Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

In this introduction of the Book of Revelation, we will find that the word "soon" is elastic. We can shrink it to the nearness of lunch, or expand it to stretch over 2000 years. "Soon" is not intended to offer us a timetable. It is intended to offer us confidence in our day - His victorious return is certain! The Triumph of the Lamb: Vol 1: It's natural to want to know the futu...

Only the naive think of freedom as being free of laws and rules. There is no such thing - not at home or work, civil society or driving! Laws do not suppress freedom, but give it rails to run on. Today Dr. John teaches on the three reasons why God gave Israel the Law. May we see in that reflection the same intent of God for each one of us.  Renewing the Covenant:  A married couple may renew their...

Christians tend to take for granted the theology of monotheism - there is only one God and He is Jehovah. We've lost the radical impact such a claim has in a polytheistic world. There are not various gods ruling different aspects of life. There is no co-dependency between God and creation. God does not compete with other gods for our worship. God is One and there is One God.  Renewing the Cove...

Our society exalts celebrities, chases after financial gain, applauds comfort and luxury, and focuses on the latest trends and entertainment. Idolatry abounds around us. Today we hear Moses point to the consequences of an idolatrous people. As Dr. John points out, every Christian in an idolatrous society must flee anything that takes the place of our God in our hearts.  Renewing the Covenant:  A m...

Idolatry is the practice of creating a shape or form of God for worship; but God has no form. Idolatry is also the exaltation of any created thing above God. God is always to be first in our hearts. While our culture may not get carried away with the first understanding of idolatry, we certainly do with the second. Listen as Dr. John points us to the dangers of our own idolatry. Renewing the Coven...

While attempting to be current and relevant to the times, it is possible for believers to forget what has been. Looking forward, they neglect what God has done. On the threshold of the promised land, Moses calls Israel to remember the works and words of God. They were to recall the foundation on which they stood and pass it on to their children. Good counsel for us all.  Renewing the Covenant:  A...

Knowing that Israel will enter the promised land without him, what does Moses say to them? Dr. John preaches on the final emphasis of Moses' sermon addressed to Israel on the doorstep of their homeland. The heart of Moses' message was obedience. Israel is cautioned to be faithful to God's commands, recognize the results of disobedience and consider the rewards of following God's di...

God can say "No!" It is not an answer we embrace easily, but we would be mistaken to think that God must always concede to our requests. Moses wanted to enter the promised land, but God denied it. He would not be allowed to enter the very inheritance He had spent his life leading Israel towards. Listen as Dr. John explains God's answer. Note that even in God's refusal, there is gra...

Major projects and journeys often need to be adjusted along the way. That doesn't mean the original plans were wrong. It does mean that wisdom responds to the necessary changes of life. Dr. John speaks of the shift from Moses allowing some of the tribes to make their home on the east side of the Jordan. What didn't change was the commitment and integrity of the nations' solidarity.  Re...

Many will remember their first purchase of property or a home. It was with a sense of delight and even pride that you walked into your house or surveyed your boundaries. As Israel was about to enter their first homeland, God warned them about pride and stewardship. They were to remember that God gave them their home and this land came with responsibilities. The same is true for us. Renewing the Co...

It's not possible to read Deuteronomy and ignore the question of war. Israel was commanded to wipe out entire cities and nations. We ask, "How could a loving God allow, even command, the death of men, women and children?" It is this inescapable question that Dr. John addresses in today's message. Listen as we hear the themes of justice and mercy played out through the agency of Isr...

We refer to the land Israel was to possess as the "land of promise." It was not the "land of the conquered" or the "land of the defeated." It is territory that is given to Israel by the covenantal grace of God. It's true that Israel would have to fight for it - but ultimately it is given by God; God who rules over every nation and territory. God alone raises nations and...

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 submis...

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 u...

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.  Renew...

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:...

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&#39...

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...

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.  Re...

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 promi...

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...

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 w...

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....

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...

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. T...