Christians recognize that the New Testament Scriptures represent the body of sacred literature to which men are amenable today. But does that mean that we disregard the value of the Old Testament documents? Indeed not. These holy writings contribute to our spiritual well-being in a variety of ways. This week’s Penpoints explores some of these.

Are extraordinary methods for achieving pregnancy, e.g., artificial insemination by a third party donor, ethically permissible? Some contend that “how” a woman achieves pregnancy is not a material issue. The Old Testament case of Tamar is even employed as proof. What does the evidence really show?

Matthew Henry’s commentaries on the Bible have been popular for some three centuries. They provide devotional material that refreshes the spirit. The Bible student may wish to know something of Henry’s background.

It seems that everyone these days is afflicted with a “syndrome.” Though that term is considerably overused and misused, there are some spiritual maladies that might appropriately be called a “syndrome.” In this article we address one of these.

By observing the apostle Paul, Wendell Winkler identifies the traits that make a master preacher.

On Sunday, before his crucifixion on Friday, Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. The crowds worshipped him. What was the significance of the momentous event? Study this episode with us; it is rich with precious truths.

Is there any evidence that Jesus really was the Son of God?

Marriage is an “until-death-do-us-part” commitment. It ought to be approached from a joyous, yet cautiously-solemn, vantage point. Marriage should be embraced for wise reasons, not foolish ones.

Acts 10:33 throws a floodlight upon the religious convictions and noble character of Cornelius, the obedient Gentile.

In a previous article, I inadvertently mischaracterized Professor Daniel Wallace’s religious affiliation. He kindly corrected the matter. Here is my response.

Adam Clarke and Albert Barnes were famous Bible commentators of a by-gone era. This “human interest” piece discusses some little-known facts about these distinguished gentlemen.

What does the Bible mean when it suggests that God may “send a strong delusion” to some people (2 Thes. 2:11)? Would the “God of truth” actually “send” a lie? Too, is it possible for a person to harden his heart to the extent that he is beyond the hope of salvation?

Sabbatarians contend that all of the Ten Commandments are binding today, including the requirement to “keep the Sabbath day holy.” They allege that if one argues that the Ten Commandments were abolished when Christ died, this would license all sorts of evil today. Is this argument sound? Wayne Jackson addresses this in this Q&A segment.

A significant group of misguided souls alleges that the “grace” of Jesus Christ has dispensed with the need for “law.” This “antinomian” ideology is designed to throw the mantle of fellowship around those who have not obeyed the Lord in the process of becoming a Christian. The adversarial conflict that some see between “grace” and “law” is false.

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.

Saul, Israel’s first king, stands as a solemn warning to all who followed thereafter.

Jesus had to face rejection, suffer, and die, and then rise from the dead. It was necessary because this was the plan of God. It was necessary that he die for our sins, that God might be just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus.

The mysterious Ark of the Covenant disappeared from human history but still teaches valuable lessons.

Throughout God’s word, the responsibility of mankind to make a choice between serving God and Satan is clearly set forth.

A careful investigation of the biblical text provides a powerful antidote to the postmodern confusion which alleges that truth is subjective, elusive, and ephemeral.