The Greek word abyssos, rendered "abyss," "pit," or "bottomless pit" in many English translations, occurs nine times in the New Testament. In most instances, it refers to a place of temporary confinement for certain evil spirits. For example, in Jesus's encounter with "Legion," the demons who possess this Garasene man beg Jesus not to banish them to the abyss -- no doubt, a place evil spirits fear (Luke 8:31).

The 1,000 years of Revelation 20 are a much-debated stretch of time known as the millennium. Are we to understand this frame of time literally or figuratively? There are at least four major views about the millennium. While proponents of each view may vigorously defend their position, all agree on key biblical truths about the return of Jesus.

Tristan Crotinger is an elder, youth pastor, and worship leader at CrossBridge Baptist Church in Marshfield, Mo. He teaches apologetics and evangelism to students from junior high school through college, engaging them in campus ministries.

Religious liberty may be defined as the God-given right of all people to worship according to their consciences. Practically speaking, religious liberty is neither a license to live recklessly, with no regard for others, nor is it merely toleration of those who believe differently. Religious liberty does not stand on political platforms or hang from legal pillars. While civil authorities may proclaim religious tolerance, only God may grant religious freedom.

In this month's guest column, Ed Croteau writes, "As we watch and pray for Israel's defense against the many nations around her trying to destroy her, we would do well to remember the "Miracle of Israel."

For followers of Jesus, our future, physical resurrection is the pinnacle of personal glorification, for in it we shrug off the last vestiges of sin, which have clung to our mortal bodies. In glorification, the effects of the Fall are fully and finally reversed.

Missionaries to Muslims often report resistance to the gospel message – not because Muslims reject Jesus as a great prophet, but because the Qur’an denies the doctrines of original sin and the atonement. So, how can Christians, who embrace the doctrines of original sin and the substitutionary death of Jesus, present the gospel cross-culturally? Is it even possible?

When Southern Baptists gathered in Memphis in 1925 for their annual meeting, they made two historic decisions. First, they established the Cooperative Program, the SBC's funding mechanism for missions at home and abroad. And, they affirmed a new statement of faith called The Baptist Faith & Message. Both CP and the BF&M celebrate their 100th anniversaries this year. Missouri Baptists, through High Street Press, have created a guide for personal or group study for the BF&M.

What Every Christian Should Know about Satan explores more than a dozen biblical names and titles that reveal the evil one's character, tactics, and ultimate destiny in hell. Written for pastors and laypersons alike, this resource is designed for personal or group study.