When God Says 'No'

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When God Says 'No'

Renewing the Covenant

July 4, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Deuteronomy 3:23–29

God can say "No!" It is not an answer we embrace easily, but we would be mistaken to think that God must always concede to our requests. Moses wanted to enter the promised land, but God denied it. He would not be allowed to enter the very inheritance He had spent his life leading Israel towards. Listen as Dr. John explains God's answer. Note that even in God's refusal, there is grace.

Learning to Keep the Commandments

July 12, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Deuteronomy 4:36–43

Only the naive think of freedom as being free of laws and rules. There is no such thing - not at home or work, civil society or driving! Laws do not suppress freedom, but give it rails to run on. Today Dr. John teaches on the three reasons why God gave Israel the Law. May we see in that reflection the same intent of God for each one of us. A married couple may renew their wedding vows. The renewal is not a rejection of the first vows, but a refreshed commitment in a new time and place, perhaps with deeper devotion. Deuteronomy is a renewal of God's covenant with Israel. In this series, Dr. John teaches about that renewal from the first four chapters. Perhaps it is time for us to renew our own commitment to Jesus.

Monotheism

July 10, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Deuteronomy 4:32–35

Christians tend to take for granted the theology of monotheism - there is only one God and He is Jehovah. We've lost the radical impact such a claim has in a polytheistic world. There are not various gods ruling different aspects of life. There is no co-dependency between God and creation. God does not compete with other gods for our worship. God is One and there is One God.

The Consequences of Idolatry

July 10, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Deuteronomy 4:25–31

Our society exalts celebrities, chases after financial gain, applauds comfort and luxury, and focuses on the latest trends and entertainment. Idolatry abounds around us. Today we hear Moses point to the consequences of an idolatrous people. As Dr. John points out, every Christian in an idolatrous society must flee anything that takes the place of our God in our hearts.