Implications of the Gospel of the Kingdom
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Discussions about the gospel Jesus preached can quickly turn into debates over what that gospel is about, despite Mark 1:14 and other scriptures calling it "the gospel of the kingdom of God." Understanding this distinction produces far-reaching implications for what we believe and how we conduct ourselves. David Grabbe focuses on a Christian's relationship to the nation of his birth and its politics and leaders.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Discussions about the gospel Jesus preached can quickly turn into debates over what that gospel is about, despite Mark 1:14 and other scriptures calling it "the gospel of the kingdom of God." Understanding this distinction produces far-reaching implications for what we believe and how we conduct ourselves. David Grabbe focuses on a Christian's relationship to the nation of his birth and its politics and leaders.
Is New Year's Eve a Pagan Holiday?
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
Many people think of New Year's Eve as a secular holiday, a time to usher out the old year and welcome the new with a party. But is this true? Is New Year's Eve unencumbered by religious overtones, or are ancient pagan practices lurking in the background? Mike Ford uncovers the superstitions and traditions that have their origins in millennia-old heathen customs.
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford
Many people think of New Year's Eve as a secular holiday, a time to usher out the old year and welcome the new with a party. But is this true? Is New Year's Eve unencumbered by religious overtones, or are ancient pagan practices lurking in the background? Mike Ford uncovers the superstitions and traditions that have their origins in millennia-old heathen customs.
Places of Safety
'Prophecy Watch' by Levi W. Graham
Based on Revelation 3:10 and other scriptures, the church of God has conjectured that God will gather the faithful to an end-time Place of Safety. However, we should not discount that He can protect us in any situation, just as He did in biblical times for many of His servants. Levi Graham asserts that our safest place of safety lies in our faithful relationship with Jesus Christ.
'Prophecy Watch' by Levi W. Graham
Based on Revelation 3:10 and other scriptures, the church of God has conjectured that God will gather the faithful to an end-time Place of Safety. However, we should not discount that He can protect us in any situation, just as He did in biblical times for many of His servants. Levi Graham asserts that our safest place of safety lies in our faithful relationship with Jesus Christ.
'Tis the Season: Help for Our Young People
Article by Staff
As another Christmas season approaches, many in God's church dread having to endure it. But could our children dread it even more, being singled out among their peers when they do not participate in Christmas activities at school and in the community? We can help them not only to endure this season but also understand why God's way, founded on truth, is so much better.
Article by Staff
As another Christmas season approaches, many in God's church dread having to endure it. But could our children dread it even more, being singled out among their peers when they do not participate in Christmas activities at school and in the community? We can help them not only to endure this season but also understand why God's way, founded on truth, is so much better.
Simplify Your Life!
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Time marches relentlessly on, and each of us has a finite amount of it to spend. Even so, we waste much of it on foolish pursuits, procrastination, and distractions, ignoring or forgetting that it is a precious resource. John Ritenbaugh explains how taking control of our limited time works to our advantage in our pursuit of God's Kingdom!
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Time marches relentlessly on, and each of us has a finite amount of it to spend. Even so, we waste much of it on foolish pursuits, procrastination, and distractions, ignoring or forgetting that it is a precious resource. John Ritenbaugh explains how taking control of our limited time works to our advantage in our pursuit of God's Kingdom!
Thanksgiving
'Ready Answer' by Staff
Each year, Americans and Canadians enjoy their autumn Thanksgiving celebrations — maybe too much sometimes! Using the grateful words of Psalm 92, this article explores why we should be thankful, how much we have to be thankful for, and how we can give God our thanks. Gratitude is a necessary part of our praise and worship of the Father and the Son.
'Ready Answer' by Staff
Each year, Americans and Canadians enjoy their autumn Thanksgiving celebrations — maybe too much sometimes! Using the grateful words of Psalm 92, this article explores why we should be thankful, how much we have to be thankful for, and how we can give God our thanks. Gratitude is a necessary part of our praise and worship of the Father and the Son.
The Model Prayer (Part Seven): Forgive Us Our Debts
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Among the three personal requests included in Jesus Christ's Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), the middle one on forgiveness is the only one our Savior comments further upon (verses 14-15). So that we do not miss the point, He plainly states that God's forgiveness of us depends on whether we forgive others. Richard Ritenbaugh explains how our loving acts of forgiveness spur reconciliation among God's people.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Among the three personal requests included in Jesus Christ's Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), the middle one on forgiveness is the only one our Savior comments further upon (verses 14-15). So that we do not miss the point, He plainly states that God's forgiveness of us depends on whether we forgive others. Richard Ritenbaugh explains how our loving acts of forgiveness spur reconciliation among God's people.
Slowly Sinking
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Over the past century, and certainly since the end of World War II, the United States has held sway over the world with its enormous economy and dominant military might. Recently, however, the vaunted power of the American armed forces has begun to erode under weak and vacillating leadership. Joseph Baity chronicles what has undermined American hegemony and warns of a growing power in Asia.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Over the past century, and certainly since the end of World War II, the United States has held sway over the world with its enormous economy and dominant military might. Recently, however, the vaunted power of the American armed forces has begun to erode under weak and vacillating leadership. Joseph Baity chronicles what has undermined American hegemony and warns of a growing power in Asia.
The Duality of Prophecy
'Prophecy Watch' by Earl L. Henn
Many Bible students love to study prophecy and search out how the predictions of Scripture have been fulfilled. Less well-understood is that a large number of biblical prophecies are dual, meaning that they have a historical fulfillment and a future one, which scholars call a type and an antitype. Earl Henn explains this vital Bible study principle so we can gain a better understanding of prophecy.
'Prophecy Watch' by Earl L. Henn
Many Bible students love to study prophecy and search out how the predictions of Scripture have been fulfilled. Less well-understood is that a large number of biblical prophecies are dual, meaning that they have a historical fulfillment and a future one, which scholars call a type and an antitype. Earl Henn explains this vital Bible study principle so we can gain a better understanding of prophecy.
Do Not Be Afraid!
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. Bowling
Jesus is well-known for bringing significant spiritual principles out of common human experiences in nature. Nothing is as common as the lowly sparrow, a tiny bird that seems to have little or no value. Ted Bowling describes how our Savior utilizes this forgettable bird to teach about God's watchfulness and care over His "little flock" and each of His chosen people in it.
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. Bowling
Jesus is well-known for bringing significant spiritual principles out of common human experiences in nature. Nothing is as common as the lowly sparrow, a tiny bird that seems to have little or no value. Ted Bowling describes how our Savior utilizes this forgettable bird to teach about God's watchfulness and care over His "little flock" and each of His chosen people in it.
The Crown of Life
Article by Martin G. Collins
In these times of democracy and self-rule, we do not think of crowns very often. We may gape at the crowns of monarchs around the world, but they play little part in our lives. However, if we are true Christians, crowns await us if we continue in the faith! Martin Collins researches the two main kinds of crowns seen in the New Testament, both of which we will receive upon entrance to God's Kingdom.
Article by Martin G. Collins
In these times of democracy and self-rule, we do not think of crowns very often. We may gape at the crowns of monarchs around the world, but they play little part in our lives. However, if we are true Christians, crowns await us if we continue in the faith! Martin Collins researches the two main kinds of crowns seen in the New Testament, both of which we will receive upon entrance to God's Kingdom.
The Israel of God
Article by Charles Whitaker
In Galatians 6:16, the apostle Paul refers to the church as "the Israel of God." Why? Why does he choose to compare God's elect with the patriarch Israel, whose name was originally "Jacob" until God Himself changed it. Charles Whitaker helps to connect the dots between the man who wrestled with God and those whom God has called into His church.
Article by Charles Whitaker
In Galatians 6:16, the apostle Paul refers to the church as "the Israel of God." Why? Why does he choose to compare God's elect with the patriarch Israel, whose name was originally "Jacob" until God Himself changed it. Charles Whitaker helps to connect the dots between the man who wrestled with God and those whom God has called into His church.
Does Paul Condemn Observing God's Holy Days?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn
Galatians 4:9-10 - verses that condemn returning to keeping "days and months and seasons and years" - is a favorite target of those who claim Christians no longer need to observe God's holy days. Is that really what Paul means? By explaining the context of the passage, Earl Henn shows that the apostle meant something entirely different - in fact, just the opposite!
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn
Galatians 4:9-10 - verses that condemn returning to keeping "days and months and seasons and years" - is a favorite target of those who claim Christians no longer need to observe God's holy days. Is that really what Paul means? By explaining the context of the passage, Earl Henn shows that the apostle meant something entirely different - in fact, just the opposite!
The Model Prayer (Part Six): Our Daily Bread
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In Matthew 6:11, Christ's Model Prayer turns to the supplicant's physical needs by requesting, "Give us this day our daily bread." While it petitions God to supply physical food, the entreaty should not be limited to mere physical needs. Richard Ritenbaugh suggests that Jesus' words hold far deeper meanings in terms of God's complete providence for His people.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In Matthew 6:11, Christ's Model Prayer turns to the supplicant's physical needs by requesting, "Give us this day our daily bread." While it petitions God to supply physical food, the entreaty should not be limited to mere physical needs. Richard Ritenbaugh suggests that Jesus' words hold far deeper meanings in terms of God's complete providence for His people.
Biden's 'Battle for the Soul of the Nation' Speech
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
American President Joseph Biden gave his "Battle for the Soul of the Nation" speech in front of Philadelphia's Independence Hall. His condemnatory rhetoric matched the strange, blood-red lighting of the background, evoking the typical depictions of hell. Richard Ritenbaugh describes the speech and the setting as signs that God's judgment on the nation may be nearer than we think.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
American President Joseph Biden gave his "Battle for the Soul of the Nation" speech in front of Philadelphia's Independence Hall. His condemnatory rhetoric matched the strange, blood-red lighting of the background, evoking the typical depictions of hell. Richard Ritenbaugh describes the speech and the setting as signs that God's judgment on the nation may be nearer than we think.
Separation and Oneness With God
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Throughout the generations since Adam and Eve, war has been humanity's solution to problems between people, groups, and nations. Millions have died by the sword because sin drives people into conflict and denies them the means of reconciliation and harmony. Is there any hope for humanity? John Ritenbaugh gives the comforting answer: Oneness with God is possible through Jesus Christ!
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Throughout the generations since Adam and Eve, war has been humanity's solution to problems between people, groups, and nations. Millions have died by the sword because sin drives people into conflict and denies them the means of reconciliation and harmony. Is there any hope for humanity? John Ritenbaugh gives the comforting answer: Oneness with God is possible through Jesus Christ!
The Shout of a King
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
A primary principle of biblical interpretation is that the Bible interprets itself. In the case of the Feast of Trumpets, the "blowing of trumpets" or better, "shout of the shofar" (Leviticus 23:24), provides a clue to the meaning of the day whose key can be found in several other passages in which "shout" (Hebrew teruah or ruwa) appears. David Grabbe gathers evidence that shows the holy day is tied to God's presence among His people.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
A primary principle of biblical interpretation is that the Bible interprets itself. In the case of the Feast of Trumpets, the "blowing of trumpets" or better, "shout of the shofar" (Leviticus 23:24), provides a clue to the meaning of the day whose key can be found in several other passages in which "shout" (Hebrew teruah or ruwa) appears. David Grabbe gathers evidence that shows the holy day is tied to God's presence among His people.
Do We Need the Old Testament?
'Ready Answer' by John Reiss
Many nominal Christians undervalue, neglect, and ignore the Old Testament, believing it has been superseded by the teachings in the New Testament. Even well-known pastors have taken this view. John Reiss provides five significant reasons why New Covenant Christians should consider the Old Testament to be just as valuable and necessary to their salvation as the New Testament.
'Ready Answer' by John Reiss
Many nominal Christians undervalue, neglect, and ignore the Old Testament, believing it has been superseded by the teachings in the New Testament. Even well-known pastors have taken this view. John Reiss provides five significant reasons why New Covenant Christians should consider the Old Testament to be just as valuable and necessary to their salvation as the New Testament.
The Model Prayer (Part Five): Your Will Be Done
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In His Model Prayer, Jesus instructs His people to pray that the Father's will be done. What is God's will? Can a human know it, understand it, and follow it? Richard Ritenbaugh explains that the prayer's third petition requests, not only that God's purpose be fulfilled, but particularly that the individual - the one praying - follow His will more fully.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
In His Model Prayer, Jesus instructs His people to pray that the Father's will be done. What is God's will? Can a human know it, understand it, and follow it? Richard Ritenbaugh explains that the prayer's third petition requests, not only that God's purpose be fulfilled, but particularly that the individual - the one praying - follow His will more fully.
Five Teachings of Grace
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Protestant world presents grace as "free," but nothing could be more costly. It cost our Savior His life! While God bestows grace on those He chooses of His own volition, John Ritenbaugh shows from Scripture that God expects a great deal of effort - such things as continued repentance, spiritual growth, and godly fruit - from His people once they receive it.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Protestant world presents grace as "free," but nothing could be more costly. It cost our Savior His life! While God bestows grace on those He chooses of His own volition, John Ritenbaugh shows from Scripture that God expects a great deal of effort - such things as continued repentance, spiritual growth, and godly fruit - from His people once they receive it.