Parables by John MacArthur – An Excellent Read and Resource

Pastor John MacArthur’s latest book is Parables – The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through The Stories Jesus Told.  I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this book because of the solid Bible teaching it contains. 

Before diving into the parables, Pastor MacArthur explains, from Matthew 13, why Jesus started teaching in parables.  He had specific truths He was trying to convey to those who had the ears to hear.  It wasn’t to make it easy for the common people to understand what He was teaching.  Instead, the symbolism used in the parables was to hide the truth from those who had no desire to know what Christ was saying. 

Pastor MacArthur brings clarity and helps the reader understand the truths contained in these stories.  Unlike allegories, not everything in a parable has significance, but there is a profound truth to be understood.  In this book a parable is defined as, “an ingenious simple word picture illuminating a profound spiritual lesson.” 

This book covers select parables in ten chapters, including the parables of the soils/seed, the good Samaritan, and the rich man and Lazarus.  Some of the parables are only a sentence or two long, but there’s a meaning that Christ wanted His followers to understand.

In this day and age, it is important for Christians to be wise and discerning and know when a pastor or teacher is accurately teaching God’s Word.  This book will help you to be equipped as you study God’s Word for yourself.  One of the benefits to the reader is that you will be able to take what you’ve learned and apply it as you study the Bible and read Jesus’ parables and teachings for yourself.

I greatly appreciate Pastor John MacArthur’s high view of God and Scripture.  He is thorough in his study and exposition of the Bible.  He is insightful and courageous as he speaks the truth about what’s happening in our culture and in today’s churches. 

I highly recommend Parables by Pastor John MacArthur.  This book is a great resource for anyone who loves to read and study God’s Word and for those who are new to studying the Bible.  Whether you are a new Christian or mature, you’ll want to read this book.

I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read Parables by John MacArthur in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Strange Fire - A Hard Read, But Worthwhile

Previously I’ve read books by Pastor John MacArthur and frequently listen to his sermons and conference messages.  Pastor MacArthur has a passion for the Word of God and his teaching is theologically sound.  That’s why I wanted to read his newest book, Strange Fire, to learn more about the charismatic movement.

I found Strange Fire very challenging to get through it.  This book includes a lot of details about the background of the charismatic movement founders in the early 1900’s and goes through present day.  Scripture is interspersed throughout the book and is used as a plumb line to measure the actions, words and deeds of prominent charismatic leaders to see if they are biblically sound.   

As a Christian, I was appalled at the teaching, claims and lives of prominent charismatic leaders.  It was painful to learn that instead of being run out of town these immoral charlatans, frauds and apostates were applauded, embraced and heralded as healers and prophets.  It’s frightening and tragic to think of how many people have been deceived and taken in by this false gospel that dishonors God. 

It was refreshing in the last section of the book to see what is the true work of the Holy Spirit is in the world and the life of Christians.  This book helped me to understand clearly the importance of sola Scriptura and the importance of using the Bible to evaluate those who claim to be healers, prophets or speaking in tongues.  Does what they say and do line up with Scripture? 

All in all this was a very painful book to read.  Even so, I would recommend this book to Christians so they can better understand a movement that calls itself Christian, but may not line up with the Word of God.

I would also recommend that readers go to the Strange Fire Conference website and listen to or download the messages from the 2013 conference. 

I would like to thank Booksneeze for providing me with a free copy of Strange Fire in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. 

Resolved 2012

Resolved 2012, Sunday from Resolved on Vimeo.

Do you want to be inspired, challenged, encouraged and convicted in your Christian walk?

Go to the Resolved website and watch or download this years messages.  

Taming the Tongue

While taking my morning walk I usually listen to various podcasts.  Yesterday and today, I've been listening to recent programs from Grace to You called"Taming the Tongue".  During the program, Pastor John MacArthur read a list of descriptions from the Bible about the tongue:

"Scriptures refer to the disaster of the mouth.  The Bible refers directly or indirectly to:

a wicked tongue,

a deceitful tongue,

a lying tongue,

a perverse tongue,

a filthy tongue,

a corrupt tongue,

a bitter tongue,

an angry tongue,

a crafty tongue,

a flattering tongue,

a slanderous tongue,

a gossiping tongue,

a back-biting tongue,

a blaspheming tongue,

a foolish tongue,

a boasting tongue,

a murmuring tongue,

a complaining tongue,

a cursing tongue,

a contentious tongue,

a sensual tongue,

a vile tongue,

a tale-bearing tongue,

a whispering tongue,

an exaggerating tongue, etc.

Did you see yourself anywhere in there?  No wonder God put your tongue in a cage behind your teeth, walled in by your mouth."

I'd like to say, none of those descriptions fit me, but if I said that I would have a lying tongue.  

Thank You Lord for Your Word which encourages, corrects and convicts.  Lord...help me to have a repentant heart in areas that I have sinned against You.  May even the thoughts and intentions of my heart be good and pleasing to You. 

“Moments of Truth - Unleashing God's Word One Day at a Time” by John MacArthur – Equip Yourself To Win in the Truth War!

I highly recommend Pastor John MacArthur’s daily devotional, “Moments of Truth”.  In a day and age in which the thought that “truth is relative” has even crept its way into the church, it’s imperative that Christians equip themselves with biblical truth which will help them be effectively equipped for the spiritual battle. 

Pastor MacArthur takes a stand for truth and is undergirded with the authority of God’s Word.  In “Moments of Truth” he tackles topics such as parenting, marriage, growing as a Christian, end times, and sin, evil and temptation. 

Each day’s devotional starts with a scripture verse which Pastor MacArthur expands on, supporting his view with other scripture and illustrating his point with current concerns or historical events.  The reader is given bite size pieces of biblical truth to meditate on day by day over the course of a year.  

What I most appreciated about this book is Pastor MacArthur’s humility knowing that he, like all believers, is a sinner saved by God’s grace.  “Being a Christian is not about us; it’s not about our self-esteem.  It’s about our being sick of our sin and our desperation for forgiveness.”  At the same time he is unashamed of the gospel message and the life changing truth in God’s Word.  “Spiritual warfare is all about demolishing evil lies with the truth.  Use the authority of God’s Word and the power of the gospel to give people the truth.”

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Charismatic Chaos Enters the Mainstream

A friend had recently shared how powerful Pastor John MacArthur’s sermons are on the Charismatic movement.  Truth filled sermons and exposing the lack of biblical doctrine, errors and documenting blasphemous, heretical teaching of many Charismatic leaders. 

I am so thankful for Pastor John MacArthur and Grace to You ministries who have made available for free the download of thousands of sermons he has preached for over 40 years.  I went online and downloaded Pastor MacArthur’s series “Charismatic Chaos”. 

My eyes were opened to the subtly of Charismatic teaching that has made its way into mainstream churches, pastors and Bible studies.  Teaching that is based on personal experience that’s put on par with or elevate over the Bible.  Feelings take precedence over Biblical truth.  People claim that they’ve received messages from God, however those messages don’t always line up with scripture. 

The problem comes if God is still speaking to us outside of scripture, then the Biblical canon is not closed. Who do you believe?  Do you believe the Bible or do you believe the person who is claiming to have a word from God?

Because the Bible is whole, perfect, complete and the plumb line by which everything should be measured, if someone’s teaching doesn’t line up with the Bible then they are in error. 

At first I found myself saddened when I recognized some of the errors in one of my favorite Bible study teachers.  But I realized that I should be grateful that we have been given the inerrant and inspired word of God by which we can discern error.  Am I going to love God and His word above all things and people?  Am I going to love Him with all my heart, mind, soul and strength?  Am I going to guard the truth?

I believe that all too often people, especially women, have a hard time confronting error and standing for the truth.  We are so easily led by our hearts instead of reason.  But when I see erroneous teaching, it’s an opportunity to reach out and do so with love and humility and covered in prayer. 

From the beginning Satan has been mixing the truth with lies.  He still does that today.  The enemy’s lies touch our feelings and emotions and it’s hard to see the truth from the lie.  But if we have an unchanging standard of truth, the Bible, we can measure what we are hearing against the truth in the word of God.

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.  For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. – Galatians 1:6-10


To listen to Pastor John MacArthur's sermons on the Charismatic movement click on the links below:

The Charismatic Movement

Charismatic Chaos 

Giving Thanks…Faithful Preachers

To those who know me…it’s no surprise that my top list of things I’m thankful for relate to God and His word.  Continuing on in that same vein I thank God for pastors, teachers and churches that are committed and faithful to preach and teach the full counsel of God’s word.

I have been abundantly blessed by God to sit under pastors who have been gifted by God.  Pastors who diligently study God’s word so they can feed and care for the flock.  They strive to present the bride of Christ, the church, as holy and blameless, sanctified and set apart, holy and dedicated unto Him. 

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.  For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. – Acts 20:26-27

Pastor Philip De Courcy

Pastor Chuck Obremski

Pastor John MacArthur

Pastor John Piper

Oneplace.com

2010 Shepherd's Conference

Pulpit Highlights - John MacArthur from Grace Community Church on Vimeo.

The audio/video from the 2010 Shepherd's Conference is posted and available for free download.  Talk about some great preaching!  These men love God and are faithful to preach the full counsel of God's word.  Go to the Shepherd's Conference website and partake in a banquet of God's word. 

His Glory Descended

Standing in His presence,
His glory descended upon Kindred,
One body united in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A small taste of heaven,
Oh Lord I humbly pray,
Never bid me to leave Thee.

Worshiping before Your throne,
I now know,
Your glory alone is more than enough.

Our hearts bursting,
With the fullness of Christ,
Oh my Lord, You can not be contained.

May this be my Ebenezer stone…my remembrance,
May I never leave Your presence dear Lord,
Your glory so divine.

by Susan Bunts
November 5, 2007

This poem is dedicated to Christ Jesus our all sufficient Savior and Lord and to the body of Christ at Kindred Community Church.

And for my precious Pattie and Robyn Bolton…after experiencing a small taste of heaven and what it will be like worshiping before His throne…we can know that your precious husband and father Bob is complete and whole as he stands before his Savior Christ Jesus. One day we will join him…and Chuck and Hugo and worship our Savior truly as one body in Christ. Praise Him!

The above poem is my meager attempt to capture last night’s installation ceremony of our new precious and beloved Pastor Philip De Courcy.

The poem misses the mark...but by golly last night at Kindred Community Church God was present and made His presence and His glory known. Thank You Jesus!

Below are some slide show pictures that captured the ceremony. Welcome Pastor Philip…we thank God for bringing you to this body of Christ at Kindred!

Pastor Philip De Courcy's Installation Ceremony at Kindred Community Church