Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

We can endure through hardship if there is a reason. That applies to diets, long night shifts, exam week or cancer treatment. Purpose gives rise to perseverence. That is true of our faith as well. Dr. John teaches from 2 Thessaloninans on the reason for endurance of believers. The future return of our Lord is cause for joy and endurance today.  Persevering in Hope : In order to persevere through a...

Some think of perseverence as an expression of their own strength - a white knuckle grip to hang on. As Paul concludes this call to perseverence, he gives commands to be obeyed, but ends with this hope, "God is faithful, He will surely do it!" Our confidence is in God's faithfulness above our own.  Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There is a thin...

Authentic means "the real thing." For believers to live authentic lives means that we are genuinely becoming what God intends. Listen as Dr. John reminds us that this "becoming" is shaped and nurtured in the local church.  Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There is a thin veil that has been placed over our eyes most of the time, causing us to...

The present is not simply a prelude to the future, but preparation for it. So our todays are tied to our tomorrows. Listen as Dr. John teaches how to be prepared for Christ's return. It is not enough to simply know He is coming. We are called to be ready.  Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There is a thin veil that has been placed over our eyes most of th...

You have seen charts with coloured lines and boxes attempting to predict the timing of Jesus' return. Ignore them for two reasons. First, we can't know the unknowable. Second, the date is not our issue, but preparedness is. Listen as Dr. John calls us to be ready for the return of our Lord.  Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There is a thin veil that...

Tears at a funeral are expected, normal. But for the believer, those tears are comforted by the hope of Jesus' return! Listen as Dr. John teaches about the events of that day, but more so, about the joy and comfort for every grieving believer.   Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There is a thin veil that has been placed over our eyes most of the time, cau...

Christians are known by their beliefs but by their conduct as well. In fact, there are times when conduct speaks louder than convictions. Dr. John points to three lifestyle qualities Paul commanded and commended for the Thessalonians - and for us as well. Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There is a thin veil that has been placed over our eyes most of the tim...

It is the nature of love to please the beloved. That's true of marriage, family and friendships. We want to bring joy to the one we love. Dr. John speaks of Paul's command to the Thessalonians, that they live to please the Lord. The question of what does please the Lord is spelled out for all of us - our sanctification. Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing time...

Affirmation is not flattery, rather, it is the genuine celebration of the qualities we see in others. Paul celebrates what he sees in the Thessalonians and he is not shy to speak it. Dr. John reminds us of the value of affirmation and prayers for those we love and serve. Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There is a thin veil that has been placed over our eyes...

In WWII some English parents were separated from their children in the midst of conflcit. Imagine their distress and concern for the well being of their children! Dr. John reminds us that Paul felt the same way about the Thessalonians. Satan was at war with the church. Paul's confidence was in the sure victory of Jesus Christ. Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing t...

Grace is the expression of God's favour. While it flows upon creation in countless ways, there are specific pathways of grace for every believer who wants to mature. Today Dr. John speaks of three means of grace, not only for the Thessalonians, but for all who want to grow spiritually. Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There is a thin veil that has been p...

Rumours have destructive power; so when rumours against Paul began circulating in Thessalonica, he had to put a stop to it, for the health of the church. In today’s message, Dr. John walks us through 2 of the 3 illustrations Paul uses to remind the Thessalonians of the man and leader they saw. Paul’s leadership shows us the image of love we all, leaders and followers, ought to commit to one anothe...

The importance of Christian leadership cannot be understated. It paves the way for a church that is reflective of Christ and His glory. In today’s message, Dr. John unpacks 5 important qualifications of effective godly leadership from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. Let these not only set our expectations for an effective leader, but also for ourselves, to be faithful and obedient followers of...

People come to faith in many ways, all amazing, but what happens when they do? Today, Dr. John Neufeld walks us through 5 marks of every believer in Jesus Christ, taken from 1 Thessalonians 1. Despite persecution and opposition, genuine believers are forever transformed by the Word of God and the example of His people. Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There...

Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times : We live in distressing times. There is a thin veil that has been placed over our eyes most of the time, causing us to forget that death and destruction are right around the corner. And then there are seasons when that veil is torn from our eyes, and suddenly, fear surrounds us. We are no longer blinded to the dangers of sickness, wars, death, and so many...

Sometimes we are given hints that trouble is coming, but other times we find ourselves suddenly in the face of it, without any warning. In this introductory message, Dr. John walks us through Paul’s brief journey through Thessalonica and the adversities the Thessalonians are suddenly faced with upon his arrival and ministry. Their response teaches us how to remain steadfast, unmoved and confident...

The life of faith that every believer walks is not easy. Jesus told us that we would have troubles in this world. Today Dr. John reminds us from Hebrews that we must hold on. Jesus is the power of our perseverence. He is the High Priest who understands our need and extends both mercy and grace.  The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a field and then...

In a text that is familiar to many, Dr. John presents the power and effect of the Scriptures. The Bible we read is alive as the Voice of God, accomplishing His purpose, shaping and exposing the souls of all who read it. As we listen and obey His Word in faith, we enter into His rest. The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a field and then selling ever...

A workaholic may intend to take a day off or to enjoy some respite, but often rest eludes them. They never get around to it. Dr. John reminds us that there is rest for the believer - a rest in the completed work of Jesus. We are cautioned to not harden our hearts but to strive to enter into the rest God has for us.  The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure...

Rest can mean many things. A nap. Retirement. Silence. What does it mean for a believer? Dr. John teaches on the promise of rest from Hebrews 4. We'll find that rest for believers is a sharing of God's rest. It is the fruit of faith.  The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a field and then selling everything you have to buy that field. The sto...

People are practiced at ignoring warnings. Speed limits. A doctor's counsel. Cautions at a cliff. We seem to think that we can take the risk and all will be fine. Dr. John points us to the warning from Hebrews regarding our soul. We are to "take care" of our hearts. God's warning comes from love and is meant for our eternal life. The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a...

A generation in Israel saw the glory of God on Mt Sinai, but they still refused God's Voice. In Jesus we see the greater glory; so we ought to take heed. Today Dr. John repeats the warning of Hebrews, "Do not harden your hearts." May we have sensitive souls to the commanding presence of God.  The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a field...

It seems that we have more celebrities than we do heroes. Fame and popularity seem larger in society than purpose and deliverance. Dr. John reminds us today that Moses was seen as Israel's hero - the law giver. But Jesus is the perfect lawkeeper and in doing so, He is more than famous. He is our hero.  The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a fiel...

We may die differently, but we all die. It is inevitable for each one of us. That truth can generate fear for many. Dr. John points us to Jesus, who took upon Himself our humanity, even to the point of death. While Jesus  has not excused us from death, He has removed the sting and fear of it. The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a field and then sel...

Families share common traits of appearance or personality. Today Dr. John teaches that as Jesus is called our "Brother", we share a family trait with Him. What do you and I have in common with Jesus? Let this message offer an encouraging answer.  The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a field and then selling everything you have to buy that fi...