Episodes
It is a marvelous mystery that the fullness of Deity resides within the physical being of Jesus. Added to that mystery is this - all that Jesus is, dwells in your physical being as a believer. Whatever lack or shortfall we sense within ourselves is enveloped by this truth. We may not be what we should be nor what we will be, but in this moment, we are complete in Jesus Christ. Take hope in that.The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the ...
There have been instances where someone wins a very large sum of money through a lottery ticket, and then continues to buy more tickets! What could they possibly need, having been so enriched in the first place? Dr. John asks the same question about Christians. Having received an immeasurable, eternal treasure in Jesus through grace, some still seek more beyond Him. They are in danger of losing something precious - their gratitude and praise for what Jesus has given.The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can...
Anyone can be tricked; but that can be easily reversed with better information. Not so with delusions. Delusions are rooted deep within us and create personal blind spots resistant to instruction. Dr. John points to the only remedy for delusions - a heart that is sensitive and growing upon the riches of Jesus Christ. Delusions are not cured just through better information - we need heart change. The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the...
The work of Jesus is fulfilled. His atonement for our sin is complete. So, what does Paul mean when he says that he fills up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions? Listen as Dr. John sorts through our confusion. The finished work of Jesus is an on-going message that we carry to our world. For that, we suffer. The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Je...
A small word can carry a big difference. When we hear the word "If," we recognize that the family trip or house purchase may happen, or it may not. "If" suggests a conditional context. Listen as Dr. John teaches on the "if" Paul uses in relation to our salvation. The word is not meant to introduce doubt, but confidence and hope. The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at underst...
Have you ever wondered what the early church sang? What were their songs of faith about? We find in the first chapter of Colossians an early hymn. The song is about Jesus, who He is and what He has done. It's a song about creation and redemption. Listen as Dr. John walks us through the second verse of that hymn. It is a song of joy and peace we can echo today!The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of...
The best way to understand Christianity is not a study of world religions, churches, or individual believers. To learn about Christianity, we must learn about Christ. We ought to begin with Jesus, because in Jesus, everything begins. Here Dr. John teaches on the supremacy of Jesus over all created things. Only when we understand Jesus does the rest of the world make sense. The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authenti...
When we think about knowing God's will for our lives, we tend to consider the major decisions of marriage, career, moving or staying. Today Dr. John teaches that the will of God is broader than specific decisions. The will of God is something we live out daily. Listen to Paul's prayer for the Colossians and the four requests he prays to help them understand the will of God for their life, and ours. The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern ...
Nothing on earth is perfect. We must wait for heaven to be all that we should be. But until then, we often focus only on what is wrong. Our attention to what needs change can blind us to all that is good. Dr. John reminds us of Paul's first word to a church wavering on heresy - a prayer of gratitude. It's a good example for church leaders, parents, employees, and citizens - be grateful and pray. The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the...
It is harder today to know what is real. Artificial intelligence allows for false voices, photos, or videos to masquerade as true. It's getting difficult to discern the manufactured reality. Of course, this is not new. The Devil deals with lies and parades as an angel of light. Colossians is a book that compels us to examine the truth about Jesus and ourselves. Listen as Dr. John teaches us to not only recognize the truth, but to share it.The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our ...
Truth must be spoken and lived, understood and practiced. Knowing the science of balance is one thing, riding a bicycle is another. Paul outlines the facts of the gospel in Romans 1-4, but he then speaks of the power of the gospel in us, chapters 5-8. Today, Dr. John reviews the effect of this good news in the lives and actions of believers. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of G...
A toddler in the arms of their parent may hold tightly, afraid of falling on steep declines or across busy roads. They think that security is in their grip on mom or dad. The truth is, their security is not in their little arms, but the loving arms of the parent. In today's message we find that the security and perseverance of our souls into glory is in the work and grip of God. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 ...
It's not hard to look around and count the challenges, obstacles or opposition that presses against our faith. We may feel outnumbered and overwhelmed. But as Dr. John reminds us in this message, it is not who is against us, but who is for us! A stirring message of hope that nothing can stand against us because of Jesus Christ. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which enabl...
A chain is a series of connected links whose strength is as strong as each individual link. Dr. John teaches from Romans 8 on the theological chain forged by God which holds us to Him, His purposes, and our destiny. This Golden Chain of 5 links has the strength of God. No believer needs ever fear that it will break. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which enables us to liv...
Believers are not immune to the pains of life. People of faith get sick, die in accidents, and can lose their jobs. Today Dr. John teaches on the promise of hope from Romans 8:28. Our confidence rests not in luck or our ability to avoid life's struggles. We trust in God who is at work in everything for good. Take heart, God is in control.The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God w...
No believer prays alone. We enjoy the fellowship of prayer with others. But even when by ourselves, we never pray alone. Dr. John reminds us of the ministry of God the Spirit. He intercedes for us and prays when our mind or heart are limited. The Spirit stands with us and guides us into the will of God. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which enables us to live with victor...
Ice cream parlours often allow you to sample a flavour before you buy. That does two things. It assures you that you'll enjoy the flavour, but it also heightens your desire to buy. Few are satisfied by simply tasting. Dr. John echoes Paul's teaching that by the Spirit, believers receive a foretaste of what we will be in glory. We groan for more. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace ...
The redemption found in Jesus Christ covers all of creation. Even as the whole of creation was stained by sin, so the whole of creation looks to the renewal of God in Jesus. Dr. John reminds us that the efforts of man to prevent and renew the ecology fall short. God Himself will make the earth and all creation exactly as He intended - all for His glory. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerfu...
There are unavoidable truths in life. No matter who you are, where you are or how you live; they are inescapable. Suffering is one of those facts. Today, Dr. John speaks of our present suffering in light of our coming glory. When the certainty of current suffering and promise of future glory are compared, glory shines brighter. Since that is true, if our present sufferings are real, how great the coming glory must be!The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series...
We can become family by birth. We can become family by adoption. God has done both for us. He grants us new life in Jesus, but then He does more. He makes us His family by the Spirit - sons and daughters of God. Dr. John teaches on the abundant graces that have been granted to us. He has offered more to us than could be imagined. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which ena...
When hitting a baseball or riding a bicycle, this principle applies; "You go where you look." Our bodies will follow our gaze, when swinging at a pitch or navigating a sharp turn. Today Dr. John reminds us that a similar principle is at work in our spiritual growth. When our minds and vision are set on the things of God, we will follow the leading of the Spirt. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the...
The freedom of our salvation is reflected in various ways. We are freed from the weight of Law as a means of righteousness. We are freed from death as penalty for our sins. We are freed from the accusations of our guilt. Today, Dr. John teaches that we are freed to live this new life by the ministry of the Spirit. God has made a way.The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which ...
Paul has described a battle with sin in Romans 7, which is our common experience. But there is a shift in Romans 8. The language moves from what we do, to what the Spirit of God does for us. It is a chapter of victorious hope which begins with a declaration: in Jesus Christ, we are not condemned! Listen and take heart. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which enables us to ...
The struggle with sin is real within every believer. We are not excused from the battle, even as new creations in Christ. Listen as Dr. John teaches on this pivotal passage from Rom.7:14-25. It will not only reflect a tension we understand, but offer us hope. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which enables us to live with victory, joy and peace. To those who feel defeated...
To be married is both a sate and an experience. The state of marriage is evident by the marriage licence, but the experience of marriage is lived out daily, good or bad. What is a believer’s relationship to sin? The death and resurrection of Jesus has granted us a certificate of forgiveness and freedom. The experience of a believer may be a daily struggle with sin. Listen today as Dr. John teaches about sin the life of a believer. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this...
A sinful life is complicated and messy. It creates confusion and disorder; so much so, that people struggle to find a clear path out of their web of sins. Dr. John teaches from Romans 7 that the benefit of the Law is clarity. It both defines what is wrong and points to what is right. It is a light in our darkness. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which enables us to live ...
Rules have their place. They regulate our streets to promote our safety. But rules of the road can't make a good driver. You need more than rules for that. Today Dr. John explores the role of the Law for Christians. What is our relationship to the rules of the Old Testament? We'll find that the Law is not a pathway for holiness; the Spirit is. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of...
Our society talks a lot about freedom but is in servitude to things or situations. Entertainment, possessions, popularity, power, greed - any of these hold sway over many. Today Dr. John echoes Paul's words from Rom.6, we are all slaves to either God or sin. Servitude isn't the question; but the quality of our Master is. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which enables us t...
When significant changes happen in life, we can't live as if they didn't. A bachelor shouldn't live as a single after marriage. A house you sold isn't yours to enter at will. Dr. John teaches of the changes made in us through Jesus Christ. We are no longer under sin's power or authority. We'd be foolish to live as if we were.The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which enables ...
We struggle with the grace of God. It is so beyond our defaults that we struggle to understand it. "Doesn't too much grace invite us to sin recklessly?" That is the question Dr. John addresses as he continues teaching from Romans 6. We will find that grace not only leads to life, but to holiness. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel of Jesus has the power to save us by granting us eternal life. The gospel also has power for us to live this new life. In this 5-week series, Dr. John Neufeld explores Romans 5-8 and focuses on the powerful grace of God which enables us to live with victory, joy ...