NEWS HEADLINES
06 The ERQ: A Reformed Remnant in Quebec by Chrstopher & Eisabeth Folkerts
A first-hand report of Synod as the Reformed churches French-speaking Quebec labor daily where there reigns a harsh cultural legacy of spiritual darkness, both catholic and secular, to be overcome.
09 Light Shining in Ecuador by Glenda Mathes
Mathes reports that “the religious culture of Ecuador reflects the difference between night and darkness as strikingly as the quick transition from day to night at the equator from which the country gets its name . . . .”
10 New Building for New Covenant URC
A fledgling URC meeting in a funeral home--often having to juggle worship services around funerals--provides an inspirational report of 40 members rising to find a church home of their own.
12 Called to a Healthcare Chaplaincy
“I cannot view my patients as ‘projects’. Rather I must view each one as an image bearer of God to whom I am called to serve and show compassion.” See how a reformed chaplain holds his ground in a pluralistic context.
14 URC pastor heading to Brampton
After serving his first congregation for 25 years, Pastor John Bouwers leaves for another, to bring hope: “I believe the Lord laid the needs of this congregation on my heart very clearly and very strongly.”
15 A fresh start at Covenant Toronto
Rev. Bezuyen says, as he is installed in his new charge, that “leaders in the church must live in the world, not of it, and yet speak to the world and the enemies of the church.”
17 Sounds of both re-union and division by John Elliot
Two denominations--together numbering 150,000--are now free to unite in their common error regarding women in office. So, 600 faithful meet to discuss what now to do since “seeking a revision of the synod’s decision is hopeless.”
FEATURE: 35 Years!
22 “All of Life Before the Face of God”
Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of Christian Renewal, here is an exclusive, can’t-miss interview with our beloved Editor, John Van Dyk. John reflects on the magazine’s past, present and future.
COLUMNS
19 Did Christ suffer for everyone? by Doug Barnes
I get the efficient-sufficient thing, but why does the Heidelberg Catechism teach that Christ suffered for everyone? What happened to Limited Atonement? Doug Barnes takes on the tough questions of a troubled reader, and the Heidelberger.
21 Christian witness to an adolescent culture by Brian Lee
How do we raise strong Christians in a culture of perpetual adolescence and afraid of too much “adulating?” Brian Lee, writing from Washington D.C., thinks politician Ben Sasse provides some clues.
26 Justified Freely Through His Grace by Marian Van Til
“The spiritual Nexus pass we need isn’t awarded to us by passing a good works test. We can’t open the gate on our own.” Van Til shows the relevance and the offense of Reformation dogma in high places.
30 Mum’s Not the Word by Norm Bomer
A massive archeological discovery in Egypt, uncovering thousands of mummies, is expected to revive their struggling economy. As usual, Norm doesn’t provide the normal response to this good news.
36 Navigating in a World of Driverless Cars by Ruth Vanhooydonk
Renewal’s worldview tech-expert discusses the ethical conundrums, as well as societal benefits, of autonomous vehicles. She says why she believes this needs to be discussed by Christians now, rather than later.
LIFE LINES
28 The Already and the Not Yet by Christine Farenhorst
Provides a travelogue of their holidays when they left the troubled world of floods, terrorists and nuclear proliferation for . . . lions, tigers and bears, oh . . . and a giant dock spider.
All this, and much more, in this special anniversary issue of Christian Renewal. Available in print or digital format.
06 The ERQ: A Reformed Remnant in Quebec by Chrstopher & Eisabeth Folkerts
A first-hand report of Synod as the Reformed churches French-speaking Quebec labor daily where there reigns a harsh cultural legacy of spiritual darkness, both catholic and secular, to be overcome.
09 Light Shining in Ecuador by Glenda Mathes
Mathes reports that “the religious culture of Ecuador reflects the difference between night and darkness as strikingly as the quick transition from day to night at the equator from which the country gets its name . . . .”
10 New Building for New Covenant URC
A fledgling URC meeting in a funeral home--often having to juggle worship services around funerals--provides an inspirational report of 40 members rising to find a church home of their own.
12 Called to a Healthcare Chaplaincy
“I cannot view my patients as ‘projects’. Rather I must view each one as an image bearer of God to whom I am called to serve and show compassion.” See how a reformed chaplain holds his ground in a pluralistic context.
14 URC pastor heading to Brampton
After serving his first congregation for 25 years, Pastor John Bouwers leaves for another, to bring hope: “I believe the Lord laid the needs of this congregation on my heart very clearly and very strongly.”
15 A fresh start at Covenant Toronto
Rev. Bezuyen says, as he is installed in his new charge, that “leaders in the church must live in the world, not of it, and yet speak to the world and the enemies of the church.”
17 Sounds of both re-union and division by John Elliot
Two denominations--together numbering 150,000--are now free to unite in their common error regarding women in office. So, 600 faithful meet to discuss what now to do since “seeking a revision of the synod’s decision is hopeless.”
FEATURE: 35 Years!
22 “All of Life Before the Face of God”
Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of Christian Renewal, here is an exclusive, can’t-miss interview with our beloved Editor, John Van Dyk. John reflects on the magazine’s past, present and future.
COLUMNS
19 Did Christ suffer for everyone? by Doug Barnes
I get the efficient-sufficient thing, but why does the Heidelberg Catechism teach that Christ suffered for everyone? What happened to Limited Atonement? Doug Barnes takes on the tough questions of a troubled reader, and the Heidelberger.
21 Christian witness to an adolescent culture by Brian Lee
How do we raise strong Christians in a culture of perpetual adolescence and afraid of too much “adulating?” Brian Lee, writing from Washington D.C., thinks politician Ben Sasse provides some clues.
26 Justified Freely Through His Grace by Marian Van Til
“The spiritual Nexus pass we need isn’t awarded to us by passing a good works test. We can’t open the gate on our own.” Van Til shows the relevance and the offense of Reformation dogma in high places.
30 Mum’s Not the Word by Norm Bomer
A massive archeological discovery in Egypt, uncovering thousands of mummies, is expected to revive their struggling economy. As usual, Norm doesn’t provide the normal response to this good news.
36 Navigating in a World of Driverless Cars by Ruth Vanhooydonk
Renewal’s worldview tech-expert discusses the ethical conundrums, as well as societal benefits, of autonomous vehicles. She says why she believes this needs to be discussed by Christians now, rather than later.
LIFE LINES
28 The Already and the Not Yet by Christine Farenhorst
Provides a travelogue of their holidays when they left the troubled world of floods, terrorists and nuclear proliferation for . . . lions, tigers and bears, oh . . . and a giant dock spider.
All this, and much more, in this special anniversary issue of Christian Renewal. Available in print or digital format.