Discontent can be a destructive energy that harms us physically, emotionally, and relationally. It may be a symptom of ingratitude or an inability to accept one’s lot in life – never having “learned to be content whatever the circumstances”. At its root, one is shaking an angry fist at God, accusing Him of failing to satisfy one’s expectations. This kind of discontent is … Read more
Dal Schindell’s death on August 6, 2019 in Vancouver leaves us saddened at the passing of a unique Canadian evangelical who made a significant contribution to the establishment of The Renewal Fellowship within the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Dal had a vision for a publication of the organization which had been founded in May 1983. … Read more
Millennials and the church today. Why aren’t millennials going to church? Where are all of the young adults? How is the church going to survive in the coming years with a missing generation? Many have tackled these questions, including pastors, sociologists, and research study groups. Some argue that millennials view the church as hypocritical and … Read more
The decision of the 145th General Assembly to adopt option “B” in the Report of the Special Committee of Former Moderators and the subsequent Remits on Human Sexuality and Marriage have caused a range of responses among members of the Renewal Fellowship and throughout our denomination. As a result of a meeting at Vaughan Community … Read more
WOW! We didn’t see that coming. 145th General Assembly lived up its advanced billing. It was intense, deeply emotional, and contentious. In the end, commissioners choose Pathway B – Inclusion – that disappointed and dismayed us. However, the remits (printed below), to be sent down to presbyteries for approval, propose a much less exclusionary avenue. … 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
We begin life with the human instinct to connect to our Creator. Children, whether they’ve been raised in a Christian home or not, reach out to God in their thinking. And it continues throughout our lives. Even a professing non-believer might say, “O please, please, please let me find my wallet” as they’re desperately searching … 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
The Bible is the trustworthy source for God’s truth. The reason we need to think this through is because, if we’re inquiring about things of eternal significance — like heaven and hell — we need to be sure we’re rooted in a source of information and knowledge we can trust. But why can we trust the Bible? To answer that question, I could talk about the biblical passages that highlight how Scripture is inspired by God. But I won’t. I could talk about … Read more
By Jason Kenney You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” … Read more