September / October 2024 Volume 106, Number 5

In the Beginning – The Gospel Age

Understanding the relevance of the Gospel Age to Christians today is crucial for several reasons. By connecting with our brethren who lived earlier in the age, we can better grasp the significance of standing for truth and loyalty to God, values that are just as important in our modern world. However, the strength and resilience of those who came before us can serve as a source of inspiration as we navigate the challenges of our time. …read more

Gospel Age Parables – Seven Parables, Seven Stages

As Jesus preached in Galilee, his moth­er and other family members waited to speak to him. When told of this the Lord replied, “ ‘Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?’ And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, ‘Be­hold my mother and my brethren! For whoso­ever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother’” (Matthew 12:48-50). …read more

Wisdom’s House of Seven Pillars – Seven Pillars, Seven Stages

This picturesque language is an invitation to simple people who are more likely to appreciate the meaning of true godly wisdom. The phrase “simple people” does not suggest a lack of in­telligence but rather describes those who believe easily and do not question things ad infinitum. The food prepared by wisdom describes the spiritually healthy nourishment of truth. Such food addresses the substantive issues of life in a way that provides practical application of change and growth of the inner man. …read more

The Fulness of the Gentiles – Pictures of the Gospel Age

After generations of living under God’s law as His favored people, the de­scendants of Israel were faced with a test. Their long‑prophesied king, Jesus, came among them and sought to find those who had, under the Law’s influence, developed a heart and mind that loved God and His ways above all else. This allowed some Jews to recognize their king. Jesus called these to a path of dedi­cated service that would lead to an almost un­imaginable reward (Matthew 6:19‑21). This reward was foretold many generations before Jesus’ coming, when God delivered a grand promise to the forefather of the Jewish people, Abraham. Although this promise has beauti­ful and eventual implications for all mankind, it has special meaning for Israel. …read more

Dwelling in the Holy – Holy in All Manner of Living

In the Holy of the Tabernacle we are giv­en a glimpse of God’s provision for the saints throughout the Gospel Age. The Holy symbol­izes a truly remarkable relationship with God under the blood of Jesus Christ. Despite at­tempts to destroy or corrupt the Lord’s people, the saints can achieve holiness when dwelling in the condition of the Holy. …read more

News and Views – Current Events

Today in Prophecy – Global Debt Crisis?

“The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow” (Deuteronomy 28:12 NASB). …read more

Breaking the Law – From Legalism to Grace

In his letter to the Galatians (Galatians 3:24-27), the Apostle Paul emphasizes a key distinction between the Jewish and Gospel Ages. There was a notable transition from legalism (rituals, sacrifices, and narrow interpretations of the law) to faith-based grace. This, however, does not mean the Law sudden­ly held no value. There were godly principles deeply embedded within the Law. But God’s new direction, made possible by the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, was now made more appar­ent through the lens of the holy Spirit. …read more

Heirs of the Kingdom – Rich in Faith

In the Old Testament, our Heavenly Father provided many pictures to illustrate truths mentioned in the New Testament; we find the particular truth of our theme text illustrated by the life and experiences of David and his men in the cave of Adullam. …read more

The Little Flock – Jesus is our Shepherd

One of the more beautiful pictures of the Gospel Age is found in David’s description of his relationship with God as one of God’s sheep. David details his total surrender to his Heavenly Father in this six‑verse description of how a good shepherd protects his sheep. By his example, he de­scribes the right path for his Jewish brethren to surrender to God and find Him as their refuge and strength. …read more

Bound by Invisible Bonds