BOOK REVIEW: THE TRUTH ABOUT GRACE by John MacArthur

Pastor-Teacher John MacArthur has written a series of “Truth About” books which includes “The Truth About Grace”. As with the other two in the series this book looks at a particular Christian philosophy.

The author begins by dividing grace into two specific concepts: Common Grace and Special Grace thus introducing a specific doctrine.  This is important because many churches have their own definition of grace and all do not distinguish one grace from another.  A common definition is: undeserved favor from God.

As with all of his books John MacArthur gives a detailed explanation of what “grace” is and what it is not.  In reading “The Truth About Grace” the reader will develop an understanding of various biblical principles relating to a Christian lifestyle.

As I read the book I got the impression that John MacArthur sees God’s grace as the reason why we are able to receive salvation, which is true. What I believe he disagrees with is the teachings of “grace teachers” who present grace as a demonstration of God’s love in our daily lives as He blesses us with undeserved favor. By dividing grace into two concepts he in essence distinguishes his definition of grace from those of various grace churches.

Obviously, of the three books that I read: “The Truth About the Lordship of Christ”, “The Truth About Forgiveness” and this one “The Truth About Grace”, this was my least favorite.  Though I can appreciate his words on the subject I believe it falls short of the fullness of God’s grace.  That said, I do recommend this book.

I receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange of a honest and fair review.

BOOK REVIEW: THE TRUTH ABOUT FORGIVENESS by John MacArthur

“The Truth About Forgiveness” by John MacArthur is part of the “Truth About” series. This book will help the believer develop a greater appreciation of the power and authority of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah. Though it is true the book is about forgiveness, this is not a dissertation on the need to love thy neighbor.

The books 114 pages begin with a less than politically correct observation on the self-righteous behavior of many people today.  Increasingly excuses are made for behaviors such as sexual promiscuity and drug addictions which are considered by the medical professionals as beyond the individuals’ ability to control. The bible declares these same behaviors as sin requiring the individual to seek God’s forgiveness and repentance. The author quickly counters today’s’ popular opinions regarding guilt which is necessary in order for a person to repent which is counter to mental health professionals who convince the guilty that they are victims and do not need to feel remorseful. “To deny personal guilt is to sacrifice the soul for the sake of the ego.” (page 14)  If guilt is associated with sinful behavior then the solution is repentance and not long term therapy.  “The Truth About Forgiveness” teaches the true meaning of atonement.

If you can accept all that chapter one, “We Need To Be Forgiven”, offers you will be well on your way to a deeper appreciation of God’s love and mercy which is available to the believer.  I suggest you read this book with your bible right next to you since you will want to see the biblical truths in your own book. Upon the completion of the book not only will you know that you know that you are forgiven but you will be able to forgive others.

I recommend this book to believers and non-believers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with the understanding that I would give a fair review.

BOOK REVIEW: THE TRUTH ABOUT the lordship of Christ By John MacArthur

As a writer of Contemporary Fiction as well as non-fiction and as a servant within the body of Christ I see a lot of confusion in Christiandom.  “The Truth About the lordship of Christ” by John MacArthur will assist followers of Jesus in understanding why they believe as well as what should not be believed. The basics of faith are addressed with a substantial amount of scripture to support the information presented. Despite being only 132 pages the discussion on what it means to be a follower of Christ is quite extensive.

I was very pleased to read how John MacArthur addresses the issue of God’s love for all people not just believers in the beginning of the book.  I suspect that many will avoid reading this book or take some things out of context primarily because as with many of his teachings “The Truth About the lordship of Christ”  is without apology.  Often we ignore unpleasantries found in the Bible:

“Committing your life to follow Jesus Christ means you would not only forsake your family; if need be, you’d give your life.” (page 41)

There are so many churches that label themselves as “Christian” that teach: spirituality or deny the deity of Jesus making it easier for people to live lifestyles that do not line up with scripture. By addressing Christian beliefs such as: justification, salvation, sanctification and holiness as well as confession and repentance, “The Truth About the lordship of Christ”,  will lead the believer to making personal adjustments in his Christian walk.

I recommend this book.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Book Sneeze in exchange for a fair and honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: MOMENTS OF TRUTH by John MacArthur

Every year numerous “daily bible readings” published both by known and unknown authors so many so that I avoid reviewing them. I made the except because “Moments of Truth” is written by John MacArthur. I will submit to anyone who is considering this book that it is not another daily bible reading book this is a book of 366 thoughts to meditate on.

Though each idea is assigned a day I would suggest that the reader not adhere to the day but examine the thought. Why wait until February 23 to read: “We desperately need to recover a holy hatred of sin.” We need to do this corporately as a church, but we also need to do it individually as believers.” ( page 56) Such a profound thought you may find yourself thinking about “Holy Hatred of Sin”, the title of the topic, for a few days.

Each month is assigned a concept: January- Beginning; February – love; March- The Cross and Easter; April – Growing as a Christian; May – Parenting and so forth. Why not skip to a month of parenting if that is where your need is? “Moments of Truth: Unleashing God’s Word One Day at a Time” is an excellent book by one of the great writers and teachers of Christian Thought. It is also a timely book something we all need today.

I recommend that you not only purchase this book for yourself but consider it a gift item for a friend.  xxx Marsha L. Randolph