Can the gospel still unite the church at a time when ideological and theological factions are intensifying? I have no doubt it can, but it doesn’t have to. Let me explain what I mean by examining three texts found in the Torah: the Shema Israel (Deuteronomy 6:4–5), the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17; Deuteronomy 5:6–21), and the creation account (Genesis 1–3).

One of my favourite stories in the New Testament is the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). As they are walking a stranger comes up beside them and starts a conversation. The stranger proceeds to explain to them what Scripture says about the Messiah. Only later do these disciples recognize the stranger is Jesus himself!

My family has had our share of medical and health struggles in recent years, which we have generally been fairly open about. Our home is no stranger to intense suffering. Through this, we have wrestled with the Lord but also come to learn invaluable truths that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

People are talking about emotions and boundaries and getting by for one more day. I’m relieved that, as a newcomer, it’s all right if I just listen. Hiding symptoms, pretending I’m OK, has become second nature, a way to go on breathing.

Today, Canadians only have to go as far as the local grocery store or visit a shopping mall to encounter people of several different races. Believers are God’s ambassadors whether they cross the world to other countries or simply cross the street.

Three speakers with diverse tastes in coffee joined Terry Hiebert at Steinbach Bible College for a conversation around two questions. What are some of the key issues creating disunity in the church today? What do you think your perspective will bring to this conversation?

How quickly and naturally we generalize people. Today, as more newcomers are coming to Canada it is easy to do the same—to lump them into one singular group, as if they were all the same.

Ministry leaders had a wonderful opportunity to refresh their souls during the ministerial retreat at Wilderness Edge Resort and Conference Centre in Pinawa, Man., November 26–28, 2022.

Today we light the final candle of Advent. This candle represents light.

Jesus didn’t come as a conquering hero. He didn’t arrive as a man of strength, with an army on his right and left. He was born into this world as a baby.

In Mark 6, we encounter a king who is experiencing the absence of true joy. Herod is selfish, lustful, and distressed. The result of this foolishness is the death of John.

The search was exciting, difficult, and sometimes a little scary. We did not know even what you looked like, or what your name was.