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
Bavinck in Brief: Powerful Preaching
There is power in the Word. That’s a given. But without inspired proclamation, they’re just words on a page. This is what the Lord inspires and calls us to eloquent preaching. Robert MacKenzie offers a glimpse at the contributions of Herman Bavinck, backed by the timeless truth from Augustine. … Read more
Praise and Prayer for Peace
A template for a special gathering to seek God’s intervention in an extraordinary time. … 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
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
Be rooted in the Lord and His Word
Five tools to tackle negativity “Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by … 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
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
A sinner’s story: from death to life
Four years ago, I was without hope and without God in the world—until I was adopted by the King of the Universe. I pray this story encourages God’s people and stirs faith in His redemptive power, grace, and zeal to pursue His lost sheep. … 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
Quebec: an unholy mess of secularism and regulation
Tighter controls, no mercy and a moratorium mean hundreds of congregations are without a home. Mountainside United Church and St. Stephen's Anglican Church, both in Westmount QC, recently sold and are to be converted into condos. … Read more
Reformed Dogmatics—a suggested guide
The four volumes cover a range of theological teaching from the historic, Reformed point of view. They are not for the faint of heart, but for someone who teaches or preaches, however, they are valuable reference. … 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
Bavinck in Brief: A Green Theology
As with nature, Scripture and the church are organisms. … 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