Baptism is a very important rite in the divine scheme of salvation. But it is imperative that one be able to distinguish between the “essential” and “nonessential” items associated with the command. Study this matter with us in this week’s Penpoints.

A young convert to Islam asserts that Mohammed was the “prophet” of whom Moses spoke in Deuteronomy 18:15ff. What are the facts regarding this matter?

Did Abraham offer Ishmael or Isaac? The Bible and the Koran differ on this issue. Which book is really divine revelation? Does it matter?

As Jesus prayed on the Mount of Olives, “his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground” (Luke 22:44). Did blood actually come from the Lord’s skin, or is the language merely a figure of speech emphasizing the Savior’s agony?

Why the Apocryphal books don’t belong in the inspired canon of Scripture.

The article examines the concept of Sola Scriptura and the errors advocated by the Roman Catholic Church regarding the nature and authority of the Scriptures. It explores the validity of the Scriptures as the sole source of divine instruction and the role of the church in interpreting and teaching these Scriptures.

Why did Paul instruct Timothy to use wine with his water? Does this sanction the social consumption of modern beverage alcohol?

What is the “baptism of fire” mentioned in Matthew 3:11?

What does this puzzling passage mean? As with any troubling or difficult passage, we must first understand the context to better grasp what the author means.

Proverbs 31 begins as follows: “The wo...

When we initiated our Question & Answer column just over a year ago, we scarcely anticipated how popular this segment of our site would become. Some who submit queries may wonder why their inquiry has not appeared in this column.

Was Cornelius, the Roman centurion of Acts chapter 10, saved before and without baptism?

Who is the sinister “man of sin” mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2?

The book of Daniel stands as powerful evidence for the genuineness of Bible prophecy. It thus is a convincing demonstration of the divine origin of the Scriptures.

This essay addresses a verse commonly used in support of the false doctrine of original sin.

The term “Jehovah,” appearing in the American Standard Version (1901), takes the place of “LORD” (all caps) in the King James Translation, as well as in most modern versions.

It derives from four ...

May one contend that while the “law” was abolished by the death of Christ, nonetheless, the Psalms remain; and the Psalms provide authority for worshipping God with instruments of music?

One of the most difficult tasks for the Bible student is attempting to discuss the attributes of God with great precision. The divine qualities are so infinite, and our minds so finite, that we sca...

Influenced by society, many are looking for New Testament authority for expanding the role of women in the body of Christ.

“He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone.” If there is one verse most folks have memorized, it is this one. But what does it really mean?

Why do some people claim the God of the Old Testament is harsh, while the Christ of the New Testament is gentle? Is this claim proof that the Bible is inconsistent in describing the nature of God?