When suffering happens because of natural disasters, it is because "the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth". Nevertheless, people never seem to expect tragedy, and they are unprepared, or else they assume that God will protect them from it. … Read More
Don’t let anyone convince you that history has no bearing on the future. While doing some research for my congregation’s anniversary service, I found out that there was once a Presbyterian church in a nearby hamlet. It had to have been torn down because there’s no sign of it today. What amazed me was that … Read more
Simon Sinek, in his book “Start With Why” argues that many people, organizations, and companies know WHAT they do and some even know HOW. But a very few know WHY. WHATs are our products or services we provide. HOWs are meant to communicate what makes us special or sets us apart from others who do … Read more
There are fewer things more joyful than talking about our faith. It’s the stuff which keeps us together. Traditional, historic, evangelical, Christ-centred faith – preservation of orthodoxy, for want of a better name – is why Renewal Fellowship exists. What exactly is orthodoxy? In the view of the Oxford English Dictionary, it’s “belief in or … Read more
A Review of A Presbyterian Requiem – Rev. Don MacLeod’s personal memoir. An almost-legendary figure in the PCC, MacLeod had an extraordinary career which touched no fewer than eight decades … Read more
On January 29, 2022, a total of 60 people gathered via Zoom for “Called Together — a Time of Encouragement” for evangelical/orthodox/traditional believers within The Presbyterian Church in Canada who remain called to the places where we currently worship and serve — but may feel isolated and discouraged. But we are not alone. Speaker Rev. … Read more
This is my favourite time of year. I suspect I am not alone. The time leading up to Christmas is full of planning and activity in every area of my life. Family plans are huge. Plans to get together with friends are also important. Shopping becomes a bigger focus and stores are full of seasonal goods and excited people. There is an increased pace in life. Churches are planning and presenting special services and programs … Read More
The ability to receive seekers at our doorsteps is essential. “People, get ready!” is what I said in my last blog. I truly believe that because so many of us are inwardly focused — prepared to deal with potential abusers but woefully incapable of talking to skeptics — the Holy Spirit isn’t encouraging people to come our way. Prepare, and I honestly believe that they will come. Part of that is prepping our virtual entrances. … Read More
I love following electoral politics: the leadership races, debates, speeches, campaigns, the who’s who, the cabinet and its rising stars, the leaders in waiting, and the has-beens who are hanging on. I’ve worked for candidates in municipal, provincial, and federal campaigns. I am a member of a national party. In my university days, I was … Read more
There are many ways to tackle this subject. However, for the brief time we have, I want to explore the theme examining how Jesus approached the Scriptures of His day. First though, some thoughts about the implied verb: thinking. We often define the word as a matter of logic or a left-brained approach – researching … Read more