One of the greatest challenges for the church and its members is to be in God’s will as much as possible. God’s will – not human will.
The Apostle Paul urged the church in Rome not to “conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will” – Romans 12:2 (NIV).
We will never completely be in that place of perfection on this side of Heaven. But we are commanded to persevere. It involves more than just saying and praying “Your will be done.” It is about constantly being aware of our environment and influences as we discern right from wrong and form our decisions which inform our actions. It’s why Paul urged us to pray without ceasing. Radically, Paul urges believers to exist as “living sacrifices.”
Too often, the church gives in to human desires. This is hardly new. Ongoing conviction has prompted the rise of renewal groups in many denominations over the years. We continue to speak the truth in love. The passionate statement of three Young Adult Representatives at the 2025 General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada is a vibrant example. Their story and statement appear in this issue.
Straying from the holy course applies also to the way church courts operate, as Paul Johnston points out in his essay on the true nature of Presbyterian-Reformed governance.
Robert MacKenzie points once again to the fundamental importance of adhering to doctrine in his latest guide to the rich work of Dutch theology professor Herman Bavinck.
Cathi Cameron continues to challenge our love of routine – which prevents mission from being fresh and effective – in her latest column on church planting. Catch the faithful enthusiasm of the latest expression of Reformed orthodoxy in the story of Living Stones 2025 National Engagement Conference. We are privileged to present a sobering account of the legal challenge by a Montreal congregation as it attempts to cut ties with the PCC.
Living in Truth strives to be a voice for Traditional/Historic/Evangelical/Orthodox (THEO) minded believers in the Canadian Reformed-Presbyterian tradition. Our current inventory of essays and news reflects the PCC, Living Stones and PCC Renewal. But the tradition is much wider. Our prayer is for kindred souls from other expressions and denominations in the Reformed-Presbyterian expression to enter the conversation.
We pray that the Summer 2025 issue of Living in Truth will bless and inspire. If you are nudged to suggest a story or feel compelled to write something, please reach out.
Rev. Andy Cornell
Publisher/editor
amcpastor1@gmail.com
