“There is so little room for genuine give-and-take in our Presbyterian discussions these days, while at the same time so much hangs on how our conversations go. The issues that we are discussing are not simply topics about which we happen to disagree. They are matters that are vitally connected to the question of whether … 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
The more I pray for, study, and seek renewal for the church, the more I realize that personal renewal is a necessary part of what happens corporately. I am not completely sure if it is a precedent condition, a coincident condition, or a result of the other. I am pretty sure there is reason to ask a “Chicken and Egg; which came first?” type of question about many of the past times of renewal. In thinking about Thanksgiving holiday observances, I was drawn along a path that is relevant to personal renewal. It started with wondering why we needed a holiday to remind us… 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
We mix and mingle among those with whom we’re most comfortable. Shared interests and culture are at the top of the list. As a student at Knox College, I was delighted to find people from my same culture and age group. We hit it off and stuck together. I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t make much of an attempt to get to know those whose first language was not English … Read more
Our gifted speaker, Rev. George Anderson, gave a presentation on “Prayer Saturation and the Fullness of the Spirit” at the Renewal Day on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Cornerstone Community Church, Kleinburg, Ontario. To listen to George’s two-part address on Spirit-directed prayer, click here.
Rediscover the Book. Rev. Douglas H. Rollwage, Moderator of the 142nd General Assembly, delivered a powerful message at the opening worship of the 143rd General Assembly in June 2017. His message meshes perfectly with Renewal Fellowship’s prayer for “a deep hunger for the teaching of the Bible and its authority.” Sermon for the 143rd General … Read more
Sharing our faith to help others remember God’s grace. One of the benefits of technology is that you can easily search for words in the Bible. In preparing for a recent sermon, I searched for the word “remember”. It appears hundreds of times. In studying the various occurrences, I began to see a deep connection … Read more
For several years, Fairview Church in Vancouver BC has had a connection with Cambodia, a complex, recovering country. The Ratanak Foundation bought a former hotel for pedophiles and brothel for children, and two teams from Canada went to turn it into a school and a meeting place. … Read More
How often do we stop and consider the meaning of our words – the absolute and true meaning? Take the word “resolution”. In everyday use, especially at this time of year, it refers to a New Year’s decision to change. Frequently, the resolution dies within a few weeks or months. Life goes on. But check … Read more