The freedom of our salvation is reflected in various ways. We are freed from the weight of Law as a means of righteousness. We are freed from death as penalty for our sins. We are freed from the accusations of our guilt. Today, Dr. John teaches that we are freed to live this new life by the ministry of the Spirit. God has made a way.
Paul has described a battle with sin in Romans 7, which is our common experience. But there is a shift in Romans 8. The language moves from what we do, to what the Spirit of God does for us. It is a chapter of victorious hope which begins with a declaration: in Jesus Christ, we are not condemned! Listen and take heart.
The struggle with sin is real within every believer. We are not excused from the battle, even as new creations in Christ. Listen as Dr. John teaches on this pivotal passage from Rom.7:14-25. It will not only reflect a tension we understand, but offer us hope.
To be married is both a sate and an experience. The state of marriage is evident by the marriage licence, but the experience of marriage is lived out daily, good or bad. What is a believer’s relationship to sin? The death and resurrection of Jesus has granted us a certificate of forgiveness and freedom. The experience of a believer may be a daily struggle with sin. Listen today as Dr. John teaches about sin the life of a believer.
A sinful life is complicated and messy. It creates confusion and disorder; so much so, that people struggle to find a clear path out of their web of sins. Dr. John teaches from Romans 7 that the benefit of the Law is clarity. It both defines what is wrong and points to what is right. It is a light in our darkness.
Rules have their place. They regulate our streets to promote our safety. But rules of the road can't make a good driver. You need more than rules for that. Today Dr. John explores the role of the Law for Christians. What is our relationship to the rules of the Old Testament? We'll find that the Law is not a pathway for holiness; the Spirit is.
Our society talks a lot about freedom but is in servitude to things or situations. Entertainment, possessions, popularity, power, greed - any of these hold sway over many. Today Dr. John echoes Paul's words from Rom.6, we are all slaves to either God or sin. Servitude isn't the question; but the quality of our Master is.
When significant changes happen in life, we can't live as if they didn't. A bachelor shouldn't live as a single after marriage. A house you sold isn't yours to enter at will. Dr. John teaches of the changes made in us through Jesus Christ. We are no longer under sin's power or authority. We'd be foolish to live as if we were.
We struggle with the grace of God. It is so beyond our defaults that we struggle to understand it. "Doesn't too much grace invite us to sin recklessly?" That is the question Dr. John addresses as he continues teaching from Romans 6. We will find that grace not only leads to life, but to holiness.
If a baseball player hits a winning home run, everyone on the team is attributed the win, even though only one player hit the ball out of the park. Being part of the team means the efforts of one extends victory to all. Dr. John teaches from Romans 5:15-21 that Jesus is the Victor for us all. In Adam, we share a common guilt. In Jesus, we share His goodness and life.
Sin is the common denominator for humanity. Our sins may vary in scope and kind, but everyone, everywhere sins. Why is that? Dr. John explains from Romans 5:12-14 that we all are held to account for Adam's sin. We share his condemnation of death. We share his attitude of rebellion. Common humanity makes it so. That bond explains our common failure. It will also point to our common hope.
How much does God love us? How would we quantify that? We could point to creation and the abundance of daily grace. We could list answered prayers and unique provisions. But Paul points to another measure. Today, Dr. John teaches from Romans 5:6-11 and unpacks Paul's demonstration of God's love for us. If God loved us at our worst, enough to die for us, how can He love us less as His child? Today, tomorrow and forever, you are loved by God through Jesus Christ.
The grace of our God is His eternal heart to do good for us, regardless of our merit. That sounds too good to be true - so we often doubt it. Dr. John speaks to all who struggle with God's love poured out to us in Jesus Christ. If you think God is mad at you, that there are unresolved issues with Him or that a failure on your part endangers His love for you, take heart from this message on Romans 5:1-4.
A box of tools is of little use to us unless we know how to employ the tools. In the first of 5 messages on Romans 5-8, Dr. John teaches on the power of the gospel to not only save us, but to change us. We are powerless to achieve godliness on our own. In place of our own efforts, God responds to our faith. We trusted Jesus to save us. Trust Him as you live this new life.
The plan and rule of God is focused through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the means of redemption and reconciliation. Jesus is the coming King who will rule the earth. In Psalm 2, God laughs at the opposition of earthly kings. Why? Jesus reigns with a rod of iron. Let every king bow in reverence. Let every believer live with hope.
It is no secret that our modern culture not only places God on the periphery, but actively opposes His Word and rule. The ways of God are ridiculed and rejected. Dr. John turns us to Psalm 2 to demonstrate that this is not new. God is not surprised or shook. His Throne is eternally stable, and His people can be calm and confident.
"Can't see the forest for the trees" is more than a cliche. It is a vulnerability in each one of us. We can be so wrapped up by what is in front of us, pleasure or pain, that we fail to see the larger Hand of God. As Dr. John continues with Psalm 147, we learn that God is at work in everything. So, in everything, we can place our hope in Him.
It's easy to sing at a wedding, but harder to sing at a funeral. Yet both occasions call for songs of praise and worship. Psalm 147 commands us to praise our Lord, regardless of our context. We are to praise God in pain or pleasure. Dr. John reminds us that worship not only exalts our King - it heals the heart of the worshipper.
Loyalty can be bought. People may stick with a brand or political party because of the perks. God doesn't work that way. In fact, our loyalty is often tested through hardships. Listen as Dr. John teaches from Psalm 147 about faithfulness and celebration for our King. Consider the question, "Why am I loyal to Jesus despite the hardships?"
A clear principle demonstrated throughout Israel's history is this - godly leaders impact the nation for good. However, the opposite is also true. Ungodly leaders can ruin a nation. Dr. John teaches through Psalm 20, a royal psalm for the king. The psalm teaches us how to pray for our leadership, be it civil or congregational. We pray the blessing of God upon our leaders that we, too, might be blessed.
A clear principle demonstrated throughout Israel's history is this - godly leaders impact the nation for good. However, the opposite is also true. Ungodly leaders can ruin a nation. Dr. John teaches through Psalm 20, a royal psalm for the king. The psalm teaches us how to pray for our leadership, be it civil or congregational. We pray the blessing of God upon our leaders that we, too, might be blessed.
To those who think that God is silent, Psalm 19 presents two books of God. Dr. John points to this library of God and demonstrates the power and impact of both the book of nature and the book of Scripture. The one overpowers us with wonder, the second offers wisdom that leads to spiritual wealth. Listen as Dr. John explains the place and power of each.
The idealist hopes and prays for victory through negotiation. Certainly, peace through words is preferred, but Ps.18 demonstrates David's victory through battle. David achieved peace, security and prosperity for Israel, but at a cost. As Dr. John continues to teach through Psalm 18, we are directed to the coming victory of Jesus Christ. While David's won peace was partial, the King of Kings will return and achieve victory and peace over all creation.
Today we have limited connection with monarchy. We may follow the news, gossip about their lives and marvel at the pageantry, but who they are and what do is of limited practical impact in Canada. But Psalm 18 demonstrates that all of history is affected by Ps.18. Dr. John will demonstrate that this Royal Psalm is testament to the power of God's promises and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In other words, this Psalm is for all of us.
There are few trials more painful than to be falsely accused. In marriage and family, employment and civic duty, if rumours spread against us, the wounds are deep. Today Dr. John looks at the experience of David and points us to God's vindication. To suffer unjustly and still trust in our Lord, such is the way of Jesus.
The experience of Christians around the world is varied. They live in different countries and face all sorts of situations. But there is a united testimony among them. Those who have taken refuge in God, know the abundant care of God. Listen as Dr. John speaks of our common confidence in God's grace.
We are called to be worshippers of God. How are we to present ourselves in worship? From Psalm 15, Dr. John teaches on the qualities of heart, voice and action that God expects to see within those who come into His presence.
In our society, God is increasingly dismissed. His Word and will are peripheral to our culture. In Psalm 14, David sees a similar situation and calls those who deny God, "Fools." Listen as Dr. John speaks of the consequences of setting God to the side.
As creatures of time, the clock never moves more slowly than when we are in pain. In troubles we pray for immediate help and relief. But often God delays. Today Dr. John echoes David's prayer, "How long?" Walk through through this Psalm and discover David's secret to hope and perseverence.
Some approach apologetics as if they were trying to win an argument. It's best to understand apologetics as "clearing the obstacles" towards faith. Dr. John speaks of apologetics and reminds us that it is not fuel for debates but encouragement for our own faith and an invitation towards faith for others.
It's a topic that is rarely discussed for fear of offense or confusion. But in our day, the issue of homosexuality must be considered by believers and a biblical apologetic developed before the world. Listen as Dr. John teaches on the sin of homosexuality.
We live in a day when Christians are accused of being intolerant and pressured to agree to matters contrary to their convictions. What are we to do? Dr. John discusses the issue of intolerance and points us to the path of Jesus - love and truth.
We want to find meaning and purpose in the face of suffering. Believers are assured that God is at work for good, even through pain. Dr. John teaches on the purpose of pain in the life of believers. Listen and take hope.
The problem of suffering is universal and the problem is twofold. First, we have the fact of physical and emotional pain which is universal. Second, we face this reality knowing that God is good. How can these things go together? Dr. John explores the Scriptures to give us insight to the ways of God.
In our world we see a rise of tension between church and state. We see church trying to do what the state should do ,and the state trying to be what only the church can be.Today Dr. John speaks on the distinctions of identity and means of church and state.
Christianity has been accused as being a violent faith. There is reason for the criticism. Today Dr. John answers those accusations. We find that the cause of conflict is not Christianity but the broken souls of men. Jesus offers the grace of peace and blesses those who do likewise.
A world view is a set of assumptions one makes about life. They make be reasoned or simply absorbed. Everyone has to examine their beliefs and the reasons for them. Today Dr. John walks us through 7 questions every world view must answer.
Everyone has a world view; a lens through which they observe and interpret life. The theologian sees Creation with a Creator. The scientist sees creation without one. Today Dr. John speaks to the differing perspctives and points to the central issue. "In the beginning, God created..."
It's been said that God has written two books. The voice of Scripture and the voice of creation. Both declare the glory of God and do not contradict. Dr. John today points to the example of Galileo to demonstrate that the tension between science and faith is only perceived, not actual.
2 Peter 1:16 The story of Jesus is rooted in the four Gospels. So naturally one has to ask, "How reliable are the Four Gospels?" Can we trust the written record of Jesus? Today Dr. John walks us through 6 reasons to trust the reliability of the Gospels. The six reasons do not autimatically lead to faith, but they demonstrate that the record of Jesus is a reliable foundation to stand upon.
2 Peter 1:16-21 Fisherman have the reputation for exaggerated stories. Minnows can become whales! Is that what happened to the story of Jesus? Are the Gospels exaggerated accounts? Today Dr. John reminds us that the historical Jesus and the Biblical Jesus are the same. Disbelief and skepticism are often rooted in personal bias and agenda.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4 Often in our defense of the gospel, we wind up defending the wrong things. We argue for the church, denominations, church history or personal lifestyle. But we ought to be speaking about Jesus. In today's message, Dr. John looks at 7 mistakes about Jesus that are common in our day.
1 Peter 3:13-17 Apologetics is the field of theology which offers a defence of the gospel. Dr. John reminds us from 1 Peter that the first best defence is not an argument, but a Christian life that is grace filled, gentle and courageous.
1 Peter 1-3 In our witness, we focus on the central question of Jesus' death and resurrection. Of course, that is central to the gospel. Dr. John reminds us to address other questions even before the matter of faith. There is debris that needs to be cleared to offer an unobstructed path to faith in Jesus.
We have whittled the word "encouragement" down to a good feeling, a lifting of spirits. But it is more. Encouragement means to nurture courage. Listen as Dr. John brings the epsitle of 2 Thessalonians to an end with Paul's words of courage for them - and for us.
It may be that on a Monday morning you ask yourself, "Why am I going to work?" If we are just working for a paycheque, our motivation can wane. Today Dr. John reminds us of both God's intent for work and His blessing upon it.
Life is not a dash but a marathon. Faith for today must stretch into all of our tomorrows. How can we persevere to the finish line? Dr. John echoes Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians. Listen and take hope.
When things are hard and we're told that they are going to get worse, we may wonder if we can endure. How do we not feel overwhelmed? Dr. John points to three truths that fortify us in the midst of trouble.
The capacity for human evil seems unbounded. We can be shocked by the wrong that people do. And yet - God is restraining the evil on earth. What will be when that restraint is lifted? Today Dr. John speaks of the lawless time to come, but with this encouragement. Regardless of the rise of sin, Jesus remains Lord over all creation.
We learn to discern the signs of a storm. Thick clouds, strong winds, distant thunder. Are there signs of Jesus' return? Dr. John points to three signs of immanence for Jesus' second coming. The signs do not offer a date, but suggest a nearness that invites preparation.
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