Are Christians required to attend the formal worship meetings of their local congregation? There are varying views on this theme that are reflected in fluctuating patterns of church attendance. Let’s take a look at this issue.

The Jerusalem church of Christ is a model that all churches should pattern themselves after. After all, they were operating under the direct instruction of the inspired apostles. The results are apparent in Acts 4:32.

The church is a collection of all sorts of people from varying backgrounds and with different personalities. It is inevitable that such an aggregate of folks will experience conflicts. But the Scriptures can help us deal with these difficult situations. In this week’s Penpoints, Jason Jackson discusses this theme.

Does the use of a modern church building constitute a digression of the divine pattern? Though some so claim, the New Testament does not support this notion.

Is new always better than old? Not always. Some modern trends have had a negative impact on the church.

I grew up among kindly people of the Baptist affiliation. My father’s family was of this persuasion. A more gracious, benevolent group of folks could scarcely have been found. It was heartbreaking, therefore, to eventually discover that the church of my ancestry was unknown to the New Testament.

A study of church discipline, especially the ultimate act of withdrawal of fellowship

Moving into a new community? Having a life-altering crisis? Children growing up in a wicked society? Thinking about a church? Many people are; unfortunately, however, too many are looking for the wrong things.

Why do people say they have decided to quit the church?

Is the gospel still sufficient for church growth? Are modern gimmicks necessary to attract bigger crowds?

Church leaders bear a most serious responsibility before God. Unfortunately, some professing Christians take advantage of good leaders and “church hop” from place to place to avoid faithful oversight.

Jesus declared that “worship” must be consistent with revealed “truth” (John 4:24), namely God’s word (John 17:17). This includes the musical engagement of the church.

In his letter to the church in Laodicea recorded in the book of Revelation, the Lord expresses his disgust with their current condition. What could have elicited such a response?

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.

Many churches are leaving the pattern of faith and practice found in the New Testament and adopting a modern, community model.

Why is it that some people say they just cannot seem to find a “friendly” church?

Study how the apostle John dealt with Diotrephes — who displayed an attitude that is still a problem in the church today.

Carefully study Isaiah 2:2-4 and absorb the rich truths of this prophecy.

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