LaGard Smith is a “scholar in residence” at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. This lawyer/author has recently created a mild sensation with the publication of his latest book, After Life. In this week’s Penpoints, Wayne Jackson provides a brief review of Smith’s book.

It is not uncommon to hear religious people refer to a minister as “the pastor” of the church. There is no such thing as “the pastor” of a church. The term “pastor” is greatly abused in the community of Christendom.

Though the earth was once a paradise, it is now a planet plagued with “evil.” Why are there so many problems within our earthly environment? Study this challenging issue with us in this month’s Feature article.

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?

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?

Is there biblical evidence that, in some cases, God has limited his own foreknowledge?

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!

Are Bible classes, commonly called “Sunday school classes,” in harmony with the holy scriptures? Some contend they are not, and they have divided the church over this issue. Take a fresh look at this subject with a biblically based, common sense approach.

Occasionally we receive questions on the topic of divorce and remarriage. We cannot give unequivocal answers regarding cases wherein we cannot possibly know all the facts. However, we can deal with certain principles.

The faithful Paul viewed his persecutions as the providential workings of God in the defending of the gospel message.

Steve Lloyd is a respected gospel minister who edits an electronic journal, A Closer Look At Things Pertaining to the Faith. In a recent issue he interviewed Wayne Jackson regarding some of the needs in the church today. This is the text of that dialogue.

On the Sunday of his resurrection, Jesus said to certain disciples, “Receive ye the Spirit.” What is the meaning of this cryptic text?

Some claim there is a mistake in Luke’s record of Christ’s initial post-resurrection appearance to his apostles. The historian mentions “the eleven,” when there were only ten. Judas was dead, and Thomas was not present. How is this problem to be resolved?

Is there any way to know how many people were present in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified by the Roman soldiers?

Did the mother of Jesus ever sin?

It is a serious mistake to make the prophetic time frame of the book of Revelation hinge one solitary expression.

What does it mean to be “converted”?

Will God remember all sins on the day of judgment, even those once pardoned?

Part 1 in a two-part series on Bertrand Russell’s reasons why he rejected Christianity

Is the Old Testament account of Jonah a myth or a credible recording of actual events? Some point to alleged inaccuracies to claim the account is a fable.