At the end of John 6, we see many followers deserting Jesus. They could not accept His words nor surrender to His teaching. In their disagreement, they abandoned Jesus. Jesus did not change His words nor compromise to keep them. He does not yield to their expectations. We yield to Him. In our surrender we find the truth, as Peter confessed, "Jesus has the Words of life!"

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

The "Jesus" of our making is comforting and soothing. He nurtures our preferences and accepts our faults. But the Jesus of the Scriptures has always found opposition. Our culture (and every culture before us) has scorned Jesus because He doesn't fit our wishes or intentions. Listen as Dr. John itemizes the reasons for public offense. Nothing proves more offensive than the cross - the very means of deliverance and life.

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

In John chapter 6, we find phrases from Jesus that have caused confusion and controversy. Jesus speaks of "eating His flesh and drinking His blood." When the crowds heard it, some were offended. What did Jesus mean? Today Dr. John explains the teaching of Jesus and points us to our unshakeable hope - the atoning work of Jesus for our sins. 

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

It is common for people to consider Jesus with certain expectations in mind. But when what they have in mind doesn't match what Jesus says or does - they think the problem is with Him! They walk from faith feeling disappointed. Today we are reminded by Jesus that who He is exceeds any expectation we could have. Jesus is never less, always more. 

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

Life is filled with disappointments. Things do not always work out as planned, and we often don't get what we want. So, we might be excused for feeling insecure in this life. The problem is that we carry this insecurity into our spiritual life. Will God remember me? Will He reject me for my failures? Dr. John points us to the words of Jesus. We are held securely by the promise of God. We are assured of heaven not just because we want God; but because God wants us. 

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

How much money is enough? The cliched answer is "More!" More is the same expectation we have for love, hope, joy and peace. We are driven by seeking satisfaction in all our wants. That's not wrong, but often misplaced. Our sin is trying to find meaning and fulfillment in things, activities and relationships that don't last. Listen as Jesus points our cravings to the only full and permanent satisfaction. 

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

The central question for each one of us is simple, "What does God require from me?" Should I pray more? Do I need to give more? How can I be a better person? Now there is no doubt that more prayer, generosity, and holiness is fitting, but is this what God expects? Today Dr. John turns us to the words of Jesus. There is one work that pleases God - our faith.

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

Faith is the means of our spiritual life. We begin by faith. We continue by faith. It is not the product of our own efforts, but of grace. And it is by grace that God nurtures our faith. Today we hear of the way that Jesus enhanced the faith of His disciples. During a night storm, Jesus walked on the waves to His disciples. The event began in fear and ended in faith. To grow in faith, it helps to have a crisis!

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

We are self-oriented people. Self-interest is our natural default. So we can understand why a crowd followed Jesus after being fed with a boy's small lunch. They thought that anyone who could solve their hunger should be king! Today we hear Jesus correct us. He is not just a means for our satisfaction, personal or political. Listen as Dr. John cautions about using Jesus for our own gain.

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

Why did you say "Yes" to your current job opportunity? Why did you marry your spouse? Why did you come to Jesus? Reflecting on our past motivation gives insight to our choices. Today Dr. John invites us to examine our motive for faith. We will find that our reasons for turning to God have probably matured. It has become less about us and more about Him. 

Why Follow Jesus?: John 6 is an evaluation of what it means to truly believe. Just like the Parable of the Sower, some people seem to believe for awhile, but in due time will walk away. John 6 is an invitation to examine good and bad reasons for believing in Jesus. It explains why some people will only believe for a period of time, and others will never stop believing for all eternity. This chapter is an invitation for us to examine our own reasons for either believing in Jesus, or rejecting Jesus.

The book of Colossians closes with a listing of those who supported and partnered with Paul in his ministry. Some of the names are familiar, while we shrug our shoulders at others. But every name is significant as a narrative of God's handiwork. Like names in a graveyard or those engraved on a cenotaph, these names have a story - even as our name has a story. Every story is a message about God's grace and glory. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

Speakers and writers tend to pack in more content as they near the end of their communication. You get that sense from Paul at the end of his Colossian letter. He writes in a compact manner of prayer, ministry and evangelism. The brevity of his words does not suggest that these are small matters.  In fact, he invites the Colossians to participate with him in these God-given opportunities. Whenever God is at work, there are no small matters. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

Today, we justly look with abhorrence at slavery. It has not been that way throughout all of history. Slavery has been practiced in various manners, even in biblical times. Listen as Dr. John teaches on Paul's commands in Colossians to both slaves and masters. We are reminded that any condition can be a vehicle of grace for God's glory. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

Considering the number of complaints and criticism we hear of the family structure, you may begin to wonder if it is truly something "good" as declared by God in Genesis. The New Testament affirms the goodness and importance of the family. Paul speaks to the Colossian congregation and gives specific commands to wives, husbands, fathers and children. These commands remain relevant, central and beneficial for our homes today. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

Families may gather for meals. Fans gather to cheer their team. Managers gather to set visions and direction. Why does a Church gather every Sunday? The people of God meet to worship. While worship may shift from culture to culture and over the generations, Paul commands the church at Colossae to pay attention to their form of worship. Dr. John teaches on the fundamentals of worship for every congregation. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

Not all clothing fits the occasion. Shorts and t-shirts are inappropriate for a formal banquet. Likewise, not all clothing fits our identity. Teens and seniors dress differently. Paul tells the believers in Colossae to take off what was true of their past and put on what is new in Christ. Today Dr. John teaches on the 5 virtues that Christians are to put on. We will find that these virtues suit every occasion and fit every believer. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

It is our experience to be living and growing. A toddler is alive but not yet what they will be. So too in Christ - we are made alive and are growing into the stature of Jesus within us. Today we learn that our growing necessitates a renouncement of sin, both sexual and relational. Our growth may not be a straight line towards perfection, but it is in a new direction, pursuing that which glorifies our Lord. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

Those in cemeteries give no thought to the stock market, the latest fashions or current amusements. They are dead and have no relationship to matters of this earth. Paul reminds us that we were dead, but are now raised with Jesus. In this new life we are to set our hearts and minds on the matters of heaven - the Kingdom of God. Listen as Dr. John teaches about seeking the things above and resisting the things below. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

You may have received a phone call or an email proclaiming that you won a spectacular prize. The prize is yours and all you need to do is subscribe to a magazine, pay the upfront taxes or some other obligation. Paul warned the Colossians about adding anything to God's gift of grace in Jesus. We are not saved, nor do we live by "Jesus plus..." To trust or exalt anything added to the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus is wandering off the path of grace. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ. 

If the bank manager called you into their office and declared your mortgage free and clear, your car loan forgiven and all your bank accounts filled beyond measure, you would have good reason to celebrate! Today we celebrate the good news of our personal ledger of crimes and punishment being wiped clean in Jesus. By His sacrifice, we are forgiven and made alive. Reason enough to celebrate for ever. 

The True Christian: There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ.