Defence against the dark arts
Satan is real and is a clear and present danger. This is not a widely accepted truth in many churches. We ignore this to our peril. In our final part on this subject, Ian Mitchell and Andy Cornell shine a light at the art of war in the days leading up to October 31, a significant day in pagan, Wiccan, and occult traditions. … Read more
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
Ministry to Gen Zed
In these days of relativism, deepfakes, and loneliness despite social media, influencers are prompting young people to look to the Christian faith for truth that they can believe in, and to the church for real people that they can connect with. … Read more
The end of the world as we know it is not the end of the world
There is a promise that can help us face the present challenge with hope and confidence, instead of anxiety and despair. … Read more
Living in King Herod’s world today
Just as shock and grief from the senseless murders in Tumbler Ridge were fading from the national consciousness, Canadians were jarred by another disturbing revelation. … Read more
Sunday Baseball: the thief on the cross makes it home
The boys of summer can remind the church of what’s missing. … Read more
Safe Space – a Misguided Quest
The pursuit of an environment protected from harm may be primal, but it’s miscomprehended and misdirected. … Read more
What is a Presbyterian General Assembly?
Rev. Paul Johnston, in blue shirt, takes in the proceedings at General Assembly 2025. A (possibly radical) proposal for a fresh answer. What is a Presbyterian General Assembly. The short answer is it’s the highest … 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
Is the Spirit still truly with GA?
An honest look at the PCC through the eyes of confessional, orthodox Gen Z Christians. A group of us from PCC Renewal were fortunate enough to attend the PCC’s 2026 General Assembly (GA). … 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
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
Steel Your Nerve
Faintheartedness is not good. So how can we avoid it? Further, how do we cultivate its opposite, courage? … Read more
The Art of Healthy Dust-Shaking (2)
Shalom may stick or ricochet back – keep an attitude of peace no matter what. … Read more