One of the risks that we take in talking publicly is that we have absolutely no control over what’s printed or broadcast. Comments can be taken out of context or be quoted inaccurately. Headlines attempt to draw the reader’s attention but sometimes miss the mark and create the wrong impression. Those don’t sound like the … 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
As I write this, first responders and tow truck operators are untangling 70 vehicles from a massive chain-reaction pile-up on one of Canada’s busiest highways. Squalls and blowing snow warnings have been routine from coast to coast for what seems like a week. And our poor, desperate friends in the Prairie provinces are locked in … Read more
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
There are several dynamic, growing churches in British Columbia. Like many other churches, St. John’s Presbyterian Church in White Rock suffered a steady decline in attendance. God heard the congregation’s prayers for renewal and growth, but answered in some unexpected ways. Another church in the Presbytery of Westminster, St. Andrew’s and St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, North Vancouver, also decided to make some changes … Read More
Last month I attempted to make the case for how important it is for our ministers to be part of intimate spiritual communities with their peers. I also shared the priority and focus we at the Renewal Fellowship are prepared to put on encouraging and aiding as many ministers as we can to find or … Read more
Did you see the screaming headline? “Major Canadian Church Abandons the Gospel to appease LGBTQ lobby.” And with it, a photo of people marching in the Toronto Pride Parade holding signs saying “Presbyterian pride God’s love includes everyone.” What followed was a holy tirade of condemnation of a once-biblical denomination which has, apparently, fully accepted … Read more
One of the most insightful scriptures regarding prayer is James 5:16, which takes up two sentences. We tend to focus on the second: “A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much” (NASB). But we tend to overlook the preceding sentence: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” … Read more
The ancient Roman god, Janus, was portrayed with two heads looking in opposite directions. January, the first month in a new year, shares this concept of "double vision" – conveying the sense that as a new year begins and we're now focussing forward, we are not quite free of where we have been. That's a … 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