Attacking God’s Plan of Salvation
Scholarly sources may be helpful, but good Bible students recognize any human source can be biased or flawed. God’s Word is the ultimate standard of faith and practice.
Who Is a Christian?
The appellation of “Christian” is widely used as a category of people. But who, in fact, is (and who is not) a Christian?
Justified by Faith
Romans 5:1-2 is a beautiful text, so filled with meaning. Unfortunately, it has been terribly misunderstood by many. Study this sacred passage with us.
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.
THE GOLDEN TEXT: A Study of John 3:16
John 3:16 is often called the “golden text” of the Bible. Many hold this passage very dear. Tragically, the text is more often than not misunderstood. In this study, we take a close look at this amazing passage.
God’s Plan of Salvation for His Lost Children
How can a fallen away Christian be restored to fellowship with Christ and his church?
The Language of God
Dr. Francis Collins, a notable scientist specializing in the mapping of genes, has produced a new book, The Language of God. The following is a brief review of this work.
Why Couldn’t Jesus Perform Miracles in His Hometown?
When Jesus came to Nazareth, Mark says at that time, “And he could there do no mighty work” (Mark 6:5). If Jesus was truly the Son of God, why does it say he could not perform miracles in his hometown?
A Dispute About the Purpose of Baptism
Several questions and comments have been recently received relative to some of our material dealing with the purpose of “water baptism,” as that theme is set forth in the New Testament. Accordingly, in this Feature article, we wish to address a reader’s obviously sincere concerns.
Resurrection: Literal or Merely Symbolic?
When the New Testament speaks of the resurrection, is it speaking of a literal resurrection of the body or merely a “symbolic” resurrection?
Tutoring in the Shadow of Darwin
This article reviews the recent scholarship prize award by John N. Clayton.
Is Evidence Needed For Faith?
Is there a valid connection between evidence and faith? Or is “faith” a wispy, feel-good emotion that simply “leaps” into the dark, and believes based upon a sort of “holy hunch”?
Conversions in Acts
There is much confusion in the community of “Christendom” as to what constitutes “conversion.” There need not be. A collective consideration of those cases in the book of Acts wonderfully clarifies the matter. Study this theme with us.
A Common Faith and Common Salvation
The Scriptures speak of the “common” faith and the “common” salvation. Does this term allow for the divergent views and practices in today’s world of “Christendom”? Does it permit various modes of “salvation”?
Some Questions About Greek Grammar
What is the significance of the genitive case, “faith [in] Christ” in Romans 3:22? Why are the verbs “believe” and “confess” in Romans 10:9 in the aorist tense?
Galatians 1:23 – The Faith
The use of the definite article “the” in Paul’s discussion of “the faith” is significant.
Living in Terror
A sincere lady lives in terror because she fears that she is lost and cannot find peace of mind.
Acts 11:21,24 – “A Great Number that Believed Turned unto the Lord”
A subtle, but important, point from the Greek text helps us to distinguish several factors in the plan of salvation
Hebrews 11—What Is Faith?
Hebrews chapter 11 is a biblical record of faith. The examples listed there are our road map to understanding true faith.
The English Standard Version Study Bible – A Review
Since its release in 2001, the English Standard Version of the Bible has gained popularity. We reviewed the ESV several years back and gave it commendation. Last year the ESV Study Bible appeared. While the study tools frequently are helpful, there are numerous danger spots characterized by doctrinal error. Those using this edition should be informed.