Does Matthew 18:20 sanction the practice of forsaking the Lord’s day assemblies, in deference to private assemblies for social or recreational purposes? Some so claim, but what is the contextual significance of this instruction from Christ?

Was the death of Jesus Christ a part of God’s eternal plan for human salvation? Amazingly, some have contended it was not—contrary to the explicit testimony of Peter (see 1 Peter 1:19-20).

Influence is powerful for good or evil. Are you striving to enhance your influence for the honor of Christ?

The Bible repeatedly appeals to the power of example. God himself is our example, as is Christ. Of course, Christians should demonstrate exemplary attributes as well in obedience and love.

There is a terrible conflict between Christ’s “Great Commission” and the Calvinistic dogma of predestination. It has not been unnoticed even by the disciples of the Swiss reformer.

Christ’s prophecy concerning his approaching kingdom, as recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, is a most controversial theme. In this article we provide a careful study of this declaration.

Moses prophesied of the coming leader of Israel that would be like unto him. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Many analysts see some serious “flaws” in what is called “the new Christian generation.” It does appear there are serious problems with many who identify themselves with Jesus Christ.

There are more than eight thousand prophetic verses in the Bible. Many of these portray the coming Messiah (Christ). Several are in the marvelous book of Zechariah.

Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? Have you suffered the abuse of others for Christ?

Are public worship forums the place for “fashion” eccentricities? Some seem to think there should be no restrictions as to what one may wear when functioning in a teaching and/or leadership role in church assemblies. This “hot button” topic is discussed in this week’s Penpoints article.

The New Testament record of women being the first witnesses to Christ’s resurrection argues for the integrity of the biblical records.

So many noble women have served in the kingdom of Christ. They do not fully comprehend their contribution to the Lord’s servants and to his cause.

There are many ways in which mankind has attempted to deal with his sinfulness. Yet the only effective remedy is redemption through and obedience to Christ .

Have you ever heard or read a statement that made you wonder how it ever could have been conceived? For example Bill O’Reilly, Fox News guru, said on national television that “the Catholic Church invented marriage” (WorldNetDaily, 2/10/2010). How does anyone that obtuse deserve a national audience? But he is not alone. Consider a few more quotes that are “simply outrageous.”

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?

Matthew records eleven arguments establishing the virgin birth of Christ — an important doctrine related to Jesus’ divine nature.

The National Geographic Society has once more attempted to capitalize upon the name of Jesus Christ by a promotion of the so-called “Gospel of Judas” in recent interviews, publications, etc. This controversy is much ado over nothing. In this article, Australian Christian scholar, Gary Young (Ph.D. in Roman history), puts this issue into its proper historical framework.

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 Clayton has virtually made a career of lecturing most weekends of the year to churches across the country. His knowledge of science is woefully skewed with ideas of evolution; unfortunately, his acquaintance with the Bible is even more deficient.