Article Is Evidence Needed For Faith?
Is there a valid connection between evidence and faith? Or is “faith” a wispy, feel-good emotion that simply “leaps” into the dark, and believes based upon a sort of “holy hunch”?
Article Are Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit “God” in Nature?
A church leader teaches that both Christ and the Holy Spirit were created by God. He denies that Jesus and the Holy Spirit possess the nature of deity. What should be done by the faithful of that congregation?
Article Armageddon: The Next of the “Left-Behind” Series
Article Jesus, Cursed by God
What is the symbolic meaning behind the statement that Jesus was hung on a tree when he was actually hung on a cross?
Article The Music-Authority Issue—Again
In response to a recent article in which we argued that instrumental music in Christian worship is without divine authority, a critic replied by suggesting that we practice many things in Christianity that are bereft of authority. One example he cited was the use of Bible translations. In this week’s Penpoints, we refute this baseless quibble.
Article Did the Early Church Observe the Lord’s Supper on a Daily Basis?
Traditionally, churches of Christ have observed the Lord’s supper each Sunday — and only on that day. Now, some are suggesting there is New Testament authority for daily communion, or for the serving of the supper on days other than the Lord’s day. Unfortunately for those who so argue, the New Testament “authority” for this evolving procedure is missing.
Article Acts 26:8 – Can God Raise the Dead?
Does God have the ability to raise the dead? Paul affirms in his defense to Herod that he does.
Article Didn’t Paul Command, “Forbid not to speak in tongues”?
What is the meaning of Paul’s command, “Forbid not to Speak in tongues” (1 Cor. 14:39)? Does this imply that the gift of tongues was to continue to the end of time?
Article Don’t Judge Me!
A common defense mechanism is: “Don’t judge me!” But is all judging condemned in the Bible?
Article Did Matthew Fabricate the Account of Herod’s Slaughter of the Bethlehem Infants?
Article What Is the Answer to the “Green Tree” Riddle?
On his way to Golgotha, Christ addressed a group of Jerusalem’s weeping women, and asked: “For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” What is the meaning of this mysterious “green tree” saying?
Article Matthew 13:8 – Seed Sown in “Good Ground”
By way of a parable, Jesus instructed that a respect and desire for truth is integral to one’s accepting the Gospel message.
Article Who Is the “Natural” Man in 1 Corinthians 2:14?
In a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul affirmed that “the natural man does not receive the things of God.” Some allege that this text suggests that one cannot understand the Scriptures without direct guidance from the Holy Spirit. But, as Wayne Jackson demonstrates in this article, this view reflects a misunderstanding of the apostle’s argument.
Article Resurrection: Literal or Merely Symbolic?
When the New Testament speaks of the resurrection, is it speaking of a literal resurrection of the body or merely a “symbolic” resurrection?
Article In What Sense Has Christ Abolished Death?
Paul informed Timothy that Jesus Christ “abolished death” (2 Tim. 1:10). Yet, elsewhere the apostle indicates that death will not be abolished until the return of the Lord (see 1 Cor. 15:24-26). How is the Bible student to reconcile this seeming conflict?
Article Why Did Jesus “Curse” the Fig Tree?
The New Testament records an episode where Jesus “cursed” a fig tree. Many people are disturbed with reference to this incident. What is the meaning behind this strange circumstance?
Article A Philosophy for Christian Living
The damaging effects of sin and the rigors of the Christian life can seem overwhelming. But in Philippians 3:13-14, the inspired apostle Paul sets forth an uplifting approach to life.
Article The Meanings of “Righteous”
This article explores the use of the word “righteous” in Scripture.
Article Should Women Function as Translators in the Assembly?
A controversial question is whether women should be used as translators in the public worship assembly. Some, who would object to the modern practice of women leading public worship, have no problem in using a female translator. Others object to the practice. Carefully study this question with an open mind. Let God’s word be our guide during this study.
Article A Tribute to a Nameless Widow
Jesus once observed a poor widow contributing into the treasury of the Jewish temple. This incident is twice recorded in the Gospel records. Of what significance is this narrative? Study this fascinating account in this week’s Penpoints.