A recent news item regarding the Mormon doctrine of “proxy baptism” highlights the inconsistencies of the practice and is the subject of this week’s Penpoints.

Many have been deceived into believing that grace by definition excludes obedience. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The claim is commonly made that ancient literary documents, supported by archaeological discoveries, sustain the idea that “sprinkling” was an accepted form of ancient “baptism.” Examine this issue with us in this month’s Feature article.

False notions about death permeate society’s thinking. Is death just an illusion? Is reincarnation a reality? Will we recognize each other after death? What about purgatory or speaking with the dead? What does the Bible say about these common beliefs about the dead?

Those who support the practice of abortion do so based on the notion that a pre-birth “fetus” and a post-birth “baby” are two entirely different things. Yet neither the word of God nor common sense allows for such a distinction.

Must the Bible explicitly condemn something to make it wrong?

Some allege that some 3,000 people could not have been immersed on the day of Pentecost because: (a) There was not enough time for twelve apostles to accomplish that feat; (b) There was not enough water in Jerusalem to accommodate such a great multitude.

The New Testament clearly teaches that the kingdom of Christ was established on the day of Pentecost. But it also reveals a “kingdom” that is eternal and heavenly that is yet to come.

The marriage principles found in the Bible have a purpose; they are designed for our benefit.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about this procedure is the floodlight it casts upon the “person” inside the womb.

A sincere student wants to know how one can read Romans 10:9-10, which mentions only faith and confession, and then contend that baptism is essential to salvation. Wayne Jackson discusses the “analogy of faith” principle.

Some see the case of Elisha and the lads of Bethel as conduct unworthy of a prophet of God. Several alleged problems are addressed.

Denominationalists are vulnerable in defending creation due to erroneous views of the fall of man.

Though the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship are common in both the Catholic and Protestant communities of "Christendom, " most people do not realize that this function was unknown to the churches of the apostolic age. Rather, the practice was an innovation that came centuries after the establishment of Christ’s church, and such was wholly without New Testament authority. Noted scholar William Woodson discusses this digression in this month’s Feature article.

It is time that we recognize the value of our children. They are the future of this world. We must care for them, teach them, and fortify their precious souls against the evils that would assault them.

What is a command in the New Testament and what is merely cultural and not binding today?

Was Jesus fully God or less than fully God while he was on the earth?

Does the Bible say that little babies are by nature born in sin?

The tragic story of King David’s infamous son, Absalom, conveys many valuable lessons.

Parental responsibility means helping your kids go to heaven. It takes time, attention, and divine insight. Be there for your children — be a Christian parent. Jason Jackson considers Paul’s admonition to children in Ephesians 6:1, which must be taught by parents.