The Assault upon Mark 16:16
The denominational community has long assaulted Mark 16:16 due to the simplicity of the passage in including baptism as a preliminary condition of salvation. Now, such attacks are coming even from certain “change agents” within the body of Christ. This article highlights one such recent effort.
The Allegory of the Vine and the Branches
Shortly before his arrest and death, Jesus taught his disciples by means of a beautiful allegory, that of the “vine” and the “branches.” Study this wonderful illustration with us.
Contend Earnestly for the Faith
What does “contending for the faith” mean?
Are the Dead “Asleep”?
Why do Christians teach that the dead are conscious, when the Scriptures refer to death as “sleep”?
B.C. Comic: Free Speech or Hate Speech?
When does one’s expressions of belief become “politically incorrect”? Cartoonist, Johnny Hart, had to answer this question when his recent “B.C.” “Easter” comic strip portrayed an extinguished menorah turning into a cross.
Must A Woman Fear Her husband?
The American Standard Version of the New Testament suggests that a woman must “fear” her husband. Does this seem reasonable?
The Emotions of Jesus
In addition to possessing a divine nature, Jesus Christ was also flesh and blood (John 1:14), a human being. He thus shared with us the full range of human emotions.
The Soul’s Anchor Is the Hope of Heaven
Only the truth gives hope — real hope — and, as the American poet Wallace Rice put it, “hope is the patent medicine for disease, disaster, and sin.” In this article, Jason Jackson surveys several biblical expressions in which the word “hope” appears. These phrases teach us about the Christian’s future.
Jesus Foretells the Coming Kingdom
Christ’s prophecy concerning his approaching kingdom, as recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, is a most controversial theme. In this article we provide a careful study of this declaration.
The Pope Ignites a Controversy
Benedict XVI, the current “pope” of the Roman Catholic Church, recently ignited a firestorm of controversy by reaffirming the oft-made church claim that salvation is found exclusively in the Roman Church.
Making Sense of the Bible
The Bible is the most important book one could ever read. And it is possible to understand it, when the great plan of the Bible is taken into consideration. Wayne Jackson walks through the 66 books of the Bible and highlights the message and purpose of each inspired text.
What Must I Know To Be Saved?
Unlike some other religions, the validity of Christian faith rests upon what we believe about the gospel of Christ. But what exactly must one know to become a child of God? Let’s explore these thoughts in this brief article.
What Do You Know About the Holy Spirit?
A golden lamp stand with seven lights was placed in the ancient tabernacle of Jehovah. In the book of Revelation, we find the “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God” (Rev. 4:5)—the number seven symbolizing the perfect Spirit of God. What do you know about the Holy Spirit?
Does John 6:37 Teach Calvinist “Predestination”?
It is commonly alleged that Jesus, in John 6:37, endorsed the idea of “predestination” as popularized by John Calvin in the 16th century. Did he? Study this question with us.
All Good People Go to Heaven — No Matter What?
The nation’s attention was riveted to the testimony of nine coal miners who had been trapped deep beneath the earth’s surface in Pennsylvania. One miner expressed concern for his soul, since he’d never been baptized. Another assured him that he was okay — but was he? Jason Jackson discusses this episode in this week’s Penpoints.
A Simple Study of the Word “Must”
Words are vehicles of information; even the smallest words can be packed with meaning. Such is the case with the term “must.” Often overlooked; more often ignored, this important word must be studied carefully.
The Power of Example
The Bible repeatedly appeals to the power of example. God himself is our example, as is Christ. Of course, Christians should demonstrate exemplary attributes as well in obedience and love.
The Sea of Galilee: A Silent Witness
Why does the sea of Galilee’s reputation far exceed its material qualities?
What About That “a god” Translation in the Jehovah’s Witness Bible?
Why does the Jehovah’s Witness’ Bible render John 1:1 as, “the Word was a god”?
Patricia Ireland on the Teaching of Jesus
During a recent television interview, in a desperate attempt to suggest that true Christian teaching is not adverse to homosexuality, Patricia Ireland argued that Jesus “never mentioned homosexuality.” The implication clearly was that Christ would have condemned this lifestyle explicitly, had he disapproved of it.