Back To The Bible Canada With Dr. John Neufeld

For children and adults alike, the wait for Christmas seems long. Its coming is not measured simply in days or weeks, but in anticipation and goosebumps. It may feel delayed simply because we long for it so much. The same is true for Jesus' second Advent and, in fact, for all the promises of God. Dr. John reminds us through Micah that despite what feels prolonged, hope sees and waits for the promises of God. Micah's Message of Hope: The shadows of our time are not unique. We're not the only generation knowing dark days. Micah preached to Israel when their enemies advanced. The seven chapters of Micah proclaim the justice of God and the hope of His people. In this 5-message series Dr. John Neufeld focuses those themes upon Bethlehem. Micah points to the birth of the Messiah as God's rescue and righteousness; vital truths for our day.

Our first thought when we hear the word "Advent" is about Christmas, and justly so. God has come to earth. Micah writes of Advent and acknowledges Bethlehem, but he looks further. The prophet speaks of Jesus' second advent and the righteousness of His earthly rule. Listen as Dr. John unpacks the plans of the Lord begun in Bethlehem, but much more is still to come. Micah's Message of Hope: The shadows of our time are not unique. We're not the only generation knowing dark days. Micah preached to Israel when their enemies advanced. The seven chapters of Micah proclaim the justice of God and the hope of His people. In this 5-message series Dr. John Neufeld focuses those themes upon Bethlehem. Micah points to the birth of the Messiah as God's rescue and righteousness; vital truths for our day.

Good news comes when we are in need. From doctors, accountants or our GPS, the information is welcomed because we are sick, broke or lost. It's our plight that makes the news good. The good news from Micah about a Bethlehem birth is celebrated because we are under judgement. Listen as Dr. John echoes the prophet, clearly, we need a Saviour. Micah's Message of Hope: The shadows of our time are not unique. We're not the only generation knowing dark days. Micah preached to Israel when their enemies advanced. The seven chapters of Micah proclaim the justice of God and the hope of His people. In this 5-message series Dr. John Neufeld focuses those themes upon Bethlehem. Micah points to the birth of the Messiah as God's rescue and righteousness; vital truths for our day.

Only the naive and deluded deny the presence and power of sin and death. Our world can be a painful place. It does no good to cover our eyes or pretend that evil doesn't exist. It is real and requires a real answer. God provides that answer through Jesus Christ. Jesus defeats sin and death by His life, atonement, and resurrection. He comes to Bethlehem filled with light, grace, and truth. We do not have to pretend; our hope is real. Christmas: Hype or Hope?: In our culture, Christmas has become a celebration disjointed from its original intent. The party of Christmas overshadows the meaning of Christmas. In our society, it has the "too much makeup" appearance and is exploited for commercial profit. There is a lot of hype. Where is the hope? In this 5-message series, Dr. John Neufeld distills the meaning from the mayhem. Listen to recover the reason and joy of Christmas. 

An engagement ring is a pledge of a wedded relationship. A down payment is a promise of ownership of a house. These are forecasts in part of what will be in whole. Jesus has come, yet there is still sin and death in our world. Today, Dr. John preaches that the arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem, His gospel teaching, powerful miracles, death and resurrection are unbreakable promises of God's Kingdom, both present and coming. Christmas: Hype or Hope?: In our culture, Christmas has become a celebration disjointed from its original intent. The party of Christmas overshadows the meaning of Christmas. In our society, it has the "too much makeup" appearance and is exploited for commercial profit. There is a lot of hype. Where is the hope? In this 5-message series, Dr. John Neufeld distills the meaning from the mayhem. Listen to recover the reason and joy of Christmas. 

The story of Bethlehem is the promise of the prophet Micah. He predicted the birthplace of the Messiah. But he did more. Micah also predicts a time of global peace and righteousness. Listen as Dr. John rehearses the words of Micah. We will find that the One who is born is Bethlehem is the instrument and Ruler of peace. For those who long for peace, there is hope. Christmas: Hype or Hope?: In our culture, Christmas has become a celebration disjointed from its original intent. The party of Christmas overshadows the meaning of Christmas. In our society, it has the "too much makeup" appearance and is exploited for commercial profit. There is a lot of hype. Where is the hope? In this 5-message series, Dr. John Neufeld distills the meaning from the mayhem. Listen to recover the reason and joy of Christmas. 

Some look to government as a panacea for all things. They act as if good government can bring a utopia on earth. That's hype. It is an expectation that not only exceeds the government’s power, but it ignores the fallen nature of everyone in authority. But there is hope. Dr. John points to the only Ruler who is worthy to reign forever. He is promised by God and sung by angelic choirs. Christmas: Hype or Hope?: In our culture, Christmas has become a celebration disjointed from its original intent. The party of Christmas overshadows the meaning of Christmas. In our society, it has the "too much makeup" appearance and is exploited for commercial profit. There is a lot of hype. Where is the hope? In this 5-message series, Dr. John Neufeld distills the meaning from the mayhem. Listen to recover the reason and joy of Christmas. 

How do we sift the meaning of Christmas from the celebration of the season? Some strive for simplicity by having fewer gifts or a smaller tree. Others make it a time of charity for the needy. But reducing the hype without discerning the hope of Christmas is no improvement. Dr. John reaches back to the Genesis beginning to remind us that in times of despair, God shines with redemptive hope.Christmas: Hype or Hope?: In our culture, Christmas has become a celebration disjointed from its original intent. The party of Christmas overshadows the meaning of Christmas. In our society, it has the "too much makeup" appearance and is exploited for commercial profit. There is a lot of hype. Where is the hope? In this 5-message series, Dr. John Neufeld distills the meaning from the mayhem. Listen to recover the reason and joy of Christmas. 

At the end of John 6, we see many followers deserting Jesus. They could not accept His words nor surrender to His teaching. In their disagreement, they abandoned Jesus. Jesus did not change His words nor compromise to keep them. He does not yield to their expectations. We yield to Him. In our surrender we find the truth, as Peter confessed, "Jesus has the Words of life!"Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

The "Jesus" of our making is comforting and soothing. He nurtures our preferences and accepts our faults. But the Jesus of the Scriptures has always found opposition. Our culture (and every culture before us) has scorned Jesus because He doesn't fit our wishes or intentions. Listen as Dr. John itemizes the reasons for public offense. Nothing proves more offensive than the cross - the very means of deliverance and life.Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

In John chapter 6, we find phrases from Jesus that have caused confusion and controversy. Jesus speaks of "eating His flesh and drinking His blood." When the crowds heard it, some were offended. What did Jesus mean? Today Dr. John explains the teaching of Jesus and points us to our unshakeable hope - the atoning work of Jesus for our sins. Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

It is common for people to consider Jesus with certain expectations in mind. But when what they have in mind doesn't match what Jesus says or does - they think the problem is with Him! They walk from faith feeling disappointed. Today we are reminded by Jesus that who He is exceeds any expectation we could have. Jesus is never less, always more. Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

Life is filled with disappointments. Things do not always work out as planned, and we often don't get what we want. So, we might be excused for feeling insecure in this life. The problem is that we carry this insecurity into our spiritual life. Will God remember me? Will He reject me for my failures? Dr. John points us to the words of Jesus. We are held securely by the promise of God. We are assured of heaven not just because we want God; but because God wants us. Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

How much money is enough? The cliched answer is "More!" More is the same expectation we have for love, hope, joy and peace. We are driven by seeking satisfaction in all our wants. That's not wrong, but often misplaced. Our sin is trying to find meaning and fulfillment in things, activities and relationships that don't last. Listen as Jesus points our cravings to the only full and permanent satisfaction. Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

The central question for each one of us is simple, "What does God require from me?" Should I pray more? Do I need to give more? How can I be a better person? Now there is no doubt that more prayer, generosity, and holiness is fitting, but is this what God expects? Today Dr. John turns us to the words of Jesus. There is one work that pleases God - our faith.Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

Faith is the means of our spiritual life. We begin by faith. We continue by faith. It is not the product of our own efforts, but of grace. And it is by grace that God nurtures our faith. Today we hear of the way that Jesus enhanced the faith of His disciples. During a night storm, Jesus walked on the waves to His disciples. The event began in fear and ended in faith. To grow in faith, it helps to have a crisis!Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

We are self-oriented people. Self-interest is our natural default. So we can understand why a crowd followed Jesus after being fed with a boy's small lunch. They thought that anyone who could solve their hunger should be king! Today we hear Jesus correct us. He is not just a means for our satisfaction, personal or political. Listen as Dr. John cautions about using Jesus for our own gain.Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

Why did you say "Yes" to your current job opportunity? Why did you marry your spouse? Why did you come to Jesus? Reflecting on our past motivation gives insight to our choices. Today Dr. John invites us to examine our motive for faith. We will find that our reasons for turning to God have probably matured. It has become less about us and more about Him. Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

The book of Colossians closes with a listing of those who supported and partnered with Paul in his ministry. Some of the names are familiar, while we shrug our shoulders at others. But every name is significant as a narrative of God's handiwork. Like names in a graveyard or those engraved on a cenotaph, these names have a story - even as our name has a story. Every story is a message about God's grace and glory. The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

Speakers and writers tend to pack in more content as they near the end of their communication. You get that sense from Paul at the end of his Colossian letter. He writes in a compact manner of prayer, ministry and evangelism. The brevity of his words does not suggest that these are small matters.  In fact, he invites the Colossians to participate with him in these God-given opportunities. Whenever God is at work, there are no small matters. The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ.