Citizens of Heaven
by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible consistently describes God's people as "set apart." They are distinct and unique because God chose them for Himself, making them "holy." As separated from the world, they receive benefits, training, and a course of life designed to produce eternal results. In this way, Richard Ritenbaugh explains, they are distinguished as citizens of heaven, an altogether different Kingdom from any nation on earth.
11-Oct-24
Why Two Goats on Atonement? (Part Two)
by David C. GrabbeIn the Atonement ritual, the first goat's blood, which provides symbolic cleansing and purification, cleansed the altar of accumulated sins. However, Hebrews 10:4 states, "It is not possible that the blood of . . . goats could take away sins." Only Christ's blood is efficacious to pay for human sins. The second goat, azazel, symbolically carried those sins away. David Grabbe shows that Christ fulfills the azazel's role, too, bearing our sins away.
04-Oct-24
Why Two Goats on Atonement? (Part One)
by David C. Grabbe"And he shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats as a [singular] sin offering." This instruction is unusual, for the ordinary sin offering consisted of a single animal. Why did God command two animals as the sin offering for the nation on the Day of Atonement?
27-Sep-24
Our Hidden Enemy
by John O. ReidWe grow up in this world looking out for dangers around us. However, one of the most deceptive and destructive enemies resides within us. God calls the human heart "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." It uses every ruse and distraction to get its way, and we are often too weak, busy, or negligent to notice how it bends us to its will. Using his wartime experience, John Reid explains how we should guard our hearts.
20-Sep-24
Make a Widow's Heart Sing (Part Two)
by Ted E. BowlingWatching his older Brother, Jesus, as they grew up must have given the apostle James an excellent idea of true service and compassionate care for others. Later in his epistle, he instructs the church that true and pure religion is not only living righteously and avoiding sin but also serving those who are vulnerable among us. Ted Bowling suggests ways God's people can encourage the elderly, even if they live far away.
13-Sep-24
Make a Widow's Heart Sing (Part One)
by Ted E. BowlingJames instructs Christians about how to live a balanced Christian life, focusing on practical, everyday aspects of faith and works. The apostle writes that sincere and genuine religion comes down to "little" things like caring for orphans and widows. Ted Bowling asserts that our elderly people are targets of worldly predators and need the generous help of their brethren to aid and protect them in their vulnerable state.
06-Sep-24
Good Habits
by David F. MaasSome tasks seem impossible, like jumping over the Mississippi River. However, the stream can easily be stepped across at its headwaters. In principle, changing or forming positive habits - and subsequently, righteous character - becomes less onerous if we bear down and form them early in life or overcome bad habits before they set like concrete in our character. David Maas encourages God's people, particularly the youth, to do the hard work early.
30-Aug-24
The Power of the Holy People
by David C. GrabbeDaniel 12:7, a frequently quoted verse in these days of the scattered church, mentions "the power of the holy people" being "completely shattered." Many have been quick to interpret "the holy people" as God's church and its "power" as its open door to preach the gospel to the world. But is this correct? Using biblical definitions of these terms, David Grabbe contends that Scripture fails to support this façile interpretation.
23-Aug-24
The Rich Young Ruler's Idol
by Mike FuhrerThe rich young ruler walked away in sorrow when Jesus told him to sell his goods and give the proceeds to the poor. Our Savior's words exposed an idol in the young man's heart that he was loath to give up. God says that He will brook no rivals for devotion, which is the gist of the first commandment. Mike Fuhrer encourages us to search our hearts for those things we put before God and repent, for nothing is worth separation from God.
16-Aug-24
'Arguments Over Words'
by Richard T. RitenbaughLanguage is a wonderful thing - if one uses it properly. Paul warns his protege Timothy in I Timothy 6:4-5 about getting into arguments about words and their meanings because they come loaded with all kinds of sinful motives like envy and strife. He calls them "useless wranglings." Richard Ritenbaugh exposes a few "arguments over words" that regularly make the rounds through God's people.
09-Aug-24
Have We Settled on Our Lees?
by Richard T. RitenbaughNot too long ago, in doing some tidying up around the house, I came across a bottle of red wine that we had opened for a dinner party who knows when. ...
02-Aug-24
What's Your Golden Ephod?
by John ReissThe story of Gideon in Judges 6-8 has much to teach Christians. While hesitant and needing encouragement, Gideon faithfully does what God instructs him to do. Then, after he and his three hundred men prove victorious against the Midianites, he makes a golden ephod that later becomes a snare of idolatry for him and his house. John Reiss urges us to ask ourselves what snares we may have laid for ourselves and our families.
26-Jul-24
The Process of Love (Part Two)
by David C. GrabbeThere is difficulty involved in the process of exercising godly love. The intent of our heart must be correct for a word or deed to be godly love, yet Jeremiah 17:9 asserts that our heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” God asks, “Who can understand it?” implying that we cannot—only God can. Thus, we can do good works, believing we are doing them for the right reasons, yet be deceiving ourselves.
19-Jul-24
The Process of Love (Part One)
by David C. GrabbeLove stands at the very core of true Christianity. The apostle Paul says in I Corinthians 13:13 that faith, hope, and love are the three great virtues that “abide” or continue, and “the greatest of these is love.” But this greatest of virtues is also easily misunderstood because the source and origin of godly love is God. Thus, an individual’s understanding of God’s love wholly depends on his understanding of God. ...
12-Jul-24
Living the Life of God
by John ReissThe Bible often uses the metaphor of a way, path, or road to illustrate a lifestyle. Both major Hebrew and Greek words for "way" connote a walk or journey to a destination. Our way is to the Kingdom of God, and it is based on the life of Jesus Christ, who is "the Way." The early church was often called "the Way," confirming that the gospel Jesus brought instructs in a way of life that leads to eternal life.
05-Jul-24
The American Faith
by Richard T. RitenbaughPatriotism, as practiced in America, is a kind of faith, a religion. It is especially attractive to conservatives who have become disaffected with traditional religion. Such people put their faith in the ideas and creeds of the nation, serving it to help it reach its national aspirations and observing all its festivals and rituals. Richard Ritenbaugh warns that Americanism can become an idol, coming between us and the true God.
28-Jun-24
Equilibrium
by Richard T. RitenbaughGod has set natural cycles into motion in His creation to regulate it and bring it back into equilibrium. There are cycles of climate, temperature, and animal behavior that, given time, adjust back to a mean. Political, economic, and historical cycles are also at work. Richard Ritenbaugh wonders if our society has come to a point where God must intervene spectacularly to keep humanity from genocide. Are we ready for it?
21-Jun-24
As a Man Thinks
by Clyde FinkleaPeople are fond of saying, "You are what you eat." In many ways, we are. But Scripture, more concerned with spiritual things, would rephrase this common saying as, "You are what you think." Jesus teaches that what we are has its source on the inside, the heart and mind, so we must learn to think good things to ensure our words and behavior are righteous. Clyde Finklea urges us to take control of our thoughts, applying the Word of God to our daily circumstances.
14-Jun-24
Beware of Unbelief
by Richard T. RitenbaughOur world is commonly called "post-Christian." The Bible tells us "the carnal mind is enmity against God," and this puts Christians in the crosshairs in an increasingly anti-God society. God's elect must be wary of ideas that sound good, fair, and wise yet undermine the revelation of God, much in the same way Satan tricked Eve in the Garden of Eden. Richard Ritenbaugh urges God's people not to surrender to the forces of unbelief.
07-Jun-24
Good to the Core
by David F. MaasMother Eve, observing the fruit of the forbidden Tree of Knowledge, saw that it looked desirable to the eye, but she soon found out that the inner core contained death. The entire human race has followed her example, looking at surface appearances only, and paid the consequences. David Maas urges Christians to return to the character ethic, growing in goodness from the inside out.
31-May-24
Do We See Our Calling?
by Richard T. RitenbaughThe apostle Paul had to deal with the spiritual mess that was the Corinthian church. Wanting to correct the source of the problems, he informed its members that they had lost sight of the implications of God's calling — that His election separated them for training to become His children. Their carnality showed that they were not fully committed to His work in them. Richard Ritenbaugh urges us to remember that God's calling changes everything.
24-May-24
Why Do We Believe?
by Hunter D. SwansonThis society's foundations are shaky at best, producing a plethora of personal beliefs. No matter how strange and illogical they are, those who hold them will defend them, and we have to ask, "Why?" We should ask ourselves this question occasionally because it strikes at our reasons for thinking and acting as we do. Hunter Swanson contends that asking ourselves "Why?" will help us remain convicted and avoid neglecting our salvation.
17-May-24
Choose One Thing
by Richard T. RitenbaughAging is no fun. As some say, it is not for sissies. God, however, desires that our spiritual growth continue until we go the way of all flesh. While God also wants us to overcome all our many spiritual weaknesses, we would do well to focus on one at a time, trying to put to death our most serious sinful tendencies. Richard Ritenbaugh advises we do this to pass on our experiences and wisdom to younger generations.
10-May-24
Coattails
by David C. GrabbeThe brief Genesis narrative surrounding Nimrod, Babylon's founder, contains few details. However, it depicts a self-exalting rebel who created a human-centered system to sideline God. His exploits convinced the world's people to cling to him for security against acts of God. David Grabbe considers this scenario in light of the church's continued scattered state, noting that under God, "salvation by association" is false and spiritually deadly.
03-May-24
Identity as Sovereign
by David C. GrabbeAn individual's identity - completely self-generated and often opposed to reality - has become paramount in today's world. This movement, based on what people "feel" or "believe" about themselves, derives from earlier oppression narratives. It strives to gain societal acceptance to receive benefits as victims, producing extreme selfishness and chaos. David Grabbe shows that God has given us a new identity, but instead of entitling us, it puts us under obligation.
26-Apr-24
Behavior Matters
by Richard T. RitenbaughMainstream Christian theologians preach the mantra, "You are saved by grace. Moralism is trying to earn salvation." While they may also say, "Try to be a good person," the result has been that most nominal Christians believe that one's behavior and character mean little to nothing in terms of God granting them eternal life. Richard Ritenbaugh argues that the Bible teaches the exact opposite - only those of sterling character will be in God's Kingdom.
19-Apr-24
The Prophecy in Psalm 22
by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 22 rivals Isaiah 53 as a thorough prophecy of the crucifixion and death of our Savior Jesus Christ. From David's pen, we can grasp the gist of Jesus' suffering and the weight of sin that the Father placed on Him. Richard Ritenbaugh focuses on seven prophecies in Psalm 22 that the gospel writers explicitly mention as fulfilling prophecy.
12-Apr-24
In the Heart of the Earth
by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is amazing that people who claim to be followers of Christ do not take Him at His word. In His only sign of His Messiahship, Jesus prophesied He would be "three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Yet, each year, they celebrate Easter, which rests on a sunset Friday burial and a Sunday dawn resurrection. Richard Ritenbaugh observes that the Bible consistently supports a complete 72-hour burial period, exactly three days and three nights.
05-Apr-24
Spiritual Grave Robbers
by David F. MaasDavid instructs us in Psalm 103:12 that God has removed our sins from us "as far as the east is from the west." In other words, He completely forgives them and forgets them! But we tend to dig them up and dwell on them or commit them again, bringing them back into the light and allowing them to damage us and others again. Dr. David Maas compares this propensity to spiritual grave-robbing, a ghoulish activity that never produces good.
29-Mar-24
Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God (Part Two)
by John ReissThe death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the ancient Passover sacrifice almost 2,000 years ago. He is, as John the Baptist says, "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The New Testament Passover, a type of the peace offering, pictures the harmony, peace, and satisfaction that exists between God, the High Priest, and us. John Reiss urges us to meditate on these things.
22-Mar-24
Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God (Part One)
by John ReissScripture is replete with types, most of which appear in the Old Testament, and antitypes, which are spiritually fulfilled in the New Testament or will be fulfilled at the end time. The lamb the ancient Israelites slew on that first Passover in Egypt is a significant type, fulfilled in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. John Reiss examines five details of God's instructions in Exodus, comparing them to the events surrounding His death in the gospels.
15-Mar-24
Is Barabbas the Fulfillment of the Scapegoat?
by David C. GrabbeWhile all four gospels mention Barabbas in their accounts of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on Passover day, Matthew, by a wide margin, pays the most attention to that aspect of the crucifixion story. ...
08-Mar-24
God Has Not Called the Atheist
by Richard T. RitenbaughAtheism is alive and well in post-Christian society. Much of nominal Christianity believes it is their sacred duty to convince atheists to drop their unbelief and commit themselves to Christ. But is it? Scripture says otherwise. Richard Ritenbaugh, mulling a recent encounter with some atheists, asserts that no amount of persuasion will change an atheist's mind unless God Himself enables him to believe.
01-Mar-24
Priceless
by Richard T. RitenbaughChristians commemorate the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ every year with the Passover. Because it is an annual observance, some members may, over time, fail to appreciate each year what Christ did for His people. His sacrifice was profound in both execution and accomplishment. Richard Ritenbaugh lists fourteen costs Jesus and the Father had to pay for our redemption.
23-Feb-24
Knowing God
by John ReissJesus says in John 17:3 that eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son. But knowing God is much more than just knowing about Him. It is having an ongoing relationship and experiencing life with Him. John Reiss suggests that we can enhance our relationship with God by using well-known spiritual practices and engaging with Him on a regular basis to encourage growth in our character.
16-Feb-24
The World's Moral Resentment
by Gary MontgomeryProverbs 29:27 instructs that the wicked despise the righteous because of their obvious differences, leading to moral resentment, abuse, and persecution. The unrighteous of this world are influenced by "the prince of the power of the air," while the righteous follow Jesus Christ. Gary Montgomery urges God's people to continue being lights to the world and, if persecuted, to remember that our Savior calls us to be peacemakers.
09-Feb-24
A Moment of Your Time?
by Jarod RitenbaughToday's world seems to demand that we focus on ourselves at the expense of others. God's way contradicts this modern mantra, encouraging us to sacrifice for others and be cheerful givers. We often think of giving money to those who are needy, but perhaps the best thing we can do is to spend time with them. Jarod Ritenbaugh writes that simple giving like this is a sacrifice we can all make.
02-Feb-24
Surrender
by David C. GrabbeMany believe, like Jonah, that they can confidently navigate life with God "along for the ride," trusting He will ensure their desired outcomes. However, though it will feel uncomfortable, true alignment with God involves surrendering control to Him and allowing Him to guide our lives. David Grabbe demonstrates that Jesus Christ's total surrender to His Father's will is the example Christians should follow.
26-Jan-24
Some Thoughts on Healing
by Richard T. RitenbaughMost people, concerned about their health, are willing to spend massive amounts of money to guard it. Many denominations build hospitals to care for others. In Scripture, God promises to heal His people of their diseases, but Christians must recognize that this promise is not unconditional. Richard Ritenbaugh explains that healing is subject to God's will, and sometimes, His will and ours conflict, a fact we must come to terms with.
19-Jan-24
Groping for Jesus
by Richard T. RitenbaughThe media keeps Jesus in the public eye through new movies and television shows, but are viewers getting the truth about mankind's Savior? No. Usually, they are "interpretations" of Him, slanted by personal biases and aims. Even scholars cannot agree on Him because they, like most others, reject the only true record of His life and teachings, the Bible. In addition, Richard Ritenbaugh argues that they lack God's Spirit to guide them into the truth.
12-Jan-24
Stephen and Demas
by John ReissThe Christian life is not an easy one. Every Christian faces trials of varying intensity. Some, sadly, fail them miserably and fall away. In the New Testament, the contrast between Stephen and Demas - one who faithfully endured martyrdom and one who abandoned the apostle Paul when he was most needed - is stark and instructive. John Reiss appeals to Christians to remain faithful and finish the race in victory!
05-Jan-24
Cracked But Not Broken
by Steven SkidmoreMany Christians have suffered loss recently. They learn to manage it, but sometimes, incessant waves of grief make them feel emotionally broken. They believe they will never recover. However, Isaiah 61:1 reassures us that our Savior was sent to heal the brokenhearted, those crushed in spirit. Steven Skidmore reflects on his experiences with loss, proposing that recent findings about Roman concrete provide a comforting metaphor for spiritual healing.
29-Dec-23
The Governors of Judah
by Richard T. RitenbaughConflicts between the State of Israel and its Muslim neighbors happen routinely, often as provocations and retaliations and sometimes as all-out wars. These battles draw the world's interest and, frequently, its intervention. Richard Ritenbaugh writes that biblical prophecy informs us to keep our eyes on Judah's governors - its prime ministers - because they are "like a firepan in the woodpile" in the fight for Jerusalem.
22-Dec-23
Christmas Contradictions
by Richard T. RitenbaughMany professing Christians merrily observe Christmas every year while knowing they are celebrating a holiday with its origins in ancient paganism. Apologists brush such facts aside, justifying their observance by claiming that honoring Jesus on the day of His birth (also a lie) supersedes all contradictions and falsehoods. Richard Ritenbaugh suggests that people, following human nature, will excuse ungodly practices if they appear to receive enjoyment or benefits from them.
15-Dec-23
Jesus, Nathanael, and Jacob's Ladder
by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen they first met, Jesus was astounded by Nathanael's quick belief in His divinity and sovereignty, telling him he would see even greater things as His disciple. As an example of one of those more significant experiences, He reaches back to the beginning of Jacob's conversion and his dream of the ladder or stairway ascending to heaven. Richard Ritenbaugh considers the deep meaning of this often neglected type fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
08-Dec-23
Trust the Bible (Part Two)
by Craig SablichIn these times, many people do not know what to make of the Bible. Is it true? Is it inspired? Is it complete? Is it relevant for modern times? Is it not full of errors and contradictions? Is it not just one among many "sacred texts"? Craig Sablich demonstrates that when sincerely investigated, the Bible reveals itself to be true, relevant, and authoritative for Christians.
01-Dec-23
Trust the Bible (Part One)
by Craig SablichMany people do not know what to think about the Bible. It seems strange to them, ancient and unverifiable - just one among many claimants to ultimate truth. Are we, as studious Christians, prepared to answer their questions and ease their doubts? Craig Sablich provides a number of avenues we can take to provide truth and reassurance about the Bible's claims to be the revealed Word of the Creator God.
24-Nov-23
Thankful Forever
by Martin G. CollinsFour significant holidays crowd the end-of-the-year calendar, and guess which one usually ends up receiving the least notice? Thanksgiving, the only holiday designed to express gratitude to the beneficent God for all His bounty given to us. It sometimes seems Black Friday gets more attention! Martin Collins extols the benefits of thankfulness.
17-Nov-23
Peace and Safety
by David C. GrabbePowerful and wealthy empires and nations like the United States tend to become lax, allowing immorality and corruption to undermine them, even while they still appear strong. Scripture provides the example of ancient Israel, who fell to Assyria at the height of her power because God decided to punish the Israelites for their sins against Him. David Grabbe sounds a warning to America, an increasingly sinful nation.
10-Nov-23
Sanctified by Truth
by John ReissIn His John 17 prayer before His arrest, Jesus asked His Father to sanctify His disciples by His truth, His Word. Indeed, believing and observing the revealed truth of God not only makes the elect holy but also separates them from those of the world around them! John Reiss reviews five fundamental truths that distinguish the church of God from other religious organizations.
03-Nov-23
The Place of Prophecy
by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible is roughly one-third prophecy, but some Christians seem to study and talk about it as if Scripture contained nothing else. In time, such Christians often become imbalanced and perhaps regress in their efforts to follow Jesus Christ. Richard Ritenbaugh argues that prophecy must take its proper place behind doctrine and Christian living because our most important goal is take on the character image of Christ.
27-Oct-23
Walking to Emmaus
by James C. StoertzImagine spending a long walk with God Himself, engaging in an extended conversation about what He is and is doing among humanity. What an honor and pleasure that would be! Cleopas and another disciple did just that on the road to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection, and their hearts burned within them. James Stoertz gathers a handful of lessons we can learn from their encounter with Christ in Luke 24.