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.

Four important points from Matthew’s account of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).

Love is a fantastic emotion, from both divine and human vantage points. But it can be abused—and frequently is.

Do Christians today receive the Comforter as promised by Christ in the gospel of John?

Jesus once spoke of an “eternal” sin, for which there is no forgiveness. What was that sin? Can it be committed today?

The term “truth” carries several connotations in the Bible. (a) Truth can convey the idea of loyalty. Those who abide in Jesus’ teaching are “truly” his disciples (Jn. 8:31). (b) True may denote th...

What is the meaning of the expression “new heavens and a new earth” as found in 2 Peter 3:13?

Law is a mandate that is designed to regulate procedure; it proceeds from a superior, who possesses authority to rule, to a subordinate. Law is viewed from several angles in the Scriptures. (a) The...

A controversial question is whether women should be used as translators in the public worship assembly. Some, who would object to the modern practice of women leading public worship, have no problem in using a female translator. Others object to the practice. Carefully study this question with an open mind. Let God’s word be our guide during this study.

Did Jesus receive a fair trial? Part 1 of this study examines the nature of the Lord’s path through the legal system of the time.

The declaration, “The righteous shall live by faith,” is found several times in the Bible. What is the significance of the expression? This essay explores this issue.

There are two views concerning the meaning of the phrase “new heavens and new earth.” Since they represent opposing viewpoints, one of them must be false.

The phrase indicates that heaven could be...

In 1 Corinthians 7:15 Paul affirms that if an unbelieving mate abandons his Christian companion the Christian is “not under bondage.” Some allege that this provides an additional cause for divorce other than fornication (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). But is there real evidence for this position?

The Bible teaches that both the righteous and the wicked will be resurrected from the dead. Such being the case, what will be the difference in the composition of these respective bodies?

A subtle, but important, point from the Greek text helps us to distinguish several factors in the plan of salvation

The Mosaic system was preparatory to the coming of the Christian system. While the two systems were complimentary, there are significant differences.

The church in Corinth had numerous spiritual problems, one of which was its tolerance of flagrant immorality. In his letter to this church, the apostle delivers a sharp rebuke. Happily, it produce a healthy result.

The Old Testament is worthy of our time and study. Although it held a distinct place in redemptive history, which it no longer holds, it still has timeless truths to be learned and applied.

While politicians are promising hope and change, we would be wise to consider where success and failure actually come from.

Speech is a very special gift from our Creator. It is a fresh challenge each day to channel our words for good.