THE REASON WHY I THINK IT IS THE BEST DEVOTIONAL I HAVE EVER READ IS: EACH MONTH THE AUTHOR TAKES A SCRIPTURAL SUBJECT AND TEACHES YOU IN DEPTH. HE ALSO MAKES IT INTERESTING AND THOUGHT PROVOKING. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO HAVE A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD. EVEN READING IT YEAR AFTER YEAR IT SEEMS YOU LEARN MORE.

I bought this book just before the start of a very difficult time in my life. I am sure that it was God's gift to me to keep me focused on how He wanted me to respond to the problems that were about me. The Devotions were appropriate and relevant to the problems and decisions we all face in todays world. Praise God that He is the same yesterday, today and forever!!! I would recommend this book to anyone, who needs the wonderful and precious comfort God gives when we draw near to Him.

In _The Miracle of Christmas_, John MacArthur analyzes every aspect of Christ's birth and the glorious meaning this has for Christians. He travels from the prophecies of Christ's coming in the Old Testament, through the lives of Joseph and Mary, and all the way to the wise men. Amongst this story of the first Christmas, MacArthur weaves short explanations of how such Christmas rituals as trees, cards, and Santa Clause came about. All is well-written, and a fascinating tribute to the importance of Christ's birth to Christians.

Once again, the authoritative and historical apostle Paul of the 20th century, John MacArthur, gives us a true and biblical commentary on a truly Christian subject. A must read for all believers and non-believers alike. Get both the historical and theological truths of the Christmas season from the one who can do it best, MacArthur. Discover that Christmas is not a holiday created by myth and tales but is historical documented as fact! The Christmas season marks the center of time and our calendar as the most spectacular event in history and was predicated hundreds of years before. Let MacArthur explain the true meaning of such icons as the Christmas tree, the wise men, the star, and the reason for the stable. Share this with friends and family alike as a true and fascinating look at this great holiday.

The Prince of Deceipt is having a field day with modern people, even those who think they stand firm on God's word. MacArthur challenges us to carefully find out what we believe about God from His Word, (confession of faith), then live this confession without compromise, something the church has problems with.

Compromise translates into false confession and belief. MacArthur aids by first examinining the essentials to motivate one to find the true confession, then be a person of discernment, which is the true way to live without compromise.

Great advice throughout this work, e.g. "Growing in deeper knowledge of Christ is a lifelong process that will not be complete until we see our Lord face to face," and "Unity of faith is impossible unless it is built on the foundation of commonly held truth."

This is an excellent book to develop character and integrity. As we use fire to temper steel, our Lord uses trials to temper our character. The wisdom in this scripturally-sound book helps me respond to challenges by displaying the integrity which honors our Lord.

John MacArthur's 'The Vanishing Conscience' is a pivotal work exposing the insidious sham of modern psychology's band-aid approach to the metastasizing cancer of sin. It belongs on the top shelf of every discerning Christian's library, alongside Dave Hunt's 'The Seduction of Christianity.'

As a child, adolescent, young man, and, yes, even as an adult, there stood ever before me one whose teachings and opinions guided my life. Although short in physical stature and of limited formal education, this man was and always will remain a giant in my eyes. In fact, my admiration and respect for him and that for which he stood grows greater with each passing day. That man was my Dad.

In his book, The Vanishing Conscience, John MacArthur, Jr. reiterates those teachings which I have both loved and hated throughout the majority of my life. My Dad, from my earliest recollection, taught my brother and I that regardless of what those around us might say or do, we were always, always to do that which we knew to be the right thing to do. We were instructed that we were, as individuals, personally responsible for that which we spoke, did, even thought and felt. There was made no mention of self-esteem, of political correctness, of compromise, of shades of gray; the moral rainbow consisted solely of two colors: white and black (right and wrong). That truth exists today as it has always existed, despite mankind's attempts to philosophize it into oblivion.

In this, the latter portion of the twentieth century, it has become fashionable to preach the gospel of self-esteem while eschewing the principle of personal responsibility. Psychology and Science appear to be able to place the blame for any deviant, aberrant, bizarre and/or socially unacceptable behavior on virtually anything or anyone excepting, and thereby pardoning, the individual who commits the breach of what was once considered reasonable behavior. Nothing and no one is safe from the finger of reproach with the single exception of the perpetrator. Perhaps the individual in question was abused as a child, was reared in poverty, deprived of love, and so on and so forth, ad infinitum. Blame, guilt, and retribution have given way to pity, leniency, and forgiveness.

Where there were once credible norms, there now flutters in the societal winds an increasing tendency toward latitude and acceptance, regardless of the malignity of the act and the resulting impact on society as a whole. It seems that no behavior is to be demonstrated that is worthy of personal blame or public condemnation. The perpetrator of a crime has now become the victim while, alas, the true victim receives but cursory and transient empathy with no attendant justice nor equitable recompense.

Has this policy of moral liberality proven of benefit to society? One has but to peruse the daily newspapers to be made painfully aware that this standard of personal blamelessness has, to the contrary, proven empirically to be an abject and abysmal failure. Personal bankruptcies rise each year in a society where per capita income and personal standards of living have also risen. Murders, rapes, tortures, muggings, arsons, drug usage have increased at an alarming rate during this same period of improved self-esteem and public acceptance, liberality, and forgiveness.

In The Vanishing Conscience, MacArthur addresses, from a biblical perspective, the issues of self-esteem, personal guilt, and individual responsibility. How does modern psychology's obsession with personal forgiveness, high self-esteem, and the love of self stand in the light of Holy Scripture? What became of the little word sin with all of its grave implications, ramifications, and negative connotations? In an age of self-absolution, it would appear that Jesus Christ suffered and died in vain, for, if we are to believe the modern self-proclaimed and self-ordained prophets of the "feel good" philosophy, we are to forgive, each his or her own, transgressions and iniquities by blaming our environment, our genetic predisposition, our parents, our teachers, our political leaders, our role models, anything or anyone but our individual selves.

The Vanishing Conscience is an extraordinarily germane work in that MacArthur not only elucidates the church's adoption and endorsement of this secular abomination as well as the inherent dangers of this heretical philosophy, but does so in such a manner that the reader is made knowledgeable of that which a just God demands of His children. Of far greater importance than self-esteem is our relationship to a God who will hold you and I accountable for each act, thought, word, and deed.

On that Great and Terrible Day, conscience may be either a dear friend or a damning foe, but it will not claim neutrality. Self-esteem, that placebo of modern psychology, will not be a factor.

Although he seems to have penned countless other books, to me, this is MacArthur at this best - pure Bible study. The book is not directed against any particular person or school of thought, nor is it adovcating any particular praise or worship style in church. Rather, its purpose is to bring us to the realization that worship is more about the way we live our daily lives and less about what we do on Sunday mornings.

We cannot truly worship what does not exist, so MacArthur provides us with a very quick overview of the reasons men believe God to exist. And since we cannot effectively worship who we do not know, he also teaches us about the attributes of God. And since we want to worship God the way He would like to be worshipped, we are also instructed in the right and wrong ways that God has been worshipped in the Bible, showing us the consequences of improper worship, and the blessing that comes from proper worship.

There is no fluff here; you will not read about the author's personal warm and fuzzies, but you will get solid biblical scholarship. If you're the kind of person who finds satisfaction and joy in simply studying the word, and learning more about our wonderful God, then you will be very satisfied indeed.

This is a nice pamphles that serves as a springboard and jump-start to our relation with God. I found Dr. Mac Arthur's wsuggestions about contiually reading and focusing on the Bible as a key to knowing God.

An assistant pastor gave me this little book in high school 20 years ago, and I still have the copy and refer to it often. It's not full of deep spiritual insight, just down-to-earth practical Bible truths. I've looked at it over and over again and still haven't mastered it, but I still find it refreshingly true. God has a plan for our lives and has revealed it to us. It's not mystical, secret or elusive, but demands obediance. Now I'm ordering copies to teach my middle-school Sunday School class with. This is a GREAT BOOK!

This book is very short and to the point. I love how MacArthur continually upholds Scripture as the starting and ending place for all things. This book is a continual testimony of how God's Word is the ultimate and only authority for all of life. By reading this book, I now understand that God outlines His Will very clearly in Scripture, and I don't have to look for a "peace" from Him. In fact, doing so is unbiblical! I found, through this book, Scriputre has an answer for ANYTHING I might need, and as I am in God's Word more and more every day, I continually find this to be true. I would recommend this book to all Christians to buy and read and give to all their friends.

I have been admiring MacArthur for sometime. His passion for the Biblical truth still burns in him. His Study Bible is far better than all the other Study Bibles to date (including NIV Zondervan Study Bible and New Geneva Study Bible). Here are few reasons:
1. It has extensive study notes. This Study Bible has wealth of spiritual and Biblical information. It is practically a verse by verse expostional Study Bible. This alone merits high praise.
2. It has practical and devotional challenges. The study notes seem to have a goal in mind: holiness through knowledge of God. This particular element is clearly emphasized throughout the study notes.
3. It has useful addtional materials. Aside from maps, introduction and outline to each book of the Bible, it also contains very useful materials, such as: Topical Index, The Character of Genuine Saving Faith, etc.. They are very useful for both personal edification and teaching.

NOTE: This Study Bible teaches premillennialism, pre-tribulational rapture, cessasionism and Reformed (in Soteriology). I am Pre-mill, post-trib, non-cessasionist, and Reformed. Despite these differences, I have found this Study Bible better than all others. I liked it so much, I bought it two more and gave them to my friends!

The MacArthur Study Bible is one of the best study bibles I have used. I have used a lot of study bibles and this one is far superior if you are looking for one with lots of theological type commentary notes. The only other study bible that comes close as far as commentary notes is the Life Application Bible whose notes are not as in depth into doctrine and theology as MacArthur's notes. I really like the New King James Version that it's is printed in also. I think it a very accurate word for word translation compared to the NIV which is a thought for thought translation. The New King James Version also notes the textual variants between the different original manuscripts better than the NASB. I do feel that the MacArthur's study bible 2 weaknesses are the lack of more detailed maps and the subject index instead of a concordance in the back.

John MacArthur has provided outstanding study helps, with: 1. the New King James Version (NKJV) text, one of the most "accurate, beautiful, and complete" bible translations; 2. 20,000 study notes! 3. comprehensive bible introduction; 4. thorough book introductions and outlines; 5. outline of basic theology; 6. 200-pg topical index; 7. bible archaeology; 8. maps; 9. comprehensive timelines; 10. book harmonies; and, many other impressive helps!

The only detraction from this otherwise outstanding study bible is the lack of a concordance. Including a concise concordance would be of immense help, and that may be something the publishers would want to include in the next edition. In any case, a truly excellent and outstanding work, and I very highly recommend it for every Christian!

Simple and engaging, yet very informative. I recommend this book to any Christian counselor who feels the Bible alone is not fully equipped for counseling. MacArthur makes a very strong argument for its adequacy and confronts all doubters head on. A great introductory resource for new pastors and counselors.

Introduction to Biblical Counseling authors MacArthur and Mack develop an easy to read and understandable text that conveys to the reader the importance of nouthetic (biblical) counseling. I strongly recommed it as a must for any minister's library or anyone in the counseling field. It controdicts all main-stream psychological theories, while revealing the power and truth that the Bible holds. From cover to cover, I found myself fully embracing the simplistic yet accurate method of nouthetic counseling the writers desired to convey.

This is the follow-up to MacArthur's widely acclaimed first contribution to the debate, "The Gospel According to Jesus" (hereafter TGAJ). This current book seems to present a more careful reflection on the essential aspects of this debate than TGAJ exhibits.

It begins with a helpful primer on the "lordship salvation" controversy, where MacArthur correctly identifies the relationship between repentance and conversion as the single most important issue in this controversy. No-lordship proponents assert that there is no necessary relationship between repentance (defined as purposing to turn from sin) and salvation, while lordship proponents aver that repentance is an essential component of the gospel message (Mk 1:14-15; Lk 24:45; Acts 3:19; 11:18; 20:21; 26:20). The startling implication from the no-lordship conception of conversion in this matter is that a sinner may intellectually believe the facts of the gospel for salvation while concurrently harboring hatred and rebellion against Christ in his/her heart!

MacArthur also discusses the misrepresentation of the debate often made by no-lordship proponents, who frame the debate in terms that make it appear that the debate is ultimately over salvation by grace alone versus salvation by grace plus works (hence their inaccurate characterization of themselves as "free-grace" advocates). What most no-lordship advocates fail to note in their discussion of the debate is that proponents of lordship salvation conceive of God's saving grace as sovereign and dynamic. Proponents of lordship-salvation conceive of God's salvific grace as effecting not only the salvation of a sinner from the consequences of sin, but also from its tyranny and rule in his/her life. They assert that God's grace not only saves, but transforms. Therefore, when God saves a sinner, He not only brings him/her to an intellectual conviction about the saving ministry of Christ, but also to repentance and submission (in varying degrees) to the lordship of Christ. It appears (from the literature coming forth from the no-lordship camp) that they simply do not understand this essential consideration of the debate. Until they demonstrate an awareness of how lordship proponents conceive of God's grace (i.e. as sovereign and dynamic) the debate will continue to flounder and the proponents will continue to speak past one another.

MacArthur also discusses the nature of saving faith, discussing (in chapters 3 and 9) the nature and result of the faith that saves and the character of faith that does not save. No-lordship advocates assert that saving faith is simple intellectual conviction about Jesus Christ as having secured one's eternal destiny (as of late, many no-lordship advocates are even averring that knowledge of Christ's substitutionary work on the cross is not necessary for salvation - consult the Fall 2000 issue of the Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society for documentation). Lordship salvation conceives of saving faith as composed of knowledge (notitia), agreement (assensus), and trust or commitment (fiducia) in the Person of Christ as presented in Scripture. It is evident that the two sides of this debate are diametrically opposed on this essential matter of the character of the faith that saves.

MacArthur also does a nice job in the book as he addresses the other important issues of this debate (e.g., the nature of the new life that has been freed from sin, the so-called "carnal Christian," and the doctrines of assurance and perseverance).

He concludes with an excellent chapter entitled "What Must I do to Be Saved," which really is the ultimate question that this entire debate is centered upon. This is the practical outworking of the debate, and MacArthur demonstrates the important application this debate has to the presentation of the gospel message to sinners. This reviewer ultimately concludes that, from a practical standpoint, the two sides of this debate have two very different religions altogether.

As a final note, the concluding appendices also include helpful material, especially the appendix that demonstrates the historical continuity between current lordship salvation theology, and the soteriology of the Reformation. It is clear that it is the advocates of so-called "lordship salvation" who are the theological heirs of the Reformation.

This is *the* book to own if you are struggling with the "lordship salvation" debate, and I would even recommend it above TGAJ as *the* book to give to someone new to the debate. In addition to this book, I would also recommend Richard Belcher's book, "A Layman's Guide to The Lordship Controversy" and especially Robert Lescelius's book, "Lordship Salvation: Some Crucial Questions and Answers."

I think MacArthur does a quality job of explaining the Gospel and pointing out that Jesus Christ has to be both Lord and Savior. Intellectualizing the facts of Jesus does not get it done and the doctrine of cheap grace has many people building their house on sand. The gentleman from Dallas should also reference 1 John 2:6 and James 2:17-22. Scripture is meant to be used as one doctrine not separate.

I have read several of John's books and I believe that "DALLAS" could stand to re-read this book one more time. It is very obvious the point that was made with the writing of this book. Very easy to read and for most of us ,easy to understand...This book will help the new believer to understand the basic truths of scripture. Thank you John-(DALLAS, if you were only being honest, then why not put your identity or e-mail up for all to see? why hide it? )

MacArthur hits the nail on the head. No, he is not saying in his book that works save. He is saying that good works accompany salvation (the fruit of salvation, not the root). Those who think that faith is a simple acceptance of certain truths about Jesus without "losing their lives" to find it are deceived. In truth, they misunderstand the doctrine of regeneration. "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' yet do not do what I say?" That was a fair question by Christ, wasn't it? He told those people to depart because he never knew them, in spite of their claims to be Christians. MacArthur does a good job of setting the record straight. With a fresh view of the holiness of God, surely "Lordship" is warranted. Jesus didn't want our words (i.e., "Save me Jesus, but don't rule me"); He wants our heart and soul -- our trust.

The Gospel According to Jesus is a must read for every Christian. John MacArthur, in his usual easy to read and clear way, hits the central tenet of Christianity, how does an individual inherit eternal life? Many folks, including pastors and other church leaders, believe surrendering to Jesus Christ as Lord is optional for saving faith. They claim all that is necessary is to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and if, later in your life you submit to His Lordship, so much the better. MacArthur, using the words of Christ Himself, shows there is no salvation without a willingness to follow Jesus as Lord. The message of this book is timeless, since it is supported with a plethora of scripture references. I heartily recommend the book to any Christian desiring to communicate the Gospel accurately. This book, along with a companion volume entitled Faith Works (The Gospel According to the Apostles), are indispensible tools in the Lord's work.

Does the word "antinomian" mean anything to you? This book does a solid job of dismantling the gospel according to Zane Hodges, the author referred to by many one star reviewers. Hodges' bare-assent salvation message is rebuked, by name, in MacArthur's book "The Gospel According to Jesus" and in the subsequent volume, "Faith Works: The Gospel According to the Apostles." MacArthur exposes this culturally enslaved, man-centered heresy with great care, a false gospel that I like to simplify as the "Hate God But Swipe The Gift" error.

But the boxing ring in which this brawl is being waged is mediocre, as the debate is generally confined to dispensationalist circles. If one peers into the conservative Reformed circles, this issue doesn't really exist, because the Reformed emphasis on God-centeredness, obedience, and the perseverence of the elect guarantees that, in a nutshell, "If you LOVE me, you will keep my commandments." Check out the description of "LOVE" in First Corinthians 13, apply it to your (alleged) relationship with God, and see if you too have attempted to take a gift from a God you hate (and supposedly don't ever have to love, even through your last breath). But as MacArthur reminds his readers, "The faithful ARE faithful."

Imagine this pathetic scenario: upon hearing a sermon on loving God, or sanctification, or crucifying your flesh with its passions and desires, you reject that message in your heart (because Lord Zane said you can -- and you sure as heck will obey him), and then after the service you dart your way up to the preacher and ask: "Aww, but do we HAVE TO in order to still be saved?" Buddy, you ain't.