Episodes
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...
Rivers naturally run crooked—avoiding obstacles and flowing downhill. We're the same way, naturally avoiding God and choosing the easy path. Dr. John Neufeld explores how God engineers our lives toward holiness through sanctification. It's not a solo effort—God changes your heart and empowers you, but you must actively yield to Him and fight your old patterns. Discover how to grow in Christlikeness from the moment of conversion to eternity.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...
Many Christians are unaware of the benefits available through their salvation. Dr. John Neufeld unpacks one of the most neglected doctrines—being "in Christ." Discover what Paul meant when he used this phrase 216 times in his writings and how your life is inseparably bound to Jesus from eternity past to future resurrection.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 at our fingertips. We know that many of us aren’...
Being forgiven and going to heaven would be wonderful enough, but God wasn't satisfied with making us merely His servants or subjects. Dr. John Neufeld explores adoption as the highest privilege of the gospel - being made sons and daughters of the King of the universe. Using 1 John 3:1-3, he shows how this transforms three relationships: with God (calling Him "Abba Father"), with the world (sharing Christ's rejection and honor), and with the future (inheriting everything as fellow heirs with Christ).Making the Most of Your Salvation: In a world of endless technology, the opportunity for lea...
Many Christians live under a cloud of guilt, constantly wondering if God is angry with them for their latest failure. Dr. John Neufeld explains justification as God's legal declaration of "not guilty" based on Christ's finished work. He reveals three liberating benefits: complete freedom from condemnation and guilt, release from trying to earn God's favour through religious performance, and the end of spiritual pride since justification comes entirely as God's unmerited gift.Making the Most of Your Salvation: In a world of endless technology, the opportunity for learning, communicating, and...
Before salvation, we were spiritually dead - incapable of responding to God despite all our religious efforts. Dr. John Neufeld explains regeneration as God's "heart transplant" that makes us spiritually alive. Using Acts 16:14, he shows how God creates a new nature within believers that produces five remarkable abilities: an inability to continue in sin, Christ-like love, power to overcome worldly pressures, protection from Satan, and genuine spiritual hunger.Making the Most of Your Salvation: In a world of endless technology, the opportunity for learning, communicating, and creating is at...
How can you be certain you're going to heaven? Dr. John Neufeld tackles this eternal question through the doctrine of imputation - the "great exchange" at the heart of salvation. Using 2 Corinthians 5:21, he explains three crucial truths: we're born with Adam's sin charged to our account, Christ took our sin upon himself at the cross, and his perfect righteousness is credited to us through faith alone. Understanding this transforms anxious believers into confident children of God.Making the Most of Your Salvation: In a world of endless technology, the opportunity for learning, communicating...
Many Christians live like someone who owns a smartphone but only uses it to make calls - missing powerful features at their fingertips. Dr. John Neufeld explores the "spiritual apps" of salvation we often overlook, starting with election. From Ephesians 1:3-6, he shows how understanding God's eternal choice brings unshakeable confidence, worship filled with gratitude, and boldness in evangelism. This isn't abstract theology - it's practical truth that eliminates anxiety and revolutionizes daily Christian living.Making the Most of Your Salvation: In a world of endless technology, the opportu...
The Christian life is fundamentally about submission—to God and His appointed authorities. Dr. John explores four commands: submitting to church leaders who watch over souls, praying for Christian leaders that they act honorably, allowing Jesus as the great Shepherd to equip us, and accepting Scripture's teaching. He shows how faithful leaders serve sacrificially while believers strengthen the church by supporting godly leadership.The Jesus Effect: Faith in Jesus ought to make a difference in our lives. The good news is not simply a message of comfort or hope; the Gospel is a message of tra...
Everyone seeks something lasting and meaningful, but most search in the wrong places. Dr. John explains that Jesus suffered "outside the camp" to sanctify us, and calls believers to join Him there—bearing reproach and rejection from the world. He emphasizes the sobering truth that "here we have no lasting city" but we seek the city that is to come. Rather than investing in temporary earthly pursuits, Christians should offer continual praise to God and share generously with others, recognizing that only eternal things truly matter.The Jesus Effect: Faith in Jesus ought to make a difference i...
Staying faithful to Christ until death requires intentional effort. Dr. John identifies two essential means of grace God provides: remembering faithful Christian leaders who have passed away and studying their examples for inspiration; and resolutely rejecting false teaching by clinging to unchangeable biblical truths. He shows how Christians must return to bedrock doctrines when faced with deceptive teachings that would lead them away from Christ.The Jesus Effect: Faith in Jesus ought to make a difference in our lives. The good news is not simply a message of comfort or hope; the Gospel is...
The book of Hebrews is rich with theological truths, but it ends with practical guidance for daily Christian living. Dr. John examines five essential commands: maintaining love among believers, showing hospitality to strangers, supporting persecuted Christians, honoring marriage and sexual purity, and finding contentment over the love of money. He shows how God's promise to never leave or forsake us gives us the freedom and security we need to love others without fear.The Jesus Effect: Faith in Jesus ought to make a difference in our lives. The good news is not simply a message of comfort o...
In this episode, Dr. John examines how God speaks to us today—through Scripture and supremely through the blood of Christ. He explains that while God's voice at Mount Sinai was impressive, the gospel represents an even greater word that demands our complete submission. Dr. John warns against refusing God's voice through deliberate sin or abandoning faith under pressure, reminding us that our holy God is "a consuming fire" who calls us to grateful worship and reverent obedience.The Jesus Effect: Faith in Jesus ought to make a difference in our lives. The good news is not simply a message of ...
Sometimes what we think we want isn't the best God has for us. Dr. John explores Hebrews 12:18-24 and "The Better Gospel," contrasting the frightening revelation at Mount Sinai with the celebratory gathering at heavenly Mount Zion. While Israel received earthly promises like land and nationhood, believers inherit something far superior - the heavenly Jerusalem, perfect righteousness, and Jesus as covenant mediator. It's about recognizing when our earthly desires fall short of God's eternal plans.The Jesus Effect: Faith in Jesus ought to make a difference in our lives. The good news is not s...
Knowing that God uses hardship to grow us is comforting - but what do we actually DO with that knowledge? Dr. John dives into Hebrews 12:12-17 and the powerful word "therefore." Understanding that God disciplines those He loves is just the start - this passage gives four clear actions for responding to trials: build spiritual strength, pursue peace and holiness, kill bitterness at the root, and guard against destructive choices. It's about moving from knowing God's purposes to actually living them out.The Jesus Effect: Faith in Jesus ought to make a difference in our lives. The good news is...
Why doesn't God remove our suffering if He truly loves us? Dr. John tackles this difficult question through Hebrews 12:4-11, explaining how God disciplines His children not as punishment, but as loving preparation for holiness. Learn why hardship is often God's training ground for our spiritual growth, and how understanding His fatherly discipline can transform our perspective on life's most painful seasons.The Jesus Effect: Faith in Jesus ought to make a difference in our lives. The good news is not simply a message of comfort or hope; the Gospel is a message of transformation! In this 10 ...