Posts by Dr. John Neufeld
Power
Power has various measurements. Physical strength, economic resources, technological leadership, intellectual skill – but our materialistic world often ignores the greater expression of power – spiritual. Paul prays that Christians will recognize the power God has extended to believers through Jesus Christ. Nothing and no one can surpass the power of God for us.
READ MOREAll We Were Meant To Be
It is one thing to be enriched. It is another to be aware of those riches and live by them. God has already enriched us in Jesus Christ. Paul now prays that we might be aware of the depth of those riches. Dr. John reminds us that we need God’s wisdom and revelation to see and understand how God’s riches transform our living.
READ MOREGod’s Glorious Plan
Plans can be hard to understand from the outside. You need training to read a blueprint. Many times, we can’t envision the entire plan until it unfolds before us. God has a plan for humanity and history. It is determined by the Father, fulfilled in the Son and guaranteed by the Spirit. Dr. John points us to the grand design of God that touches both Jew and Gentile and results in eternal glory.
READ MOREMeaning and Purpose in Christ
Having tremendous resources but no purpose is not a good mix. The riches and advantages of our state are squandered or ignored if there is no purpose to direct them to. Ephesians has taught that believers are resourced with every spiritual blessing, but our blessed state has meaning and purpose in Jesus Christ. Listen as Dr. John reminds us of the plan and intent of God, not just for time, but also eternity.
READ MOREChosen
In many of life’s occasions, it is a good thing to be called. To be invited to a celebration. To hear someone lovingly call your name. To be adopted into a family. Today Dr. John speaks of the highest privilege and deepest delight, to be called by God for life in Jesus Christ. Every follower of Jesus has been chosen by the Father. Before creation, before we do anything of merit, regardless of our faltering state, we’ve been called to be His children. Such is the wondrous love of our Lord.
READ MOREThe Heavenly Places
When introduced to someone, it’s common to enquire, “Where are you from?” Knowing someone’s place of origin may tell you something about them. Dr. John teaches on the graces God has granted every believer. We’ve been blessed in the heavens above and made alive in Jesus Christ. Our home is celestial, and our birth is in Jesus. That makes us what we are.
READ MOREBefore Making Judgements
How easy it is for human beings to make quick judgments of others on a daily basis! How often do we fail to hear from the perspective of the ones we so easily condemn?
Let me illustrate an example that I will never forget.
In the church where I used to serve, I remember one time just before one of our annual Christmas productions was about to start, the fire department suddenly showed up. Apparently, they had received a phone call from someone in our church indicating that our performances did not meet fire regulations.
READ MOREDiscovering Your Spiritual Resources
Who would live as a pauper when their bank account is flooded with cash? Who would wallow in sickness when effective treatment is at hand? Who would want to live alone and lonely when a loving father and family have opened their arms? We shake our heads at those who squander and ignore their resources, but believers do it daily. Dr. John points us to the overwhelming blessings that are ours today in Jesus. We are invited to live by them.
READ MOREForgiven
We do not call for help if we don’t perceive a problem. An undetected brake problem or cancer growing secretly, and we do not go to the mechanic or doctor. Ps. 32 may be hard to hear, but it informs us of a problem we already have. We are born into sin. When we recognize our need and confess it to God, only then can we rejoice and be glad. With God there is forgiveness!
READ MOREFinding Refuge in God
Psalm 31 has the unique distinction of being quoted by both Jonah and Jesus – from the belly of a fish and the cross. It is a Psalm declaring that God is our refuge. There is no question about the quality of God’s shelter. It is only a question of whether we will trust Him. Can we say today like David, “I trust in You O Lord, my times are in your hands?”
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