Are you ready for an adventure? Then as the bumper sticker says, “Let go and let God.” The truth is, is that we are all seeking, or at least we should be seeking, an adventure when it comes to our Christian lives and to the life of our congregations. However, many times we seem to be stuck in the rut of trying to balance the budget and trying to keep the doors to the church open. But, is this what the Christian life and church life are all about? … Read More
Showing Them Christ
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
Prayer Saturation and the Fullness of the Spirit
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.
Eyes Wide Open
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
When Reforming Isn’t Good
We love what’s new – cars, homes, clothing, technology. It’s what fuels the entertainment industry and the news business. It explains the vast success of the Internet, social media, fashion and entertainment industries, and our appetite for news. It also (partially) explains why many in the church are so vocal in their campaigns to change … Read more
That Difficult Fruit
We know the fruits of the Spirit. Drummed into our heads – either by memory or by that catchy kid’s tune – you can probably rhyme them off: “love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.” (Galatians 5:22-23). We have no problem embracing and working on the first eight fruits. But that’s … Read more
Deceived by Packaging
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
I think I can? I know I can!
These unforgettable lines from the 1930 children’s classic, The Little Engine That Could, became a motivational mantra for generations. And they are just as powerful today. I read the story – via PowerPoint – at our after-school kids program recently. It was an illustration of Proverbs 28:20: “A faithful person will be richly blessed.” I … Read more
Our Favourite Links
The following links are sites of interest recommended by The Renewal Fellowship, without necessarily advocating all that you may find there. Happy surfing! Living Stones - a Movement of Reformed Churches in Canada <livingstoneschurches.ca> The Presbyterian Church in Canada <presbyterian.ca> PresbyCan Daily Devotional <presbycan.ca> The Reformed Theology Source <reformedtheology.ca> Being a Christian and a Presbyterian … Read more
Speak Up!
At first glance, 105 pages of reading isn’t all that much. But not all reading is equal. The stack of documents each congregation is being asked to study and report on by the end of January contain some profound and hugely divisive material. We know that many in The Presbyterian Church in Canada pay no … Read more