Reviewed by Greg Dallimore. Conflict is a dirty word in the church. As Christians, we try to find any number of ways to mask the fact that it exists and that church relationships often break down because of it. This book is a blend of scriptural insight, practical example and trim homily. … Read more
On Being Reformed: Distinctive Characteristics and Misunderstandings, by I. John Hesselink
Reviewed by J. H. (Hans) Kouwenberg. This is a fairly easy-to-read primer on the topic of what makes up the essential Reformed distinctives of the church. … Read more
The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul
Reviewed by Arend Bosch. For anyone who has ever grappled with the term “holiness,” what it is all about, and what it really means for us as Christians, this book explores why we are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. … 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
Worship, Community and the Triune God of Grace, by James B. Torrance
Reviewed by Garth Wilson. This book expands on the answer to the first question in The Westminster Larger Catechism: "The chief end of man is to glorify God and fully to enjoy him forever." Worship does involve enjoyment, but it is the enjoyment of God, not for our enjoyment. … Read more
2006 AGM/Conference: A Photo Essay
The AGM and Conference was held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Agincourt, Ontario. The Photo Essay continues on pages 11 and 15. Photos by Jack Harewood. … Read more
Revival: When Will It Come to Canada?
By George Mallone. Unlike our European parents and American sister, Canada has never had a coast-to-coast revival. Revival is first and foremost an activity of God which is initiated by Him, directed and sustained by Him, and intended solely for His glory. Revival from beginning to end is God-centered. … Read more
The Untapped Power of Sheer Christianity, by Clark Pinnock
Reviewed by Edmund F. Bloedow. Athough this is essentially a personal testimony, it is also a strong call to return to and/or stand fast in the faith by: 1) “Loving the Truth”: 2) “Walking in the Spirit”: and 3) “Obeying the Lord”. … Read more
Worship Workshop: Family Worship
P. Gordon Reid recounts memories of family worship each morning as a reminder that it worked strongly to shape attitudes, convictions, and the deepest parts of his family’s faith. … Read more
These Evangelical Churches of Ours, by Lloyd Mackey
Reviewed by Calvin Brown. Lloyd Mackey’s book uses the Canadian image of a mosaic to describe the variety of religious expression that evangelicals in Canada experience. … Read more
From Vision to Reality: Leadership is the Key
By Neal Mathers – We don’t often talk about it but he truth is that leadership has often been identified as the key factor in developing a healthy growing church. If the minister, elders and congregational leaders do not take the lead in developing goals and strategies for church growth then the congregation will reflect this non-growth mentality. … Read more
Getting Things Straight for Christmas
By John G. Stackhouse, Jr. John the Baptist's message is simple: "Repent!" It means to alter one's course, change one's mind, redirect one's life from the heart on out, to straighten up. It means to prepare for drastic change, position oneself for reorientation, and then turn. … Read more
The Glory of Jesus and the Report of the Theology of Mission Committee of the Board of World Mission
By John Vissers. The statement represents at best a softening of our confessional position and at worst an outright denial of the uniqueness and glory of Jesus Christ and his saving grace. … Read more
Building Relationships
By David Sherbino. The neighborhood bar is possibly the best counterfeit there is to the fellowship Christ wants to give his church because God has put into the human heart the desire to know and be known, and to love and be loved … Read more
Letter to the Editor
By Jeremy Ashton. I do not believe the RFPCC intends to be primarily a clergy support organization. Yet, the intellectual tone of the contents of Channels, and the somewhat ministerially specialized nature of other presentations of the Fellowship, suggest this. … Read more
“Living Faith”: The Process
As a member of the committee responsible for drafting the new statement of faith, Garth Wilson describes the questions and concerns that the committee had to deal with while writing the document. … Read more