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Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World
In the third edition of this top-selling book, John MacArthur challenges the seeker-sensitive, user-friendly, entertainment-oriented pragmatism that permeates the church today.
In the late 1800s, Charles Spurgeon warned that the church was drifting away from the purity of the gospel, candy-coating God's Word rather than boldly proclaiming the truths of Scripture. As a result, Christianity's influence in nineteenth-century England was severely weakened. One hundred years later, John MacArthur, troubled by the seeker-sensitive movement and an emphasis on pragmatism within the church, sounded the same alarm with the first edition of Ashamed of the Gospel.
In this newly revised and expanded edition, MacArthur gives an overview of developments in the seeker-sensitive movement since his book was first published in 1993. New material traces the line of pragmatic philosophy from the seeker-sensitive movement through the Emergent phenomenon, explaining why the latter is a philosophical heir of the former-and an even greater danger; chronicles the failure of pragmatic approaches to church growth; and emphasizes the importance of evangelicals solidly committed to biblical doctrine rising to positions of leadership.
In the late 1800s, Charles Spurgeon warned that the church was drifting away from the purity of the gospel, candy-coating God's Word rather than boldly proclaiming the truths of Scripture. As a result, Christianity's influence in nineteenth-century England was severely weakened. One hundred years later, John MacArthur, troubled by the seeker-sensitive movement and an emphasis on pragmatism within the church, sounded the same alarm with the first edition of Ashamed of the Gospel.
In this newly revised and expanded edition, MacArthur gives an overview of developments in the seeker-sensitive movement since his book was first published in 1993. New material traces the line of pragmatic philosophy from the seeker-sensitive movement through the Emergent phenomenon, explaining why the latter is a philosophical heir of the former-and an even greater danger; chronicles the failure of pragmatic approaches to church growth; and emphasizes the importance of evangelicals solidly committed to biblical doctrine rising to positions of leadership.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
154 people are currently reading
2195 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,921 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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August 24, 2011The first edition of this book was published in 1993, and the latest edition was published in 2010. Sometimes the benefit of a book that is warning the threat posed to Evangelical Christianity is best seen from the passage of time. From the perspective that "time will tell.." I think this book is a must read for those who are concern about the state of American Christianity departing from Biblical mooring. The message is not out of date, but has been proven to be more relevant today. The author John MacArthur is a preacher who has the reputation of being one who preaches the Bible faithfully. In the preface to the second edition, MacArthur has made it clear that he intended to leave the original content of the first edition intact. While much of the discussion in the book first tackled the seeker sensitive movement, the book in the update discusses the Emergent church movement. It is important that one does not discuss about the Emergent church movement in a vaccuum and MacArthur proposes that there is a link between the Seeker Sensitive church movement and the Emergents: both are heavily driven by "pragmaticism" of getting people in the church without regard or downplaying faithfulness to the Bible's own principle of ministry. MacArthur does acknowledge that the foundations of both are different (one being quite modernistic and the other post-modern) but his assessment of how the leaders and the leading Seeker Sensitive Church movement going the direction of the Emergents is rather saddening. From this book, the readers will be reminded that there is nothing new under the sun, that everything has been tried before. MacArthur talks a lot of Spurgeon's down grade controversy and the new edition of the work features an appendix of Spurgeon quotes complied by the editor Phil Johnson (as a side note, Johnson has become an authority on anything Spurgeon and this work by MacArthur was the one that first introduced him to this Victorian preacher!). When one read Spurgeon's own words and his description of the ecclesiastical climate of his day, one is struck at how similiar things are. It is a treat to evaluate a book years down the road and see if the message rings true or if it was exaggerated...and for the readers who read the second edition nearly twenty years later, one can say that John MacArthur's warning cannot be exaggerated and that conditions are even worst than he can make up in 1993. The book however is not just a doom and gloom message of negativity, MacArthur is calling the readers to being repentance and renewed commitment to the gospel and doing ministry Biblically. This work demonstrates that John MacArthur' message is prophetic--in a cessasionist' way of course.
dnf
September 26, 2022Despite being 30 years old, this topic is still very much relevant. I switched from the physical to audiobook and still found this hard to focus on, as if the target audience is more pastors and church staff rather than the average Christian
Want to read
September 18, 2022Grandma asked me to read.
July 15, 2012
John MacArthur deals with the subject of Pragmatism in such a powerful way.
The following is a condensed version of what this book revealed to me:
Pragmatism is the view that meaning or worth is determined by practical consequences.
The error of pragmatism simply put: "if it works, it must be right"!
The pragmatic approach to doing church is to determine what attracts people and makes the church grow. We are far too human. We are limited in our perception and understanding. We are prone to believe that good results are necessarily indicative of faithfulness to Scripture. This is not true. A man centered gospel is always full of error and compromise and "good ideas." A man centered church is a glorified country club and although a man centered government seems good, it will always make its decisions based on what is good instead of what is right.
Get this book and read it over and over, if need be. This is a message that can not be overlooked, as many of our "modern" day churches would have to be considered "pragmatic". This book warns of the danger of pragmatism! Heed the warning.
The following is a condensed version of what this book revealed to me:
Pragmatism is the view that meaning or worth is determined by practical consequences.
The error of pragmatism simply put: "if it works, it must be right"!
The pragmatic approach to doing church is to determine what attracts people and makes the church grow. We are far too human. We are limited in our perception and understanding. We are prone to believe that good results are necessarily indicative of faithfulness to Scripture. This is not true. A man centered gospel is always full of error and compromise and "good ideas." A man centered church is a glorified country club and although a man centered government seems good, it will always make its decisions based on what is good instead of what is right.
Get this book and read it over and over, if need be. This is a message that can not be overlooked, as many of our "modern" day churches would have to be considered "pragmatic". This book warns of the danger of pragmatism! Heed the warning.
October 15, 2012
A great book. All Christians should be forced to read this - even though many of them would not like its contents. The truth hurts, sorry.
The numerous quotes by C.H. Spurgeon were a delightful blessing and thrust of the sword. The plight of Christian truth has not changed in hundreds of years. This book proves that.
Yet God looks after his church.
The numerous quotes by C.H. Spurgeon were a delightful blessing and thrust of the sword. The plight of Christian truth has not changed in hundreds of years. This book proves that.
Yet God looks after his church.
March 22, 2012
Didn't find the infomation in this book especially surprising or new, but it is definitely a good summary of what has happened in recent decades to the church and some great suggestions of solutions. I would have liked to have read more about how I, a non-pastor, can have more impact.
The best chapter was the last one that gave a brief but striking overview of the Emerging Church (or whatever they want to call themselves) and the decline of that "conversation" even in the face of the stronger and more prevalent movement of the New Calvinism. MacArthur presented that as a definitive warning, surprisingly, because he sees it as yet another fad, though much more grounded in biblical truth, that will likely fade as a new "vibrant" movement emerges.
If you have yet to have read a comprehensive book on the decline of the church and the problem with relevance, then this would definitely be one to add to your list.
The best chapter was the last one that gave a brief but striking overview of the Emerging Church (or whatever they want to call themselves) and the decline of that "conversation" even in the face of the stronger and more prevalent movement of the New Calvinism. MacArthur presented that as a definitive warning, surprisingly, because he sees it as yet another fad, though much more grounded in biblical truth, that will likely fade as a new "vibrant" movement emerges.
If you have yet to have read a comprehensive book on the decline of the church and the problem with relevance, then this would definitely be one to add to your list.
October 12, 2018
I've had this book on my shelf for years, and can't believe I haven't read it until now. While originally written 25 years ago it is amazing how relevant it is for today. All of MacArthur's warnings have proven true. The preface to the third edition and the Appendix A concerning Spurgeon and the "Down-Grade" Controversy alone are worth the price of the book. This should be required reading in every pastoral ministry course.
February 8, 2019
First sentence: If you're familiar with the life of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, you have probably heard of "the Down-Grade Controversy." Spurgeon spent the final four years of his life at war against the trends of early modernism, which he rightly saw as a threat to biblical Christianity.
Ashamed of the Gospel was first published in 1993. Is it still a relevant read for Christians today?! My answer is yes--a thousand times yes. Though the key players may have changed and shifted throughout the decades since this was first published, the church is still threatened by the ideas, philosophies, worldviews, or tactics of the enemy.
In the preface, MacArthur defines a few key terms for readers giving a hint at what the book is about.
Pragmatism is the notion that meaning or worth is determined by practical consequences. It is closely akin to utilitarianism, the belief that usefulness is the standard of what is good. [Pragmatism] is inherently relativistic, rejecting the notion of absolute right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error. (xii)
Pragmatism as a guiding philosophy of ministry is inherently flawed. Pragmatism as a test of truth is nothing short of satanic. Spiritual and biblical truth is not determined by testing what "works" and what doesn't. (xiii)
Worldliness is the sin of allowing one's appetites, ambitions, or conduct to be fashioned according to earthly values. (xvii)
Why is the book titled ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL? Because, MacArthur writes, "Unfortunately, 'ashamed of the gospel' seems more and more apt as a description of some of the most visible and influential churches of our age." (xix) He later writes, "Why do you suppose Paul wrote, 'I am not ashamed of the gospel' (Rom 1:16)? Surely it is because so many Christians are ashamed of the very message we are commanded to proclaim." (31)
MacArthur sees a parallel between the current threats facing the church today and the Down-Grade Controversy of the nineteenth century. (Though he does point out that each and every generation or age of the church has faced challenges and threats. The enemy has never lost sight of his goal though his specific tactics may alter here and there and get a new makeover now and then.)
Biblical truth is like the pinnacle of a steep, slippery mountain, Spurgeon suggested. One step away, and you find yourself on the down-grade. (21).
"False doctrine and worldliness"--the same two influences Spurgeon attacked--always go hand in hand, with worldliness leading the way. (23)
What should guide a church ministry? MacArthur argues that THE WORD OF GOD is the only solid foundation for guiding or establishing a ministry. The Word of God is authoritative. Its authority isn't one of many but the one and only. MacArthur sees this principle--this doctrine--being attacked in modern days. He sees this threat not only on the fringes but in the mainstream.
No human message comes with the stamp of divine authority--only the Word of God. (32)
MacArthur shows us the right and wrong way of doing ministry, of doing church. Each chapter is saturated with the Word of God. He teaches readers what the Bible has to say about preachers and preaching, about the church, about the gospel, about sinners and sin. Each chapter also discusses the current threats facing the church. The specifics may change--who's teaching what where--but the threats are constant.
Why does this matter? MacArthur writes, "When the church is on the down-grade, it means that multitudes of individuals are carried along on the spiritual decline. False doctrine and worldliness in the church infect every member of the body." (27)
I loved, loved, LOVED this one. DOCTRINE MATTERS.
Let's play a game of true or false...
1. TRUE OR FALSE. People's deepest need is to confess and overcome their sin. (34)
2. TRUE OR FALSE. Preaching that fails to confront and correct sin through the Word of God does not meet people's need. (34)
3. TRUE OR FALSE. Paul suggests that the way to reach society is to soften the message so that everyone will be comfortable with it. (35)
4. TRUE OR FALSE. Salvation comes from wanting to join the fun and end the emotional pain. (63)
5. TRUE OR FALSE. Salvation comes when the heart cries out for deliverance from sin. (63)
6. TRUE OR FALSE. An honest belief in the sovereignty of God would bring an end to a lot of the nonsense that is going on in the church. (85)
7. TRUE OR FALSE. We are called to fight a spiritual battle, and we cannot win by appeasing the enemy.
8. TRUE OR FALSE. Paul's message was always non-negotiable. (91)
9.TRUE OR FALSE. There has never been a time when biblical Christianity was not threatened with worldliness and false doctrine. (105)
10, TRUE OR FALSE. The gospel's significance does not end the moment the new birth occurs; it applies to the entire Christian experience. (122)
11. TRUE OR FALSE. The gospel itself is disagreeable, unattractive, repulsive, and alarming to the world. (128)
12. TRUE OR FALSE. The gospel is first of all a message about God's righteousness. Divine righteousness is the starting point and the theme of the gospel message. (130)
13. TRUE OR FALSE. God's wrath is almost entirely missing from modern presentations of the gospel. It is not fashionable to speak of God's wrath against sin or to tell people they should fear God. (131)
14. TRUE OR FALSE. God planned our salvation. Christ purchased our salvation. The Holy Spirit effects our salvation. (167)
15. TRUE OR FALSE. Churches cannot abandon biblical standards to accommodate their leaders' sin. (183)
16. TRUE OR FALSE. We must be willing to grow and adapt and try new things--but never at the expense of biblical truth, and never to the detriment of the gospel message. (188)
17. TRUE OR FALSE. If a church is not willing to take a firm stand against abortion, how will that church deal with erosion of crucial doctrine? If a church lacks discernment enough to condemn such overt errors as homosexuality or feminism, how will that church handle a subtle attack on doctrinal integrity? (193)
Ashamed of the Gospel was first published in 1993. Is it still a relevant read for Christians today?! My answer is yes--a thousand times yes. Though the key players may have changed and shifted throughout the decades since this was first published, the church is still threatened by the ideas, philosophies, worldviews, or tactics of the enemy.
In the preface, MacArthur defines a few key terms for readers giving a hint at what the book is about.
Pragmatism is the notion that meaning or worth is determined by practical consequences. It is closely akin to utilitarianism, the belief that usefulness is the standard of what is good. [Pragmatism] is inherently relativistic, rejecting the notion of absolute right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error. (xii)
Pragmatism as a guiding philosophy of ministry is inherently flawed. Pragmatism as a test of truth is nothing short of satanic. Spiritual and biblical truth is not determined by testing what "works" and what doesn't. (xiii)
Worldliness is the sin of allowing one's appetites, ambitions, or conduct to be fashioned according to earthly values. (xvii)
Why is the book titled ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL? Because, MacArthur writes, "Unfortunately, 'ashamed of the gospel' seems more and more apt as a description of some of the most visible and influential churches of our age." (xix) He later writes, "Why do you suppose Paul wrote, 'I am not ashamed of the gospel' (Rom 1:16)? Surely it is because so many Christians are ashamed of the very message we are commanded to proclaim." (31)
MacArthur sees a parallel between the current threats facing the church today and the Down-Grade Controversy of the nineteenth century. (Though he does point out that each and every generation or age of the church has faced challenges and threats. The enemy has never lost sight of his goal though his specific tactics may alter here and there and get a new makeover now and then.)
Biblical truth is like the pinnacle of a steep, slippery mountain, Spurgeon suggested. One step away, and you find yourself on the down-grade. (21).
"False doctrine and worldliness"--the same two influences Spurgeon attacked--always go hand in hand, with worldliness leading the way. (23)
What should guide a church ministry? MacArthur argues that THE WORD OF GOD is the only solid foundation for guiding or establishing a ministry. The Word of God is authoritative. Its authority isn't one of many but the one and only. MacArthur sees this principle--this doctrine--being attacked in modern days. He sees this threat not only on the fringes but in the mainstream.
No human message comes with the stamp of divine authority--only the Word of God. (32)
MacArthur shows us the right and wrong way of doing ministry, of doing church. Each chapter is saturated with the Word of God. He teaches readers what the Bible has to say about preachers and preaching, about the church, about the gospel, about sinners and sin. Each chapter also discusses the current threats facing the church. The specifics may change--who's teaching what where--but the threats are constant.
Why does this matter? MacArthur writes, "When the church is on the down-grade, it means that multitudes of individuals are carried along on the spiritual decline. False doctrine and worldliness in the church infect every member of the body." (27)
I loved, loved, LOVED this one. DOCTRINE MATTERS.
Let's play a game of true or false...
1. TRUE OR FALSE. People's deepest need is to confess and overcome their sin. (34)
2. TRUE OR FALSE. Preaching that fails to confront and correct sin through the Word of God does not meet people's need. (34)
3. TRUE OR FALSE. Paul suggests that the way to reach society is to soften the message so that everyone will be comfortable with it. (35)
4. TRUE OR FALSE. Salvation comes from wanting to join the fun and end the emotional pain. (63)
5. TRUE OR FALSE. Salvation comes when the heart cries out for deliverance from sin. (63)
6. TRUE OR FALSE. An honest belief in the sovereignty of God would bring an end to a lot of the nonsense that is going on in the church. (85)
7. TRUE OR FALSE. We are called to fight a spiritual battle, and we cannot win by appeasing the enemy.
8. TRUE OR FALSE. Paul's message was always non-negotiable. (91)
9.TRUE OR FALSE. There has never been a time when biblical Christianity was not threatened with worldliness and false doctrine. (105)
10, TRUE OR FALSE. The gospel's significance does not end the moment the new birth occurs; it applies to the entire Christian experience. (122)
11. TRUE OR FALSE. The gospel itself is disagreeable, unattractive, repulsive, and alarming to the world. (128)
12. TRUE OR FALSE. The gospel is first of all a message about God's righteousness. Divine righteousness is the starting point and the theme of the gospel message. (130)
13. TRUE OR FALSE. God's wrath is almost entirely missing from modern presentations of the gospel. It is not fashionable to speak of God's wrath against sin or to tell people they should fear God. (131)
14. TRUE OR FALSE. God planned our salvation. Christ purchased our salvation. The Holy Spirit effects our salvation. (167)
15. TRUE OR FALSE. Churches cannot abandon biblical standards to accommodate their leaders' sin. (183)
16. TRUE OR FALSE. We must be willing to grow and adapt and try new things--but never at the expense of biblical truth, and never to the detriment of the gospel message. (188)
17. TRUE OR FALSE. If a church is not willing to take a firm stand against abortion, how will that church deal with erosion of crucial doctrine? If a church lacks discernment enough to condemn such overt errors as homosexuality or feminism, how will that church handle a subtle attack on doctrinal integrity? (193)
January 23, 2024
Worldliness is a perennial issue and the church often falls culprit to it on both a corporate and an individual aspect. MacArthur shows how the Gospel is the hinge point for us to either fall away through shame and disdain of the message of the cross, or to embrace the truth of the Gospel and do so boldly.
January 3, 2012
John MacArthur knocks this one out of the ballpark. In Ashamed of the Gospel, published in 1993, MacArthur discusses the market-driven church growth strategies that characterized the latter half of the 20th century. He shows that by having a pragmatic view of church growth, the church is placed on a slippery slope towards mushy doctrine and ineffectiveness in the world. I don’t know why I hadn’t read this book before, but I would say that it should be essential reading for today’s pastors. I would compare this book with J. Gresham Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism from the beginning of the 20th century. Though Machen was dealing with theological liberalism and MacArthur is dealing with methodological liberalism, the dangers of both are the same, and both books are as relevant today as they are when they were written.
5/5 stars
5/5 stars
February 17, 2012
If you are wondering if there is anything wrong with the contemporary church and in particular a seeker sensitive mentality this is the book for you.
Once again John MacArthur is true to scripture.
Once again John MacArthur is true to scripture.
June 3, 2013
MacArthur at his best. Poignant, hard-hitting, no nonsense. Although he goes down the path of Calvinism farther than I am willing to follow, his observations about the trouble with user-friendly Churchianity are right on target.
June 21, 2013
A vague, meandering rant against a host of presumed ills of the contemporary church. The many fine scriptural expositions are weakened by the lack of focus and the author's habit of blaming church decline on a few pet peeves.
December 30, 2015
Ótimo livro, repleto de passagens bíblicas, o qual nos adverte contra o pragmatismo nas igrejas, e nos encoraja a prosseguirmos fiéis às verdades bíblicas e a crermos na loucura da pregação como forma de Deus salvar os seus.
April 17, 2019
Literally the BEST BOOK I have EVER read!!
March 22, 2020
An incredible call for Christians to cling closer to biblical teaching and stand firm on the gospel. I found this book to be both challenging and encouraging. John MacArthur reminds us in the pages of this book that the greatest challenge to the modern church maybe modernism itself. This is a must read especially those new to being a pastor and young ministers as well. MacArthur does a good job at not pointing at any particular high profile church organization and makes it clear throughout the course of this book that it is never to late for churches to turn back to the word. MacArthur did a great job here building his case for sound doctrine and the importance of teaching the whole gospel truth about Christ's teaching & discipleship. I myself found this book challenging as many of he enticing lures of a commercial or what he calls a user friendly church have seemed right to me in the past. Make no mistake this book is for the Christian looking to grow and wanting to stay true to the Christian message. MacArthur doesn't sugar coat the need for those in the pulpit to not soften teaching on subjects like hell, homosexuality, prosperity gospel & abortion. John cites the words of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Spurgeon would often warn the church about its slippery slope of trying to compete with the modern world or conforming to modern views just to get more members. This book would definitely be great for a bible study & discussion or even a Christian small group book discussion. I enjoy this book so much I can not wait to read one of MacArthur's other books.
November 2, 2019
This book is a solid reminder, through Biblical proof, historical evidence, and sound logic, that Christians must hold fast to the immutable truth of the Bible - the whole Bible. While many are willing to compromise on offensive parts of the Bible, Christians must not do so. MacArthur does a good job of explaining this, the consequences of when you yield to the temptation, and how to avoid doing just that.
June 19, 2020
Livro muito interessante que te faz pensar na propagação do evangelho com sã doutrina e que com isso confronta os adeptos da teologia dos “amigos da igreja”, ou seja, a ideia de uma igreja amigável que não quer saber de tocar na ferida dos membros e com isso acabam negociando os princípios que são eternos. Coisa que NÃO SE DEVE FAZER!
September 10, 2020
What does it look like when the Church starts to appeal to the world? Well, this book is helpful if you have been asking yourself that question.
I listened to the Audiobook narrated by Jonathan Marosz
I listened to the Audiobook narrated by Jonathan Marosz
October 22, 2019
Deus é soberano.
Não há estratégia de marketing e oratória que seja capaz de edificar a igreja se não através do ensino da palavra de Deus
Não há estratégia de marketing e oratória que seja capaz de edificar a igreja se não através do ensino da palavra de Deus
July 23, 2024
If you know Jmac, this is a pure expression of his Biblical convictions. Must read especially in our age of pragmatism and syncretism.
October 14, 2024
Full of biblical truths for a Christ centered worldview
December 7, 2020
I agree with the majority of the theology in this book and want to preface with the fact that my personal preference in a sermon is sound and in depth biblical teaching. That being said I felt like the book was some what of an exposé to Charles Spurgeon with quote after quote from him and his overall teachings. At some point it began to feel like a rant rather than a refute to the modern church using the Spurgeon quotes along with multiple scriptures in redundancy one after another repeatedly through the book. I agree that our churches are beginning to look too much like the world but on the other hand some churches are beginning to look too much like modern day Pharisees using their own knowledge of the word to turn their noses up to other pastors. His criticism towards select pastor groups and their usage of personal testimony or messages that are "relatable" neglects the fact that the disciples were using their own testimony and witness of what they saw Jesus do (both within themselves and externally amongst the crowds) that later was documented as the Gospel. Jesus himself taught in parable to make Kingdom principles understandable to the people He encountered. Other than Paul, the disciples were not scholarly men and were reliant on what they saw or experienced to spread the commission they were given. Out of all the rebukes against the church I've read in the recent years this was my least favorite. Radical by David Platt or Francis Chan's Letters to the church would be better read by any reader looking to be more like the biblical church in my personal opinion.
January 1, 2016
I started reading the 1st edition of this book, published in 1993. When I found out there was a third edition, published in 2009, I ordered it because of the promise of two new chapters that would take into account what has changed in 15 years. Macarthur's prophetic voice, while clear and compelling, eventually wore a little thin to me. I wish that he had at least one chapter entitled "And now for some good news" that would have talked about much of the course correction that I think has taken place in evangelicalism in the past couple of years. I see a return to solid biblical preaching among influential young pastors such as Platt, Greaar, and Matt Chandler. I also see wider influence and respect for older pastors like Piper and Tim Keller. Certainly the conservative resurgence in the SBC has impacted biblical preaching. But Macarthur either doesn't agree, or is waiting for the 4th edition to have his "The news isn't all bad" chapter.
Nevertheless, his central thesis is valid, and his word of warning is crucial. Every preacher and teacher should read the book and evaluate the extent to which he or she relies on God's Word--and only God's Word--as the power unto salvation for everyone who believes.
Nevertheless, his central thesis is valid, and his word of warning is crucial. Every preacher and teacher should read the book and evaluate the extent to which he or she relies on God's Word--and only God's Word--as the power unto salvation for everyone who believes.
April 17, 2008
Thank God for steadfast men of the Gospel like John MacArthur. His wisdom and discernment cut through today's "hip" manipulation and marketing tactics of the seeker-driven churches and remind us to be careful of fads and gimmicks. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of salvation and the dilution of that truth is often hidden behind visual aids, ridiculous secular-like dramas, sermon series based on "my favorite movies" and...well, you get the picture. Sometimes I've felt so out of place in church watching a drama with references to "Will and Grace", and other absurdities. I am not ashamed of the Gospel and I am reassured by both Scripture and authors like MacArthur and Charles Stanley, that it's okay to crave expository Bible preaching instead of drive-thru sermonettes and other gimmicks of so many churches of today.
May 31, 2017
Searing look at how deadly false teaching combined with the movement away from grace toward pragmatism has caused the church to become more worldly and less biblical. I like the way the author structured the book - there are a ton of scripture references and he clearly lays out the problems and also the solutions that are needed to battle against worldliness. He also gives a contrast the current trend to the mordernism that Spurgeon fought against more then a century ago. For those looking for a solid overview of the trend toward pragmatism and how the church is booming more worldly and what to do about it, I can't think of a better book except for maybe "Has American Christianity Failed?"
January 31, 2014
Even though this book was first published 10 years ago, the truths are still prevalent for today. Even more so! We can clearly see Pragmatism being practiced in our churches. It is amazing how things that brought people to Christ at one time are being reduced to present standards. I still use the same old tactics, soul winning, one-on-one personal witnessing. Telling the truth about hell to people and not watering down the truth. I appreciate John MacArthur's zeal and burden in reaching others for Christ. I believe this book should be a requirement in our Bible Colleges. Then maybe, we can stop turning out lukewarm preachers.
February 15, 2015
A great book on the counter-cultural gospel of the Bible as opposed to "consumeristic" techniques to bring people to church. Read this with a pinch of salt as the author's views are very strong, but overall it is a very timely GOOD, hard message that we as believers all need to sit with & reflect on.
January 7, 2018
I love John MacArthur’s books and the glory he brings to God through them and this is another one where he does that. I just had a very hard time following along and understanding certain chapters. It was a hard read for me, but that doesn’t stop me from giving it 5 stars, because there is Truth proclaimed in this book.
September 4, 2008
Outstanding book. Pastor MacArthur is not afraid to address issues confronting the church today. A must read for those who are dissatified with the direction the church is taking. I do not know where my stars went but I give it 4 stars.
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