John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where he has served since 1969. He is known around the world for his verse-by-verse expository preaching and his pulpit ministry via his daily radio program, Grace to You.

Virtually all pastors will at times be called upon to fill practically every role of service in the church from setup to clean-up. In addition to preaching the word (his central and most important assignment), the pastor is burdened with constant concern for the sheep. (pg. 13)

True believers will one day be completely perfected. (pg. 16)

The doctrine of justification is not only essential to a right understanding of the gospel; it is the doctrine that ties all other cardinal truths together. John Calvin spoke of justification as the principal hinge of all religion. Martin Luther said it is the doctrine by which the church stands or falls. (pg. 21)

No one is truly fit to lead the church if he is indifferent about holiness, or if he neglects to instruct and encourage his people in a wholehearted pursuit of sanctification. And, accordingly, every believer must earnestly aspire to grow in grace and Christlikeness with the recognition that this is Christ’s constant prayer for – and God’s ultimate design for – every believer. (pg. 43)

Sanctification is absolutely essential to the life of faith – so much so that Scripture frequently treats holiness as the identifying mark of a true believer. (pg. 45)

Scripture is equally clear that those who are unholy – unrepentant sinners, devoid of any desire for righteousness and lacking any true love for Christ – have no part with him. (pg. 46)

Scripture does not tell us to “let go and let God”. The Bible never promises any easy, automatic victory over sin and temptation. (pg. 47)

Real holiness makes a person steadfast and mature. (pg. 52)

God is the only audience in true worship. (pg. 57)

Grace not only disciplines us for holiness’ sake; it also trains us to renounce sin, and it prompts us to await eagerly the return of Christ. (pg. 67)

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We only get one life and it will soon pass. Only what is done for Christ will last!

Evan Knies is an elder of North Hills Church in West Monroe, LA. He is the husband of Lauren and father to Maesyn. He is a graduate of Boyce College and Southern Seminary.