Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

When we think about worship, many envision singing, whether with a songbook in hand or arms lifted in praise. While singing is often a significant part of worship, it’s fundamentally a celebration of God. Worship transcends mere rituals; it’s an exuberant expression of our joy and awe for who God is and what He has done. As Paul writes in Ephesians 3:20-21, our worship should reflect the immeasura...

We turn to the Lord's Prayer as template for our own prayers. It is how Jesus taught us to pray. We do well to also look at Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church. It calls upon God to equip His people to perceive His power for them and His infinite love upon them, that they might know Jesus Christ and be filled to the fullness of God. This is God's prayer for the church. This is God&#3...

For many, the church has a diminished role in our society. They pass a church building on the corner and wonder what relevance it has. That is not God's perspective. Paul has spoken of the mystery of a new body created in Jesus Christ - Jew and Gentile together. That mystery might remain theoretical if not for the church. The Church is the pillar of truth, the declaration of God's Word, an...

We are accustomed to think of mystery as something to be solved. If we have enough clues and good deduction, we can figure it out. But Paul uses the word "mystery” in a different sense. This mystery cannot be discovered, it must be revealed. Listen as Dr. John discusses a great mystery, revealed to Paul and stewarded by his missional efforts. God is building a people for Himself, Jew and Genti...

We all have experienced the awkwardness of standing alone at a social gathering, sitting by yourself at the school lunch table or looking around a room unable to name anyone there. We feel alone without significant connections. Paul teaches that in Christ, we are never strangers. We are citizens in God's nation, embraced by His family and become a temple of collective worship. The grace of God...

It seems self-evident that our society is polarized. We are divided by our politics, hold opposing moral standards, struggle with race relations and regard those with different positions as the enemy. Harmony and peace are reduced to mere words. But God has made something new. Jesus not only draws us close to God, but to one another. The Body of Christ is the beginning of a new humanity. Peace is...

Grace can be a prayer before a meal. It can describe the beauty of a ballet move or be clemency for a loan.  It can be the tile of royalty or the name of someone you love. We have so many ways to speak of grace because grace has so many expressions. Yet nothing exceeds or exhausts the grace found in our Lord. Today Dr. John speaks of the free favour of the Father released through faith in the Son,...

In Ephesians 2, Paul delivers the sobering truth – news as bad as it gets. Every one of us is born dead - not just weakened, impoverished or disadvantaged, but dead. But then Paul reveals the good news, the best news imaginable. Listen as Dr. John directs us to the only hope we have for eternal life. God, who is rich in mercy and love, makes us alive through Jesus Christ. Revel in the joy and hope...

What's humanity's problem? It seems self-evident that a problem exists between us (war, greed, violence, apathy). It is also evident that there is a problem between humanity and God (atheism, rebellion). Either way, many believe the problem can be fixed with effort and education. They are wrong. God makes it clear what our problem is. We are dead. No amount of instruction, training, motiva...

Power has various measurements. Physical strength, economic resources, technological leadership, intellectual skill - but our materialistic world often ignores the greater expression of power - spiritual. Paul prays that Christians will recognize the power God has extended to believers through Jesus Christ. Nothing and no one can surpass the power of God for us.   Empowered Living Vol 1 : Too many...

It is one thing to be enriched. It is another to be aware of those riches and live by them. God has already enriched us in Jesus Christ. Paul now prays that we might be aware of the depth of those riches. Dr. John reminds us that we need God's wisdom and revelation to see and understand how God's riches transform our living. Empowered Living Vol 1 : Too many Christians live uncertain of wh...

Plans can be hard to understand from the outside. You need training to read a blueprint. Many times, we can't envision the entire plan until it unfolds before us. God has a plan for humanity and history. It is determined by the Father, fulfilled in the Son and guaranteed by the Spirit. Dr. John points us to the grand design of God that touches both Jew and Gentile and results in eternal glory....

Having tremendous resources but no purpose is not a good mix. The riches and advantages of our state are squandered or ignored if there is no purpose to direct them to. Ephesians has taught that believers are resourced with every spiritual blessing, but our blessed state has meaning and purpose in Jesus Christ. Listen as Dr. John reminds us of the plan and intent of God, not just for time, but als...

In many of life's occasions, it is a good thing to be called. To be invited to a celebration. To hear someone lovingly call your name. To be adopted into a family. Today Dr. John speaks of the highest privilege and deepest delight, to be called by God for life in Jesus Christ. Every follower of Jesus has been chosen by the Father. Before creation, before we do anything of merit, regardless of...

When introduced to someone, it's common to enquire, "Where are you from?" Knowing someone's place of origin may tell you something about them. Dr. John teaches on the graces God has granted every believer.  We've been blessed in the heavens above and made alive in Jesus Christ. Our home is celestial, and our birth is in Jesus. That makes us what we are.  Empowered Living Vol 1...

Who would live as a pauper when their bank account is flooded with cash? Who would wallow in sickness when effective treatment is at hand? Who would want to live alone and lonely when a loving father and family have opened their arms? We shake our heads at those who squander and ignore their resources, but believers do it daily. Dr. John points us to the overwhelming blessings that are ours today...

We do not call for help if we don't perceive a problem. An undetected brake problem or cancer growing secretly, and we do not go to the mechanic or doctor. Ps. 32 may be hard to hear, but it informs us of a problem we already have. We are born into sin. When we recognize our need and confess it to God, only then can we rejoice and be glad. With God there is forgiveness! Prayers for Deliverance...

Psalm 31 has the unique distinction of being quoted by both Jonah and Jesus - from the belly of a fish and the cross. It is a Psalm declaring that God is our refuge. There is no question about the quality of God's shelter. It is only a question of whether we will trust Him. Can we say today like David, "I trust in You O Lord, my times are in your hands?" Prayers for Deliverance:  How s...

Rather than denying trouble, the Psalms readily admit that difficulty and danger will come. The Psalms do not overlook the pain and stain of our sins. But there is hope. Dr. John points to Psalm 30 as a song of transformation. Our tears are changed into joy. Our losses become advances. Our sins are forgiven. God is the Redeemer of life! A good reason to break into dance! Prayers for Deliverance: H...

Worship may seem out of place during a crisis. When things are falling apart, this is the time for solutions and actions. But Psalm 29 demonstrates the centrality of worship - especially when things are hard. Ascribing glory to God in troubled times keeps us focused aright and plants hope against our fears and worries.  Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might thi...

Before you call for help, it's vital to know who you are calling to. Calling a plumber to fix your taxes may not help much. In Psalm 28, David calls to God who is the Rock of his life. David calls to the Lord who is filled with mercy, compassion, power and justice. God is David's refuge - even as He is yours. Prayers for Deliverance: How should we pray when under pressure? One might think...

Enemies, threats and fears have this in common. When you stare at them, they get bigger. Psalm 27 is a call to shift our focus from what might shake us, to the unshakable presence of God. We are to seek His face and find shelter and courage. More so, we find that we are loved.  Psalms of Intimacy With God : A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection a...

To be vindicated is to be found innocent of accusations. In a deceitful world, unfounded claims and slander can be found. In Psalm 26, David prays for vindication from his enemies. He does not trust in his own perfection but in the eternal justice and righteousness of God.  Psalms of Intimacy With God : A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of protection and p...

Times of sunshine and times of storm can direct us to the presence of God. Both have the power to create a sense of gratitude and reliance upon God. In Psalm 25 David lifts his soul to God in a context of trouble. He discovers not only the deliverance, but the steadfast love of our Lord.   Psalms of Intimacy With God : A marriage is not just a set of obligations. Parenting is not simply a role of...

An infinite God cannot be reduced to a single description. The Scriptures use various images and titles to portray His grandeur. The title of "King" meant much to ancient ears, but we may struggle with the term today. Listen as Dr. John points to the majesty of our Lord and the grace He extends to welcome us into His court.  Psalms of Intimacy With God : A marriage is not just a set of obl...