Is Evidence Needed For Faith?
Is there a valid connection between evidence and faith? Or is "faith" a wispy, feel-good emotion that simply "leaps" into the dark, and believes based upon a sort of "holy hunch"?
Biblical answers to common questions about faith, doctrine, and Christian living.
Is there a valid connection between evidence and faith? Or is "faith" a wispy, feel-good emotion that simply "leaps" into the dark, and believes based upon a sort of "holy hunch"?
Is the gift of speaking in tongues still being given by the Holy Spirit?
No one can "snatch" Christ's sheep away from him. (Jn. 10:28). But does this mean that a child of God can never fall from grace and be lost eternally?
Some today urge that the King James Version of the Bible is the very best available, because it was based upon the "Textus Receptus" Greek text. Though advocated by some sincere folks, this view is not consistent with the best of biblical scholarship. Note the following brief summary of this issue.
A sincere Christian wants to know: "Why don't churches of Christ use instruments of music in their worship?" The issue comes down to the matter of authority. Take a look at this theme with us in this week's Question and Answer.
What is the meaning of the expression "pure in heart," in Christ's promise that the "pure in heart" shall see God? Does this mean that sincerity alone is sufficient to finally obtain heaven?
Is "necessary inference" a valid method of arriving at biblical truth?
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.
The "Jehovah's Witnesses" teach that only 144, 000 people will gain heaven. They base their doctrine upon passages that are found in the book of Revelation (chapters 7 & 14). Who are the 144, 000 mentioned in these texts? Is the number literal or figurative? Study this article.
Some claim that there is a "sense" in which the Bible is "inspired of God" -- but that it cannot be claimed that the very words themselves were divinely given. Will this theory stand the test of critical examination? This article looks at the biblical claim itself.
"Did God reject Cain's sacrifice simply because he did not 'give his best' or was it because it was not a blood sacrifice like Abel's? Did God require an animal sacrifice (blood sacrifice) on this occasion?"
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.
Does Matthew 18:20 sanction the practice of forsaking the Lord's day assemblies, in deference to private assemblies for social or recreational purposes? Some so claim, but what is the contextual significance of this instruction from Christ?
The recently translated English Standard Version, in a passage dealing with the ultimate fate of the earth, speaks of the earth being "exposed" at the time of Christ's return, rather than the common rendition "burned up" (2 Pet. 3:10). Does this translation provide comfort to the "Jehovah's Witnesses"?
Is there any evidence that God speaks directly to people today? What does the Bible say?
When is divorce permissible? May a marriage partner divorce his or her spouse simply because they have tired of the marriage? Is "authorization" from God required for a divorce? Study this challenging issue with us.
What does the Bible mean when it suggests that God may "send a strong delusion" to some people (2 Thes. 2:11)? Would the "God of truth" actually "send" a lie? Too, is it possible for a person to harden his heart to the extent that he is beyond the hope of salvation?
It is not uncommon to hear religious people refer to a minister as "the pastor" of the church. There is no such thing as "the pastor" of a church. The term "pastor" is greatly abused in the community of Christendom.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul uses the expression, "lifting up holy hands" (1 Tim. 2:8). Does this suggest that one should hold up his hands when praying? Wayne Jackson addresses this question.
A university student is bothered with questions as to why human beings were created. Did the creation reveal a "need" on the part of deity? Join us for a discussion of this question.