Fortify Your Faith in an Age of Doubt

Steve Allen's Attack upon the Bible

Author: Wayne Jackson

This article, originally published in 1993, addresses the book written by popular songwriter-comedian, Steve Allen (1921-2000), _Steve Allen on the Bible, Religion, and Morality_.

Steve Allen was an accomplished composer (he wrote somefour thousand songs). He was also a popular comedian (having hosted The Tonight Show and The Steve Allen Comedy Hour). While these accomplishments have been rehearsed in light of his recent... Read more

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

Author: Wayne Jackson

An in-depth study of the interesting encounter between Jesus and an unnamed Samaritan woman at Jacob's well recorded in John chapter four.

Jesus Christ was the master teacher of all times. He taught in such a variety of ways. While he frequently spoke to the multitudes, he also spent considerable time in one-on-one situations. He gave kindly attention to the individual. John’s Gospel... Read more

Should a Christian Join the Gideons?

Author: Wayne Jackson

Should a Christian join the denominational organization called the Gideons as a means of promoting the gospel?

Is it permissible for Christians to belong to the Gideons’ society? Since the Gideons’ organization is unknown to the Scriptures, I cannot supply you with an answer that is based upon explicit Bible testimony. I can, however, cite some principles... Read more

The Elephant in Evolution's Living Room

Author: Wayne Jackson

Scientists recognize the complexity of the human genetic code, yet they are afraid to attribute that design to a Creator.

Dr. John Morris is affiliated with the Institute for Creation Research in El Cajon, California. He produces a column each month in a publication called Back to Genesis. In a past issue, there appeared a fascinating piece regarding the startling... Read more

A Bible-Believing People

Author: Wayne Jackson

Your attitude toward the Scriptures determines how God's Word will influence your life.

One of the significant features of the church of Jesus Christ is its attitude toward the Holy Scriptures. This is especially true in terms of the nature of the Bible and its inherent authority. Informed Christians operate under the conviction that... Read more

Who Were the Nephilim?

Author: Wayne Jackson

This article addresses the identity of the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6:4.

Who were the Nephilim as described in Genesis 6:4? There is much confusion in the religious world regarding the following passage from Genesis. And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born... Read more

Reinventing the Family

Author: Wayne Jackson

This is a review of Rosemary Reuther's book which attempts to defend new "marriage" relationships.

Rosemary Radford Ruether is a “theologian” who teaches at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Ms. Ruether is the author of a new book, titled, Christianity and the Making of the Modern Family. In this ambitious volume, Ruether... Read more

Original Sin and a Misapplied Passage

Author: Wayne Jackson

This essay addresses a verse commonly used in support of the false doctrine of original sin.

The doctrine of original sin—the notion that one is born into this world hereditarily totally depraved—is widely believed in the religious world. For example, the Augsburg Confession of Faith (1530), Lutheranism’s creed, asserted: [A]ll men, born... Read more

Does Starlight Require Millions of Years to Reach the Earth?

Author: Wayne Jackson

Does starlight require millions of years to reach the earth?

“When we look at the farthest visible star, we are looking 4 billion years into the past; the light from that star, traveling at 186,000 miles a second, has taken many years to reach us. How would you explain this as it relates to creation?” First... Read more

The Value of Morning

Author: Wayne Jackson

At the dawning of the day, your body is as rested as it will be all day, your mind is the sharpest it will be all day--as yet uncluttered with numerous distractions. Why not take advantage of this quiet time?

Early morning has always been my favorite time of day. From my youngest years, I was an early riser. As a boy, it was my job to get up at dawn to feed the livestock on our little country place in Tennessee. When I grew a little older, in the early... Read more

Examining the Four Gospels

Author: Wayne Jackson

Why are there four gospel accounts that cover so much of the same material? Are the records harmonious or do they conflict?

When one opens the New Testament, he is introduced to four narratives which are concerned with the activity and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. These records are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Why are there four accounts that cover so much of the... Read more

What About the Sins of Bible Heroes?

Author: Wayne Jackson

How does the sincere Bible student explain the terrible sins of some of its greatest heroes?

Would you comment concerning the deceit and lying that occurred on the part of certain Old Testament figures, such as Abraham, Isaac, and others? I have trouble with this every time I read Genesis. Certainly. Your question is very thoughtful.... Read more

RU-486: Murder by Mouth

Author: Wayne Jackson

This editorial discusses the new abortion pill, RU-486.

While feminists rejoiced and the news media exploited the story, many sensitive souls again hung their heads in sorrow on account of the ongoing slaughter of innocent babies in this country. “Abortion Pill Ok’d,” the headlines shouted, and Gloria... Read more

Is Taking an Oath in Court or Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance Forbidden?

Author: Wayne Jackson

Does James 5:12 prohibit a Christian from "swearing" to tell the truth in a court of law? What about saying the Pledge of Allegiance?

“In James 5:12, Christians are commanded not to swear any oath. Does this mean that we should not submit to practices such as swearing an oath of honesty in a court of law, or pledging allegiance to the American flag? Furthermore, is it also wrong... Read more

The Saga of Shebna

Author: Wayne Jackson

An interesting archaelogical find may provide incidental confirmation of an Old Testament narrative.

In the days of Hezekiah, king of Judah, prior to Sennachrib’s siege of Jerusalem, there was an ambitious official in the king’s service whose name was Shebna. Out of an inflated sense of prominence, perhaps fueled by ambition, Shebna had carved... Read more

What Was the Nature of Cain's Sin?

Author: Wayne Jackson

What was Cain's sin? Weakness, lack of faith or downright rebellion?

We were discussing Cain’s sacrifice in Genesis 4 in class recently, and some suggested that Cain’s “vegetable” offering was what God wanted, but Cain just did not give his “best.” My answer was that he and Abel should have offered the same thing... Read more

Alfred Edersheim on Ancient Society

Author: Wayne Jackson

This editorial discusses the comments of the Jewish scholar, Alfred Edersheim, on the moral character of first-century Roman society.

Alfred Edersheim (1825-89) was born in Vienna, Austria to Hebrew parents and he was reared in the Jewish faith. He entered the University of Vienna when he was sixteen, but, as a result of his father’s ill health, young Alfred was presently forced... Read more

Who Was John the Baptist?

Author: Wayne Jackson

Who was John the Baptist? What was his relationship to Jesus?

Who was John the Baptist? And what was his relationship to Jesus? His name was divinely given. It was to be “John” (Lk. 1:13), which derives from a Hebrew term signifying “Jehovah is gracious.” He was known familiarly as “the Baptist” (bearing no... Read more

Growing Doubts about the Resurrection of the Dead

Author: Wayne Jackson

There have always been those who found the concept of the bodily resurrection incredible, i.e., unbelievable, and their modern counterparts are appearing increasingly--even in today's church.

In his defense before Agrippa, Paul asked his Jewish audience: “Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?” (Acts 26:8). There have always been those who found the concept of the bodily resurrection incredible, i.e.,... Read more

Cyrus the Great in Biblical Prophecy

Author: Wayne Jackson

A study of Cyrus the Great and his role in biblical prophecy

One of the truly astounding prophecies of the Bible is found in the last verse of Isaiah 44, together with 45:1ff, (an unfortunate chapter break). It has to do with Cyrus, king of Persia. According to the historian Herodotus (The Histories i.46),... Read more