"O" - Topic Index

"O" - Topic Index

Alphabetic Index:a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Obedience

What Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus? (l) - Many claim to believe in Jesus Christ, but according to the Bible they really don't. How can you know that your belief is genuine?
Goodness: God's Character and Man's Potential (l) - The spiritual fruit of goodness enables sinful man to do good and to be good--good in the truest sense of the word. Goodness, after all, is the essence of God's nature.
A Lesson From the Rechabites (l) - An Old Testament family vow can teach us even deeper lessons today.
Abundant Fresh Fruit: To Serve God and Share With Others (l) - We can become like God by having His Spirit dwelling in us. As we grow spiritually, we should see more and more evidence of that miracle--more and more "fruit of the Spirit." And with more and more fruit, there is more and more to give to others!
What Manner of Person Ought You to Be? (l) - Who we are is not always clear, even to ourselves. Who we want to be is often not clear either, but who we ought to be is another thing altogether.
Taking Instruction to Heart (l) - Sometimes taking instruction isn't as easy as it sounds.
God's Investment (l) - Can we earn our salvation?
More Than a Feeling (l) - Do you know what it means to demonstrate real love?
Proverbs: Who Pursues Righteousness (l) - Wisdom that sticks with you - straight from God's Word.
Is Belief All That's Required for God's Gift of Salvation? (l) - Eternal life is God's gift, not something any of us deserve or can in any way earn. But does God set conditions for us to receive this gift? It's vitally important to your relationship with God and to your future that you understand!
Man's Best Friend (l) - What qualities is God looking for in a friend?
Proverbs: The Prayers of Those Who Obey (l) - Wisdom that sticks with you - straight from God's Word.
Timely Lessons from the Life of Hezekiah (l) - God wants us to benefit from the examples He has recorded for us in the Bible. What can we learn from this king who lived so long ago?
Introduction - Christ's Reign on Earth (l) - In the beginning of mankind's history our ancestors had a decision to make--a choice between God's way and their own way.
The Rise of a Counterfeit Christianity (l) - The apostles repeatedly warned Jesus' followers to beware of false teachers who would introduce counterfeit-Christian beliefs.
A Spiritually Transformed People (l) - The transformation of the people of God through His Spirit is a transformation of their hearts, their innermost being. Instead of hard-heartedness and hostility to God's laws, they gain an obedient spirit because God works in them;
"We shall be saved by His life" (l) - Paul's statement that "we shall be saved by His life" in Romans 5:10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. is something we should understand.
What Should You Do? (l) - Why does God reveal the future? Why does He tell us what is coming? One crucial reason is so we can see the need to change.
All the World Under the New Covenant (l) - The ultimate intent of God's master plan is to change the hearts of all peoples so He can give them His gift of eternal life.
How Can We Obey God's Commandments? (l) - In peoples' minds, keeping God's commandments is an unattainable goal. But these commandments can be obeyed, at least in the outward letter of the law, by ordinary people.
Jesus' Teaching on God's Law (l) - Perhaps the most widespread controversies about the teachings of Jesus concern His attitude toward the laws of God recorded in the Old Testament.
Confusion Over Legalism: What It Is and Isn't (l) - The religious authorities who accused Jesus Christ of breaking the Sabbath have been described as having a legalistic approach. But what does the term "legalism" mean?
Does God Set Conditions on His Gift of Eternal Life? (l) - Can we do things -- or not do things -- that will disqualify us from receiving the gift of eternal life?
Does the New Covenant Abolish the Commandments? (l) - The Bible tells us that Christ came as the Mediator of a better covenant. The popular belief that the New Covenant abolishes God's law reflects a misunderstanding of both covenants.
The Need for a New Covenant (l) - The New Covenant is God's commitment to give His people His Spirit so they can obey Him.
Follow Me (1/2018) (l) - Recalling our journey through the garden settings of Scripture, do we deeply desire a close relationship with the Father and Christ now and forever?
Does God Place Conditions on His Gift of Salvation? (l) - Eternal life is God's gift of grace, not something any of us deserve or can in any way earn.
Are You a Friend of God? (l) - In the hours before His death by crucifixion, Jesus made a remarkable statement to His disciples: "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends"
What Goes Around, Comes Around (l) - The examples of Saddam and Joseph teach us the importance of sowing what you want to reap.
Christians in Name Only? (l) - What we have is a Christianity in which millions accept Christ in name but know little about Him, what He did and what He taught. Or, worse yet, perhaps they do know what He taught but choose to ignore or reject it!

Obesity

In the News Jul/Sep 2007 (l) - Items in the news. Jul/Sep 2007
In the News... Jan 1999 (l) - News items - Jan 2009.
Sleep... A Key to Weight Control (l) - What decisions are you making about your long-term fitness? Will you be fit and trim or, altering an expression slightly, "fit to be tired"? How much you sleep can make a difference!
I Am the Biggest Loser, and You Can Be Too! (l) - I hope my story and the food tips included at the end will inspire and help you reach or maintain a healthy weight.
In the News... July 2009 (l) - In the news - July 2009.
What Makes a Woman Beautiful? - Part 2 (l) - True beauty is more than just what you look like.
In the News Jul/Sep 2006 (l) - World news - July 2006.
You Can Have Healthy Children - Here's How (l) - What can we do to help our children adopt healthy habits as a way of life?
The Worldwide Crisis of Overweight and Obesity (l) - If you are not overweight, you may think you do not need this information. And, if you are even a little overweight, chances are this isn't a comforting subject to spend time reading about. Yet because the problem is so prevalent in our world, you need to be informed. It truly will have a bearing on your future, whatever nation you call home.
A Deadly Epidemic (l) - Between 300,000 and 600,000 Americans will die this year, not from terrorist acts, but from a chronic disease growing so rapidly that it is now officially called an epidemic. You'll be shocked to find out what and how widespread it is.
World News and Trends - Jul/Aug 2005 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. July 2005
World News Review Jul 2001 (l) - World news review. July 2001.
Fast-Food Fanciers (l) - If your food consumption includes large amounts of fast-food, you would be wise to cut back.

Oil

Biofuels Might Be "Bio-folly" (l) - For a mix of reasons, the world's largest energy consumers have joined the biofuel revolution. With fortunes already invested, they are now discovering that it's not the clear winner it once seemed to be. Would you be surprised to learn that God is a factor in whether it succeeds?
Georgia on Moscow's Mind (l) - The August miniwar between Russia and Georgia was not simply a local conflict about ethnic groups. It has huge implications for the NATO alliance and Europe's future energy security.
How High Could Gas Prices Rise? (l) - Nations can and do use oil as a weapon.
The Global Economy and Russian Sanctions (l) - Since the Russian takeover of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, economic sanctions have been imposed on Russia as a punitive reprimand by the Western powers of the world. Immediately, in a seemingly juvenile reaction, Russia responded with counter-sanctions.
When Will the Middle East Find Peace? (l) - Why does it seem that the Middle East is always in turmoil, perpetually on the brink of another war? Will this troubled region ever see lasting peace?
When the Gas Pumps in Europe Run Dry (l) - Because of its dependence on imported energy, the EU is an economic giant standing on feet of clay.
World News and Trends - Sep/Oct 2005 (l) - An overview of conditions around the world. Sept, 2005.
Venezuela - Six More Years of Chavez (l) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez won reelection Dec. 3 to another six-year term. Should the world take him seriously? Should the United States be concerned about his rhetoric? Yes!
2003: The Storm Clouds Gather (l) - What long-term effects will come from the unsettling events so far in 2003? No human being knows for sure. But we can observe, analyze and learn from the storm clouds gathering on the horizon.
Europe's Growing Energy Worries (l) - To what extent should the European Union be dependent on foreign sources of energy? That question is a matter of growing concern for EU leaders. Case in point: Natural gas.
World News and Trends - Nov/Dec 2004 (l) - An Overview of Conditions Around the World, Mov/Dec 2004
Is America in Financial Decline? (l) - The turn of the year saw a rapid decline in the value of the American dollar as international confidence in the United States and its currency declined. What is the meaning of this for Americans, and what does it portend for the future?
When Will Peace Come to the Middle East? (l) - Terrorism is not the only threat to peace in the Middle East. Wars fought using traditional methods have abounded in this blood-stained century.
How Serious a Threat Could Iran Pose? (l) - President Ahmadinejad has warned that the West would feel the consequences of pressing for sanctions against Iran much more than Iran would suffer. What could he have in mind? How could Iran strike at the West?
When Is Enough...Enough? (l) - Continuing to ignore the fundamental laws of God creates a state of unrighteousness for which God will demand an accounting. God is a God of judgment. At some point He will say, "Enough is enough!"
A Downsized Lifestyle Is Coming - Will You Make the Adjustment? (l) - Our world is changing in ways we never considered. The dominance that affluent nations have enjoyed is about to end. Will peoples of the rich world downsize their lifestyle? Will people who have rarely if ever had to "tighten their belts" be able to make the painful change?
An Overview of Conditions Around the World - Jan/Feb 2002 (l) - An overview of world conditions. January/February 2002
Russian Resurgence in a Unipolar World (l) - Russia is a superpower no longer, so what is behind President Putin's bold actions toward Hamas, Iran, Eastern Europe and China? Russia will play a critical role in geopolitics and globalization in the 21st century. No longer a superpower, it is still a superplayer.
War on Terrorism Is Spiritual Warfare (l) - Al Qaeda terrorists labor to define the war on terrorism as the West vs. Islam-a definition that Western leaders throw off. Yet deeply entrenched religious issues are at the heart of the current war. And they are inflamed by a power greater than either the worldwide terrorist network or the combined military might of the United States, Britain, the rest of NATO and Russia.
Energy Costs, the Mideast and Illegals Are Americans' Biggest Concerns (l) - A recent poll on NBC's Meet the Press showed Americans are primarily concerned about the price of gas, Iran, illegal immigrants and Iraq. All four concerns are interconnected.
A Page on the World: Secrets of the Kingdom (l) - Gerald Posner gives "the inside story of the Saudi-U.S. connection" (2005, ISBN 1-4000-6291-8).

Old covenant

A Covenant of Marriage (l) - Few people realize that the Old Covenant was essentially a marriage covenant. The New Covenant is, too.
God's Magnificent Series of Covenants (l) - Special covenants made with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David began to reveal important details of God's plan to produce for Himself an enduring holy people. The promised New Covenant is the capstone of that revelation process.
God's Law: Is It a Burden or a Blessing? (l) - Common teaching about the law God gave to ancient Israel is that it was a burden -- one that Jesus Christ had to remove. That God freed the Israelites from Egyptian slavery merely to enslave them again to a system of law so strict and unreasonable that they claim it is actually oppressive. Is something seriously wrong with this reasoning?
Key Elements of the Sinai Covenant (l) - The Sinai Covenant's total package of law, the entire five books written by Moses, was designed to cover in principle every major aspect of national life in ancient Israel.
The Sinai Covenant and the 'Voice of the Lord' (l) - The Sinai Covenant was not limited just to the instructions given at Mt. Sinai. The Israelites' agreement to obey the voice of the Lord included obeying instructions given through Moses long after they left Mt. Sinai.
Does the New Covenant Abolish the Commandments? (l) - The Bible tells us that Christ came as the Mediator of a better covenant. The popular belief that the New Covenant abolishes God's law reflects a misunderstanding of both covenants.
A New Covenant for Transforming the Heart (l) - God's "new" covenant is a "better covenant" that offers the "better promises" related to eternal life that were not included in the Sinai Covenant. A key objective of those better promises is to set in motion the process of transforming the hearts and minds of those who respond to God's call.
What Was the Main Weakness of the Sinai Covenant? (l) - The primary weakness of the Sinai Covenant was not in its laws but in the people's lack of a willing heart to obey them.
What Is a Biblical Covenant? (l) - Covenants are simply binding agreements between two or more parties. God Himself designed the covenant He made with Abraham and his descendants. When God makes a covenant, He will always perform what He has bound Himself to do.
God's Knowledge Revealed in Two Parts (l) - Does it make sense for the Christian world to view the Old Testament's contents as somehow inferior or conflicting with the New? Is it logical to disregard the history of God's revelation, His revealed way of life and the promises these Hebrew Scriptures contain?
God's Covenant with Ancient Israel (l) - God's plans to bring the people of Israel to full repentance and, working through them, invite all other people into a similar relationship with Him.
God's Relationship with Ancient Israel (l) - God invited ancient Israel to form a relationship with Him. Although they rejected Him, God in His great mercy didn't reject them, nor does He reject us.

Old Testament

Foundations (l) - Each of us is designed to build on something that will last for eternity.
The Word of God (l) - The Old and New Testament are unified in revealing God's plan of salvation and the working out of that plan in human history.
The Apostles, the Old Testament and God's Law (l) - It is crucial to set the record straight on what Christ's apostles really taught concerning the laws given to define righteousness found in the Old Testament.
Paul Regularly Used the Old Testament as the Authority for His Teaching (l) - Paul quotes from 183 Old Testament passages.
God's Knowledge Revealed in Two Parts (l) - Does it make sense for the Christian world to view the Old Testament's contents as somehow inferior or conflicting with the New? Is it logical to disregard the history of God's revelation, His revealed way of life and the promises these Hebrew Scriptures contain?
The Transition from the Prophets to the Gospels (l) - The prophets and the New Testament join seamlessly to provide God's complete revelation to mankind. Even though the period between the testaments was more than 400 years, the prophets precede the apostolic writings in a manner that emphasizes their basic unity.
William Tyndale: He Gave His Life to Give Us the Bible (l) - "William Tyndale's Bible translations have been the best-kept secrets in English Bible history. Many people have never heard of Tyndale; very few have (knowingly) read him. Yet no other Englishman -- not even Shakespeare -- has reached so many."
Tyndale as Translator (l) - William Tyndale's competence in Greek may well be due to William Croke's lectures. Tyndale perhaps learned Hebrew in Worms, the main center of Jewish learning in Germany.
Questions and Answers - Sep/Oct 2004 (l) - A question from a Good News magazine reader: Why observe the holydays in the New Testament?
The Old Testament in the New Testament (l) - Do Christians use a book, more than half of which is irrelevent and obsolete? Did God provide humanity with two sets of inspired writings the Old Testament and the New?
Keys to Unlocking Understanding of the Bible (l) - Here are some guidelines to serious study of God's word.
Has the Bible Been Preserved Accurately? (l) - Some Bible critics argue that we should disregard the Bible because it's impossible that our modern versions could match the original texts. But how does this argument stand up to scrutiny?
Reexamining the Roots of Christianity (l) - Was the early church far more Jewish than has been taught?
How Did We Get the Bible? (l) - How was the Bible actually put together? How do we know that the Bible contains the books that it should have? These are important questions, and many books have been written to address them.

Olivet Prophecy

Duality in Bible Prophecy(2) (l) - Prophetic statements sometimes apply to more than one fulfillment, a principle called duality. A prime example of duality is Christ's first coming to atone for our sins and His second coming to rule on earth as King of Kings.
Can We Know the Future? (l) - Much of the Bible is prophecy, and its predictions are so sure that we could call Bible prophecy "history written in advance." In this lesson we will read the headlines of tomorrow.
Do Not be Deceived (l) - Many have missed the first warning sign Jesus Christ gave in the Olivet Prophecy. They have fallen prey to religious deception!
Has Jesus Christ's Olivet Prophecy Been Fulfilled? (l) - Jesus Christ gave a detailed prophecy of Judea and Jerusalem in Matthew 24. What does history tell us about this prophecys fulfillment?
Meeting Our Moment of Maximum Jeopardy! (l) - Human survival has been at stake in times long before our own. Mankind has already passed through several periods of extreme crisis. But the one up ahead may just be the granddaddy of them all.
The Man Who Saw It All in Advance (l) - The greatest news forecaster in all of history walked on this earth about 2,000 years ago. What do His insightful prophecies tell us about future world conditions?
'When You See These Things, Know That It Is Near...' (l) - Jesus Christ instructed His followers to watch for a sequence of trends and events that would culminate in His second coming at the end of the present age. Are you attentive to the signs of the times?
Understanding the Return of Christ (l) - People say Jesus will come again, but will He really? How can we know for sure? What does the Bible say conditions will be like when He comes?
Why Understanding World News Is So Important! (l) - Never before have we had such a dire need to truly grasp the meaning of today's world events--at the very time when normal news outlets are in obvious decline. In this connection the Bible itself explains how we can face both present and future happenings with much greater confidence.
Signs of the End Times (l) - Every generation has its prophets of doom who claim that the end of the world is right around the corner. Christians, who read the Old Testament prophets and the book of Revelation in the New Testament, often lead the charge. Could Jesus come back at any time, or are there events that must happen before He returns?

Olympics

Courageous Olympic Moments-and the Race We Run (l) - The world's greatest athletes pit their skill and strength against others in the Olympic Games. Past Olympics inspire us with stories of great conviction and courage. These games should also inspire us with their reminders of crucial aspects of the Christian life.
The Olympic Ideal (l) - Sports seem to bring out the highest aspirations and the worst attitudes. Many of its lessons apply equally well to other aspects of life.
The Hope of Glory (l) - The Olympic Games represent a striving for excellence in athletic achievement. Paul used them to illustrate another great contest.
Planning for Life: Two Crucial Keys for Success (l) - What steps can you take to make your life a success? How do you begin?

Oman

A Different Kind of King of the South (l) - There is a "different kind of King of the South" who has not encroached on "the glorious Kingdom," but who is taking his backwater "Hermit Kingdom" and is turning it around with a vision of service and inclusion.

Opportunity

Radical Liberalism: What's the Harm? (l) - Lawyers argue in U.S. courts that pornography falls under the constitutional right of free speech. There is a strong movement to replace Judeo-Christian influences in schools with extreme multiculturalism. Radical feminists denounce concepts of the traditional family. Homosexuals want to totally redefine marriage. What is happening to America?
Our Window of Opportunity (l) - In our information age we sadly lack the most vital information of all, the knowledge of God. He wants to reveal it to us, but we must be willing to accept it and do some digging ourselves.
Introduction: Managing Your Finances (l) - Whether due to the overall state of the economy or their own mistakes with money, many find themselves mired in debt and worried about their financial future. Where can you turn for practical guidelines to manage your money?
If I Knew Then What I Know Now (l) - God provides an opportunity for a new beginning - not just once, but countless times after that initial start.

Origen

The Greek Concept of Creation (l) - Origen and Augustine began to interpret much of the book of Genesis as allegory. They viewed the Genesis account as filled with symbolic fictional figures representing truth, human conduct or experience.
The History of the Immortal-Soul Teaching (l) - Secular history reveals that the concept of the immortality of the soul is an ancient belief embraced by many pagan religions. But it is not a biblical or apostolic teaching.

Osama bin Laden

World News Review September/October 1999 (l) - World news - Sep/Oct 1999
Bin Laden's Letter Offers Insight Into Islamic Fundamentalism (l) - Osama bin Laden's "Letter to America" emphasizes the role religion plays in the growing conflict between Islam and Western secularism.
Behind the Headlines ... America vs. Iraq or America vs. the World? (l) - One year after Sept. 11, in the debate on terrorism, America is often seen as the villain, no longer as the victim. Why do so many people around the world hate America?
World News Review March 1999 (l) - World news - March 1999
World News Review September/October 1998 (l) - World news - Sept/Oct 1998
Key to the Middle East-Seek First to Understand (l) - The poor of the world will suffer one more time before Christ intervenes with His form of government that will bring a lasting and secure peace.
Seeing the World Scene Realistically (l) - The historic continuum and religious war between militant Islam and secularism.
World News Review May 1999 (l) - World news - May 1999
Abomination of Desolation (l) - "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand)."
World News Review Feb 2002 (l) - World news review. February 2002.

Ottoman empire

Turkey, a U.S. Ally, Threatens to Widen War in Iraq (l) - Kurdish rebels, seeking an autonomous Kurdistan, have been attacking Turkish troops from the sanctuary of northern Iraq. Turkey now threatens to send troops into the most peaceful region of Iraq. Complicating the problem was an attempt in the U.S. Congress to condemn Turkey for a massacre that took place almost a century ago.
Europe and the Church, Part 9: Charles V's Empire Upon Which the Sun Never Set (l) - The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V was the most famous Habsburg in history, presiding over an empire that stretched from the Philippines to Peru and was the greatest in Europe. During his reign he was confronted with major challenges, including the Protestant Reformation. His reign constituted the fourth of the seven prophesied resurrections of the Roman Empire, which will see its final resurrection just before the return of Jesus Christ as King of Kings.
100 Years After World War I: What Have We Learned? (l) - An event that began 100 years ago this August might as well be ancient and irrelevant history for most. Yet World War I changed the world and set off a chain of events that continue to impact your life today. Don't underestimate what one man and one event can do to alter everything.
The Coming of Islam (l) - The descendants of Ishmael lived in relative obscurity throughout ancient history. This was to change dramatically with the prophet Muhammad and the religion he founded, Islam.
Empires on the Rise (l) - Will China overtake America and become a world empire? Will Russia restore the former might of the Soviet Union? Will Iran's efforts to dominate the Middle East reclaim the ancient glory of the Persian Empire? And what about Europe/will it too see the return of an ancient power?
A 20th Century Retrospective:The Shot Still Reverberating Around the World (l) - With this issue we begin a new series covering important events and trends of the last century which have shaped our new century. First, what was the most significant event of the past 100 years?

Overcome

Best Effort (l) - Is there any benefit to doing our best or is only the first place finisher rewarded?
Pornography Addiction - It's a Problem... (l) - You can also make the choice to overcome. God wants you to break free from porn addiction.

Overwhelmed

Wagon of Rocks (l) - Years ago Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong admonished us to simplify our lives. I think most of us are still working on this, trying to find our rhythm.
Steps in Dealing With Grief (l) - Steps in dealing with grief.
Are You Feeling Overwhelmed? (l) - Do too many problems stare you in the face? Do you find yourself with too much to do and not enough time and energy to do it? There are ways out of the dilemma.
The Godly Gift of "Forever Eyes" (l) - "Forever eyes" see the vision that Paul so vividly describes -- the Kingdom of God.
Biblical Solutions to Anxiety (l) - What the Bible says about worry and anxiety.
Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled (l) - When the storms and problems of life seem overwhelming, where can we turn for hope and encouragement?