“I was sinking deep in sin…” goes the first line of an old song. (Love Lifted Me, 1912)
No matter how deep in sin a person is, no matter how low…no matter if they are in the gutter, or even one foot down the shaft of the gates of hell (like I was)
God’s arm is not too short to lift you from it!
He won’t make you wait. He won’t toy with you. If you call out to the Lord to save you and forgive your sins, He will, instantly. If you are saved but have sinned or strayed, and you call out to the Lord to forgive you, He will, instantly.
He was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt? (Matthew 14:29-31)
Dr. John MacArthur’s passing at 86 years old sparked deep sadness. His consistent, steadfast preaching over 56 years provided reassurance and stability in a chaotic world. MacArthur’s dedication to the Gospel and call for faithfulness remains a profound legacy, marking the end of an exceptional era in Christian leadership.
I call this ‘a kind of review’ because I have not read John Mark Comer’s (JMC) book “The Way“. I am posting links from other reviewers I trust.
Prior to publishing this book, people have taken issue with Comer on other topics, such as his theological approach, his understanding of God, his emphasis on spiritual practices, and his view of the Atonement. You can already detect that this will not be a positive review.
In fact, I would like to give a general warning to my women reader-sisters. The way things are going in Christian publishing, if a new book is popular, you can almost rely on the fact that there will be theological concerns with its premise. Secondly, if a book claims to have recovered a long lost practice/approach/interpretation of the Bible, one that everyone has overlooked till now, you can 100% guarantee it is theologically unhealthy.
JMC’s ‘Way’ involves what some call too much Eastern Mysticism and Richard Foster type disciplines. In the early 2000s, Eastern Mysticism began sweeping into the church. Famously, Beth Moore participated in a DVD teaching that explained how to perform “Contemplative Prayer”. While both the words contemplate and prayer are commanded in the Bible, this particular practice adopted eastern mystic/Catholic methods. Richard Foster and Dallas Willard were primary in bringing these practices into the church and strove to legitimize them. Christian Answers for the New Age has more here on Foster & Willard.
JMC says that the word ‘Christian’ is used only 3X in the New Testament but ‘apprentice’ is used 269X. That the word “Christian” no longer means what it did back in Bible days and plus, it’s a “label Jesus never used”. While indeed earliest Christians were called that, they were also called many other things such as brethren, saints, disciples, the church and so on. But Comer takes the terms we have come to have a common understanding of, i.e. ‘Christian’ and ‘The Way‘ too far off the road of orthodoxy and too much of a stretch, in reviewers’ opinions. We seek to evangelize people to a union with Christ, not solely to ‘a way of life’. Comer’s premise tends to the latter, not the former. Focusing on THE WAY rather than the PERSON of JESUS is a trap.
JMC touts the “Rule of Life”. This is a practice that originated from a Catholic monk named Saint Benedict (named a saint by the Catholic Church) in the 400s, as a rule book for monks to develop contemplative practices.
Kevin DeYoung reviews “The Way”, saying, “The invitation to “come and see” is not about test-driving the way of kingdom love; it’s about discovering Jesus’s divine and messianic identity. That’s why Andrew says, “We have found the Messiah” (1:41) and why Nathaniel exclaims, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (1:49). It’s also why the chapter ends with Jesus referring to himself as the divine Son of Man from Daniel’s prophecy (1:51). Comer has taken a passage explicitly about the revelation of Jesus’s identity as the Christ, the Word made flesh, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the revelation of the Father’s glory, and the king of Israel, and turned it into a rather mundane message about discovering the best way to live. This is not a small interpretive misstep.”
Marcia Montenegro at Christian Answers for the New Age is a trustworthy discerner. She has a review of Comer’s new book about The Way, here. “Comer’s theme is that Christians must pursue the “practices of Jesus,” or the “Way of Jesus,” which are the spiritual disciplines. However, there is no evidence that the spiritual disciplines as taught by Comer and others are taught in Scripture, nor are meditation and prayer modeled in Scripture anything like what is taught by Contemplatives.”
Gary Gilley at Critical Issues Commentary also has a critique of Comer’s book The Way. The link goes to a list of 14 parts, lol, but you can read the titles and pick which critiques to read.
9Marks reviewed his book, saying, “I was left with a Jesus that would make for a great life coach, but not the Savior and Lord as revealed in God’s Word.”
The subtitle of Comer’s book “Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did” reminds me of another book that urged its readers to do as Jesus did. In fact, it’s where we get the mantra WWJD, or What Would Jesus Do? It is from the 1895 book by Charles Sheldon called “In His Steps.” I reviewed that book here. While we always desire to transform our heart and mind toward Christ-likeness, an unhealthy focus on doing rather than worshiping always tips the balance toward experiential and/or Social Gospel. Whether Comer’s “Rule of Life” or Sheldon’s “What would Jesus do?” the tendency is present.
It is best to stick with Christian material that has been authored by a Christian leader who has already passed on. They can sin no more. Their legacy is cemented. They ran the race well. You may hear the phrase “Read the Christian old dead guys”. According to AI, “The phrase “Christian old dead guys” refers to significant, deceased figures in Christian history, often theologians, preachers, and writers whose works continue to be influential and studied today, offering insights into Christian faith and practice. These individuals are sometimes affectionately referred to as “old dead guys” by modern Christians who value their contributions and seek to learn from their legacy.”
I discuss the challenges Christians face when surrounded by non-believers, referred to as “enemies of the cross.” I mention that living a Christian life involves spiritual battles. Drawing on biblical examples like King Jehoshaphat, I encourage believers to seek the Lord for strength and to love those who oppose them, as these individuals bear heavy burdens.
Do you think about heaven? Sometimes we get busy and forget there is a home waiting for us. We forget this is not our home and we are temporary pilgrims here on earth living a life that is a mere shadow of the real life we will be living ‘over yonder.’
Paul said what is waiting for us is beyond anything we can imagine. The words he heard were inexpressible which a man is not allowed to speak, and the revelations were great.
Warren Wiersbe said, “Our God is a God of beauty, and He will lavish His beauty on the city He is preparing for His people.“
John wrote down what he was instructed and we have a vision of heaven in Revelation 4 and 5, 21 and 22. Of course we have Ezekiel and Isaiah’s visions as well which give us a glimpse. (Ezekiel 1, Isaiah 6).
Revelation 21:21b says,
And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
BUT, the whole city is of gold! Revelation 21:18b says,
and the city was pure gold, like clear glass
What a sight that will be! God’s glory will shine everywhere.
Matthew Henry’s Whole Commentary makes a note,
The light of this city. Where there is no light, there can be no lustre nor pleasure. Heaven is the inheritance of the saints in light. But what is that light? There is no sun nor moon shining there, v. 23. Light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is to behold the sun. What a dismal world would this be if it were not for the light of the sun! What is there in heaven that supplies the want of it? There is no want of the light of the sun, for the glory of God lightens that city, and the Lamb is the light thereof. God in Christ will be an everlasting fountain of knowledge and joy to the saints in heaven; and, if so, there is no need of the sun or moon, any more than we here need to set up candles at noon day, when the sun shineth in its strength
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 2484). Hendrickson.
A couple’s intimate moment at a Coldplay concert was broadcast on the jumbotron, revealing an alleged affair between Andy Byron, a married CEO, and HR Chief Kristin Cabot. Their actions drew public scrutiny, emphasizing the harm of adultery. The incident highlights the emotional pain for families and the spiritual consequences of infidelity.
A dear, young friend of mine asked me if I knew of Gospel sermons she and her friend could listen to. Just a focus on gospel, gospel, gospel. Plain old gospel. What a great request, isn’t it! After I gathered some sermons along those lines, I sent her a reply quickly. One rule I have is that if someone asks about the gospel, the Bible, or something within the confines of Christ’s kingdom, I answer immediately. That’s what someone did for me when I was first saved, and I never forgot it. It taught me 2 lessons- I felt cared for, and I saw how serious she was about the Lord in coming to me so quickly. So now I do the same.
I haven’t listened to all these listed here. But I have listened to each of these men at some point. Don Green used to be Phil Johnson’s partner at GraceLife Pulpit then left 10 years ago to start Truth Community Church in Cincinnati OH.
Don Green, Truth Community Church 3 part series, on sermon audio there is a link with the sermon to a .pdf for easy reading along.
God So Loved… Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John 3:16. Sermon synopsis and outline is at the link
These are from 2022, so Washer is calmer, lol. You KNOW a Washer sermon on the Gospel is going to be good!
The Gospel part 1. Paul Washer at The Master’s Seminary Chapel. On Youtube. Transcript available at Youtube
The Gospel Part 2. Paul Washer at The Master’s Seminary on Youtube. He immediately gets into WHAT the gospel is in this part. It’s so good!
Immeasurable Love. John 3:16. Dan Duncan at Believer’s Chapel. He is the successor to S. Lewis Johnson, who pastored there for 30 years. I have not listened to this particular sermon but I have listened to Dan Duncan before. This is a solid expositor. The sermon is from 2022.
The Gospel Paul Washer | HeartCry Missionary Society. 8-minute video on Youtube
Bookmark these, listen, enjoy hearing about the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ! This is news that never gets old. It isn’t just for the new believer, but for all of us, no matter the stage we are in with our walk.
The author criticizes ChatGPT for refusing to generate content that leans right, toward the conservative end, revises queries according to that bias, and makes liberal suggestions instead, particularly regarding homosexuality. The piece argues that the chatbot’s programming shapes responses in a way that aligns with certain cultural values and not others, deems some queries along those lines disrespectful. Users are urged to remember that the world’s tools, including seemingly impartial ones, are not neutral.
The essay reflects on the futility of life pursuits outside of divine love, drawing from Ecclesiastes and Charles Spurgeon’s insights. I share personal experiences of striving after worldly pleasures, revealing a deep spiritual yearning that only God’s grace can satisfy. The journey from emptiness to fulfillment in Christ is emphasized.
At 6:17 pm Pacific time on July 14, 2025, the greatest pastor-teacher of our time was brought home to personally meet the Master he had preached about for so long.
This is my memory:
It was the mid 1990s. My husband and I were unsaved when we took a VW Camper van camping across the country. He loved AM radio talk shows. When we had gotten south, of course mixed in with all the talk were the ‘JAY-sus’ preachers. Both of us, when we heard that we turned the dial immediately.
BUT … when I heard this certain music and then the voice of one certain guy, we’d always listen a minute. Something compelling about the man’s speech, his content. There was something that set him apart from all the other preacher voices we’d heard on the radio. He was mellow, clear, interesting. He was unapologetically proclaiming of the Word of God, though I didn’t know at that unsaved stage there were shepherds who did not accurately preach the word. The word of God startles and draws.
It was John MacArthur of course. In the camper van I wanted to listen more, and we did listen a bit. Then my husband would change the channel. He and I were pagans, and pagans gonna pag. The Word of God also rebuffs.
Yet, 8 years later when the Lord graciously saved me I’d listen to Adrian Rogers on the computer radio. Then one day I heard that same music! I joyfully did NOT turn the dial and I listened. And listened and listened, and never stopped. What a joy to be educated by his exposition.
One of the first series from him I listened to was “Creation: Believe it or Not” later known as “The Battle for the Beginning”, Genesis 1-3. I loved it. And I love John MacArthur.
Well done, good and faithful servant, John MacArthur no doubt heard those words at 6:17pm last night (July 14, 2026) as he translated to heaven
John MacArthur was the Spurgeon of our time. As you read this memorial essay, hopefully you will notice the similarities.
Spurgeon was called the Prince of Preachers. He was a hard working preacher, a seminary president, prolific writer, itinerant preacher, letter-writer, prayer, constant reader, and husband to Susannah, among other things! He was busy, and his packed schedule contributed to his 24 years of ill health and eventual death on January 1, 1892 at age 57. He literally poured himself out for His savior.
He had been preaching since he was 16 years old. Forty-one years of sharing the Gospel multiple times per week made an impact on his city, his nation, and the world. That is the power of the Gospel and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
On the last day of the same memorable month of January, the dearly-loved speaker, who uttered such wise and weighty words, “fell asleep in Jesus”. During the darkness the news flashed around the world, and when February dawned, millions of hearts were saddened to learn that C.H. Spurgeon lived on earth no more. Source- the book From the Pulpit to the Palm Branch by Arthur Tappan Pierson
Spurgeon had died in Menton, France, where he had often retreated in his later years during winter, finding the balmy, warm breezes and sunny sunshine a succor for his health. He had desired to be buried on English soil, and so 11 days after Charles had passed, the monumental funeral was held. It seemed that all the world had turned out for it.
“Nothing was seen for miles but bared heads, closed blinds, and universal signs of grief and sorrow. It was indeed a memorable scene. What a lesson that Bible-decked coffin preached to its tens of thousands as it passed through their midst!”
What a gift from God to have raised up such a Godly warrior! He had endured all that the Lord had set on the plate before him- tireless toil, endless prayers, sorrow, joy in marriage, poor health and bodily pain; rejection by men, disappointments, Down-grades, and depression. Yet the Lord kindly allowed his contemporaries to understand that his impact for the kingdom was a magnificent and present glory of the Lord’s bountiful care for His people. To have raised up such a man, put in his mouth so many words, sustain such a stalwart without blot of scandal, and then to graciously ease him home…
Photograph: Funeral Procession of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, West Norwood, London, 1892
With hearts bowed with a great grief, with tender and loving hands, is that precious burden born to its last resting-place. Eight students (specially chosen for that last sad duty) from that college of which he had so long been the head and chief, deposit with reverent hands and stricken hearts that prized casket in its last resting-place. They weep. Well they may. Behold how they loved him! Their master is taken from their head today. They shall see his face no more. It is their last act of service; their last tribute of affection to him who had been so much to them. Alas! how much they have lost as yet they know not! Yet they sorrow not as those without hope. Their beloved one only sleeps, he shall rise again. ~Laying the Warrior to Rest
Newspaper telegraphs ticked the news out and it quickly spread around the world. These same newspapers had for years reprinted Spurgeon’s sermons each Monday for eager readers to devour.
The Late Mr C H Spurgeon, Viewing the Coffin in the Metropolitan Tabernacle, 9 February 1892
The world’s loss is heaven’s gain in both cases, the passage of Charles Spurgeon and of John MacArthur. The Lord gave us a faithful servant in MacArthur who even served longer than Spurgeon’s ministry on earth, and many millions are the better for it. Many are saved and secure, knowing the Lord’s love and salvation, because of one John’s preaching of the doctrines of God. See what the Lord can do? See the Lord’s love for His people? He always leaves a remnant. And He always leaves true shepherds to lead them.
The world had not seen its like, such respect for the man of God and mourning that his time on earth had ended. Though even in Jonathan Edwards’ time as the country’s foremost theologian, his passing had not caused such a stir. Not George Whitefield, either. Spurgeon, Prince of Preachers made an impact. He was well loved by millions. And it is the same with MacArthur.
We mourn the passing of the stalwart soldier John MacArthur today, and we express joy that his labors are complete and he is praising his Lord and resting in his well-earned rest with his beloved Lord.
“Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will shepherd you on knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15).
the-end-time.org 