Articles

• Did PAUL’S MESSAGE Contradict Jesus & James’ Gospel?

  Here’s the argument in question: The book of James declares works, the keeping of the commandments, as part of the process of justification. From James’ point of view, salvation is by faith plus works. This contradicts Paul’s salvation by grace through faith and not of works. Actually, there is no contradiction. Notice what Paul quickly […]

• What Are the APOCRYPHA and PSEUDEPIGRAPHA?

  The books contained in the apocrypha (ah-POK-rah-fah) & pseudepigrapha (soo-doh-PIG-rah-fah) are noncanonical writings from the intertestamental period, or “400 silent years,” between the Old and New Testaments; and up to 300-400 AD. ‘Apocrypha’ means “hidden away” while ‘pseudepigrapha’ means “false writings,” mostly because the claimed author of the text is not the actual author. Some of what these books say […]

• Did Israel Have a QUEEN in Biblical Times?

  Yes, in Judah during the time of the divided kingdom, as observed here: 1When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family. 2But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal […]

• Are There Different Kinds of GRACE?

  This verse is relevant to the question: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 The Greek word for ‘grace’ is charis (KHAR-ees), which means “grace, favor, kindness.” There are different kinds of charis depending on the […]

• CAIN’S WIFE and Issues of INCEST

  Cain was the first child of Adam & Eve, the primordial parents of the human race (Genesis 4:1). After Cain reached adulthood, Scripture says: Cain made love to his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch. Genesis 4:17 […]

• What Is “the Mountain of the LORD’s House” in Isaiah 2:2?

  Let’s read the full passage: 1This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3Many peoples will come and say, […]

• What Is “THE GOLDEN RULE”?

  What we call “the golden rule” applies to the general guideline on how we should treat other people: “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” […]

• What Makes a Believer a “LEGITIMATE CHRISTIAN”?

  Occasionally you’ll come across people who have a list of doctrines that they deem mandatory for being a “legitimate believer.” This is fine if the list is comprised of actual core truths of Christianity, but not if the doctrines are peripheral and therefore unessential. So, what makes a legitimate Christian according to the God-breathed Scriptures? […]

• What Did Paul Mean By “Having the Same SPIRIT OF FAITH”?

  Here’s the verse in question: It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 2 Corinthians 4:13 Paul was partially quoting Psalm 116:10 wherein the unnamed writer knew from a recent life-or-death situation that the LORD answers when believers call in faith […]

• Should Church Leaders Be Corrected Privately or Publicly?

  Since the Word of Truth is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 2:15 & 3:16), let’s see what it says on this particular issue: 17The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18For Scripture says, “Do […]