Zopyrus the Persian: A Study in Commitment
How dedicated are you to the cause of Christ?
Woman’s Role in the Church
Does the Bible teach that there are different roles for men and women in the scheme of God’s plan for the church?
The Role of Woman
There are those in the body of Christ who are clamoring that women must throw off the yoke of male domination and claim their rightful place in the Lord’s kingdom.
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.
What Is a Publican in the New Testament?
Jewish tax collectors were hated in the first century. But Jesus loved them anyway, and they form the basis of an interesting profile study on Christ’s ministry.
What About the Bible and Slavery?
Does the Bible condone slavery? If so, how does the Christian reconcile this with the biblical concept of the intrinsic worth of every human being as a creature made in the image of God?
Exploring the Concept of Priesthood
The study of the concept of priesthood contains many valuable facets. It also is fraught with religious error. This article discusses both of these aspects.
Faith-Based Bathing — A Friendly Review
In the July issue of the well-known protestant journal, Christianity Today, Dr. Timothy George responds to a question regarding the relationship of baptism to salvation. Wayne Jackson comments on this intriguing essay.
The Ascension of Christ: A Most Significant Event
While the resurrection of Christ is generally recognized as the foundation of Christianity, his ascension is equally significant.
What Do You Know About the Holy Spirit?
A golden lamp stand with seven lights was placed in the ancient tabernacle of Jehovah. In the book of Revelation, we find the “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God” (Rev. 4:5)—the number seven symbolizing the perfect Spirit of God. What do you know about the Holy Spirit?
Reflections on the Goodness of God
It is such a comfort to know that God is a Being of perfect goodness. Reflect on these aspects of his goodness.
Did God Create Evil?
How can God be viewed as good, when the Bible suggests that he created evil?
Will Our Children Trust in the Lord?
“Trust the Lord” is a message that must be communicated to our children. They must learn to follow the Lord’s way. God’s way will always be the right way and the best way to live.
Apostasy: A Clear and Ever-Present Danger
Did Paul Sin in Submitting to the Temple Ritual?
One of the most controversial contexts in the book of Acts has to do with Paul’s activity in the Jerusalem temple, as recorded in Acts 21. Did the apostle violate the law of God in “purifying” himself in that ritual? Some so claim, but is this a necessary conclusion?
Is a “Loveless Marriage” Scriptural Grounds for Divorce?
When “Sick at Heart” wrote to “Dear Abby” concerning her loveless marriage, Abby directed her to seek a “spiritual advisor.” One such advisor wrote in with his perspective. Was it spiritual? For advice to be spiritual and beneficial, it must be scriptural. Jason Jackson challenges “Reverend” Norman L. Conaway’s claim to be providing spiritual advice.
Are We Resurrected from the Dead When We Obey the Gospel?
A question was submitted about the resurrection. The inquirer concluded that “made alive” (in passages like Romans 6:3-8 and Colossians 2:11-12) is parallel in thought to Paul’s discussion of the resurrection of the body in 1 Corinthians 15. In response, we consider a number of points concerning the New Testament doctrine on the resurrection.
The Corinthian Church – Confidence or Coercion?
The Corinthian Christians had promised a contribution for their poor brethren in Jerusalem. But they had failed to keep their pledge. How was Paul to motivate them to have a greater spiritual vision?
Praise the Lord – A Study of Ephesians 1:1-14
When we contemplate who God is, what he has done, and what we will be, we will know exactly for what we should praise.
The Christian and the Workplace
More and more, it appears, Americans are finding that materialism isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Without some sort of spiritual flavor, there is a void in life—an aching of the soul that longs for a greater satisfaction.