Episodes
It's common when we make a journey to plan the details by our own wishes. We map the route and choose the hotels. Today Dr. John reminds us that while Israel journeyed for 40 years in the wilderness, they were still led by the will of God. Despite their rebellion, He graced with His guidance. They continually faced the choice, "God's way or our way." The lessons of faith and submission were always before them. Just like us. Renewing the Covenant: A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vows, but a refreshed commitment in a new time and plac...
Video games give multiple lives. Golfers can claim a "mulligans." Some stores grant time in which you can exchange your purchases. But many of our decisions are irreversible with consequences we cannot avoid. Israel decided to disobey at Kadesh Barnea. They reaped the death of an entire generation in the wilderness. Would they want a "re-do" if they knew the outcome? For them and us, sin always leaves a stain. God help us to respond with faithful obedience at the very start. Renewing the Covenant: A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vow...
Opportunities can be met with anything from gullibility to cynicism. But there is something else we need to consider, the spectrum of fear to faith. At the doorstep of the promised land, Moses reminded his current generation of how the previous generation failed. Their faith gave way to their fears. Listen as Dr. John points to the three warning signs that our fear is louder than our faith. Renewing the Covenant: A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vows, but a refreshed commitment in a new time and place, perhaps with deeper devotion. D...
We can all point to missed opportunities in our lives. A job we turned down. An investment we didn't make. A friendship we ignored. While we may have regrets, it is an entirely different matter if we spurn God's invitation. Despite the promise of God, the urging of Moses and the evidence of "milk and honey," Israel rejected God's opportunity before them. Renewing the Covenant: A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vows, but a refreshed commitment in a new time and place, perhaps with deeper devotion. Deuteronomy is a renewal of God's cove...
Early in Deuteronomy, Moses established a system of judges among the people. It was not simply for administrative reasons alone. The concern was not for efficiency, but justice. The judges were to be impartial, honest and submissive to the purposes of God. Dr. John points out that the qualifications of these men are criteria for all leadership. In our government, communities and churches, God's standard remains the same.Renewing the Covenant: A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vows, but a refreshed commitment in a new time and place, ...
In our day, there is significant skepticism about leaders. Corruption, failure and broken promises have diminished both our respect and appreciation for leadership. The example of Moses redeems the role of leader. Today Dr. John points to Moses, not as a hero, but as God's provision for the nation - a cause for blessing among the people.Renewing the Covenant: A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vows, but a refreshed commitment in a new time and place, perhaps with deeper devotion. Deuteronomy is a renewal of God's covenant with Israel. ...
When rowing a boat, you face the stern. In other words, you move forward by looking backwards. Before a new generation enters the promised land, Moses reminds them of God's past words and actions. It is more than a history lesson. Every generation must embrace God's promises on their own. The ultimate question is not about what Israel did - but what we will do with the promises of God. Renewing the Covenant: A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vows, but a refreshed commitment in a new time and place, perhaps with deeper devotion. Deuter...
Israel had failed to keep the Sinai Covenant. They feared to trust God when standing on the border of the land of promise. In consequence, they wandered for 40 years, and a new generation arose. Deuteronomy is a series of three sermons Moses preached as they approached the promised land once more. God was inviting them to covenantal faithfulness. Despite their past failures, God extends His promise again. Deuteronomy is about repeated grace.Renewing the Covenant: A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vows, but a refreshed commitment in a...
Some Christians struggle with their relationship to the Law, as presented in the Old Testament. Some ignore the Law and claim to be "freed" from it. Others see it as a manual towards godly living. Today Dr. John outlines the intent and benefit of the Law for us all. A correct understanding demonstrates that while the Law is not our master nor our strength, it is a teacher and signpost for the Spirit's work.Renewing the Covenant: A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vows, but a refreshed commitment in a new time and place, perhaps with de...
Our minds struggle to take in eternity. For us now, all earthly things have a beginning and an end. It's hard to imagine an existence in a time and place that continues forever. Dr. John points us to the infinity of heaven, in both time and space. We will suffer no loss and share God's delight. It will be the best we could ever know without diminishment or conclusion. Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to God, who dwells in eternity and knows. Listen to Dr. ...
What will we do in heaven? Endless picnics, golf games, hikes through the forest and flying through the clouds? Dr. John elevates our understanding. Our dominion over the earth will be restored and we will exercise authority and judgement as God in the name of Jesus. Lest you think that such an earthly picture is too confined, remember, the universe is large and Christ rules over every bit of it. We will rule with Him. Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to Go...
Our curiosity about the environment of heaven is understandable. We want to know what the celestial neighbourhood is like! But Dr. John reminds us today that the delight of heaven is not in the descriptive details. God is the center of all that heaven will be and all that we will be about. We will see God face to face and nothing will grant more joy than that. Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to God, who dwells in eternity and knows. Listen to Dr. John’s 10...
Often people think of eternity as only a spiritual dimension. But heaven will not be filled with floating souls. We will have faces with smiles, arms and legs that move us. We will be physically resurrected for eternity. Today Dr. John answers our questions and dispels many of our myths about our future physical state. Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to God, who dwells in eternity and knows. Listen to Dr. John’s 10-message series on “Heaven.” You will fin...
Many people think of heaven simply as an extension of earth, only better! Today Dr. John speaks of heaven and earth as a new work of God. There will be a new earth, transformed from the old. Heaven will no longer be distant but descended upon earth. The lives of God's people will be filled with unending love, joy, creativity, peace, and worship for the One who has done it all.Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to God, who dwells in eternity and knows. Listen...
Once we really understand how much better it is to be in God’s presence when we die, it can transform our outlook on life here on earth.Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to God, who dwells in eternity and knows. Listen to Dr. John’s 10-message series on “Heaven.” You will find that, while God doesn’t answer every one of our curious questions, He speaks truth to grant us salvation and hope.
Once we really understand how much better it is to be in God’s presence when we die, it can transform our outlook on life here on earth.Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to God, who dwells in eternity and knows. Listen to Dr. John’s 10-message series on “Heaven.” You will find that, while God doesn’t answer every one of our curious questions, He speaks truth to grant us salvation and hope.
Once we really understand how much better it is to be in God’s presence when we die, it can transform our outlook on life here on earth.Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to God, who dwells in eternity and knows. Listen to Dr. John’s 10-message series on “Heaven.” You will find that, while God doesn’t answer every one of our curious questions, He speaks truth to grant us salvation and hope.
It is God alone who has the power to determine our eternal destiny.Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to God, who dwells in eternity and knows. Listen to Dr. John’s 10-message series on “Heaven.” You will find that, while God doesn’t answer every one of our curious questions, He speaks truth to grant us salvation and hope.
Dr. John Neufeld provides a firm biblical foundation for how Christians should rightly understand the subject of Heaven and death.Heaven: Everyone wants to know what happens at the end of life and beyond. There are fanciful descriptions, hopeful expectations and wild imaginations. Better to listen to God, who dwells in eternity and knows. Listen to Dr. John’s 10-message series on “Heaven.” You will find that, while God doesn’t answer every one of our curious questions, He speaks truth to grant us salvation and hope.
It is easy, too easy, to focus on those opposed to us. We are prone to devising tactics against them. Today we hear Jesus say that there are not as many enemies as we imagine, and those that truly are enemies do not require our vengeance. What is required is to follow Jesus in absolute surrender - even if it means a cross.Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them accordingly. Jesus is different. He responded not to stereotypes, but to people. He reached out to those who were on the periphery of cultural acceptance. ...
We all want to succeed. We want our lives to matter, to make a difference, even to glorify God. But our hopes for success can morph into a need to succeed. We can become competitive and vain. Repeatedly Jesus teaches the 12 about humility. In today's passage Dr. John points to the limitations of the disciples and shows Jesus turning to a child as the example for our souls. Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them accordingly. Jesus is different. He responded not to stereotypes, but to people. He reached out to thos...
Have you ever looked at someone you knew and saw them in a new light? Perhaps you see your son/daughter, no longer as a child, but a parent caring for their own children. Maybe your spouse is publicly honoured for a significant achievement. In these situations, your understanding grows of the one you know. Dr. John walks us through the transfiguration of Jesus. The disciples saw Jesus in a new light. They saw Him as He was, is and always will be - the glorious Son of God. Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them ac...
Anyone who follows Jesus learns quickly that the path is not smooth. The experience of discipleship is more than hard, it is a self-sacrifice. Dr. John reminds and repeats Jesus' call to pick up our cross. Whatever is forfeited can't be compared to what is gained.Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them accordingly. Jesus is different. He responded not to stereotypes, but to people. He reached out to those who were on the periphery of cultural acceptance. In this series from Luke 7-9, Dr. John will show how Jesus d...
Many feel deep compassion for the hungry. Hearts are moved with sympathy for those on street corners or starving refugees of war. The disciples were empathetic for the hungry crowds that followed Jesus. But they had only one recourse - send them away to find food. Jesus had another answer. Jesus has both compassion and power. Today we learn that we can do more than sympathize. Jesus works through us for the needs of our world.Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them accordingly. Jesus is different. He responded not...
It is one thing to enjoy a piano concert from a virtuoso. It's quite another to be invited to the keyboard and asked to play along with him. That's what Jesus does for His disciples. Dr. John teaches on their apprenticeship to do the very things they saw Jesus doing. Jesus has power to work His will through them - through us as well.Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them accordingly. Jesus is different. He responded not to stereotypes, but to people. He reached out to those who were on the periphery of cultural a...
When we are pushed to our limit and then called to go even further, we wonder how it is possible. But faith can be stretched. Dr. John teaches about Jairus and his ailing daughter. The synagogue ruler went to Jesus believing that He could help her in her sickness. When news arrived of her death, Jesus invited him to believe even more! Jesus has power to do what we ask, and then to do more than we can ever imagine.Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them accordingly. Jesus is different. He responded not to stereotyp...
The woman had been sick for 12 years and found no medical help. She gave doctors all her money and got nothing in return. When she reached out to Jesus with faith, she was made well in an instant. Today, Dr. John teaches on the sufficiency and power of simple faith. To trust Him in all circumstance is the secret of peace.Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them accordingly. Jesus is different. He responded not to stereotypes, but to people. He reached out to those who were on the periphery of cultural acceptance. I...
Christians believe in the supernatural. We trust in a God we cannot see and hold on to faith for our future. So, it shouldn't shock us that the demonic world is real and active, despite being mocked by our world. Luke portrays Jesus confronting the powers of darkness to bring healing and serenity to a tortured body and mind. For some, the healing of a possessed man stirred fear and distance from Jesus. For the man, he had cause to proclaim to all the mercy and power of God.Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them a...
Some like to bargain. They negotiate their price on a car and haggle at the farmer's market. God does not bargain. We come to Him on His terms and submit to His authority. In this section of Luke, Dr. John teaches the supremacy of Jesus over our secret motives, family relationships and even the forces of nature. To come to Jesus is to surrender. In doing so, we find more than we could ever bargain for.Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them accordingly. Jesus is different. He responded not to stereotypes, but to p...
Jesus never travelled alone. He was accompanied by the 12 men He appointed as Apostles, but also by many women. That was rare for the culture of His day. When Jesus spoke publicly of the parable of the Sower, Seed and Soil, those who followed Him were privately let in on the mystery and secrets of His teaching. Dr. John reminds us that it is the committed followers of Jesus who understand the truths of the Kingdom. Jesus, Unexpected Encounters: We think we know people. We put them into boxes of our expectations and then treat them accordingly. Jesus is different. He responded not to stereot...