TRUTH + LIFE Magazine for April-May 2016 | Back to the Bible Canada by Back to the Bible Canada

APRIL + MAY 2016

what are the beatitudes? pg. 15

APRIL 2016

APRIL 24 - MAY 5, 2017 EVER WANTED TO WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE APOSTLE PAUL? NOW YOU CAN DISCOVER THE LOCATION WHERE HE TOOK THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE WORLD!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS APRIL + MAY 2016 Welcome to the April edition of TRUTH + LIFE magazine, featuring this month’s theme of “Attitude.” Enjoy articles from Dr. Neufeld, Phil Callaway, guest writer Chris Throness, and others, plus, a devotional, an important ministry update from Back to the Bible Canada and much more!

ARTICLES

4 AN ATTITUDE CHECK DR. JOHN NEUFELD

6 LIFE AT WORK PHIL CALLAWAY

10 AN INTERVIEW WITH DAVE JONSSON ISAAC DAGNEAU

FEATURES 2 NEW TESTAMENT GREECE BY LAND AND SEA

15 THE BEATITUDES 18 INDIA MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY 19 INDOUBT

12 ONE DEBT WE CAN NEVER REPAY FROM “QUIET SPACES” DEVOTIONAL BY DR. NEUFELD

16 HOW JESUS MAKES US GENEROUS

CHRIS THRONESS Make friends who love the right things, who have great attitudes. If you hang out with guys who suck lemons, you’ll look really ugly and wrinkly by the time you’re my age. PHIL CALLAWAY

TRUTH + LIFE Magazine is published bi-monthly by The Good News Broadcasting Association of Canada, Box 246, STN A Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z6. All content is copyright © The Good News Broadcasting Association of Canada unless otherwise indicated. BACKTOTHEBIBLE.CA

APRIL + MAY 2016

AN ATTITUDE CHEC BY DR. JOHN NEUFELD

BY DR. JOHN NEUFLED

ow easy it is for human beings to make quick judgments of others on a daily basis! How often do we fail to hear from the perspective of the ones we so easily condemn? Let me illustrate an example that I will never forget. In the church where I used to serve, I remember one time just before one of our annual Christmas productions was about to start, the fire department suddenly showed up. Apparently, they had received a phone call from someone in our church indicating that our performances did not meet fire regulations. The department told us that the beautifully designed and constructed stage needed to have a clearly designated fire exit, complete with a well-lit sign. Thus, in case of fire, the audience would clearly know where to exit (either on the left or the right). Of course, this would completely destroy the ambience of the entire production itself, plus the

fact that there were already other designated fire exits in place. So what was to be done? Immediately, the team set out to find out who called the fire department in the first place. Amazingly, one man came forward saying that he had discussed it with someone else, and that his friend had called the fire department. He, however, would not give up the name of the friend, who remained anonymous.

None of us can see motivation but God alone. I will never forget the tension of the moments that ensued. What I witnessed was nothing short of suspicion and displeasure directed towards this one brother. Was there even a friend involved? And what could inspire someone to do that? Was this brother trying to destroy our evangelistic outreach into the community? What were his motivations? Was he trying to get back at someone for something? On APRIL + MAY 2016

CK and on the accusations went. Unkind words were said. Looking back however, I now wonder how this man felt, in the midst of all this directed towards him. It was a tense time indeed. I stayed out of it, but to my shame, I too had an inner feeling of distrust towards him. But then, that began to change. Over the years, I observed this very same brother’s faithfulness in taking care of the details around our monthly communion service. Since we had multiple services, this was a major task, including the coordination of servers and assigning people to pray for the bread and the cup each time. I watched as this faithful servant worked behind the scenes, receiving almost no recognition, but faithfully discharging his duty. And God began to speak to me about my attitude. I still don’t know what happened with that Christmas production, but I did learn something profound. APRIL + MAY 2016

Proverbs 18:17 says, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” It is so easy to accept a bad report of someone without hearing that person’s own perspective. I also remember Christ’s words in Matthew 7:1, which forbid us from judging the other. What Christ meant is that we must refrain from judging people’s internal motivation. None of us can see motivation but God alone. My attitude toward this man changed dramatically. And with that, was also a renewed commitment to hear someone out before making judgments. So today, let’s take the time to listen, show grace, and be careful about how we judge others. Dr. John Neufeld is the Canadian Bible Teacher of Back to the Bible Canada, and is well known both nationally and internationally for his excellence in expositional Bible teaching. Dr. Neufeld is passionate about bringing the truth of God’s Word to life across Canada and beyond.

life at work

BY PHIL CALLAWAY

he summer before I went to college I got a job on a pig farm. Each day, before opening my eyes, I prayed that it was raining, snowing or that a monsoon had arrived – anything to get me out of working! I hated it. But God didn’t answer my prayer. In fact, it was one of the driest summers on record. My boss Jesse was a hard-living, chain-smoking guy who wanted me to smoke too. “It’ll build up an immunity to disease,” he said. I had a lousy attitude all summer – until Jesse handed me a nail gun. I loved that thing. You just lined up a wooden stud, rested the nail gun against it and pulled the trigger. Presto! A nail came flying out. It was the coolest thing. What could possibly go wrong? Few things can determine our level of joy like our attitude toward work. With Jesse on the other side of the wooden stud, I pushed the nail gun against it, pulled the trigger, and—

missed the stud. The sharp nail stuck into the poor guy’s shoulder. Jesse looked down, stunned, as if he’d just been shot – with a nail gun. “Sorry,” I said, thinking, ‘Just after he kills me, he’s gonna keel over and die.’ He did neither. Just pulled out the nail, cursed a blue streak, then asked me, “Do you wanna quit or can I fire you?” That was my last day on the pig farm. Few things can determine our level of joy like our attitude toward work. I regret having such a lousy one that summer. In fact, I wish I would have had the wisdom and foresight to view work as a blessing, and each day as an opportunity to brighten the workplace. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” says Colossians 3:23. This changes everything. So today I sat down and came up with ten things I love about being a writer: 10) You can live anyplace you APRIL + MAY 2016

like. The writer has the freedom to starve almost anywhere. 9) You can stare out windows without your spouse asking what you’re up to. 8) Your career isn’t over at 30, like most professional athletes. 7) Your overhead is cheap. Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” was written on the back of an old envelope. 6) You can get your picture in the paper without being charged for a criminal act. 5) You can work in your bathrobe without being charged with indecency. 4) No heavy lifting (except when 5,000 books arrive.) 3) You can speak your mind long after you’ re dead. 2) You can receive notes like this one: “My toddler chewed most of your book. I need another one.” 1) And this one: “I’ m a mother of five. I lock myself in the bathroom and read your book. When I come out I feel like I can face the world APRIL + MAY 2016

again.” Whatever kind of work you’re involved in, go looking for things you’ re thankful for today. My buddy Wayne stuffs insulation into nooks and crannies, and frankly I don’ t know a more happy, purpose-filled guy. His work is worship. If you’re wondering what happened to Jesse, I was speaking at a men’ s conference far from home, and signing books afterwards. A tall, lanky guy handed me one and I looked up at him. “Jesse,” I said. “No way!” It was him. “How’s your shoulder?”I asked. He laughed. “I came to Jesus a few years ago,” and there were tears in his eyes. I asked Jesse where he lives and what he does. He said,“I’m working on that same pig farm and loving it.” Phil Callaway is the host of the hit radio show Laugh Again, and an award-winning author and speaker.

REACHING OUT TO THE WORLD WITH GOD’S WORD Did you know we have an exciting ministry opportunity coming up? But before I share that with you, I want to reiterate an important truth about our identity as Jesus’ followers in this world. I once heard a professor claim that whenever the percentage of believers fell below 10% of a nation’s population, the morals of society would decline and human life became cheap. While I’ve never been able to verify this, I do know that Jesus called His followers the light of the world and the salt of the earth. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, our Lord gives us a picture of what citizens of His Kingdom look like, and how they are to think, act and live. And, as a Bible teaching ministry, bringing the light of Jesus is our calling and purpose as we reach thousands of people every day. Your partnership makes all of our programs and resources possible! Plus, God has opened the doors for us to engage in greater ministry development: first, through expanding indoubt, our young adults ministry, with a new podcast, and second, by working with our partner Back to the Bible India to bring our daily Bible teaching broadcast to that country! Would you join us in prayer for these developments and make an eternal investment for His Kingdom? Together, let us be salt and light!

Dr. John Neufeld, Bible Teacher

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To view the complete Daily Bible Reading Plan, please visit our website at backtothebible.ca

BE THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOU WHO BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 APRIL + MAY 2016

recently had the privilege of chatting with Dave Jonsson, the young adult pastor of Ethos – a ministry of Coquitlam Alliance Church in Coquitlam, BC. He shared a bit of his testimony and we talked about Jesus. Was it profound? Definitely. Here are a couple of questions from the interview. It’s amazing to hear how Jesus works in and through other people’s lives. May it encourage and inspire you as well. How did you meet Jesus? I met Jesus when I was 19 years old. I grew up in a Christian home – born and raised in Reykjavik, Iceland. I didn’t really buy into Christianity at a young age. I then moved to Canada and began skateboarding – it became my life and my identity. When I was 19 years old I happened to be in a Cessna 172 plane with a friend of mine who was an airline pilot, and we crashed. We

crashed into the side of a mountain in Squamish. I remember what haunted me the most was the moments before we crashed when the wings of the plane were hitting trees, and my last and final thought was one of deep regret of how I had lived my life and how far I had been from God. Then we crashed. I thought I would have died. Fifteen minutes later I came to consciousness again and found myself living a second chance at life. I was so haunted by that last thought. In that six and half-hours of waiting for search and rescue, I’ve never felt the presence of the Lord so strong. He was saying, “I’m here for you son. I love you, despite your wayward ways.”

Then we crashed. I thought I would have died. So that’s how I met Jesus in a profound way – and He radically APRIL + MAY 2016

An Interview with Dave Jonsson changed me. I was very humbled, and broken – literally. For a couple years when I was recovering I was just pursuing the Lord, which has led me to a place where I absolutely love Jesus. And really, this second chance of life could end today – so I need to live every moment of my life for Jesus. And who is this Jesus who you’re living for? Who is Jesus? Jesus is life. He’s my source of hope. And because of that, He radically transforms every detail of my life. Jesus transforms the way that I look at my children and the way that I look at my work. He even changes the way that I view skateboarding. I now look at skateboarding as a gift from God. He has given me the health and the ability to do what I love to do. And I really believe that God delights in every detail of our life. So, I think that Jesus, who is the source of all life, should and does APRIL + MAY 2016

BY ISAAC DAGNEAU

affect every detail of my life – every aspect. I get the privilege to live my life, not only with Jesus but in Jesus – I’m inhabited by His Holy Spirit. When I walk out my door every morning, it’s a journey and an adventure – I get to participate with the living God to reveal to creation who He is. My purpose is to glorify God and His Son Jesus, and to bring about His kingdom. And you don’t have to be a pastor to do that. In every life circumstance we have the opportunity and the privilege to show the world Jesus.

To watch the entire video conversation, head over to www.indoubt.ca/videos and search for “Who is Jesus?” Issac Dagneau is the leader of indoubt, a ministry of the GNBAC that seeks to bring God’s Word into the lives of youth and young adults through creative media arts.

ONE DEBT WE CAN NEVER REPAY

ADAPTED FROM “AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE” SERIES IN “QUIET SPACES: A 30-DAY DEVOTIONAL” BY DR. JOHN NEUFELD

hat would reconciliation on a daily basis look like? Between husband and wife? Between boss and employees? Between parents and children? Between Christian leaders and Christian people? Between Christians in every imaginable setting? Most of us have struggled to reconcile with someone in the past - maybe even today. Perhaps you’ve wondered, “How can I really forgive that person who has wronged me? He or she owes me!” One of the ways that the Bible shows us what reconciliation means is in insisting we learn to settle outstanding debts. This is very important, especially in situations where two Christians are involved in business and one feels the other has harmed them financially. Reconciliation is not whitewashing the matter. Forgiveness says, “I will not hold you accountable.” But reconciliation goes beyond to say, “Whatever debts

are between us are now ‘Paid in Full.’” In the case of a dispute, unless someone is prepared to stand up and say, “This debt is now cancelled,” the dispute between two people will never end. Someone has to cancel debts. Secondly, reconciliation with others is a reminder of our own unpaid debts to God. In Matthew 18, Jesus told a story of a man who owed his master millions of dollars. He could never repay the master, because it would take a thousand lifetimes to do so! As a result of this massive debt, the man and his family would be sold into a lifetime of slavery. It meant the end of everything good, decent and hopeful in his life. These consequences were so staggering, so overwhelmingly terrifying, that he fell to his knees before his master. Losing all dignity, he simply begged, crying out for mercy. In desperation, this was all he could do. But the master, in an act APRIL + MAY 2016

of uncommon, extraordinary, magnificent grace, cancelled his debt. I expect for this man, it would have been a moment of utter shock, leaving him speechless.

we are not called upon to repay Him, because our debt has been cancelled on the cross No sooner was the man with the cancelled debt out of his master’s presence when he found a man who owed him $100. So what did he do? He grabbed him by the throat and said, “Pay what you owe me!” The man cried out, “I don’t have the money. Have mercy on me.” APRIL + MAY 2016

But instead of having mercy, he threw the man into debtors’ prison. When the gracious master heard about this, he was enraged with the servant he had forgiven, and threw him into a dungeon where he remained for the rest of his life. And with that, Jesus said something that troubles me – even to this day: “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you will not forgive your brother from the heart.” (Matthew 18:35) Do you want to know the key to reconciliation? It is learning to forgive as Christ Himself forgave. You see, as I owe debts to people who have impacted my life for good, how much greater is the debt I owe God? Oh, I know we are not called upon to repay Him, because our debt has been cancelled on the cross – but that is just the point. This is what happened to us in Christ – he cancelled our debt before God! Christ erased it! That’s how reconciliation happens!

partner to tell 2016 As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:15b

Joan, a longtime partner of Back to the Bible Canada, is 90 years old and has been listening faithfully to the broadcast for many years in Rossburn, Manitoba. She shares why, for the past 25 years, she chooses to give every month to the ministry: “Because we [my husband and I] heard the gospel, therefore we should help Back to the Bible Canada so that others can hear it. If someone gave so we could hear, then we should give back too. This ministry has helped us in our Christian walk. I’m so thankful for it, so I should help them carry on.” Will you help us “Partner to Tell” the good news about Jesus Christ through proclaiming His Word across Canada? For the past 75 years of Back to the Bible Canada’s history, we’ve been committed to one thing: leading people closer to Jesus every day through the power of His Word. From communities, big and small, coast to coast, across the country, we bring the life transforming truths of the Bible to thousands of Canadians. Did you know? NONE of this would be possible without YOUR MONTHLY SUPPORT! By joining our monthly partner program, you’ll be part of a dedicated “team” of friends and listeners WHO ARE TRULY THE BACKBONE OF THIS MINISTRY (including Laugh Again and indoubt)!

WILL YOU JOIN PARTNER TO TELL IN 2016? OUR GOAL: 120 NEW MONTHLY PARTNERS* 500 TOTAL MONTHLY PARTNERS FOR BACK TO THE BIBLE CANADA (*THAT WORKS OUT TO JUST 10 NEW PARTNERS PER MONTH!) WILL YOU BECOME ONE TODAY?

To partner with us in 2016, please call 1-800-663-2425 or visit backtothebible.ca 14

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The Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12 English Standard Version (ESV) The Sermon on the Mount

1 2 ”And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 ”Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 ”Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 ”Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 ”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. ”Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

7 ”Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 ”Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 ”Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God. 10 ”Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11all kinds ”Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter of evil against you falsely on my account. 12persecuted ”Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they the prophets who were before you. APRIL + MAY 2016

cts of generosity stand out in our culture because they necessitate unselfishness. To be generous is to give. The default of the human heart is to take. That’s why our culture celebrates generosity – it’s uncommon. But generosity takes on a new level of meaning when you’re directly impacted. I won’t forget the phone call from my parents who informed me that I didn’t have to pay them back for the money they lent me to finish my undergraduate degree. Being on an entry level youth pastor salary, this was extremely liberating! That’s why Paul takes time to write about Epaphroditus. At first glance, he has one of those weird names in Scripture that you can’t seem to pronounce, so you mumble your way through to get on to the next sentence. But let’s pause and investigate this man and his astonishing act of kindness. Paul thought pretty highly of him. He encouraged the Philippian congregation to “honour such

men.” Paul was the beneficiary of a generous gift from the Philippian congregation as he sat in prison in Rome. They needed a way to get their gift from Philippi to Rome, and Epaphroditus was the elected member to deliver it. Here are three reasons, as demonstrated in the life of Epaphroditus, on how Jesus makes us generous: 1. Jesus shows us humility A symphony conductor was asked what the hardest instrument to play was in his orchestra. His answer: second fiddle. He said, “I can find plenty of first violinists, but to find someone to play second fiddle with enthusiasm – that is a problem.” It’s one thing to be forced to play second fiddle; it’s another to play it with passion. Epaphroditus carried a gift to Paul. This was no simple jaunt down

Generosity unselfishn unselfishn requires hu

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HOW JESUS MAKES US GENEROUS BY CHRIS THRONESS

the street; nor was it a fun road trip with friends. It was a grueling and high-risk 800-mile venture westward to Rome. To put this into perspective for you: it would be the equivalent of walking from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Generosity demands unselfishness and unselfishness requires humility. If you read Philippians chapter two it all makes sense. The apostle Paul expounds on Christ’s humility in the gospel – that He who had all the rights of God, gave them up to become a slave. Epaphroditus, being a follower of Jesus, behaves what he believes and accepts the role of long distance walker and gift giver on behalf of his brothers and sisters. He modestly played his part in the body of Christ – in the Grand Symphony. And in this act demonstrates the beauty and necessity of the second fiddle.

y demands ness and ness umility.

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As followers of Jesus, it’s tempting to hold the suffering of Jesus at an arms distance – as a thing of the past. Yet this is a mark of an obedient life. Discipleship (and generosity) requires cost. As Epaphroditus sets off with gift in hand, he puts himself into the realm of the unknown and the risk of suffering. He counts the cost and begins to walk.

To read the entire article, visit backtothebible.ca and look for ‘how jesus makes us generous.’ “It is not the body’s posture, but the heart’s attitude that counts when we pray.” BILLY GRAHAM

Chris is a third generation pastor who currently leads Ethos, the young adults ministry at Coquitlam Alliance Church. He loves Jesus and is passionate about doing whatever he can to serve the local church.

NEW MINSTRY OPPORTUNITY Did you know? We have an exciting development that’s in the works!

For the first time, BACK TO THE BIBLE CANADA will be working with our partner BACK TO THE BIBLE INDIA to bring the expository teaching of Dr. John Neufeld to India (in English, Hindi and Telugu). This is an incredible opportunity for us as a ministry to reach a whole new people group with the transforming message of GOD’S WORD. Please pray for us and consider a gift today that will help us to develop an effective PLAN FOR MINISTRY in that part of the world.

KEY FACTS *

AREA: POPULATION: CAPITAL: ANNUAL GROWTH:

3,166,000 sq km 1,214,464,312 Delhi 1.44%

LARGEST RELIGION: CHRISTIANS: EVANGELICALS: HINDUSIM:

Hinduism 71,011,000 26,290,283 902,711,323

PEOPLES: 2,533 (88% unreached) OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Constitutionally there are 22 official languages. The official language is Hindi (spoken by 40% of the population). English is a subsidiary official language. LANGUAGES: 456 *Source: http://www.operationworld.org/indi

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Discipleship. Sexuality. Faith. LIFE. At indoubt, we help young adults tackle the tough issues with biblical truth. Have you heard of our new podcast? Check out a new episode every Monday, plus the latest blog articles and creative videos! Visit indoubt.ca and help us spread the word!

indoubt

featureD series this month Rediscover one of the most famous passages in the Bible – the SERMON ON THE MOUNT – in this 5-week series with Dr. Neufeld. Focusing on Matthew 5-7, we will learn the true meaning of JESUS’ WORDS on what it looks like to be a citizen of His kingdom on earth. A powerful and practical study for all believers TODAY!

FELD N NEIBU H O .CA J LE . DR OTHEB BACK T

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