Book review - John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock by Iain H. Murray

I've made no secret on this blog of my fondness for the writings of Iain H. Murray. I count him to be my favourite author, whose books have singularly impacted the way I view my faith, my ministry, and church history. Chief among his titles is his two volume biography of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, which is peerless in its evocation of a period in church history and the power of God working through one man for the glory of His name. It is reviewed here.

Recently Grace to You (UK) sent me a free copy of Murray's latest title John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock. This book had been high on my wishlist, so you can imagine my gratitude for receiving it gratis. This book, for me, combines three great things. It is written by my favourite author, about one of my favourite preachers, and is published by my favourite publisher (Banner of Truth). It is a short work, which makes no claim at being an exhaustive biography, but which gives an impression of the man whose ministry has meant so much to so many.

John MacArthur's chief commitment in life has been to the verse by verse exposition of God's Word. This ambition has been realised in the context of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley California, where he has served as Pastor for over forty years. Murray's book celebrates the impact which such a simple ministry principle has had on this congregation and on many others worldwide.

MacArthur's early life is sketched out in simple detail, showing the dramatic impact that the preaching ministries of his grandfather and father had on him. Having excelled in sports MacArthur's life took a dramatic change when he made a simple decision to devote himself to understanding God's Word. A period of study at Talbot Theological Seminary preceded his accepting a call to Grace Church where an early effort at recording his messages for those unable to attend quickly became an international audio ministry, reaching millions of people.

Murray's treatment of MacArthur is succinct and helpful. A snapshot of the work of Grace to You around the world is nicely framed by a family trip undertaken by MacArthur and his family, and the book's depiction of some of the controversies around' Lordship Salvation' is deftly handled. The book also manages to emphasise its subject's home life, with a chapter dedicated to MacArthur's wife Patricia and simple testimonials scattered throughout from co-workers and family members. Murray is unafraid of offering gentle criticism of MacArthur in places, particularly in the area of eschatology, but such engagement is phrased in respectful tones.

The overwhelming impression left on me by this book is that John MacArthur is a humble man, whose great ambition to honour the Word of God through expository preaching has been singularly honoured by God in the salvation of souls, the discipleship of believers, and the development of others pastors. MacArthur has invested passionately in proclaiming God's Word, pastoring God's people, and preparing God's servants for ministry.

This, then, is a testament to a life well lived for the Lord. As I read this book during a recent period of leave I was struck once again by the impact that MacArthur has had on my own life. His book The Vanishing Conscience was the first mature Christian book I read while at university and it switched on a light which led me to read Lloyd-Jones, and that has ultimately brought me into the riches of Reformed literature. I have a lot to thank God for in John F. MacArthur and Murray's book has encouraged me to do so. Highly recommended.

John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock by Iain H. Murray is published by Banner of Truth. It has 240 pages and costs £14.50