John Woodward
What’s Your Sign? The Alternative to Astrology
When my family had lunch at a Chinese restaurant a while back, we were given a placemat that featured the Chinese Zodiac. (This system differs from the western version of astrology that designates the month of a person’s birth as their “sign,” with a corresponding symbol, e.g., July 23 – August 22 – “Leo,” =…
Read MoreResolving Interpersonal Conflicts, Part 2
The Hatfield-McCoy Feud is a part of American folklore that has come to symbolize a long-standing cycle of conflict. This feud was a decades-long, violent conflict between two extended Appalachian families in the late 19th century. An episode of this sad story from 1882 involved Johnse Hatfield and Rosanna McCoy attempting to elope. Ellison Hatfield…
Read MoreResolving Interpersonal Conflicts, Part 1
Our family once visited Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This town marks the location of a devastating battle in the American Civil War. During July 1-3, 1863, the Confederate armies fought the Union armies resulting in at least 5,787 dead, 27,334 injured, and 10,612 missing or captured. [1] The various monuments to the military regiments involved in the…
Read MoreThe Dimensions of the Cross, Part 3
Oswald Chambers has observed that, “All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell is terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning.” Instead of ignoring its meaning, let’s continue to explore the profound implications of the Cross. When the Lord Jesus resolutely set…
Read MoreThe Dimensions of the Cross, Part 4
In part two we examined the truths of Romans 6:6-14. Believers are to know that our old man was crucified with Christ, and that we are set free from the authority of sin. Reckoning this spiritual fact as personally true, we have the moral freedom to walk “in newness of life.” However, some who value…
Read MoreThe Dimensions of the Cross, Part 2
Dimension 2: THE CROSS IS OUR MEANS OF RENEWAL. Not only has Christ died for us, but believers have died with Christ! This is like the width of the Cross–it reaches every aspect of our nature. When I first learned about this I wondered, How could I have died with Christ 2,000 years ago, when…
Read MoreThe Dimensions of the Cross, Part 1
Stoney Creek, Ontario has a distinctive Christian symbol adorning the ridge above it. Looking over the city is a cross. Lined with lights, its presence is very noticeable at night. To many, it is just a religious monument or community landmark; to those who know Christ, it symbolizes God’s redemptive love in Christ. Since this…
Read MoreDescending the Staircase of Humility
Many consider pride to be the root sin. If so, then humility is the primary condition for us to qualify for God’s spiritual blessings. Christ’s wonderful invitation to abundant life includes this core value of humility:”Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke…
Read MoreThe Power of Christ’s Resurrection
Our family used to live a short drive north of Niagara Falls. This awesome sight is one of the major tourist attractions of North America. The Niagara River flows over the American Falls and, on the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls. They rate as the third greatest in the world in the power and volume…
Read MoreThe Lord Is My Shepherd ( Part 2)
We have been considering the profound blessings we have in Christ as our Good Shepherd (Psalm 23; John 10). When our 98 year old church member went to be with the Lord, her funeral service bulletin contained Psalm 23. Then verse six was fulfilled in her experience: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All…
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