Convincing Proof

By |2024-03-21T05:20:25-07:00Mar 29, 2024|Audio|

It is readily granted that resurrection sounds too good to be true! In fact, alive from the dead can sound like a fable. But it is no fable. Dr. John walks us through the undeniable evidence for Jesus' resurrection. From the fact of an empty tomb. testimony of eye witnesses and the life changing impact upon believers, the evidence of Jesus' resurrection is credible to believe. It is a foundation for faith.

Victory over Death

By |2025-06-05T06:50:45-07:00Mar 28, 2024|Audio|

Death is the inevitability that we all must face. We may try to delay it with healthy regiments and medical procedures - but death arrives for everyone. We are powerless before it. Jesus is not. His resurrection is a victory cry over the grave. Today Dr. John reminds us that while death visits everyone, at His second coming Jesus shares His victory with us all. We shall be raised.

The Spiritual Body

By |2024-03-21T05:17:19-07:00Mar 27, 2024|Audio|

Corruption and decay are laws of this world. A tree grows, falls and turns back to the earth. Time brings a decline to everything and everyone that ends in death. That is the natural order. But resurrection is supernatural. Dr. John teaches on God's great reversal of what has always been. Corruption becomes incorruptible. Weakness becomes power. Death becomes glorious life.

Images of the Resurrection

By |2024-03-21T05:15:21-07:00Mar 26, 2024|Audio|

It's understandable that some of the Corinthians had questions about the resurrection, even as we do. Paul taught the certainty of physical resurrection both for Jesus and us. Despite the clarity of this truth, some mystery remains. Dr. John teaches of three metaphors Paul uses to describe the resurrection. A seed and a plant. The variety of life on earth. The glory of the sun and moon. Listen as each illustration points to the wonders of our resurrection.

Wake up and Stop Sinning

By |2024-03-21T05:16:01-07:00Mar 25, 2024|Audio|

Resurrection is an event of the past. It also points to our eternal future. But what implication does it have for the present? What difference does the resurrection make for the now? Today Dr. John points to implications of the resurrection for our moral lives. We will find both motivation and hope for godly living. Without the resurrection, we might as well live for today. But the fact of the resurrections leads us to a strong moral center.

Changed by Truth

By |2024-03-15T09:27:52-07:00Mar 22, 2024|Audio|

We are not simply products of our past. We are shaped by our future. The hope of the resurrection impacts our living today. It grants courage and perseverance to battle for God's Kingdom in the now. It offers comfort and confidence through the victory of our Lord. It assures us that death itself will be defeated for us all.

Christ and Adam

By |2024-10-30T07:18:34-07:00Mar 21, 2024|Audio|

It would not be hard to convince someone about the certainty of death. It is all around us and undeniable. Paul uses the reality of death passed to all humanity from Adam as certainty of the resurrection promised us in Jesus Christ. All in Jesus Christ will be raised.

The Believer’s Hope

By |2024-03-15T09:29:00-07:00Mar 20, 2024|Audio|

Do you believe in life after death? If so, what type of life do we have after death? As Paul responds to the questions and misunderstandings among the Corinthians about the resurrection, he focuses on the fact of physical resurrection. Listen as Dr. John offers seven reasons why physical resurrection is necessary for Jesus Christ and our own hope.

Confidence in the Gospel

By |2024-03-15T09:29:38-07:00Mar 19, 2024|Audio|

If a confused hiker who has lost his way starts wandering down every path, they are likely to get more lost. It is better to get your bearings and stand on what you know. Then you can find your way. Today Dr. John teaches on the bearings Paul reminded the Corinthians of. Jesus' death. Eyewitnesses to His resurrection. The transformation of His followers. These are our bearings as well.

Of First Importance

By |2024-03-15T09:30:16-07:00Mar 18, 2024|Audio|

Before Paul begins to explain the resurrection to the Corinthians, he focuses on the death of Jesus Christ. It stands to reason. There can't be a resurrection unless there is a death. But Paul wants the Corinthians to grip the importance of Jesus' death - in fact it is of first importance. Listen as Dr. John speaks of the penal, substitutionary atonement of Jesus. Our faith rests upon it.

The Better High Priest

By |2024-09-13T13:08:56-07:00Mar 15, 2024|Audio|

If Hebrews is written to persuade Christian Jews to not return to Judaic ways, what is its relevance to us? While many references to the priesthood of the Old Testament may seem opaque to us, this truth stands. We all need a Priest to intercede for us. Jesus is our High Priest who ushers us before the Father. Listen as Dr. John teaches why Jesus is superior above all. Let these truths be cause for our firm faith and joyous worship to our Lord.

Obsolete or Perfect?

By |2024-09-13T13:07:55-07:00Mar 14, 2024|Audio|

People may cheer for the same team year after year, despite a consistent losing record. You may applaud their consistency, but the fact is, they never taste victory. Today Dr. John speaks of the Priesthood of Jesus, after the order of Melchizedek, doing what the priesthood of Aaron could never do. The superior has surpassed the inferior. The eternal replaces the temporal. Why does it matter? Because only in Jesus is victory assured.

A Superior Priesthood

By |2024-09-13T13:07:03-07:00Mar 13, 2024|Audio|

People may cheer for the same team year after year, despite a consistent losing record. You may applaud their consistency, but the fact is, they never taste victory. Today Dr. John speaks of the Priesthood of Jesus, after the order of Melchizedek, doing what the priesthood of Aaron could never do. The superior has surpassed the inferior. The eternal replaces the temporal. Why does it matter? Because only in Jesus is victory assured.

The Order of Melchizedek

By |2025-06-05T06:50:45-07:00Mar 12, 2024|Audio|

Hebrews establishes that Jesus is our Great High Priest. But there are some questions the readers need addressed. Jesus was not from the tribe of Levi, but of Judah. How could Jesus be a High Priest when He was not from the priestly tribe? Hebrews points to a different order of priests - the priesthood of Melchizedek. Who was he? Dr. John explains who he was and why his priesthood is greater than that of Levi. Jesus is not disqualified as High Priest but magnified greater than any earthly priesthood.

The Hope of God’s Promise

By |2024-09-13T13:05:12-07:00Mar 11, 2024|Audio|

What's the ground on which hope stands? Is it a natural sunny disposition? Is hope the product of a "charmed life" or reading the circumstances around you in the best light possible? If hope is simply an expression of optimism, then those foundations may last for a while and for a few. Today Dr. John teaches on the sure grounding for hope for all believers, in all situations, for all time. Listen and let your hope be affirmed and refreshed.

Hope to Endure

By |2024-09-13T13:04:01-07:00Mar 8, 2024|Audio|

Many times, we are attracted to bad news. We listen to the whisper of our fears. Having heard the warning of apostacy in Hebrews, now we are consumed by worry that we might fall away! Dr. John speaks of hope in place of fear. The warnings of God are not ignored, but the grace of His hand is greater than the sum of our fears. We are held in the grip of God. We trust Him more than we trust ourselves.

When It Is Impossible

By |2024-09-13T13:03:07-07:00Mar 7, 2024|Audio|

We are surrounded by warnings. We are warned not to eat detergent pods, not to crank the volume on our ear buds, not to drive drowsy. There are so many warnings, we become immune to them. That is a problem. Dr. John points to a warning in Hebrews that can't be ignored. We disregard it to the detriment of our soul. The warning is both a caution and a hope.

Failure to Launch

By |2025-06-05T06:50:45-07:00Mar 6, 2024|Audio|

Not everyone who begins a journey completes it. Not everyone who progresses through school matures. Growth is a sign of health. Not growing suggests a problem. Today, Dr. John points to the admonition of Hebrews that our spiritual appetites ought to move from milk to solid food. Stagnation and complacency are not the design God has for us.

A Perfect High Priest

By |2024-09-13T13:01:17-07:00Mar 5, 2024|Audio|

Jesus is our King, Prophet and Priest. He has the power to rule, the authority to speak and the grace to intercede for us all. Today Dr. John reminds us that Jesus' role as High Priest was a calling from the Father and that Jesus embraced the office through painful obedience. He did not resist the Father's call nor shrink from the suffering of His submission. He did it all for us.

Jesus, Our High Priest

By |2024-09-13T13:00:05-07:00Mar 4, 2024|Audio|

If a priest acts before God on behalf of the people, who acts on behalf of the priest? Every human priest is sinful and fallible. By the mercy of God, a sacrifice was provided annually on the Day of Atonement. Listen as Dr. John points to Jesus, our High Priest who alone is perfect and needs no sacrifice for sin. Rather, He becomes the sufficient sacrifice made once and made for all.

Finishing in Faith

By |2024-02-20T13:12:08-08:00Mar 1, 2024|Audio|

Fairy tales end with, "they lived happily ever after." But life is no fairy tale, and the ending of our days and efforts is not guaranteed to be happy. Today, Dr. John teaches on the ending of King David's reign. It is not a finale we would write. King David sins out of pride and Israel is judged by God's avenging angel. But the final scene of King David is saturated with grace and mercy. God extends mercy on the very spot where Abraham was about to offer his son - the very spot where Jesus died to rescue us. A happy ending.

Civil War

By |2024-02-20T13:10:27-08:00Feb 29, 2024|Audio|

King David had faced his share of enemies. He was battle hardened. But even all of this did not prepare him for rebellion and warfare from his own son, Absalom. There was pride and arrogance from Absalom and his advisors, which led to their downfall. But God walked King David though a period of public humility, in which he found God's grace and restoration to the throne.

Trouble in David’s Household

By |2024-02-20T13:08:55-08:00Feb 28, 2024|Audio|

A boy can be forgiven for throwing the rock that shatters a window - but he may still have to pay for the repair. A man can be forgiven for driving drunk and killing another driver, but he still lives with the painful consequence. King David is forgiven for his transgressions, but his actions sowed trouble in his own family. Dr. John teaches today of the challenges and troubles David faced in his own home. It's a story we can learn from.

The Blessings of Repentance

By |2024-02-20T13:07:18-08:00Feb 27, 2024|Audio|

If we are lost, stopping and turning in the right direction is the best course. If we are suffering from cancer, a proper diagnosis and treatment is the path to healing, even if it is hard and painful. When David was confronted with his sin, the harsh words of Nathan the prophet were key to David's restoration. Listen as Dr. John speaks on the grace and blessing of repentance.

David and Bathsheba

By |2025-06-05T06:50:45-07:00Feb 26, 2024|Audio|

Anyone can fall into a hidden trap. Walking through a wooded area and stepping on false ground will result in a fall. But if the danger was highlighted by signs and marked by ropes, it would be foolish to ignore the warnings and step over the rope. That's what David does. Dr. John points to the steps David took and the warnings he ignored as he gazed upon Bathsheba. Lust clothed in arrogance led David to adultery, lies and murder. This was no fall. It was a jump.

David Establishes His Kingdom

By |2025-06-05T06:50:45-07:00Feb 23, 2024|Audio|

A Kingdom cannot simply be declared, it must be won. There are dangers within and without for every kingdom. Today Dr. John teaches about David's actions meant to ensure the Kingdom is firm. We find the actions of a warrior against enemy threats. We also find the actions of a friend who deals compassionately with the descendants of Saul and Jonathan. A kingdom is established by both strength and gentleness.

God’s Charter for the Human Race

By |2024-02-16T08:22:35-08:00Feb 22, 2024|Audio|

The leader of a nation usually dwells in its capital city. King David built his home in Jerusalem. But he wanted to do more. David wanted to build a house for God. He was not commanded to do so, but the King's heart moved his plans. Listen as Dr. John speaks on God's response to the intention of David. When David wanted to do something for God, God answers by doing something for David, but more. What God does proves to be the answer for all of history. Even you and me.

The City of God

By |2024-02-16T08:21:48-08:00Feb 21, 2024|Audio|

Jerusalem has been a global focus for three millennium. How did this city capture the attentions of Kings, nations, and countless devotees? Dr. John traces the plans and actions of David as Israel’s new King. King David would make this place more than a national center. It would be a city for God's dwelling. Jesus would walk upon its streets.

David Becomes King

By |2024-02-16T08:17:47-08:00Feb 20, 2024|Audio|

David's transition from military hero to King was not smooth. As one might expect, there were threats to his rise, competition from enemies and warfare among his followers and those still loyal to king Saul. Listen as Dr. John traces not just the events of David's ultimate crowning as King, but his response to those who opposed him. You will see glimpses in David of the greater King Jesus.

Lessons from Israel’s Great and Flawed King

By |2024-02-16T08:16:55-08:00Feb 19, 2024|Audio|

We tend to have binary thinking, that is, we prefer "either or" categories. Today's weather is sunny or showers; we can deal with either, but the partly sunny and partly rainy forecast is harder to prepare for. What we do with the weather, we do with people. As Dr. John begins this series on King David, he reminds us that David cannot be categorized as completely bad or good. He is just like us, a blending of both. Listen and learn how God loves and leads humans like us.

The Elements of Prayer

By |2025-06-05T06:50:45-07:00Feb 16, 2024|Audio|

Prayer is a means of grace. We find the favour and blessings of God not simply in the answers to our prayer, but in our praying. Today, Dr. John offers some practical insights to support and guide our personal, private times of prayer. These are places of grace.

Prayer & the Will of God

By |2024-02-12T11:45:05-08:00Feb 15, 2024|Audio|

If prayer is a communication of heart, then the question of "will" becomes important. We want something when we pray; but we pray to our Father of infinite wisdom, and His will steers the course of history. Today Dr. John speaks of the interplay of "will" when we pray. Clearly, we do not receive everything we want - unless what we want is God's will.

The Nature of Christian Praying

By |2024-02-12T11:43:49-08:00Feb 14, 2024|Audio|

When you pray, who are you talking to? The obvious answer is God of course! But there is a theological framework at play in our prayers. Dr. John teaches today that our prayers are rightly addressed to the Father by the agency of the Son through the enablement of the Spirit. So, as our prayers are heard and answered, there is a Trinitarian response from God. All of God to all of us.

How Is Prayer Possible?

By |2024-02-12T08:18:35-08:00Feb 13, 2024|Audio|

A well-known commercial for cell phones repeats the line, "Can you hear me now?" It is also echoed by believers when they address the throne of God. How can we be certain God is listening to our prayers? Dr. John teaches on the confidence for every praying believer. Our hope is not in our worthy life or eloquent words. We are heard because of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

By |2024-02-10T00:18:11-08:00Feb 12, 2024|Audio|

Prayer is simple enough for a child to learn, yet so profound that it holds mystery for the mature. Today Dr. John begins to teach on the nature of prayer - its necessity, effect and means. Everyone who prays and who wants to pray will benefit from this teaching.

Building a Life on Jesus

By |2025-06-01T04:25:05-07:00Feb 9, 2024|Audio|

Every life is built. The entrepreneur with all their ambition is building their life. So too the lazy individual who lets the days slip by, is building with their indecision. Today Dr. John speaks of the fruit, treasure and foundation for living. Only in Jesus will our lives blossom, contain lasting treasure and withstand the coming flood. Lives built for eternity.

Showing Mercy

By |2025-06-03T05:49:56-07:00Feb 8, 2024|Audio|

Our society is quick to judge. We immediately label someone or some situation with a tag that sticks. Jesus commands us not to judge. We can't see people's motives nor the whole story. Dr. John reminds us of Jesus' words that it is hard to see with a log in our eye! Most of all, in place of judgement, we are to extend mercy. Just like God does with us.

Loving Your Enemies

By |2024-11-04T13:17:56-08:00Feb 7, 2024|Audio|

It is evident that loving our enemies is not the way of this world, nor the immediate default of those who follow Jesus. Still, that is what Jesus commands. Today in Dr. John's message, he teaches that this love can't be good intentions nor sentimental feelings. We love our enemies by doing good for them, blessing them, and praying for them. That's more than a Hallmark card.

The Blessings and the Woes

By |2024-11-04T13:17:44-08:00Feb 6, 2024|Audio|

Jesus begins this sermon with pronouncements of blessings and their corresponding woes. He offers these not as commands, but observations. Listen as Dr. John speak to the blessing upon those who live for God's Kingdom and the woes upon those who live for this world.

The Sermon on the Plain

By |2024-11-04T13:17:31-08:00Feb 5, 2024|Audio|

Good things are worth repeating - a good joke, a family tradition, or a favourite movie. There is something to gain in the repetition, even though it is familiar. Dr. John introduces us to the Sermon of the Plain, very likely a re-telling of the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus. A different setting and different crowd, but the same truth and power which flowed from Jesus, who was happy to repeat grace upon grace.

12 Ordinary Men

By |2024-11-04T13:17:18-08:00Feb 2, 2024|Audio|

Without looking, how many of the twelve disciples can you name? We may quickly answer with 4 or 5, but struggle as we get further down the list. Dr. John speaks today of Jesus selecting these twelve men to be His apostles. There was nothing outstanding about them, and the potential for internal conflict was great. But when Jesus called, they said, "Yes." Just like you.

Lord of the Sabbath

By |2024-11-04T13:17:04-08:00Feb 1, 2024|Audio|

Jesus was repeatedly accused of breaking the Sabbath. As One who came to fulfill the Law, how could He push against the Sabbath restrictions? Listen as Dr. John explains the laws of the Sabbath and what Jesus meant when He said that He is "Lord of the Sabbath."

Celebrating Repentance and Mercy

By |2025-06-05T06:50:45-07:00Jan 31, 2024|Audio|

If it is true that we can be known by our friendships, Jesus was accused of hanging out with the wrong people. Tax collectors and those with immoral reputations felt comfortable with Jesus. Dr. John reminds us today that Jesus came for sinners, who by faith become friends with God.

Your Sins Are Forgiven

By |2024-11-04T13:16:39-08:00Jan 30, 2024|Audio|

It's easy to say that your sins are forgiven. When said, there is no external sign; no voice from heaven, angelic song or flashes of glory. Today, Dr. John teaches on the healing of the paralytic. Jesus healed him as demonstration that He has power over body and soul. By the grace of God, this lame man could now walk in forgiveness and was assured of both. You can be assured too.

Jesus and a Leper

By |2024-11-04T13:16:22-08:00Jan 29, 2024|Audio|

There is conversation and debate about the role of faith and healing. Some suggest that if a miracle doesn't occur, the fault lies with the one who needs to be healed. If that's the case, they are doubly wounded. Not only are they sick, but they are to blame for missing out on their cure. Listen as Dr. John talks of a leper who came to Jesus for healing. It is the intersection of faith and compassion.

The Marvellous Fisherman

By |2024-11-04T11:58:43-08:00Jan 26, 2024|Audio|

What right does a carpenter have to tell a fisherman what to do? But that is exactly what Jesus did to Simon Peter. After a long night of catching nothing, Jesus told Peter to go and throw the nets on the other side of the boat. Peter could have told Jesus to "stay in His lane." He probably thought it, because when he hauled up bulging nets of wiggling fish, he fell at Jesus’ feet and confessed he was a sinner. He thought Jesus should leave him, but Jesus invited this sinner to be His follower. Just like you and me.

About His Father’s Business

By |2024-11-04T11:58:32-08:00Jan 25, 2024|Audio|

In Capernaum, Jesus found a broad reception. People came to hear His words. Many came to be healed, and Jesus tended to them all night long. Capernaum could have become a major center for Jesus' ministry, except for one thing. Jesus said He had to leave the town. Listen as Dr. John explains the motivation of Jesus' heart. In all things, Jesus fulfilled the wishes of His Father.

Authority!

By |2024-11-04T11:58:20-08:00Jan 24, 2024|Audio|

A policeman wears a badge and that gives him authority. A scholar is an expert in a certain field and that grants her authority. Parents have authority over their young children. Dr. John teaches from Luke on the authority of Jesus Christ proved by His words and works. Jesus has the authority of the Law, Wisdom, and Love. He has the authority of God Himself.

Rejected by His Own

By |2024-11-04T11:58:07-08:00Jan 23, 2024|Audio|

A war hero would like to think that his hometown would welcome him with open arms. Someone who has reached a level of celebrity hopes that those who know him or her would be glad for their notoriety. What if it doesn't happen? Today Dr. John points to the reception Jesus had in the town of Nazareth, His hometown. Listen to Jesus' response and the lesson for us all.

The Temptation of Jesus

By |2024-11-04T11:55:46-08:00Jan 22, 2024|Audio|

Every one of us knows the lure of temptation. It may be pride, greed, lust or self-centeredness that whispers to us; we all have heard it. Jesus was not immune to temptation, but faced this battle even as we do. Today Dr. John teaches on the three named temptations of Christ. Listen, not simply for a pattern for our own resistance to temptation, but to marvel and glory in our deliverance through the righteous life of our Saviour.

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