Devotionals, Bible studies and posts to deepen our faith in Christ. Also check out our self-published books.
Why Wealth Distribution (Socialism) Does Not Work
Recently, I was speaking with someone who began to say that the ultra wealthy do not pay enough in taxes. The individual then asked me (as a tax professional) for my opinion on this issue. In the last few months, you have no doubt been aware that the amount of income...
Evolution, Communism and Christianity
In this post, we will consider evolution and, in particular, its role in Communism and how it is differentiated from Christ and Christianity. Evolution is purported to be a scientific theory on the origin of the universe and is commonly credited to Charles Darwin....
Only A Strong Church Stands in the Way of Communism
This post is a bit long, but I trust you will find it worth reading. In the United States, both the church’s influence and a Biblical belief in God on the individual level have been declining for quite some time. Many will point to the 1960s as the beginning point,...
Communism vs. Christ: Education
Communism in the United States is nothing new. It was documented in the 1950s when the Un-American Committee of Congress still existed. It was documented in the life of Henry F. Ward in the early days of the ACLU (1920-1940). However, covering a much earlier time...
Study on Ephesians, Part 10
In chapter 4:17-32, the key verse in this passage is verse 18, in which Paul refers to the “hardness of their heart”, speaking of the Gentiles who have not been awakened to Christ. The key to Ephesians as a book is chapter 1, verse 22, in which Paul instructs us that...
Study on Ephesians, Part 9
Chapter 4 continues the same exhortation as chapter 3, namely, equipping of believers and building up the body of Christ until we attain to the fullness of Christ. We will be looking today at Ephesians 4:1-16. There are two interconnected teachings in this section of...
Study on Ephesians, Part 8
In chapter 3 Ephesians, the focal point is knowing Christ and Christ dwelling in us (vv16-19). Paul first explains that God revealed Himself through revelation (vv9-10). The very purpose of God’s revelation to humanity is so that we may know Christ and that Christ may...
Study on Ephesians, Part 7
In Ephesians 2:10, God created human kind to glorify Himself and to work in His kingdom. Sin marred the original purpose for human kind and separated us from God. Still, the effects of sin do not cancel out God’s design for human kind. We are created for good works....
Study on Ephesians, Part 6
Do the verses at Ephesians 2:8-9 mean that we have no role to play in our salvation before God? Is any responsibility on our side considered works? Or do the verses simply mean we cannot earn or obtain salvation on our own but do still have some responsibility in...
Study on Ephesians, Part 5
In chapter 2, verse 1 may also read, “You being dead by reason of your trespasses and sins.” Some will say that Christ believes for us because a dead person cannot do anything. Thus, they will say that Christ both draws us and responds for us because we were dead...
Study on Ephesians, Part 4
In Ephesians 1:7-12, Christ and the cross are in view. Because Paul introduces Christ and the cross early in Ephesians, we must understand that Christ is central to the whole book. We can confirm the interpretation of “us” as intending to include all people with...
Study on Ephesians, Part 3
To whom is Paul principally speaking through Ephesians? While the letter was written to the church at Ephesus, the letter holds timeless truths which we can all use to grow into holiness and the imitation of Christ. Specifically, in Ephesisians 1:3-6, how we define...
Thoughts on Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
We live in Western North Carolina which experienced a significant amount of devastation from Hurricane Helene. Although our home and immediate area is fine, the devastation around us is traumatizing. I lived for 23 years in South Florida, and during that time, we went...
Study on Ephesians, Part 2
Before we continue, we should focus more on living in subjection to Christ. Today’s church, particularly in the United States, is in trouble. Attendance is declining, the church’s influence is declining, and our cultures and communities are increasingly becoming...
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BOOKS
Expository Bible study on Ephesians 5:22-33 on a Biblical marriage. Rather than a self-help resource, this book is aimed at deepening your relationship with Christ.
Catechism to help intentionally teach important concepts of Christianity to children and new believers. The focus is on tracing Christ throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Devotional book for December 1st through December 25th. As we prepare our hearts during the traditional advent season, let us also prepare for the second coming of Christ.
Free e-book by an independent tax and financial professional. This booklet aims to assist individuals preparing for ministry and missions to honor God through finances.
ABOUT
ANTICIPATINGCHRIST.COM
R. Joseph Ritter, Jr. CFP® EA is an independent tax professional, financial planner and owner of Somerset Tax Partners LLC. He is the founder and president of Zacchaeus Financial Counseling, Inc., a non-profit organization serving the financial planning and financial counseling needs of lower and middle income households. Joe is also a consecrated Conference Deacon in the New South Conference of the Free Methodist Church USA. Joe received his Master’s Degree in World Mission and Evangelism from Asbury Theological Seminary. His non-profit leadership and Christian ministry includes such past positions as Pastor, Director of Outreach, volunteer Chaplain with Transport for Christ International, co-founder of Community Chaplains Association, and Financial Aid Director at Kentucky Mountain Bible College. He is the author of Having An E5 Marriage; 25 Days of Christmas Devotional; Jacob’s Testimony: A Catechism Teaching the Praises, Strength and Wondrous Works of the Lord; and You’re Called to the Ministry. Now What?
Joe has been married for over 20 years and has four children. He enjoys writing as a hobby … as well as carpentry and automotive mechanics.