Unity in a time of crisis: a Torah perspective
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).
A little talk with Jesus
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!
More than mere scraps
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.
Lucy made of light
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.
The influx of immigrants— a burden or an opportunity?
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.
Undivided: Could the good news still unite the church today?
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?
NOT all the same
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.
Ministers retreat for renewal: Singing God’s Story
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.
Advent 2022: The candle of light
Today we light the final candle of Advent. This candle represents light.
The Passion of Jesus at Christmas
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.
Advent 2022: The candle of joy
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.
Searching for Sebastian
The search was exciting, difficult, and sometimes a little scary. We did not know even what you looked like, or what your name was.
Advent 2022: The candle of love
Today is the third Sunday of Advent. We light the candle representing love. The love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) is a lofty, impossible challenge to fulfill without the enabling of the God who is love.
Joseph disappears
Nobody would call Joseph the “father of God.” Obviously. That would be blasphemy. But I still think about Joseph.
Advent 2022: The candle of peace
Advent reading for the second week: lighting the candle of peace.
Advent 2022: The candle of hope
Advent reading for the first week: lighting the candle of hope.
Why an Anabaptist Bible?
While drawing on the work of scholars, the Anabaptist Bible is unique in the trust it places in the collective wisdom of 500 lay study groups in a broad spectrum of Anabaptist faith communities who will share their perspectives, insights, and questions in the margins of the text.
Is the Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Winnipeg dishonest?
The honesty of crisis pregnancy centres was questioned recently in the Liberal Party’s “Forward. For Everyone.” platform. Honesty is a reasonable expectation. In fact, the government of Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) already have laws and policies that not only require such honesty, but severely penalize violators.
May 24, 2022: A day like any other?
We all have our familiar rituals in our everyday lives. These predictable patterns give us a sense of security. But sometimes, these patterns are broken, and that sense of security is shattered by the unexpected.
World assembly small but full of joy
With its national motto of “unity in diversity,” Indonesia proved a fitting host for the 17th assembly of Mennonite World Conference—downsized by COVID-19 restrictions but full of joy, beauty and fellowship.