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Truth Endures: commemorating forty years of unleashing God's truth one verse at a time 1969-2009, landmark sermons
John MacArthur is known worldwide for his teaching ministry and best-selling writing. For more than four decades, his work has been characterized by one important, unwavering careful, verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible. Truth Endures commemorates that lifelong focus by bringing together twelve of MacArthur’s classic sermons, including “The Simple Gospel,” “The Purpose of Trials,” “Jesus’ Death Shows Us How to Live,” and “Making Hard Decisions.” MacArthur’s veteran years of ministry experience shine through in each Bible-centered sermon. Forty years in the making, Truth Endures is a landmark volume that will be prized by MacArthur readers everywhere.
298 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
8 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,926 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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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 29, 2013
Well call it the weakness of a bibliophile - i mean who can resist a book with a cover so nice?
Hardcover and deceptively-designed to look leather-bound, it reminds you of an old journal – especially given its rugged look (it’s like those old jeans with bullet-holes concept – they purposely produced them old) and gold-plated title.
And the title of the book is impressive (Truth endures: commemorating forty years of unleashing God’s truth one verse at a time 1969-2009), plus it is supposed to contain 12 landmark sermons by john macarthur. Who can withstand this alluring appeal?
Though i was prepared to be disappointed cos judging a book by its looks normally cant sustain me for 1 hour of reading – unless the contents live up to its cover. Plus am not really a macarthur fan.
So i sat down and read, after having planned something to do an hour later.
But it turns out good! I remained lost in the book for the next few hours.
You can skip the first 70 pages which is a biographical sketch of the author though- that’s what i did – and jump right into his sermons.
One thing interesting about this collection is it actually carries an introductory section on when the sermon was preached – normally after certain historical event, for example after the volcanic eruption of mt st helens in 1980, after 911, after the oklahoma bombing etc… and the sermon can be read in a different light given different contexts.
“How to play church” and “the simple gospel” are typical macarthur sermons against hypocrisy and worldliness (somehow i have this impression that he always write about this theme – as in false teachings and worldly temptations). “Which way to heaven” is about entering the narrow gate” (i kind of like the expository style). ”A jet tour through revelation” provides a nice summary for the last book of the Bible (think it is useful for teaching Bible 101), “how to obtain eternal life” revisit the parable of the rich young ruler, “the purpose of trials” reminds us how difficulties in life can mould us, “making the hard decisions easy” is the best sermon i have read on christian conscience so far (and i will explain why soon), “Jesus’ death shows us how to live” is a study of the Lord’s seven sayings on the cross (though i thought he brought certain sayings too far); “15 words of hope” is about condescension and salvation based on 2 cor 5:21; “a biblical perspective of death, terrorism and the middle east” is a direct response to 911; “the starting principle of discipleship” is about denying self and taking up the cross; and “the childlikeness of believers: confronting sin” is about church discipline and correction of sinful behaviour.
Of all 12, i like “making the hard decisions easy” best.
Have heard several sermons on christian liberty and thought it is one of the most difficult topic to preach on – at least from the human perspective. If you are too conservative, people will think christianity is for dinosaurs; if you are too liberal, people will think christianity is no different from the world. So many preachers would rather bring out the principle and spirit behind christian liberty and avoid pointing out specific activities – which i think is wise. Yet if you do so, you run the risk of making christian liberty a theory and thus lose the application element. Given that, some preachers would normally pick on certain activities to illustrate - and they would either choose one that is safe (and redundant) or one that is common (and offend half the world).
Some preachers even got it all wrong. A lecturer from a pretty well-known seminary even tried this as one of his main stance in his online sermon: you would hurt your parents if they learnt that you are engaging in certain activity. To me, this is off focus and even treading dangerously into emotional blackmail.
But macarthur did well for this topic and i think the section sub-headings with questions are enough to inspire future preachers on this topic:
Expedience: will it be spiritually profitable?
Edification: will it build me up?
Excess: will it slow me down in the race?
Enslavement: will it bring me into bondage?
Equivocation: will it hypocritically cover my sin?
Encroachment: will it violate the Lordship of Christ in my life?
Example: will it help other christians by its example?
Evangelism: will it lead others to Christ?
Emulation: will it be consistent with Christ’s likeness?
Exaltation: will it glorify God?
Pretty cool.
Other than that, the sub-headings for “the purpose of trials” are also helpful:
Trials test the strength of our faith
Trials humble us
Trials wean us from worldly things,
Trials call us to an eternal hope
Trials reveal what we really love
Trials teach us to value God’s blessings
Trials enable us to help others in their suffering
Trial produce endurance and strength
Also helpful are the four sections in “the simple gospel” that advise us on four attitudes that will keep us away from God
Be self-righteous
Be earthbound
Be unbelieving; and
Be willfully ignorant.
It’s actually a pretty good book.
Hardcover and deceptively-designed to look leather-bound, it reminds you of an old journal – especially given its rugged look (it’s like those old jeans with bullet-holes concept – they purposely produced them old) and gold-plated title.
And the title of the book is impressive (Truth endures: commemorating forty years of unleashing God’s truth one verse at a time 1969-2009), plus it is supposed to contain 12 landmark sermons by john macarthur. Who can withstand this alluring appeal?
Though i was prepared to be disappointed cos judging a book by its looks normally cant sustain me for 1 hour of reading – unless the contents live up to its cover. Plus am not really a macarthur fan.
So i sat down and read, after having planned something to do an hour later.
But it turns out good! I remained lost in the book for the next few hours.
You can skip the first 70 pages which is a biographical sketch of the author though- that’s what i did – and jump right into his sermons.
One thing interesting about this collection is it actually carries an introductory section on when the sermon was preached – normally after certain historical event, for example after the volcanic eruption of mt st helens in 1980, after 911, after the oklahoma bombing etc… and the sermon can be read in a different light given different contexts.
“How to play church” and “the simple gospel” are typical macarthur sermons against hypocrisy and worldliness (somehow i have this impression that he always write about this theme – as in false teachings and worldly temptations). “Which way to heaven” is about entering the narrow gate” (i kind of like the expository style). ”A jet tour through revelation” provides a nice summary for the last book of the Bible (think it is useful for teaching Bible 101), “how to obtain eternal life” revisit the parable of the rich young ruler, “the purpose of trials” reminds us how difficulties in life can mould us, “making the hard decisions easy” is the best sermon i have read on christian conscience so far (and i will explain why soon), “Jesus’ death shows us how to live” is a study of the Lord’s seven sayings on the cross (though i thought he brought certain sayings too far); “15 words of hope” is about condescension and salvation based on 2 cor 5:21; “a biblical perspective of death, terrorism and the middle east” is a direct response to 911; “the starting principle of discipleship” is about denying self and taking up the cross; and “the childlikeness of believers: confronting sin” is about church discipline and correction of sinful behaviour.
Of all 12, i like “making the hard decisions easy” best.
Have heard several sermons on christian liberty and thought it is one of the most difficult topic to preach on – at least from the human perspective. If you are too conservative, people will think christianity is for dinosaurs; if you are too liberal, people will think christianity is no different from the world. So many preachers would rather bring out the principle and spirit behind christian liberty and avoid pointing out specific activities – which i think is wise. Yet if you do so, you run the risk of making christian liberty a theory and thus lose the application element. Given that, some preachers would normally pick on certain activities to illustrate - and they would either choose one that is safe (and redundant) or one that is common (and offend half the world).
Some preachers even got it all wrong. A lecturer from a pretty well-known seminary even tried this as one of his main stance in his online sermon: you would hurt your parents if they learnt that you are engaging in certain activity. To me, this is off focus and even treading dangerously into emotional blackmail.
But macarthur did well for this topic and i think the section sub-headings with questions are enough to inspire future preachers on this topic:
Expedience: will it be spiritually profitable?
Edification: will it build me up?
Excess: will it slow me down in the race?
Enslavement: will it bring me into bondage?
Equivocation: will it hypocritically cover my sin?
Encroachment: will it violate the Lordship of Christ in my life?
Example: will it help other christians by its example?
Evangelism: will it lead others to Christ?
Emulation: will it be consistent with Christ’s likeness?
Exaltation: will it glorify God?
Pretty cool.
Other than that, the sub-headings for “the purpose of trials” are also helpful:
Trials test the strength of our faith
Trials humble us
Trials wean us from worldly things,
Trials call us to an eternal hope
Trials reveal what we really love
Trials teach us to value God’s blessings
Trials enable us to help others in their suffering
Trial produce endurance and strength
Also helpful are the four sections in “the simple gospel” that advise us on four attitudes that will keep us away from God
Be self-righteous
Be earthbound
Be unbelieving; and
Be willfully ignorant.
It’s actually a pretty good book.
April 30, 2014
John MacArthur is a testimoney to faith teaching and if you have been blessed by him you will so appreciate his teaching in this book. Twelve of his best received sermons over his 40 years of pastoring Grace Church.
How to Play Church
The Simple Gospel
Which way to Heaven
A Jet Tour through Revelation
How to Obtain Eternal Life
The Purpose of of Trials
Making the Hard Decisions Easy
Jesus' Death shows Us How to Live
15 Words of Hope
A Biblical Perspective on Death.
The Starting Principle of Discipleship
The Childlikeness of Believers: Confronting Sin.
Each chapter started what world events were happening and how the sermon came to be.
MacArthur has a heart for the church. Of the body of Christ understanding the gospel correctly. The authority of scripture and the folly of elevating either human reason or personal feelings over the plain truth of scripture. By doing so, our hearts become inclined to Christ. When a body of believers deals with sin, they will not be dominated by sin but open to the truth of scriptures. Law must be preached so grace is understood and not abused.
With context of scripture and MacArthurs's sword handling of the word, you will be blessed by the compliation of these sermons.
How to Play Church
The Simple Gospel
Which way to Heaven
A Jet Tour through Revelation
How to Obtain Eternal Life
The Purpose of of Trials
Making the Hard Decisions Easy
Jesus' Death shows Us How to Live
15 Words of Hope
A Biblical Perspective on Death.
The Starting Principle of Discipleship
The Childlikeness of Believers: Confronting Sin.
Each chapter started what world events were happening and how the sermon came to be.
MacArthur has a heart for the church. Of the body of Christ understanding the gospel correctly. The authority of scripture and the folly of elevating either human reason or personal feelings over the plain truth of scripture. By doing so, our hearts become inclined to Christ. When a body of believers deals with sin, they will not be dominated by sin but open to the truth of scriptures. Law must be preached so grace is understood and not abused.
With context of scripture and MacArthurs's sword handling of the word, you will be blessed by the compliation of these sermons.
December 30, 2013
This book transcribes 12 of MacArthur’s most well-known sermons (spanning from 1969 to 2008) during his preaching ministry at Grace Community Church. He faithfully, deeply, and responsibly deals with issues ranging from church discipline to Jesus’ death to Islamic terrorist attacks and more. Always holding up Scripture as the sole authority, and always pointing to Christ as the sole solution, MacArthur clearly demonstrates why his preaching has been long regarded as so encouraging, edifying, and God-exalting.
March 26, 2015
This contains 12 sermons that have, quite literally, been at the forefront of Christianity standing against all the world holds dear. I pray for several more years of faithful preaching from this faithful man. Any reader will be blessed, encouraged and challenged by reading these sermons.
Currently reading
July 6, 2009A collection of the most stirring topics from the author's early years to the present. First two chapters are for reflection of my current relationship with Christ. Check it out.
September 22, 2013
Very good and extremely challenging to my brain and heart.
March 24, 2021
Really incredible! Such clear snd powerful messages. I’m so thankful for the ministry of John MacArthur.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews