Episodes
It's the secret to learning the piano, running a marathon or having a successful marriage. It's called "endurance." One scale at a time, keep your legs moving and offer love and grace each day. Endurance means to keep consistent over the long haul. That applies to our spiritual walk as well. Dr. John offers three keys to endurance of our faith, by which we persevere into glory. Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ignore the principles and patterns of the "Old Covenant." The author of Hebrews does not. The Old Covenant is mandatory to ...
Our culture suggests that sin is a small matter with minimal consequence. God doesn't agree. Today, Dr. John speaks of a warning from Hebrews that jars us. It is a message of hope, not because it makes sin small, but because the truth guides us on a path of life.Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ignore the principles and patterns of the "Old Covenant." The author of Hebrews does not. The Old Covenant is mandatory to understand the New Covenant. These two great promises must be held together. In this 10-message series from Hebrews, Dr...
A hypocrite wears a mask. It's a mask that hides defaults and conforms to surrounding expectations. In playing a role, hypocrites live fragmented lives. In Jesus, believers can abandon their masks. The grace of forgiveness and His new life in us allows us to drop pretence and live authentically. We are free to draw near to Him, press on with confidence and experience genuine love in community. We become real.Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ignore the principles and patterns of the "Old Covenant." The author of Hebrews does not. The...
If we can't be good, we try to appear good. We do and say the right things to mask our internal failures. But appearing good can never replace obedience. Nothing replaces our need to do the will of God. It's an impossible task for us. But Jesus always does the will of the Father. Through Him, our requirement for obedience is fulfilled. Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ignore the principles and patterns of the "Old Covenant." The author of Hebrews does not. The Old Covenant is mandatory to understand the New Covenant. These two great...
It's our default to manage our lives. We try to control the direction and outcomes of our thoughts, words, and deeds. We even try to manage our sin problem by fixing it, balancing the bad with the good or trying to outrun our sin with a fresh start. Dr. John teaches that we can't manage our sins away. Even the sacrifices of Old Covenant could not solve the problem of sin. Only a perfect Saviour has the power to put an end to sin.Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ignore the principles and patterns of the "Old Covenant." The author of ...
Modern sensitivities would want to shape Christianity into a bloodless code of morality. The Bible prohibits it. Christianity is founded upon, "Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins." Listen as Dr. John teaches about the necessity of not just Jesus' death, but the shedding of His blood. By that sacrifice, we are forgiven.Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ignore the principles and patterns of the "Old Covenant." The author of Hebrews does not. The Old Covenant is mandatory to understand the New Covenant. These t...
Distract. Deny. Desensitize. These are the ways many cope with guilt and shame. On our own, we have no remedy to silence our guilty conscience except distract, deny, desensitize. But God has the answer. Today, Dr. John teaches on the grace of a clear, cleansed conscience. It is found in the sufficiency of Jesus. Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ignore the principles and patterns of the "Old Covenant." The author of Hebrews does not. The Old Covenant is mandatory to understand the New Covenant. These two great promises must be held t...
We are quick to criticize the old once something new arrives. The new car reminds us of how antiquated our old car was! From Hebrews 9, Dr. John teaches on the value of the old covenant, even when the new one has come. The first covenant proclaimed that our sin creates a barrier between us and a holy God. That distance can only be crossed by God's initiative and God's design. Jesus is the only access for sinners to stand before our righteous Creator.Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ignore the principles and patterns of the "Old Cove...
A covenant is a promise. It is the assurance of what will be. So why did God give two covenants to His people, the "Old and the New?" Dr. John teaches from Hebrews 8 to compare the covenants God has made. The new covenant is not a changing of purpose or a contradiction of the old. The covenant made by Jesus in His blood fulfills and enlarges what God had promised at Sinai. The covenant of Calvary grants the assurance of justice and grace.Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ignore the principles and patterns of the "Old Covenant." The a...
Every collector knows that the real item is of more value than a copy of it. The book of Hebrews repeats this central truth. The priestly ministry of sacrifices in an earthly sanctuary are symbols that point to the ultimate ministry of Jesus for us all. Dr. John reminds us that symbols are worthy only if they point us to what is real - the full and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus for our sin. Our confidence for redemption lies in genuine sacrifice and service of our true High Priest - Jesus Christ. Jesus, Our Sacrifice: The God of promises has given two great covenants. Today many tend to ign...
To understand the forest, you can't go tree by tree. Trees vary in size, colour, and structure. Is the forest filled with contradictions? Of course not. We understand the whole by the particulars and the particulars by the whole. The same is true of Bible teaching. We need to understand the specifics by understanding the whole of Scripture. Dr. John presents his last criteria for good Bible teaching. Teaching you can trust rests on the inerrancy of God's Word and embraces the whole of God's truth.Bible Teaching You Can Trust: Too often, Christians evaluate preachers and teachers without und...
It is said that the best way to discern counterfeit currency is to be very familiar with what real currency looks like. If you know the genuine, the false is readily identified. If we are to recognize Bible teaching that is false or imbalanced, we need to be personally familiar with the Scriptures. Today Dr. John calls us to a personal commitment of Bible reading and study of the Scriptures. If we do not have a first-hand taste of the Bible, we can be fed anything.Bible Teaching You Can Trust: Too often, Christians evaluate preachers and teachers without understanding the criteria by which ...
Today’s society seems to be driven by polls. Decisions and direction are determined by the voice of the majority. Polls set political agenda, marketing strategy and community development. But polls must not determine Biblical teaching. Dr. John reminds us that Bible teaching tied to the voice of a generation will become dated. The truth of God's Word is the only sure and reliable guide for life and eternity. Bible Teaching You Can Trust: Too often, Christians evaluate preachers and teachers without understanding the criteria by which they are evaluating. We like them, or don’t like them. So...
Some approach the Bible like a set of instructions for life, emphasizing what we should do. We ought to obey the 10 commandments, slay the Goliaths of our life and remain as faithful as Daniel. Their instruction focuses on our efforts and abilities. But the Bible is about God's grace rather than our efforts. Dr. John reminds us that good Bible teaching is about the actions of God, not the efforts of humanity. Bible Teaching You Can Trust: Too often, Christians evaluate preachers and teachers without understanding the criteria by which they are evaluating. We like them, or don’t like them. S...
If a love letter is all about the thoughts and feelings of the author, you may wonder if the letter is misguided. Shouldn't the letter be about the beloved? Much of today's Bible teaching is like that. Sermons are filled with our own concerns and problems. But shouldn't Bible teaching be about God? Today Dr. John reminds us that Bible teaching you can trust keeps God center stage. The Bible is not a "How to?" manual, but a testament to His glory.Bible Teaching You Can Trust: Too often, Christians evaluate preachers and teachers without understanding the criteria by which they are evaluating...
Psalm 22 was written by David to convey a struggling time in his life. We can identify with his words when we too encounter troubles. Today Dr. John reminds us that the ultimate subject of this Psalm is Jesus Christ. The sufferings of Jesus become not simply a means of sympathy for us, but the deliverance from sin, over death, for all eternity. He is our Saviour. Never Alone: Isolation is a problem in our society. Many feel alone and distant from one another. But when you are in pain, the isolation is accentuated. Nothing makes suffering more difficult than feeling that you must bear it alo...
It's hard to imagine that our difficult times can become a cause of encouragement for others. Yet, you know that it is true. The story of God's deliverance for us becomes hope and joy to those who hear. Listen as Dr. John teaches on David's experience. He was isolated in trouble, but shared God's rescue as cause for community celebration. Never Alone: Isolation is a problem in our society. Many feel alone and distant from one another. But when you are in pain, the isolation is accentuated. Nothing makes suffering more difficult than feeling that you must bear it alone. But we are never alon...
The world can be a dangerous place. There are dangers we see and try to avoid. There are unseen dangers that we are susceptible to because of our ignorance. In Psalm 22 David sees that he is surrounded by enemies like bulls and lions - powerful, terrifying. He calls to God for deliverance. Listen as Dr. John teaches that despite our vulnerable places - we are safe with God.Never Alone: Isolation is a problem in our society. Many feel alone and distant from one another. But when you are in pain, the isolation is accentuated. Nothing makes suffering more difficult than feeling that you must b...
To be forsaken is bad. To be betrayed is worse. In Psalm 22 David thinks of those that have turned their backs to him. They have treated him as if he was valueless. But since God created him, David has value before God. Dr. John reminds each of us that regardless of how others treat us, we find our hope and approval in God. Never Alone: Isolation is a problem in our society. Many feel alone and distant from one another. But when you are in pain, the isolation is accentuated. Nothing makes suffering more difficult than feeling that you must bear it alone. But we are never alone! This 5-messa...
Psalm 22 is a song about suffering unjustly. It tells the experience of King David. It points to the innocent suffering of Jesus. Perhaps it echoes your own experience. Today, Dr. John begins to unpack this song and reminds each of us that we are not alone. Our pains may tell us that God is distant. Our faith whispers that He is near. Never Alone: Isolation is a problem in our society. Many feel alone and distant from one another. But when you are in pain, the isolation is accentuated. Nothing makes suffering more difficult than feeling that you must bear it alone. But we are never alone! T...
It is readily granted that resurrection sounds too good to be true! In fact, alive from the dead can sound like a fable. But it is no fable. Dr. John walks us through the undeniable evidence for Jesus' resurrection. From the fact of an empty tomb. testimony of eye witnesses and the life changing impact upon believers, the evidence of Jesus' resurrection is credible to believe. It is a foundation for faith. The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is central to Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Chri...
Death is the inevitability that we all must face. We may try to delay it with healthy regiments and medical procedures - but death arrives for everyone. We are powerless before it. Jesus is not. His resurrection is a victory cry over the grave. Today Dr. John reminds us that while death visits everyone, at His second coming Jesus shares His victory with us all. We shall be raised. The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is central to Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this series of messa...
Corruption and decay are laws of this world. A tree grows, falls and turns back to the earth. Time brings a decline to everything and everyone that ends in death. That is the natural order. But resurrection is supernatural. Dr. John teaches on God's great reversal of what has always been. Corruption becomes incorruptible. Weakness becomes power. Death becomes glorious life.The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is central to Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this series of messages, Dr....
It's understandable that some of the Corinthians had questions about the resurrection, even as we do. Paul taught the certainty of physical resurrection both for Jesus and us. Despite the clarity of this truth, some mystery remains. Dr. John teaches of three metaphors Paul uses to describe the resurrection. A seed and a plant. The variety of life on earth. The glory of the sun and moon. Listen as each illustration points to the wonders of our resurrection. The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is c...
Resurrection is an event of the past. It also points to our eternal future. But what implication does it have for the present? What difference does the resurrection make for the now? Today Dr. John points to implications of the resurrection for our moral lives. We will find both motivation and hope for godly living. Without the resurrection, we might as well live for today. But the fact of the resurrections leads us to a strong moral center. The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is central to Easte...
We are not simply products of our past. We are shaped by our future. The hope of the resurrection impacts our living today. It grants courage and perseverance to battle for God's Kingdom in the now. It offers comfort and confidence through the victory of our Lord. It assures us that death itself will be defeated for us all.The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is central to Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this series of messages, Dr. John teaches through 1 Corinthians 15 and demonstr...
It would not be hard to convince someone about the certainty of death. It is all around us and undeniable. Paul uses the reality of death passed to all humanity from Adam as certainty of the resurrection promised us in Jesus Christ. All in Jesus Christ will be raised.The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is central to Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this series of messages, Dr. John teaches through 1 Corinthians 15 and demonstrates the certainty and centrality of Jesus' physical resu...
Do you believe in life after death? If so, what type of life do we have after death? As Paul responds to the questions and misunderstandings among the Corinthians about the resurrection, he focuses on the fact of physical resurrection. Listen as Dr. John offers seven reasons why physical resurrection is necessary for Jesus Christ and our own hope. The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is central to Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this series of messages, Dr. John teaches through 1 Co...
If a confused hiker who has lost his way starts wandering down every path, they are likely to get more lost. It is better to get your bearings and stand on what you know. Then you can find your way. Today Dr. John teaches on the bearings Paul reminded the Corinthians of. Jesus' death. Eyewitnesses to His resurrection. The transformation of His followers. These are our bearings as well.The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is central to Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this series of m...
Before Paul begins to explain the resurrection to the Corinthians, he focuses on the death of Jesus Christ. It stands to reason. There can't be a resurrection unless there is a death. But Paul wants the Corinthians to grip the importance of Jesus' death - in fact it is of first importance. Listen as Dr. John speaks of the penal, substitutionary atonement of Jesus. Our faith rests upon it.The Resurrection: Like Christmas, our society has added cultural symbols to Easter. Lilies, bunnies, and chocolate. Of course, what is central to Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this series o...