Episodes
There are few trials more painful than to be falsely accused. In marriage and family, employment and civic duty, if rumours spread against us, the wounds are deep. Today Dr. John looks at the experience of David and points us to God's vindication. To suffer unjustly and still trust in our Lord, such is the way of Jesus.Prayers of King David: Part of the appeal of the Psalms is that they speak to our current life situations with clarity and hope. In this five-message series, Dr. John points to the prayers of David from Psalms 13-17. Whether we are enduring difficult times, feel surrounded by...
The experience of Christians around the world is varied. They live in different countries and face all sorts of situations. But there is a united testimony among them. Those who have taken refuge in God, know the abundant care of God. Listen as Dr. John speaks of our common confidence in God's grace.Prayers of King David: Part of the appeal of the Psalms is that they speak to our current life situations with clarity and hope. In this five-message series, Dr. John points to the prayers of David from Psalms 13-17. Whether we are enduring difficult times, feel surrounded by ungodliness, are fa...
We are called to be worshippers of God. How are we to present ourselves in worship? From Psalm 15, Dr. John teaches on the qualities of heart, voice and action that God expects to see within those who come into His presence. Prayers of King David: Part of the appeal of the Psalms is that they speak to our current life situations with clarity and hope. In this five-message series, Dr. John points to the prayers of David from Psalms 13-17. Whether we are enduring difficult times, feel surrounded by ungodliness, are falsely accused or struggle to worship well, these Psalms are our prayers.
In our society, God is increasingly dismissed. His Word and will are peripheral to our culture. In Psalm 14, David sees a similar situation and calls those who deny God, "Fools." Listen as Dr. John speaks of the consequences of setting God to the side.Prayers of King David: Part of the appeal of the Psalms is that they speak to our current life situations with clarity and hope. In this five-message series, Dr. John points to the prayers of David from Psalms 13-17. Whether we are enduring difficult times, feel surrounded by ungodliness, are falsely accused or struggle to worship well, these ...
As creatures of time, the clock never moves more slowly than when we are in pain. In troubles we pray for immediate help and relief. But often God delays. Today Dr. John echoes David's prayer, "How long?" Walk through through this Psalm and discover David's secret to hope and perseverence. Prayers of King David: Part of the appeal of the Psalms is that they speak to our current life situations with clarity and hope. In this five-message series, Dr. John points to the prayers of David from Psalms 13-17. Whether we are enduring difficult times, feel surrounded by ungodliness, are falsely accu...
Some approach apologetics as if they were trying to win an argument. It's best to understand apologetics as "clearing the obstacles" towards faith. Dr. John speaks of apologetics and reminds us that it is not fuel for debates but encouragement for our own faith and an invitation towards faith for others. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical in...
It's a topic that is rarely discussed for fear of offense or confusion. But in our day, the issue of homosexuality must be considered by believers and a biblical apologetic developed before the world. Listen as Dr. John teaches on the sin of homosexuality. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. Thi...
We live in a day when Christians are accused of being intolerant and pressured to agree to matters contrary to their convictions. What are we to do? Dr. John discusses the issue of intolerance and points us to the path of Jesus - love and truth. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series wi...
We want to find meaning and purpose in the face of suffering. Believers are assured that God is at work for good, even through pain. Dr. John teaches on the purpose of pain in the life of believers. Listen and take hope. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers address...
The problem of suffering is universal and the problem is twofold. First, we have the fact of physical and emotional pain which is universal. Second, we face this reality knowing that God is good. How can these things go together? Dr. John explores the Scriptures to give us insight to the ways of God.Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight...
In our world we see a rise of tension between church and state. We see church trying to do what the state should do, and the state trying to be what only the church can be. Today Dr. John speaks on the distinctions of identity and means of church and state. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. Th...
Christianity has been accused as being a violent faith. There is reason for the criticism. Today Dr. John answers those accusations. We find that the cause of conflict is not Christianity but the broken souls of men. Jesus offers the grace of peace and blesses those who do likewise. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning h...
A worldview is a set of assumptions one makes about life. They may be reasoned or simply absorbed. Everyone has to examine their beliefs and the reasons for them. Today Dr. John walks us through 7 questions every worldview must answer. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help be...
Everyone has a worldview; a lens through which they observe and interpret life. The theologian sees creation with a creator. The scientist sees creation without one. Today Dr. John speaks to the differing perspectives and points to the central issue. "In the beginning, God created..."Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning h...
It's been said that God has written two books. The voice of Scripture and the voice of creation. Both declare the glory of God and do not contradict. Dr. John today points to the example of Galileo to demonstrate that the tension between science and faith is only perceived, not actual. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning...
The story of Jesus is rooted in the four gospels. So naturally one has to ask, "How reliable are the four gospels?" Can we trust the written record of Jesus? Today Dr. John walks us through 6 reasons to trust the reliability of the gospels. The six reasons do not automatically lead to faith, but they demonstrate that the record of Jesus is a reliable foundation to stand upon. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to an...
Fishermen have the reputation for exaggerated stories. Minnows can become whales! Is that what happened to the story of Jesus? Are the gospels exaggerated accounts? Today Dr. John reminds us that the historical Jesus and the biblical Jesus are the same. Disbelief and skepticism are often rooted in personal bias and agenda. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practi...
Often in our defense of the gospel, we wind up defending the wrong things. We argue for the church, denominations, church history or personal lifestyle. But we ought to be speaking about Jesus. In today's message, Dr. John looks at 7 mistakes about Jesus that are common in our day.Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how ...
Apologetics is the field of theology which offers a defense of the gospel. Dr. John reminds us from 1 Peter that the first best defense is not an argument, but a Christian life that is grace filled, gentle and courageous. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into learning how to defend your faith. This series will help believers addre...
In our witness, we focus on the central question of Jesus' death and resurrection. Of course, that is central to the gospel. Dr. John reminds us to address other questions even before the matter of faith. There is debris that needs to be cleared to offer an unobstructed path to faith in Jesus. Defending the Faith: When we enter into spiritual conversations with non-believers, all kinds of questions can arise. Often Christians are asked hard questions; questions that take some insight, thought, and time to answer. In this 3-week series, Dr. Neufeld offers practical and biblical insight into ...
We have whittled the word "encouragement" down to a good feeling, a lifting of spirits. But it is more. Encouragement means to nurture courage. Listen as Dr. John brings the epsitle of 2 Thessalonians to an end with Paul's words of courage for them - and for us.Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and affliction, a persevering hope. 2nd Thessalonians is written to give suffering Christia...
It may be that on a Monday morning you ask yourself, "Why am I going to work?" If we are just working for a paycheque, our motivation can wane. Today Dr. John reminds us of both God's intent for work and His blessing upon it.Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and affliction, a persevering hope. 2nd Thessalonians is written to give suffering Christians a reason to remain steadfast. Hope...
Life is not a dash but a marathon. Faith for today must stretch into all of our tomorrows. How can we persevere to the finish line? Dr. John echoes Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians. Listen and take hope. Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and affliction, a persevering hope. 2nd Thessalonians is written to give suffering Christians a reason to remain steadfast. Hope is the fuel...
When things are hard and we're told that they are going to get worse, we may wonder if we can endure. How do we not feel overwhelmed? Dr. John points to three truths that fortify us in the midst of trouble.Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and affliction, a persevering hope. 2nd Thessalonians is written to give suffering Christians a reason to remain steadfast. Hope is the fuel for pe...
The capacity for human evil seems unbounded. We can be shocked by the wrong that people do. And yet - God is restraining the evil on earth. What will be when that restraint is lifted? Today Dr. John speaks of the lawless time to come, but with this encouragement. Regardless of the rise of sin, Jesus remains Lord over all creation.Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and affliction, a per...
We learn to discern the signs of a storm. Thick clouds, strong winds, distant thunder. Are there signs of Jesus' return? Dr. John points to three signs of immanence for Jesus' second coming. The signs do not offer a date, but suggest a nearness that invites preparation. Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and affliction, a persevering hope. 2nd Thessalonians is written to give suffering...
In matters of mystery, speculation thrives. The fact of Jesus' return is no mystery, but the timing of it is; so some speculate with wild theories. Paul cautions the Thessalonians (and us) to not get carried away with false claims. We rest in the certainty and hope of His return. We live ready. Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and affliction, a persevering hope. 2nd Thessalonians is ...
The return of Jesus is the goosebump hope of all believers. But it is more. It is also the assured accountability of this world. Jesus returns to administer justice. Dr. John reminds us of what that justice is. It is a fearsome warning to all unbelievers. Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and affliction, a persevering hope. 2nd Thessalonians is written to give suffering Christians a r...
Our expectations for justice in society will be disappointed. Our ideal is not wrong, just premature. Today's message carries a reminder from Paul, that while injustice is evident in our day, there will be a day when wrongs are made right. Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and affliction, a persevering hope. 2nd Thessalonians is written to give suffering Christians a reason to remain ...
We can endure through hardship if there is a reason. That applies to diets, long night shifts, exam week or cancer treatment. Purpose gives rise to perseverence. That is true of our faith as well. Dr. John teaches from 2 Thessaloninans on the reason for endurance of believers. The future return of our Lord is cause for joy and endurance today. Persevering in Hope: In order to persevere through any trial, hardship, persecution, affliction you have to believe that things will get better. Under such conditions, Paul writes this letter of hope to the church in a dark time of persecution and aff...