Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

An old adage says, "If you think education is expensive, you should try ignorance!" There is a price to be paid for wisdom, but the price of foolishness is far greater. Dr. John calls us to resist the fallicy that sexual sin has no consequence. The price of failure scars our soul, and our family. The vision of temptation's promise is dwarfed by the vision of God's blessings.   Wisd...

We make choices everyday - from the mundane to the life changing. In every decision, we need wisdom. As Dr. John speaks from Proverbs 6, he explains how practical wisdom can guide the choices we make about our debts, work habits, friendships, and especially our moral walk. Life is not a "flip of the coin." We can choose pathways of blessing by the wisdom God gives. Wisdom Matters: Is it be...

Proverbs demonstrates that the content of wisdom must speak to sexual matters as well. Every parent who has "the talk" with their children, can't simply speak of biology. There is a moral education needed as well. Dr. John highlights the cousel of Solomon to his son about sexuality. The power of human sexuality cannot be denied; it must be directed. God has wisdom that grants both life...

We have laws against distracted driving. Clearly if someone's eyes wander off the road, danger or death threatens. Dr. John speaks from Proverbs 4 about the risk of spiritual distraction. It is possible to wander off the right path by having our vision focused elsewhere. Our eyes are to be straight ahead, our ears open to wisdom, our lips echoing truth. Most of all, we are to guard our heart....

The primary responsibility of educating our children does not lie with schools or churches, but with parents. Home is the classroom of life. Dr. John points to Proverbs as a pattern for parents. We are to pass on to our children wisdom for life. We may speak of the lessons we have garnered over decades, but the wisdom we relay is not our own, but God's.  Wisdom Matters: Is it better to be weal...

We live in a world where the price tags have been switched. The values of God are reduced, and the values of this Earth are inflated. Given a choice between wealth and wisdom, many would choose money. Dr. John echoes Solomon's teaching on the riches of wisdom. We are reminded that since we are not born wise, the first rule of wisdom is: get wisdom! No one who is willing to pay that price will...

We often think of education as a means to make a living - a job, career. The wisdom of Solomon points in a different direction. God provides wisdom to make a life - a life blessed by God’s ways. In this study of Proverbs 1-9, Dr. John highlights the wisdom of God for the young and old. We will find that the wisdom which helps us make a life, will provide all the goodness of living. Wisdom Matters:...

The dictionary defines optimism as a perspective which sees the favourable side of life. Many rest their optimism on the shoulders of their skills, resources or even luck. Dr. John reminds us that smiling at the future is possible not because of our capacity or actions, but because of God's providence. We can embrace the favourable side of life and eternity because God is in charge. This bring...

"What difference does a healthy biblical view of God's providence make in every day life?" Dr. John asks and answers this pivotal question. We are reminded to live by faith in our sovereign God. The faith that makes a difference is faith that believes in God's providence, trusts His wise governance, and then orders life in response to His purposes. God's Providence: We tend to...

Every complaint we make about the weather, our health, traffic or neighbours is an insult to the providential work of God. Our complaints suggest that either God is not doing enough, or we don’t like what He is doing! Dr. John points us to Paul's experience in a Roman jail, and the joy Paul felt despite harsh circumstance. Knowing that God rules over every detail of our lives is cause not only...

Fear is at play in our lives more often than we care to admit. We worry about our health, our family, climate changes, community violence and international tensions. We worry that no one seems to be in charge. But God is!  He governs this world every minute. "Fear not," is God's assurance and command. We take courage, not because the dangers are illusionary, but because God rules over...

Every parent has heard their child ask, "Why?" Children can't understand the complexities of life, and the wise actions of parents confuse them. With God, we are the children. Often we look heavenward and ask, "Why?" The mysteries of Earth and Heaven are hidden within the providential wisdom of God. Dr. John assures us that while we may be baffled by God's ways, we can trus...

An old song says, "Que sera sera - whatever will be, will be." It is the song of a fatalist. Fatalism is driving on a set road heading to a pre-set destination, regardless of what happens. Is fatalism the same as God's providence? Dr. John walks us through the Scriptures to understand the difference. We will seee that God executes His determined design through the willing obedience of...

How do we pray in the face of God's sovereign reign? Doesn't God already know what we need? Isn't God arranging all of creation according to His plan? What difference will my prayers make? Listen as Dr. John teaches about the role of prayer in God's plans. We find from the Scriptures that prayer tutors us in the ways and heart of God.  God's Providence: We tend to think that ch...

Inevitably, as we consider the providential rule of God over creation, we have to ask this question, "How does the rule of God intersect my own free choices? If I am free to make my own decisions, how is God in control?" Dr. John helps us understand the Biblical teaching of our free will. What are we free to do?  God's Providence: We tend to think that chance is the cause for the weath...

There are things we want but cannot do. There are things we can do,  but do not want. Is it the same for God? When we consider the sovereign  rule of God over creation, we have to explore the nature of His will. Listen as Dr. John unfolds the Scriptures about the will of God in our world and in our lives.   God's Providence: We tend to think that chance is the cause for the weather, traffic, o...

The wrongs of this life are obvious. Violence. Exploitation. Cruelty. Destruction. We see instances of evil daily. We are grieved, angered and confused. Why doesn’t God do something about this? Can God do something about this? Listen as Dr. John demonstrates that God's rule over this Earth includes His reign over the sins of this world. We can take hope that nothing will defeat God's plan...

Are the conditions of our lives happenstance? Where we are born? How tall we are? Our mental, emotional and spiritual capacities? Dr. John demonstrates Biblically that our lives - and every aspect of them - are products of God's providence. This message gives us cause for joy and gratitude over God's care for each one of us. God's Providence: We tend to think that chance is the cause f...

It's a feat of management skill to get a family of 5 out the door on time. It's another matter to control a large company or even a small country. But the Bible teaches that God rules over all people - all families, companies and countries - and all at the same time! Listen as Dr. John reviews the Scriptures that grant us confidence in the Headship of Jesus over this Earth. God's Provi...

We talk about the weather daily. Many of our words are complaints. We see it as random chance whether we can enjoy sunshine or endure rain. Dr. John will show us that even the clouds and wind follow God's direction. Providence means that all of creation, animate or inanimate, has a trajectory. Everything is moved by God towards His purposes.  God's Providence: We tend to think that chance...

If God did something different each day, how would you know it was God doing it? Dr. John will demonstrate that the consistency of God's actions in creation provide a foundation for science, but more so, for hope to us all. Every day God upholds His creation in consistent ways - all for His glory and our good.   God's Providence: We tend to think that chance is the cause for the weather, t...

Are we to live by the principles of chance and change in this life? Do we simply trust luck - good or bad? If that is all we have to rely on - then insecurity and depair will dominate. Dr. John points us to  Biblical foundation. Jesus holds this universe together by the power of His Word. We do not rely on luck, but the benevolent omnipotence of our Lord. Listen and be encouraged.  God's Provi...

What is our ultimate response to false teachers? Debate? Suspician? Fear? Dr. John ends this series on 2 Peter with the word "grace." We are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, who is filled with infinite grace. Being with Jesus and like Jesus, is the best defence of truth and holiness.  Danger From Within: Jesus spoke of wolves in sheep's clothing. Paul warned of wolves...

Dr. John teaches that "Eschatology and ethics are tied to each other." What we hope for will establish how we live. Since we have the blessed hope of Jesus' return, we ought to live holy lives. This world will go up in smoke, but we are looking to a new creation in which righteousness dwells.  Danger From Within: Jesus spoke of wolves in sheep's clothing. Paul warned of wolves amon...

If you stare at your feet while walking, every journey will feel the same. You may not sense much progress. False teachers thought that the "sameness" of life demonstrates that God is not doing much. Listen as Dr. John calls us to see the big picture, not only of this life but of eternity. God is moving history to His righteous end. Danger From Within: Jesus spoke of wolves in sheep's...