The horrors of Hallowe’en
Autumn can be a glorious time. We rejoice in fall colours, fresh starts, and relief from the summer’s heat. October is the peak. While the month begins with a rapid build-up to Thanksgiving, it quickly turns dark. This essay is a statement against Hallowe’en that explores the reality of the darkness in which depression and anxiety are endemic, souls are lost, and spirits are troubled, tossed about and tempted by the lies and lures of Satan. … Read more
The enemy is real
Behind the costume masks and jack-o'-lanterns lurks an inconvenient truth: October can be an evil month. It begins with a build-up to Thanksgiving then gradually becomes dark in the slide towards Halloween. This essay explores the reality of the darkness, the power of the contrary spirit, and the vital need for believers to be engaged in spiritual warfare. … Read more
Defence against the dark arts
Satan is real and is a clear and present danger. This is not a widely accepted truth in many churches. We ignore this to our peril. In our final part on this subject, Ian Mitchell and Andy Cornell shine a light at the art of war in the days leading up to October 31, a significant day in pagan, Wiccan, and occult traditions. … Read more
Fasting: Spiritual muscle for leaders at war
I can’t help but wonder if Protestantism has, in some ways, and in some quarters, become spiritually flabby. … Read more
Jesus is our only hope
The sharp increase in the price of groceries is depressing – $25 for a can of coffee that used to be $9.99? It gives dark roast a new meaning. We live in extraordinary times – and it’s more than just inflation. The Church remains alive precisely for such a time as this. … Read more
Mired in Christendom but moving forward
Inside the uneasy theological symbiosis in the belly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada Christendom died a long time ago. But the church still operates as if it were alive. I say that because – … Read more
Lifting clergy burden
The Protestant Reformation, particularly in England, marked a major change in how pastoral care was done in churches. Up to that time, clergy in the Roman Catholic church focused their efforts on the sacraments: the worship service, confession, marriage, extreme unction and so forth. The priest was not the active component to such ministry, it was chiefly based on the grace bestowed by … Read more
Christ: The Lord of Listening
We live in a world that often rewards quick responses, strong opinions and confident voices. In many settings, leadership is measured by how clearly and decisively someone speaks. Yet Scripture gently invites us in a different way. Throughout the life and ministry of Jesus, … Read more
Can I get a witness?
There is great hope for the church. I see it in many places. Generally, where authentic believers and followers of Christ are gathered, we find peace, strength and spiritual growth. Therein lies the hope. In … Read more
Dialogue, pluralism and discipleship
A challenge to repositioning the church in a post-Christendom age. … Read more
Bavinck in Brief: Method as Model
Surprisingly simple and straightforward, yet its simplicity wields great power. … Read more
A Church for an Extraordinary Time
In an age of Artificial Intelligence, American imperialism, Generation Z, and declining church membership, how is the authentic church to respond in these extraordinary times? … Read more
Reformed Dogmatics—a suggested guide
The four volumes cover a range of theological teaching from the historic, Reformed point of view. They are not for the faint of heart, but for someone who teaches or preaches, however, they are valuable reference. … Read more