In an era of great distress, President Franklin Roosevelt offered our nation some wise words of comfort. His sentiments were never more needed than now.

The Fundamentalist Mormon Church has been in the news of late, with the raid on the Texas Temple and the rescue of women and children from their peril. News outlets have repeatedly stated that this “Fundamentalist” movement bears no relationship to the Mormon Church in Salt Lake City. That is a serious misconception.

Every one uses the principles of “logic,” whether aware of it or not. Humans cannot function with some logical skill. When it comes to religion, however, many fling “logic” to the wind. No where is this more apparent that in considering the plan of divine salvation.

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 the Bible teach that a Christian cannot ever fall away from grace?

The authenticity of Christianity is supported by evidence that is brilliantly subtle. An in-depth probe of this theme will inspire awe at the sanctity of the Scriptures.

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?

On his way to Golgotha, Christ addressed a group of Jerusalem’s weeping women, and asked: “For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” What is the meaning of this mysterious “green tree” saying?

It is not an uncommon thing that a Bible verse, which seems so simple, can be so deep and brimming with meaning. Such surely is the case with the apostle John’s tender message in 1 John 2:1-2. In this week’s Penpoints, we contemplate this thrilling passage.

The earthly life of Terry Schiavo has ended, but the controversy that surrounded this case is far from over. How does one assess these tragic life-and-death situations which are fraught with difficult ethical questions? Ponder this issue with us in this week’s Penpoints.

Is the common claim that Genesis 1 is merely an ancient myth accurate?

Some argue that John the Baptist’s teaching – that it was not lawful for Herod to have his brother’s wife (Mk. 6:18) – establishes a New Testament example of how someone today may be required to leave his wife.

Some lessons in life are worth more than money could buy. There was one such lesson in my early life that was of much greater value than “the nickel” that was involved.

When Jesus said, “Buy a sword,” what did he mean?

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.

When Christ was in his “own country,” Mark says that “he could do no mighty work” there (Mark 6:5). What is the meaning of this perplexing passage?

Once we cease struggling with our faith, and let it slide, we are headed down a slippery slope that may lead to eternal ruin. What a horrible thought to contemplate. Lord, I believe; but help me in my times of unbelief!

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

What did Jesus mean in Mark 7:11-12 when he condemned the Pharisees’ practice of “Corban”?