Articles
Wandering the Wilderness in Faith
Christians must live by faith. But what is faith? John Ritenbaugh navigates the misconceptions of this topic, emphasizing just how vital it is!
Wars and Rumors of Wars
Increased war is one of the signs of the end, as Jesus shows in Matthew 24. What is the pace of war in this century? Is the world becoming more peaceful or more violent?
Was God's Law Nailed to the Cross?
Many use Colossians 2:14 to 'prove' God's law is done away. Is this really what Paul means? Earl Henn uses the Bible to explain the apostle's intent in this verse.
Was Herbert Armstrong a False Prophet?
Herbert Armstrong made scores of predictions, and many of them never came to pass. Does this make him a false prophet? Is he thus not worthy of following?
Was Jesus Christ Born Under the Law?
As Christians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, but many subtle arguments are advanced to prove we really do not have to walk in His footsteps--that He did it all for us. Earl Henn explains that such teachings are ridiculous!
Was Jesus Resurrected on Easter Sunday?
When did Jesus rise from the rich man's tomb? The world says Sunday, but the Bible says otherwise!
Was Mr. Armstrong an Apostle?
Many have asked this question since the Worldwide Church of God began to break up. John Ritenbaugh explains what an apostle is and then checks to see how Herbert Armstrong measured up.
Weeds!
Drawing an analogy between kudzu and the thorns in the Parable of the Sower, Mike Ford shows how we have to "weed out" detrimental habits that choke our lives. If we want to produce quality fruit, we must weed the garden!
What Did Jesus Do?
We have all seen "WWJD?" on bracelets, T-shirts, and the like. Rod Keesee, however, says a better question to ask is, "What Did Jesus Do?" because He left us the perfect example of godly living in the four gospels!
What Do We Have to Offer?
Most of the time, the Israelites provide us with a bad example, but Mike Ford tells of one time in particular that their example illustrates a godly virtue.
What Do You Do in the Dark?
Character has been defined as "what you do in the dark." It is what you are when no one else can see you. Mike Ford uses the story of Joseph in Potiphar's house to extract some lessons about character.
What Does 'Examine Yourselves' Mean?
Each year, Christians prepare for Passover by engaging in a thorough, spiritual self-examination. Using II Corinthians 13:5, Greg Smith expands on the apostle Paul's instruction, showing us what we need to look for.
What Evolution Really Means
In the church, the argument over evolution was settled long ago, but such is not the case in the wider world. David Grabbe goes beyond the science to what embracing evolution actually says about a person's—and a society's—relationship with God.
What Is a False Prophet?
The Bible warns us that a great False Prophet will soon arise to sway mankind into idolatry. In addition, numerous passages speak of other false prophets and false teachers in the church and in the world. David Grabbe, in exposing the differences between false prophets and true ones, explains what we need to look out for as the end nears.
What Is the Book of Revelation?
Everyone knows what the book of Revelation is all about, right? The end of the world, strange and fearsome symbols, and enigmatic clues about the shape of things to come. David Grabbe, however, argues that, though those are included in its pages, the real subject of Revelation is readily apparent.
What Is the Feast of Trumpets, Anyway?
The Feast of Trumpets, the first of the fall holy days, has perhaps the least directly written about it of all God's festivals. To provide some answers, John Plunkett explains the basic facts about this pivotal day.
What Is the Passover Anyway?
To someone not familiar with the Bible's instructions regarding the keeping of Passover, this festival can seem strange and confusing. John Plunkett explains the basic points of the Passover, showing from Scripture what God commands and why.
What is Your Bowl of Lentil Stew?
Everyone knows the story of Esau selling his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew, but what does it mean to us? This article shows that each of us has the potential to do just as Esau did—each of us has a bowl of lentil stew!
What Is Your Lentil Soup?
The story of Esau and his selling his birthright for a bowl of soup is a cautionary tale for Christians today. Jeff Volk counsels us to consider what it is we really value, for what we treasure will ultimately determine our destiny.
What Sin Is & What Sin Does
No one seems to talk much about sin anymore, but it still exists! John Ritenbaugh explains the basics of sin and the great effects it produces on our lives.
What Was the Law 'Added Because of Transgressions'?
Some think Galatians 3:19 means that God's law has been done away. Earl Henn explains how certain misunderstandings have led people astray on this verse.
What Would You Do With a Second Chance?
How often have we wished we could live some part of our lives over again to correct a wrong? In discussing second chances, David Maas reveals that God gives us not only second chances but multiple chances to change our character for the better in preparation for His Kingdom.
What, Me Worry?
Do you sometimes worry about your financial situation? Knowing that just about everyone does, Mike Ford explains Jesus' simple solution to this common problem.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One: False Knowledge
"Gnosticism" sounds like an old and very dry Greek philosophy, the subject of a somnolent college lecture. Not so, says David Grabbe. Gnosticism is very much in vogue today in books and movies--and in the belief systems of a great many people who profess to be Christian.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan's Three Heresies
When Satan confronted humanity's first parents, Adam and Eve, he fed them three heresies that he continues to promote to deceive the world today. David Grabbe expounds on these three lies, revealing how Gnosticism incorporated them into its parasitic philosophy and way of life.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Two: Defining Gnosticism
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.
Whatever Your Heart Desires
The Bible tells us that at the Feast of Tabernacles, we can spend our money on whatever we desire. Rod Keesee contends that the Feast is a test of our hearts. What do we really desire? Do we indulge ourselves, or do we use our resources to make it the best Feast ever for others?
What's Going On Up There?
Does it seem like your prayers never reach God's throne--that at best they are only recorded on God's answering machine? This article gives a new perspective on prayer that just may add new impetus to your prayer life!
What's in a Name Anyway?
Names not only identify but they also arouse associations--sometimes good, sometimes bad. David Maas explains the biblically, a person's name held his reputation, a thing to be guarded and enhanced through godly living.
What's in a Name?
God uses names very particularly in His Word. Knowing the meaning and identity of certain names can greatly aid our study of Bible prophecy.
When Does the Countdown Begin?
In this personal letter, John Ritenbaugh seeks input for the doctrinal question concerning counting Pentecost in years when Passover occurs on a weekly Sabbath. This article precedes "The Cancerous Calendar Controversy", "The Wavesheaf Offering", and "The Countdown Begins.
When Was Jesus Born?
The world claims Jesus was born December 25. But when was he really born? John Reid explains.
Where Is the Promise of His Coming?
As this world keeps on turning, more people become skeptical about the return of Jesus Christ. The Bible, however, insists that He will come again and quickly. Richard Ritenbaugh advises watchful, sober expectation because the Lord does not delay His coming.
Which Bible Translation Is Best?
Who Are the 144,000?
This is a subject that has long been a source of controversy. However, when we let the Bible interpret itself, the answer is plain!
Who Are the 'Guests at the Wedding'?
The Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22 has raised questions about the identity of its symbols, especially the guests. Who are they? This article shows from Scripture they fit only one catagory of people throughout history.
Who Is Doing the Work of God?
What is more important: preaching the gospel to the world or feeding the flock? John Ritenbaugh gives reasons why we should at this time be concentrating on reversing the church's serious spiritual decline before we presume to go to the world.
Who Were the Philistines?
For several centuries, the Philistines were a constant menace on Israel's southwestern flank. Richard Ritenbaugh summarizes what the Bible, history, and archeology have to say about this little-known yet biblically significant people.
Who Were the Wise Men?
Mentioned on in Matthew 2, the wise men or magi have been mysterious figures since their appearance two thousand years ago. John Plunkett explains that their visit to Bethlehem was more significant than most realize.
Whose Family Values?
Family values has become an important topic in America today. Whose family values should we hold and follow? Is there any indication that we will return to good and right values?
Why Did Jesus Have to Die by Crucifixion?
Crucifixion is man's most cruel, inhumane form of capital punishment. Why did our Savior need to die this way? What does it teach us? This article also includes an inset, "Was Jesus Stabbed Before or After He Died?"
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Christians?
Of all people, one might think, Christians should be the most blessed, yet they often fall under heavy trials. Tom Shadoin asserts that God is putting us through the paces, correcting us and refining us, to bring us to salvation.
Why Do the Wicked Prosper?
Righteous men have complained about the seeming good fortune of evil people for ages, but what is the answer? Mike Ford gives the biblical answer--in the end, a very simple and practical one.
Why Does God Keep Secrets?
Proverbs 25:2 says, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter." Why? David Maas examines this principle from an educator's viewpoint, concluding that God does it to make us "dig deep."
Why Israel? (Part One)
Even the beginning Bible student knows that Israel plays a prominant part in Scripture. Why? Richard Ritenbaugh explores God's stated purposes for choosing and using the children of Israel throughout His Word—and beyond.
Why Israel? (Part Two)
Though God provided the descendants of Abraham with every physical advantage, Israel still failed to keep the terms of the covenant they made with Him. However, as Richard Ritenbaugh brings out, God withheld one necessary, spiritual ingredient—the key dimension that makes the New Covenant work.
Why Should Christians Refuse Jury Duty?
For years, the church has taught that Christians should refuse jury duty. Why? What are the biblical reasons for this? This article explains why we should not judge the world at this time.
Why the Transfiguration?
Why was Jesus transfigured on the mount? What did it mean? What was it designed to teach the apostles? Richard Ritenbaugh shows the significance of this wonderful miracle.
Why We Must Put Out Leaven
Why must we put leaven out, yet we do not have to circumcise our boys? Earl Henn explains this apparent contradiction.
Why Worship God?
Many of us believe and attend church services without really answering this most fundamental of questions. John Ritenbaugh gives three reasons for worshipping our great and almighty God.
Will Aliens Invade the Earth?
Satan seems to be planting into men's minds the thought that an alien force will one day invade earth. Perhaps the Devil is conditioning mankind for Christ's return?
Will Europe Ever Unite?
The church has predicted a united Europe for decades, but it seems just as far off as ever. Richard Ritenbaugh explains that humanly, Europe will never unite--it will take "a strong hand from someplace"!
Will You Marry Me? (Part One)
As Christians, we sometimes fail to appreciate our calling: We have been invited to participate in the very Marriage Supper of Jesus Christ—and not just as a guest, but as the Bride! The Bible is full of marriage symbolism, suggesting just how important marriage is to God.
Will You Marry Me? (Part Two)
Continuing to show the biblical parallels to marriage, Part Two highlights the story of Boaz and Ruth, the cup of betrothal, and the Marriage Supper itself, asking, "Are we committed to this wonderful relationship with our Fiance?"
Works of Faith (Part 1)
Many think works and faith are incompatible, but the Bible instructs us to do works of faith. What are they? These are things we MUST do during the process of salvation.
Works of Faith (Part 2)
Worship God!
What is worship? What should our attitude be in worship? How do we worship God? Our God is seeking people to worship Him in spirit and truth!
