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A L L A B OA R D FE B R UA RY 7 - 16 , 2020
8 NIGHTS, STOPPING IN:
Bonaire, Aruba, and Curacao Featuring Back to the Bible Canada's Dr. John Neufeld, Laugh Again’s Phil Callaway and special musical guest, The Wiebes. Enjoy an amazing vacation while experiencing great Bible teaching, laughter, fellowship and special music. TO REGISTER, CALL C H R I S T I A N C R U I S E S A T 1 . 8 7 7. 2 2 9 . 6 1 5 5 OR VISIT BACK TOTHEBIBLE .C A /CRUISE PRICES START FROM $1,452.19 CAD BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY 2
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WHAT'S INSIDE J U N E + J U LY 2 0 1 9
His Light in Our Darkness page 4 Dr. John Neufeld
“God Does Amazing Things in the Dark...” page 6
page 8
Ben Lowell
GET LAUGH AGAIN'S LATEST CD FREE!
Shine Baby, Shine page 10 Phil Callaway
Light to the Blind page 16 Joshua Scott
Turning Off Cruise-Control page 18 Erika Penner
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DR. JOHN'S DAILY BIBLE READING PLAN
DR. JOHN'S CORNER
The Light in the Darkness DR. JOHN NEUFELD Well known 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.
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saiah 9 is a remarkable chapter in our Bible. We often pull quotes from it at Christmas time, but this passage needs to be studied at all times of the year. The chapter follows a section of denunciation of Israel. God’s chosen people had been inquiring of mediums and necromancers instead of calling upon the Lord. As a result of false religion, Israel entered into a time of darkness, gloom and anguish. After describing the spiritual bankruptcy of the people, Isaiah opens chapter 9 with a wonderful promise. Verse 1 says, “But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time He brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.”
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Matthew quotes from this very passage when he announces the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, after His temptation in the wilderness. Matthew 4:16 says, “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” With those words quoted from Isaiah 9:2, Matthew begins to tell of the ministry of Jesus. His fame, says Matthew, spreads through Galilee, all the way to into Syria as the sick and the demon-possessed come from their darkness to the Great King who drives the darkness of sin away at His powerful word. All Christian ministry, when it is truly done in the name of Jesus and for His glory, is a fight against darkness and a shining forth of the light of our Saviour. Sin, once so acceptable and so welcome is now viewed for what
it truly is. Sin brings death, gloom, despair, and anguish of the soul. The human race that lives under Satan’s stronghold are those dwelling in the shadow of death. But Christ is a strong conqueror. On them, says Matthew, a light has dawned.
Back to the Bible Canada is committed to teaching the Bible, which is the word of Christ Himself. As the Bible teacher, I am cognizant that every Biblical exposition that I do is a proclamation of the victory of light over darkness. Furthermore, the exposition of Scripture is not only a proclamation of the conquest of Jesus, but it is also done out of great love for Canada.
Naphtali described in both Isaiah and Matthew, is filled with people who dwell in darkness. But God is love. I recently learned of a Muslim man who came to faith in Christ, who listens to Back to the Bible every day. He has invited his friends to do the same. I am deeply gratified that this simple daily Bible teaching ministry is providing the presence of Jesus into countless lives. Thanks for partnering with us. Together, we are making the light of Christ known amidst the darkness of our world!
Canada, like the land of Zebulun and BACK TOTHEBIBLE.CA
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“God Does Amazing Things in the Dark...” BEN LOWELL Ben is the CEO of the Good News Broadcasting Association of Canada.
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his statement reminds us of the part we play in bringing light to a dark world. The Bible teaching of Dr. John Neufeld, the joyful message of Laugh Again, and our young adult ministry indoubt, all offer light and hope to our nation. I want to express my gratitude to you, as you have continued to extend yourself to ensure the task of teaching the Bible is accomplished.
through a deepened understanding of God and of the Bible.
June concludes the fiscal year for the ministries of Back to the Bible Canada. This year was characterized by ministry growth and spiritual impact upon many. I believe that this increase could not have taken place if not for your prayers and financial support. Together, you have helped us spread the truths of the Bible to a world that so desperately needs it.
That’s why Back to the Bible Canada holds on tightly to its simple yet profound mission, “We Teach the Bible”. When I say “we”, I am including you, our trusted partner in this ministry. Every gift that is given is used to maximize ministry opportunity to impact people like Jennie.
In part, your partnership is to be credited for the many stories we hear from people who have found new strength to endure the challenges of life, or who have discovered hope 6
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Recently, I received a note from Jennie who shared how God had used Dr. John’s daily messages to speak directly into her specific needs. This prompted her to follow God’s leading with boldness. Jennie described her situation as, “the most difficult faith lesson ever… but also the most fulfilling in her walk with God.”
Phil, the voice behind Laugh Again, sent me an email recently that I wanted to share with you. He said, “I can’t remember a time when people have needed a message of hope as badly as we do today. But God does
amazing things in the dark. The response I receive from Laugh Again listeners is so encouraging. I wonder if they have any idea that it’s their support and prayers for both me and for Laugh Again that allows us the privilege to ‘poke a few holes in the darkness’ and share the message of joy that comes from walking with Jesus.” It was only a few years back when we embraced a theme verse for the ministry of Back to the Bible Canada. The verse we landed on was Psalm 78:4; “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders.” It is this confidence in God’s Word, and your support, that drives this ministry forward. There are so many Christian young people, along with those not presently knowing Jesus, who are struggling through tough questions of life and faith that need to hear the truth and hope of Christ! Terry said of indoubt, “They make me question my faith and any doubts I have; in other words, they help me to not have blind faith.” indoubt is a ministry that is growing in its impact, speaking truth with grace that honours the integrity of Scripture. indoubt strives to speak biblically into some of the most difficult questions in our culture today.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a critical time of year for the ministries of Back to the Bible Canada. I want to make it clear to you, and anyone who would listen, that every ministry of Back to the Bible Canada is utterly committed to the teaching and engagement of people in the truth of the Bible. I also want to make my sincere gratitude clear to you. The role that you and so many others play is making this mission possible. While I am so grateful for your previous support, I also must share with you an earnest request that you would continue to extend your support this month, specifically to our fiscal year end. Your gift this month will directly support the growth and sustainability of the ministries of Back to the Bible Canada. Your donation will help us reach a fiscal year end goal of $342,000. This goal represents every ministry, medium, and Bible teaching resource available to our nation through Back to the Bible Canada, Laugh Again, indoubt, and Truth & Life Today. On behalf of Dr. Neufeld, Phil, indoubt, and all of the ministry team, we extend our immense gratitude for your support. God has allowed us this platform to proclaim His truths, and it is by working together that His light can reach every corner of this country!
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s c i ss a l C + t s e i z Cra Want to hear more from Laugh Again’s Phil Callaway? As a way of saying thanks, we want to send you our new Laugh Again CD, Laugh Again’s Craziest and Classics, as our FREE gift, with additional copies costing $10! This CD is packed with laughs, and inspiration too.
CALL 1-800-663-2425 TO RECEIVE YOUR COPY OR VISIT STORE.BACKTOTHEBIBLE.CA AND USE CODE "CRAZIEST" TO RECEIVE YOUR FIRST COPY FREE! 8
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Dr. Neufeld's Daily Bible Reading Plan J U LY 2 019
AUGUST 2 019
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Job 20-21; Acts 10:24-48 Job 22-24; Acts 11 Job 25-27; Acts 12 Job 28-29; Acts 13:1-25 Job 30-31; Acts 13:26-52 Job 32-33; Acts 14 Job 34-35; Acts 15:1-21 Job 36-37; Acts 15:22-41 Job 38-40; Acts 16:1-21 Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40 Psalms 1-3; Acts 17:1-15 Psalms 4-6; Acts 17:16-34 Psalms 7-9; Acts 18 Psalms 10-12; Acts 19:1-20 Psalms 13-15; Acts 19:21-41 Psalms 16-17; Acts 20:1-16 Psalms 18-19; Acts 20:17-38 Psalms 20-22; Acts 21:1-17 Psalms 23-25; Acts 21:18-40 Psalms 26-28; Acts 22 Psalms 29-30; Acts 23:1-15 Psalms 31-32; Acts 23:16-35 Psalms 33-34; Acts 24 Psalms 35-36; Acts 25 Psalms 37-39; Acts 26 Psalms 40-42; Acts 27:1-26 Psalms 43-45; Acts 27:27-44 Psalms 46-48; Acts 28 Psalms 49-50; Romans 1 Psalms 51-53; Romans 2 Psalms 54-56; Romans 3
Psalms 57-59; Romans 4 Psalms 60-62; Romans 5 Psalms 63-65; Romans 6 Psalms 66-67; Romans 7 Psalms 68-69; Romans 8:1-21 Psalms 70-71; Romans 8:22-39 Psalms 72-73; Romans 9:1-15 Psalms 74-76; Romans 9:16-33 Psalms 77-78; Romans 10 Psalms 79-80; Romans 11:1-18 Psalms 81-83; Romans 11:19-36 Psalms 84-86; Romans 12 Psalms 87-88; Romans 13 Psalms 89-90; Romans 14 Psalms 91-93; Romans 15:1-13 Psalms 94-96; Romans 15:14-33 Psalms 97-99; Romans 16 Psalms 100-102; 1 Corinthians 1 Psalms 103-104; 1 Corinthians 2 Psalms 105-106; 1 Corinthians 3 Psalms 107-109; 1 Corinthians 4 Psalms 110-112; 1 Corinthians 5 Psalms 113-115; 1 Corinthians 6 Psalms 116-118; 1 Corinthians 7:1-19 Psalms 119:1-88; 1 Corinthians 7:20-40 Psalms 119:89-176; 1 Corinthians 8 Psalms 120-122; 1 Corinthians 9 Psalms 123-125; 1 Corinthians 10:1-18 Psalms 126-128; 1 Corinthians 10:19-33 Psalms 129-131; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 Psalms 132-134; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
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Shine Baby, Shine
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oday we present, “How to have a baby fast.” First, call your dad at 3:45 in the afternoon and leave a message; “We’re headin’ to the hospital. Likely a false alarm. Baby is 3 weeks early, so don’t worry. We’ll call if anything happens. Talk to you later.” It was my son, Jeff.
months. That this baby would be okay. That God would use this child to bring some light into this dark world. At 4:47 PM, a text rattled its way into my phone: “Going into delivery. Better come.” Two minutes later: “Come now. Hurry.” Then, nineteen minutes later, another text: “Baby is here. Bring pizza!”
18 months earlier, this same son and his wife Raelyn were out moose hunting when her water broke. Not the moose’s water, but Raelyn’s. It seemed like we waited days for our first grandbaby to arrive. That’s why they call it a waiting room, I guess. We ate pizza. Watched Ben Hur. The Sound of Music. All 84 seasons of Downton Abbey. So when Jeff called this time, I was pretty relaxed. We live an hour from the hospital where they were headed. We had plenty of time. But just to make sure, I called my son at 4:00 PM. “How about those Toronto Blue Jays?” I asked. Jeff laughed. “No. Seriously. How’s it going?” “Well, the nurse thinks it won’t happen until midnight, Dad. We were 36 hours with Sophia, you know.” I remembered. “Take care,” I said. “I mean, cast all your care on God. We’ll pray.” And we did. We prayed the prayer we’d been praying for eight 10
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On the way to the hospital, my wife recounted the births of our three children. It kept me focused. When our first was on his way in, I was terrified. Ramona was determined there be no medication, that it would be a natural birth. But when the labor started, I insisted they medicate me. And four hours into labor, Ramona
said, “Give me drugs. Lots and lots of drugs.” So they did. She woke up when our son was in grade three. But this time, little Claira Callaway came fast. She just couldn’t wait any longer to see her grandpa. Who can blame her? This is our third granddaughter. I’m setting up a barbwire fence to keep the boys out.
sang a little song from Twila Paris: “This is no time for fear. This is a time for faith and determination... God is in control. We believe that His children will not be forsaken... No matter how the deception may fly. There is one thing that has always been true. It will be true forever. God is in control. We will choose to remember and never be shaken. There is no power above or beside Him we know. God is in control.” “Lord Jesus,” I prayed. “In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, may these grandkids shine like lights in the world. May they poke holes in the darkness. Amen.” Welcome Claira Beatrice Callaway, 5 lbs, 13 ounces. It’s a crazy planet you’ve landed on, but Jesus is here. I am too. You’re gonna like me a lot.
Is there anything quite like the birth of a child to remind us that we live in a dark world, or in a culture that insists on ignoring the old boundary markers? “And everyone did what was right in his own eyes,” pretty much sums it up. But as I held a sleeping Claira and her wide-eyed big sister in my arms that night, I
PHIL CALLAWAY Phil is an author and host of Laugh Again. He has five grandchildren. They wear name tags.
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Apps, books, and other great biblical content from Back to the Bible Kids will ensure children start their Christian journey on a strong foundation!
Visit BACKTOTHEBIBLE.CA /KIDS to download our Bible teaching apps for kids!
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HELPING GOD’S PEOPLE MANAGE GOD’S ASSETS
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Visit TRUTHANDLIFETODAY.COM for more details or visit YOUTUBE.COM/BACKTOTHEBIBLE to subscribe today!
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F A I T H .
L I F E .
C U LT U R E .
B I B L I C A L T R U T H . E N G A G I N G C U LT U R E .
What is indoubt?
Through engaging and thoughtful discussion with leaders around the world, indoubt’s mission is to help young adults strengthen their beliefs and views of life, faith, and culture through a biblical perspective.
Follow indoubt
Stay Connected
Get the FREE indoubt app for all our resources on-the-go.
@indoubtca /indoubt F A I T H .
L I F E .
indoubt.ca
C U LT U R E .
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Light to the Blind
JOSHUA SCOTT Joshua serves as the Young Adults Pastor at Maple Ridge Baptist Church. He is currently studying at Northwest Baptist Seminary and has a passion to see the Word of God taught with clarity and conviction.
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“Why will they not believe?!”
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’m sure many of us have had a similar experience; We present the gospel to a dear, unbelieving friend, only to have them reject it for seemingly no reason at all. We get frustrated and saddened because in the depths of our hearts, we know that our friend has nothing to lose and everything to gain! So why do they turn away? Well, by the grace of God, His Word offers us a clear answer; It’s because no matter how bright the light of the gospel may be, to those who are blind the gospel isn’t even a lighter shade of grey. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes of the glorious light of the gospel, and the ministry which every believer is responsible for carrying out in the world. And knowing full well that in the sharing of this gospel we’re often met with rejection, the Apostle says; “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 4:1) But how can we not lose heart!? Our loved ones are perishing! Our friends know nothing of the joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ! How can we not lose heart!? The answer is simple: We don’t lose heart because the God who worked a miracle in our hearts is more than capable to do the same in others. Paul tells us that the state of every unbelieving person is one of spiritual blindness. The unbelieving simply cannot see the light of the
gospel of Jesus Christ. So how is it that we do? How is it that anyone does? Paul answers this with an incredible statement in verse 6; “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Just as God shined light ex nihilo (out of nothing) at the beginning of time, so too He causes the light of the gospel to shine in our hearts. The first question we should face together is one of sobering selfassessment. Does this light shine in your heart? Has the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus been lit up in your soul by the spotlight of God’s divine power? Or, is there a veil of darkness over this wonderful Saviour? I urge you to look intently at the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ, His life and death on your behalf, and reach out with the arms of faith to take hold of Him. The gift is free, turn away from your sin and believe in the good news! With this light shining in your hearts, as newly appointed ministers of the glorious gospel to your friends and neighbors, do not lost heart at their unbelief, but persevere in the clear presentation of the good news, “for it is the power of God for salvation.” (Romans 1:16) Rejoice in the salvation that you have received by no merit of your own, and pray that God would work His divine power in the hearts of others.
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Turning Off Cruise-Control ERIKA PENNER Erika lives in Mission, BC, and is currently the Content Marketing Specialist at Back to the Bible Canada
“We would love to have you come and join our team.”
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hese are the words that every soon-to-be university graduate dreams of hearing. These words mean no more wondering how you will ask your parents if you can move back in, no more job fairs, and no more uncertainty about what the future holds. It would be safe to say that these were not the feelings I experienced upon hearing that delightful job-offer. All I felt was stress. In January of 2018, at 21 years old, I left Lynchburg, Virginia for a teaching job in Sendai, Japan. I went from attending one of the largest Christian universities in the world, to a city decorated with shrines and altars that worship ancestral spirits.
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Gone were the days of going to church twice a week and gone were my Christian friends. In an instant, I was completely isolated and as hard as I tried, I could see no evidence of God anywhere. Growing up in the Church, I had never been put in a situation where my faith could be challenged. I attended every youth event and served on multiple ministry teams. From an outside perspective, I had rock-solid faith. Unfortunately, when my ability to attend a church was taken away, it became very apparent to me that my faith was nowhere to be found. I had grown too comfortable just coasting along in my walk with God. My faith was dependant on my church attendance, not the promises of God. It’s here that I wish I could tell you
that upon realizing my conditional faith, I immediately opened my Bible. I wish I could tell you that. But, I can’t. It took me longer than I’d like to admit to figure out that the emptiness I felt inside was a result of a lifetime of apathetic faith. Through a series of events, it dawned on me that I should, at the very least, read my Bible once a week. Once a week turned into twice, and before I knew it, I was studying God’s Word with more frequency and passion than I had ever before. In a season of darkness, Christ made Himself clearer to me than anything I’d ever experienced! Living in Japan for a year and a half showed me, in a very real way, what a life without Christ looks like. I know that the feelings of emptiness, anxiety, and disappointment were not a reflection of my location- it was
a reflection of my soul without Christ at the centre. I quickly discovered that I could not be the type of woman God has called me to be if I continued on a path of apathetic faith. Just because God has made Himself clear to me does not mean that I can coast through life, expecting Him to provide for me. In order for Christ to use me as a light in this dark world, I must first be available and willing for Him to use me. It took my journey to one of the most secular countries in the world for Christ to shine His light clearly into my life. Had it not been for a dark and difficult season of life, I would not have been challenged to faithfully serve God with this life that He has given me.
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