Fortify Your Faith in an Age of Doubt

Was Potential Sin by Christ Prophesied?

Author: Wayne Jackson

This question explores the possiblity of whether Nathan prophesied about the possible sin of Christ.

The inspired writer of Hebrews quotes a passage from 2 Samuel 7:14, “I will be his father, and he shall be my son” (Heb. 1:5). This is applied obviously to the Messiah. But the latter part of the verse in 2 Samuel 7:14 is somewhat confusing to me.... Read more

The President and Pornography

Author: Wayne Jackson

This article exposes the loose attitude of Bill Clinton's presidential administration toward the pornography trade.

There’s an old saying: “Politics makes strange bedfellows.” Never has that cliche been more apropos than with America’s current chief executive, Bill Clinton. He has been in the political “bed” with a wide assortment of ideological degenerates.... Read more

Abraham - A Case of Old Testament Accuracy

Author: Wayne Jackson

Several important achaeological discoveries demonstrate once again the uncanny accuracy of the Bible.

The science of archaeology has been a rich benefactor to the Bible student. It has occasionally clarified obscure passages, and it has also frequently demonstrated that the biblical record bears the marks of genuine history. After Abraham settled... Read more

The Weekly Observance of the Lord's Supper

Author: Wayne Jackson

Does the New Testament authorize the observance of each-Sunday communion? Is communion restricted to Sunday?

There is much disagreement in the religious community of “Christendom” as to when the Lord’s Supper, commanded by Jesus, should be observed (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20). Several theoretical views may be entertained. Some allege... Read more

Should "Weak" Christians Be Disfellowshipped?

Author: Wayne Jackson

Should Christians who are merely "weak" be subject to the disfellowship process?

“Referencing your article, ‘Church Discipline – A Tragic Neglect’ (6/8/00), please send scriptures to support shunning or disfellowship of a weak brother/sister whose attendance is slipping, or who has completely fallen away.” The article, “Church... Read more

Why I Don't Believe in Miracles

Author: Wayne Jackson

This article is a response to professor Philip Hefner's _Newsweek_ article repudiating miracles.

The affirmation cited above reflects the title of a recent article that appeared in Newsweek magazine (Hefner 2000, 61). It was authored by Philip Hefner, a professor of systematic theology at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Hefner’s... Read more

The Establishment of the Church of Christ

Author: Wayne Jackson

Was the church of Christ established on the day of Pentecost? Or was it established at some earlier time in human history?

The precious organism known in the common versions of the New Testament as the church of Jesus Christ is a unique entity. Its pristine integrity must ever be preserved, and its beauty valued by every genuine Christian of the modern... Read more

Is Christianity Polytheistic?

Author: Wayne Jackson

How is Christianity different than religions that worship several gods?

If God exists in three persons, and the Christian is to worship God, how is he different from other religious people who worship several gods? There are some fundamental propositions that one must understand in approaching the distinction between... Read more

What Is the Baptism of Fire?

Author: Wayne Jackson

What is the "baptism of fire" mentioned in Matthew 3:11?

“In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist said: ‘I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire.’ A Christian brother... Read more

A Dispute About the Purpose of Baptism

Author: Wayne Jackson

Several questions and comments have been recently received relative to some of our material dealing with the purpose of "water baptism," as that theme is set forth in the New Testament. Accordingly, in this Feature article, we wish to address a reader's obviously sincere concerns.

We receive a great number of questions dealing with a variety of biblical issues. It simply is not possible to deal with all of them. Some are impertinent, trivial, seemingly bereft of any semblance of sincerity and, therefore, in our judgment,... Read more

The Partial-Birth Abortion Controversy

Author: Wayne Jackson

This commentary discusses the hypocrisy in the so-called partial-birth abortion practice.

Insensitivity to the sacredness of human life comes in increments. During the German holocaust of World War II, Nazi soldiers who were involved in exterminations at the concentration camps soon found that after killing hundreds and hundreds of... Read more

O Woman, Great Is Your Faith!

Author: Wayne Jackson

A brief devotional study on one of the greatest examples of faith during the ministry of Christ.

Jesus Christ and His disciples were under considerable pressure. The hostility of the Jews had intensified. Hence, the Master and His men withdrew into the borders of Tyre and Sidon (in Phoenicia) to the northwest of Canaan. Here the Lord... Read more

Is Fasting for Christians Today?

Author: Wayne Jackson

Should Christians practice fasting?

What does the Bible teach about fasting? Is it for Christians today? Fasting, in the biblical sense, is the abstaining from food and drink for a spiritual reason. In the Old Testament era, the Jews fasted frequently, though there was only one fast... Read more

The Battle at Baylor University

Author: Wayne Jackson

This is a commentary over the battle currently taking place at Baylor University over the issue of creation science.

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, with its more than thirteen thousand students, is the largest educational institution in the world affiliated with the Baptist Church. This major center of academic learning professes a commitment to “excellence... Read more

New Hermeneutic: An Abandonment of Reason

Author: Wayne Jackson

All new things are not always better. Many of the "new" ways of interpreting the Bible are merely designed to keep you from truly understanding the Scriptures.

Hermeneutics is the procedure by which certain logical principles are applied to a document in order to ascertain the author’s original meaning. All literature is subject to hermeneutical analysis. In this country we have one branch of our... Read more

The Power of Example

Author: Wayne Jackson

The Bible repeatedly appeals to the power of example. God himself is our example, as is Christ. Of course, Christians should demonstrate exemplary attributes as well in obedience and love.

The Greek New Testament contains several terms that are rendered by the English word “example.” The word deigma denotes that which is shown, hence, a specimen. Jude declares that the permanent destruction of wicked Sodom and Gomorrah serves as an... Read more

Does God Limit His Own Foreknowledge?

Author: Wayne Jackson

Is there biblical evidence that, in some cases, God has limited his own foreknowledge?

Does God foreknow everything? Are there things that God chooses not to know? One of the most difficult tasks for the Bible student is any attempt to discuss, with great precision, the attributes of God. The divine qualities are so infinite, and... Read more

Is There Scientific Proof of Joshua's Long Day?

Author: Wayne Jackson

Is the so-called scientific proof for Joshua's "long day" reliable?

Some stories take on a life of their own. No matter how frequently they are debunked, they survive. Such is true with reference to the supposed astronomical proof for the biblical narrative regarding “Joshua’s long day.” Background When the... Read more

Can We Understand the Bible Alike?

Author: Wayne Jackson

Recently a preacher raised the question: "Can we all understand the Bible alike?" He declared that we cannot, and asserted that those who believe that we can are simply entertaining an ignorant viewpoint.

Recently a preacher raised the question: “Can we all understand the Bible alike?” He declared that we cannot, and asserted that those who believe that we can are simply entertaining an ignorant viewpoint. Your Understanding, My Understanding The... Read more

Was the Fruit of the Vine Fermented?

Author: Wayne Jackson

What should be the nature of the fruit of the vine used during the Lord's supper?

In our country, it has been the custom to use wine in the Lord’s supper. A visitor from America suggests that we ought to use only grape juice. What did Jesus use when he instituted the communion at the Passover? As to the nature of the fruit of... Read more