June 2, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 17:15–27
Faith in God does not reach just to the probable or possible. We do that when exercising trust in one another: but with God, our faith reaches to the impossible. Today Dr. John teaches on the impossible wonder God performed for Abraham. Abraham believed that God would do what He promised. So when we trust God for more than the possible in our lives, we exercise faith like Abraham.
The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refers to Abraham as “God’s friend”, a title used of no one else in Scripture. In this four-week series, Dr. Neufeld unpacks the significance of Abraham’s life of faith and its importance in laying a foundation for God's people to follow.
The Mark of the Covenant
June 1, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 17:9–14
Very early in church history, believers had to recognize what the mark of Christianity was. As the gospel spread beyond the country and culture of israel, the church debated what the identification of God's promise was. Dr. John teaches that the mark of the gospel was faith. Faith was and is the sign of God's covenant.
God Names Us
May 31, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 17:1–8
It is one thing to change your own name out of preference. It is another thing to have someone else change our name. Now the change has meaning. God changed Abram's name to Abraham. Dr. John teaches us today that the new name was a reference point for Abraham. It would always remind him of God's promise.
God’s Name
May 30, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 17:1–3
Bestowing a name upon an infant is an act of promise. It becomes their identity we trust they will grow in to. We want "Faith" to become faithful or "Hunter" to explore the fullness of life. Dr. John teaches today on the Names of God revealed to Abraham. The names are promises, not of what God will become, but of who God is.
The Mystery of Redemption
May 29, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 16:5–15
We rarely have trouble with God's grace. In fact, it is our hope and prayer. God's grace only becomes a problem when it extends to people we think don’t deserve it. Today Dr. John teaches on the favour of God towards Hagar and Ishmael. We expect the blessing of God upon Sarah and Isaac, but God's favour flows beyond our expectations.
The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refers to Abraham as “God’s friend”, a title used of no one else in Scripture. In this four-week series, Dr. Neufeld unpacks the significance of Abraham’s life of faith and its importance in laying a foundation for God's people to follow.
Sin and Its Consequences
May 26, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 16:1–6
All human actions have consequences. We assume that we can predict and control what those will be. But any action outside of the will of God produces effects beyond our control and our wishes. Sin reaps judgement and death.
The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refers to Abraham as “God’s friend”, a title used of no one else in Scripture. In this four-week series, Dr. Neufeld unpacks the significance of Abraham’s life of faith and its importance in laying a foundation for God's people to follow.
The Slave Woman’s Son
May 25, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 16:1–2
We are to abandon any confidence in our presumed abilities. Each day we renew our commitment to trust in the promise and power of God. In the tension between Ishmael and Isaac, between what we can do and what God promises - trust the Words of God.
Learning to Trust
May 24, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 16:1–2
Coming to God is an exchange of what we could never do, for what He has done. He did it all and we are invited to believe. And so we learn to surrender to Christ by faith, trusting in His power and His power alone.
The God of Covenant
May 23, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 15:7–20
The most high God gives to Abram an image he will never forget. It is an emblem of assurance on which to found his faith. God signs a contract that He will keep His word.
Can God Be Trusted?
May 22, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 15:1–6
Can God be trusted? If you are a Christian, you feel obligated to answer "Yes." But don't ask the question intellectually. Examine the practical, experiencial faith of the heart in your daily routine. Are you trusting God moment by moment? He is worthy of our faith.
The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refers to Abraham as “God’s friend”, a title used of no one else in Scripture. In this four-week series, Dr. Neufeld unpacks the significance of Abraham’s life of faith and its importance in laying a foundation for God's people to follow.
Submitting to Our Great High Priest
May 19, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 14:17–24
It's been suggested that we learn who we truly are by losing. But winning will also reveal our default nature. Dr. John teaches today about Abraham's response after a victorius battle. He honours Melchizadek but refuses to honour the King of Sodom. Listen and understand the difference.
The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refers to Abraham as “God’s friend”, a title used of no one else in Scripture. In this four-week series, Dr. Neufeld unpacks the significance of Abraham’s life of faith and its importance in laying a foundation for God's people to follow.
Righteousness or Personal Advantage
May 18, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 14:1–16
Doing what is right is especially challenging when we think we might benefit by doing what is wrong. Today Dr. John teaches that when Lot was captured in battle, it wouldn't be the worst thing for Abraham's flocks and pastures. Pressed between what is right or what is beneficial, what would Abraham do?
Lift Up Your Eyes And Look
May 17, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 13:10–18
We are built so that our forward motion follows our eyes. A motorcylist knows that if they turn their heads, the bike will eventually follow. Today, Dr. John reminds us that if we are to make forward motion in our pilgrimage, we need to lift our eyes higher - not simply to see the bigger picture, but to see God.
Finding Confidence in God’s Promises
May 16, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 13:1–7
Self defence is more than a physical response. We also defend our reputations, time, possessions and perceived rights. If any of these are infringed upon, we fight for our rights. Dr. John holds Abraham before us as a peacemaker. Abraham trusted in God's protection and provision. What about you?
Diverting to Egypt
May 15, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Genesis 12:10–20
Throughout our spiritual journey, we often weave around obstacles of our own making. Abraham is on a pilgrimage to the land of promise - but he gets sidetracked in Egypt. Today Dr. John teaches that our lack of faith in God's promises leads to problems we try to fix on our own. We don't need man-made solutions to man-made problems. We need the grace of God.
The faith of Abraham is the basis for our faith today. To study Abraham is to study the life of faith. James refers to Abraham as “God’s friend”, a title used of no one else in Scripture. In this four-week series, Dr. Neufeld unpacks the significance of Abraham’s life of faith and its importance in laying a foundation for God's people to follow.
