Blog of Ray Cowan
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February 18, 2008
Why did Jesus´ penalty for "sin" need to include physical and emotional pain - why not just spiritual separation from God?
He had to pay the whole penalty, not just some part of it.  As is said elsewhere in the New Testament, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)--physical, emotional, spiritual--total death.

By: Ray Cowan - February 18, 2008 - Public
Category: Timeline & Words - Final Hours of Execution
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February 18, 2008
If we knew it was likely that we were to be killed in a week's time, as followers of Jesus, how would we react?

By: Ray Cowan - February 18, 2008 - Public
Category: Timeline - Final 1 Week
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February 18, 2008
"Was Jesus trying to incite his death (eg. temple cleansing, accusation of leaders?)

No, I don't think so.  The religious leaders who sought his death did so for very human reasons.  They were envious of his popularity; they were envious of the number of his followers; they were challenged and convicted by what he said; they were concerned that he would upset the Roman government and make things worse; and they were concerned that they may lose their place in society and their livelihoods.

Jesus knew what was going to happen, I believe, and did not take any action to avoid it.  But his determination to reach his goal for our redemption was too important to let other considerations get in the way.


By: Ray Cowan - February 18, 2008 - Public
Category: Timeline - Final 1 Week
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February 10, 2008
What are the characteristics of the "abundant life" that Jesus spoke about? What would it be like to be living a fully abundant life with Jesus? How would we react when bad things happen, and when good things happen? What would be on our minds?

By: Ray Cowan - February 10, 2008 - Public
Category: Statements of Purpose
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February 10, 2008
"Which of these purposes do you believe Jesus accomplished?"
It's pretty clear that he accomplished all of them to some extent. His sacrifice for us certainly demonstrates his and God's love for us, and ransoms us.  He certainly brought good news to the people of that day, and that good news remains available through the centuries down to us, now.  He certainly is the source for abundant life as we come into relationship with him and begin to have real confidence in his love, care, and provision for us.  And he certainly spoke about and demonstrated the nature and power of the Kingdom of God, which helps us begin to understand just what sort of life, and relationship with God, that we were designed to have!

By: Ray Cowan - February 10, 2008 - Public
Category: Statements of Purpose
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