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The so-called "sinner's prayer" is a popular phenomenon in Protestant circles. It is used at the conclusion of various denominational revival services as an appeal to persuade sincere people to "get saved." It frequently appears at the end of religious services or in literature urging folks to "r...
The Bible makes a claim that most books do not. It claims to be from God. Some books, both ancient and modern, also claim a divine origin. However, unlike other books that make the claim, the Bible’s claim is true. When we say the Bible is inspired, several factors must be considered. First, “ins...
Sincere though these people are, their approach to the Scriptures in this regard is flawed. When the New Testament speaks of the cup in observing communion, it is not the literal container that is being referred to. Instead, it is the contents (i.e., the fruit of the vine) that are emphasized. Th...
There are those known as “conditionalists” who argue for the eventual annihilation of the wicked. The gentleman asking this question does not appear to be in this category, but he repeats a charge familiar to their theology. Conditionalists frequently suggest that Bible students believing in the ...
Certainly. Your question is very thoughtful. The following points, I believe, will help put this issue in focus: First, the Bible does not attempt to conceal the foibles of the great people that adorn its pages. Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and David were normal human beings. They sinned like all other...
We must be very careful about trying to use Old Testament passages as proof-texts for what we may or may not practice in the Christian age. It is a fundamental aspect of Bible doctrine that the Mosaic system was abrogated by the death of Christ (Ephesians 2:14ff; Colossians 2:14ff). The law of Mo...
Arguing that the example of the thief on the cross is a pattern of salvation today rests on an unwarranted assumption and a faulty view of biblical chronology. Here are the basic facts. The Facts When the Lord was crucified, he was positioned between two robbers, both of whom, at some point durin...
First, no evidence shows that anyone other than the apostles received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. They had been promised that blessing (see Acts 1:5, 8). The only other exception was to the household of Cornelius, in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, as a divine token th...
It will first be important to observe the larger context in which this puzzling text is found. Beginning in 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul provides instructions regarding certain matters relating to the elders of a local congregation. He states that they may be financially supported in their work. If neces...
The religious world is deeply divided over the following passage from Genesis. “And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all that the...
There are many ideas that people have about who will be in Heaven. Since no one on Earth today has ever personally experienced going to Heaven, all we have to go on is what has been revealed and confirmed through the Scriptures. What Does the Bible Actually Say About Who Will Go to Heaven? First,...
Could anxiety be sinful? Yes, if we accept the testimony of Jesus and respect Paul's apostolic command. But the Bible certainly acknowledges that life’s complications can be depressing. The words "depressing" and "depressed" are flexible in their meaning and cover a broad spectrum of mental state...
You have described a volatile situation. I’m afraid that many Christians are so uninformed about both the spirit and the practice of church discipline that extremes in either direction are common more often than not. First, it appears that the woman was never formally disfellowshipped. If she had...
Because the Scriptures do not mention the Gideons, I cannot give you an answer based on explicit Biblical testimony. However, I can cite some principles that should help you reach a decision on this matter. Who Are the Gideons? The Gideons International association is an organized group of busine...
As a general rule, we refrain from commenting on specific problems congregations or individuals may be having. Regardless, I must say that an individual who teaches what this question represents is incorrect in their views regarding Christ and the Holy Spirit. Let us consider each of the proposit...
Since the New Testament does not address this concern specifically, one must draw a reasonable conclusion from the available evidence. My personal view is that, in the circumstances you describe, an adult son's defection does not necessarily disqualify the brother from serving as an elder. My rea...
God calls every person who is saved. Not only does God pardon the sinner (cf. Rom. 3:26), but he also teaches him about the need and means of forgiveness. The Lord Jesus said, ““No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day” (Jn. 6:44).” O...
The King James Version is an old and respected translation of the Holy Scriptures. We have a very high regard for this popular version. Its translators attempted to reproduce the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek original text into the English tongue in a faithful way. In evaluating any version, however...
When we discuss the fact that we “hear God,” we are considering what God fundamentally communicates about the plan of salvation and how we can obey it. Of course, God “speaks” through his creation (Ps. 19:1; Rom. 1:20). But this general revelation of God does not specify how we can be saved from ...
As with many Bible-related questions, the answer lies in how words and concepts are defined. Let's think about what are the real differences between monotheism and polytheism. Monotheism The original religion of ancient mankind was monotheism. Monotheism is the worship of one, true Supreme Being....
