Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

What changed when Jesus entered the world? From Galatians 3:25-26, Dr. John explores two massive shifts now that Christ has come. First, we're no longer under the guardian—no cultural barriers stand between us and God. Second, believers are made sons and daughters of God—adopted into His family as heirs who will one day rule the new creation. Christmas didn't just offer forgiveness, but re...

Why does Paul say we were "imprisoned" under the law before Christ came? From Galatians 3:23-24, Dr. John explains the law's dual role: it was both our jailor and our guardian. The law provoked rebellion, exposing our sinfulness and trapping us in it. Yet it also prepared us for the gospel through the bloody sacrifices that pointed to Christ. This message reveals why the law was necess...

Is God's law contrary to His promises in Christ? Many think Jesus came to abolish the law, but Paul emphatically says "absolutely not!" Drawing from Galatians 3:21-22, Dr. John explains that the law never gave life—only Christ does. Yet the moral law still stands. Jesus didn't come to make us lawless; He came to fulfill what the law demanded and empower us by His Spirit to live rig...

If God promised blessing through Jesus, why give the Law 430 years later? Drawing from Galatians 3:19-20, Dr. John explains that the Law wasn't given to save us—it was given to diagnose our condition. Like a physician's diagnostic tool, the Law reveals our transgressions and strips away our illusions of self-righteousness, ultimately driving us from Mount Sinai to Mount Calvary where we fi...

In this Christmas series opener, Dr. John explores a foundational question: If people walked with God before Jesus came, why do we need Him? Drawing from Galatians 3:15-18, he examines God's covenant with Abraham and the promise that all nations would be blessed through Abraham's "seed." Through Israel's turbulent history, Dr. John reveals that the promised blessing didn't...

What am I made for—in this life and for eternity? In this final episode, Dr. John Neufeld addresses two foundational questions about our design and destiny. He explores what Scripture teaches about gender and sexuality, outlining six biblical principles that celebrate God's creative design. Then he paints a vivid picture of the new heaven and new earth—a transformed physical world where heaven...

How can a loving God allow so much suffering, and how can we know our salvation is secure? In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld addresses two questions that strike at the heart of God's love for His people. He explains why suffering exists in a fallen world and reveals five ways God uses it for our good. Dr. Neufeld then tackles assurance of salvation, pointing us away from confidence in ourselve...

Is the Bible really the only holy book, and how can a loving God send people to hell? In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld explores two foundational questions about God's ways: that He speaks through Scripture, and that He holds humanity accountable. He examines what makes the Bible utterly unique among all books in human history, then tackles the difficult doctrine of hell, explaining that the s...

In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld tackles a common question: Why can't God just be satisfied when people are happy and fulfilled, regardless of what they believe? Drawing from Isaiah 43, he explores the foundational truth that we were created for God's glory, not our own satisfaction. Dr. Neufeld challenges the modern tendency toward experience-only faith and reminds us that we weren't...

In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld tackles a common question: Why can't God just be satisfied when people are happy and fulfilled, regardless of what they believe? Drawing from Isaiah 43, he explores the foundational truth that we were created for God's glory, not our own satisfaction. Dr. Neufeld challenges the modern tendency toward experience-only faith and reminds us that we weren't...

Even the greatest heroes of faith are still subject to human weakness. In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld examines King Hezekiah—one of Judah's most godly kings—who after being miraculously healed and witnessing incredible deliverance from Assyria, stumbles into pride when Babylonian envoys visit Jerusalem. Dr. Neufeld reminds us that sin's consequences can't always be undone, and that...

It's easy to speak of faith when the threat is still distant—but what happens when it's at your door? In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld examines one of Scripture's most dramatic moments: the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Hezekiah. With all fortified cities fallen and a mocking enemy proclaiming their God is powerless, Hezekiah faces the ultimate test. Through Isaiah's prop...

What would the world look like under perfect leadership? In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld examines Isaiah's vision of the coming Messiah's reign, contrasting foolish human leadership with the righteous rule of Christ. Through the final woes against Judah and Assyria, Isaiah reveals that the greatest crisis any nation faces is not military threats or economic troubles, but encountering the...

When crisis comes, where do we turn? In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld explores Isaiah's fourth and fifth woes against Judah for forming a military alliance with Egypt instead of trusting God. Using the biblical theme of "going back to Egypt" as a symbol of turning away from God, he examines how Judah's leaders sought security in Egyptian military power and rejected the prophets wh...

In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld examines Isaiah's prophetic laments over Israel and Jerusalem, revealing that God is not a tribal deity but the sovereign Lord who directs all nations and history. Through the woes pronounced against both kingdoms, he explores how God uses empires as instruments of judgment while remaining faithful to His covenant promises. This message reminds us that God&#39...

Isaiah wasn't just concerned with Israel—God had something to say to all the nations. Dr. John walks through Isaiah 13-27, where the prophet delivers oracles against Babylon, Assyria, Moab, Egypt, and other surrounding nations, accurately predicting the rise and fall of empires centuries before they happened. These chapters culminate in God's message to the whole earth: the Lord will judge...

When Assyria threatened to destroy both Israel and Judah, Isaiah saw beyond the darkness to a coming light. Dr. John walks through Isaiah 6-12, from the prophet's temple vision to his confrontation with King Ahaz during the Syrian-Israeli invasion. When Ahaz refuses God's offer of a sign, Isaiah turns to all Israel with a greater sign: a virgin will conceive and bear a son. The very region...

Isaiah's main theme isn't just judgment or hope—it's God himself. Dr. John walks through Isaiah chapters 1-5, showing how the prophet contrasts a sinful nation with the Holy One of Israel. These opening chapters set Isaiah's pattern: confronting present sin while pointing to future glory, from the Assyrian threat to the coming Messiah. Through the song of God's vineyard and a s...

Understanding ancient texts requires knowing the times in which they were written. Dr. John explores Isaiah's dramatic 50-year ministry (740-686 BC), spanning the reigns of four kings and the existential threat of Assyrian invasion. When Israel and Syria threatened to wipe out Judah's royal family, the messianic line itself hung in the balance—leading to Isaiah's famous virgin birth pr...

Why is Isaiah the second-most quoted book in the New Testament? Dr. John introduces this essential prophetic book, showing why it's indispensable for every Christian. Isaiah prophesied for over 50 years, foretelling not only the coming Messiah but even naming Cyrus the Great 150 years before he would rebuild Jerusalem. This episode lays the foundation for seeing Jesus through the lens of Isaia...

Satan demanded to sift the disciples like wheat—so why didn't their faith collapse? Dr. John examines Jesus' warning to Peter about his coming denial and the shocking shift in mission strategy after the Passover, exploring the puzzling command about swords and the practical requirements for sustainable ministry. The message is clear: until Christ returns, faithful followers aren't idle...

A dispute erupts among the disciples about who is greatest—even at the Last Supper. Dr. John examines Jesus' radical redefinition of greatness and leadership, contrasting worldly power with servant leadership that genuinely cares for the flock. He reveals that true greatness means using whatever authority God assigns to bless others for His glory, and that faithfulness now prepares us for grea...

Jesus declared he would not eat the Passover again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. Dr. John explores this final Passover meal, unpacking the symbolism of the four cups, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs that point forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb. He reveals why Jesus had overwhelming passion for this meal—it was both the last before his suffering and a preview of the great...

The prophets warned that the day of the Lord would be darkness, not light—so why would anyone desire it? Dr. John connects Jesus' second coming teaching with the necessity of Passover, examining the dark conspiracy to kill Jesus, Satan's entrance into Judas, and the mysterious preparations for the meal. He reveals that just as ancient Israel needed the blood of the lamb to escape judgment,...

What does it really mean to live in light of Christ's return? Dr. John examines Jesus' practical instructions from Luke 21, revealing that true end times study isn't about speculation but about faithful living. He unpacks four essential applications: maintain a hope-filled heart despite life's burdens, live with constant expectation of Christ's return, pray for strength to endu...