Why the Church must Avoid Forging Political Alliances in the Days Ahead

(Copyright) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas)  As followers of Christ, we must openly support those political candidates whose values and policies reflect our own. However, history shows that when the Church forges cozy ties and alliances with civil authorities or a political party, she loses her purity and the ability to be a bold, prophetic voice to the nation and those in power. Jesus, by His example, showed us the way in this regard. A Kingdom Not of This WorldThere were many political and religious parties in first century Israel, but Jesus forged no ties with any of them. How could […]

Are the Sabbath and Holy Days a Burden?

(Copyright) by Bill Hillebrenner (Matthews, North Carolina)  The days mentioned in Galatians 4 have all the trappings of being the Sabbath, new moons, holy days and special years such as seventh year and jubilee. But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest […]

The Days of Noah

(Copyright) by Samuel C. Baxter (Wadsworth, Ohio)  What Was It Really Like Before the Flood?Cutting through countless theories, wild speculation, and odd ideas, there is much more to the story of Noah than most realize.FacebookTwitterEmailCopy LinkMore183“Once upon a time, long ago…” Unless you are in primary school, this worn-out first line is usually a cue to zone out. A child’s story is sure to follow. The tale will likely include cookie-cutter heroes and villains, a damsel in distress, and maybe a giant or two. It is usually a highly implausible myth, legend, or parable. This is how most view the idea of a […]

Holy Days: Atonement

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh (Charlotte, North Carolina)   In our continuing study on the holy days, we have seen the plan of God broaden from our personal redemption and removal of sin in Jesus Christ’s offering of Himself on Passover to ridding the self of corruption in the Days of Unleavened Bread and to the founding of the church and giving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Trumpets pictures the return of Christ, the changing of the saints into immortal spirit beings, and God’s judgment on all mankind. But before Christ’s rule on earth begins, another hurdle must be overcome: Spiritual cleansing leading to salvation must be made […]

As It Was in The Days of Noah

by Alfio La Spina (Victoria British Columbia)  Genesis 6:5 (ESV)5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 2 Peter 2:5 (NIV)5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; Noah and his family were the only ones saved from the flood. The rest were wicked and would not repent. Noah likely preached […]

‘As It Was In the Days of Noah’

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh (Charlotte, North Carolina) Bahal was beginning to worry, since, as mayor, it was his job to worry for the rest of his remote, highland community. His wife, Chera, had remarked the day before that the rain was unusually heavy for this time of the year, but he had shrugged off her comment. Yet now, having endured three days of steady, heavy downpours, he felt the rain was something more than “unusual.” Earlier in the day, he had braved the pelting raindrops to check on his son’s livestock down the road. His son, Sair—off on his honeymoon with his […]