This week’s Notes briefly explores the use of “circumcision” in both the Old and New Testaments.

“Jehovah’s Witnesses” contend that the term “Hell,” as used in the Bible, is a “symbol of annihilation or everlasting death in unconsciousness” from which there is to be no awakening (Make Sure of All Things, p. 155). Does this represent the truth of biblical teaching regarding Hell?

This article discusses the recent controversy concerning noted weight-loss expert, Gwen Shamblin.

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.

Critics often criticize figurative language in the Bible as being scientifically inaccurate. But even “scientists” use figurative language from time to time. In spite of poetic language, Psalm 19 does contain some descriptions of the sun that are scientifically precise.

How does the Bible student discern the difference between passages that contain figurative language, and those that strictly are literal? There is much confusion in the religious world regarding this issue. Read this article and learn some of the interpretative principles that are involved in correct Bible study on this matter.

What day was Jesus actually raised on? Sunday or the Sabbath?

Adam Clarke and Albert Barnes were famous Bible commentators of a by-gone era. This “human interest” piece discusses some little-known facts about these distinguished gentlemen.

Why do some Bible verses seem to indicate some people were forgiven without repentance?

When is a friend a real “friend”? Solomon offers several spiritual values of a good friend.

In what sense will the “creation” be delivered from corruption? Does the creation itself, including the stars, planets, rocks and trees, really long for the return of Christ?

Is the kingdom of Christ now in existence? Or is the promise of such awaiting the future? The apostle Paul clearly affirms that the kingdom exists now.

Here are several important references to the church at Ephesus.

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 Apostle John shows an obvious distinction between the body and the soul.

The Bible is such a marvelously rich volume. It contains countless tiny details — little nuggets of truth containing great lessons — which one is likely to pass over in his reading if he is not very studious. Let us consider for a moment an interesting narrative in the book of Acts.

God does not want the proclamation of His word to be characterized by a spirit of fearfulness.

This article explores the use of the word “righteous” in Scripture.

Christians need to oppose wrong-doing on the basis of principle, rather than capitulating to compromising crumbs thrown to us from the tables of politicians.

Evolutionists claim the earth is much older than mankind. What is the Lord’s position on that topic?