FORERUNNER MAGAZINE 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
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The recipients of the epistle of Hebrews were allowing themselves to drift away from what the apostles had taught them. The distractions of coping with the chaos at the end of an age wreaked havoc on their ability to discern what was truly valuable, and their zeal for God was faltering. Because we, too, live on the cusp of the crisis at the close of the age, we must ask ourselves, “Am I seeking treasures on earth or laying up treasures in heaven?”
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It is a well-known biblical principle that sin is addictive and ultimately enslaving. However, the apostle Paul uses an even more graphic metaphor taken from Roman penal practices, describing iniquity as a corpse to which a person remains shackled until he dies from its corruption. This repulsive image should spur us to redouble our efforts to repent of "the sin that so easily ensnares us" (Hebrews 12:1)
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The twenty-fourth day of the ninth month--Kislev 24--on the Hebrew calendar falls at the beginning of winter, typically associated with cold temperatures, bare trees, falling snow, and bracing winds. But in Haggai 2:15-19, God declares that it should be associated with blessings, saying, "From this day forward I will bless you." Why is this date so important to God's people?
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2018
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2017
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The apostle Paul declares in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death.” We face this truth daily, hearing of the deaths of relatives, friends, acquaintances, and famous people, their lives taken as payment for their transgressions against almighty God. But does this verse also apply to sinful angels, Satan and his demons? Do they really have endless life—despite their rebellious, defiant, and hateful acts and attitudes against God? Or will they suffer His fiery wrath? What does the Bible say?
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The Day of Atonement ritual in Leviticus 16 includes two goats: one to be sacrificed as a sin offering and the other to bear the sins of the people "to an uninhabited land" (verse 22). These two goats represent two of our Savior's major works: paying the penalty for our sins with His blood and completely removing our sins, not just from sight, but also from memory. On this holiest of days, the focus is completely on Jesus Christ.
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According to our Savior, the Great Tribulation will be a time like no other in the history of the world. Major elements of that prophesied period are the defeat, enslavement, and scattering of God's people over the face of the earth. As Jesus suggests, the modern fulfillment of the Bible's prophecies will be like and yet unlike--and worse than--its ancient counterparts.
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Forerunner July-August 2017
Signs of the End? |
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What are we to think about eclipses, increasing natural disasters, and worsening times? Do they really foretell the imminent return of Jesus Christ to the earth? Our Savior Himself gave us prophetic signs, both in His Olivet Prophecy and the book of Revelation, to warn us when the time of His coming drew near, but He also warns us to take care that no one deceives us about these things.
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Early in Scripture, God promised to supply a Savior and Redeemer, the Seed that would bruise the head of the serpent. After the Flood, God began to provide signs—messianic revelations—to inform and encourage His people about the One to come. By the time of the closing of the Old Testament, He had given enough clues for a faithful person to know who fulfilled the prophecies, but His own people rejected Him.
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Forerunner November-December
2017 Coming in the Clouds |
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Every Christian is eagerly waiting for the return of Christ in great power and glory. In several passages, Scripture describes just how He will come back to earth, and they consistently include the detail that His return will be accompanied by clouds. While many biblical scholars ignore this common detail, it contains significant symbolic meaning and teaching on the character of our soon-coming King of kings.
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2016
2016
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The Bible frequently uses the image of a shepherd to illustrate human leadership, both good and bad. It describes, not just religious leaders, but also leaders in government, business, and education, as well as in the community and the home. Self-serving leadership, a primary cause of the fall of Israel and Judah, is evident in today’s Western world.
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An invitation to a royal wedding would be among the highest honors a king could bestow on one of his subjects. While this may be beyond all our expectations, this is exactly what God has done for us! His calling of people into the church, the Body of Christ, is an invitation, not just to eternal life, but also to the marriage of His Son to His Bride (Revelation 19:7-9).
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The United Kingdom shocked the Western world with its vote in favor of a British exit (Brexit) from the European Union (EU). Though predicted to tank if Brexit succeeded, world financial markets rebounded quickly, and other EU nations are pondering a similar cutting of ties with the EU. Mostly, though, Brexit has revealed just how divided this world has become.
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The world seems to be dangerously short on hope these days, and as times become increasingly difficult, it will become scarcer still. Yet, hope—a real, powerful hope, not wishful thinking—is always available to us in Christ. If we have faith in Him and the works He has done for us, we will possess a sure, living hope, that will enable us to endure to the end.
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Most of us never end up in jail. None of us would want to go there. But at one time or another, all of us imprison ourselves and others when we lock down our hearts and refuse to forgive one another. Christ came to bring us atonement—reconciliation with God and with each other—and forgiveness is a crucial element in bringing this to pass. When we forgive each other, real freedom becomes possible.
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When the term “Israel” is mentioned today, most people think of the modern State of Israel and its predominantly Jewish population. But when the Bible mentions Israel, it is probably not referring to the Jewish state or to Jews in particular. A thorough study of God’s Word on the subject shows that, while Jews may be included, “Israel” most often points the reader to search for the Israelites in a different direction. | ||
2015
Though the book of Revelation has declared the existence of the second death for more than nineteen centuries, most nominal Christians have little idea what it means.
The apostle John states plainly, however, that it is the Lake of Fire where the incorrigibly wicked will be cast and annihilated.
In this prophetic concept lies wonderful truth on God’s perfect judgment.
The apostle John states plainly, however, that it is the Lake of Fire where the incorrigibly wicked will be cast and annihilated.
In this prophetic concept lies wonderful truth on God’s perfect judgment.