We think of a "door of opportunity" as something that swings open for our response, but be quick! The door may close. Jesus has a different message for the church of Philadelphia. Jesus opens a door that no one can shut. God had placed before the congregation a calling that, while it held challenges, they can trust their Lord as they walk through this open door.
In these letters to the seven churches, Jesus usually has something positive to say, except for Sardis. To this congregation, Jesus offers no commendation. Jesus does not name any specific sin but declares them to be dead. What made them "lifeless?" Listen as Dr. John explains what was missing.
We can be complicit in sin, not because we commit it, but because we tolerate it. Jesus speaks to the church in Thyatira in which a woman who claims to speak for God advocates for immoral truth and practices. While Jesus notes the things that are commendable within the congregation, their passivity about this false prophet was not. We are reminded that within the church, tolerance of false teaching and practice holds the whole accountable for the few.
Our society is saturated with sexual themes and expressions. The commands of God are ignored, and immoral practices are flaunted. None of this is new. John writes the words of Jesus to His church in Pergamum, a congregation surrounded by sexual immorality. Today Dr. John explains the context of these believers and highlights the commands of Jesus for them. What are we to do today in our society? The commands of Jesus still ring true.
While Jesus did not offer any criticism of the congregation of Smyrna, that didn't mean that His message was easy to hear. They were a church under severe Roman pressure and Jesus said that their suffering was about to increase. The notion that doing what is right makes us immune to tribulation is not the message of Christ. But Jesus is faithful to His Church amid suffering. The One who has suffered and won stands with us in our need.
What would Jesus say to your church? Revelation demonstrates that Jesus has insight of and a message for each congregation. Jesus will affirm what is worthy, correct what is wrong, and holds a promise for each. Today we hear Jesus call a church back to its first love. Jesus insists that His Church be known by their love.
John is the last living apostle of Jesus who writes to the Church in a time of severe pressure. What is the first thing he writes? A vision of Jesus, as He is. The description strips away our Sunday School images of Him. While the imagery is overwhelming, the presence of Jesus is our hope. He stands in the midst of His Church - at all times.
Many find the book of Revelation difficult to understand. There are so many confusing symbols and mysterious descriptions. But the blessing of this book is not in deciphering the details. This book unveils Jesus for us! We catch sight of who He is and what He will do. That is the promised blessing! Listen today as Dr. John speaks of three titles that fit only Jesus and of three graces He extends to you today.
In this introduction of the Book of Revelation, we will find that the word "soon" is elastic. We can shrink it to the nearness of lunch, or expand it to stretch over 2000 years. "Soon" is not intended to offer us a timetable. It is intended to offer us confidence in our day - His victorious return is certain!
Only the naive think of freedom as being free of laws and rules. There is no such thing - not at home or work, civil society or driving! Laws do not suppress freedom, but give it rails to run on. Today Dr. John teaches on the three reasons why God gave Israel the Law. May we see in that reflection the same intent of God for each one of us.
Christians tend to take for granted the theology of monotheism - there is only one God and He is Jehovah. We've lost the radical impact such a claim has in a polytheistic world. There are not various gods ruling different aspects of life. There is no co-dependency between God and creation. God does not compete with other gods for our worship. God is One and there is One God.
Our society exalts celebrities, chases after financial gain, applauds comfort and luxury, and focuses on the latest trends and entertainment. Idolatry abounds around us. Today we hear Moses point to the consequences of an idolatrous people. As Dr. John points out, every Christian in an idolatrous society must flee anything that takes the place of our God in our hearts.
Idolatry is the practice of creating a shape or form of God for worship; but God has no form. Idolatry is also the exaltation of any created thing above God. God is always to be first in our hearts. While our culture may not get carried away with the first understanding of idolatry, we certainly do with the second. Listen as Dr. John points us to the dangers of our own idolatry.
While attempting to be current and relevant to the times, it is possible for believers to forget what has been. Looking forward, they neglect what God has done. On the threshold of the promised land, Moses calls Israel to remember the works and words of God. They were to recall the foundation on which they stood and pass it on to their children. Good counsel for us all.
Knowing that Israel will enter the promised land without him, what does Moses say to them? Dr. John preaches on the final emphasis of Moses' sermon addressed to Israel on the doorstep of their homeland. The heart of Moses' message was obedience. Israel is cautioned to be faithful to God's commands, recognize the results of disobedience and consider the rewards of following God's direction. It is a caution that still stands for us today.
God can say "No!" It is not an answer we embrace easily, but we would be mistaken to think that God must always concede to our requests. Moses wanted to enter the promised land, but God denied it. He would not be allowed to enter the very inheritance He had spent his life leading Israel towards. Listen as Dr. John explains God's answer. Note that even in God's refusal, there is grace.
Major projects and journeys often need to be adjusted along the way. That doesn't mean the original plans were wrong. It does mean that wisdom responds to the necessary changes of life. Dr. John speaks of the shift from Moses allowing some of the tribes to make their home on the east side of the Jordan. What didn't change was the commitment and integrity of the nations' solidarity.
Many will remember their first purchase of property or a home. It was with a sense of delight and even pride that you walked into your house or surveyed your boundaries. As Israel was about to enter their first homeland, God warned them about pride and stewardship. They were to remember that God gave them their home and this land came with responsibilities. The same is true for us.
It's not possible to read Deuteronomy and ignore the question of war. Israel was commanded to wipe out entire cities and nations. We ask, "How could a loving God allow, even command, the death of men, women and children?" It is this inescapable question that Dr. John addresses in today's message. Listen as we hear the themes of justice and mercy played out through the agency of Israel.
We refer to the land Israel was to possess as the "land of promise." It was not the "land of the conquered" or the "land of the defeated." It is territory that is given to Israel by the covenantal grace of God. It's true that Israel would have to fight for it - but ultimately it is given by God; God who rules over every nation and territory. God alone raises nations and brings them low. Israel could not boast of military might or skill. Every nation must acknowledge God, who is King over all.
It's common when we make a journey to plan the details by our own wishes. We map the route and choose the hotels. Today Dr. John reminds us that while Israel journeyed for 40 years in the wilderness, they were still led by the will of God. Despite their rebellion, He graced with His guidance. They continually faced the choice, "God's way or our way." The lessons of faith and submission were always before them. Just like us.
Video games give multiple lives. Golfers can claim a "mulligans." Some stores grant time in which you can exchange your purchases. But many of our decisions are irreversible with consequences we cannot avoid. Israel decided to disobey at Kadesh Barnea. They reaped the death of an entire generation in the wilderness. Would they want a "re-do" if they knew the outcome? For them and us, sin always leaves a stain. God help us to respond with faithful obedience at the very start.
Opportunities can be met with anything from gullibility to cynicism. But there is something else we need to consider, the spectrum of fear to faith. At the doorstep of the promised land, Moses reminded his current generation of how the previous generation failed. Their faith gave way to their fears. Listen as Dr. John points to the three warning signs that our fear is louder than our faith.
We can all point to missed opportunities in our lives. A job we turned down. An investment we didn't make. A friendship we ignored. While we may have regrets, it is an entirely different matter if we spurn God's invitation. Despite the promise of God, the urging of Moses and the evidence of "milk and honey," Israel rejected God's opportunity before them.
Early in Deuteronomy, Moses established a system of judges among the people. It was not simply for administrative reasons alone. The concern was not for efficiency, but justice. The judges were to be impartial, honest and submissive to the purposes of God. Dr. John points out that the qualifications of these men are criteria for all leadership. In our government, communities and churches, God's standard remains the same.
In our day, there is significant skepticism about leaders. Corruption, failure and broken promises have diminished both our respect and appreciation for leadership. The example of Moses redeems the role of leader. Today Dr. John points to Moses, not as a hero, but as God's provision for the nation - a cause for blessing among the people.
When rowing a boat, you face the stern. In other words, you move forward by looking backwards. Before a new generation enters the promised land, Moses reminds them of God's past words and actions. It is more than a history lesson. Every generation must embrace God's promises on their own. The ultimate question is not about what Israel did - but what we will do with the promises of God.
Israel had failed to keep the Sinai Covenant. They feared to trust God when standing on the border of the land of promise. In consequence, they wandered for 40 years, and a new generation arose. Deuteronomy is a series of three sermons Moses preached as they approached the promised land once more. God was inviting them to covenantal faithfulness. Despite their past failures, God extends His promise again. Deuteronomy is about repeated grace.
Some Christians struggle with their relationship to the Law, as presented in the Old Testament. Some ignore the Law and claim to be "freed" from it. Others see it as a manual towards godly living. Today Dr. John outlines the intent and benefit of the Law for us all. A correct understanding demonstrates that while the Law is not our master nor our strength, it is a teacher and signpost for the Spirit's work.
Our minds struggle to take in eternity. For us now, all earthly things have a beginning and an end. It's hard to imagine an existence in a time and place that continues forever. Dr. John points us to the infinity of heaven, in both time and space. We will suffer no loss and share God's delight. It will be the best we could ever know without diminishment or conclusion.
What will we do in heaven? Endless picnics, golf games, hikes through the forest and flying through the clouds? Dr. John elevates our understanding. Our dominion over the earth will be restored and we will exercise authority and judgement as God in the name of Jesus. Lest you think that such an earthly picture is too confined, remember, the universe is large and Christ rules over every bit of it. We will rule with Him.
Our curiosity about the environment of heaven is understandable. We want to know what the celestial neighbourhood is like! But Dr. John reminds us today that the delight of heaven is not in the descriptive details. God is the center of all that heaven will be and all that we will be about. We will see God face to face and nothing will grant more joy than that.
Often people think of eternity as only a spiritual dimension. But heaven will not be filled with floating souls. We will have faces with smiles, arms and legs that move us. We will be physically resurrected for eternity. Today Dr. John answers our questions and dispels many of our myths about our future physical state.
Many people think of heaven simply as an extension of earth, only better! Today Dr. John speaks of heaven and earth as a new work of God. There will be a new earth, transformed from the old. Heaven will no longer be distant but descended upon earth. The lives of God's people will be filled with unending love, joy, creativity, peace, and worship for the One who has done it all.
Once we really understand how much better it is to be in God’s presence when we die, it can transform our outlook on life here on earth.
Once we really understand how much better it is to be in God’s presence when we die, it can transform our outlook on life here on earth.
Once we really understand how much better it is to be in God’s presence when we die, it can transform our outlook on life here on earth.
It is God alone who has the power to determine our eternal destiny.
Dr. John Neufeld provides a firm Biblical foundation for how Christians should rightly understand the subject of Heaven and death.
It is easy, too easy, to focus on those opposed to us. We are prone to devising tactics against them. Today we hear Jesus say that there are not as many enemies as we imagine, and those that truly are enemies do not require our vengeance. What is required is to follow Jesus in absolute surrender - even if it means a cross.
We all want to succeed. We want our lives to matter, to make a difference, even to glorify God. But our hopes for success can morph into a need to succeed. We can become competitive and vain. Repeatedly Jesus teaches the 12 about humility. In today's passage Dr. John points to the limitations of the disciples and shows Jesus turning to a child as the example for our souls.
Have you ever looked at someone you knew and saw them in a new light? Perhaps you see your son/daughter, no longer as a child, but a parent caring for their own children. Maybe your spouse is publicly honoured for a significant achievement. In these situations, your understanding grows of the one you know. Dr. John walks us through the transfiguration of Jesus. The disciples saw Jesus in a new light. They saw Him as He was, is and always will be - the glorious Son of God.
Anyone who follows Jesus learns quickly that the path is not smooth. The experience of discipleship is more than hard, it is a self-sacrifice. Dr. John reminds and repeats Jesus' call to pick up our cross. Whatever is forfeited can't be compared to what is gained.
Many feel deep compassion for the hungry. Hearts are moved with sympathy for those on street corners or starving refugees of war. The disciples were empathetic for the hungry crowds that followed Jesus. But they had only one recourse - send them away to find food. Jesus had another answer. Jesus has both compassion and power. Today we learn that we can do more than sympathize. Jesus works through us for the needs of our world.
It is one thing to enjoy a piano concert from a virtuoso. It's quite another to be invited to the keyboard and asked to play along with him. That's what Jesus does for His disciples. Dr. John teaches on their apprenticeship to do the very things they saw Jesus doing. Jesus has power to work His will through them - through us as well.
When we are pushed to our limit and then called to go even further, we wonder how it is possible. But faith can be stretched. Dr. John teaches about Jairus and his ailing daughter. The synagogue ruler went to Jesus believing that He could help her in her sickness. When news arrived of her death, Jesus invited him to believe even more! Jesus has power to do what we ask, and then to do more than we can ever imagine.
The woman had been sick for 12 years and found no medical help. She gave doctors all her money and got nothing in return. When she reached out to Jesus with faith, she was made well in an instant. Today, Dr. John teaches on the sufficiency and power of simple faith. To trust Him in all circumstance is the secret of peace.
Christians believe in the supernatural. We trust in a God we cannot see and hold on to faith for our future. So, it shouldn't shock us that the demonic world is real and active, despite being mocked by our world. Luke portrays Jesus confronting the powers of darkness to bring healing and serenity to a tortured body and mind. For some, the healing of a possessed man stirred fear and distance from Jesus. For the man, he had cause to proclaim to all the mercy and power of God.
Some like to bargain. They negotiate their price on a car and haggle at the farmer's market. God does not bargain. We come to Him on His terms and submit to His authority. In this section of Luke, Dr. John teaches the supremacy of Jesus over our secret motives, family relationships and even the forces of nature. To come to Jesus is to surrender. In doing so, we find more than we could ever bargain for.
Jesus never travelled alone. He was accompanied by the 12 men He appointed as Apostles, but also by many women. That was rare for the culture of His day. When Jesus spoke publicly of the parable of the Sower, Seed and Soil, those who followed Him were privately let in on the mystery and secrets of His teaching. Dr. John reminds us that it is the committed followers of Jesus who understand the truths of the Kingdom.
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