Biblical Counseling

Saved From Public Opinion

By John Woodward

During the time we served with Peoples Church of Montreal, I had the opportunity to speak at some chapel services for some National League baseball teams. I enjoyed getting to meet some of the popular players during the mid-eighties. One of the lasting impressions from my fellowship with those Christian athletes was the stress of…

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Defusing Anger

By John Woodward

Flying home from a ministry trip I once sat next to a woman on the plane who gave me a vivid illustration of the damage anger can do. Her brother and his wife had an argument a few weeks previous and when he turned to walk away, his wife angrily hit him with a metal…

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The Revelation of God

By John Woodward

The meaning of revelation “What does ‘revelation’ mean? What is the meaning of ‘inspiration’? And how would you define ‘illumination’? Can you have revelation without inspiration? Or inspiration without illumination?” These were questions raised in a Bible class in Philadelphia School of Bible years ago. I was visiting the college for a day and found…

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How to Have True Assurance, Part 1

By John Woodward

When I embarked as a high school graduate from Atlanta, Georgia to Florida Bible College, one of my main concerns was to gain the assurance of my salvation. On my parent’s recommendation and sponsorship I planned to get a year of biblical training as a foundation for my future career–whatever that might be. Although I…

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The Doctor is IN

By John Woodward

When I was doing some serious research at the library, I came across this comic strip from the “Peanuts” series by Charles Shulz. It features Lucy in her make-shift stand with its posted sign: “Psychiatric help 5 cents. The doctor is IN.” Charlie Brown has once again visited Lucy’s booth for some counseling: Lucy :…

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An Instrument of God’s Peace

By John Woodward

One of the classic hymns contains the prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.”[1] That petition expresses a loving concern for others. The outcome of love is abiding peace. The Lord Jesus promised His people, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I…

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Living in Providence

By John Woodward

A city on the northeastern coast of the U.S.A. bears the name “Providence.” Wondering how this capitol city of Rhode Island got such a good name, I looked up a bit of history concerning its founder: “Roger Williams (1603- 1683) was a radical Puritan thinker and founder of the colony of Rhode Island… His developing…

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Proof of I.D.

By John Woodward

When I went for early voting, I was required to show my proof of identification. The photo driver’s license is standard for most governmental matters. When you conduct important business, apply for a passport, etc., proof of your ID is required. Being able to verify one’s identity was also important in Bible times also. For…

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Freedom From Addiction, Part 4

By John Woodward

In the journey to freedom from addiction, we have looked at the adequacy of knowing Christ as our Life. Since He is the true Vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5), we can look to Him for the strength and virtue that is necessary for all of life’s demands, including freedom from addictions. We…

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Freedom From Addiction, Part 3

By John Woodward

When we lived in Pennsylvania, USA, our first apartment was on a rural road. One winter’s day we needed to drive to another state, but it had snowed the night before. A blanket of snow more than a foot deep covered the ground everywhere. Our car then was a Ford sedan that didn’t have much…

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