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.
The Unknown Deadline
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
On several occasions, Jesus told His disciples they would not know the day and hour of His return. He declared that even He did not know - only the Father does! Similarly, no one knows when his life will end. These two unknown deadlines should effectively concentrate a Christian's efforts to make the best use of his time, engaging in developing godly character. David Grabbe urges Christians to ignore the distractions and desires of this world and become rich toward God.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
On several occasions, Jesus told His disciples they would not know the day and hour of His return. He declared that even He did not know - only the Father does! Similarly, no one knows when his life will end. These two unknown deadlines should effectively concentrate a Christian's efforts to make the best use of his time, engaging in developing godly character. David Grabbe urges Christians to ignore the distractions and desires of this world and become rich toward God.
How Much Does God Love Us? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
When a student of the Bible reads it carefully, he is often startled to find truths so profound that they seem unbelievable. Such a truth appears in John 17:23, where Jesus states without resentment or jealousy that the Father loves every child of God as He loves Jesus Christ! How can that be? Pat Higgins explores the ramifications of that undeserved love on our faith and ability to endure to the end.
'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins
When a student of the Bible reads it carefully, he is often startled to find truths so profound that they seem unbelievable. Such a truth appears in John 17:23, where Jesus states without resentment or jealousy that the Father loves every child of God as He loves Jesus Christ! How can that be? Pat Higgins explores the ramifications of that undeserved love on our faith and ability to endure to the end.
What Happened at En Dor?
Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The narrative of King Saul of Israel visiting a medium at En Dor on the night before his final battle is an anomaly in Scripture, relating the story of a "successful" seance. When read carefully, the text, along with a few biblical principles, reveals much more than what meets the eye. Richard Ritenbaugh dissects I Samuel 28 to expose several common misconceptions about the events of that night.
Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The narrative of King Saul of Israel visiting a medium at En Dor on the night before his final battle is an anomaly in Scripture, relating the story of a "successful" seance. When read carefully, the text, along with a few biblical principles, reveals much more than what meets the eye. Richard Ritenbaugh dissects I Samuel 28 to expose several common misconceptions about the events of that night.
The Final Harvest
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Are the unconverted dead lost? John Ritenbaugh answers that there is hope for them! This part of God's plan is typified in the meaning of the Last Great Day.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Are the unconverted dead lost? John Ritenbaugh answers that there is hope for them! This part of God's plan is typified in the meaning of the Last Great Day.
Preparing for the Feast
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
It is a rare individual in God's church who does not enjoy keeping the Feast of Tabernacles. Each feast becomes "the best Feast ever!" But why does God want us to keep this Feast? John Ritenbaugh shows that the Feast of Tabernacles is far more than a yearly vacation. It is a time set apart for both rejoicing before God and learning to fear Him.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
It is a rare individual in God's church who does not enjoy keeping the Feast of Tabernacles. Each feast becomes "the best Feast ever!" But why does God want us to keep this Feast? John Ritenbaugh shows that the Feast of Tabernacles is far more than a yearly vacation. It is a time set apart for both rejoicing before God and learning to fear Him.
Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Day of Atonement, also called "the Fast," is known for God's command to afflict our souls through fasting. Going without food and water helps us realize how dependent we are on God's providence, and it is also quite humbling as we realize our weakness. Thus, it makes an ideal time for self-evaluation and repentance. John Ritenbaugh explains that such humble recognition of our helplessness is a critical step in becoming one with God.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The Day of Atonement, also called "the Fast," is known for God's command to afflict our souls through fasting. Going without food and water helps us realize how dependent we are on God's providence, and it is also quite humbling as we realize our weakness. Thus, it makes an ideal time for self-evaluation and repentance. John Ritenbaugh explains that such humble recognition of our helplessness is a critical step in becoming one with God.
'Behold, He is Coming with Clouds'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Jesus Himself instructs us to live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4), advice that is also useful when we study the Bible. Most of the passages that describe Christ's return to earth in power and glory at the end of the age contain the same detail: that He will come in, on, or with clouds. David Grabbe provides biblical background to help us understand why this detail is significant.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Jesus Himself instructs us to live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4), advice that is also useful when we study the Bible. Most of the passages that describe Christ's return to earth in power and glory at the end of the age contain the same detail: that He will come in, on, or with clouds. David Grabbe provides biblical background to help us understand why this detail is significant.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22. While people pursue happiness in various ways, good and bad, godly joy is far more than mere happiness, delight, cheer, or good feeling. Solomon, who sought joy in many endeavors, said he never really found it and urges us to grasp the fleeting joys we find. John Ritenbaugh shows the missing piece in the search for joy is the Holy Spirit we receive as part of our relationship with God.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22. While people pursue happiness in various ways, good and bad, godly joy is far more than mere happiness, delight, cheer, or good feeling. Solomon, who sought joy in many endeavors, said he never really found it and urges us to grasp the fleeting joys we find. John Ritenbaugh shows the missing piece in the search for joy is the Holy Spirit we receive as part of our relationship with God.