John F. MacArthur. Remaining Faithful in Ministry: 9 Essential Convictions for Every Pastor. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, March 31, 2019. 80 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
Are you a pastor that wants to read something to encourage you or are you someone that want to get a book for your pastor to encourage him to persevere in the work of faithful ministry? If sot his book is for you. I had this work for some time now but somehow didn’t get to it until now; and providentially this is timely for it fed my soul spiritually and encouraged me to engage in a heart check and also led me to pray and look to Christ and continue to trust in the Gospel. This is by pastor and teacher John MacArthur who looks at the Apostle Paul with how he persevere in ministry. Looking at 2 Corinthians 4 MacArthur observes nine principles that are “essential Convictions for Every Pastor” (what the subtitle is for this book).
After the introduction the nine principles have their own respective chapters. Some of the things MacArthur listed include “Convinced That Ministry is a Mercy,” “Convinced of the Need for a Pure Heart” and “Convincted that the Results Belong to God.” I was really edified with the introduction that set this up with how Paul was ministering to a very difficult church in Corinth that even mocked him and thought of him very lowly; and yet Paul did not quit. Paul ministered for reasons he mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4. I was blessed with the chapter on the chapter on the need for a pure heart, that was sanctifying. I pray for increase holiness. I also enjoyed the chapter on “Convinced of His Own insignificance” and “Convinced of the Benefit of Suffering.” Fed my soul. The chapter on the need for courage is also good, we are living in an age where pastors and church leaders need to be courageous.
The writings was simple, clear and edifying. I also appreciate the observations that MacArthur gives from the Greek. Wished there could have been more but the observations that he did gave was relevant and made his point compelling. I love that it was short in length (80 pages) and since it was so good for a minister’s soul I finished it rather quickly more than I expected. I recommend this!
The Domain for Truth 
I can get this for my pastor he loves books.
Ask him what MacArthur book he has first before purchasing this since he might have it already if he buys a lot of books
I asked his wife; he doesn’t have it. This is going to be his Christmas gift
“Convinced that the Results Belong to God.” Your comments about this made me think of how little the Corinthian church thought of him and yet how greatly the Church eternal through the ages has thought of him because of those two pastoral letters he wrote to the Corinthians. How they show his heart and edify us, but more, how they glorify God even in his humiliation at C’s hands. What a difference God’s perspective makes! “Be Thou my vision O Lord of my heart!”
What a difference God’s perspective makes indeed! Amen!!!
I didn’t know about this book by MacArthur. I might have to get it
Glad this book encouraged you! We laypeople don’t know the half of what pastors do.
Thanks for reading this review! I need to pump out reviews of books read; it takes switching mental gears from reading and taking critical notes to writing a review lol. How many tarps today???
Yeah, reading a book is usually more fun than writing a review (fun that is if you’re not reading a dissertation with stilted acadamese). Knowing I will be writing a review helps me to read more carefully/consciously, looking for the main themes, but, man, I’m way too lazy to take notes.
Just two tarps today, but I had to dig the leaves out of the pachysandra and bushes on the side of the house. Grueling work. I save that for last every year.
How’s your Friday going?
Thanks for the great resource. I will get it for my pastor. I always love something from MacArthur.
Pastors need spiritual books too
Thank you for telling us about this book, Jimmy!
Thanks for reading this! HOpe your Sunday afternoon is going well!
Sounds like a great topic from MacArthur
He’s written so many sound books over the years