Luke and the Old Testament
Though the New Testament writer Luke was a Gentile, surprisingly his Gospel account reveals a significant knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures. Reflect upon this fact with us.
What Is Modernism?
I frequently see writers refer to what they call “modernism.” Exactly what do they mean by this term?
Jeremiah and Lamentations
A popular-level commentary of the two prophetic books penned by Jeremiah
Are Preachers To Be Called “Reverend”?
Is the use of a clerical title, e.g., “Reverend,” “Father,” “Rabbi,” or “Doctor”—within the framework of religious service—consistent with the will of God? This week’s question discusses this issue.
An Abused Passage — 2 John 9
Both the liberal left and the radical right have seriously distorted 2 John 9 to support their causes. What does this passage mean, and how does it relate to modern religious controversy?
How Did the Samaritan Woman Know About the Messiah?
A Samaritan woman told Jesus that she knew about the coming Messiah. How did this lady know this fact?
Looking for God in All the Wrong Places
Have you ever heard of a “Christian Bar”? Jason Jackson considers the ethics of an “anything-goes” approach to evangelism.
Did God Reward Midwives for Lying?
Did God reward the midwives who may have lied to Pharaoh, only to kill Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 for the same infraction? Does God deal prejudicially with people? Does the Bible represent the Lord as an inconsistent, unfair God? Let’s take a close look at a question that speculates on the justice of God.
What Is A Cappella Music?
Did the first-century Christians employ mechanical instruments of music in their worship of God? If so, where is the evidence of such? If not, why did they refrain from such when instruments were readily available in that era?
Back to Biblical Kindergarten
Some Christians have never graduated out of biblical kindergarten.
Training Children for Financial Responsibility
Train your children to avoid financial pitfalls, with the focus on being a faithful steward of all with which God blesses you. Reflect upon this important topic with Jason Jackson of the Christian Courier.
God’s Providential Use of Nations
Every serious Bible student knows that God has moved in international affairs across the centuries. But does he do so still today? This brief article probes this question.
Are the Dead “Asleep”?
This question is occasionally posed: “Why do Christians teach that the dead are conscious, when the Scriptures refer to death as ‘sleep’”? Wayne Jackson addresses this issue.
The Campbell-Purcell Debate (1837)
The sexual improprieties of many priests within the Roman Catholic Church is a stormy controversy these days. Is this problem a natural result of the Church’s attitude regarding sexual activity? Read this article and draw your own conclusion.
The Controversy Rages: Mel Gibson’s “The Passion”
Mel Gibson’s motion picture, “The Passion of the Christ,” has ignited a storm of controversy, once again raising the question, “Who was responsible for the death of Jesus of Nazareth?” This week’s Penpoints explores this “hot” topic.
Timothy McVeigh’s “Invictus”
Timothy McVeigh is dead. His ashes were secretly deposited into Earth’s bowels, to return to the dust whence they came (Gen. 3:19; Eccl. 12:7). His soul has entered a new domain where there is no place for arrogance, defiance, or “coping” with the environment (Lk. 16:23ff).
The Trashing of Human Life
The only way one can consistently argue for the sanctity of human life is to ground his case in the ultimate moral law which proceeds from the sovereign Creator of the universe.
Did Jesus Endorse Situation Ethics?
Some claim that Matthew’s Gospel record (12:1-4) provides biblical precedent for the philosophy of situation ethics. They are wrong.
Some Reflections on “Right” and “Wrong”
In these days of moral and ethical obscurity, many are confused about the issues of “right” and “wrong.” In this article, several biblical principles that help put these themes in focus are discussed.
Did the Nile River Really Turn to Blood?
During the plagues that were visited upon Egypt, prior to Israel’s departure from that land, did the Nile River actually turn to blood, or was this merely a silting of the river with red clay?