The expression “Crossing the Rubicon” is famous for deadly decisions that cannot be retracted. There are many of these in life that elicit some reflection.

If the thief on the cross could be saved without being baptized, why cannot people today do the same?

During the six hours in which he hung upon the cross, the Lord Jesus uttered seven sayings. Surely the most perplexing of these was his plaintive question, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).

In the spring of A.D. 30, three men were crucified just outside the city of Jerusalem. A consideration of the historical facts associated with each is rewarding indeed.

Did Christ bear the “guilt” of human sin when he died on the cross? Or did he merely bear the “punishment” that was due us, as a consequence of our guilt?

Did Jesus literally become a sinner on the cross? Or did he merely suffer the penalty for sin that we justly deserved?

Some, in leading prayer at the communion table, will refer to God’s death. Is this appropriate? Some allege that it reflects “more reverence” to use “thee” and “thou” in prayer, rather than the terms “you” and “your.” Is there validity in this observation?

There are two kinds of enemies of Jesus: those who campaign against him in public and those who are unwitting enemies of the cross.

Obviously, feeling the solitude imposed by a disciplinary procedure, these false teachers now are crossing over into denominationalism, freely fraternizing with, and employing the services of, a host of sectarian teachers.

What is the symbolic meaning behind the statement that Jesus was hung on a tree when he was actually hung on a cross?

When does one’s expressions of belief become “politically incorrect”? Cartoonist, Johnny Hart, had to answer this question when his recent “B.C.” “Easter” comic strip portrayed an extinguished menorah turning into a cross.

After Christ was taken down from the cross, Nicodemas, a disciple, brought spices to scatter within the folds of the Lord’s burial wrappings. Certain women also came to the tomb on that Sunday morning, intending to anoint the crucified corpse. What evidence do these accounts subtly supply? Consider this matter with us.

The book of Ephesians was a letter written by Paul from Rome while he was in prison (AD 60-62). The book develops the theme of “God’s eternal purpose” (3:10-11). It reveals that even before the wor...

Hebrews 12:1-2 sets forth the wonderful example of Christ to encourage us as we strive to “run the race.” May we ever follow in his path.

A study of the crucifixion of Christ in the light of history, archaeology, and prophecy yields a greater appreciation for this seminal event of human history.

A significant portion of the Old Testament record embodies the law of Moses. Some basic facts relative to that system must be understood. (a) It was given by God, and ordained by angels; it came th...

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.

The Greek word paradeisos derives from the Persian term pairidaeza, which meant an enclosure, a royal park, a garden with a wall. In the Greek Old Testament (LXX) the term is employed of the garden...

Can you recognize a good deal when you see it? Evaluate the terms and conditions for following Christ and see if it is worth it. If you are convinced by the evidence that Jesus is the Son of God, certainly you will value the Lord’s teaching on the costs and consequences of discipleship.

This word comes directly from the Greek blasphemeo, which is believed to derive from blapto (to injure) and pheme (speech), hence injurious speech.

Scripture speaks of those who blaspheme God (Ro...