The Great Exorcism Boom
From Manila to Mexico City Catholic priests are leading a new crusade against demonic possession. Exorcism has become so popular worldwide that now it is not only performed on tormented individuals but also on entire nations. A few months ago Mexico, the second-largest Catholic country, was exorcised of its demons in an unprecedented rite of […]
Faith and Works
One of the oldest and greatest (in terms of importance) debates in religion concerns the “conflict” of faith and works. Most members of Protestant denominations say that baptism cannot be essential to salvation because baptism is a “work,” and we are saved by God’s grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). A verse given for […]
Are You an Idolater?
The conflict between God and idolatry has gone on almost since the beginning of time. Idols are truly man’s invention, for “They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go” (Jeremiah 10:5). They were “dumb idols” (1 Corinthians 12:2; cp. Psalm 115:4-8; Habakkuk 2:18-19). This […]
Is Water Baptism Essential?
In light of the fact that Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16); that Peter wrote, “Which after a true likeness do also now save you, even baptism” (1 Pet. 3:21); and, that Ananais commanded Paul, “And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy […]
Why We Believe Hell Is Real and Eternal
We begin with a summary of the Bible teaching on hell. It is a lake of fire (Revelation 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8). It is a furnace of fire (Matthew 13:42, 50). It is a flaming fire (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). It is a baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11-12). It is an unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43, 48). […]
What About All Those Mistakes?
A common complaint made about the Bible is that it has so many contradictions and mistakes. It is not surprising that such a charge would be made by an unbelieving scholar who will investigate the Bible’s pages and illogically force a mistake into it here and there. The shocking part is that so many will […]
Dinosaurs and the Bible
The modern study of dinosaurs dates back to 1822 in England. At that time, Dr. Gideon Mentell and his wife had a hobby of collecting fossils. While visiting a patient, she happened upon a strange-looking fossilized tooth. After showing it to some friends, it was identified as the tooth of a rhinoceros. It was later […]
Fighting a Dangerous Trend
Americans are becoming less religious, judging by such markers as church attendance, prayer, and belief in God, and the trend is more pronounced among young adults, according to a poll released two weeks ago. The share of U.S. adults who say they believe in God slipped to 89 percent in 2014 from 92 percent in […]
How Many Persons Are in the Godhead?
Oneness Pentecostals claim the Godhead (the state of being God) consists of only one person who has manifested Himself in various ways and with different identities (as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). What does the Bible teach about the composition of the Godhead? The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are […]
Kings and Priests and Intoxicating Drinks
The Old Testament includes two passages prohibiting specific people from consuming intoxicating drinks. Proverbs contain an admonition against kings drinking wine and intoxicating drinks. These are the words spoken to King Lemuel by his mother: “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; […]
