Article Calvinism and the Great Commission
This article examines the theological foundation of Calvinism, its doctrine of predestination, and the implications of this doctrine for understanding salvation and evangelism.
Article The Philosophy of John Calvin
John Calvin was a tremendously influential person in Protestant history. But his work reveals his philosophy toward the Holy Scriptures. Is this philosophy worthy of emulation?
Article John 2:1ff—The Wine That Jesus Made
What was the nature of the product of Jesus’ first miracle at Cana?
Article Does the Bible Refer to UFOs?
Does the Bible talk about UFOs? What is the meaning of Ezekiel’s prophecy of a “wheel within a wheel”? Had the prophet seen a flying ship from outer space?
Article Meet Ted Turner—Thanks, I’d Rather Not!
A profile of millionaire and humanist Ted Turner.
Article Unpacking the Second Epistle of Peter: Its Authenticity, Themes, and Relevance
This article by Wayne Jackson provides a detailed analysis of the second epistle of Peter in the New Testament. It discusses its authorship, themes, and relevance to the Christian faith. The article also explores the controversies surrounding its authenticity and the teachings it presents.
Article Baptism: Essentials and Nonessentials
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.
Article Was Mohammed the Prophet of Whom Moses Spoke?
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?
Article Ishmael or Isaac? The Koran or the Bible?
Did Abraham offer Ishmael or Isaac? The Bible and the Koran differ on this issue. Which book is really divine revelation? Does it matter?
Article The Agony of Gethsemane
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?
Bible Term Woman
Woman was fashioned from flesh and bone taken from the side of man (Gen. 2:21-24). Male and female qualities were designed by God (Mt. 19:4); these characteristics are not accidental developments o...
Bible Term Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a divine being who is spirit in nature (Luke 24:39) and holy in character.

• The Holy Spirit is not a mere force (as some cultists insist, e.g., the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”); rat...

Article What Is the Baptism of Fire?
What is the “baptism of fire” mentioned in Matthew 3:11?
Bible Term Drunkenness
Drunkenness involves the ingestion of a mind-altering substance for purely pleasurable purposes. This vice is repeatedly condemned in the Scriptures (Proverbs 23:29ff; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians...
Question Does the Bible Recommend Drinking Alcoholic Beverages?
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...

Bible Term Lamb Of God
The imagery of a “lamb” is taken from the Old Testament to convey certain thoughts about the Messiah.

John the Baptizer introduced Jesus as the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (...

Article Why Didn’t You Answer My Question?
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.
Bible Term Talmud
The Talmud is an encyclopedia of Jewish cultural tradition that was designed to supplement the Hebrew Old Testament. It evolved over an era from about 450 B.C. to A.D. 500.

The Talmud (from a Heb...

Article Was Cornelius Saved Without Baptism?
Was Cornelius, the Roman centurion of Acts chapter 10, saved before and without baptism?
Bible Term Type
A type (tupos) is a prophetic, pictorial preview that finds its fulfillment in an antitype. Types are grounded in historical events, but they are symbolic in import. These forms of figurative proph...