Articles

Matthew 11:3 - John Has Doubts

In Matthew 11:3, John the Immerser sends a message to Christ. Did his inquiry express doubt on his part?

May I Divorce My Wife and Remain Unmarried?

When is divorce permissible? May a marriage partner divorce his or her spouse simply because they have tired of the marriage? Is "authorization" from God required for a divorce? Study this challenging issue with us.

The BBC's Theory on the Biblical Plagues

England's most famous broadcasting facility, the BBC, has just released a TV special which attempts to explain the biblical plagues (visited upon Egypt in the days of Moses) as nothing more than a series of purely natural events. But will that analysis stand the test of critical examination? See for yourself.

The English Standard Version

Wayne Jackson reviews the new English Standard Version translation of the Bible.

The Church Is the Saved

According to the doctrine of dispensational premillennialism (a view endorsed by many today), the "church" was not a part of the divine plan of redemption initially. But that view is not consistent with divine revelation.

Does God Send Delusions? Can a Person Harden Himself Beyond Hope?

What does the Bible mean when it suggests that God may "send a strong delusion" to some people (2 Thes. 2:11)? Would the "God of truth" actually "send" a lie? Too, is it possible for a person to harden his heart to the extent that he is beyond the hope of salvation?

Another Voice from the Tomb

The recent discovery of an ossuary (bone box) in Jerusalem, which mentions the name "Jesus," has been hailed as the first extra-biblical archaeological discovery relating to Christ. But is it? An earlier discovery, in 1945, also contained a reference to Jesus. This article cites that evidence.

What Is a Pastor?

It is not uncommon to hear religious people refer to a minister as "the pastor" of the church. There is no such thing as "the pastor" of a church. The term "pastor" is greatly abused in the community of Christendom.

Teresa's "Miracle" En Route to "Sainthood"

According to recent news reports, "Mother" Teresa, the deceased Catholic nun, is on the fast-track toward "sainthood" -- a process that usually takes many years. A claim is now being made that the departed "sister" has performed a miracle from the grave.

Hebrews 9:5 & Romans 3:25 - Christ Jesus: Our Propitiation

An interesting word in the Bible is "propitiation." It is often translated "mercy-seat." There is a connection between the imagery of the Old Testament system, and our Savior's role in the redemption of man.

Should We Lift "Holy Hands" When We Pray?

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul uses the expression, "lifting up holy hands" (1 Tim. 2:8). Does this suggest that one should hold up his hands when praying? Wayne Jackson addresses this question.

Pope Issues Apostolic Letter on 24th Anniversary of His "Petrine Ministry"

On October 16, 2002, John Paul II celebrated the anniversary of his 24th year of service as pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. News commentators compared this lengthy tenure with that of Peter himself! In this week's Penpoints, Jason Jackson discusses the alleged connection between the apostle Peter and the man who now claims to be the apostle's modern successor.

Why Was Jesus Baptized?

Why was Jesus immersed at the hands of John the Baptizer? Many have a difficult time understanding this pivotal event in the life of our Lord.

Why Were Humans Created?

A university student is bothered with questions as to why human beings were created. Did the creation reveal a "need" on the part of deity? Join us for a discussion of this question.

Harold Camping's New Revelation: "Leave the Church!"

In 1992, Harold Camping, radio preacher out of Oakland, California, "prophesied" that history would end in 1994. It didn't. Now, he is suggesting that the "great tribulation" is upon us, and all Christians should abandon the church. Read this review of the gentleman's latest theory.

The Truth on Baptism Should Not Be "Watered Down"

Baptism is a controversial subject in the religious world. How should it be performed? Who is a proper candidate for baptism? What is the purpose of baptism? Conflicting answers abound. Throw in a mix of emotions, and it seems even more confusing. Jason Jackson responds to a sincere reader and looks at the New Testament in order to clearly define this important topic that gets "watered down" by so many religious leaders.

What Is the Meaning of Proverbs 14:4?

There are many passages in the Bible that seem out of place for a Holy book. Proverbs 14:4 is one of these. But when one considers the true scope of Divine revelation, it is easy to understand the relevance of such obscure verses.

Divorce and Civil Law

The article explores the contentious issue of divorce and remarriage, highlighting that civil law is subordinate to divine law and how this principle applies in complex situations. It concludes that marriage is a sacred institution, and its issues should be judged according to Heaven's law.

Acts 11:21,24 - "A Great Number that Believed Turned unto the Lord"

A subtle, but important, point from the Greek text helps us to distinguish several factors in the plan of salvation

Are Preachers To Be Called "Reverend"?

Is the use of a clerical title, e.g., "Reverend," "Father," "Rabbi," or "Doctor"--within the framework of _religious_ service--consistent with the will of God? This week's question discusses this issue.