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This article is a reflective review of Simon Gathercole’s book, Defending Substitution, in which he defended the position that Paul held a substitutionary position of atonement. That position contends that Jesus died ‘instead of sinners’, replacing them in his death. I primarily offer an exegetical critique based on an Old Testament understanding of Paul’s language, in which I do not find a mechanism of substitution. That critique is followed by some reflections on why I find Gathercole’s substitutionary view to fall short of the portrayal of God’s offers of grace and atonement that are found in the OT and picked up on by the New Testament writers as they use the OT language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on the gospel of John 18:7--8, 12--13a showing the betrayal of Jesus by one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot and His arrest by the Roman soldiers which took place in Gethsemane. It explains the greatness of God's love for all of us, allowing Himself to be prosecuted and crucified on the cross to save the us from our sins. It also tells us the different ways in which we can show that Christ is Gethsemane's King and Lamb.

A literary criticism of the novella "The Man Who Died" by D.H. Lawrence is presented. It discusses Lawrence's version of the character of Jesus as a being who seeks intimacy in unrepressed sexuality. It notes that Jesus experiences conflict between living for humankind and experiencing ecstasy and love. It also discusses the concept of betrayal, both by God the Father and by his earthly contacts, as constantly present.

Despite the growing popularity of Jesus merchandise in Christian retailing, little attention has been given to nontraditional religious media such as Jesus merchandise. The present study examined the persuasive appeals associated with various forms of Jesus merchandise and the primary communication functions that such merchandise fit. A content analysis of 982 pieces of Jesus merchandise revealed that informational and “good times” appeals are the two most common appeals used to promote Christianity. Jesus' name is used in logical or rational appeals designed to change beliefs and promote positive attitudes toward the Christian faith, while Jesus' image is used in emotional appeals. Edification is the most common communication function that fit Jesus merchandise analyzed in this study, with evangelism and public relations finishing a distant second and third, respectively. Implications of using certain persuasive strategies and associating particular values with Jesus merchandise were considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses an interpretation of the behavior of the apostle John and his dialog with Jesus at the Last Supper as depicted in the Gospel of John. It focuses on the unique situation of John as the beloved disciple and as the only one to be told the name of Jesus' traitor, Judas. According to the author this establishes an intimate bond between Jesus and John by which John comes to understand Jesus' love for Judas. The author reflects on the meaning of compassionate love and discipleship.

The study of John 13 presents us with the fundamental key in order to understand Johannine accounts of the passion of Christ. On the one hand the washing of the Apostles' feet is within the "rites of investment" through which the figure of Jesus as the Servant of Yahweh is highlighted. On the other hand the betrayal of Judas and his exit from the Cenacle marks the beginning of the glorification of Christ. Thus, John 13 and 17 become the chapters which mark the beginning and the culmination of the Portico of Glory to the passion and death of Christ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the gospel of John 12:20-33 for Lent in March 29, 2009 which deals with the time of suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He says that the Jews are against with Jesus Christ throughout the gospel and that He is misunderstood and destined for death. The gospel relates the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with no agony. In the author's view, the church must be on the side of the lost and forsaken people at a time when the culture is described as self-absorbed and self-advancing.