A sincere Christian wants to know: “Why don’t churches of Christ use instruments of music in their worship?” The issue comes down to the matter of authority. Take a look at this theme with us in this week’s Question and Answer.

The sacred historian Luke once declared that some of the Jews “justified God” when they accepted the immersion administered by John the Baptist (Lk. 7:29). How could this possibly be? Can a man “justify” God?

Does your soul need to be restored? The Great Shepherd of Psalm 23 promises to restore our souls.

During his trial before Pilate, Christ boldly confirmed that he was a king, but that his followers did not fight—a bold claim since hours earlier one of his disciples attempted to decapitate a government official. Why, then, was this one little statement by Christ not exploited by his enemies?

Does any man have the right to forgive sins? Some suggest that Jesus granted this authority to the apostles, and then, through them, to others (see John 20:23). Can you explain this passage?

A recent news item highlighted a case where an inmate was refused the privilege of being immersed for the remission of his sins. A chorus of sectarian voices argued that “hard cases” like this negate the belief that baptism is a necessary condition for salvation. Is this quibble valid?

Is the practice of polygamy acceptable today? What about in other countries?

Former Vice President Al Gore comments on evolution and violence in the public schools

When Harold Kushner wrote a book for children with religious questions, he de-personalized the “Messiah” of the Old Testament. Without any justification whatever, he simply re-wrote history. Such is the epitome of arrogance.

If a child is trained correctly, can he ever go wrong? What is the “rod” of correction?

Just when you think you’ve heard it all, something else—even more bizarre—pops up. This time it has to do with the auction of human eggs on the internet.

“How does this man [Jesus] know letters, since he has never learned?” (John 7:15). This text has puzzled many Bible students? How could Christ have so amazed the multitudes with his teaching if he had “never learned”? Study this passage with us.

Is animal life sacred? Is it wrong to be cruel to animals?

An atheist’s laughable attempt to criticize the Lord’s teaching is exposed.

Is it fair for God to punish the wicked for all eternity? Some believe that it is not, and have, therefore, developed a doctrinal view that denies this clear warning of scripture.

Does it matter how you dress? Should dress be appropriate to the occasion? Most in society feel that it should—within reason. Let’s talk about this for a moment.

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

The Bible refers to God as a “Father” in several different senses. Many sincere people are confused about this. One may believe that he is a “child of God”; and he is in one sense, but may not be in another—the most important. It is crucial that we understand this issue.

What is a missionary society? Some Christians carelessly throw that designation around, labeling perfectly legitimate works with this pejorative expression.

By reflecting the influence of Christ in their lives, Christians lead others to glorify their Father who is in heaven.