John Woodward
Who Caused the Death of Christ? (Part 2)
A careful search of Scripture yields a nine-fold answer to this question. In part Part 1 we considered: 1. The physical cause: the Roman soldiers 2. The executive legal cause: the Roman governor, Pilate 3. The passive legal cause: King Herod Antipas 4. The primary legal cause: the Sanhedrin But these are not the only…
Read MoreWho Caused the Death of Christ? (Part 1)
The motion picture, The Passion of the Christ, presented an extremely vivid portrayal of Jesus Christ’s scourging and crucifixion. When the film was released, it was much discussed in the news and raised concerns about anti-Semitism. Sadly, Christendom’s history has been marred by the sinful persecution of Jewish people. For example, Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum recalls…
Read MoreWhat the World Needs Now Is Love
One of the traditional themes of February is love. When Valentines Day rolls around, school kids exchange hearts created from colored paper and glue; couples hope to fan the flames of romance; singles may feel marginalized, widows and widowers may revisit their grief. Although love is the most popular theme in popular music, it is…
Read MoreHow to Have True Assurance, Part 3
“How to have True Assurance” part 3 (of 3) We have considered objective assurance (the promises of God) and subjective assurance (vital signs in the believer’s heart and actions). Now we will conclude this study by comparing the believer’s position and condition. What is our POSITION in Christ? The Bible declares “There is therefore now…
Read MoreRelating Theology to Life
How should theology relate to life? The epistles of Paul address this question by their very structure. Notice this pattern: Romans 1-11 are primarily doctrinal; chapters 12-16 are practical. Ephesians 1-3 are doctrinal; chapters 4-6 are practical. Colossians 1-2 are doctrinal; chapters 3-4 are practical. Why did the Holy Spirit inspire this pattern? The key…
Read MoreBlessed Are the Peacemakers
In these tumultuous days we need peacemakers. Wouldn’t you agree? Whether conflicts are nearby (in marriage, parenting, among neighbors, at school, on the job), or in distant nations (such as Afghanistan and Iraq), the clamor of hostility calls us to yearn for peace. What is the root cause for arguments, conflicts, and war? While we…
Read MorePassing the Tests of Temptation, Part 4
Additional Guidelines 1. Recognize your essential nature in Christ. In Romans chapter 7, Paul observed that when the child of God chooses to sin, he does not act consistently with his essential nature; he acts contrary to it! “Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do…
Read MorePassing the Tests of Temptation, Part 3
The Need for Power The Lord Jesus Himself stated that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This does not excuse sin; it warns us the be prepared. How can we find the moral power to say “no” to temptation? Good news–God’s Holy Spirit is omnipotent (all powerful), and He lives in all…
Read MorePassing the Tests of Temptation, Part 2
The Test in Temptation It has been puzzling to me that there is only one Greek word for “temptation.” Greek is a precise language and often there are a few synonyms for each important term, yet peirazo means both temptation (enticement to sin) and testing (trial). Why is this? Essentially, whether we face a temptation…
Read MorePassing the Tests of Temptation, Part 1
The Test of Temptations When students are taking a course, they usually have to study to pass their tests. Even so, in the “school” of Christian discipleship we need to do some studying to prepare for the temptations that face us in a fallen world. Evidently, this instruction has been essential in parental training among…
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