John MacArthur reflects on a lifetime of ministry and the convictions which have kept him on track. He shares that expository preaching establishes authority over mind and soul. It is of first importance to study the Word of God and rely upon the Holy Spirit. He commends the pastor to bring the mind of Christ to bear.

What should a local pastor be about? The model of a pastor has changed over time to that of a professional, but biblically he is a theologian. The pastor must be a biblical theologian who proclaims and brings the Word of God to bear through shaping lives, communities and congregations by conforming them to Jesus Christ.

Is Jesus a liar, lunatic, legend or Lord? How historically accurate are the four Gospels? All four show valid articles for historical accuracy. We can trust these four accounts because Jesus himself ensured that his words would be faithfully preserved.

Although there are differing views on I Corinthians 12-14, one can understand Paul’s reference to the Spirit. The goal of the Spirit of the Lord is edification, not individual gifts. Love is the infallible measure of the Spirit’s presence at work. Therefore, a life that displays selfless service in concrete actions for the good of others is the greatest mark of the Spirit.

It is possible for a person to be convinced he is a Christian and not be converted. However, there are things that pastors and churches can do to have people know their spiritual state. They include, but are not limited to: knowing what a Christian is, being clear on the gospel, acknowledging the presence of nominal Christians in our churches, being clear about sin and being clear about the Church.

The response of the church in this fallen world is missional not militaristic. When sharing with others, the message from God that leads to salvation should be primary, pure and bold. The biblical, healthy church is to be a necessary component in sending out missionaries. And the individual call to the nations should be an informed and confirmed decision.

How should the gospel be shared with a Muslim? First and foremost, we need to be reminded that every person we encounter is an image bearer of God and human just like us. There are primary obstacles for a Muslim to overcome regarding Christianity. The challenge and hope is to remain faith driven that God’s power is at work!

Christians have always believed that the Bible is the final and true authority. God has not made error in speaking to us in and through to the Bible. The issue of inerrancy has been brought into argument due to the false beliefs being taught throughout the church. Inerrancy is an old doctrine, not a new one.

Why is being protestant so important at a local church level? The reformation at its heart was pastoral protest regulated by the word of God. The practical difference today is the centrality of the cross, the word of God, assurance for the believer, and pastoral care within the structure and identity of local churches.

A struggle for many believer’s is that they want gospel transformation in their heart, but do not desire to see it be reproduced in their city. The true Christian desires the gospel to reach the innermost places of his heart and to the outermost places of the world. The church planter is a man whose desire is to meet the requirements laid out for a pastor by making their mission and focus people and not a movement.