On October 16, 2002, John Paul II celebrated the anniversary of his 24th year of service as pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. News commentators compared this lengthy tenure with that of Peter himself! In this week’s Penpoints, Jason Jackson discusses the alleged connection between the apostle Peter and the man who now claims to be the apostle’s modern successor.

The Fundamentalist Mormon Church has been in the news of late, with the raid on the Texas Temple and the rescue of women and children from their peril. News outlets have repeatedly stated that this “Fundamentalist” movement bears no relationship to the Mormon Church in Salt Lake City. That is a serious misconception.

Are the chronological data of the Scriptures simply a meaningless waste of biblical space? What significance do Bible dates have? Read this article and note that chronology is vital to the development of the redemptive message of Christ.

A consideration of several biblical metaphors used of the law of Moses.

The Scriptures are either inspired by God or they are not.

The Roman emperor, known as Julian “the Apostate,” represents but another “glitch” on the panoramic screen of history in the futile efforts to discredit Christianity.

Professor Wilbur Smith’s book, Therefore Stand, created a sensation when it was published in 1945. Largely unknown today, it deserves a resurgence of interest as theological modernism runs rampant in the current world of “Christendom.”

What evidence is there that Jesus actually rose from the dead?

A recent news item regarding the Mormon doctrine of “proxy baptism” highlights the inconsistencies of the practice and is the subject of this week’s Penpoints.

The apostle Paul taught Timothy how to conduct himself as a young gospel preacher—advice sorely needed today and in every generation.

The recent discovery of an ossuary (bone box) in Jerusalem that contained the phrase “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus” has rekindled the controversy as to whether Mary had children other than Jesus. Catholicism claims she did not. What does the actual evidence reveal?

Does God have freedom of choice? If so, could He choose to do evil?

Occasionally a book will appear among the people of God that is so fraught with error that it requires comment. Such is the case with the recently-published, Theology Simplified. This week’s Penpoints takes note of this volume.

A sincere student wants to know how one can read Romans 10:9-10, which mentions only faith and confession, and then contend that baptism is essential to salvation. Wayne Jackson discusses the “analogy of faith” principle.

Are multiple cups (containers) prohibited in the distribution of the “fruit of the vine” during the Lord’s day communion service? Some sincere folks so contend, but what does the evidence actually indicate? Study this question with us.

Did the mother of Jesus ever sin?

This proverb has a modern-day application to the practice of abortion.

What is the difference between a soul and a spirit in the Bible?

Should we be trying to restore the New Testament pattern of Christianity? Or should we abandon the original ideal and modernize the church to keep up with the times?