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
Building a Temple
An update on Living Stones - Last year Jon and I took a tour of the holy land with Ross Lockhart. What an amazing trip that was! We began in Egypt seeing many sites and worked our way gradually via our nice, comfortable, air-conditioned bus along the route of the Exodus of God’s people to Israel and the Promised Land. It was eye-opening to see what the people would have endured on that journey without all the luxuries of our contemporary technology and tools. Although I am not … Read more
Speaking the truth in love
Text of the THEO Trio’s report to General Assembly DORA DAROCZI: Good morning, everyone! My name is Dora from the Calvin Hungarian Presbyterian Church in Calgary, and my friends speaking with me are Anna from … Read more
Principles of church planting
It's almost a truism that "Church planting is the most effective method of reaching the unchurched for Christ." It's been a legendary recommendation for decades now. And it is true, but not for the reasons you might think. In fact, most of the things church planters must do to be successful are the very same things that existing congregational leadership teams could do to revitalise their own churches … Read more
Praise and Prayer for Peace
A template for a special gathering to seek God’s intervention in an extraordinary time. … Read more
PCC Renewal continues organizing and gearing up for content creation
We are sorting out the requirements of the incorporation of our new non-profit society, such as organizing our first Annual General Meeting. … 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
Safe Space – a Misguided Quest
The pursuit of an environment protected from harm may be primal, but it’s miscomprehended and misdirected. … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: God, Simply
God's revelation of His perfect self provides a foundation for our knowledge about the Divine. Third of a series: (1) "Bavinck in Brief: Method as Model", (2) "Bavinck in Brief: A Presbyterian Lifestyle" Dutch theology … Read more
“Reformed Ethics” – A suggested guide
Book Review: If you are looking for a Christmas (or New Year) present for yourself, probably the best choice among Bavinck’s major works are the two volumes of Reformed Ethics. … Read more
The Art of Healthy Dust-Shaking (3)
Is there ever a time when Christians should shake off the dust from their feet toward other Christians? Sometimes, a parting of the ways is inevitable – even in the church. … 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
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