Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld

Knowing that Israel will enter the promised land without him, what does Moses say to them? Dr. John preaches on the final emphasis of Moses' sermon addressed to Israel on the doorstep of their homeland. The heart of Moses' message was obedience. Israel is cautioned to be faithful to God's commands, recognize the results of disobedience and consider the rewards of following God's direction. It is a caution that still stands for us today. Renewing the Covenant: 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. 

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.Renewing the Covenant: 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. 

Major projects and journeys often need to be adjusted along the way. That doesn't mean the original plans were wrong. It does mean that wisdom responds to the necessary changes of life. Dr. John speaks of the shift from Moses allowing some of the tribes to make their home on the east side of the Jordan. What didn't change was the commitment and integrity of the nations' solidarity. Renewing the Covenant: 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. 

Many will remember their first purchase of property or a home. It was with a sense of delight and even pride that you walked into your house or surveyed your boundaries. As Israel was about to enter their first homeland, God warned them about pride and stewardship. They were to remember that God gave them their home and this land came with responsibilities. The same is true for us.Renewing the Covenant: 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. 

It's not possible to read Deuteronomy and ignore the question of war. Israel was commanded to wipe out entire cities and nations. We ask, "How could a loving God allow, even command, the death of men, women and children?" It is this inescapable question that Dr. John addresses in today's message. Listen as we hear the themes of justice and mercy played out through the agency of Israel. Renewing the Covenant: 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. 

We refer to the land Israel was to possess as the "land of promise." It was not the "land of the conquered" or the "land of the defeated." It is territory that is given to Israel by the covenantal grace of God. It's true that Israel would have to fight for it - but ultimately it is given by God; God who rules over every nation and territory. God alone raises nations and brings them low. Israel could not boast of military might or skill. Every nation must acknowledge God, who is King over all. Renewing the Covenant: 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. 

It's common when we make a journey to plan the details by our own wishes. We map the route and choose the hotels. Today Dr. John reminds us that while Israel journeyed for 40 years in the wilderness, they were still led by the will of God. Despite their rebellion, He graced with His guidance. They continually faced the choice, "God's way or our way." The lessons of faith and submission were always before them. Just like us. Renewing the Covenant: 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. 

Video games give multiple lives. Golfers can claim a "mulligans." Some stores grant time in which you can exchange your purchases. But many of our decisions are irreversible with consequences we cannot avoid. Israel decided to disobey at Kadesh Barnea. They reaped the death of an entire generation in the wilderness. Would they want a "re-do" if they knew the outcome? For them and us, sin always leaves a stain. God help us to respond with faithful obedience at the very start. Renewing the Covenant: 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. 

Opportunities can be met with anything from gullibility to cynicism. But there is something else we need to consider, the spectrum of fear to faith. At the doorstep of the promised land, Moses reminded his current generation of how the previous generation failed. Their faith gave way to their fears. Listen as Dr. John points to the three warning signs that our fear is louder than our faith. Renewing the Covenant: 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. 

We can all point to missed opportunities in our lives. A job we turned down. An investment we didn't make. A friendship we ignored. While we may have regrets, it is an entirely different matter if we spurn God's invitation. Despite the promise of God, the urging of Moses and the evidence of "milk and honey," Israel rejected God's opportunity before them. Renewing the Covenant: 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.