The Tent of God
Article by Ronny H. Graham
Mentions of tents or tabernacles are fairly common in Scripture, from the tents of the Patriarchs to God's Tabernacle in which He dwelt with the Israelites in the wilderness. Some of the Bible's heroes of faith humbly lived in tents for extended periods after living luxuriously in fine homes and palaces when younger. Ronny Graham discusses the spiritual meanings of this biblical image to those whom God has chosen in this age.
Article by Ronny H. Graham
Mentions of tents or tabernacles are fairly common in Scripture, from the tents of the Patriarchs to God's Tabernacle in which He dwelt with the Israelites in the wilderness. Some of the Bible's heroes of faith humbly lived in tents for extended periods after living luxuriously in fine homes and palaces when younger. Ronny Graham discusses the spiritual meanings of this biblical image to those whom God has chosen in this age.
Azazel: Observations and Questions
Article by Pat Higgins
The apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:7 that "we have this treasure [God's revelation] in earthen vessels," and this fact is never more noticeable than when we realize that we have believed something in error for many years. Why were we so blind? Why did God not open our eyes to the truth sooner? What is God trying to teach us? Pat Higgins ponders some observations and asks some questions in the wake of learning who the azazel goat truly represents.
Article by Pat Higgins
The apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:7 that "we have this treasure [God's revelation] in earthen vessels," and this fact is never more noticeable than when we realize that we have believed something in error for many years. Why were we so blind? Why did God not open our eyes to the truth sooner? What is God trying to teach us? Pat Higgins ponders some observations and asks some questions in the wake of learning who the azazel goat truly represents.
The Fall Holy Days
Article by John Reiss
In keeping God's Sabbath and annual holy days, the church of God has gained considerable insight into the biblical appointed times. While the springtime festivals primarily focus on Christ's work for and with His elect, the final four holy days, all occurring in the autumn, represent God's plan of salvation for humanity in general. John Reiss provides a theological and prophetic overview of the fall feasts of God.
Article by John Reiss
In keeping God's Sabbath and annual holy days, the church of God has gained considerable insight into the biblical appointed times. While the springtime festivals primarily focus on Christ's work for and with His elect, the final four holy days, all occurring in the autumn, represent God's plan of salvation for humanity in general. John Reiss provides a theological and prophetic overview of the fall feasts of God.
This Is Not God's World
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In several places in Scripture, God urges His people to come out of this world. Because He is the earth's and humanity's Creator, we may struggle with this command. But the world of which He speaks consists of society's anti-God religious, psychological, and philosophical systems whose beginnings reside in the Adversary, Satan the Devil. John Ritenbaugh suggests we thoroughly evaluate how much of this world still influences us.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
In several places in Scripture, God urges His people to come out of this world. Because He is the earth's and humanity's Creator, we may struggle with this command. But the world of which He speaks consists of society's anti-God religious, psychological, and philosophical systems whose beginnings reside in the Adversary, Satan the Devil. John Ritenbaugh suggests we thoroughly evaluate how much of this world still influences us.
Where Have All the Babies Gone?
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Demography, the statistical study of human populations, has proven to be a reliable indicator of future societal and economic health. As one pundit opined, "Demography is destiny." Sadly, because too few babies are being born to maintain the current population, the prognosis for the Western world is not good. Joseph Baity argues that immigration will do little to stem the slide toward societal decline and eventual breakdown.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
Demography, the statistical study of human populations, has proven to be a reliable indicator of future societal and economic health. As one pundit opined, "Demography is destiny." Sadly, because too few babies are being born to maintain the current population, the prognosis for the Western world is not good. Joseph Baity argues that immigration will do little to stem the slide toward societal decline and eventual breakdown.
The Seven Churches (Part Three): Ephesus
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Jesus Christ's letter to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) speaks of members who are zealous and bold in their defense of the truth God had revealed to them but who are not without flaw. Their Savior criticizes them for leaving their first love, of which they need to repent or else. Richard Ritenbaugh urges modern church members, many of whom have also battled apostasy, to apply this epistle's warning personally.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Jesus Christ's letter to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) speaks of members who are zealous and bold in their defense of the truth God had revealed to them but who are not without flaw. Their Savior criticizes them for leaving their first love, of which they need to repent or else. Richard Ritenbaugh urges modern church members, many of whom have also battled apostasy, to apply this epistle's warning personally.
How Does Christ Fulfill the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
Matthew 5:17 poses a major headache for Bible translators who believe that Christ's sinless life and sacrificial death did away with the law, so Christians do not need to keep it. Jesus, however, consistently teaches that God's law is still in force. By defining a few critical Greek words, Charles Whitaker explains that our Savior meant exactly what He said: He came to fulfill the law, not destroy it.
'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker
Matthew 5:17 poses a major headache for Bible translators who believe that Christ's sinless life and sacrificial death did away with the law, so Christians do not need to keep it. Jesus, however, consistently teaches that God's law is still in force. By defining a few critical Greek words, Charles Whitaker explains that our Savior meant exactly what He said: He came to fulfill the law, not destroy it.
The Lamb of Revelation (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
The book of Revelation frequently uses "the Lamb" to refer to Jesus Christ, and the reason for this title becomes clear as the book unfolds. Revelation speaks of a long-awaited redemption that will occur at Christ's return - a redemption, not from sin's penalty, but one that returns ownership of all things to the rightful Heir, our Savior and King. David Grabbe explains.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
The book of Revelation frequently uses "the Lamb" to refer to Jesus Christ, and the reason for this title becomes clear as the book unfolds. Revelation speaks of a long-awaited redemption that will occur at Christ's return - a redemption, not from sin's penalty, but one that returns ownership of all things to the rightful Heir, our Savior and King. David Grabbe explains.
Playing With Fire
Article by John O. Reid
Solomon uses the analogy of burning oneself to describe sinning, which is particularly apt in describing the pain and scars left by sexual sins. Fulfilling our desires outside the bounds of what God allows is playing with fire: The sexually immoral must deal with perverse thinking, hurt, distrust, and betrayal, not to mention sexual diseases. John Reid explains.
Article by John O. Reid
Solomon uses the analogy of burning oneself to describe sinning, which is particularly apt in describing the pain and scars left by sexual sins. Fulfilling our desires outside the bounds of what God allows is playing with fire: The sexually immoral must deal with perverse thinking, hurt, distrust, and betrayal, not to mention sexual diseases. John Reid explains.
What, Me Worry?
Article by Mike Ford
It is not uncommon to worry about one's financial situation. It has never been easy for most people to make ends meet, causing anxiety. Yet, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ commands us not to worry about our lives, food, drink, or clothing. Considering what life was like in His day, Mike Ford explains, Jesus' simple solution to this common problem will work for Christians just as well now as then.
Article by Mike Ford
It is not uncommon to worry about one's financial situation. It has never been easy for most people to make ends meet, causing anxiety. Yet, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ commands us not to worry about our lives, food, drink, or clothing. Considering what life was like in His day, Mike Ford explains, Jesus' simple solution to this common problem will work for Christians just as well now as then.
In the Grip of Distrust
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Most are aware of a phenomenon that too often takes place within the church of God: If an attitude or trend develops in the world, we can expect it will soon enter the church. Society today struggles under an attitude of deep distrust for institutions and leaders. John Ritenbaugh explains that, in the church, this attitude has led to an increase of independent Christians, a situation contrary to the concept of unity in the Body of Christ.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Most are aware of a phenomenon that too often takes place within the church of God: If an attitude or trend develops in the world, we can expect it will soon enter the church. Society today struggles under an attitude of deep distrust for institutions and leaders. John Ritenbaugh explains that, in the church, this attitude has led to an increase of independent Christians, a situation contrary to the concept of unity in the Body of Christ.
I Versus We
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The Three Musketeers famously said, "All for one, and one for all!" Humanity, however, more readily says either, "All for me!" or "All for us!" These two statements represent opposing worldviews, individualism and collectivism, and they fight for dominance in cultures worldwide. Richard Ritenbaugh discusses how these viewpoints affect our world and how their struggle may play a prominent role in the time of the end.
'World Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The Three Musketeers famously said, "All for one, and one for all!" Humanity, however, more readily says either, "All for me!" or "All for us!" These two statements represent opposing worldviews, individualism and collectivism, and they fight for dominance in cultures worldwide. Richard Ritenbaugh discusses how these viewpoints affect our world and how their struggle may play a prominent role in the time of the end.
The Seven Churches (Part Two): Interpretations
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Traditionally, the modern church of God has taught that the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 are types of seven successive eras from apostolic times to Christ's return. Is this a valid belief? Does the Bible support such an interpretation? Richard Ritenbaugh discusses how the church-eras interpretation compares to three other readings of these enigmatic letters.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Traditionally, the modern church of God has taught that the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 are types of seven successive eras from apostolic times to Christ's return. Is this a valid belief? Does the Bible support such an interpretation? Richard Ritenbaugh discusses how the church-eras interpretation compares to three other readings of these enigmatic letters.
The Lamb of Revelation (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Nothing is as cute and innocent as a little lamb. When people think of Christ as a lamb, these attributes bleed over into their conception of the Son of God. Yet, in Revelation, we see a far different the Lamb of God, one of wrath and judgment. David Grabbe focuses on an overlooked aspect of the lamb as a biblical symbol: as playing a significant role in redemption.
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe
Nothing is as cute and innocent as a little lamb. When people think of Christ as a lamb, these attributes bleed over into their conception of the Son of God. Yet, in Revelation, we see a far different the Lamb of God, one of wrath and judgment. David Grabbe focuses on an overlooked aspect of the lamb as a biblical symbol: as playing a significant role in redemption.
Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. Bowling
The prophet Elisha's encounter with the youths of Bethel poses a problem for some Bible readers. Elisha's curse and the subsequent she-bear attack seem excessive to critics. How could a prophet of God act with such cruel vengeance against mere children? Ted Bowling examines what the text of II Kings 2:23-24 actually relates versus what people assume it says.
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. Bowling
The prophet Elisha's encounter with the youths of Bethel poses a problem for some Bible readers. Elisha's curse and the subsequent she-bear attack seem excessive to critics. How could a prophet of God act with such cruel vengeance against mere children? Ted Bowling examines what the text of II Kings 2:23-24 actually relates versus what people assume it says.
A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The church of God has long taught that the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 refer to seven church eras from the apostles' day to Christ's return. While such an interpretation may be possible, the Bible itself does not indicate anything of the sort. John Ritenbaugh provides evidence from Revelation that the primary interpretation concerns all the churches extant during the end time.
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
The church of God has long taught that the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 refer to seven church eras from the apostles' day to Christ's return. While such an interpretation may be possible, the Bible itself does not indicate anything of the sort. John Ritenbaugh provides evidence from Revelation that the primary interpretation concerns all the churches extant during the end time.
A Matter of Trust
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
After decades of speculation on its impact on society - some dismissive, some dystopian - artificial intelligence (AI) is now a reality. Early users of AI chatbots have found them useful for various basic tasks, but the potential for societal disruption exists. Joseph Baity gathers the insights of several experts in the field who voice concerns about how this developing technology could be used harmfully in the coming years.
'World Watch' by Joseph B. Baity
After decades of speculation on its impact on society - some dismissive, some dystopian - artificial intelligence (AI) is now a reality. Early users of AI chatbots have found them useful for various basic tasks, but the potential for societal disruption exists. Joseph Baity gathers the insights of several experts in the field who voice concerns about how this developing technology could be used harmfully in the coming years.
The Seven Churches (Part One): Overview
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 have intrigued Bible readers for centuries. Were they simply seven historical churches in Asia, do they represent eras from the first century to the end time, or do they have more immediate relevance to us today? Richard Ritenbaugh asks and answers some introductory questions about this fascinating section of the New Testament's premier prophetic book.
Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 have intrigued Bible readers for centuries. Were they simply seven historical churches in Asia, do they represent eras from the first century to the end time, or do they have more immediate relevance to us today? Richard Ritenbaugh asks and answers some introductory questions about this fascinating section of the New Testament's premier prophetic book.
The Fugitive Folk of Jacob's Trouble
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
Old Testament Hebrew contains more than a handful of words that describe scattering, shattering, or dispersing. God uses several of these words in significant prophecies describing the scatterings of Israel and Judah and the far worse scattering during Jacob's Trouble. Charles Whitaker explains the differences between these words and their impact on our understanding of how terrible the coming scattering will be.
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker
Old Testament Hebrew contains more than a handful of words that describe scattering, shattering, or dispersing. God uses several of these words in significant prophecies describing the scatterings of Israel and Judah and the far worse scattering during Jacob's Trouble. Charles Whitaker explains the differences between these words and their impact on our understanding of how terrible the coming scattering will be.
How Does Faith Establish the Law? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
For some theologians, certain Bible verses like Romans 3:31 are hard to ignore, but they do their best to avoid acknowledging their plain meanings. Much of nominal Christianity teaches that God's law has been done away, yet the apostle Paul contends that faith in Christ's sacrifice for sin actually confirms it! David Grabbe explains how justification by faith is a natural extension of the true purpose of the law.
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe
For some theologians, certain Bible verses like Romans 3:31 are hard to ignore, but they do their best to avoid acknowledging their plain meanings. Much of nominal Christianity teaches that God's law has been done away, yet the apostle Paul contends that faith in Christ's sacrifice for sin actually confirms it! David Grabbe explains how justification by faith is a natural extension of the true purpose of the law.