Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

Is the good life measured by wealth and comfort, or by something deeper? In this second part of Psalm 37, Dr. John Neufeld examines David's description of the wicked versus the righteous, revealing that true prosperity consists of generosity, wisdom, justice, and inner peace. God promises the righteous: He will grant the desires of their hearts, bring their righteousness to light, give them an...

What do you do when evil people seem to prosper while you struggle? In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld explores Psalm 37, where an elderly David offers timeless counsel for navigating difficult seasons. David gives three key commands: don't become emotionally distraught, keep your heart centered on God, and remain obedient regardless of circumstances—whether facing persecution, illness, or betr...

David confronts our three greatest fears: death, enemies, and the future. Dr. John Neufeld explores Psalm 23:4-6, showing how the Good Shepherd protects us through the "valley of the shadow of death"—because it's only a shadow, not death itself. God prepares a banquet for us in full view of our enemies, demonstrating His care while they watch. And His goodness and mercy will follow us...

How can David confidently say "I shall not want" when we live with so many unfulfilled desires? Dr. John Neufeld explores Psalm 23:2-3, unpacking four ways the Good Shepherd provides for our daily needs: sufficient food ("green pastures"), peace for anxious minds ("still waters"), forgiveness and spiritual renewal ("restores my soul"), and wise guidance ("paths...

Our culture creates endless wants—bigger houses, newer cars, more stuff. But what does it mean when David declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want"? Dr. John Neufeld explores Psalm 23:1, clarifying that this doesn't mean we stop wanting things, but that we shall lack nothing we truly need. Like a good shepherd who knows exactly what his sheep need, God has arranged everythi...

The New Apostolic Reformation movement claims to have contemporary apostles who receive new revelation equal to Scripture, effectively ending sola scriptura. Dr. John Neufeld explains how this movement argues the Bible is insufficient for today's church and that modern "apostles" give new words adding to biblical truth. Dr. John demonstrates that unless we have a closed canon—66 books...

While Jesus affirmed the complete authority and accuracy of Scripture, modern Protestant liberalism has abandoned sola scriptura by claiming the Bible contains errors or is merely humanity's search for God. Dr. John Neufeld traces how German scholars began questioning Moses' authorship and denying Jesus' miracles, replacing biblical Christianity with cultural affirmation and self-actua...

Can tradition hold equal authority with Scripture? Dr. John Neufeld examines what Jesus taught about tradition in Mark 7:1-13, where the Pharisees criticized His disciples for not following ceremonial hand washing traditions. Jesus responded by quoting Isaiah: "They teach as doctrines the commandments of men." When tradition conflicts with Scripture—as when the Pharisees used "Corban&#...

Roman Catholics argue that sola scriptura has splintered Protestantism into countless interpretations. Dr. John Neufeld responds by distinguishing between sola scriptura (Scripture as final authority) and solo scriptura (Scripture alone, rejecting all church history). Historic Protestants affirm Scripture's ultimate authority while valuing church fathers and the ecumenical creeds. The Case for...

Can the Bible alone be our ultimate authority, or do we need something more? Dr. John Neufeld begins a defense of sola scriptura—the principle that Scripture alone is our final authority for faith and practice. Addressing objections from Roman Catholics and others, Dr. John demonstrates that Jesus Himself chose the apostles and promised the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth. The church d...

Throughout history, people have reinterpreted Jesus—as a social reformer, a prophet, even just a good teacher. Dr. John explores Matthew 20:29-34, where two blind men publicly declare Jesus as "Son of David"—the Messiah. For years, Jesus kept His identity secret, but now, on the road from Jericho to Jerusalem, He allows the declaration to stand and heals the blind men in front of the crowd...

We all want to be great—to achieve something memorable, to be recognized and honored. Dr. John explores Matthew 20:20-28, where James and John ask Jesus for the seats of highest honor in His kingdom. Their request reveals the human hunger for status and recognition that we all share. But Jesus turns greatness upside down: "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant." True greatn...

"Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?" This challenging question from the parable of the workers leads Dr. John to explore God's sovereignty—even over Jesus Himself. In Matthew 20:17-19, Jesus predicts His suffering in precise detail for the third time, revealing that the Father had predetermined to crush His Son for our salvation. Dr. John shows how God sovere...

Why does God reward the thief on the cross—who believed at the last moment—with the same eternal life as the apostle Paul, who suffered a lifetime of hardship for the gospel? Dr. John concludes his exploration of the parable of the workers in the vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16. The frustration we feel at this "unfairness" reveals a dangerous assumption: that our service to God places Him in...

The parable of the workers in the vineyard seems deeply unfair—why should those who worked one hour receive the same pay as those who labored all day in the scorching heat? Dr. John begins a two-part exploration of this confusing parable from Matthew 20:1-16, addressing a crucial question: Is it wrong to be motivated by rewards? Examining Jesus' own teachings, Dr. John reveals that God designe...

After the rich young ruler walks away, Jesus tells His disciples something shocking: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." Dr. John Neufeld explores Matthew 19:23-30, where Jesus reassures His astonished disciples that what's impossible with man is possible with God, and promises that those who leave everything...

A wealthy young ruler runs to Jesus with an urgent question: "What good deed must I do to have eternal life?" Dr. John Neufeld explores Matthew 19:16-22, where Jesus exposes the man's real problem—not his failure to keep the commandments, but his failure to trust God completely. When Jesus tells him to sell everything and follow Him, the young man walks away sorrowful, revealing that e...

Jesus' teaching on marriage leaves the disciples reeling—wondering if it's even worth getting married at all. Dr. John Neufeld explores Matthew 19:9-15, where Jesus addresses lifestyle choices, affirming both lifelong marriage and singleness for the kingdom. When parents bring their children for blessing, Jesus rebukes the disciples and welcomes them, reminding us that God calls us to live...

The Pharisees set a trap for Jesus, asking about divorce to damage His reputation and divide the crowd. Dr. John Neufeld explores Matthew 19:3-9, where Jesus bypasses competing rabbis and points straight to Scripture, teaching God's original design for lifelong marriage while addressing the reality of hard hearts. This episode reminds us that standing behind the shield of Scripture is the key...

Can't see the forest for the trees? Dr. John Neufeld helps us grasp the big picture of Jesus' life by exploring how the four Gospels each offer a unique perspective—Matthew's Jewish Messiah, Mark's Son of God, Luke's perfect man, and John's declaration of deity. As we begin a journey through Matthew 19-20, Dr. Neufeld sets the scene: Jesus is leaving Galilee for the final t...

Just when Isaiah's harsh condemnation of idolatry seems relentless, the tone shifts dramatically to God's breathtaking mercy. Dr. John explores Isaiah 44:21-28, where God declares He has blotted out Israel's transgressions like mist and will never forget His covenant with them. This passage even names the Persian king Cyrus over 200 years before he would decree Israel's return from...

Why do people worship idols when it's so obviously foolish? Dr. John walks through Isaiah 44:9-20, where the prophet exposes the absurdity of idolatry with biting irony. Isaiah describes craftsmen using half their wood for cooking fires and bowing down to worship the other half. Despite the clear madness of worshipping what we've made with our own hands, idolatry persists because our heart...

How can God command us to fear Him while also telling us "fear not"? Dr. John tackles this apparent contradiction in Isaiah 44:1-8, exploring what it means to fear God rightly. As God promises judgment through Babylon, He simultaneously declares to Israel: "Fear not, I will never abandon you." For believers struggling with sin and uncertainty, these words offer profound comfort—we...

Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt in the first Exodus, Isaiah prophesies a second Exodus—this time from Babylon. Dr. John walks through Isaiah 43:14-28, exploring God's promise to bring down Babylon and rescue His people once again. This passage confronts Israel's hollow religious practices while offering hope for struggling sinners. God blots out our transgressions through Christ&#3...

In a world that values pluralism and diversity, how do we balance cultural inclusion with biblical truth? Dr. John explores Isaiah 43:8-13, where God calls the nations to account and declares there is only one true God. While we celebrate diversity and inclusion in society, the church must remain unwavering in its loyalty to Jesus Christ alone—the only Savior who can deliver us from judgment. Isra...