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
Lifting clergy burden
The Protestant Reformation, particularly in England, marked a major change in how pastoral care was done in churches. Up to that time, clergy in the Roman Catholic church focused their efforts on the sacraments: the worship service, confession, marriage, extreme unction and so forth. The priest was not the active component to such ministry, it was chiefly based on the grace bestowed by … Read more
55 Theses – the Vision and the Hope
PCC Renewal makes its presence known with a bold statement. … Read more
Reflections on faithful church life
Biblical teaching, lay leadership, and care for others are essential ingredients of faithful church life. … Read more
Steel Your Nerve
Faintheartedness is not good. So how can we avoid it? Further, how do we cultivate its opposite, courage? … 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
The Crucifixion of Ideology
Amidst racial strife and cultural division, “look to the cross” is the most political statement I can make. … Read more
Church planting: small communities
Small groups can achieve what large communities can’t. Part 3 in a series on church planting. … Read more
How to Prepare for General Assembly
Some thoughts and advice on how to speak the truth in love and remain standing. … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: A Presbyterian Lifestyle
Sin’s consequences are powerful, but human will can be trained and reinforced. … Read more
Channels clicks with a new audience
What do you do when a high-quality magazine stops being published? How do you ensure that the contents continue to be available? These were questions facing the leadership of The Renewal Fellowship within the Presbyterian Church in Canada (RF) last year, nearly 20 years after Channels ceased publication in 2006. … Read more
Courageous leadership: faith over fear
Leadership often brings us into moments where we are asked to move forward without having everything figured out. We are invited to make decisions that … 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