In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was used ceremonially to set apart special roles, especially those of prophets (1 Kgs. 19:16), priests (Ex. 28:41), and kings (1 Sam. 9:16).

The most comm...

Some allege that whatever is not expressly forbidden is allowed in religious practice. Others contend that anything not authorized is not permitted. Is there any validity to the argument from silence?

The most common word in the Greek New Testament that conveys the idea of “forgiveness” is aphesis, a compound term meaning “to send away from.”

Forgiveness is a divine response to human sin, flowi...

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.

Bible prophecy is one of the most powerful evidences of the divine origin of the Scriptures. Here is a truly remarkable prophecy from the book of Zechariah.

The term “condemned” in Galatians 2:11 is a point of controversy among some commentators.

As with many biblical texts, it is important to understand what is happening in the passage and the circum...

Even atheists have recognized the principle that “where there is design, there must be a designer.” Now, however, with mounting evidence for design in the Universe, the skeptics are fleeing from this fundamental, logical proposition.

This article by Wayne Jackson provides a detailed analysis of Joshua’s long day as described in the Bible. It discusses various interpretations from both liberal and conservative scholars and ultimately argues that the event involved a genuine miracle.

There is a popular view that heaven will be on earth after our planet has been purged by fire at the end of time. This theory is wholly without merit and results from a failure to understand the symbolic nature of several passages of scripture.

The Lamb’s blood flows from the book of Genesis all the way through the book of Revelation, and there are valuable lessons all along the way.

While the Old Testament demanded the tithe from the Hebrews, the New Testament embodies a nobler challenge. Christians should carefully consider the percentage of their giving on the Lord’s day.

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?

There is an exploding educational phenomenon in America. It is the accelerating practice of homeschooling. Some charge that homeschooled kids suffer from inadequate socialization. A new study disputes this allegation.

This article examines the complex and often ambiguous situations surrounding divorce and remarriage from a Christian perspective, drawing on biblical teachings and providing examples of various cases.

Is the Holy Spirit, as a divine Being, worthy of our worship? What do the Scriptures teach on this vital theme? Carefully and prayerfully study this subject with us.

This word comes directly from the Greek blasphemeo, which is believed to derive from blapto (to injure) and pheme (speech), hence injurious speech.

Scripture speaks of those who blaspheme God (Ro...

The Greek word paradeisos derives from the Persian term pairidaeza, which meant an enclosure, a royal park, a garden with a wall. In the Greek Old Testament (LXX) the term is employed of the Garden...

A popular Christian teacher recently stated that sincere people, regardless of their religious affiliation, should not be discouraged from praying for miracles. In this week’s Penpoints, Wayne Jackson respectfully challenges this assertion.

Is the story of Christ’s “virgin birth” really a rehash from ancient paganism?

During the plagues that were visited upon Egypt, prior to Israel’s departure from that land, did the Nile River actually turn to blood, or was this merely a silting of the river with red clay?