David Hume and Miracles
Philosopher David Hume failed in disproving the veracity of biblical miracles, but succeeded in revealing the emptiness of his agnosticism.
Can Man Forgive Sins?
Does any man have the right to forgive sins? Some suggest that Jesus granted this authority to the apostles, and then, through them, to others (see John 20:23). Can you explain this passage?
Uniqueness of the Biblical Creation Record, The
The ridiculous creation fables of mankind only serve to emphasize the genuineness of the Genesis account of the beginning.
The City of Ten Thousand Memories
Jerusalem has been called the city of ten thousand memories. This article reflects upon J.W. McGarvey’s visit to that city more than a century ago.
Busted!
We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Often we deceive ourselves, thinking that we can escape immediate consequences. After all, we can change someday — some convenient season. Actually, we can not avoid the destructiveness of habitual sin (Hebrews 3:12-13). Let us learn from several who were caught in the act that we might always take sin seriously.
I Know My Redeemer Lives
Do we know that Christ, our Redeemer, is living today? If so, how do we know this? Is such merely by a feeling within our “heart”? Reflect seriously upon this matter for a moment.
When Silence Is Eloquent
During his trial before Pilate, Christ boldly confirmed that he was a king, but that his followers did not fight—a bold claim since hours earlier one of his disciples attempted to decapitate a government official. Why, then, was this one little statement by Christ not exploited by his enemies?
Did Mark Make a Mistake?
Was Mark confused regarding the identity of “Philip,” the first husband of Herodias?
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.
The Canaanite Woman: A Conflict between Matthew and Mark?
In two Gospel narratives, representing the same incident, one writer refers to a certain woman as a Canaanite, while another calls her a Syrophoenician Greek. Does this constitute a Bible contradiction?
John 6:27-29 – The “Work” of Faith
A remarkable passage in John demonstrates that a human response is required in God’s plan of salvation.
Jesus, Cursed by God
What is the symbolic meaning behind the statement that Jesus was hung on a tree when he was actually hung on a cross?
Isaiah 7:14 – Did Isaiah Prophesy the Virgin Birth of Christ?
Many liberal theologians, who do not believe in the predictive prophecy of the Old Testament, argue that the term “virgin” should be translated “young maiden.” Is this true?
Matthew 18:26 – An Unpayable Debt
A closer look at one of Jesus’ parables intensifies the point intended by our Lord.
1 Peter 3:4 — The Incorruptible Spirit
The Scriptures teach that human beings have a spirit/soul that is capable of suffering everlasting punishment.
1 Samuel 1:1 – Elkanah, the Ephraimite
The Old Testament identifies the father of Samuel the prophet as both a Levite and an Ephraimite. How can this be? Did the Old Testament writers make a mistake? Not hardly. Below is one possible explanation for the seeming conflict.
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.
News Story Focuses Spotlight on Aspects of Mormonism
The sensational news story regarding the return of the kidnapped Salt Lake City teen has caused public attention to be focused upon certain aspects of Mormon doctrine. This week’s Penpoints article highlights a couple of these issues.
Are We Under Law or Grace?
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.
The Extended-Sabbath Argument and Darwinism
Sometimes Christians are intimidated by the massive propaganda campaign advanced by the followers of Charles Darwin. One indication of this is the common acceptance of evolutionary chronology, i.e., the idea that the Universe is billions of years old. Some, in an effort to find biblical support for the “long-ages” of history presupposition, have argued, on the basis of Hebrews 4:9, that the “days” of the creation week were vast ages. This week’s Penpoints examines this argument.