Mary was a Hebrew maiden who was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ. Her miraculous conception was prophesied in the O.T. (Isa. 7:14). Mary was certainly worthy of honor as a godly Jewish woma...

The revelation of God has to do with the processes by which the Creator has made himself known to his rational creation. (a) Jehovah has revealed himself to humanity in the abstract features of the...

A study of church discipline, especially the ultimate act of withdrawal of fellowship

This expression is found only one time in the N.T. While on the island of Patmos, the apostle John was “in the spirit on the Lord’s day” (Rev. 1:10). But the adjective, kuriakos, “the Lord’s,” is a...

It is not an uncommon thing that a Bible verse, which seems so simple, can be so deep and brimming with meaning. Such surely is the case with the apostle John’s tender message in 1 John 2:1-2. In this week’s Penpoints, we contemplate this thrilling passage.

This book, authored by the Lord’s half-brother (Galatians 1:19), is directed to the “twelve tribes scattered abroad.” This is either Jewish Christians or a figurative designation for "spiritual Isr...

Five important points to remember about the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

This word comes directly from the Greek blasphemeo, which is believed to derive from blapto (to injure) and pheme (speech), hence injurious speech.

Scripture speaks of those who blaspheme God (Ro...

It is a noble and worthy challenge to love with the love that Jesus has for all mankind.

The name “Jesus” means “savior.” “Christ” means “anointed.” These names suggest that this noble person was “anointed” of God (Acts 10:38) to be prophet, priest, and king, and indeed, the Savior of ...

This theory attempts to reconcile the six days of creation activity (Gen. 1) with the billions of years required by evolutionary chronology. However, there is overwhelming evidence that the “days” ...

The term “body” is used in Scripture in both literal and figurative sense.

Literal user of the body
In a literal sense, the term “body” in Scripture refers to the physical “tabernacle” in which t...

The matter of “stewardship” is a vital biblical concept. The following study in contrast is one that challenges the sincere child of God.

From the Greek word eschatos (“last”) comes “eschatology,” a study of “last things” (e.g., the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the judgment day, the end of the world, heaven,...

Paul identified the book of Job as scripture.

This week’s Question & Answer segment addresses concerns regarding the “judging of angels,” the practice of appointing a “Godfather,” and the matter of the Messiah and the “temple” pictured in the book of Ezekiel.

A priest is one who offers sacrifice and ministers in services pertaining thereto (cf. Heb. 5:1). This term implies recognition of sin and the need for atonement, in some fashion or another. (a) Th...

One of the astounding evidences which points to the divine origin of the Scriptures is the “brevity” of the records. In this article we study a case of this nature.

This is one of the titles of a church official who oversees a local congregation of Christ’s church in the company of fellow bishops (always a plurality of men).

“Bishop” translates the Greek ter...