Biblical Articles

Some people have become confused over the difference between baptism in the name of Christ (Acts 2:38) and baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). Some teach triune (sometimes called trine) immersion—being baptized once for the...

In Acts 8:14-19, the new Christians in Samaria received “the Holy Spirit.” But what did they receive? What does this expression mean? Did they receive a spiritual gift? Did they receive a non-miraculous indwelling of the Spirit? Were they baptized in the Holy Spirit?...

When a person jumps on a hobby horse for a ride, his destination becomes uncertain, but it may be safely predicted that he will arrive somewhere he did not intend to go—and from which he will not be able to return. When Mac Deaver, a brother in Christ and capable...

This follow-up discussion on the subject of hell took place on The O’Reilly Factor just three days after the previous Spiritual Perspectives reported on last week. The first guest affirmed the idea that God would not send anyone to hell. The second interview was with...

On Monday evening, April 25, 2011, the host of The O’Reilly Factor engaged in a discussion with “Pastor” Jack McKinney, Ph. D. (which in this instance surely stands for Philosophically Deficient), of Raleigh, North Carolina. He was invited to appear after Time...

No, you’re right if you said the above title is correct—except for the parenthetical remark. Since the 1840s, many people have taken issue with Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 24:42: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” William Miller...

[Editor’s Note: Last week, e-mail correspondence was set forth between myself and a person we gave the pseudonym of Swagger to—partly because of his initials and partly because of his attitude. Although in his first two communications he vowed “love” for me, it...

Everyone has probably heard the expression, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” Apparently, some people believe that principle applies to salvation. They think, “If I can find enough people to agree with me, then that proves that my position is right.” In...

Mac Deaver, the champion of “the direct help from God” heresy, occasionally prompts the reader who is considering his 2007 book (The Holy Spirit) to laugh. He does not intend to be humorous, but the reader cannot help but chuckle at his tactics. In his first chapter,...

Kristin Swenson, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, wrote a book which was published in hardback last year (2010) and is now available in paperback—Bible Babel: Making Sense of the Most Talked About Book of All Time. A...

Recently, the Orlando Sentinel published some interesting articles about various religious groups, but none of them was favorable (what a shock!). The first of these (printed on January 30, 2011), was on the front page (although it was on the lower half); its title is...

The tract with the above title has been circulated, apparently, since 1933—with a revision in 1956. Its size, when unfolded, is less than half of an 8½ by 11 piece of paper. It is published by Lifegate, Inc., whose home is Beach Grove, Indiana, but various religious...

Most of those who obey the gospel have been taught some basic information about the church. Usually, they know that Jesus promised to build His church (singular) (Matt. 16:16), that He purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28), and that He is head over it (Eph....

Country music has often promoted actions that are immoral, but “Heart Like Mine” is blasphemous! As of yesterday (February 26, 2011), this song was number #18 and still climbing the country charts. It was written by Travis Howard, Ashley Monroe, and the singer...

Scheduled to meet over the weekend of November 13-14, 2010, were religious groups in Detroit, Atlanta, Houston, and Seattle. The goal of these meetings was to find ways to unite Christianity and Islam. The idea of this merger, called Chrislam, has been promoted by...

Many Christians have grown weary of this topic years ago, but that tiredness has not slowed down the continual drumbeat for acceptance of the sin—or else. Recently, it was decided to end the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy in the military, which is yet another victory...

Keeping up with thousands of “stars” is not really relevant to daily living; so, admittedly, this writer had no idea who Javier Bardem is, but there was a question about him in the January 23rd “Personality” section of Parade. After the writer’s question concerning...

Frequently, when folks visit a group of worshippers, they leave with various impressions having been made. Often, some will say, “That’s not what I expected.” Yet everyone’s expectations may differ from each other. The reasons for different viewpoints may relate to a...

Brethren, It is with the utmost humility that we inform you of a change of worship practices. Be assured that we bring about this change only after much prayer and study. We have recently concluded an in-depth study of the Law and have decided to bring about a change...

When someone does something good on our behalf, there are two ways to respond—in kind with good toward them or with evil. As Christians, we owe a debt to those who have helped us spiritually. Regretfully, it is not uncommon to hear of some who have stabbed in the back...

“Why Baptize My Child?” is an 8-page document that is published by the “Basilica of Saint Ambrose and Saint Charl es in Rome.” Only a few of the teachings will be commented upon here, beginning with page 1, where the first heading is: “What is baptism?” Part of their...

The article with the above title is a lengthy one that appeared in the August, 2010 Christian Courier. Brother Jacksons main proof for his position consumes 11 pages; therefore a lengthy response is required. 1 Thessalonians 3:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 The above...