This is Not God’s World
(Copyright 2023) by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina) Having been born and reared in Pennsylvania, I have more than a passing knowledge of the Amish country of southeastern Pennsylvania. People similar to the Pennsylvania Amish live in communities in other states, too, like the Amish of Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kansas. The Amana […]
All in All
(Copyright 2023) by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina) Branded on our minds is the idea that I Corinthians 15 is the Resurrection Chapter, and indeed, resurrection is its major theme. However, the apostle Paul inserts other important ideas into this inspiring chapter. As important as it is to us and God’s purpose, the resurrection […]
Simplify Your Life!
(Copyright 2022) by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina) Isaiah 57:15 proclaims: For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of […]
Respect or Respect of Persons?
by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina) The Bible frequently cautions us against respect of persons, yet we are also instructed to show proper respect for leaders, the elderly, and others. What is the proper balance? Unlike the current parental teaching, people in previous generations were taught to practice different attitudes of respect for people and […]
Was the Sop Leavened or Unleavened? (John 13:26-27)
by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina) A rule of Bible study is never to base a doctrine on the meaning of a Greek or Hebrew word, and this controversy is a prime example. It is true that artos, used in all of the gospel accounts for the bread eaten during the Last Supper, is the Greek word […]
After Pentecost, Then What?
by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina) Moses writes the story of the Israelites making the Old Covenant with God in Exodus 19-24. Most of the text of those six chapters is devoted to listing the terms of their agreement. The way the ratification of the covenant is presented in Exodus 24:1-8 can give the impression that the Israelites’ acceptance […]