Episodes
The media often misses the church's importance and the life-changing power of faith in Jesus. Dr. John explores this by comparing worldly kingdoms to God's lasting kingdom, drawing wisdom from 1 Corinthians 2:6-8. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, the focus shifts to how His sacrifice establishes God's kingdom. He highlights how small beginnings—like the mustard seed and leaven—can lead to significant growth and impact, illustrating the triumph of God's kingdom over worldly powers. The...
Published 10/24/24
In today's episode, Dr. John explores the dangers of a legalistic approach to faith, where the demands of religion overshadow compassion. He examines the healing of a woman suffering for eighteen years, highlighting how the synagogue ruler prioritized tradition over mercy. Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as a burden to bear. Join Dr. John as he uncovers the true purpose of rest and the importance of showing love and compassion to those in need. The...
Published 10/23/24
Why do some people experience blessings while others face hardship? Dr. John explores this profound question through the lens of Luke 13:1-9, examining Jesus' response to those who believed suffering was tied to personal sin. Jesus emphasizes that all are deserving of judgment, urging repentance rather than assigning blame. Join Dr. John as he reflects on how we should view the events in our lives and what they reveal about God’s mercy and justice. The Unwavering Journey: In this series of...
Published 10/22/24
This message from Dr. John explores the frequent misunderstandings surrounding Jesus, emphasizing how even his closest followers struggled to grasp his true mission. As he examines the pivotal moment in Caesarea Philippi, we see the stark contrast between public opinion and the reality of Jesus' purpose. He reveals that Jesus’ arrival was intended to bring division, challenging the notion of a peace-loving Savior. Join us as we uncover the deeper significance of Jesus’ message and its...
Published 10/21/24
In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld addresses a common criticism of Christians who emphasize eternal hope. While some argue that faith should focus on societal transformation, Dr. John reminds us that true Christian living is rooted in anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God. Drawing from Jesus' teachings in Luke, he emphasizes the importance of being prepared for Christ's return, highlighting the need to live with expectancy and purpose in a world filled with distractions. Tune in as he...
Published 10/18/24
In today's episode, Dr. John Neufeld delves into the topic of worry, noting that "worry is overindulging our fears." As he explores Luke 12:22-34, he emphasizes how anxiety drains our energy and distracts us from fulfilling our God-given responsibilities. Dr. John offers insights into how worry impacts our health and spiritual life, contrasting it with Jesus’ command to trust God for our needs. Tune in as he reveals practical ways to banish anxiety and cultivate a deeper faith in God's...
Published 10/17/24
In today's episode, Dr. John explores a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry as He confronts the Pharisees while teaching His disciples about the dangers of covetousness. A man in the crowd seeks Jesus' help in settling an inheritance dispute, prompting a powerful lesson on the true value of life beyond material possessions. Jesus emphasizes that life is not defined by wealth, urging us to guard against greed and prioritize our relationship with God. Join Dr. John as he unpacks this crucial...
Published 10/16/24
In this episode, Dr. John explores Jesus' challenging teachings from Luke 12:4-12, where He instructs us to fear God rather than people. Together, we'll delve into what it truly means to fear God and address the seeming contradiction with 1 John 4:18, which reminds us that perfect love casts out fear. We'll also confront the serious topic of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and the eternal consequences of our choices. Join Dr. John as he unpacks these profound truths and encourages us to...
Published 10/15/24
In today’s episode, Dr. John examines the Pharisees and their interactions with Jesus, focusing on why their rigid interpretations of the law clashed with Christ’s message of grace. Discover how the Pharisees' emphasis on rule-following often overshadowed the deeper principles of love and mercy that Jesus came to embody. By exploring specific encounters between Jesus and the Pharisees, this episode highlights the transformative power of grace and the challenge of letting go of legalism. The...
Published 10/14/24
In this episode, we explore the theme of patience through the lens of James 1:2-4, where we’re encouraged to embrace trials as opportunities for growth, emphasizing that our challenges can lead to spiritual maturity and completion. Dr. John highlights practical steps to cultivate patience in our daily lives, reminding us of the importance of trusting God's timing. The Unwavering Journey: In this series of messages, Dr. John unpacks Luke 9-13, exploring Jesus’ unwavering journey as He sets his...
Published 10/11/24
In a world where positive messages dominate, condemnation is often unwelcome, even within the church. Jesus, however, presents a powerful contrast as He speaks about the necessity of recognizing the weight of our sin and the profound gift of salvation. While some may honor Mary, Jesus redirects our focus to the importance of obedience to God's Word. In this episode, we explore how Jesus confronts a crowd seeking signs, emphasizing that true faith requires more than spectacle; it demands a...
Published 10/10/24
In a world marked by sin and suffering, we often feel far from the peace of Eden. Today, Dr. John reflects on the first coming of Jesus, a powerful demonstration of God’s healing and authority over evil. As we face contemporary challenges, it's essential to confront the doubts surrounding Christ's power. Together, we'll examine Jesus' compelling responses to those who question His miracles, revealing the undeniable truth of God's Kingdom at work in our broken world. The Unwavering Journey: In...
Published 10/09/24
In today's episode, we tackle a profound question: Does prayer really make a difference? Many may have prayed with deep urgency, only to feel discouraged when their prayers seem unanswered. Through Jesus' teaching in Luke 11:5-13, Dr. John explores the importance of boldness in prayer, reminding us that God welcomes our requests and has the power to provide for our needs. Join us as we uncover the meaning behind persistent prayer and the overflowing resources available to us through our...
Published 10/08/24
In this episode, Dr. John explores the transformative power of prayer in our lives. He discusses how a vibrant prayer life can deepen our relationship with God, provide strength in difficult times, and cultivate a heart of gratitude. Discover practical insights on making prayer an integral part of your daily routine and experience the peace that comes from connecting with God through prayer. The Unwavering Journey: In this series of messages, Dr. John unpacks Luke 9-13, exploring Jesus’...
Published 10/07/24
In this episode, Dr. John unpacks Luke 10:38–42, where Martha and Mary host Jesus. While Martha busily prepares, Mary chooses to sit and listen at Jesus' feet. When Martha asks Jesus to intervene, He gently reminds her that prioritizing time with Him is what truly matters. This story invites reflection on the importance of nurturing our relationship with Jesus amid our daily tasks. The Unwavering Journey: In this series of messages, Dr. John unpacks Luke 9-13, exploring Jesus’ unwavering...
Published 10/04/24
In this episode, we look at the lawyer’s question, “What do I need to do to get eternal life?” Jesus’ answer shows us what the law really means and our call to love God and our neighbors. Through the story of the Good Samaritan, we examine what it means to love our neighbors and care for others in a divided world. We’ll explore the important question of eternal life and how our actions can show our faith. The Unwavering Journey: In this series of messages, Dr. John unpacks Luke 9-13,...
Published 10/03/24
Today, as we look at Luke 10:17-24, Dr. John explores what the disciples went through, focusing on Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” This passage shows the special authority given to the disciples and the joy of knowing their names are written in heaven. It reminds us of how Jesus' work continues to impact our lives today. The Unwavering Journey: In this series of messages, Dr. John unpacks Luke 9-13, exploring Jesus’ unwavering journey as He sets his face toward...
Published 10/02/24
In this message on Luke 10, we are reminded that despite the darkness in the world, the harvest is still plentiful. Dr. John emphasizes the urgency to share the gospel, encouraging us to step into our calling as workers in His Kingdom. It’s a message of hope and purpose that challenges us to be bold in spreading the light of Christ. The Unwavering Journey: In this series of messages, Dr. John unpacks Luke 9-13, exploring Jesus’ unwavering journey as He sets his face toward Jerusalem, fully...
Published 10/01/24
In this episode, Dr. John points us to Luke 9:51, where Jesus "set His face to go to Jerusalem." This moment marks a crucial turning point in Jesus' ministry. Even in the face of opposition, Jesus remained steadfast in His journey toward the cross. Dr. John highlights how this decision by Jesus serves as both a challenge and an encouragement for us to remain faithful to God’s calling, even when the road ahead is difficult. The Unwavering Journey: In this series of messages, Dr. John unpacks...
Published 09/30/24
In this episode, we delve into how the Holy Spirit guides us in daily life, based on Ephesians 4:25-32. Discover how the Spirit encourages us to embrace honesty, manage our anger, work diligently, speak uplifting words, and extend grace to others. Each principle is aimed at helping us live out our faith in practical ways, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Explore how these spiritual resources can help you grow and make a positive impact on those around...
Published 09/27/24
In today's episode, we explore the imagery of clothing in the Christian life, as presented in Ephesians 4:17-24. Believers are called to "put off" the old self, characterized by sinful behaviors, and "put on" the new self, created in the likeness of God. This transformation reflects a deeper, counter-cultural calling to live in righteousness and holiness, rejecting the values of the world. As we walk in this new identity, we are reminded of the ongoing renewal that comes through a life...
Published 09/26/24
In this episode, Dr. John reflects on the incredible gifts Christ offers to His followers. We'll explore how God bestows individual grace gifts to each of us, raises up leaders to equip the church, and nurtures spiritual maturity within the body of Christ. Discover how these gifts are meant to shape our lives and guide us in our walk with Christ. Empowered Living Vol 2: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel...
Published 09/25/24
Just as moving to a new country requires understanding its customs, our new life in Christ requires us to embody humility, gentleness, patience, and love. In today’s message, we explore these four character traits as described by Paul in Ephesians 4:1–6. Discover how these virtues foster unity within the church and reflect our shared calling in Christ. Empowered Living Vol 2: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in Christ, or what Christ has made available to them. They feel...
Published 09/24/24
When we think about worship, many envision singing, whether with a songbook in hand or arms lifted in praise. While singing is often a significant part of worship, it’s fundamentally a celebration of God. Worship transcends mere rituals; it’s an exuberant expression of our joy and awe for who God is and what He has done. As Paul writes in Ephesians 3:20-21, our worship should reflect the immeasurable greatness of God's power and His ability to do far more than we could ask or...
Published 09/23/24
We turn to the Lord's Prayer as template for our own prayers. It is how Jesus taught us to pray. We do well to also look at Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church. It calls upon God to equip His people to perceive His power for them and His infinite love upon them, that they might know Jesus Christ and be filled to the fullness of God. This is God's prayer for the church. This is God's intent for each one of us.  Empowered Living Vol 2: Too many Christians live uncertain of who they are in...
Published 09/20/24