Shortly before his arrest and death, Jesus taught his disciples by means of a beautiful allegory, that of the “vine” and the “branches.” Study this wonderful illustration with us.

The New Testament is a collection of twenty-seven documents: (a) They are classified as “scripture,” a term suggesting a divine writing (1 Tim. 5:18; 2 Pet. 3:16). (b) Eight known writers — Matthe...

This final book of the New Testament is a fitting conclusion to the sacred canon. It was written by John while exiled on the island of Patmos and is directed primarily to seven congregations in Asi...

An associate editor of ChristianityToday.com has severely criticized the teaching methods of Jesus. In doing so, he has reflected upon himself far more than he has the Lord.

Traditionally, churches of Christ have observed the Lord’s supper each Sunday — and only on that day. Now, some are suggesting there is New Testament authority for daily communion, or for the serving of the supper on days other than the Lord’s day. Unfortunately for those who so argue, the New Testament “authority” for this evolving procedure is missing.

Certain religionists, especially those who subscribe to the dogma of DISPENSATIONALISM (see), maintain that the “signs” of Matthew 24:1-34 indicate that the return of Christ is very near; they cons...

Some Jews adamantly deny that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah. They contend that the true Messiah is yet to come? Study this matter with us.

“Fellowship” translates the Greek koinonia, meaning “participation, association, sharing.” Fellowship exists on two levels — the vertical (the Christian’s relationship with God) and the horizontal...

Mark 2:5 relates an account in which faith in Jesus is “seen.” Of what significance is this passage to the age-old “faith vs. works” discussion?

The term “restoration” conveys a number of ideas in the Scriptures, depending upon the immediate context. (a) It may refer to the restitution of property or money in compliance to law (Dt. 22:2), o...

It is commonly alleged that Jesus, in John 6:37, endorsed the idea of “predestination” as popularized by John Calvin in the 16th century. Did he? Study this question with us.

Autonomy derives from two roots: auto (“self”) andnomos (“law”). It can have positive or negative connotations.

It’s crucial to remember that man is not autonomous. He is not empowered to rule him...

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.

After Judah’s initial return from Babylonian captivity (536 B.C.), God’s people had begun the work of rebuilding the temple. Then, due to opposition from certain enemies, the Hebrews became discour...

Peter addressed this letter to “the elect,” i.e., Christians, who are dispersed in Asia Minor. The main theme of the epistle is explicitly stated. He urges the brethren to “stand fast” in the "grac...

This word is an anglicized form of the Greek apologeia, literally meaning “a verbal defense.” It is found eight times in the New Testament, and a verb form occurs some ten times.

For example, Luke...

This term is found only a few times in the English Bible. In four cases it renders the Greek threskeia, which basically means holy service, the exercise of devotion to a transcendent Being or being...

Jesus once observed a poor widow contributing into the treasury of the Jewish temple. This incident is twice recorded in the Gospel records. Of what significance is this narrative? Study this fascinating account in this week’s Penpoints.

The Greek word eirene (“peace”) may derive from an original term meaning, “to weave together.” This is a very significant Bible word. (a) There is a peace to be sought with God. Sin has separated m...

The book of Ephesians was a letter written by Paul from Rome while he was in prison (AD 60-62). The book develops the theme of “God’s eternal purpose” (3:10-11). It reveals that even before the wor...