Episodes
If Hebrews is written to persuade Christian Jews to not return to Judaic ways, what is its relevance to us? While many references to the priesthood of the Old Testament may seem opaque to us, this truth stands. We all need a Priest to intercede for us. Jesus is our High Priest who ushers us before the Father. Listen as Dr. John teaches why Jesus is superior above all. Let these truths be cause for our firm faith and joyous worship to our Lord.Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest offers prayers, sacrifices, and makes intercessions on beh...
Given a choice, we would prefer the convenience of cell phones instead of looking for a phone booth. We are glad that electric lights have replaced kerosene lamps. That which is obsolete ceases to be necessary or helpful. The Judaic priesthood ended in 70 AD with the destruction of the temple. Dr. John explains that the imperfect passes so the perfect may remain. The High Priesthood of Jesus is eternally perfect, offering us hope which never passes away.Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest offers prayers, sacrifices, and makes intercess...
People may cheer for the same team year after year, despite a consistent losing record. You may applaud their consistency, but the fact is, they never taste victory. Today Dr. John speaks of the Priesthood of Jesus, after the order of Melchizedek, doing what the priesthood of Aaron could never do. The superior has surpassed the inferior. The eternal replaces the temporal. Why does it matter? Because only in Jesus is victory assured.Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest offers prayers, sacrifices, and makes intercessions on behalf of the ...
Hebrews establishes that Jesus is our Great High Priest. But there are some questions the readers need addressed. Jesus was not from the tribe of Levi, but of Judah. How could Jesus be a High Priest when He was not from the priestly tribe? Hebrews points to a different order of priests - the priesthood of Melchizedek. Who was he? Dr. John explains who he was and why his priesthood is greater than that of Levi. Jesus is not disqualified as High Priest but magnified greater than any earthly priesthood.Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest ...
What's the ground on which hope stands? Is it a natural sunny disposition? Is hope the product of a "charmed life" or reading the circumstances around you in the best light possible? If hope is simply an expression of optimism, then those foundations may last for a while and for a few. Today Dr. John teaches on the sure grounding for hope for all believers, in all situations, for all time. Listen and let your hope be affirmed and refreshed.Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest offers prayers, sacrifices, and makes intercessions on behalf...
Many times, we are attracted to bad news. We listen to the whisper of our fears. Having heard the warning of apostacy in Hebrews, now we are consumed by worry that we might fall away! Dr. John speaks of hope in place of fear. The warnings of God are not ignored, but the grace of His hand is greater than the sum of our fears. We are held in the grip of God. We trust Him more than we trust ourselves. Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest offers prayers, sacrifices, and makes intercessions on behalf of the people. They act as mediators betw...
We are surrounded by warnings. We are warned not to eat detergent pods, not to crank the volume on our ear buds, not to drive drowsy. There are so many warnings, we become immune to them. That is a problem. Dr. John points to a warning in Hebrews that can't be ignored. We disregard it to the detriment of our soul. The warning is both a caution and a hope. Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest offers prayers, sacrifices, and makes intercessions on behalf of the people. They act as mediators between the human and Divine. It becomes readily...
Not everyone who begins a journey completes it. Not everyone who progresses through school matures. Growth is a sign of health. Not growing suggests a problem. Today, Dr. John points to the admonition of Hebrews that our spiritual appetites ought to move from milk to solid food. Stagnation and complacency are not the design God has for us.Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest offers prayers, sacrifices, and makes intercessions on behalf of the people. They act as mediators between the human and Divine. It becomes readily obvious why Jesu...
Jesus is our King, Prophet and Priest. He has the power to rule, the authority to speak and the grace to intercede for us all. Today Dr. John reminds us that Jesus' role as High Priest was a calling from the Father and that Jesus embraced the office through painful obedience. He did not resist the Father's call nor shrink from the suffering of His submission. He did it all for us.Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest offers prayers, sacrifices, and makes intercessions on behalf of the people. They act as mediators between the human and D...
If a priest acts before God on behalf of the people, who acts on behalf of the priest? Every human priest is sinful and fallible. By the mercy of God, a sacrifice was provided annually on the Day of Atonement. Listen as Dr. John points to Jesus, our High Priest who alone is perfect and needs no sacrifice for sin. Rather, He becomes the sufficient sacrifice made once and made for all. Jesus, Our High Priest: A priest stands as intercessor between God and humanity. The priest offers prayers, sacrifices, and makes intercessions on behalf of the people. They act as mediators between the human a...
Fairy tales end with, "they lived happily ever after." But life is no fairy tale, and the ending of our days and efforts is not guaranteed to be happy. Today, Dr. John teaches on the ending of King David's reign. It is not a finale we would write. King David sins out of pride and Israel is judged by God's avenging angel. But the final scene of King David is saturated with grace and mercy. God extends mercy on the very spot where Abraham was about to offer his son - the very spot where Jesus died to rescue us. A happy ending.Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King Dav...
King David had faced his share of enemies. He was battle hardened. But even all of this did not prepare him for rebellion and warfare from his own son, Absalom. There was pride and arrogance from Absalom and his advisors, which led to their downfall. But God walked King David though a period of public humility, in which he found God's grace and restoration to the throne. Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King David comes to mind? Do you think of a man after God’s own heart? Or perhaps a mighty king of Israel who, just like us, had a sinful nature. In this 10-message...
A boy can be forgiven for throwing the rock that shatters a window - but he may still have to pay for the repair. A man can be forgiven for driving drunk and killing another driver, but he still lives with the painful consequence. King David is forgiven for his transgressions, but his actions sowed trouble in his own family. Dr. John teaches today of the challenges and troubles David faced in his own home. It's a story we can learn from. Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King David comes to mind? Do you think of a man after God’s own heart? Or perhaps a mighty king ...
If we are lost, stopping and turning in the right direction is the best course. If we are suffering from cancer, a proper diagnosis and treatment is the path to healing, even if it is hard and painful. When David was confronted with his sin, the harsh words of Nathan the prophet were key to David's restoration. Listen as Dr. John speaks on the grace and blessing of repentance. Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King David comes to mind? Do you think of a man after God’s own heart? Or perhaps a mighty king of Israel who, just like us, had a sinful nature. In this 10-m...
Anyone can fall into a hidden trap. Walking through a wooded area and stepping on false ground will result in a fall. But if the danger was highlighted by signs and marked by ropes, it would be foolish to ignore the warnings and step over the rope. That's what David does. Dr. John points to the steps David took and the warnings he ignored as he gazed upon Bathsheba. Lust clothed in arrogance led David to adultery, lies and murder. This was no fall. It was a jump. Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King David comes to mind? Do you think of a man after God’s own heart?...
A Kingdom cannot simply be declared, it must be won. There are dangers within and without for every kingdom. Today Dr. John teaches about David's actions meant to ensure the Kingdom is firm. We find the actions of a warrior against enemy threats. We also find the actions of a friend who deals compassionately with the descendants of Saul and Jonathan. A kingdom is established by both strength and gentleness.Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King David comes to mind? Do you think of a man after God’s own heart? Or perhaps a mighty king of Israel who, just like us, had...
The leader of a nation usually dwells in its capital city. King David built his home in Jerusalem. But he wanted to do more. David wanted to build a house for God. He was not commanded to do so, but the King's heart moved his plans. Listen as Dr. John speaks on God's response to the intention of David. When David wanted to do something for God, God answers by doing something for David, but more. What God does proves to be the answer for all of history. Even you and me.Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King David comes to mind? Do you think of a man after God’s own h...
Jerusalem has been a global focus for three millennium. How did this city capture the attentions of Kings, nations, and countless devotees? Dr. John traces the plans and actions of David as Israel’s new King. King David would make this place more than a national center. It would be a city for God's dwelling. Jesus would walk upon its streets.Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King David comes to mind? Do you think of a man after God’s own heart? Or perhaps a mighty king of Israel who, just like us, had a sinful nature. In this 10-message series from Back to the Bibl...
David's transition from military hero to King was not smooth. As one might expect, there were threats to his rise, competition from enemies and warfare among his followers and those still loyal to king Saul. Listen as Dr. John traces not just the events of David's ultimate crowning as King, but his response to those who opposed him. You will see glimpses in David of the greater King Jesus.Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King David comes to mind? Do you think of a man after God’s own heart? Or perhaps a mighty king of Israel who, just like us, had a sinful nature. ...
We tend to have binary thinking, that is, we prefer "either or" categories. Today's weather is sunny or showers; we can deal with either, but the partly sunny and partly rainy forecast is harder to prepare for. What we do with the weather, we do with people. As Dr. John begins this series on King David, he reminds us that David cannot be categorized as completely bad or good. He is just like us, a blending of both. Listen and learn how God loves and leads humans like us.Life Lessons From King David: What do you think about when King David comes to mind? Do you think of a man after God’s own...
Prayer is a means of grace. We find the favour and blessings of God not simply in the answers to our prayer, but in our praying. Today, Dr. John offers some practical insights to support and guide our personal, private times of prayer. These are places of grace.The Adventure of Prayer: Prayer. What is it? Why is it important? How should we actually pray? Does prayer even accomplish anything?These are four questions that Dr. John Neufeld will answer in this one-week series called The Adventure of Prayer. How we communicate with God is a multifaceted and layered thing that can be difficult to...
If prayer is a communication of heart, then the question of "will" becomes important. We want something when we pray; but we pray to our Father of infinite wisdom, and His will steers the course of history. Today Dr. John speaks of the interplay of "will" when we pray. Clearly, we do not receive everything we want - unless what we want is God's will.The Adventure of Prayer: Prayer. What is it? Why is it important? How should we actually pray? Does prayer even accomplish anything?These are four questions that Dr. John Neufeld will answer in this one-week series called The Adventure of Prayer...
When you pray, who are you talking to? The obvious answer is God of course! But there is a theological framework at play in our prayers. Dr. John teaches today that our prayers are rightly addressed to the Father by the agency of the Son through the enablement of the Spirit. So, as our prayers are heard and answered, there is a Trinitarian response from God. All of God to all of us.The Adventure of Prayer: Prayer. What is it? Why is it important? How should we actually pray? Does prayer even accomplish anything?These are four questions that Dr. John Neufeld will answer in this one-week seri...
A well-known commercial for cell phones repeats the line, "Can you hear me now?" It is also echoed by believers when they address the throne of God. How can we be certain God is listening to our prayers? Dr. John teaches on the confidence for every praying believer. Our hope is not in our worthy life or eloquent words. We are heard because of Jesus Christ. The Adventure of Prayer: Prayer. What is it? Why is it important? How should we actually pray? Does prayer even accomplish anything?These are four questions that Dr. John Neufeld will answer in this one-week series called The Adventure of...
Prayer is simple enough for a child to learn, yet so profound that it holds mystery for the mature. Today Dr. John begins to teach on the nature of prayer - its necessity, effect and means. Everyone who prays and who wants to pray will benefit from this teaching. The Adventure of Prayer: Prayer. What is it? Why is it important? How should we actually pray? Does prayer even accomplish anything?These are four questions that Dr. John Neufeld will answer in this one-week series called The Adventure of Prayer. How we communicate with God is a multifaceted and layered thing that can be difficult ...
Every life is built. The entrepreneur with all their ambition is building their life. So too the lazy individual who lets the days slip by, is building with their indecision. Today Dr. John speaks of the fruit, treasure and foundation for living. Only in Jesus will our lives blossom, contain lasting treasure and withstand the coming flood. Lives built for eternity. A Firm Grip on the Gospel: Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-week serie...
Our society is quick to judge. We immediately label someone or some situation with a tag that sticks. Jesus commands us not to judge. We can't see people's motives nor the whole story. Dr. John reminds us of Jesus' words that it is hard to see with a log in our eye! Most of all, in place of judgement, we are to extend mercy. Just like God does with us.A Firm Grip on the Gospel: Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-week series, Dr. John Ne...
It is evident that loving our enemies is not the way of this world, nor the immediate default of those who follow Jesus. Still, that is what Jesus commands. Today in Dr. John's message, he teaches that this love can't be good intentions nor sentimental feelings. We love our enemies by doing good for them, blessing them, and praying for them. That's more than a Hallmark card. A Firm Grip on the Gospel: Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-...
Jesus begins this sermon with pronouncements of blessings and their corresponding woes. He offers these not as commands, but observations. Listen as Dr. John speak to the blessing upon those who live for God's Kingdom and the woes upon those who live for this world. A Firm Grip on the Gospel: Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-week series, Dr. John Neufeld points us to the Gospel of Luke and traces the intent of the only Gentile writer ...
Good things are worth repeating - a good joke, a family tradition, or a favourite movie. There is something to gain in the repetition, even though it is familiar. Dr. John introduces us to the Sermon of the Plain, very likely a re-telling of the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus. A different setting and different crowd, but the same truth and power which flowed from Jesus, who was happy to repeat grace upon grace. A Firm Grip on the Gospel: Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particula...