Send us a text

Who really killed Jesus? When Mel Gibson famously answered "I killed Jesus," he sparked controversy, but pointed to a profound truth that transcends simple blame. The crucifixion wasn't merely a historical injustice but the centerpiece of God's redemptive plan.

Examining the biblical narrative reveals multiple players in this divine drama. The Jewish religious leaders conspired out of jealousy and fear of losing their position. Judas betrayed his teacher for thirty pieces of silver. Pilate, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, ordered his execution for political expediency while Roman soldiers carried out the gruesome task. Yet none of these actors fully explains the mystery of Christ's death.

The most remarkable revelation is that Jesus voluntarily laid down his life. "No one takes it from me," he declared, "but I lay it down of my own accord." His death wasn't a tragedy or martyrdom but the fulfillment of his mission to "seek and save the lost." Our sin necessitated this sacrifice, but it was ultimately orchestrated by God the Father himself, who "so loved the world that he gave his only Son." The crucifixion, planned "before the creation of the world," demonstrates both God's justice and his extraordinary love.

This understanding transforms everything. The Romans, Jewish leaders, and Judas were merely instruments in God's sovereign plan. What appeared as history's greatest injustice became the means of our reconciliation with God. The pressing question isn't who killed Jesus, but how we'll respond to his sacrifice. Will we ignore it, or will it lead us to receive Christ as our Savior and Lord? As you contemplate the cross this Resurrection season, consider what your response will be to this ultimate demonstration of divine love.

https://www.jacksonfamilyministry.com

https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Send us a text

The seduction in Eden wasn't just about forbidden fruit—it was about our fundamental trust in God's character. Dr. Papa takes us deep into Genesis 3, reimagining the fateful conversation between Eve and the serpent with fresh insights that challenge our understanding of temptation's mechanics.

Through vivid storytelling, we witness Satan's calculated timing—arriving before Adam and Eve could potentially conceive children without sin natures—and his masterful manipulation as he interrupts an intimate moment between the first couple. The serpent's seemingly innocent question opens the door to humanity's greatest tragedy.

What exactly went wrong? Dr. Papa identifies Eve's critical mistakes with piercing clarity. First, she engaged with temptation rather than fleeing from it—a pattern we still repeat today. Second, she subtly altered God's word, adding restrictions He never imposed while diluting His generosity. These distortions made God seem harsh and withholding, exactly as Satan intended.

But Adam bears the greater responsibility. His sins of passivity and complicity—standing silently by as his wife was deceived, then willingly joining her transgression—spread death to all his descendants. Instead of exercising his God-given authority to protect Eden, he surrendered it without resistance.

The good news? Jesus Christ stands as the "second Adam," succeeding where the first failed. Where Adam was passive, Jesus actively laid down His life. Where Adam brought death, Jesus brings eternal life. This powerful contrast reminds us that while we inherit Adam's fallen nature, we can choose Christ's victory.

Ready to strengthen your resistance to temptation? Listen now and discover how maintaining unwavering faith in God's actual words—without addition or subtraction—becomes your shield against the enemy's ancient but unchanging tactics.

https://www.jacksonfamilyministry.com

https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Send us a text

Satan's origin story reveals fascinating insights about spiritual warfare that affects us daily. In this episode of Devotions with Dr. Papa, we explore Genesis 3:1 where the crafty serpent first appears in Eden's paradise, dramatically shifting the narrative from one of perfect harmony to dangerous deception.

Dr. Papa takes us through a comprehensive examination of when Lucifer was created, how the beautiful "day star" transformed into Satan through pride, and what motivated his rebellion against God. Drawing from passages in Isaiah, Ezekiel, Job, and Psalms, we discover that angels were present from the earliest days of creation, and Lucifer remained perfect until sometime after God declared everything "very good" on the seventh day.

What's particularly intriguing is the possibility that Satan's motivation went beyond mere power-seeking. Dr. Papa suggests that jealousy over humanity's unique privileges—being made in God's image and having reproductive abilities—may have fueled Lucifer's rebellion. This perspective adds a profound dimension to understanding why Satan targets humans with such intensity.

The serpent's timeless deception technique of questioning "Did God really say...?" remains his primary strategy today. Through a personal anecdote about a wise colleague who prayed daily against deception, Dr. Papa offers a practical three-part prayer we can incorporate into our spiritual disciplines: acknowledging our susceptibility to deception, recognizing Satan's expertise at deceiving, and asking for divine protection. This simple practice could transform our spiritual resilience in a world where deception comes not just from external sources, but from within our own hearts.

Ready to strengthen your defenses against the enemy's tactics? Listen, share, and join us again next week for more insights that bridge biblical wisdom with practical application.

https://www.jacksonfamilyministry.com

https://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/