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
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
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
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
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
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
55 Theses – the Vision and the Hope
PCC Renewal makes its presence known with a bold statement. … Read more
Can I get a witness?
There is great hope for the church. I see it in many places. Generally, where authentic believers and followers of Christ are gathered, we find peace, strength and spiritual growth. Therein lies the hope. In … 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
Bavinck in Brief: The Essence of Christianity?
Accommodating to culture succeeds only in making the Church indistinguishable from the world: sixth of a series. Upon occasion I have been asked why we today should study the work of Herman Bavinck (1856-1921), a … 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
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
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
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