Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

A life of faith requires memory. What is and what will be, is shaped by what has been. The Passover meal was commanded with specific instructions. It was to be held in the same way, at the same time, every year. The meal became a means of instruction for families throughout generations. Listen as Dr. John points to our need to remember. Our faith is not novel but rooted in the Word and Ways of God...

There are scenes in life too terrible to imagine. We hear of a tragedy and struggle to conceive of the pain and loss. As Dr. John walks us through Exodus, we come to such a scene. The 10th plague is the death of every firstborn in Egypt. Only those households covered by the passover blood are protected. Can there be any worse death imaginable? Dr. John points us to the sacrifice of Jesus; the Firs...

The Exodus is the central event in Jewish faith and Old Testament narrative. It is the account of judgement, deliverance and shed blood. In this message, Dr. John demonstrates that this 10th plague foreshadows the central event in Christian faith and the Biblical narrative. Jesus Christ is the Passover Lamb for all. His life and death speak of judgement, deliverance and shed blood. Both events pro...

We have lost the sense of night's darkness. With the flick of a switch, we can read in the dark, take a midnight stroll, or work past sunset. But, for generations, the dark of night was to be feared. In this message, Dr. John walks us through the 9th plague - the descent of darkness upon Egypt. The darkness paralyzed Egypt for three days and was a shadow of what was to come: death. Darkness wh...

God is God and we are not. That truth is clear, but humanity still resists. Hearts can resist, deny, argue and rebel. The kingdom of self challenges the rule of God. Dr. John points us to the heart of Pharoah, hardened against the ways and will of God. We are reminded that even Christian hearts can be proud. The path of humility finds the grace of God.  God's Rescue Plan : We tend to think of...

The Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches that the chief end of man is "to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." The glory of God is not only the ultimate purpose of humanity, it is the reason for all things. In this  message, Dr. John reminds us that God's glory is the answer to every question of "Why?" Pharoah and all of Egypt were about to learn that through the plagues. It...

Common sense suggests that when problems get worse, there's motivation to act wisely. An increasing clunk under the hood is reason to see a mechanic. But the human heart may not follow good sense. In this message, Dr. John demonstrates the rigidity of Pharoah's heart, even as the plagues get worse. As the plagues increase in intensity, so does the hardness of Pharoah's heart. Anyone wh...

The word "almost" conveys a vast difference. Almost rescued is not the same as being rescued! When God sends a second plague upon Egypt, Pharaoh almost changes his mind about letting Israel go free. But again, "almost" makes a big difference. In this message, Dr. John poses the question to us all, "Have we obeyed, or almost obeyed? Have we repented, or almost repented? Do we be...

In today's message, Dr. John points out that every culture has a foundation they trust. It may be the economy, technology, bureaucracy or human ingenuity. Egypt trusted the Nile. They believed in a god of the Nile river. In the first plague sent by Jehovah, He usurps the foundation of Egyptian faith by turning the Nile into blood. God does not share His right to rule. Every idol will be cast d...

A ventriloquist pretends to speak through a wooden doll. He can make the doll say whatever he chooses. Don't confuse that parlour trick with the role of Moses. Moses was to say whatever God wanted him to say - but Moses was no dummy! Dr. John shows that the central quality of a prophet is obedience. Moses chose to say the Words of God to Pharaoh. A Prophet is more than a mouthpiece. He is a wi...

Is faith something that comes in absolute measure? Either we have it all, or we have none? Most would admit to a mixture of faith, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief!" In today's message, Dr. John looks at Moses and the moments of his waivering trust. Moses complains and questions the ways of God. We are reminded of God's patience and faithful promise. Faith is not a quantity to hav...

At times, Christians can act like a football team which strolls onto the field and is shocked that the opposing team showed up! We expect victory without a fight. In this message, Dr. John speaks of Israel's bitterness and despair when Pharaoh increases their labour in light of Moses' demand. We are reminded that deep faith not only sees the promise of victory, but clings to it when the go...

In this message, Dr. John assures us, "It is not how we begin the race but how we finish the race that truly counts." Moses did not have a stellar start. He doubted and even wanted God to send someone else! His shaky beginning was not a prediction of its end. For those who stumble or feel defeated before they begin, Dr. John offers hope. God who began a mission through Moses will complete...

It is understandable that Moses questioned his own ability to fulfill the plans of God. Who could measure up to an impossible task? But as Dr. John teaches in this message, the excuses of Moses did not disqualify him from the call of God. God not only knew where Mose fell short; God made him that way. Rather than being discouraged by our weakness, we can trust God's Hand upon us for His purpos...

Even in the glow of a burning bush, Moses had doubts. He questioned the plans of God and his own ability to participate. In this message, Dr. John teaches on the signs that God gave to solidify Moses' faith. These were more than miracles; they were demonstrations of power pointing to deeper truths, truths meant to solidify our own faith. God's Rescue Plan: We tend to think of deliverance a...

A "commission" is the transfer of responsibility upon someone. It carries the authority of the one who grants it, along with obligation and accountability. Dr. John speaks of the commission God lays upon Moses and the fourfold description of his task. This was not a recruitment, but a commission. God does not simply look for volunteers, He calls and commissions.  God's Rescue Plan: We...

An introduction is an exchange of names. When God met Moses at a burning bush, He called Moses by name. But Moses had yet to learn the Name of God. In this message, Dr. John highlights the significance and centrality of God's Name - "I am."  Knowing the Name of God is more than holding information about Him. We are shaped by our understanding of God.  God's Rescue Plan: We tend to...

Forty years is a long time to wait. For four decades Moses had built a life in the desert, radically different from the life he had in Egypt. In this message, Dr. John will point to the qualities of Moses that reveal the fruit of his desert wait. They will surface at a burning bush. We will see Moses as He has become, but more, we will see God as He is.  God's Rescue Plan: We tend to think of...

Some choices are pivotal. At the age of 40, Moses makes a descision that will re-route his life. Dr. John teaches on the early life of Moses and the critical choice he faced. Ultimately Moses becomes a man without a people. Hunted by Egyptians and rejected by Hebrews, in the desert he is being prepared to meet his God.  God's Rescue Plan: We tend to think of deliverance as a rescue from someth...

Can God be trusted as His people suffer? Why doesn't God do something? Dr. John moves us through the story of Exodus and reveals the saving actions of God. God will redeem His people through the birth of a Hebrew boy. Not only will God rescue this child, but He will shape an ironic twist. Egypian royalty will pay for his keep! God will ensure that the boy receives the best of Egyptian and Hebr...

As day shifts to night, the story of Israel takes a dark turn at the beginning of Exodus. The nation moves from a favoured position to a bitter experience. They are enslaved, oppressed and threatened. Where is God as this happens? In this second message from Exodus, Dr. John points us to the involvement of God in every detail. God not only sees the state of His people, He is present and active at...

Why would we pay attention to a story 3,500 years old in a land far removed from us? Because it is our story too. In this 5-week series from  Exodus, Dr. John teaches that the themes of deliverance and covenant are our themes as well.  The story of Moses foreshadows the story of Christ. The story of Jesus involves us all. Listen to this series about Israel and catch a glimpse of God's grace fo...

An invitation to a free banquet sounds like a good opportunity. But before we tuck in our napkins, we should know who the host is and what it is they offer. Not every free meal is a blessing. Dr. John concludes his series of "Wisdom Matters" with the portrayal of two banquets - one hosted by Wisdom and the other by Folly. Consider which table will leave us satisfied!  Wisdom Matters:  Is i...

There are countless messages clamouring for your attention. Voices invite you to know, buy, do, attend, give, prevent or avoid. Dr. John reminds us that there is one Voice above them all. Wisdom wanders our streets looking for all who will listen. Why should we give wisdom primary place in our attention? Dr. John speaks of four reasons why each one of us should welcome wisdom into our lives.  Wisd...

Sexual sin is never accidental. Failure does not spring out of nowhere. The seeds of temptation are sown in our heads and hearts. How can we ensure that those seeds do not become fruitful? Dr. John offers four insights from Proverbs 7 which enable us to stand against the tide of sexual temptation. Wisdom is not simply being aware of the dangers, but knowing how to resist. Wisdom Matters: Is it bet...