December 2006
Volume 15, Number 10

Though many of us avoid contemplating it, we must all face the last enemy, death. Moreover, we do not know when our lives will end: We may be in excellent health yet be caught in a fatal accident. It is good to be prepared for such an eventuality. Scripture suggests that putting our affairs in order before we die is a responsible and proper activity--in fact, it is an act of love toward those who survive us. (JUPITERIMAGES/ Brand X / Alamy)

Personal from John W. Ritenbaugh

Human beings, even those who have been called to be children of God, have an innate fear that God will not always provide for us. John Ritenbaugh contends that this fear originates in doubt about God's power--a doubt that falls to pieces before God's revelation of Himself in the Bible.

Ready Answer

Hebrews 9:27 informs us of the unhappy fact that we are all going to die. John Plunkett argues that even in death, we should show godly love toward our survivors, which we can do by taking certain legal and organizational steps now to cover this eventuality.

Prophecy Watch

The twin sons of Isaac, Esau and Jacob, are perhaps the classic model of sibling rivalry, and their contentious relationship has had a tremendous impact on history. Richard Ritenbaugh introduces the ancient people known as the Edomites by examining the life of the original Edomite, Esau.

For many of us, Gnosticism is difficult to pin down, and this is because it is not itself a religion but a philosophy that piggy-backs on religions. David Grabbe explains how we can see this in Paul's epistles to the Galatians and Colossians, in which he combats Gnosticism's twisting of the truth of Jesus Christ.

WorldWatch

The European Union (EU), now expanded to include 27 nations, has its genesis in French ambitions to dominate Europe. Yet now, as David Grabbe points out, the EU has reached a tipping point, where a Franco-German veto could be overridden by the other nations. Will this turn of events sour France on the EU?

Bible Study

In performing the miracle at Cana, Jesus gave a command that may have seemed strange at the time. Using the changing of water into wine as a backdrop, Martin Collins expounds on the connection between obedience to God's commands and blessings.