Episodes
Understanding ancient texts requires knowing the times in which they were written. Dr. John explores Isaiah's dramatic 50-year ministry (740-686 BC), spanning the reigns of four kings and the existential threat of Assyrian invasion. When Israel and Syria threatened to wipe out Judah's royal family, the messianic line itself hung in the balance—leading to Isaiah's famous virgin birth prophecy. Through wars, wicked kings, and divine deliverance, Isaiah never lost sight of God's promise that a shoot would arise from the stump of Jesse.The Grand Vision: God's Story Through Isaiah: Isaiah is the...
Why is Isaiah the second-most quoted book in the New Testament? Dr. John introduces this essential prophetic book, showing why it's indispensable for every Christian. Isaiah prophesied for over 50 years, foretelling not only the coming Messiah but even naming Cyrus the Great 150 years before he would rebuild Jerusalem. This episode lays the foundation for seeing Jesus through the lens of Isaiah's remarkable vision.The Grand Vision: God's Story Through Isaiah: Isaiah is the second-most quoted book in the New Testament, yet many Christians have never studied it deeply. In this 10-message seri...
Satan demanded to sift the disciples like wheat—so why didn't their faith collapse? Dr. John examines Jesus' warning to Peter about his coming denial and the shocking shift in mission strategy after the Passover, exploring the puzzling command about swords and the practical requirements for sustainable ministry. The message is clear: until Christ returns, faithful followers aren't idle speculators but steadfast servants holding their post, sustained by the intercession of their Saviour.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will ha...
A dispute erupts among the disciples about who is greatest—even at the Last Supper. Dr. John examines Jesus' radical redefinition of greatness and leadership, contrasting worldly power with servant leadership that genuinely cares for the flock. He reveals that true greatness means using whatever authority God assigns to bless others for His glory, and that faithfulness now prepares us for greater responsibility in the Kingdom to come.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared. If we know what the weath...
Jesus declared he would not eat the Passover again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. Dr. John explores this final Passover meal, unpacking the symbolism of the four cups, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs that point forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb. He reveals why Jesus had overwhelming passion for this meal—it was both the last before his suffering and a preview of the greatest celebration to come, yet shadowed by Judas' betrayal.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared. If we ...
The prophets warned that the day of the Lord would be darkness, not light—so why would anyone desire it? Dr. John connects Jesus' second coming teaching with the necessity of Passover, examining the dark conspiracy to kill Jesus, Satan's entrance into Judas, and the mysterious preparations for the meal. He reveals that just as ancient Israel needed the blood of the lamb to escape judgment, we need the greater Passover Lamb before the day of the Lord can be good news rather than terror.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will hap...
What does it really mean to live in light of Christ's return? Dr. John examines Jesus' practical instructions from Luke 21, revealing that true end times study isn't about speculation but about faithful living. He unpacks four essential applications: maintain a hope-filled heart despite life's burdens, live with constant expectation of Christ's return, pray for strength to endure without losing faith, and remain faithful in your daily calling—making believers the greatest blessing to a world heading toward its end.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity....
When the heavens shake, the seas roar, and nations panic in terror, what should followers of Jesus do? Lift up your heads—your redemption is drawing near. Dr. John examines Luke 21:25-33, exploring the true signs of Christ's return and clearing up popular misconceptions about fig trees and generations. While the world faints with fear at the end of the age, believers are called to confidence, knowing that when creation unravels, our great deliverer is finally coming in power and glory.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will hap...
Jesus repeatedly warned that Jerusalem would face complete destruction for rejecting her Messiah. When armies surrounded the city in A.D. 70, Christians who heeded Jesus' warning fled to safety, while those who remained faced unimaginable devastation. Dr. John examines Luke 21:20-24, exploring how the city that killed the prophets stored up wrath through generations of rebellion, reminding us that God's patience is meant to lead to repentance, not presumption.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared....
Jesus warned His followers they would face persecution—from synagogues, prisons, and even their own families. But rather than promising escape, He promised something better: divine wisdom in the moment of trial and eternal protection. Dr. John examines Luke 21:12-19, showing how Paul transformed imprisonment into opportunity and how Jesus calls us not to anxious preparation, but to joyful confidence that persecution becomes our greatest platform for witness.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared. I...
Throughout history, Christians have predicted Christ's return based on dramatic world events—from the Crusades to global pandemics. But when Jesus predicted the temple's destruction, He warned His disciples not to be deceived by wars, earthquakes, or false messiahs claiming "the time is at hand." Dr. John examines Luke 21:5-11, showing how Jesus calls us to steady confidence rather than anxious speculation about the end times.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared. If we know what the weather will ...
As Jesus enters His final week in Jerusalem, expectations run high that the Messiah has come to establish His kingdom. But before teaching about the end times, Jesus pauses to observe something remarkable at the temple offering box—a poor widow giving everything she has. Dr. John explores how this seemingly small moment reveals the heart of true devotion and sets the stage for understanding what really matters as we await Christ's return.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared. If we know what the w...
In the final message of his series "The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men," Dr. John Neufeld concludes his study of 1 Corinthians 7 by offering practical wisdom for choosing a lifestyle that honors God. He warns against letting marriage become an idol that divides our loyalty to Christ, encourages firm decision-making rather than endless wavering, and reminds believers that marriage brings lifelong permanency. Dr. Neufeld challenges Christians to develop "skill in living" that secures undivided devotion to the Lord.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian ine...
Should young Christians pursue marriage or remain single? Dr. John Neufeld addresses this timeless question from 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, offering three principles of wisdom: consider the advantages of your current situation, understand the pressures marriage brings, and remember that marriage is temporary while our calling to follow Christ is eternal. Dr. Neufeld challenges listeners not to let marriage become an excuse for neglecting God's call.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflict with culture. In this three-week series, Dr. John N...
In a culture obsessed with advancement and self-improvement, how does the Bible call us to live? Dr. John Neufeld explores the radical Christian virtue of contentment from 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, teaching that believers are called to embrace God's assignment in whatever situation they find themselves. Paul's principle remains: be content where God has placed you while seeking freedom when possible, and find satisfaction not in changing your circumstances, but in recognizing the spiritual riches you possess in Christ.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably ...
What should a Christian do when married to a non-believer? Dr. John Neufeld tackles this challenging question from 1 Corinthians 7:12-16, clarifying that while the Bible prohibits believers from marrying unbelievers, when someone becomes a Christian after marriage, Paul's instruction is clear: stay in the marriage if the unbelieving spouse is willing. Dr. Neufeld explains the concept of "contagious holiness" and addresses what to do when an unbeliever chooses to leave because of their partner's faith.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in con...
In a culture that often pressures singles to find a spouse and tempts married couples to wonder "what if," how does God view singleness and marriage? Dr. John Neufeld explores what the Bible teaches about both callings from 1 Corinthians 7, emphasizing that each is a gift from God with unique advantages and responsibilities. He addresses the importance of contentment in whatever state God has called you to, reminding listeners that marriage is a lifelong covenant designed by God for our holiness, not just our happiness.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevita...
Is singleness or marriage the ideal Christian life? Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 7:1-7, showing that both callings have distinct advantages and challenges. Singleness offers freedom and undivided devotion to Christ, but carries sexual temptation and societal pressure. Marriage requires mutual sexual commitment as a lifelong spiritual discipline. God has specific plans for both the single and married.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflict with culture. In this three-week series, Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 5-7 t...
Why does the Bible treat sexual sin differently from other sins? Dr. John Neufeld explores 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, revealing that sexual expression is never merely physical. God designed sex as a sacred "one flesh" experience meant to express lifelong commitment within marriage. Sexual sin creates a unique spiritual wound because it violates the deepest intimacy God created for us.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflict with culture. In this three-week series, Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 5-7 to explore how the gospel create...
What does true Christian freedom really mean? Dr. John Neufeld tackles 1 Corinthians 6:12-17, where the Corinthians claimed "all things are lawful for me." Paul doesn't reject freedom—he redefines it. Real freedom isn't doing whatever you want impulsively; it's the ability to choose deliberately what honors Christ. Your body isn't insignificant—it's designed for worship and part of God's eternal plan.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflict with culture. In this three-week series, Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 5-7 to explore ...
Can someone truly claim to be a Christian while continuing in patterns of sin? Dr. John Neufeld explores 1 Corinthians 6:7-11, where Paul lists behaviors—from sexual immorality to theft and greed—that characterize the unregenerate life. Paul's shocking conclusion: believers should accept financial loss rather than disgrace Christ's name in court. True salvation isn't just forgiveness—it's liberation from the sins that once dominated us.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflict with culture. In this three-week series, Dr. John Neufeld ex...
What should Christians do when conflicts with fellow believers threaten to end up in court? Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, where Paul instructs believers to resolve disputes within the church rather than secular courts. These conflicts are ultimately spiritual, not merely legal, requiring the wisdom of the cross—repentance, reconciliation, and love—that courts cannot provide. This message challenges churches to establish godly dispute resolution processes that honour Christ's name.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflic...
Christians often wonder where to take their stand in a culture whose values conflict with Scripture. Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, where Paul clarifies a crucial distinction: believers are called to engage with sinners in the world, but must not tolerate unrepentant sin among those who claim to follow Christ. We often get this backwards—condemning the world while excusing ourselves. God's mission is for the church to be salt and light, offering the world an attractive alternative rather than a mirror image of its brokenness.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Be...
What business is the church in? Dr. John Neufeld explores 1 Corinthians 5:6-13, challenging believers to understand their true identity as God's people. Using Paul's analogy of leaven, he shows how tolerating sin transforms a church from the inside out, causing it to lose its unique identity. The church's business isn't fitting into culture to attract people—it's being the redeemed people of God who provide a hopeful alternative to a broken world.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflict with culture. In this three-week series, Dr. John...
Excommunication reminds us of church wounds and harsh judgments, yet the Bible teaches it has a place. Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 to show that biblical church discipline, when done correctly, is actually an act of love. A faithful church grieves over sin and, when necessary, removes unrepentant members—not to be cruel, but to protect the church's holiness and hopefully lead the person to repentance. Paul teaches that excommunication must be done under Christ's authority, yet is always undertaken with hope for restoration.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Bein...
Most of us don't want to be told what to do, especially about personal matters like sexuality. Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, where Paul addresses a shocking case of sexual immorality that even pagan culture condemned. The church's failure to act wasn't just tolerance; it was arrogance about their own spirituality. Dr. Neufeld challenges believers to understand that God calls the church to be radically counter-cultural in sexual ethics, holding one another accountable rather than ignoring sin while condemning the world.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a C...
Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflict with culture. Dr. John Neufeld explores 1 Corinthians 5-7, examining how believers navigate sexuality, disputes, marriage, and singleness differently than the world around them. Christianity requires accountability within the church community, not just individual faith. As believers live obediently to Scripture, they naturally stand apart from cultural values by faithfully following Jesus.The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflict with culture. In this three-week series, Dr. John Neufeld ...
Will your ticket get you through the gate? Dr. John Neufeld addresses the question many Christians wrestle with: "Am I really saved?" Jesus promised no one can snatch His sheep from His hand—not even you. But genuine faith perseveres to the end. Dr. John walks through biblical tests of authentic salvation, offering both sobering warnings and solid hope for true believers.Making the Most of Your Salvation: In a world of endless technology, the opportunity for learning, communicating, and creating is at an all-time high. But for many of us, we don’t take full advantage of all of the resources...
Can you truly follow Jesus without the church? Dr. John Neufeld tackles this question head-on, defining what the church actually is—not a building or clergy, but an assembly of God's people. Christ loved the church enough to die for it, and the entire New Testament was written to churches, not isolated individuals. Christianity isn't a solo sport. Dr. John unpacks what makes a church genuine versus healthy, and why belonging to a local body of believers is essential to your faith.Making the Most of Your Salvation: In a world of endless technology, the opportunity for learning, communicating...
You were spiritually dead, loving darkness and resisting God at every turn. So how did you come to faith? Dr. John Neufeld reveals the Holy Spirit's powerful role in your conversion—and why He's just as essential for your daily Christian life. Learn to walk in step with the Spirit, be constantly renewed by His power, and find assurance when you doubt your salvation. If the Spirit brought you to life, why try living by your own strength now?Making the Most of Your Salvation: In a world of endless technology, the opportunity for learning, communicating, and creating is at an all-time high. Bu...