Death in the Vatican
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Pope Francis' death returns the Vatican to the global spotlight. The Argentine-born Pope vowed to bring change to the Roman Catholic Church, which he did immediately by spurning the traditional trappings of the papal office. With his kind, humble demeanor, he worked on his progressive agenda - too fast for church conservatives and too slow for liberals. Richard Ritenbaugh speculates on where the Catholic Church will land after the conclave meets.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Pope Francis' death returns the Vatican to the global spotlight. The Argentine-born Pope vowed to bring change to the Roman Catholic Church, which he did immediately by spurning the traditional trappings of the papal office. With his kind, humble demeanor, he worked on his progressive agenda - too fast for church conservatives and too slow for liberals. Richard Ritenbaugh speculates on where the Catholic Church will land after the conclave meets.
Did Israel Offer the Wavesheaf in Joshua 5?
Article by David C. Grabbe
Joshua 5 records Israel's history after crossing the Jordan River. A cursory study of the text seems to support the idea that it occurred in a year in which Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath, and that Israel offered the Wavesheaf the next day, the first day of Unleavened Bread, providing us a pattern to follow. However, in the context of the whole of God's law, offering the Wavesheaf at that time would have violated several of God's commands. David Grabbe explains.
Article by David C. Grabbe
Joshua 5 records Israel's history after crossing the Jordan River. A cursory study of the text seems to support the idea that it occurred in a year in which Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath, and that Israel offered the Wavesheaf the next day, the first day of Unleavened Bread, providing us a pattern to follow. However, in the context of the whole of God's law, offering the Wavesheaf at that time would have violated several of God's commands. David Grabbe explains.
Why Was Jesus Not Crucified as Passover Began? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
Many Bible students scratch their heads over the timing of Christ's crucifixion, believing that it should have coincided with the Passover events in Exodus 12. David Grabbe explains that the timing of our Savior's death reaches even further back, into the life of Abraham, the father of the faithful, and the covenant God made with him.
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
Many Bible students scratch their heads over the timing of Christ's crucifixion, believing that it should have coincided with the Passover events in Exodus 12. David Grabbe explains that the timing of our Savior's death reaches even further back, into the life of Abraham, the father of the faithful, and the covenant God made with him.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Two)
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The Bible focuses on God's relationship with two entities: the people of ancient Israel and the elect, those called into His church. His relationships with each - bound by covenants - make them more responsible, even obligated, to follow His instructions. Doing so brings great blessings and rewards, but repeated, unrepentant failure causes God to punish His people to wake them up to their sins and spur them to return to Him.
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The Bible focuses on God's relationship with two entities: the people of ancient Israel and the elect, those called into His church. His relationships with each - bound by covenants - make them more responsible, even obligated, to follow His instructions. Doing so brings great blessings and rewards, but repeated, unrepentant failure causes God to punish His people to wake them up to their sins and spur them to return to Him.
What Does 'Examine Yourselves' Mean?
'Ready Answer' by Staff
In II Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul advises the Christians in Corinth to examine themselves periodically to determine how faithful they are to God's revealed way of life. He urges them to undertake an honest, rigorous self-evaluation to see if they provide a righteous dwelling for Christ. Examining oneself before Passover helps a Christian prepare to take it in faith, knowing he or she is in a right relationship with God.
'Ready Answer' by Staff
In II Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul advises the Christians in Corinth to examine themselves periodically to determine how faithful they are to God's revealed way of life. He urges them to undertake an honest, rigorous self-evaluation to see if they provide a righteous dwelling for Christ. Examining oneself before Passover helps a Christian prepare to take it in faith, knowing he or she is in a right relationship with God.
Biblical Symbolism (Part Two)
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The Bible contains many metaphorical symbols, which appear in parables, analogies, similitudes, and even prophetic language. Since the church is a focal point of God's Plan for humanity, the biblical authors use various symbols for God's people in Scripture. They are intended to help the elect understand what God is doing and how they should respond to His will. Richard Ritenbaugh covers a few of the more significant symbols of the church.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The Bible contains many metaphorical symbols, which appear in parables, analogies, similitudes, and even prophetic language. Since the church is a focal point of God's Plan for humanity, the biblical authors use various symbols for God's people in Scripture. They are intended to help the elect understand what God is doing and how they should respond to His will. Richard Ritenbaugh covers a few of the more significant symbols of the church.
Moses' Sin at Kadesh
'Prophecy Watch' by Mike Ford
During our trials, we tell ourselves, "I wish God would just tell me what to do!" We want him to appear to us in a dream or give us a clear sign of His will. But He has instructed us thoroughly in Scripture, where He reveals His will. Even great men of faith like Moses and Aaron failed in this regard, not following His instructions in detail and going beyond what He says. Mike Ford presents the story of Moses' sin at Kadesh to teach us some valuable spiritual lessons.
'Prophecy Watch' by Mike Ford
During our trials, we tell ourselves, "I wish God would just tell me what to do!" We want him to appear to us in a dream or give us a clear sign of His will. But He has instructed us thoroughly in Scripture, where He reveals His will. Even great men of faith like Moses and Aaron failed in this regard, not following His instructions in detail and going beyond what He says. Mike Ford presents the story of Moses' sin at Kadesh to teach us some valuable spiritual lessons.
Conquering Temptation: Learn from Jesus Christ
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
A Christian cannot avoid temptation in this world. He can face it anytime, anywhere. Jesus Christ wants His elect to overcome it and reap the rewards of eternal life in His Kingdom. How can we fulfill His desire? By walking in His steps. In His physical life, recorded in the gospels, He shows us how He kept God's will firmly in mind and temptation at bay. Using Jesus' wilderness temptation, Pat Higgins shows how His responses provide a template for us.
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
A Christian cannot avoid temptation in this world. He can face it anytime, anywhere. Jesus Christ wants His elect to overcome it and reap the rewards of eternal life in His Kingdom. How can we fulfill His desire? By walking in His steps. In His physical life, recorded in the gospels, He shows us how He kept God's will firmly in mind and temptation at bay. Using Jesus' wilderness temptation, Pat Higgins shows how His responses provide a template for us.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part One)
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The book of Amos records an uncanny parallel to what is happening today among Western nations. The prophet's doom-and-gloom assessment of spiritual decline contrasts sharply with Israel's then-surging power, wealth, and influence. Ultimately, the Israelites failed to repent and suffered war, famine, pestilence, and captivity as a result. With our nations heading along the same path, the authors contend the window to avoid God's wrath is closing.
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The book of Amos records an uncanny parallel to what is happening today among Western nations. The prophet's doom-and-gloom assessment of spiritual decline contrasts sharply with Israel's then-surging power, wealth, and influence. Ultimately, the Israelites failed to repent and suffered war, famine, pestilence, and captivity as a result. With our nations heading along the same path, the authors contend the window to avoid God's wrath is closing.
Valentine's Day and Real Love
Article by Staff
Saint Valentine's Day is all about love, and love is good, right? This holiday's origins in pagan Rome and its modern sexualized celebration belie its supposed goodness. Even its religious ties to a Saint Valentine are tenuous! In Scripture, God repeatedly warns against involving ourselves in the practices of those around us, urging us to cling to His ways, including observing His weekly and annual Sabbaths. Through them, we learn true, godly love.
Article by Staff
Saint Valentine's Day is all about love, and love is good, right? This holiday's origins in pagan Rome and its modern sexualized celebration belie its supposed goodness. Even its religious ties to a Saint Valentine are tenuous! In Scripture, God repeatedly warns against involving ourselves in the practices of those around us, urging us to cling to His ways, including observing His weekly and annual Sabbaths. Through them, we learn true, godly love.
Shifting Toward Authoritarianism
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Recent generations of American and British citizens have expressed a desire for more authoritarian forms of government. They are even willing to give up various rights and freedoms to ensure their security. This sentiment springs in part from their parents' childrearing methods that over-protected them and left them unprepared for real-world dangers. Joseph Baity wonders if this generational desire will lead to the rise of the Beast.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Recent generations of American and British citizens have expressed a desire for more authoritarian forms of government. They are even willing to give up various rights and freedoms to ensure their security. This sentiment springs in part from their parents' childrearing methods that over-protected them and left them unprepared for real-world dangers. Joseph Baity wonders if this generational desire will lead to the rise of the Beast.
Biblical Symbolism (Part One)
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Although the complete Bible has been available for nearly two millennia, beliefs and opinions about its content are as divided as ever. One factor in many such disagreements is that even scholars cannot agree on its symbolic language, which God intentionally used to hide meaning. Richard Ritenbaugh asserts that God reveals understanding to those whom He calls, including the meanings of the Bible's many symbols, parables, types, and other metaphorical elements.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Although the complete Bible has been available for nearly two millennia, beliefs and opinions about its content are as divided as ever. One factor in many such disagreements is that even scholars cannot agree on its symbolic language, which God intentionally used to hide meaning. Richard Ritenbaugh asserts that God reveals understanding to those whom He calls, including the meanings of the Bible's many symbols, parables, types, and other metaphorical elements.
Recognizing the Second Witness
Article by Charles Whitaker
The law says a matter is established from the mouth of two or three witnesses. However, on scriptural authority, we cannot limit this principle to two or three different people. The principle is also true when the multiple witnesses are different appearances by the same person, as in Christ's first and second comings. Describing those who encountered Christ as a Man, Charles Whitaker urges us to follow the examples of those who accepted Him as their Messiah.
Article by Charles Whitaker
The law says a matter is established from the mouth of two or three witnesses. However, on scriptural authority, we cannot limit this principle to two or three different people. The principle is also true when the multiple witnesses are different appearances by the same person, as in Christ's first and second comings. Describing those who encountered Christ as a Man, Charles Whitaker urges us to follow the examples of those who accepted Him as their Messiah.
Presumption and Divine Justice (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In the examples of Nadab and Abihu, Uzzah, and Ananias and Sapphira, Scripture reveals a pattern of God's displeasure with acts of presumption. Human presumption exposes people's misunderstanding of holiness, and He sometimes acts swiftly to teach His people vital lessons about regarding Him as holy. John Ritenbaugh explains that God's justice is always characterized by His righteousness. We should be grateful that He frequently judges with mercy.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In the examples of Nadab and Abihu, Uzzah, and Ananias and Sapphira, Scripture reveals a pattern of God's displeasure with acts of presumption. Human presumption exposes people's misunderstanding of holiness, and He sometimes acts swiftly to teach His people vital lessons about regarding Him as holy. John Ritenbaugh explains that God's justice is always characterized by His righteousness. We should be grateful that He frequently judges with mercy.
Does God Cause Pandemics?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
While natural disasters are called "acts of God," modern people - even many who consider themselves Christians - scoff at the idea that God actually causes or allows them to happen. Instead, they look for "scientific" or "reasonable" causes and shout down intrepid Christians who claim they are divine curses for national and individual sins. David Grabbe shows that the Bible frequently speaks of God sending calamities - yes, even pandemics - upon His people to spark repentance.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
While natural disasters are called "acts of God," modern people - even many who consider themselves Christians - scoff at the idea that God actually causes or allows them to happen. Instead, they look for "scientific" or "reasonable" causes and shout down intrepid Christians who claim they are divine curses for national and individual sins. David Grabbe shows that the Bible frequently speaks of God sending calamities - yes, even pandemics - upon His people to spark repentance.
How Much Does God Love Us? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
When Jesus says in John 17:23 that the Father loves His disciples as He has loved Jesus, do we believe Him? His profound statement should encourage us in our spiritual walk, but we still struggle with fear. We still respond to trials with despair and often fail to wait for God to help us at the proper time. Why do we not trust in God's love for us? Pat Higgins continues to explore what God's inexhaustible love means to us as we press toward the goal of His Kingdom.
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
When Jesus says in John 17:23 that the Father loves His disciples as He has loved Jesus, do we believe Him? His profound statement should encourage us in our spiritual walk, but we still struggle with fear. We still respond to trials with despair and often fail to wait for God to help us at the proper time. Why do we not trust in God's love for us? Pat Higgins continues to explore what God's inexhaustible love means to us as we press toward the goal of His Kingdom.
Cogitations on Christmas
Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
For Christians who observe the biblical holy days instead of traditional ones, Christmastime causes them to reflect on the holiday's unscriptural nature. This article brings together three brief essays by Richard Ritenbaugh and David Grabbe, contemplating Christmas contradictions, the modern debate over Christmas in an increasingly secular society, and the Christmas season as a time when true Christians can make a godly witness.
Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
For Christians who observe the biblical holy days instead of traditional ones, Christmastime causes them to reflect on the holiday's unscriptural nature. This article brings together three brief essays by Richard Ritenbaugh and David Grabbe, contemplating Christmas contradictions, the modern debate over Christmas in an increasingly secular society, and the Christmas season as a time when true Christians can make a godly witness.
The Ever-Deepening Culture of Death
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Recently, the British Parliament passed a resolution to move forward on a new law legalizing assisted death for citizens of England and Wales. While assuring the public that lawmakers would enact safeguards against misuse of this new "right," advocates also spoke of a chronically ill person's "duty" to die for the nation's sake. Richard Ritenbaugh shows that euthanasia laws tend to expand to include new "clients," deepening the culture of death.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Recently, the British Parliament passed a resolution to move forward on a new law legalizing assisted death for citizens of England and Wales. While assuring the public that lawmakers would enact safeguards against misuse of this new "right," advocates also spoke of a chronically ill person's "duty" to die for the nation's sake. Richard Ritenbaugh shows that euthanasia laws tend to expand to include new "clients," deepening the culture of death.
Presumption and Divine Justice (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Over the past few generations, orthodoxy in virtually every aspect of life has been discarded, indicating how perverse human nature is in its determination to rebel against God. Whether it is adding uncommanded holidays to Christian worship or changing the day of rest, men presume to alter God's instructions. John Ritenbaugh uses several real-life examples to illustrate human presumption, a tendency we all share - and one God takes a severe stance against.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Over the past few generations, orthodoxy in virtually every aspect of life has been discarded, indicating how perverse human nature is in its determination to rebel against God. Whether it is adding uncommanded holidays to Christian worship or changing the day of rest, men presume to alter God's instructions. John Ritenbaugh uses several real-life examples to illustrate human presumption, a tendency we all share - and one God takes a severe stance against.
The Seven Churches (Part Ten): What Now?
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
God's people look upon the landscape of small and often-competing organizations left in the wake of God's scattering of the church and despair that it will never come together again. However, God has not forsaken His elect! As the world's evils increase, Jesus Christ is at work, evaluating His people and testing them to increase their faith and endurance. Richard Ritenbaugh offers several prophecies that show God's plan to shepherd His people through the coming crisis before Christ's return.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
God's people look upon the landscape of small and often-competing organizations left in the wake of God's scattering of the church and despair that it will never come together again. However, God has not forsaken His elect! As the world's evils increase, Jesus Christ is at work, evaluating His people and testing them to increase their faith and endurance. Richard Ritenbaugh offers several prophecies that show God's plan to shepherd His people through the coming crisis before Christ's return.