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.
In matters of mystery, speculation thrives. The fact of Jesus' return is no mystery, but the timing of it is; so some speculate with wild theories. Paul cautions the Thessalonians (and us) to not get carried away with false claims. We rest in the certainty and hope of His return. We live ready.
The return of Jesus is the goosebump hope of all believers. But it is more. It is also the assured accountability of this world. Jesus returns to administer justice. Dr. John reminds us of what that justice is. It is a fearsome warning to all unbelievers.
Our expectations for justice in society will be disappointed. Our ideal is not wrong, just premature. Today's message carries a reminder from Paul, that while injustice is evident in our day, there will be a day when wrongs are made right.
We can endure through hardship if there is a reason. That applies to diets, long night shifts, exam week or cancer treatment. Purpose gives rise to perseverence. That is true of our faith as well. Dr. John teaches from 2 Thessaloninans on the reason for endurance of believers. The future return of our Lord is cause for joy and endurance today.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-28 Some think of perseverence as an expression of their own strength - a white knuckle grip to hang on. As Paul concludes this call to perseverence, he gives commands to be obeyed, but ends with this hope, "God is faithful, He will surely do it!" Our confidence is in God's faithfulness above our own.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 Authentic means "the real thing." For believers to live authentic lives means that we are genuinely becoming what God intends. Listen as Dr. John reminds us that this "becoming" is shaped and nurtured in the local church.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-10 The present is not simply a prelude to the future, but preparation for it. So our todays are tied to our tomorrows. Listen as Dr. John teaches how to be prepared for Christ's return. It is not enough to simply know He is coming. We are called to be ready.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 You have seen charts with coloured lines and boxes attempting to predict the timing of Jesus' return. Ignore them for two reasons. First, we can't know the unknowable. Second, the date is not our issue, but preparedness is. Listen as Dr. John calls us to be ready for the return of our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Tears at a funeral are expected, normal. But for the believer, those tears are comforted by the hope of Jesus' return! Listen as Dr. John teaches about the events of that day, but more so, about the joy and comfort for every grieving believer.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Christians are known by their beliefs but by their conduct as well. In fact, there are times when conduct speaks louder than convictions. Dr. John points to three lifestyle qualities Paul commanded and commneded for the Thessalonians - and for us as well.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 It is the nature of love to please the beloved. That's true of marriage, family and friendships. We want to bring joy to the one we love. Dr. John speaks of Paul's command to the Thessalonians, that they live to please the Lord. The question of what does please the Lord is spelled out for all of us - our sanctification.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Affirmation is not flattery. Rather it is the genuine celebration of the qualitites we see in others.Paul celebrates what he sees in the Thessalonians and he is not shy to speak it. Dr. John reminds us of the value of affirmation and prayers for those we love and serve.
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 In WW2 some English parents were separated from their children in the midst of conflcit. Imagine their distress and concern for the well being of their children! Dr. John reminds us that Paul felt the same way about the Thessalonians. Satan was at war with the church. Paul's confidence was in the sure victory of Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 Grace is the expression of God's favour. While it flows upon creation in countless ways, there are specific pathways of grace for every believer who wants to mature. Today Dr. John speaks of three means of grace, not only for the Thessalonicans, but for all who want to grow spiritually.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 Rumours have destructive power; so when rumours against Paul began circulating in Thessalonica, he had to put a stop to it, for the health of the church. In today’s message, Dr. John walks us through 2 of the 3 illustrations Paul uses to remind the Thessalonians of the man and leader they saw. Paul’s leadership shows us the image of love we all, leaders and followers, ought to commit to one another.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-7 The importance of Christian leadership cannot be understated. It paves the way for a church that is reflective of Christ and His glory. In today’s message, Dr. John unpacks 5 important qualifications of effective godly leadership from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. Let these not only set our expectations for an effective leader, but also for ourselves, to be faithful and obedient followers of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 We live in distressing times. There is a thin veil that has been placed over our eyes most of the time, causing us to forget that death and destruction are right around the corner. And then there are seasons when that veil is torn from our eyes, and suddenly, fear surrounds us. We are no longer blinded to the dangers of sickness, wars, death, and so many other things. On this side of eternity, our reality seems dreary. But even in difficult times, there is hope to be found! Join Dr. John Neufeld in this 15-message series called Remaining Steadfast in Distressing Times that will dive into 1 Thessalonians, as we study the early Church and learn what they did to remain steadfast through hardship.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 Hope propels us forward through difficult times. Believers who place their trust in the promises of God are given the greatest and most enduring hope of all! In today’s message, Dr. John walks us through Paul’s reasons for gratitude for the Thessalonians, who despite opposition, are persevering in their faith. Let them be an example for us all to keep our eyes and hearts on our eternal hope, no matter the circumstances we face.
1 Thessalonians Sometimes we are given hints that trouble is coming, but other times we find ourselves suddenly in the face of it, without any warning. In this introductory message, Dr. John walks us through Paul’s brief journey through Thessalonica and the adversities the Thessalonians are suddenly faced with upon his arrival and ministry. Their response teaches us how to remain steadfast, unmoved and confident in our faith, even in the most distressing of times.
The life of faith that every beleiver walks, is not easy. Jesus told us that we would have troubles in this world. Today Dr. John reminds us from Hebrews that we must hold on. Jesus is the power of our perseverence. He is the High Priest who understands our need and extends both mercy and grace.
In a text that is familiar to many, Dr. John presents the power and effect of the Scriptures. The Bible we read, is alive as the Voice of God, accomplishing His purpose, shaping and exposing the souls of all who read it. As we listen and obey His Word in faith, we enter into His rest.
A workaholic may intend to take a day off or to enjoy some respite, but often rest eludes them. They never get around to it. Dr. John reminds us that there is rest for the believer - a rest in the completed work of Jesus. We are cautioned to not harden our hearts but to strive to enter into the rest God has for us.
Rest can mean many things. A nap. Retirement. Silence. What does it mean for a beleiver? Dr. John teaches on the promise of rest from Hebrews 4. We'll find that rest for beleivers is a sharing of God's rest. It is the fruit of faith.
People are practiced at ignoring warnings. Speed limits. A doctor's counsel. Cautions at a cliff. We seem to think that we can take the risk and all will be fine. Dr. John points us to the warning from Hebrews regarding our soul. We are to "take care" of our hearts. God's warning comes from love and is meant for our eternal life.
A generation in Israel saw the glory of God on Mt Sinai, but they still refused God's Voice. In Jesus we see the greater glory; so we ought to take heed. Today Dr. John repeats the warning of Hebrews, "Do not harden your hearts." May we have sensitive souls to the commanding presence of God.
It seems that we have more celebrities than we do heroes. Fame and popularity seem larger in society than purpose and deliverance. Dr. John reminds us today that Moses was seen as Israel's hero - the law giver. But Jesus is the perfect lawkeeper and in doing so, He is more than famous. He is our hero.
We may die differently, but we all die. It is inevitable for each one of us. That truth can generate fear for many. Dr. John points us to Jesus, who took upon Himself our humanity, even to the point of death. While Jesus has not excused us from death, He has removed the sting and fear of it.
Families share common traits of appearance or personality. Today Dr. John teaches that as Jesus is called our "Brother", we share a family trait with Him. What do you and I have in common with Jesus? Let this message offer an encouraging answer.
The world is not as it should be, but neither what it will be. We live with the reality of sin, pain and death. Dr. John points to the hope of Hebrews that Jesus has not only conquered death, but He will elevate His followers to reign in the world to come.
We live in a generation of data overload. We have so much information at our fingertips, that we ignore or neglect much of it. Dr. John reminds us today of the warning in Hebrews. We must pay attention to the Bible teaching about Jesus. We must not drift by disinterest or deception. We neglect the truth to our loss.
At times, we speak of the deity of Jesus as a way to make a point. We bear witness to others that Jesus is God, so we point to the Scriptures. Dr. John reminds us today from Hebrews that the deity of Jesus is more than an apologetic. It is the hope and comfort for us all in the midst of trial and persecutions.
Our society makes much of angels. They populate our greeting cards, entertainment and even some prayers. Angels seem powerful and wondrous. That they are, but Jesus more. Today Dr. John offers from Hebrews five ways in which Jesus is superior to the angels. The Creator is greater than the creation.
Today Dr. John speaks from the opening verses of Hebrews, demonstrating that Jesus has no rival. Jesus exceeds all other comparisons. We will hear of seven ways in which Jesus rises above all. There is both encouragement and comfort knowing that our God who speaks, has spoken fully and truthfully through His Son.
The book of Hebrews is unique in the New Testament. We can't be certain of its author or audience; but we can relate to its theme. Listen as Dr. John describes the temptation to abandon the truth of God when pressured by society. Jesus is priceless. Any drift from Him turns us towards what is less.
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