The Heart of the Gospel: How God Will Judge the World
Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John NeufeldShow Notes
If salvation is by faith, why does Paul say God judges by works? From Romans 2:6–11, Dr. John Neufeld shows that we are judged by our works but saved from judgment by faith in Christ. He contrasts the marks of those who are self-seeking and reject the truth with those bound for heaven, who patiently seek God’s glory, honour, and immortality. The Heart of the Gospel: This 25-message series on Romans 1–4 presents us with Christianity 101. It is the basics of our faith, teaching us how we can know for certain that sins are forgiven and what it is to live by faith.
More from Back to the Bible Canada with Dr. John Neufeld
Are you a good person? Paul has something to say to you. Looking at Romans 2:1–5, Dr. John Neufeld shows that those who judge others are just as guilty and condemn themselves. Don't look down on God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience; the fact that God's wrath has not yet come on you is not His approval but an invitation to repentance before the day of wrath. The Heart of the Gospel: This 25-message series on Romans 1–4 presents us with Christianity 101. It is the basics of our faith, teaching us how we can know for certain that sins are forgiven and what it is to live by faith.
What happens when we ignore the elephant in the room: God Himself? Studying Romans 1:24–32, Dr. John Neufeld examines the three times “God gave them up”: to sexual impurity, to dishonourable passions contrary to the Creator’s design, and to a debased mind. As it was in Paul's day, this is a counter-cultural expression about God's original design and authority over our bodies. At the heart of these issues is idolatry and failing to worship God — a great evil for which we need a Saviour. The Heart of the Gospel: This 25-message series on Romans 1–4 presents us with Christianity 101. It is the basics of our faith, teaching us how we can know for certain that sins are forgiven and what it is to live by faith.
With all our progress, is the human situation getting worse? Working through Romans 1:21–25, Dr. John Neufeld shows how failing to give God glory and thanks leads to futile thinking and idolatry, with gods remade in our own image. He explains what it means that God “gave them up”: a judgment that exposes how evil our hearts really are. Yet in this bad news comes the hope of the Gospel. The Heart of the Gospel: This 25-message series on Romans 1–4 presents us with Christianity 101. It is the basics of our faith, teaching us how we can know for certain that sins are forgiven and what it is to live by faith.
What about people who have never heard of God? From Romans 1:19–23, Dr. John Neufeld sets out six truths creation makes plain to everyone: God exists, He is the Creator, we owe Him our existence and our gratitude, we have been ungrateful, and we need mercy. Natural theology cannot save us; it shows we are guilty suppressors of truth. Only a Saviour can fix this situation. The Heart of the Gospel: This 25-message series on Romans 1–4 presents us with Christianity 101. It is the basics of our faith, teaching us how we can know for certain that sins are forgiven and what it is to live by faith.
Can a God of love also be angry? From Romans 1:18–23, Dr. John Neufeld explains why real love can never be separated from righteousness and how God’s wrath is already being revealed in the world. Why do we need a Saviour? The good news of the Cross only makes sense after the bad news that comes from humanity's ungodliness, broken moral law, and suppression of the truth. The Heart of the Gospel: This 25-message series on Romans 1–4 presents us with Christianity 101. It is the basics of our faith, teaching us how we can know for certain that sins are forgiven and what it is to live by faith.