Book Review

I recently read The Jesus You Can't Ignore by John MacArthur.

From the publisher:

Meek and mild. Politically correct. A great teacher. These are the popular depictions of Jesus. But they aren't the complete picture. Maybe because it's uncomfortable, or maybe because it's inconvenient, Christians and non-Christians alike are overlooking the fierceness of the Savior, His passionate mission to make the Gospel clear and bring people into the Kingdom of God. A mission that required he sometimes raise his voice and sometimes raise a whip.

In the much-needed message in The Jesus You Can't Ignore, renowned Bible teacher and best-selling author John MacArthur reintroduces the compelling and often unsettling passion of Jesus' ministry. MacArthur points to the picture of the real Jesus the world is so eager to gloss over. And he calls readers to emulate Jesus' commitment to further the kingdom by confronting lies and protecting the truth of God.

My Thoughts:

I enjoy hearing John MacArthur preach from time to time on the radio. I had not read many of his books though. I am so glad that I got to read this one.

MacArthur does an excellent job of showing Jesus' love while also not letting the reader forget that Christ wasn't always "nice".

He showcases how much of today's popular evangelists are ready to entertain everyone's thoughts and ideas but not willing to stand for the truth of scripture. He also uses specific Biblical examples to show that Christ wasn't "nice" to those religious leaders of His day who added to, took away from, or didn't hold firm to the truth.

One of my favorite quotes from the book:

Contemporary evangelicals typical bristle at the thought of challenging anyone's profession of faith. Religious television networks are overrun with teachers who profess to be Christians but whose doctrine and lifestyle show no real fruit of salvation. People like that have flourished and even begun to dominate the non-Christian public's perception of what Christianity is, mainly because more sound and solid evangelical leaders are reluctant to call them by name and say plainly that they are charlatans and false teachers. To oppose another minister publicly just doesn't seem "nice". The thought of being perceived as harsh or negative is more odious to some Christians than actually being undiscerning. So false teachers are given free reign to promote their false teachings and flaunt their extravagant lifestyles.

A very well written, much needed book.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my review.