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.

Why do so many churches use a plurality of “cups” in administering the Lord’s supper, when the Scriptures appear to authorize just one, “a cup”?

There have always been those who found the concept of the bodily resurrection incredible, i.e., unbelievable, and their modern counterparts are appearing increasingly—even in today’s church.

Speech is a very special gift from our Creator. It is a fresh challenge each day to channel our words for good.

Both the preacher and his audience have responsibilities in the kingdom of Christ.

There is much confusion in the community of “Christendom” as to what constitutes “conversion.” There need not be. A collective consideration of those cases in the book of Acts wonderfully clarifies the matter. Study this theme with us.

Jesus once proclaimed, “You refuse to come to me that you may have life” (Jn. 5:40). Why do some people refuse to come to Jesus?

A gentleman affiliated with the Independent Christian Church has argued that Christian worship is not regulated by New Testament law? Does this theory have the support of Scripture?

The article explores the Roman Catholic belief of Apostle Peter as the original pontiff of the primitive church, arguing against it with references from Peter’s personal writings and other biblical texts.

Does one generation “inherit” accountability for the sins of a previous generation? Is “guilt” genetically transmitted? Some passages may seem to suggest this, but what is the truth of the matter? Study this issue with us.

Christ taught much about sin, and we would profit from a humble reflection on some of the sayings of Jesus about sin.

There are several ways in which one may respond to illness. One is to try and learn from the experience and attempt to develop into a better person. Another is to become bitter and “sour” on life, making others around you miserable. The former is much to be preferred. Reflect with me on this matter.

Does the church need more preaching on baptism? How does one determine balance in gospel preaching? Jason Jackson addresses this issue in this week’s Penpoints.

In an effort to attract larger crowds, some churches are now encouraging animal-lovers to bring their pets to worship services. In this week’s Penpoints, Wayne Jackson lampoons this ludicrous practice.

Here is a case-study of a Pentecostal woman who, reputedly, was “slain in the Spirit.” Unfortunately, she broke her arm and sued the church. Was she really slain in the Spirit?

In spite of frequent cries for the separation of church and state in our public school system, a great deal of religion has been smuggled in under the guise of science.

The belief that mankind is born with sin is without scriptural or logical foundation. Yet the teaching is quite common among denominationalists. The Lord’s church has been attacked for not upholding this ridiculous dogma.

Why does there seem to be a sort of new “romance” between science and faith? Is it because people of “faith” have been willing to compromise their convictions about evolution?

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.

John Wayne “Punkin” Brown Jr. was a preacher for a Pentecostal-type church. He’s now dead. He still would be alive but for the fact that he believed false doctrine.