THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL, by John MacArthur

This is just one of John MacArthurs's many books. For many years, he has written many books, all focused on teaching God's Word. He is a conference speaker. Since 1969, MacArthur has served as Pastor-teacher to Grace Community Church, which is in Sun Valley, California. His GRACE TO YOU audio program, which has been in operation for many years, has become global in its scope. It reaches listeners in both English and Spanish. GRACE TO YOU distributes many books, software, and digital recordings. MacArthur has written many books. These include: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS, TWELVE ORDINARY MEN, TWELVE EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN, SLAVE, and THE MacARTHUR STUDY BIBLE. The last is a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient. MacArthur's material is spread across seven chapters. He includes an Epilogue of the Apostle's testimony and Acknowledgements. This is followed by four Appendices, a Glossary, Notes of sources, an Index, an Index of Scripture verses used, and, finally, an author bio.

I have read numerous books by John MacArthur. And so I knew what to expect. I was counting on this book to be God-centered and Calvinist in approach. I was expecting it to be solidly theological and Biblical. The GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL took the approach of MacArthur's other works. Many, even in the Christian community, will disagree with some of his beliefs. In the beginning of the book, MacArthur made a a few statements that betray a strongly conservative, religious right bias. When mentioning the corruption and idolatry of politicians, he deplored what a many politicians denounce as "income redistribution." If MacArthur was denouncing corporate welfare and big tax breaks for the wealthy, I fully agree with him. But if he was talking about programs that vulnerable and low-income citizens use just to survive, I can't disagree with him more. But I did not know how to interpret what he meant; I hope he was denouncing corporate welfare.

I recommend MacArthur's books, including this one, for all pastors and Christian leaders. I know that many of them will not agree with MacArthur's convictions. But I would hope that they would keep open minds. Unlike many Christian leaders, John MacArthur's ministry has been scandal-free. No ethics violations. No sexual impropriety. No financial crimes. So he must be doing something right. His books are for those who are serious about following Jesus. Casual believers and non-Christians will be turned off by his style of writing and his approach and voice.

I have received a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers, in exchange for my honest review. I wasn't required to give a positive review of this book.