Our Eternal Abode
Will heaven be on earth as some have speculated? Or is their biblical evidence that heaven will be something apart from the physical planet on which we live.
James 1:13 – God Cannot Be Tempted
Does God have freedom of choice? If so, could He choose to do evil?
Acts 15:9 — Hearts Cleansed by Faith
Some religious folks assume that this passage teaches that salvation is given upon the basis of faith alone — without additional acts of obedience. This is a tragic mistake.
The Gospel Writers and Their Quotations from Jesus
When the Gospel writers cite the words of Jesus, they frequently vary their terminology. This is troubling to some. Is this circumstance cause for concern?
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.
Malachi 1:2,3 – Jacob Loved, Esau Hated
The book of Malachi states that Jacob was “loved” by God, yet his brother Esau was “hated.” This week’s Margin Notes deals with the use of such language.
Did Behemoth Have a Navel?
Does behemoth’s “navel” preclude its classification as a dinosaur?
Philippians 3:1ff – Regulated Worship
Is worship “regulated” by God? Or is man left to his own inclination in this matter?
Times That Try Our Souls
Division “contrary to the doctrine” of Christ is wrong (Romans 16:17); but division, consistent with the Lord’s teaching, is not. Let faithful men and women work for a church that is united—but united upon the basis of biblical truth, not sectarian compromise (John 17:17).
Lessons Learned Through Illness
There are several ways in which one may respond to illness. One is to try and learn from the experience and attempt to develop into a better person. Another is to become bitter and “sour” on life, making others around you miserable. The former is much to be preferred. Reflect with me on this matter.
Matthew 25:41 – “Jehovah’s Witnesses” and Hell
“Jehovah’s Witnesses” contend that the term “Hell,” as used in the Bible, is a “symbol of annihilation or everlasting death in unconsciousness” from which there is to be no awakening (Make Sure of All Things, p. 155). Does this represent the truth of biblical teaching regarding Hell?
Ephesians 1:4 – Predestination
Does this passage teach that our salvation is strictly a matter of God’s arbitrary election before the world was made, irrespective of any choice that we might exercise in the matter?
Luke 1:32,33 – Did Luke Make a Mistake?
In his book Steve Allen on the Bible, Religion, & Morality, Steve Allen notes a “mistake” in Luke’s record of the life of Christ.
Psalm 19, Scientifically Accurate
Critics often criticize figurative language in the Bible as being scientifically inaccurate. But even “scientists” use figurative language from time to time. In spite of poetic language, Psalm 19 does contain some descriptions of the sun that are scientifically precise.
Creationism in Our Schools
A study of brotherhood educational institutions regarding creation reveals startling deficiencies.
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.
Galatians 5:4 – Fallen from Grace
“Once-saved, always-saved” is a convenient way of viewing God’s redemptive plan — but is it biblical? Hear what the apostle Paul has to say about “falling from grace.”
Was Paul’s Theology Consistent on “Conversion”?
Those who teach that salvation is solely by faith, without further acts of obedience, have a difficult time reconciling Paul with himself. Study this matter with us.
Ishmael: His Hand Against Every Man
The remarkable biblical prophecies concerning Ishmael, are explored, especially the historical emergence of his descendants and their warlike characteristics.
Larry King Hosts Pat Boone, Max Lucado, and Others
Pat Boone appeared on Larry King Live to ask for prayers and miracles on behalf of his grandson. Is his faith misdirected?