Acts 10 & 11 – Was Cornelius Saved before Being Baptized?
Was Cornelius, the Roman centurion, saved before and without baptism? Some so claim.
If “Tongues” Have Ceased, Why Hasn’t “Knowledge”?
A critic, who believes that “speaking in tongues” is a gift available in this age, believes he has detected a flaw in our position that the gift of tongues was restricted to the first century. Based upon his view of 1 Corinthians 13:8ff, he argues that if “tongues” are obsolete, then “knowledge” should be as well. Since we still have knowledge, it is claimed, tongues remain as well. Here is our response to the gentleman’s objection.
Jesus and Laughter
An atheist’s laughable attempt to criticize the Lord’s teaching is exposed.
Peter Vs. the Papacy
The literature of the Roman Catholic Church makes the claim that the apostle Peter was the original Pope, and the earthly “head” of the Church. Do the apostle’s personal writings sustain this view? Read this week’s Penpoints article for a discussion of this issue.
The Two “Beasts” of Revelation 13
In Revelation 13, John sees a vision of two beasts—one arising from the sea, another from the earth. What do these images represent?
The New Testament Pattern of Giving
Are there any binding ordinances for Christian giving in the New Testament?
Messianic Previews in the Book of Zechariah
There are more than eight thousand prophetic verses in the Bible. Many of these portray the coming Messiah (Christ). Several are in the marvelous book of Zechariah.
Building Character before the Concrete Sets
The time to work on your child’s character is when they are young, not old.
Skeletons in the Closet of Science
In many ways, science has often been its own worst enemy. This article demonstrates that just because some idea is supported by “science” does not mean that it is infallible or believable.
Colossians 1:13 – The Present Kingdom
Is the kingdom of Christ now in existence? Or is the promise of such awaiting the future? The apostle Paul clearly affirms that the kingdom exists now.
What About the “Textus Receptus”?
Some today urge that the King James Version of the Bible is the very best available, because it was based upon the “Textus Receptus” Greek text. Though advocated by some sincere folks, this view is not consistent with the best of biblical scholarship. Note the following brief summary of this issue.
How Do You Explain Joshua’s Long Day?
This article by Wayne Jackson provides a detailed analysis of Joshua’s long day as described in the Bible. It discusses various interpretations from both liberal and conservative scholars and ultimately argues that the event involved a genuine miracle.
Preaching to the Spirits in Prison
What is the meaning in 1 Peter 3:18 where the Bible says that Jesus preached the gospel to spirits in prison?
The Beasts of Revelation 13
Can the Living Talk To the Dead?
Humankind has always been fascinated by the idea of talking to the dead. Necromancy is condemned in the Bible, but is speaking with the dead possible?
Acts 4:32 – The Jerusalem Church of Christ
The Jerusalem church of Christ is a model that all churches should pattern themselves after. After all, they were operating under the direct instruction of the inspired apostles. The results are apparent in Acts 4:32.
Christian Ethics and Legal Maneuvering
Christians are not only responsible to the laws of God, they are accountable to the laws designed to protect society. A relationship with Christ does not exempt one from legal culpability.
Stephen’s Final Prayer
Stephen was the first Christian martyr. His final recorded words were a prayer directed to his Savior. This narrative contains some rich truths.
Feigned Miracles and Gullible People
A sixteen-year-old girl in a remote region of India was about to be buried; suddenly, she sat up. According to the report, the young lady testified that she had been dead, but the Lord “sent her back” to tell her neighbors about “the real God.”
Tutoring in the Shadow of Darwin
This article reviews the recent scholarship prize award by John N. Clayton.