The enemy is real
Behind the costume masks and jack-o'-lanterns lurks an inconvenient truth: October can be an evil month. It begins with a build-up to Thanksgiving then gradually becomes dark in the slide towards Halloween. This essay explores the reality of the darkness, the power of the contrary spirit, and the vital need for believers to be engaged in spiritual warfare. … Read more
The horrors of Hallowe’en
Autumn can be a glorious time. We rejoice in fall colours, fresh starts, and relief from the summer’s heat. October is the peak. While the month begins with a rapid build-up to Thanksgiving, it quickly turns dark. This essay is a statement against Hallowe’en that explores the reality of the darkness in which depression and anxiety are endemic, souls are lost, and spirits are troubled, tossed about and tempted by the lies and lures of Satan. … Read more
The Crucifixion of Ideology
Amidst racial strife and cultural division, “look to the cross” is the most political statement I can make. … Read more
Support Our Vision
Living in Truth was launched as a free online magazine — but everything has a cost. We will gratefully accept donations through Renewal Fellowship by Interac eTransfer to renewalfellowshippcc@gmail.com. For a tax receipt, include your postal address in the “Message” section. … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: The Essence of Christianity?
Accommodating to culture succeeds only in making the Church indistinguishable from the world: sixth of a series. Upon occasion I have been asked why we today should study the work of Herman Bavinck (1856-1921), a … Read more
Creative licence caution
There are many excellent television shows online these days that have a solid biblical foundation. What could go wrong by watching them? … Read more
Candle lighting and candlelight
Advent liturgy and worship in an age of brevity It was Christmas Eve and the service was going much quicker than expected. During preparation, I timed it at approximately 60 minutes. But when I glanced … Read more
From Fearful Retreat to Faithful Witness
The text of the powerful, timely sermon on the work of the Holy Spirit delivered to the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, Monday, June 2, 2025, in Hamilton, Ontario, based on John … Read more
Can I get a witness?
There is great hope for the church. I see it in many places. Generally, where authentic believers and followers of Christ are gathered, we find peace, strength and spiritual growth. Therein lies the hope. In … Read more
A Church for an Extraordinary Time
In an age of Artificial Intelligence, American imperialism, Generation Z, and declining church membership, how is the authentic church to respond in these extraordinary times? … Read more
Restoring Spiritual Passion
I remember it so vividly I can almost feel the pain in my throat again. I had just finished my exams at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. It was the end of an intense term, filled with lots of activities. My wife Irene was expecting our first child, and she’d travelled ahead of me, up to our new home in Seattle on the airplane. And my job? My job was to … Read more
Structure for mission and intentional innovation
Churchgoers love routine. Parishioners gather at St. Paul Lutheran in Grafton, Wisconsin in this undated feature photo. (Wikimedia Commons) A church-planting mindset includes risks and discipling leaders to grow and mature. Part 2 in a … Read more
Let us pray in full acknowledgement of our fallen nature
One of the most insightful scriptures regarding prayer is James 5:16, which takes up two sentences. We tend to focus on the second: “A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much” (NASB). The key word is “righteous” … Read more
Way, Truth and Life
The hand-out invitation for a class now essential in any church: If you know nothing, or maybe a little, or are full of questions about the Christian faith and are interested in safely finding out more, then this is for you! Or maybe you have a spouse or a friend who fits? There is no expectation for you to go to a church service unless you want to! Bring your questions for a time of discussion and learning. There are only … Read more