On the cessation of John MacArthur

John F. MacArthur, a stalwart defender of biblical inerrancy and "Lordship" salvation, died today. He was 86. A prominent U.S. evangelical pastor, Chancellor of The Masterโ€™s Seminary, and long-time leader of Grace Community Church in California, MacArthur is widely respected for his commitment to biblical exposition and the defence of Reformed theology. Expository preaching MacArthur …

Reflecting on 25 years since the Bridge Walk

One of my favourite urban walks anywhere in the world is the short walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Unfailingly, I feel my spirits lift as I join strangers crossing the old Coat-hanger, taking in some of the most stunning views the Emerald City has to offer. On Wednesday this week, I crossed the famous …

New Ecumenical Council general secretary eyes greater church unity

Sight Magazine โ€“ April 16, 2025 โ€œAt its heart, the ecumenical community is a community of prayer โ€“ for one another, for all who seek to follow Christ, for people everywhere of all faiths or none, and for our world. As theologian Karl Barth said, โ€˜Prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder …

Nine reasons why people embrace atheism

โ€œPortrait of Friedrich Nietzscheโ€, by Edvard Munch, c. 1906. I curated this list on 13 April 2025 to complement a sermon I preached on Psalm 14:1. The list presents brief biblical and theological responses to nine common reasons why people embrace atheism in the 21st century. 1. Scientific Understanding Atheist Claim: Science provides more reliable explanations …

Questions for book club discussions

If youโ€™re thinking about starting a book club, or youโ€™re leading one where the conversation tends to go off-topic or you need prompts to extend the discussion, here are some sample questions. They are designed for literary fiction but will suit any kind of fiction, including childrenโ€™s and YA literature, and Iโ€™ve added a section …