One of the most controversial contexts in the book of Acts has to do with Paul’s activity in the Jerusalem temple, as recorded in Acts 21. Did the apostle violate the law of God in “purifying” himself in that ritual? Some so claim, but is this a necessary conclusion?

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.”

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”?

Does the Bible forbid a woman to wear pants or slacks?

The Christian lives in a world where he interacts with other people on a daily basis. What sort of impression are we leaving upon others? The exercise of “common sense” principles of courtesy can have a wonderful effect upon your fellows. We reflect upon some of these in this week’s Penpoints article.

They desperately try; but no skeptic has been able to rationally explain that empty tomb in Jerusalem.

Church historians agree that many changes in faith and practice occurred over the last two thousand years, with many negative consequences. Is this religious mindset still affecting the followers of Christ today?

We have become a nation driven by polls. Polls are taken to determine practically everything—from what sort of food Americans prefer, to whether or not the president should be impeached.

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?

The tiny hummingbird has a marvelously designed metabolic mechanism. Whence its origin — “Mother Nature” or God?

Though the New Testament writer Luke was a Gentile, surprisingly his Gospel account reveals a significant knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures. Reflect upon this fact with us.

The story of Ruth ... and three precious lessons from this memorable book from the Old Testament.

The liberal voices in the school of “Critical Theory” frequently assert that there are two accounts of creation in Genesis. This article answers this attack.

Should we be trying to restore the New Testament pattern of Christianity? Or should we abandon the original ideal and modernize the church to keep up with the times?

There is a popular belief that Jesus Christ was the Son of God from all eternity. But is that theory correct? The following study argues otherwise.

The life of Abraham abounds with lessons from which the sincere child of God can profit.

What is repentance? Is it just being sorry for sin? Or is something more required?

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