Author Archives: St. John Studies

In John Stott’s book The Cross of Christ, he vows to devote his whole book to an in-depth analysis of the meaning of the cross for Christians.  In “Chapter Three” entitled “Looking Below the Surface,” he has considers the deep … Continue reading →

“Jesus Christ died for you!”  This is one of the more common statements one hears in Christian circles; most Christians just accept it as a foundation of our faith.  I have heard countless preachers say that to their congregations.  “Jesus … Continue reading →

This past Sunday my church celebrated communion.  Once again, I heard the familiar words about the bread and the cup:  “’This is My body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me’…In the same way, after supper … Continue reading →

“It is important to realize that the basic ideas of Christianity rest upon the idea that God made the first move”  [from St. John Studies, “In the Beginning,” January 27, 2021].  God spoke the world into existence,  God acted in … Continue reading →

“In the beginning God…” These are the first four words in the Old Testament, the first four words of The Bible. They are also the first four words of Chapter One of John Stott’s book Basic Christianity. They indicate the … Continue reading →

Why did Jesus Christ die? In recent posts I have discussed John Stott’s positions on the responsibility of two individuals and one group for the death of Jesus* As Stott finishes “Chapter 2” of The Cross of Christ , he … Continue reading →

Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him…  [Matthew 10: 4]. After considering Pilate’s responsibility for the death of Christ in “The Loud Voices of Rationalization” on December 29 [St. John Studies] and then the Jewish leaders’ responsibility in “The ‘Dark Passion’ … Continue reading →

Render Unto Caesar by Peter Paul Rubens Epiphany Sunday is a Christian holiday primarily commemorating the Magi’s visit to the Baby Jesus.  As I sat in worship service listening to my pastor deliver a message from Matthew 2: 1-12, I … Continue reading →

It was 2004… My wife and I were able to go watch the film with a group of people from our church.  The power of the movie was evident, especially the scenes depicting the Roman’s treatment of Jesus after they … Continue reading →

Ok, let’s just say that a “basic Christian” now believes one of the most fundamental thoughts about the faith [that Jesus Christ actually existed on this earth and He was God].  That is a big step forward for anyone who … Continue reading →