ad 31, the first outpouring of God’s Spirit occurred in Jerusalem. Using Joel’s prophecy as his proof, Peter assures us that it is only a matter of time until God pours this "living water" out on all men everywhere.
Throughout the Bible water is a symbol of God’s Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, ad 31, the first outpouring of God’s Spirit occurred in Jerusalem. Using Joel’s prophecy as his proof, Peter assures us that it is only a matter of time until God pours this "living water" out on all men everywhere.
The New Faces of Christianity (July 2003)
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.
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.
Should Christians Handle Snakes? (August 2003)
Mark 16:18 says that followers of Christ “will take up serpents.” Does this mean that Christians should use snakes in their worship—that doing so without harm proves the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? Or does it simply mean that Jesus promises His disciples protection from snake bites, as happened to the apostle Paul on Malta (Acts 28:1-6)?
Mark 16:18 says that followers of Christ “will take up serpents.” Does this mean that Christians should use snakes in their worship—that doing so without harm proves the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? Or does it simply mean that Jesus promises His disciples protection from snake bites, as happened to the apostle Paul on Malta (Acts 28:1-6)?
Halloween: A Christian Holiday? (September-October 2003)
Halloween is an increasingly popular holiday in America and around the world. Its obvious occultic themes run counter to Christian principles, but even some churches promote it. What does God's Word say about All Hallows' Eve?
Halloween is an increasingly popular holiday in America and around the world. Its obvious occultic themes run counter to Christian principles, but even some churches promote it. What does God's Word say about All Hallows' Eve?
Should Mary Be Worshipped? (November 2003)
Jesus' mother Mary receives relatively little mention in the Bible, yet the Catholic Church reveres her almost as much as her divine Son! Does the Bible give us any reason to believe that Mary is worthy of worship?
Jesus' mother Mary receives relatively little mention in the Bible, yet the Catholic Church reveres her almost as much as her divine Son! Does the Bible give us any reason to believe that Mary is worthy of worship?
Watch! (December 2003)
In the Olivet Prophecy, Jesus tells us that, as the end of the age approaches, one of our primary duties is to watch. No matter how things appear in the world, we are to stand prepared for Christ's return.
In the Olivet Prophecy, Jesus tells us that, as the end of the age approaches, one of our primary duties is to watch. No matter how things appear in the world, we are to stand prepared for Christ's return.