Ref21 Blog

You will doubtless have heard on a number of occasions those who bewail the present day. I admit to having limited sympathy with those who argue that we are living in the absolute worst of times. I read of the...

This is not a post that will gain me much popularity, with accusations of legalism bound to happen. If there's one thing I know from attending a Big Ten school to play soccer, it is this: don't mess with Americans...

Wesley Hill's two recent articles at First Things on divine impassibility (see here and here) have caused a bit of a stir among the theologically minded denizens of social media. The traditional doctrine of divine impassibility states that God does...

It is not particularly surprising but it is disappointing. Furthermore, it is dangerous. It is in some respects the typical kneejerk reaction to current events (by which I mean events over the last few months, even years, rather than merely...

21st Century Challenges Not Allowing Ourselves to be Defined by SexualityBy Mark Johnston from Place for TruthIt may seem more than a little strange to include this issue as one of the major challenges facing the church in the 21st...

Our local veterinary clinic -- where our dog, for reasons I'd rather not relate, is not welcome -- has a letter board on their grounds which typically displays humorous messages about animals. The message on display earlier this week caught...

These days discussion of the doctrine of atonement is often bogged down in typologies. Which model of atonement do you hold? Where does it "fit" in relation to other models? Is there one model that rules them all, or are...

My wife's step-father has attended a Roman Catholic church his whole life. But he has just been moved to palliative care, and likely has days or weeks to live.He has a book beside his bed where he lies dying: not...

Jesus told spiritual climbers James and John that they would have to drink the cup that he was about to drink (Mark 10:39). He refers to his death, and the way of suffering and service. They will achieve great glory...

I have not been really keeping up recently, but I was interested to read Leon's musings on music in the church planting situation. Passing over a number of other stimulating threads, I should be interested to know the answers to...

In our first installment, I highlighted six things I have learned while church planting. Here are four additional items for your consideration. They are in no particular order.1. Music: At Crown and Joy, we classify our musical selections into several...

We hate to be humiliated in any way. But our sin forfeits our right to honor and praise. Consider who we are: in ourselves, fully leprous in our souls and deserving of shame. But we crave praise, honor, and glory....

A couple of times a month, as God enables us, the church which I serve attempts to proclaim the gospel in the centre of our town, preaching in the open air, handing out tract-invitations, and engaging in conversation with those...

The litigious assault on bakers, florists, and photographers who have convictions against serving same-sex wedding planners is a sad cause of much angst these days. Noticing this, Frank Bruni of the New York Times devoted his Jan 10 column to...

It is too easy to make our witness to Christ programmatic and mechanical. There is no doubt that some measure of order and organisation is often profitable. There are many right and proper endeavours that demand structure, planning and management...