Advertise on podcast: Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

Why does God reward the thief on the cross—who believed at the last moment—with the same eternal life as the apostle Paul, who suffered a lifetime of hardship for the gospel? Dr. John concludes his exploration of the parable of the workers in the vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16. The frustration we feel at this "unfairness" reveals a dangerous assumption: that our service to God places Him in our debt. All of God's rewards are grace, not wages—the generosity extended to the last will equal that given to the first. The Ministry of Our Lord: Join Dr. John Neufeld for a journey through Matthew 19-20, where Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem. The crowds are growing, expecting triumph and glory. But what Jesus teaches is startling: humility over greatness, sacrifice over power. This Messiah will not rule from a throne—He will reign from a cross. Discover what it means to follow a suffering King.

The parable of the workers in the vineyard seems deeply unfair—why should those who worked one hour receive the same pay as those who labored all day in the scorching heat? Dr. John begins a two-part exploration of this confusing parable from Matthew 20:1-16, addressing a crucial question: Is it wrong to be motivated by rewards? Examining Jesus' own teachings, Dr. John reveals that God designed us to pursue reward—and that following Jesus is the shrewdest investment we could ever make. The Ministry of Our Lord: Join Dr. John Neufeld for a journey through Matthew 19-20, where Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem. The crowds are growing, expecting triumph and glory. But what Jesus teaches is startling: humility over greatness, sacrifice over power. This Messiah will not rule from a throne—He will reign from a cross. Discover what it means to follow a suffering King.

After the rich young ruler walks away, Jesus tells His disciples something shocking: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." Dr. John Neufeld explores Matthew 19:23-30, where Jesus reassures His astonished disciples that what's impossible with man is possible with God, and promises that those who leave everything to follow Him will receive a hundredfold and eternal life. This episode challenges us to ask: what are you really trusting in? The Ministry of Our Lord: Join Dr. John Neufeld for a journey through Matthew 19-20, where Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem. The crowds are growing, expecting triumph and glory. But what Jesus teaches is startling: humility over greatness, sacrifice over power. This Messiah will not rule from a throne—He will reign from a cross. Discover what it means to follow a suffering King.

A wealthy young ruler runs to Jesus with an urgent question: "What good deed must I do to have eternal life?" Dr. John Neufeld explores Matthew 19:16-22, where Jesus exposes the man's real problem—not his failure to keep the commandments, but his failure to trust God completely. When Jesus tells him to sell everything and follow Him, the young man walks away sorrowful, revealing that eternal life isn't about being good enough—it's about trusting Christ with everything. The Ministry of Our Lord: Join Dr. John Neufeld for a journey through Matthew 19-20, where Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem. The crowds are growing, expecting triumph and glory. But what Jesus teaches is startling: humility over greatness, sacrifice over power. This Messiah will not rule from a throne—He will reign from a cross. Discover what it means to follow a suffering King.

Jesus' teaching on marriage leaves the disciples reeling—wondering if it's even worth getting married at all. Dr. John Neufeld explores Matthew 19:9-15, where Jesus addresses lifestyle choices, affirming both lifelong marriage and singleness for the kingdom. When parents bring their children for blessing, Jesus rebukes the disciples and welcomes them, reminding us that God calls us to lives of commitment, not independence and self-fulfillment. The Ministry of Our Lord: Join Dr. John Neufeld for a journey through Matthew 19-20, where Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem. The crowds are growing, expecting triumph and glory. But what Jesus teaches is startling: humility over greatness, sacrifice over power. This Messiah will not rule from a throne—He will reign from a cross. Discover what it means to follow a suffering King.

The Pharisees set a trap for Jesus, asking about divorce to damage His reputation and divide the crowd. Dr. John Neufeld explores Matthew 19:3-9, where Jesus bypasses competing rabbis and points straight to Scripture, teaching God's original design for lifelong marriage while addressing the reality of hard hearts. This episode reminds us that standing behind the shield of Scripture is the key to navigating divisive questions with truth and grace. The Ministry of Our Lord: Join Dr. John Neufeld for a journey through Matthew 19-20, where Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem. The crowds are growing, expecting triumph and glory. But what Jesus teaches is startling: humility over greatness, sacrifice over power. This Messiah will not rule from a throne—He will reign from a cross. Discover what it means to follow a suffering King.

Can't see the forest for the trees? Dr. John Neufeld helps us grasp the big picture of Jesus' life by exploring how the four Gospels each offer a unique perspective—Matthew's Jewish Messiah, Mark's Son of God, Luke's perfect man, and John's declaration of deity. As we begin a journey through Matthew 19-20, Dr. Neufeld sets the scene: Jesus is leaving Galilee for the final time, heading toward Jerusalem with growing crowds—and an approaching cross. The Ministry of Our Lord: Join Dr. John Neufeld for a journey through Matthew 19-20, where Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem. The crowds are growing, expecting triumph and glory. But what Jesus teaches is startling: humility over greatness, sacrifice over power. This Messiah will not rule from a throne—He will reign from a cross. Discover what it means to follow a suffering King.

Just when Isaiah's harsh condemnation of idolatry seems relentless, the tone shifts dramatically to God's breathtaking mercy. Dr. John explores Isaiah 44:21-28, where God declares He has blotted out Israel's transgressions like mist and will never forget His covenant with them. This passage even names the Persian king Cyrus over 200 years before he would decree Israel's return from exile, revealing that our salvation depends not on our faithfulness, but on God's unfailing commitment to His promises. God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.

Why do people worship idols when it's so obviously foolish? Dr. John walks through Isaiah 44:9-20, where the prophet exposes the absurdity of idolatry with biting irony. Isaiah describes craftsmen using half their wood for cooking fires and bowing down to worship the other half. Despite the clear madness of worshipping what we've made with our own hands, idolatry persists because our hearts are deluded and our eyes are shut. God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.

How can God command us to fear Him while also telling us "fear not"? Dr. John tackles this apparent contradiction in Isaiah 44:1-8, exploring what it means to fear God rightly. As God promises judgment through Babylon, He simultaneously declares to Israel: "Fear not, I will never abandon you." For believers struggling with sin and uncertainty, these words offer profound comfort—we need not fear that God will forsake us or that His promises will fail. God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.

Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt in the first Exodus, Isaiah prophesies a second Exodus—this time from Babylon. Dr. John walks through Isaiah 43:14-28, exploring God's promise to bring down Babylon and rescue His people once again. This passage confronts Israel's hollow religious practices while offering hope for struggling sinners. God blots out our transgressions through Christ's blood, pointing us to the greatest Exodus of all—our deliverance from sin and death. God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.

In a world that values pluralism and diversity, how do we balance cultural inclusion with biblical truth? Dr. John explores Isaiah 43:8-13, where God calls the nations to account and declares there is only one true God. While we celebrate diversity and inclusion in society, the church must remain unwavering in its loyalty to Jesus Christ alone—the only Savior who can deliver us from judgment. Israel was called to witness this truth to the nations, and today, Christians carry that same responsibility to share the hope found only in Christ. God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.

If God is for us, who can be against us? Dr. John Neufeld explores Isaiah 43:1-7, where God speaks tenderly to His rebellious people: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; you are mine." Despite Israel's blindness and coming judgment, God promises they will not drown in the waters or be consumed by fire—He would even exchange nations as ransom for His chosen people. This unbreakable covenant love extends beyond Israel to all who are called by His name through the Messiah, gathered from the ends of the earth for His glory. God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.

Why did God seemingly focus only on Israel in the Old Testament while ignoring the nations? Dr. John Neufeld explores Isaiah 42:14-26, revealing that God always had a global plan—He was simply waiting for the right moment to cry out like a woman in labor. When the servant Israel failed their mission to bring light to the nations, God sent another Servant who would succeed. This passage challenges us: will we faithfully participate in God's unstoppable plan to fill the earth with His glory, or will we repeat Israel's blindness? God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.

When God says "Behold my servant," we should pay attention. Dr. John Neufeld unpacks Isaiah 42:1-13, the first of four "servant songs" revealing the Messiah's identity and mission. Unlike empty idols, God presents His servant—sinless, Spirit-empowered, and gentle with the broken—who will establish a new covenant with all nations, opening blind eyes and freeing prisoners from darkness. Only Jesus has fulfilled these ancient prophecies. God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.