Reviewed by Greg Dallimore. Although we may not think of ourselves as counsellors, we are called to reflect the love and compassion of Christ, and we may be just what our friends need – a caring friend who is willing to counsel. … Read more
Would You Know My Name? by Howard and Esther McIlveen
Reviewed by Ken Kutney. This mix of prose, poetry, theology, song lyrics, eulogy, and even a poignant letter from two girls in farewell to their deceased father is a truthful, compassionate aid for those who grieve, helping us process our losses healthfully – one of the greatest lessons in life. … Read more
1984 Annual Meeting
By A. Donald MacLeod. The bottom line in renewal is suffering. We crave renewal for its byproducts – filled churches, expanded programs, meaningful relationships – but are we prepared for that cost? … Read more
Reformation of the Church
By James I. Packer. We should not think of reformation as something distinct from the renewal of spiritual life. Every reformation of theology came with personal renewal. Reformation is a divine visitation that begins with personal repentance, prayer, and preparation. … Read more
Purposeful Suffering
By Bryn MacPhail. Why does God allow suffering? Our heavenly Father, who is all-powerful, all-wise, and all-loving, has a plan when He allows His children to suffer. When we confess that God is sovereign, we confess that He is sovereign over everything — even suffering. And this is a good thing. … Read more
Ethic of God’s Reign
By Arthur Van Seters. If the Kingdom or Reign of God is unexpected newness, its ethic is unlikely to conform to conventional wisdom; it is most likely to be significantly different from what people expected, both then and now. … Read more
Keep in Step with the Spirit, by J.I. Packer
Reviewed by Harold W. Dawes. The announced intention of Packer’s book is not to write another book on the theology, role, or place of the Spirit … but to provide a practical focus on the Spirit that would fulfill Paul’s injunction to the Christian to both walk and be filled by the Spirit. … Read more
Liturgy of St. Patrick’s Breastplate
By Calvin Brown. This liturgy is designed for use on or near St. Patrick’s Day. … Read more
All Things for Good, by Thomas Watson
Reviewed by Ian McPhee. Here is a short, attractive printed book which addresses the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” As the title hints, it is an expanded commentary on Romans 8:28. … Read more
Living Churches feature: McKercher Drive Church, Saskatoon
By W.J. Fenton. Worship services convey a sense of joy, of hope, and of expectancy. The concept of joining together as a spiritual “family” has been encouraged. Elders with different but complementary gifts make up a strong and unified Session. … Read more
The Next Assembly
By Mariano Di Gangi. Some ecclesiastical conventions commence with invocation but conclude with provocation. Each General Assembly has its own character. At times, there is a prevailing calm. At others, vigorous debate and proliferating dissent. Much depends on the issues before the court … Read more
Decision-Making and the Will of God, by Gary Friesen and J. Robin Maxson
Reviewed by Greg Dallimore. The working out of God’s plan for the world is God’s sovereign will alone, hidden to us. God’s “moral” will is revealed through the Bible, and man is to believe it and live by it. God also has an “individual” will for each believer. … Read more
Neighbourhood Evangelists
By Michael Green. If the leaders of local churches are really serious about liberating the lay people in the congregation for the difficult, challenging, and yet intensely rewarding task of spreading the good news in their neighbourhood, there are a number of important steps to take. … Read more
John Wimber: Signs & Wonders?
By Don Lewis. Although what Wimber is doing in emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit is a good and helpful thing, the author points out several theological objections and difficulties with his presentations. … Read more
On Growing Gardens
By Cassandra Wessel. Growing a church is like growing a garden. Some days, it seems as if the field is barren and nothing is happening. Other days, people begin to come into the church like sprouts appearing in the garden. Churches grow through hard work and lots of prayer. … Read more
Can We Domesticate the Holy Spirit?
By Bob Little. When Spirit-filled people move quietly into an old congregation, when dissatisfied and hungry souls cry to God for new life, or when God himself invades a group in his sovereignty. I have seen renewal begin and new life follow. … Read more