On October 16, 2002, John Paul II celebrated the anniversary of his 24th year of service as pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. News commentators compared this lengthy tenure with that of Peter himself! In this week’s Penpoints, Jason Jackson discusses the alleged connection between the apostle Peter and the man who now claims to be the apostle’s modern successor.

In the Book of Colossians, Paul develops the theme of Jesus Christ’s role in the great “mystery” of God. In this article, Jason Jackson explores this exciting theme.

A recent writer for a radical online magazine charged that the Bible is mistaken regarding five Old Testament texts. As it turns out, the article is wrong—on all five counts!

Reckless charges are frequently made against the Bible. One of these is the allegation that the Scriptures contain irrelevant data, i.e., material too trivial to justify its inclusion into a body of literature that purports to be inspired of God.

Many of life’s important lessons are found in the book of Proverbs. Although the basic truths contained therein are found elsewhere in the Bible, the Proverbs of Solomon are often vivid phrases that need to be memorized and recited when necessary. This study demonstrates the value of the book of Proverbs by looking at the opening statements of the book itself.

The word “rock” is a common biblical metaphor. It illustrates many great truths about God. This article briefly surveys this topic.

The practice of having “baby dedication” services is becoming increasingly popular within some churches of Christ? Is this ritual a mere expedient, or does it reflect an unwarranted innovation? This article addresses this growing controversy.

In his letter to the Galatians Paul wrote that “in Christ” there is neither “male nor female.” Does this mean that for Christians all gender distinctions have been abolished?

In the course of Jesus’ exchange with the woman at the well, Jesus actually violated three cultural traditions of His day. In so doing, however, the Lord demonstrated the encompassing interest of Heaven in lost humanity.

This article examines the claim that Isaiah prophesied the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, refuting theories of skepticism and highlighting the historical evidence and biblical interpretations that support the prophecy.

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

Though the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship are common in both the Catholic and Protestant communities of "Christendom, " most people do not realize that this function was unknown to the churches of the apostolic age. Rather, the practice was an innovation that came centuries after the establishment of Christ’s church, and such was wholly without New Testament authority. Noted scholar William Woodson discusses this digression in this month’s Feature article.

A critic has accused the Christian Courier of misrepresenting Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Mormon Church, with reference to one of his alleged “revelations.” Were we guilty of this infraction? Read this article and see.

John Hagee’s new book, In Defense of Israel, makes some astounding claims. But will they stand in the light of scripture?

This article responds to a number of arguments which attempt to defend the practice of social drinking.

This article examines the complex and often ambiguous situations surrounding divorce and remarriage from a Christian perspective, drawing on biblical teachings and providing examples of various cases.

Prior to his death in 1999, Ron Wyatt frequently made tabloid news with his sensational claims of astounding archaeological discoveries. But what is the real story behind such boasts — still made by some of his disciples?

Why does the Catholic Church place such great emphasis upon Mary, the mother of Christ? Is this proper?

The sexual improprieties of many priests within the Roman Catholic Church is a stormy controversy these days. Is this problem a natural result of the Church’s attitude regarding sexual activity? Read this article and draw your own conclusion.

Why did Paul, who was an apostle, go to Jerusalem in Acts 15 to settle a dispute in the early church.