Mark 2:5 – A Visible Faith
Mark 2:5 relates an account in which faith in Jesus is “seen.” Of what significance is this passage to the age-old “faith vs. works” discussion?
Fashion Oddities and Public Worship
Are public worship forums the place for “fashion” eccentricities? Some seem to think there should be no restrictions as to what one may wear when functioning in a teaching and/or leadership role in church assemblies. This “hot button” topic is discussed in this week’s Penpoints article.
The Character of Atheism
Someone has said that you can tell something of the character of a person by the heroes he has. There may be something to that. Atheism extols hypocrisy.
Is a Literal Interpretation of Genesis 1 Important?
Does it really matter how one interprets Genesis 1, so long as he believes the basic truth that God was the Creator?
The Christian As a Sermon
A Christian life well-lived is a better sermon than what is only said.
Is Sexual Self-stimulation Wrong?
Sometimes the most unpleasant topics are worthy of addressing for the benefit of others. That is the case with the theme below.
Exodus 3:22 – The Israelites Leave Egypt
In this article of Notes from the Margin of My Bible, we find a prophecy fullfillment, an answer to a moral dilemma, and an example of God’s wonderful providence.
How Does this Man Know “Letters”?
“How does this man [Jesus] know letters, since he has never learned?” (John 7:15). This text has puzzled many Bible students? How could Christ have so amazed the multitudes with his teaching if he had “never learned”? Study this passage with us.
Amos 5:21,22 – Vain Religion
Worship God — then live as you please — is the sentiment of legions. But what does God think of such attitudes?
What Is Meant by “the Spirits of Just Men Made Perfect”?
What is the meaning of that phrase in the book of Hebrews, “the spirits of just men made perfect”? In order to understand the expression, the surrounding context must be examined. This study does that.
Resolving Church Conflicts
The church is a collection of all sorts of people from varying backgrounds and with different personalities. It is inevitable that such an aggregate of folks will experience conflicts. But the Scriptures can help us deal with these difficult situations. In this week’s Penpoints, Jason Jackson discusses this theme.
How Did Paul Learn about Jannes and Jambres?
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul mentions two men, Jannes and Jambres, who withstood Moses. Who were these men, and how did Paul know of them, since they are not named in the Old Testament?
1 Corinthians 1:17 — Paul Not Sent to Baptize
Did the apostle Paul teach that baptism was not necessary for salvation from sins? By no means. Study this passage with us.
Revelation 1:1 – The Things to Come Shortly
It is a serious mistake to make the prophetic time frame of the book of Revelation hinge one solitary expression.
Romans 1:20 – The Testimony of Creation
As the inspired Paul affirms to the Romans, the natural world around us points to the existence and attributes of the Creator.
How Do I Cope with Bitterness?
How can we forgive but still feel resentment at times?
Galatians 5:4 – Fallen from Grace
“Once-saved, always-saved” is a convenient way of viewing God’s redemptive plan — but is it biblical? Hear what the apostle Paul has to say about “falling from grace.”
Zechariah 6:12,13 – The Royal Priest
The book of Zechariah teaches important truths about the Messiah. Study it with us in this week’s Margin Notes.
James 1:17 – The Shadow Cast by Turning
Did James reveal a scientific principle that was yet to be “discovered”? It is quite possible.
2 Peter 1:8 – Conditional Salvation
Faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love are all qualities the apostle Peter identifies as qualifying one’s salvation.