An indigenous church is one that has been planted in a new environment, taken root and grows and thrives without outside support. People in the community do not see a cultural barrier between themselves and members of the church and conclude that any differences between them and the members of this church are due to … Continue reading What is an indigenous church?
Worship styles – what is essential?
I was reading articles about the history of church pews and it seems most writers feel that pews became important at the time of the Reformation. In Roman Catholic worship the focus was on the communion and provisions for congregational seating were not of major importance. With the Reformation, the focus switched to the sermon … Continue reading Worship styles – what is essential?
A parable about a parable
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. The words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 13:45-46 Renowned investigative reporter Ernest Digger has just returned from a trip to the Middle … Continue reading A parable about a parable
Missionary hymns
I think the old missionary hymns leave many of us feeling a little uneasy. Those references to carrying the gospel to every dark land – was there a deliberate inference that lands where white people dwell are more enlightened and the lands where darker skinned people dwell are in spiritual darkness? I fear that idea … Continue reading Missionary hymns
Don’t get much out of church?
What are you putting in? Are you a church shopper? Do you go from church to church to find the one that will give you the most value for the lowest cost in personal involvement? Are you a builder or a freeloader? A church service service is not entertainment. If you are looking to find … Continue reading Don’t get much out of church?
Taking the long view
The proof of a living faith is seen when it is passed on intact from generation to generation. It is true to say that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is evidence of faith: brotherly love, peace of mind and peace in word and action, joy, thankfulness, contentment, humility. But when this is not passed … Continue reading Taking the long view
The old days were not better
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. - the words of Solomon from Ecclesiastes 7:10 When I was young many waterways were horribly polluted. I once stood on a footbridge in Toronto and watched the Don River flowing blood … Continue reading The old days were not better
The significance of Canada Day
July 1 is Canada Day. This year we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Canadian history goes back much further than July 1, 1867. Why has this date been chosen as the birth of Canada as a nation? A quaint notion has arisen today that before the coming of white people the aboriginal … Continue reading The significance of Canada Day
The problem with Christians
The whole world is going to wrack and to ruin. You can't trust anybody anymore – politicians, police officers, politicians – they are all incompetent and corrupt. Nobody wants to work any more, immorality is everywhere, doctors are just pill pushers, schools don't teach anything useful. . . We could go on and on with our … Continue reading The problem with Christians
Cat or dog: which is smarter?
I will confess my prejudice right off the bat – I think cats are smarter. I have met some well-trained dogs that gave every evidence of having a keen intelligence. Most dogs, though, if left to themselves, don't seem to have a lot of smarts. They chase cars, defecate on the lawn and have really … Continue reading Cat or dog: which is smarter?
Flatlander Faith 