John Woodward
Bypassing the Detour of Legalism (Part 2)
B. Legalism is a problem for the unsaved. One of the distinctives of biblical faith is that salvation is not based on man’s attempts to reach God (religion), but on God’s provision to reach man (redemption). Legalism is a roadblock to the unsaved when they try to earn God’s salvation by works of merit, no…
Read MoreBypassing the Detour of Legalism (Part 1)
In our journey to receive and live out God’s righteousness in a fallen world, we encounter well-intentioned detours. A young man once asked, “What is it I must forsake?” He was instructed, “Colored clothes, for one thing. Get rid of everything in your wardrobe that is not white. Stop sleeping on a soft pillow. Sell…
Read MoreThe Love Chapter
When the calendar reminds us of Valentine’s Day, it makes me wonder how real love can grow instead of fade. In our fickle society, “love” is misused and motives are mixed…as in this love letter lament: “Dearest Jimmy, No words could ever express the great unhappiness I’ve felt since breaking our engagement. Please say you’ll…
Read MoreThe Vitality of Hope
While browsing a copy of Web MD magazine, I noticed an article on Hope Therapy. It was based on a clinical trial with 32 people who met two hours a week for eight weeks. The doctoral students who conducted the program measured some improvement in the participants self-esteem and sense of meaning, while anxiety and…
Read MoreChristmas Angels and the Intrigue of Redemption
Angels played a vital role in the nativity story. We sing of them in our familiar Christmas carols: Angels We Have Heard on High, Hark the Herald Angels Sing… And contemporary interpretations of “angels” show up in many Christmas decorations. In Scripture we discover that angels are actually powerful, personal, spirit messengers created and deployed…
Read MoreClarifications: A Review of Birthright
Comments on Frederic R. Howe’s journal article: A Review of Birthright, by David C. Needham (Published in Bibliotheca Sacra, Jan-March, 1984) It is understandable that an associate professor of Dallas Theological Seminary would object to some of Needham’s perspectives and terminology in Birthright. The book’s author speaks in terms of the believer’s new identity…
Read MoreRunning to Win the Prize
In July of 2008, golf fans were almost as shocked as eighteen year old Michelle Wie. She was one stroke off the lead in the State Farm Classic tournament and was playing her best golf of the year. If she had finished in second place, the $155,252.00 purse would be hers. It would also have…
Read MoreMore than Conquerors
Big Brown is a colt that has won five races by a combined 39 lengths. Jockey Kent Desormeaux rode him to impressive win at the Kentucky Derby and didn’t even need to use his whip! If Big Brown wins at the Belmont Stakes on June 7, ’08, he will become the first horse to win…
Read MoreA Response to “A Critique of the ‘Exchanged Life”
A Response to “A Critique of the ‘Exchanged Life.’”1 A. Introduction When it comes to critiques and responses, one is reminded of the saying, “truth can always stand scrutiny.” Therefore, if we care about being workers who do “not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15), this kind of…
Read MoreFallen into Legalism
Some major airports have installed a system that helps passengers who must walk long distances in the concourses. The moving walkway (or moving sidewalk) functions like an escalator, but transports people horizontally, instead of at an incline. Passengers can stand or walk as this conveyor belt walkway carries them forward. I’ve enjoyed using them in…
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