Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

Can God be trusted? If you are a Christian, you feel obligated to answer "Yes." But don't ask the question intellectually. Examine the practical, experiential faith of the heart in your daily routine. Are you trusting God moment by moment? He is worthy of our faith.  Abraham: Father of All Who Believe: The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study...

It's been suggested that we learn who we truly are by losing. But winning will also reveal our default nature. Dr. John teaches today about Abraham's response after a victorius battle. He honours Melchizadek but refuses to honour the King of Sodom. Listen and understand the difference. Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abra...

Doing what is right is especially challenging when we think we might benefit by doing what is wrong. Today Dr. John teaches that when Lot was captured in battle, it wouldn't be the worst thing for Abraham's flocks and pastures. Pressed between what is right or what is beneficial, what would Abraham do?   Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith t...

We are built so that our forward motion follows our eyes. A motorcylist knows that if they turn their heads, the bike will eventually follow. Today, Dr. John reminds us that if we are to make forward motion in our pilgrimage, we need to lift our eyes higher - not simply to see the bigger picture, but to see God. Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith t...

Self defence is more than a physical response. We also defend our reputations, time, possessions and perceived rights. If any of these are infringed upon, we fight for our rights. Dr. John holds Abraham before us as a peacemaker. Abraham trusted in God's protection and provision. What about you?  Abraham: Father of All Who Believe:  The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To stu...

Throughout our spiritual journey, we often weave around obstacles of our own making. Abraham is on a pilgrimage to the land of promise - but he gets sidetracked in Egypt. Today Dr. John teaches that our lack of faith in God's promises leads to problems we try to fix on our own. We don't need man-made solutions to man-made problems. We need the grace of God.  Abraham: Father of All Who Beli...

Abraham was a pilgrim looking for a city whose founder and maker is God. So we, like our father in the faith, are sojourners on this earth. We can trust the leading of God to take us all the way home to dwell with our Lord forever 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 “G...

It's been quoted that, "no man is a fool who gives up what he cannot hold, to gain what he cannot lose." In the promises that come to us in Christ, we have lost nothing and gained everything. 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...

Abraham is a story of belief in God - but it is a sacrificial faith. The gospel is free, but invites us to consider the cost. So like Abraham, let us count on God and His promises as more precious than any thing of this world. 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...

Genesis is more than the beginning of time and space. It holds the beginning of faith's story, as exemplified by Abraham. The story of Abraham is at the front of the Scriptures and sets the stage for the entire Bible. 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 frie...

Abraham is spoken of as the "father of faith." He does not generate faith but is a template for all of us. Therefore, one can never fully understand Abraham without seeing him not only encountering the gospel, but encountering Jesus Himself.  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 ref...

Many enjoy sitting around a campfire. It is warm and comforting. It's an entirely different experience to face a raging forest fire. It is justly frightening. Today Dr. John speaks of Israel frightened by the God they follow. His glory and power were overwhelming. It is a necessary reminder that God cannot be confined for our comfort or pleasure. To see Him as He is leads to a fear of sinning....

Relationships function in a context of trust. That's true in family and society. Today Dr. John looks at the last three comandments. Trust should guard our possessions. Do not steal. Our words to each other must be trustworthy. Do not lie. Respect for one another means we do not covet. The Ten Commandments of God speak to our actions and heart intent.  A Desert Experience : In family, marriage...

Holiness is to guide and shape our relationships; in family, society and marriage. Today Dr. John speaks of the 5th, 6th and 7th commandments. To honour our parents, the life of our neighbour and our marital commitments - these daily obligations are reflections of the righteousness of God. Obedience is a loving response to the values of the life God has created.  A Desert Experience : In family, m...

Righteousness speaks to the large matters of life, but also to that which seems small. Today Dr. John teaches on the 3rd and 4th commandments. We will see that the way we speak of God and treat the Lord's Day are matters of righteousness.  Our speech and use of time reflect God's Holiness. They are matters of holiness for us as well.  A Desert Experience : In family, marriage or even road...

Today Dr. John begins to teach on the Decaloge - the Ten Commandments. At the very start, we learn of the exclusive primacy of worshipping God and the manner of worship obliged to Him. The first two commands are grounded in this biblical truth - God has made us; we do not fashion God.  A Desert Experience : In family, marriage or even road trip companions, if you are going to spend time together,...

The word "glory" seems too small. The five letters can't convey the vast power and overwhelming presence of God. In grace, God veils His being through nature and ultimately in Jesus. Today Dr. John speaks of a time when God lifted the curtain, just a little. Even with that, Israel was struck by fear and awe. The glory of God's presence is His to grant and is received only under His...

To be chosen is a privilege. It speaks of honour but is not void of responsibility. Even a chosen beauty queen has a calling to fulfill! Today Dr. John speaks of the unique place of Israel - chosen of God. But that act of God's grace compels a response from Israel. Today, as chosen people, what is God calling us to be and do? A Desert Experience : In family, marriage or even road trip companio...

Traffic laws make bad drivers better and regulate those with bad intent. Few would want to drive on roads with no rules. Moses was teaching and enforcing the regulations of God - and he was being overwhelmed. Dr. John points to the wise counsel of Jethro that ensures the welfare of Moses and the people. Simply put - good laws need good leaders.  A Desert Experience : In family, marriage or even ro...

Most families are a mixture of believers and non-believers. So a spouse may be instrumental in the conversion of their spouse. So too, parents are instrumental for their children. Today Dr. John teaches of the conversion to faith of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. As daunting as it may seem, family is often the seed bed of faith.  A Desert Experience : In family, marriage or even road trip compa...

Fortunate are those who have never experienced war. But for those that have, the first battle would be unforgettable. Dr. John teaches on Israel's first military engagement. A nation used to slavery would have to learn how to fight for their freedom. The first lesson was clear. Israel could not trust in their might, numbers or experience. The battle is the Lord's to win.  A Desert Experien...

Israel's wilderness journey was a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. The repeated evidences of God's care were peaks, impossible to deny. But the complaints and grumblings were lowpoints of trust. Today Dr. John teaches of a thirsty nation turning against Moses and challenging God Himself. They dared God and tested Him out of anger and doubt. By grace, God reveals Himself mighty and merc...

Israel's work ethic was shaped by Egyptian slavery. A day off was unimagined.  Now God was going to teach them to rest. In today's sermon, we see God use manna as a tool of instruction. He would provide food for Israel every morning, except the Sabbath. The people would learn to take a Sabbath rest and suffer no loss. God was their sustenance and they were supplied through their obedience....

Hoarding is the practice of clinging to things now in case we need them for the future. While it may seem wise when it comes to food pantries or bank accounts, it won’t work for faith. In today's message, Dr. John teaches on daily trust. Israel was to learn that yesterday's confidence can't be stored for tomorrow's need. We live by faith and have to do it every day.  A Desert Exper...

If we forget the past, we impoverish the present and erode the foundation for our future. In today's message, Dr. John teaches that the anthem of Israel not only recalls the victory of the Red Sea, but points to what God will do for His people. A song of the present, which points to the future by remembering the past.  A Desert Experience : In family, marriage or even road trip companions, if...