Episodes
It seems self-evident that our society is polarized. We are divided by our politics, hold opposing moral standards, struggle with race relations and regard those with different positions as the enemy. Harmony and peace are reduced to mere words. But God has made something new. Jesus not only draws us close to God, but to one another. The Body of Christ is the beginning of a new humanity. Peace is possible in Jesus Christ.Empowered Living Vol 2: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel impoverished despite Christ's ric...
Grace can be a prayer before a meal. It can describe the beauty of a ballet move or be clemency for a loan. It can be the tile of royalty or the name of someone you love. We have so many ways to speak of grace because grace has so many expressions. Yet nothing exceeds or exhausts the grace found in our Lord. Today Dr. John speaks of the free favour of the Father released through faith in the Son, resulting in a righteous life forever. This is God's doing. This is the expression of grace. Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ h...
In Ephesians 2, Paul delivers the sobering truth – news as bad as it gets. Every one of us is born dead - not just weakened, impoverished or disadvantaged, but dead. But then Paul reveals the good news, the best news imaginable. Listen as Dr. John directs us to the only hope we have for eternal life. God, who is rich in mercy and love, makes us alive through Jesus Christ. Revel in the joy and hope He gives.Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel impoverished despite Christ's riches. They feel ...
What's humanity's problem? It seems self-evident that a problem exists between us (war, greed, violence, apathy). It is also evident that there is a problem between humanity and God (atheism, rebellion). Either way, many believe the problem can be fixed with effort and education. They are wrong. God makes it clear what our problem is. We are dead. No amount of instruction, training, motivation or resources will improve the dead. God, who gives life, is our only hope. Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to th...
Power has various measurements. Physical strength, economic resources, technological leadership, intellectual skill - but our materialistic world often ignores the greater expression of power - spiritual. Paul prays that Christians will recognize the power God has extended to believers through Jesus Christ. Nothing and no one can surpass the power of God for us. Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel impoverished despite Christ's riches. They feel powerless despite Jesus' strength. They feel...
It is one thing to be enriched. It is another to be aware of those riches and live by them. God has already enriched us in Jesus Christ. Paul now prays that we might be aware of the depth of those riches. Dr. John reminds us that we need God's wisdom and revelation to see and understand how God's riches transform our living.Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel impoverished despite Christ's riches. They feel powerless despite Jesus' strength. They feel alone and without purpose despite being...
Plans can be hard to understand from the outside. You need training to read a blueprint. Many times, we can't envision the entire plan until it unfolds before us. God has a plan for humanity and history. It is determined by the Father, fulfilled in the Son and guaranteed by the Spirit. Dr. John points us to the grand design of God that touches both Jew and Gentile and results in eternal glory. Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel impoverished despite Christ's riches. They feel powerless des...
Having tremendous resources but no purpose is not a good mix. The riches and advantages of our state are squandered or ignored if there is no purpose to direct them to. Ephesians has taught that believers are resourced with every spiritual blessing, but our blessed state has meaning and purpose in Jesus Christ. Listen as Dr. John reminds us of the plan and intent of God, not just for time, but also eternity. Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel impoverished despite Christ's riches. They fee...
In many of life's occasions, it is a good thing to be called. To be invited to a celebration. To hear someone lovingly call your name. To be adopted into a family. Today Dr. John speaks of the highest privilege and deepest delight, to be called by God for life in Jesus Christ. Every follower of Jesus has been chosen by the Father. Before creation, before we do anything of merit, regardless of our faltering state, we've been called to be His children. Such is the wondrous love of our Lord. Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ ha...
When introduced to someone, it's common to enquire, "Where are you from?" Knowing someone's place of origin may tell you something about them. Dr. John teaches on the graces God has granted every believer. We've been blessed in the heavens above and made alive in Jesus Christ. Our home is celestial, and our birth is in Jesus. That makes us what we are. Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel impoverished despite Christ's riches. They feel powerless despite Jesus' strength. They feel alone and...
Who would live as a pauper when their bank account is flooded with cash? Who would wallow in sickness when effective treatment is at hand? Who would want to live alone and lonely when a loving father and family have opened their arms? We shake our heads at those who squander and ignore their resources, but believers do it daily. Dr. John points us to the overwhelming blessings that are ours today in Jesus. We are invited to live by them.Empowered Living Vol 1: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel impoverished desp...
We do not call for help if we don't perceive a problem. An undetected brake problem or cancer growing secretly, and we do not go to the mechanic or doctor. Ps. 32 may be hard to hear, but it informs us of a problem we already have. We are born into sin. When we recognize our need and confess it to God, only then can we rejoice and be glad. With God there is forgiveness!Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A ca...
Psalm 31 has the unique distinction of being quoted by both Jonah and Jesus - from the belly of a fish and the cross. It is a Psalm declaring that God is our refuge. There is no question about the quality of God's shelter. It is only a question of whether we will trust Him. Can we say today like David, "I trust in You O Lord, my times are in your hands?"Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A call for help is a...
Rather than denying trouble, the Psalms readily admit that difficulty and danger will come. The Psalms do not overlook the pain and stain of our sins. But there is hope. Dr. John points to Psalm 30 as a song of transformation. Our tears are changed into joy. Our losses become advances. Our sins are forgiven. God is the Redeemer of life! A good reason to break into dance!Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A c...
Worship may seem out of place during a crisis. When things are falling apart, this is the time for solutions and actions. But Psalm 29 demonstrates the centrality of worship - especially when things are hard. Ascribing glory to God in troubled times keeps us focused aright and plants hope against our fears and worries. Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A call for help is a start, but there is so much more.
Before you call for help, it's vital to know who you are calling to. Calling a plumber to fix your taxes may not help much. In Psalm 28, David calls to God who is the Rock of his life. David calls to the Lord who is filled with mercy, compassion, power and justice. God is David's refuge - even as He is yours.Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think that "Help!" would suffice. In this 5-message series, Dr. John walks through Psalms 28-32 to teach us how to pray when assailed by trouble. A call for help is a start, but there is so much more.
Enemies, threats and fears have this in common. When you stare at them, they get bigger. Psalm 27 is a call to shift our focus from what might shake us, to the unshakable presence of God. We are to seek His face and find shelter and courage. More so, we find that we are loved. Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-message series, Dr. John points to the Psalms as bot...
To be vindicated is to be found innocent of accusations. In a deceitful world, unfounded claims and slander can be found. In Psalm 26, David prays for vindication from his enemies. He does not trust in his own perfection but in the eternal justice and righteousness of God. Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-message series, Dr. John points to the Psalms as both in...
Times of sunshine and times of storm can direct us to the presence of God. Both have the power to create a sense of gratitude and reliance upon God. In Psalm 25 David lifts his soul to God in a context of trouble. He discovers not only the deliverance, but the steadfast love of our Lord. Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-message series, Dr. John points to the P...
An infinite God cannot be reduced to a single description. The Scriptures use various images and titles to portray His grandeur. The title of "King" meant much to ancient ears, but we may struggle with the term today. Listen as Dr. John points to the majesty of our Lord and the grace He extends to welcome us into His court. Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-mess...
What is familiar can be taken for granted. Psalm 23 is the most well-known of the Psalms. Many can recite it, but many also can miss the nature of the relationship David describes with his Lord. Listen as Dr. John walks us through familiar ground to a deeper appreciation of God's grace to us all.Psalms of Intimacy With God: A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and provision. The most vital relationships of life are meant to be intimate connections of heart. So too with our relationship with God. In this 5-message series, Dr. John points t...
Since you listen to the news and participate in our society, you know that the Christian compass and moral fabric of our day are being abandoned. Truth has become flexible resulting in a famine of trust. What are we to do? Dr. John points to Psalm 12 as encouragement and hope. God, who is righteous, will preserve His righteous people. God, who is just, will judge between the right and wrong. The world cannot spin out of His grip. Believe that today.Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters ...
An athlete is surrounded by those who watch from the bleachers. What if they booed instead of cheered? Will the athlete listen to their jeering and give up? Dr. John points to Psalm 11 as our needed encouragement when surrounded by those who hope and work for our failure. Despite the many voices which mock, there is One Voice to hear. He rules. He sees all. He promises justice. In God we take refuge.Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the...
Crime shows portray wickedness through deeds of destruction and cruelty. But evil has many faces. Today Dr. John points to Psalm 10 which speaks of wickedness as arrogance, independence, rebellion and oppression. Wickedness preys on the helpless, assured that God does not see. But the King of Heaven sees all and is our assurance of help to the helpless and justice to the wicked. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in t...
Victories are a cause for celebration! A graduation, job promotion or becoming cancer free - all reasons for joy. Dr. John points to the celebration of King David in Psalm 9 as a template for our successes. David sees God as the Victor and recognizes that there are more battles to come. Gratitude erases pride and confident hope paints the future. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebr...
Where on earth do you see the glory of God? You could point to the stars in a clear night, to the flash and rumble of a storm or to the heights of snowy mountains and the lush of a flowing river. But in Psalm 8, David points to the mirror. The glory and majesty of God is reflected in all humanity and perfected in Jesus Christ. Today, marvel at that.Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a cele...
Trouble comes from different places. There are the troubles we bring upon ourselves or the troubles sent from God for our discipline. But Jesus promised us that we would face troubles from the world. Dr. John points to Psalm 7 as a reflection of Jesus' promise. God has overcome the world. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebration of the promise of the ultimate victor of the Messiah,...
Being disciplined is never pleasant; yet it is a necessary part of the parent/child relationship. It is also a necessary part of being a child of God. In Psalm 6, David prays under the heavy hand of God. Dr. John reminds us that David prays as a child confident in the love and mercy of the Father. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebration of the promise of the ultimate victor of the...
What assurance do we have that God hears our prayers? In Psalm 5, David asks God to hear his groaning and cries. The king was confident that God listens to the repentant, humble heart, which relies upon God's steadfast love. David was not disappointed. Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebration of the promise of the ultimate victor of the Messiah, Psalms of triumph, security, joy, co...
There are nights when sleep escapes you. Your mind races and your body finds no rest. The events of the day have ruined your night. Listen as Dr. John speaks of Psalm 4 and the secret to a peaceful night. The defence and nearness of God allows us to be at rest.Psalms of Refuge: Psalms of Refuge is a ten-message series focused on ten Psalms which have been described as songs of worship. In the chapters we discover songs describing the importance of the law of the Lord in the life of the believer, a celebration of the promise of the ultimate victor of the Messiah, Psalms of triumph, security,...