Influence is powerful for good or evil. Are you striving to enhance your influence for the honor of Christ?

The Christian lives in a world where he interacts with other people on a daily basis. What sort of impression are we leaving upon others? The exercise of “common sense” principles of courtesy can have a wonderful effect upon your fellows. We reflect upon some of these in this week’s Penpoints article.

The Scriptures teach that each congregation of the Lord’s body is under self-rule, but with limitations. Sadly, some do not recognize these limitations and jeopardize their fidelity to sound doctrine.

A recent writer sought to “analyze” Joseph, and has given us one more example of “science” gone askew.

Here is a simple seven point plan to help one start understanding the Bible and its remarkable message.

John Shelby Spong, a retired bishop of the Anglican Church, has made a career of being a rogue “priest” who assaults almost everything that is sacred within the Christian religion. His outrageous ideology has been an embarrassment to many of his Anglican kinsmen. This week’s Penpoints focuses upon some of Spong’s theological aberrations.

The prophet Hosea described ancient Israel’s goodness as like the morning dew. What did he mean by this strange analogy?

According to some “experts” sexual orientation is not something one can change. Some of the major studies reflecting these opinions have been done, of course, by the homosexuals themselves.

A single Christian mother seeks advice on dealing with conflicting emotions after having a baby out of wedlock, discussing issues of sin, forgiveness, responsibility, and the importance of love.

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.

In this article, Jason Jackson considers the divine imperative, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it” (Eph. 5:25). A husband, living like God wants him to live, will learn to love his wife according to Christ’s example, giving himself selflessly for her spiritual needs. That is agape — a Christian husband’s eternally rewarding obligation.

The New Testament gives a clear picture of what the church was under the leadership of the Lord’s apostles. The church’s origin was divine; it continues to be subject to the authority of Christ. Should it not be the same today — simply, the church of Christ?

Some allege that voting in elections is a Christian obligation. Others contend that it is an option, but not an obligation? Where does the truth lie? May Christians disagree on this issue without dissension?

The California Supreme Court is one of the most reckless judicial bodies in the nation. Once more it has intruded into, and trampled upon, the right to religious freedom. Consider one of its latest infractions.

Is new always better than old? Not always. Some modern trends have had a negative impact on the church.

Is it ever permissible for the Christian to file for bankruptcy? This is not a question that has a simple answer. General biblical principles dealing with finances must be studied carefully.

Are we baptized in the Spirit or in water?

Harvard’s noted anti-creationist, Stephen J. Gould, recently died after a lengthy battle with cancer. In this article, Wayne Jackson comments regarding the professor’s controversial legacy.