It is not uncommon to hear religious people refer to a minister as “the pastor” of the church. There is no such thing as “the pastor” of a church. The term “pastor” is greatly abused in the community of Christendom.

As Paul concludes his third missionary journey, he pauses at Miletus to meet with the elders of the church in Ephesus. His words are filled with admonition and exhortation, and they contain many wonderful truths needed by today’s church. This month’s Feature deals with the apostle’s address.

Watchfulness over the flock is one of the most serious responsibilities of the eldership.

Is it necessary to be a member of a local church?

Must an elder resign from office if his adult child defects from the faith?

May women participate in decision-making roles if there are no qualified men to serve as elders?

In a farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul reminded the brethren of his life and ministry among them (Acts 20:18-21). In what Paul believed to be his last opportunity to see them, he recollected former days to encourage their fidelity in the future.

Stephen Renn’s new Expository Dictionary of Bible Words is now available. Read Wayne Jackson’s review of this new Bible study tool. It will be a welcomed addition to the serious Bible student’s library.

Exactly how did Timothy receive spiritual gifts? Study this misunderstood passage with us.

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

The writings of the so-called “Church Fathers” are valuable sources of information for that period known as the “post-apostolic” age. Unfortunately, the literature frequently is also abused.

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.

Should elders anoint the sick with oil in connection with their prayers?

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.

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.

Could Hosea’s assessment of Israel be applicable to the Lord’s people today?

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.

Some allege that the church of Christ, as established on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), has not existed in an unbroken line since that time. The allegation is false if the testimony of Scripture is dependable.

It is quite apparent that when one “gives heed” to the Lord’s will, he obeys the gospel.

Is the use of a clerical title, e.g., “Reverend,” “Father,” “Rabbi,” or “Doctor”—within the framework of religious service—consistent with the will of God? This week’s question discusses this issue.