Articles

The Marvelous Book of Jeremiah

The book of Jeremiah is one of the longest books of the Old Testament. It is also one of the most thrilling. In this article, we wish to give the reader an "Introduction" to this remarkable sacred narrative.

Did Jesus Repudiate His Divine Nature?

Some claim that Jesus, in his conversation with the rich, young ruler (Mk. 10:17-18), denied that he possessed the nature of deity. What is the truth of this matter? Study this controversial passage with us.

Islam and the Deity of Jesus Christ

Moslems insist that Jesus Christ was merely a "messenger" of God, in the same sense that others (e.g., Moses) were but prophets. They deny that he possessed the nature of deity, or that he even claimed to be the "Son of God." But what does the actual evidence reveal?

John 3:8 - The Spirit Breathes

What is the correct interpretation of this widely misunderstood passage?

Congregational Autonomy: Not a Shield for Error

The Scriptures teach that each congregation of the Lord's body is under self-rule, but with limitations. Sadly, some do not recognize these limitations and jeopardize their fidelity to sound doctrine.

Was Judas "Predestined" to Betray Christ?

A sincere reader wants to know whether or not Judas was "predestined" to betray Christ. He feels that certain New Testament passages suggest that he was. This week's Question discusses this issue.

Will Everyone Go to Heaven?

The idea that all people will be saved appears to be gaining momentum. But the fact is, this dogma has no basis in Scripture and logically it is irrational.

Leviticus 5:17 - Ignorance and Accountability

Is "ignorance bliss" with regard to sin? Not according to the Scriptures.

The Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ

Borrowing from the legal terminology of the first century, the New Testament writers used the figure of a "last will and testament" to characterize that body of doctrine to which mankind is obligated in the Christian age, i.e., that era of time from the day of Pentecost until the Lord's return. In this article, we examine several important features of a "last will and testament."

Are We Under Law or Grace?

A significant group of misguided souls alleges that the "grace" of Jesus Christ has dispensed with the need for "law." This "antinomian" ideology is designed to throw the mantle of fellowship around those who have not obeyed the Lord in the process of becoming a Christian. The adversarial conflict that some see between "grace" and "law" is false.

Fellow Workers for the Truth

How were some "fellow workers" (3 Jn. 8) received who had a commendation from the apostle John? While the "beloved apostle" commended Gaius, who "received" the church workers, others were censured for snubbing their noses, and treating the endorsed Christians like itinerate church cons.

Luke 1:41 - Baby or Fetus?

Those who support the practice of abortion do so based on the notion that a pre-birth "fetus" and a post-birth "baby" are two entirely different things. Yet neither the word of God nor common sense allows for such a distinction.

Did Matthew Err Regarding "Judea"?

Critics of the Bible allege that the apostle Matthew made a mistake when he suggested "Judea" was "beyond the Jordan" (Mt. 19:1). Is there any way to legitimately exonerate the apostle from this charge? Study this problem with us.

John Shelby Spong: Anglican Nightmare

John Shelby Spong, a retired bishop of the Anglican Church, has made a career of being a rogue "priest" who assaults almost everything that is sacred within the Christian religion. His outrageous ideology has been an embarrassment to many of his Anglican kinsmen. This week's Penpoints focuses upon some of Spong's theological aberrations.

Exodus 7:3 - The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart

Who bears responsibility for the hardening of Pharaoh's heart?

A Historian's Assessment of Ancient Christianity

Edward Gibbon's monumental work of history provides great insight into early Christianity.

Does the Expression "the Eleven" (Luke 24:33) Constitute an Error?

Some claim there is a mistake in Luke's record of Christ's initial post-resurrection appearance to his apostles. The historian mentions "the eleven," when there were only ten. Judas was dead, and Thomas was not present. How is this problem to be resolved?

Is It Wrong to Dispute Religious Error?

Is it wrong to disagree about religious doctrine?

Mark 11:20 - Jesus Curses a Fig Tree

Does Jesus' cursing of the fig tree in Mark 11 reveal a "dark side" to the Savior? Not at all. Wayne Jackson explains this curious passage.

Are We Resurrected from the Dead When We Obey the Gospel?

A question was submitted about the resurrection. The inquirer concluded that "made alive" (in passages like Romans 6:3-8 and Colossians 2:11-12) is parallel in thought to Paul's discussion of the resurrection of the body in 1 Corinthians 15. In response, we consider a number of points concerning the New Testament doctrine on the resurrection.