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
Jesus is our only hope
The sharp increase in the price of groceries is depressing – $25 for a can of coffee that used to be $9.99? It gives dark roast a new meaning. We live in extraordinary times – and it’s more than just inflation. The Church remains alive precisely for such a time as this. … Read more
General Assembly 2024
After lengthy and spirited discussion at the 2023 General Assembly, there was anticipation of something similar in 2024. The audacious hope was that different liberal voices who spoke up in defence of liberty in 2023 might show similar support. Sadly, none of that happened. And the entire report and discussion was concluded in only 28 minutes. While the clerks brought a slightly reworded recommendation than 2023, it had the same … Read more
Systems and Systematics
In this increasingly fractious world, the need to be grounded on systematic theology is greater than ever. … Read more
Becoming Living Stones
Second annual National Engagement Conference MARKHAM, Ont. – A small but enthusiastic and faithful group of Christ followers met May 9-10, 2025 at Chapel Place Church for the second annual National Engagement Conference of Living … Read more
Christ is the prescription for a sin-sick world
There are many things weighing the younger generation down. There is the ridiculous rise in the cost of living – especially housing. There are all the jobs that are contract rather than full-time with benefits and pensions. And because many of them are constantly plugged in – always in front of a screen of some type – they are being filled with doom and gloom from a multitude of issues. … 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
Everyone loves a good witness
In a world where people create their own versions of truth, many of us grow weary. Praise God for raising up new believers who are drawn to the light. … Read more
Keeping it Odd
The delightful oddness of Christian theology is doped down when we get anxious about providing answers. … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: The Gospel and Social Action
Bavinck critiques two dominant views: one portraying Jesus as a social reformer, the other separating religion from politics entirely. … Read more
PCC Renewal: my story
Contrary to what older generations think, Gen Z is yearning for tradition. … Read more
Standing on the rock
The other day I was leafing through the alumni magazine from the University of Waterloo. The theme of this issue is “happiness” – specifically exploring the things “that are helping to create a world where happiness and well-being are possible for everyone.” It’s a worthy goal for sure – who doesn’t want to make the world a better place? One article especially caught my eye. It was about a course called The Science of Happiness. Among the assignments is to … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: A Green Theology
As with nature, Scripture and the church are organisms. … Read more