Celebrating Jesus as the Passover Lamb: An interview with Joelle Chilcott
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Celebrating Jesus as the Passover Lamb: An interview with Joelle Chilcott

Many Christians understand the significance of Jesus as the Passover lamb – that by his blood, death and resurrection we have been redeemed, sanctified and given eternal life. However, there are many other elements and traditions intricately woven into the Passover celebration that connect Jesus and the events of his death and resurrection to it. Joelle Chilcott, a “completed Jew,” believes these elements and traditions have been overlooked because most Christians have not experienced the Passover seder or any other “Feast of the Lord.”

Reflections outside the not-so-empty tomb
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Reflections outside the not-so-empty tomb

The Gospel of John tells us that the cloth, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to let us know that the cloth was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Is this important? John would not have mentioned it if it were not.

Romanticizing death
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Romanticizing death

In our North American culture we romanticize death. We admire people who die “well,” whatever that might mean. We hide and distract ourselves from the ugliness of death. We exchange open casket funerals for a jar of ashes and a “memorial service.” Instead of powerful sermons on death and resurrection, we share nice memories of the deceased, as their cremated remains are surrounded by flowers and beautiful smiling photographs taken in some distant better day. Instead of crying out in desperation for a Savior who can bring us to the comforting Father, we tout the glories of what a person did with the life they had.

Russian pawns
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Russian pawns

One such displaced family is Igor and Inna Bykadorovs and their son Vadym, a football-playing 15-year-old. Originally from the town of Pervomaisk in eastern Ukraine, Igor and Inna never thought they’d have to flee. “We were naive and careless about real danger for our own lives. The separatists came closer and closer but we believed God would never let it happen in our town,” they recall.

Changing donor trends in Canada
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Changing donor trends in Canada

Donors want to see results and measurable ways in which a charity is fulfilling its vision and mission. Charity leaders are now being asked, “What impact is your organization making?” rather than “What percentage of funds goes towards administration?” Donors increasingly recognize that charities face complex challenges that require competent administration to address and resolve.

Fifty shades of shame
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Fifty shades of shame

I am not the first voice to speak about the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon, nor will I be the last. In fact, I am hesitant to even add fuel to the blazing fires that some may argue only further promote the popularity of this book and movie. But as I sift through the endless blogs and editorials about this subject, I can’t help but notice what is missing. Although it might be trite to write about “fifty shades of grace,” the truth is there hasn’t been much grace at all.

‘Russian Orthodox Church at war against Evangelicals’
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‘Russian Orthodox Church at war against Evangelicals’

Mykhailo Cherenkov is professor of theology at the Ukrainian Seminary of Evangelical Theology and the author of A Future and a Hope: Mission, Theological Education, and the Transformation of Post-Soviet Society (2014). He is also vice-president of the Association for Spiritual Renewal, which seeks to develop a “church without walls.” From this movement came Students Without Walls (SWW) – training the next generation to be society-changers for Christ. Spread now to 12 countries, it has impacted more than 700,000 people in its outreach.

Anti-poverty plan begins vital national conversation
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Anti-poverty plan begins vital national conversation

On Feb. 3, a national anti-poverty strategy called Dignity for All was released on Parliament Hill. The plan was developed by people who know poverty first-hand; it was coordinated by Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), a Christian organization, and Canada Without Poverty, a national anti-poverty group. The Canadian Council of Churches plans to host forums on poverty across the country this spring, so local church members and national church leaders can connect local issues with this national plan.