Issues

Posted on September 10, 2020 by Andy Cornell

We live in a broken world. Until we join Christ in the kingdom of heaven, how does a true believer deal with matters which plague the human condition? Here are some issues to start – with more to come.

Orthodoxy
The Enemy wants us to disregard our faith or at least water it down. Our culture openly doubts Jesus’ claim that He is the only way to God. In a misguided attempt to be loving, many churches have bought into this lie and have turned from orthodoxy – the acceptance of the fundamentals of the faith (as described in the Primers section).

Theology matters – more than you might think. In 2016, a study comparing growing mainline Protestant churches in southern Ontario with those of declining churches from the same area and the same denominations. Traditional or evangelical theology was a driver of growth, while liberal or progressive theology was a driver of decline. Click here to view the PowerPoint slides of David Haskell's presentation at the Thriving in Babylon conference, while you listen to the audio recording. Click here to see the study.

Same-Sex Attraction
Some people are naturally attracted to the same gender in a physical/sexual way. Yet Scripture states clearly that we are not to act on those feelings. At the same time, God loves us unconditionally and wants us to enjoy life to the full. Here are some useful resources to understand more about this complex and emotional issue.

Idols In Every Church

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Andy Cornell

As statues come down and teams change their names during this summer of unrest, I wonder about the monuments and memorials in our own churches. It’s good that people are noticing the names and histories behind all those centrepieces in our public squares. Until now, it was only history buffs who paid any attention ... Read more

They Don’t Know What They’re Missing

Posted on July 19, 2020 by Andy Cornell

It was the first time in more than three months that I’d been in a sanctuary with other people on a Sunday morning. I was filled with unspeakable joy. I sat in the first available row and was swaying with the music, hands raised, grinning like a crazy man. It felt good. For the first ... Read more

Renewal News – Summer 2020

Posted on July 3, 2020 by The Webmaster

In This Issue: "Everyone did as they saw fit" by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Hong; "When all is said and done" by Rev. Ian Shaw, RF Board chairperson; "We need to create new wineskins" by Rev. James Statham; "Panelists respond to Renewal Day message"; Profile: Paris Presbyterian Church" by Rev. Joel Sherbino; and "A new initiative, a renewed board and a great gift" by Rev. Andy Cornell, Executive Director ... Read more

We Need to Create New Wineskins

Posted on July 3, 2020 by James Statham

It’s time for the church to issue its own marriage licences. This writer is old enough to remember the burning of draft cards to protest the Vietnam war and bras being burned to somehow advance a feminist agenda. Similarly, as both a protest and affirmation, he would have no difficulty shredding his government-issued marriage licence ... Read more

The Real Battle Is Local

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Andy Cornell

“The world has a mission – to capture and assimilate the church,” said apologist R.C. Sproul. “If the church becomes an echo of the world, the mission of the world is accomplished.” In the minds of many who adhere to orthodoxy in The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC), the battle is lost on a denominational ... Read more

Safe Space to Sow the Seed

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Andy Cornell

I'm a young-enough Christ follower to remember my seeker days. I was a believer in something. God for sure. Jesus, yes. But was He the actual Son of God, the only way to connect to the Creator? I had my doubts. That despite having been raised in church, knowing the Anglican liturgy by heart, having ... Read more

Lessons From the Busyness

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Andy Cornell

"Are we ready for this?" That was the headline in mid-March as pandemic restrictions hit like a tsunami. Thankfully, all those arenas converted to emergency wards were never needed. Now, as we enter phase 2 of the recovery, I ask: Are we ready for a new way of doing church? ... Read more

The Gospel

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Matthew Ruttan

Here's the basic truth in two and a half minutes. ... Read more

Grace Orleans Overture re: Governance Model Protection

Posted on May 27, 2020 by The Webmaster

Whereas the discussion of human sexuality issues has been before the Presbyterian Church in Canada for at least the past thirty years; it is time to bring it to a conclusion that protects congregations with a traditional understanding of the Bible; and whereas the Session and congregation of Grace, Orleans ON, has yet to see a definitive response to an Overture submitted five years ago regarding Gracious Dismissal, having experienced significant pain both in the congregation and the loss of its pastor of many years, and significant conflict over this issue ... Read more

Renewal Fellowship

Within The Presbyterian Church in Canada