Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

The world is not as it should be, but neither what it will be. We live with the reality of sin, pain and death. Dr. John points to the hope of Hebrews that Jesus has not only conquered death, but He will elevate His followers to reign in the world to come.  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...

We live in a generation of data overload. We have so much information at our fingertips, that we ignore or neglect much of it. Dr. John reminds us today of the warning in Hebrews. We must pay attention to the Bible teaching about Jesus. We must not drift by disinterest or deception. We neglect the truth to our loss. The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure...

At times, we speak of the deity of Jesus as a way to make a point. We bear witness to others that Jesus is God, so we point to the Scriptures. Dr. John reminds us today from Hebrews that the deity of Jesus is more than an apologetic. It is the hope and comfort for us all in the midst of trial and persecutions.  The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a...

Our society makes much of angels. They populate our greeting cards, entertainment and even some prayers. Angels seem powerful and wondrous. That they are, but Jesus more. Today Dr. John offers from Hebrews five ways in which Jesus is superior to the angels. The Creator is greater than the creation. The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a field and th...

Today Dr. John speaks from the opening verses of Hebrews, demonstrating that Jesus has no rival. Jesus exceeds all other comparisons. We will hear of seven ways in which Jesus rises above all. There is both encouragement and comfort knowing that our God who speaks, has spoken fully and truthfully through His Son. The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in...

The book of Hebrews is unique in the New Testament. We can't be certain of its author or audience; but we can relate to its theme. Listen as Dr. John describes the temptation to abandon the truth of God when pressured by society. Jesus is priceless. Any drift from Him turns us towards what is less.  The Priceless Treasure of Jesus:  Jesus once told a story about finding a treasure in a field a...

This prophetic book has one of the strangest endings in the whole of Scripture. It closes with a question but no answer. Dr. John reminds us that we are the ones who must respond to the question. "Can we celebrate and worship our God who is boundless in compassion?" The Boundless Compassion of God:  Holding two polar positions as one may feel like a tug of war. We may get pulled to one ext...

Imagine a preacher who is angered by the success of his ministry. That's exactly what happens with Jonah. Dr. John points to Jonah's blind spot. The prophet knew God was merciful, but was upset over those who received it! The Boundless Compassion of God:  Holding two polar positions as one may feel like a tug of war. We may get pulled to one extreme or the other. God is both just and lovin...

Can a nation change? We may see individuals change the course of their life, but what of a whole society? Today Dr. John speaks of the mercy of God which reaches evey corner of Assyria, even to the palace of the king.  The Boundless Compassion of God:  Holding two polar positions as one may feel like a tug of war. We may get pulled to one extreme or the other. God is both just and loving, with inf...

To repent is to change. It is a turning from our sins. Dr. John reminds us that repentance is also an expression of hope. It is a turning towards God in the hope of mercy. Today we see a pagan nation like Assyria turn in God's direction. The Boundless Compassion of God:  Holding two polar positions as one may feel like a tug of war. We may get pulled to one extreme or the other. God is both ju...

We expect our spiritual leaders to excel in morals, character and actions. But every leader carries a measure of frailty. Today Dr. John reminds us of Jonah's flaws. That reminder doesn't excuse Jonah's sins, but it points to a central truth. Even flawed prophets cannot halt God's plans. The Boundless Compassion of God:  Holding two polar positions as one may feel like a tug of war...

Prayer is a language of life. It is the common expression of every culture and religion. Today Dr. John focuses on the prayer of Jonah. From watery billows and the depth of a fishy belly, Jonah calls out to God for the first time in this book. Like Jonah, the crisis we experience may be the call we need.  The Boundless Compassion of God:  Holding two polar positions as one may feel like a tug of w...

The Old Testament makes it clear - God's heart is for the deliverance of all people, Jew and Gentile. Today Dr. John reminds us that while Jonah kept Assyrians at a distance, God extended His mercy. It would take a watery rescue to make Jonah understand.  The Boundless Compassion of God:  Holding two polar positions as one may feel like a tug of war. We may get pulled to one extreme or the oth...

Christians are prone to thinking that we hold a monopoly on God's goodness. But God's compassion is infinite. Dr. John points to the contrast of a rebellious prophet and pagan sailors. The sailors recognized God's Hand even before Jonah. Those with no faith foundation made vows and prayer to the one true God. The Boundless Compassion of God:  Holding two polar positions as one may feel...

We read in the news or see on TV, criminals who run or race from the police. Since they rarely escape, why do it? The offenders are moved by guilt. Today Dr. John speaks of Jonah who runs from an omnipresent God. Did he expect to hide? It seems that guilt can move God's prophet as well. We are no different. The Boundless Compassion of God: Holding two polar positions as one may feel like a tug...

We are all in need of God's mercy, and are glad to receive it! Today Dr. John reminds us through Jonah, that it is possible to debate with God when He extends mercy to those we consider unworthy of it. Listen as God begins to unfold His boundless compassion for a sinful city and a rebellious prophet. The Boundless Compassion of God: Holding two polar positions as one may feel like a tug of war...

Faith in God does not reach just to the probable or possible. We do that when exercising trust in one another: but with God, our faith reaches to the impossible. Today Dr. John teaches on the impossible wonder God performed for Abraham. Abraham believed that God would do what He promised. So when we trust God for more than the possible in our lives, we exercise faith like Abraham. Abraham: Father...

Very early in church history, believers had to recognize what the mark of Christianity was. As the gospel spread beyond the country and culture of israel, the church debated what the identification of God's promise was. Dr. John teaches that the mark of the gospel was faith. Faith was and is the sign of God's covenant. Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of Abraham is the basis...

It is one thing to change your own name out of preference. It is another thing to have someone else change our name. Now the change has meaning. God changed Abram's name to Abraham. Dr. John teaches us today that the new name was a reference point for Abraham. It would always remind him of God's promise.  Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith...

Bestowing a name upon an infant is an act of promise. It becomes their identity we trust they will grow in to. We want "Faith" to become faithful or "Hunter" to explore the fullness of life. Dr. John teaches today on the Names of God revealed to Abraham. The names are promises, not of what God will become, but of who God is. Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of Abraham...

We rarely have trouble with God's grace. In fact, it is our hope and prayer. God's grace only becomes a problem when it extends to people we think don’t deserve it. Today Dr. John teaches on the favour of God towards Hagar and Ishmael. We expect the blessing of God upon Sarah and Isaac, but God's favour flows beyond our expectations.  Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of A...

All human actions have consequences. We assume that we can predict and control what those will be. But any action outside of the will of God produces effects beyond our control and our wishes. Sin reaps judgement and death. Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refers to Abraham as “God’s fr...

We are to abandon any confidence in our presumed abilities. Each day we renew our commitment to trust in the promise and power of God. In the tension between Ishmael and Isaac, between what we can do and what God promises - trust the Words of God.  Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refer...

Coming to God is an exchange of what we could never do, for what He has done. He did it all and we are invited to believe. And so we learn to surrender to Christ by faith, trusting in His power and His power alone. Abraham: Father of All Who Believe: The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refers to Abraham as “God’s friend”, a t...

The most high God gives to Abram an image he will never forget. It is an emblem of assurance on which to found his faith. God signs a contract that He will keep His word. Abraham: Father of All Who Believe: The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refers to Abraham as “God’s friend”, a title used of no one else in Scripture. In th...