by John MacArthur When we first meet Mary in Luke’s gospel, it is on the occasion when an archangel appeared to her suddenly and without fanfare to disclose to her God’s wonderful plan. Scripture says, simply, “The angel Gabriel... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
by John MacArthur Of all the extraordinary women in Scripture, one stands out above all others as the most blessed, most highly favored by God, and most universally admired. Indeed, no woman is more truly remarkable than Mary. She was sovereignly... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
by John MacArthur The New Testament church faced persecution from its inception. As the church grew and its influence spread from Jerusalem throughout Israel and to the rest of the Roman Empire, persecution grew more intense. But at no time was any... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
by John MacArthur The endgame for most persecutors is silence. Whether they attempt to silence you through intimidation, violence, or death, the point is to stamp out your message and your influence. In recent months we’ve seen that scenario... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
by John MacArthur By God’s grace, not all believers face harsh legal or physical persecution for their faith. Many of us don’t live under the threat of being beaten or hauled into court for preaching the gospel. But there are many places... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
by John MacArthur Is persecution good for the church? We’ve seen the blessings and fruit of persecution for individual believers—that it proves the quality of our faith and directs our focus to eternity. But what about the church?... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
by John MacArthur “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). With those words Jesus comforted His disciples. His followers would not be alone in their suffering; they would partake in what... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
What influence do Christian trends have on you? Do you find yourself regularly following the latest popular pastor, reading the latest must-read book, and buying into the latest life-changing theology? Are you effectively “carried about by... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
by John MacArthur The period of European history known as the Dark Ages were just that—dark. Mortality rates were exceptionally high. Medical advances could not keep up with the spread of disease. Poverty and illiteracy were pervasive. And on... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
by John MacArthur Cynics love to mock Christians who believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible. They note supposed absurdities like, the Bible is a sword (Hebrews 4:12); Jesus is a door (John 10:7); and God is a bird (Psalm 61:4). Of course,... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]