Luke 14:26 – Hating Family
How does one explain Jesus’ injuction for followers to “hate” their families?
A Remedy for Troubled Hearts
Unquestionably, there are things we cannot change. We can, however, learn to survive by immersing ourselves in a deep and sustained biblical faith.
The Bapto Word-family in the Septuagint
A sincere Bible student feels that the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, provides evidence that the Greek term bapto may signify the actions of either sprinkling or pouring, as a baptismal rite. What does the evidence actually reveal?
Genesis 15:18 – Will Israel Once Again Possess the Promised Land?
In Genesis 15, Jehovah made a promise to Abraham. He declared that the patriarch’s seed would someday possess the territory between “the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates” (v. 18). Has the promise been fulfilled?
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.”
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.
What About the Iraq “War” Controversy?
As war clouds loom on the horizon, many wonder what the “Christian” position should be regarding this conflict. In response to a question, Wayne Jackson discusses some general biblical truths that relate to this matter.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Armageddon
The “Jehovah’s Witness” view of the “battle of Armageddon” is but one example of the ineptness of this group to analyze biblical prophecy.
Paul, the Master Preacher
By observing the apostle Paul, Wendell Winkler identifies the traits that make a master preacher.
Demons: Ancient Superstition or Historical Reality?
Both the Bible and ancient documents refer to demons. But was demonic possession an historical reality or merely a superstition from unenlightened days?
Those Significant “Silent Years”
The Bible student is sometimes puzzled as to why much of the boyhood life of Christ is omitted from the New Testament record. This was no accident. Actually, it is a subtle evidence of the inspiration of the sacred record. This week’s Penpoints touches on this issue.
Harold Kushner’s Messiah
When Harold Kushner wrote a book for children with religious questions, he de-personalized the “Messiah” of the Old Testament. Without any justification whatever, he simply re-wrote history. Such is the epitome of arrogance.
Why Did the Resurrected Jesus Not Appear to His Enemies?
Why did Jesus appear only to his disciples following his resurrection? Would not an appearance to the Jewish or Roman authorities have been more effective?
The Skeptics’ Bogus Bounty
A response to a challenge from a dishonest infidel
Separated from My Mother’s Womb
Many fail to appreciate the mysterious operation of divine providence. Paul was quite aware of it.
Why Does Hebrews 8:13 Use the Present Tense?
Some Bible students are puzzled that the writer of Hebrews uses present tense forms (8:13) to depict the passing of the Mosaic law. How are these to be explained in light of Bible teaching elsewhere that the law of Moses was abolished by the death of Christ (Eph. 2:15)?
Is a “Loveless Marriage” Scriptural Grounds for Divorce?
When “Sick at Heart” wrote to “Dear Abby” concerning her loveless marriage, Abby directed her to seek a “spiritual advisor.” One such advisor wrote in with his perspective. Was it spiritual? For advice to be spiritual and beneficial, it must be scriptural. Jason Jackson challenges “Reverend” Norman L. Conaway’s claim to be providing spiritual advice.
Are the Gospel Writers Credible?
Generally speaking, skeptics assert that Jesus did not do the things recorded in the Gospel accounts; they simply invented the stories.
John 2:1ff – The Wine that Jesus Made
What was the nature of the product of Jesus’ first miracle at Cana?
Why Couldn’t Jesus Perform Miracles in His Hometown?
When Jesus came to Nazareth, Mark says at that time, “And he could there do no mighty work” (Mark 6:5). If Jesus was truly the Son of God, why does it say he could not perform miracles in his hometown?