In the Christmas season, the story is often told from Matthew 2 of how the magi travelled to see the newly born King of the Jews. As they travelled, they met the deceptive King Herod, whose response to Jesus’ birth was the opposite of the magi’s response. In this chapter, we should ask ourselves, “How do we respond to the birth of Jesus, the King of the Jews?” Pastor Ben Van Liere (Langley FRC) brings us our Sermon of the Month, preached on last year’s Christmas Day. In this

Mission trips are often viewed as work trips where a team is sent to a poverty-stricken area and strives to make a difference in the lives of the people there. In July 2025, a group of young people from Zion FRC embarked on a seven-day trip to Guatemala. Leading up to our trip, we were often asked what kind of work we would be doing, and our answer was probably surprising. We didn’t go to Guatemala with any big projects to get done, or suitcases full of donations, or a team o

Below are Plants & Pillars' recommended readings for this Advent season! This list was compiled by Reformed Book Services, and each book will include a link to their store. Whether you purchase these books as Christmas gifts for others or for your own devotions, we hope you can richly benefit from them. What a wonderful season to be reminded of how great a Saviour there is in Jesus Christ coming down to earth! Peace: Classic Readings for Christmas by Stephen J. Nichols "The

Recap: Relationships Reflecting Christ The seminary chapel room was filled with friendly smiles and jovial greetings as 18 young men gathered for the 3rd annual Young Men’s Summit. Hosted at the PRTS campus, this year’s Summit explored the theme “Reflecting Christ through Relationships.” From enriching topic sessions to brotherly encouragement, the Summit was a blessed time for growth and fellowship. The opening lecture from Dr. Gerald Bilkes focused on cultivating a personal

Evangelism—sharing the good news about Jesus as the Saviour of sinners—is both the privilege and duty of every believer. Jesus calls Christians to be lights in the world, to make a difference like salt that purifies and preserves. To neglect evangelism is to live in contradiction to our faith. Calvin writes, “And indeed nothing could be more inconsistent with the nature of faith than that deadness which would lead a man to disregard his brethren, and to keep the light of know

Ask a Pastor: How did Baptism Originate?

1.     What is biblical boldness? Most people think of boldness as a positive trait. Even so, some ask permission to be bold with phrases like “if I may be so bold”. One might have the boldness to say something over a text message that they wouldn’t dare say in person. Some bypass their inhibitions by means of alcohol and behave in a way they wouldn’t dare to while sober. Others are bold in their sin, like the woman of Proverbs 7. Or maybe they are bold by nature, but their b

I have learned through consistent practice to judge those around me; maybe you have too. It is much easier to see the old man. It takes no effort to find the shortcomings in our brothers and sisters. It goes without saying that this is not the person we are called to be. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to edify one another, to build one another up. Tearing down is not edifying. You and I are called to put on the new man and to put on the righteousness and holiness of God (Eph 4:24)

Often when we pray, we use the phrase “coming to the throne of grace.” Have you ever wondered what that actually means? Have you ever thought about that throne and what it is like? Hebrews 4:14-16 explains these things to us, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempt

Ask a Pastor: What are practical steps to make sure I read the Bible daily?

One of the enjoyable things about growing up in the Niagara Region is having an abundance of fruits and vegetables. We all can appreciate a fresh peach in the summertime, as well as apples and pears in the fall. But one thing we may not always realize is that bearing the best fruit requires more than just good soil, water and sunshine. Much pruning is needed in order for the plants to grow strong and send energy into the fruit. This way, come harvest time, there will be much

Once again, by God’s grace we were blessed to organize and attend the Berechiah (Alberta) Youth Camps from July 1-5 at Gladstone Ranch in...

The 60th year of FRC youth camp started out on a bright and sunny Friday evening with over 150 campers and around 20 counsellors. This...

Have you ever wondered how you might get access to more theological education? Most of us go through our childhood attending catechism...

In John 21, Jesus asked Peter one of the most important questions of the Bible, “Do you love me?” This is a question that each one of us needs to answer as the Lord seeks to find us in our sin and shelter us in the refuge of His Son, Jesus. This month’s Sermon of the Month asks this searching and inviting question to us all. Dr. David VanBrugge (Burgessville HRC) brings us this sermon through the lens of four points: (1) a timely question, (2) a convicting examination, (3) a

Starting a Mentorship Relationship Great, I am on board with this idea of biblical mentorship (See last week’s article), but how do I...

A Parable of Two Trees In an orchard, two young apple trees began to grow. The first grew quickly and bore fruit in its first year. The...

God gives us the amazing and yet challenging command to work. Work was created by God and practiced by Adam before the fall into sin. As...

Every Christian can take great comfort in the words of the Belgic Confession when it says, “For there is no creature, either in heaven or on earth, who loves us more than Jesus Christ” (Article 26). Jesus openly invites us to this love when He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). In this month’s ‘Sermon of the Month’, Pastor Joel Overduin (Vineland FRC) brings us a sermon titled “Jesus Alone is the Way to th

The Church: Glorious Body, Radiant Bride – Mark G. Johnston A short, vibrant guide that helps you see the church not as a building, but...