25. Dr John M a cArthur
cArthur a 25. Dr John M
The Man
(Pre the above pages I believe the reader will have already formed an impression of John MacArthur as a man. Yet, as I said at the outset, these pages are little more than a sketch; this is not the time, nor I the writer, to give a full portrait.
I have heard members of Grace Community Church describe their pastor 1n a single sentence. An elder's wife, who has been there through the forty years, told me, 'We have a worshipper for a pastor.' Another believed, 'His greatest sermon is his life.'
'He is profoundly generous', commented a third. One of his longest-serving elders recalls how MacArthur never wants to discuss money at their meetings, unless it is to decline a rise in salary.
But before I conclude there are a few particular features on which I want to pause.
By temperament and by grace, diligence is evident in John MacArthur to an uncommon degree. Commitment to hard work marks his life. To the casual observer, the role he has been given in serving a large and supportive church might seem an enviable one. Behind that role, however, there is a weight of responsibility which few would sustain. If his burden was known, it is not one which others would readily take up. To remain joyful through forty years in the care of one congregation, and fresh in the constant preaching of the Word of God, is a demand human nature cannot sustain. It is grace that has kept his input from diminishing with the years. 'Our pastor gets better and better', can be heard at Sun Valley, as it was heard in Spurgeon's church when his youth was past.
But in addition to the church, John has the ultimate responsibility for all the young men involved in the Master's Seminary, and he also takes very seriously the trust which thousands of parents place in him when they send their young people to the Master's College. The work of these institutions, and of Grace to You, is never far from his thoughts. Their concerns are his concerns, and at times not without anxieties. He knows something of the feeling Paul expressed in the words, 'For now we live if you stand fast in the Lord' (1 Thess. 3:8).
In addition to this, there are the long hours spent alone on the preparation of the books that have served so many. Thirty hours a week in his study has remained normal. Without diligence all this would have been impossible. It is perseverance, conjoined with grace, that brings blessing. "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance' (Prov. 21:5). 'Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully' (2 Cox 9:6).
Connected with diligence, is a feature which Richard Mayhue has put among the first of his friend's characteristics. He says that MacArthur, whether in his desire to find out all he can on a text of Scripture, or in coveting information on many subjects, is driven by 'curiosity'. He wants to get to the bottom
The Man 23% of everything. While this isn't a quality usually mentioned by those who advise on the Christian ministry, some have noticed it. Eugene Dolloff quotes the words, 'Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last', and believed: 'God places a high rating on this human quality inbred in our very being."!
No less prominent among MacArthur's features is the one which might seem incompatible with what has just been said.
There is a calmness to his life which numbers have noted. In part this may be attributed to a genetic code that came uninterrupted from Scotland. Scots are not commonly excitable or outwardly emotional people. How much this enters into his temperament struck me when I heard a chairman interviewing him and John
Piper together. MacArthur seemed almost incredulous at the way Piper could speak both of his elations and his depressions.
Life for him was altogether more on a level.
If, however, he ever makes reference to his Scottish roots it is in a different context. Once for example, it came out when he was answering questions on Christian dress, and warning that dress codes should not be made tests of spirituality. Although he had liberty, he said, to wear controversial items, he would not do so out of consideration for his Christian testimony: 'I do not wear a skirt, but I want you to know that as a Scotchman, we have the right to do that. Kilts have been in our family for years.' No one has accused Scots of lacking in humour!
But the even temper of which I am speaking has more to do with grace than nature. Mrs Pat Rotisky, his personal secretary since 1986, says that she has never seen him angry, unless over 1 Eugene D. Dolloff, Maturing in the Ministry (New York: Round Table, 1938), p. 168. issues which concerned the honour of God. Emergencies do not fluster him, nor is he intimidated if confronted by anger or emotion. An intruder entering his office at the church, weapon in hand, and finding him alone, is quietly handled. At a parents' meeting connected with the church's High School, which MacArthur was chairing, a man lost his temper over a decision taken by the elders and spoke improperly. MacArthur quietly responded, 'We do not conduct meetings in this manner; this meeting is over.' Another time a man interrupted a Sunday service by walking down the aisle and ascending the pulpit platform; the pastor moved across to meet him with the words, 'Can I help you, brother?'
Richard Mayhue especially remembers the day he arrived in Los Angeles to stay with the MacArthurs for a week. It was the end of March 1980, and the Los Angeles Times had just broken the news that MacArthur and his church were to be prosecuted by the father of Ken Nally. As noted earlier, the impending court case potentially threatened the future of Grace Community
Church, and the dramatic subject was the talk of the hour. Yet in Mayhue's week with MacArthur his host showed not the least concern about it.
There is another characteristic of MacArthur's personality which has been essential to his ministry, namely, his tenderness and graciousness in dealing with people. He does not hold himself aloof. That is not to say that, in a congregation of several thousand people, he is readily available to all. Were that the case his ministry could never have been sustained. He has safeguards against interruptions, and cannot simply pass the time of day with anyone who has time to talk. But every Sunday he is available at the front after the service to speak to all who wish; no
The Man
one 1s left with problems unattended; and those who do speak with him are universally met with kindness and consideration.
Despite the length of the queue below the pulpit, each individual has his full and patient attention.
This was a feature Tom Pennington, a former colleague, particularly remembered of his time at Grace Community Church: We overheard the conversations at the front of the church when you were dealing with those terribly confused—or, even worse, there to confront you or correct you. Or when some dear Christian was asking the same question he or she had heard you answer a dozen times before. And we watched you answer the question again and direct them to some resource—often at your own expense.
It is one of the most significant characteristics of MacArthur's ministry that, while he 1s involved in the wider work of Christ, his role as the pastor of the people entrusted to him remains a first priority and shapes his character. When questioned on a decrease of humour in his ministry, his brief comment revealed much: 'As a shepherd, you live with the pain of your people.
You live with their disappointments. There is an accumulated sadness.'
In times of relaxation, away from crowds it is easier for MacArthur to socialize. Steve Esmond, who, with John, led a party in three coaches on the Reformation Tour in September
2006, noted how well the pastor got on with their German guide, and commented, "He is a very likeable man, truly a gracious and humble servant of God.'
Tom Pennington once asked John, 'What's the biggest mistake leaders make?' He answered at once, "That's easy—being impatient with people, not giving them time to grow.' In Pennington's eyes, John is a model of patience and forbearance.
Addressing John at the dinner for former staff in 2009, he said: I remember one day in a pastoral staff meeting we were talking about a pastoral counselling situation and a man who had some significant issues 1n his life. You were sitting at the end of the conference table, reading and giving every appearance of being disengaged—which, of course, we had learned, you never were. And as so often happened, you spoke up, and interjected in our discussion, 'Everybody's got baggage. If you don't have baggage you're not going anywhere.'
John, seconded by Patricia, would be the first to say that his patience comes from grace and not from his nature. wae
As these pages should have made clear, Grace Community Church has a great many 'working' Christians. As one of his oldest elders emphasizes, 'John wants people to do the work.'
But it is not organization that secures that result. It is love for the Saviour and love for the one who speaks in His name.
Affection for the pastor marks the life of the church. Members understand it is impossible for him to be in all their homes, yet they also know he can be present when there is critical illness or special need. While other staff members have the regular responsibility of hospital visitation, there are times when they discover he has been there before them.
Our Lord puts 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' first among the Beatitudes. The trait has not always been prominent in evangelicalism. Tom Pennington, in speaking at the anniversary dinner already mentioned, said, I worked in Christian radio for twelve years and interacted with a number of other well-known teachers and Christian leaders. Tragically, there were plenty of occasions to see pride and self-promotion at their ugliest.
In contrast, referring to his years as an Associate Pastor beside
John, he said,
While we have not learned this well, in you we have at least learned what it looks like to be humble. You have routinely given the credit for your success to others. You don't like being the centre of attention. You have never sought or tolerated the role of prima donna.
In saying this, Pennington knew he was not praising his leader for an attainment. He has understood, with John, Christ's teaching. Humility is remembering what we are before God, owing everything to his grace: "Humility is not a necessary human work to make us worthy, but a necessary divine work to make us see that we are unworthy and cannot change our condition before God.' 'The mark of a mature life is not sinlessness, which is reserved for heaven, but growing awareness of sinfulness."
'The believer sees himself before God: poor, sorrowful, meek, hungry.' The Christian ought to have no problem in seeing that Paul was not referring to a former condition and a past experience when he speaks of himself as a 'wretched man'.
2 MacArthur New Testament Commentary Matthew 1-7, pp. 149, 160.
3 The Jesus You Can't Ignore, p. 132. This comment is on the leading beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-6). 'Jesus could hardly have devised a list of virtues more at odds with His culture.'
Paul wrote those words at the height of his ministry. Yet righteousness and sin were still fighting a battle in his life. As he acknowledges in Romans 7:25, the way of victory is 'through Jesus Christ our Lord', but the rest of the verse makes clear that, at that time, the victory was not yet complete. Permanent victory is assured to us now, but it is not given to us now.
It is the practical consequences of humility that are visible.
In MacArthur it includes willingness to esteem others, and to listen to opinions that differ from his own. While he preaches with boldness and certainty, in his personal life he has no air of infallibility and knows that such an attitude cannot consist with 'lowliness of mind'. With all Christians, he remains a pupil in the school of Christ. He writes: The fruits of true, Christlike leadership are humility, tenderness, self-sacrifice, and affection for the sheep. A good shepherd embodies what every leader in the church should strive to be: personal, patient, gentle, hands-on, and selfgiving . . . Overbearing autocrats who seem incapable of empathy or kindness are not fit leaders at all. The key to effective leadership has very little to do with wielding authority and much to do with giving oneself.
Pennington gives the following story of something that happened on one occasion when he was travelling with John and Patricia for a preaching service in Denver. On arriving at the airport it was necessary to hire a car to take them to the church.
But no vehicle was available other than an expensive Cadillac.
With no alternative, they were obliged to take it.
Pastor as Leader' in For the Fame of God's Name, Essays in Honor of John Piper (Wheaton: Crossway, 2010), pp. 465, 469.
You were so concerned about the message that it would send, and it was so contrary to your nature, that you stopped the car several blocks from the church. And you, Patricia, and I walked the rest of the way to the church in the cold. Pm sure the people that night wondered why the MacArthurs were walking to church.
That same characteristic enters into his acceptance of speaking engagements. Accustomed to addressing large numbers, the size of the number does not determine where he will speak. Thanking him for a visit, an organizer of a Christian camp wrote to him: 'I want to express my total appreciation of your willingness to come and share with our small crowd at Hume Lake. The reactions were excellent and I know God fed many hearts." That letter was written in 1979, but it has remained his practice, as some of us saw a few years ago when a comparatively small conference of young people at Leicester, England, were thankful to have him with them for a whole weekend.
What humility means for MacArthur brings us back to the fundamental principle of his ministry: all success lies in the Word of God. He can admire such servants of Christ as Luther and Spurgeon, yet at once he would add: 'It's not the man, it's the truth of God and the power of God in the man.' Those who have sat under John MacArthur's ministry have been taught the same lesson. Thirty years after Grace to You was launched, Jay Flowers, a staff member, concluded an article on the work with the testimony: Our current level of ministry seemed impossible in 1969.
In human terms, it was. What we have seen happen during =Ken Poure, July 27; 1979: our first thirty years is no monument to John MacArthur, our staff, or our ingenuity, but to God's faithfulness to bless His Word.°
As with all leaders, natural gifts enter into what John
MacArthur is, but these alone would be no explanation of his life. Words he spoke to ministers in 1997 go to the heart of things: The greatest privilege of my ministry that I have, is not the time I spend with people, it is the time I get to spend with Him. And the cultivation of the knowledge of Him in the study of the Word of God, and prayer and meditation, is the heart and soul of my life and the greatest joy of ministry for me. Whatever may happen out there, or might not happen out there, whatever changes or doesn't change, whatever disappoints or encourages, the Lord never changes; and it is in His love that I find the constancy for my life, the strength for ministry, and the joy as well.
These words explain the enduring priority of John MacArthur's life and the priority he has constantly brought before others. He started a Grace to You letter in June 2009 with the question, 'What sermon would you want to preach to a chapel service for thousands of military cadets of all faiths?" From the above pages we should be able to anticipate what his own answer would be when he had that opportunity. At a Sunday chapel service at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point a tradition has been observed for more than a hundred years that the new class of freshmen cadets each receive a personalized Bible. Invited to preach at a Sunday service at West Point where this would happen, John later commented, 'I taught from Psalm 19—a ° Article "Mission Impossible' in Grace Today, February 28, 1999. favourite of mine—on "The Power and Sufficiency of God's
Word". Facing men among whom some would soon be seeing death in combat situations, he spoke of the Book through which God changes the lives of all who truly listen. wie
As a young man John MacArthur made a commitment to study the Word of God. He had no idea then what that commitment would mean, but he looks back on it now as 'the most profound choice I ever made'. It led him to the proclamation which can affirm, 'We believe, and therefore speak' (2 Cor.
4:13). From this came the shepherding of the people of God and a personal life of trust in God. He has taught that the sufficiency of Scripture means that no situation can arise in which its light is not relevant. No need is unmet where its directions and promises are followed. 'All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. But the word of the Lord endures forever' (1 Pet. 1:24, 35). If we were to ask the pastor of Grace
Church for a last word, I believe it could be this: God's Word 1s bold, honest, and direct, cutting across the grain of popular culture. It penetrates hearts, illuminates minds, and transforms lives. Our circumstances and preferences don't inform or liven up the Bible, dictate its meaning, or determine how it applies to our lives. It is eternal truth, living and active, and it cuts to the heart of every issue. Its meaning 1s fixed, and applicable to everyone, everywhere. Scripture speaks with absolute authority as it guides believers, confronts error, and brings clarity to even the most confusing theological questions.
There's simply no substitute for Scripture. Nothing else is as trustworthy and steadfast as the Word of God. Church tradition changes over time. Authors and pastors make mistakes. Even your own conscience can be wrong.
All believers must be like the Bereans Paul describes in Acts 17:11, measuring everything we hear, read, and see against the perfect, unchanging standard of the Bible. The authority and power of God's Word is unmistakeable and unforgettable."
So it will be in all generations. What William Cowper wrote three centuries ago will be the experience of all Christians until time 1s no more.
The Spirit breathes upon the Word, And brings the truth to sight: Precepts and promises afford A sanctifying light.
The hand that gave it still supplies The gracious light and heat; His truths upon the nations rise; They rise, but never set.
Let everlasting thanks be Thine For such a bright display, As makes a world of darkness shine With beams of heavenly day.
My soul rejoices to pursue The steps of Him I love, Till glory breaks upon my view In brighter worlds above.
" Grace to You letter of August, 2010.
Index
Africa (see also South Africa)
Calvin, John, 116, 119, 169, 191,
203-4 Canada, 5, 84, 162
NOONE zal Alabama, 13 Aleppo, Joe and Georgia, 164 Alexander, Eric, 59-60
Carey, William, 102 Carson, Don, 211
Allis, O. T., 195
Chafer, Lewis Sperry, 70, 78, 117,
193 Chao, Jonathan, 104~5 Charismatic movement, 94-5, Altar calls, 72, 117, 184 Antinomianism, 118, 123 Aquinas, Thomas, 191
Ascol, Tom, 200, 208 Ashamed of the Gospel, 3, 36, 40, 66, 119-22, 124-5, 189, 205, 210, 221 Charismatic Chaos, 120-1, 125, 157; 71, 117, 126, 157, 188, 190-1, 226 Assurance, 75, 118, 176, 204 Assured by God, 116, 152, 204
168, 189, 192
Charismatics, The, 95, 119 Charnock, Stephen, 76, 145, 203 Chicago, Ill., 6, 44, 48, 81-2, 217 China, 104
Australia, 93, 95-6
Barnhouse, Donald G., 19
Christianity Today, 45, 166, 201, 208
Baxter, Richard, 76 Bennett, Arthur, 145
Christians and Demons, 46 Church growth techniques, 65, 198
Berlin Wall, 149 Bible Institute of Los Angeles, 6
Civil Rights Movement, 26 Claremont School of Theology, 'Black Tuesday', 47-8 Bob Jones University, 12-14, 69
Calite22 Cowper, William, 240
Criswell, W. A., 64
Boice, James Montgomery, 201 'Book Shack', The, 90, 224
Curry, Catherine, xiii
Brazil, 44, 93, 162-3, 184, 192 Burbank, Calif., 11, 12, 24, 155
Dallas Theological Seminary, 70,
Busenitz, Irvin A., 86 ila, aalee) Darby, J. N., 71 De Arteaga, William, 122 Demonic influence, 46, 98, 101
Calvary Bible Church, 11-22, 32 Calvinism, 71, 117, 119, 177, 199,
Dever, Mark, 201, 207-8
200-12
Fuller Theological Seminary, 107
Dispensationalism, 71, 77, 114-5,
Fullerton, Olivia Mary, 5-6, 10-11
192-6, 221 Dockendorf, Irene A., see
Fullerton, Thomas, 5 Fundamentalism, 12-13, 57, 59, MacArthur, Irene A.
Dollar, George W., 69, 71, 117, 199 Dolloff, Eugene, 231 Downey, Calif., 10, 12
Geneva, Switzerland, 162, 169, 210
Gerstner, John H., 113, 195 Glasgow, Scotland, 5 Glendales @alitaeineei ones a Driscoll, Mark, 210 Duncan, Ligon, 208
Eagle Rock Baptist Church, 6-7 Earthquakes, 136, 156 Eastern Baptist Seminary, PA, 6
Glory of Heaven, The, 157
Gospel According to Jesus, The, 74,
Easy-believism, 81, 99, 117, 178 Ecuador, 161 Edward, Daniel, 211 Edwards, Jonathan, 77, 122, 199 Entertainment in worship, 20, 63,
183, 192, 198, 201, 206
Gospel according to the Apostles, The,
178 Grace Community Church, Sun
151, 190
Valley, Calif., xi, xiii, 29-41, 43-6,
Ericsson, Sam, 50, 52
52, 56, 77, 85-6, 171, 178, 186-7, 191, 193, 201, 213-27, 229, Evans, Dale, 7
Evangelicals and Catholics Together,
232-4, Illust. 16, 17 Grace to You, xi, xill, 56, 58, 165-7 Expository preaching, 34, 46, 64, 79-84, 88, 90-3, 95-8, 104, 127, 130, 144, 146-8, 152-3, 155-75, 17,7835 107501955 200-75 1055 2305 237-8, 240, Illust. 12, 13, 18 Graham, Billy, 76-7, 209 Green, Don, xii, 156, Illust. 19
150, 219 Expository Preaching, 54, 63, 64
Fear of Gods the. 72406, 1245 211—> Feinberg, Charles L., 17-21, 32, 57,
Greenville, S.C., 12
193 Feinberg, Paul, 20 FIEL, Brazil, 163
Grier, W. J., 195
Gruner, Peter, 158 Gwinn, Marcy, 28, 92, 108, 215,
Finney, Charles G., 71, 117
Flavel, John, 76
Illust. 21
Flowers, Jay, 237
Forefront audio magazine, 144
Hansen, Collin, 201, 208-11 Hard to Believe, 2, 16, 66, 75, 117, Foxe, John, 1 Fountain Avenue Baptist Church, 136, 178
Hollywood, 6-7 Freedom and Power of Forgiveness, Hart, Darryl, 210
Healing, 107, 140-1, 221 Hebrews Commentary, 58, 218
Index
Hodges, Zane C., 118 Holdt, Martin, 159 Holland, Rick, xii Hollywood, Calif., 7, 31, 153, 155 Homosexuality, 175, 197 Hong Kong, 80, 103-6 How to Study the Bible, 30 eew Alero IeenIexens2
Lewis, C. S., 167 Ligonier Conference, 200-1 Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn, 64, 67, 76, 118, 145, 185, 192, 206 'Lordship' controversy, 82, 111-9, Hulse, Erroll, 209 Hume Lake Summer Camp, 29, 237 Hyper-Calvinism, 116
122-3, 198 Los Angeles Baptist College, 24, 85-6 Los Angeles, Calif., 5-6, 12-15, 17, India, 80, 93, 98-9, 104, 108, 162, 20, 24, 29, 31, 46, 73, 76-7, 85-6, 168, 215 Instruments, use in worship, see
TOZE eS Os ehO7, 232
Los Angeles Times, 46, 167, 232
Worship, use of instruments in Iraq, 175
Louisville, Ky., 201, 208
Love of God, The, 116, 157
Italy, 162-5, 168
Lummus, Vern, 43, 109 Luther, Martin, 91, 169, 237
James, Joel, 159-60, 171
MacArthur, Gen. Douglas, 103 MacArthur, Harry, 5-6, 9-11 MacArthur, Irene A., 6-7, 10-11, Japan, 177 Jesus You Can*t Ignore, The, 3, 235 'Jesus Movement, 41 Johnson, Phil, xi, xii, 11, 19, 37-8,
WA MacArthur, Jack, 6-9, 12, 17, 24, 29,
32, 57-8, 64, 131 MacArTHur, JOHN, JR.
204, 218, 225, Illust. 19 Judd, Florence, 161 early life, 1-11
Justification, 114, 117-8, 123, 204
at Bob Jones University, 12-14
at Talbot Seminary, 17-21 marriage, 20-1
Keiper, Ralph, 19-20 Kendall, R. T., 118 Kennedy, D. James, 166-7 Keys to Spiritual Growth, 192 ordination, 21 itinerant ministry, 23-8 birth of children, 28
King, Martin Luther, 26-7 Kingdom Living, Here and Now, called to Grace Community
Church, 29-31 growth and setbacks, 43-56, 143-8 views on preaching, 57-67
54, 77 Korea (South), 106-8, 168 'old' truths rediscovered, 69-78
La Mirada, Calif., 17, 45 'Larry King Live', 185 Law of God (Ten Commandments) overseas travels, 93-109, 149-54 controversies, 111-27, 183-96 views on 'Reformed resurgence',
FingA, VOL, 114-15, 122-3, 191,
193, 211
198-212
Mendenhall, Miss., 24-5 Michaelson, Burt, 29, 32 Minneapolis, 200-1
MacArtTHour, JOHN, JR. (cont'd) personal qualities, 229-40 MacArthur, Marcy, see Gwinn, Marcy MacArthur, Mark, 28, 92, 215, Mississippi, 24-7, 72; 179 Mohler, Albert, 201, 208 Moody Bible Institute, 6, 44, 48, 81 Moody Monthly, 36
Tllust. 21 MacArthur, Matthew, 28, 92, 101, Moody Press, 2, 20, 22, 30, 36, 54, 138, 215, Illust. 20, 21 MacArthur, Melinda, see Welch, 63, 81-3, 111-3, 118, 157, 196, 217 More, Sir Thomas, 1 Morgan, G. Campbell, 53, 64 Morrison, Robert, 104 Mother Teresa, 100-1 Muslims, 179-80, 215
Melinda MacArthur, Patricia S., xiii, 20-1,
234, 236-7 MacArthur New Testament
Nally, Kenneth, 49-52, 232 New York Times, 51 New Zealand, 94-5
Commentaries, 158, 201, 217-8 MacArthur Study Bible, 157-8, 164, 168-9, 177, 194-5, 218 Macau, 104 Machen, J. Gresham, 59, 203 Mack, Wayne, 171 Mahaney, C. J., 208 Manton, Thomas, 203 Martyn, Henry, 77
Old, Hughes O., 218-22 Only Way to Happiness, The, 54 Our Sufficiency in Christ, 157 Owen, John, 199 O Warship the King, 189
Masterpiece magazine, 90, 144-5,
148-9 Master Plan for Church Leadership, A, Pacific College, Los Angeles, 13-15, Packer). ey 14'53165=69200—1 Panorama City, Calif., 31, 45 Pennington, Tom, 47, 134, 146, Master's College, The, 86, 149, 163, 171, 192, 225, 230, front endpaper,
Illust
233-6
Master's Fellowship, The, 143-4,
Perkins, John, 24-6
Philadelphia, PA, 6, 19, 174, 200-1 Philadelphia Conference, 200-1
Master's Plan, The, 2, 22-3, 34-5, 37, Philippines, 80, 93, 102-3, 108, 168
79; 157 Master's Seminary, The, 58, 86, 171, Pillars of Chistian Character, 34
186-7, 195, 224, 230, Illust. 15 Matthew Commentary, 635 76n123.
Pink, Arthur W., 76, 96, 145
Piper, John, 201, 208, 231, 236
195, 218, 235 Mayhue, Richard L., 87, 140, 195, Portela, Solano, 163, 192 Portuguese-language ministry, 163, 2307252)
Index
Pragmatism in evangelical churches,
San Fernando Valley, Calif., 12, 31 Santa Clarita, Calif., 155-6 Sao Paulo, Brazil, 44, 163 Saucy, Robert, 203 fil, aba, alrete
Preparation for preaching, 60-62,
LDA ial
Prince Edward Island, Canada, 5
Schuller, Robert, 77
Princeton, NJ, 70, 78, 203, 219
Scofield, C. I., 70-1, 193
Prison ministry, 177, 181, 215 Puerto Rico, 80
Scofield Reference Bible, 70, 193
Scotland, 5, 49, 93, 162, 231
Puritans, 70, 75-6, 118-9, 157, 190,
Seoul, Korea, 106-7 Shepherds' Conference, 84, 115, 143, 207, 209-10, 225
Quinn, Beth, 134 Quinn, Lance, 111, 134, 158, 207
Sibbes, Richard, 76 Singapore, 80, 96-7 Smith, Charles, 87 Smith, Dale, 20, 131 Smith, Lorraine, 20, 131 Smith, Patricia S., see MacArthur, Reckless Faith, 77, 125-6, 157, 166
Radio ministry, 1, 6, 10, 24, 29,
32; 56, 79-82, 88-9, 93, 103-4, 106, 155-62, 164-5, 177-81, 187, Patricia S. Smith, Wilbur M., 199 South Africa, 93, 158-60, 171 Southern Baptist churches, 200-1, 208-9, 235 Reformation, the, 22, 70, 91, 117-9, 166, 169, 190-1, 199, 210, 233 Reformed theology, 78, 119, 191-5, 206, 208 Spanish-language ministry, 160-1, 201-11 Relevance, 65-6
169, 214 Spartanburg, SC, 14 Spring, Gardiner, 61 Sproul, R. C., 166, 201, 207-8 — Spurgeon, Gil, 375 54; 126-7, 133, Repentance, 3, 39, 66, 113-6, 151-2, QOAs 2115 2110) Robertson, O. Palmer, 193, 196 Rogers, Roy, 7 Roman Catholicism, 49, 77, 101, 181, 185; 199, 224-6, 230, 237 Spurgeon, Susannah, 226
164-8, 179 Romania, 150, 162, 168 Rotisky, Pat, xiii, 231
Stott, John R. W, 145
Successful Christian Parenting, 47,
D%9), a5 Sunday, worship on, 115, 130, 216 Sun Valley, Calif. (see also Grace
Russia, 149-54, 162, 165, 168, 170-1, 186-7 : Rutherford, Samuel, 23 Ryaguzov, Victor, 162, 170-1, 186
Community Church), 31, 49, 90 Sweeting, George, 48
Ryle, James, 189 Ryrie, Charles C., 112
Tada, Joni Eareckson, 141, 189 Talbot Theological Seminary, Sailhammer, Paul, 29 Sanders, Lowell, 36-7, 40
La Mirada, Calif., 17-21, 23-4,
Talbot Theological Seminary, (contd) Vietnam War, 41
45-6, 49, 63, 69, 73, 83, 86, 133, 201 Voice of Calvary broadcast, 6, 10, 25 Tape ministry, see Word of Grace Voice of Calvary Crusades, 24, 26-7
Taylor, Mike, xi, xii, 80-1, 146,
Illust. 19 Waldron, Samuel, 185, 194
Tiger Tale, The (Talbot Seminary), Warfield, B. B., 70, 78, 117, 203
45-6, 133-4 Washington, DC, 201 Time magazine, 19, 207, 209 Washington Post, 51 Together for the Gospel Conference, Watson, David, 205
19, 208 Watson, John, 133
Tolopilo, Henry, 160 Watson, Thomas, 76, 145, 203 "Toronto blessing', 121-2 Welch, Melinda, 28, 92, 138-9, Tozer, A. W., 99, 125, 145, 224 215, Illust. 21
Truth War, The, 53, 124-5, 190 Wells, David E, 65
Tivelve Extraordinary Women, 132 Wesley, John, 70-1, 117 Twelve Ordinary Men, 3, 4 West Point Military Academy, Truth Endures, xii, 33, 55, 204 238
Truth Matters, 40, 66 Women's role, 46-7, 97, 130, 135
Tyndale, William, 1, 2, 23, 77 Word of Grace, 44, 80, 88, 90, 93, LS) Ukraine, 150, 152, 162 Worship, and use of musical
Ultimate Priority, The, 20, 188 instruments, 187-91
Vanishing Conscience, The, 124, 157 Zondervan (Publishers), 112 Van Kampen, R. D., 146 Zwingli, Ulrich, 169 wie
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THE BANNER OF [TRUTH TRUST
wie he Banner of Truth Trust originated in 1957 in London. The founders believed that much of the best literature of historic
Christianity had been allowed to fall into oblivion and that, under God, its recovery could well lead not only to a strengthening of the church today but to true revival.
Inter-denominational in vision, this publishing work is now international, and our lists include a number of contemporary authors along together with classics from the past. The translation of these books into many languages is encouraged.
A monthly magazine, The Banner of Truth, is also published and further information will be gladly supplied by either of the offices below.
3 Murrayfield Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6EL, UK
PO Box 621, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, USA www.banneroftruth.co.ul
EVANGELICALISM DIVIDED A Record of Crucial Change in the years 1950 to 2000
Hardback, 352 pp.
Tain Murray' historical overview of the fortunes and misfortunes of evangelical Christianity, especially in England, between 1950 and the century' endtime, will stir up both an approving and a dissenting readership. But no one can contend that it ignores some of the most vital theological issues of the time and the conflicts surrounding them. The narrative ts well documented, and it details not only conflicts of perspective but inconsistencies and alterations of views in some of the leading participants in the events of the day.'
Cart F. H. HENry
PENTECOST TODAY
The Biblical Basis for Understanding Revival
ISBN-13: 978 0 85151
Hardback, 242 pp.
'Tf you only ever read one book on revival — and all serious Christians should read at least one — read this one. Drawing on a wealth of pastoral wisdom, an almost unrivalled grasp of the history of God' people in these islands and a thorough working knowledge of the Puritans, lain Murray is well place to give a definitive statement of the biblical basis for revival. The fanatic and the sceptic and all shades between will be challenged and helped by the clear presentation found here.'
GRACE MAGAZINE
LLOYD-JONES: MESSENGER OF GRACE
Hardback, 288 pp.
Cuapters: The Lloyd-Jones Legacies; Preaching and the Holy Spirit; The Evangelical Use of the Old Testament; Skeletons in the Cupboard; Raising the Standard of Preaching; Lloyd-Jones and Spurgeon Compared; A Controversial Book, Joy Unspeakable; "The Lost Leader' or 'A Prophetic Voice'?; The End of the Puritan Conference; Some Convictions of Lloyd-Jones in Miniature; Inventory of Lloyd-Jones's Sermons; An Analysis of the Sermons on Ephesians; Js the Reformation Over? A Review.
This is not a repetition of material in Murray's two-volume biography of Lloyd-Jones; it concentrates on three main themes in his thought and ministry, and includes much unpublished material.
THE OLD EVANGELICALISM Old Truths for a New Awakening
Hardback, 226 pp.
Cuapters: Preaching and Awakening: Facing the Main Problem in Evangelism; Spurgeon and True Concersion; 'Christ our Righteousness'
— God's Way of Salvation; The Cross — The Pulpit of God's Love; What Can We Learn from John Wesley?; Assurance of Salvation; Christian Unity and Church Unity.
'There is much to stimulate us to godliness in this volume. I thank God for Iain Murray' fifty years of service to the church and the influence of his books for posterity.'
Mark R. Brown, New Horizons
HEROES
Hardback, 320 pp.
'The reviewer found these lessons edifying, instructive, challenging and encouraging. We heartily agree with the authors dictum: "The study of history is vital to the health of the Church.' The book is an excellent holiday companion and a good fireside read. It is heartily recommended.'
DonaLp MacDona.p, THE Recorp
THE UNDERCOVER REVOLUTION
How Fiction Changed Britain
Paperback, 112 pp.
W. R. Inge, writing in the first half of the twentieth century predicted what kind of nation would come into being if the outlook of many of the modern novelists was allowed to change British culture: "No God. No country. No family. Refusal to serve in war. Free love. More play. Less work. No punishments. Go as you please. It is difficult to imagine any programme which, if carried out, would be more utterly ruinous to a country situated as Great Britain is today.'
Tain Murray has put his finger on the turning point that sent western culture down the path of immorality. It is a persuasive explanation that we need to hear.'
JoHN MacArTHUR
A SCOTTISH CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
Hardback, 416 pp.
'Informative, challenging and encouraging, this survey of the spiritual inheritance of Scotland provided an invaluable three-part introduction to Scottish Church History. It first introduces significant individuals. The second part illustrates the contribution the Church of Scotland has made to missionary enterprise, and the third deals with four Church issues.'
Derek Prime, LIFE AND WORK
WESLEY AND MEN WHO FOLLOWED
Hardback, 288 pp.
Leading Calvinists of the nineteenth century, such as J. C. Ryle and C.
H. Spurgeon, who stood closer to the blessings of the eighteenth century revival, were admirers of Wesley. In William Cunningham's British and Foreign Evangelical Review, it was said of Wesleyan Methodists, "With all their errors of opinion, and all their faults of administration, they have done more for the propagation of the gospel at home and abroad, in England and America, and among the heathen, than any other sect at present existing.'
Yet too many present-day Calvinists have supposed there is nothing important for us to learn from Wesley and leading evangelists who followed him. Murray has found much value in knowing them.
A DAY'S MARCH NEARER HOME AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF J. GRAHAM MILLER
Edited by Iain H. Murray ISBN-13: 978 1 84871 064 1
Hardback, 352 pp.
This book will surely endure as one of the few outstanding Christian autobiographies of the twentieth century. Graham Miller, lawyer, missionary, pastor and preacher, did not write for publication. But certain of the value of his autobiographical records, Iain Murray edited his friend's material after his death, counting it a high privilege to do so. Dr Miller was a man so much loved that the nation of Vanuatu held a day of national mourning when his full life of ninety-four years came to an end. The title 'A Day's March Nearer Home' comes from a favourite hymn learned in his youth in New Zealand. While likely to be of special interest to ministers and missionaries, there is much here to appeal to all. ae '4