The Jesus You Can't Ignore by John MacArthur

In this book, The Jesus You Can't Ignore, Dr. MacArthur takes as his premise that what one thinks of Jesus Christ will thoroughly color how you think of everything else. He directs one's thinking to how Jesus confronted his "friends" in the ministry or rather, those who did not practice what he preached.

The author dissects the Scriptures of confrontation well and thoroughly. He points out, in examples, how Christ did not back down in rapid conciliation when faced with situations that needed correction. He also makes the point vividly that Christ was not a contradiction but a composite of things holy. He stood for what needed to be stood for at all times and for all situations. The author was careful to define the responsibility for truth-seeking as the "destruction of falsehoods, not people."

The outstanding parts of the book, to me, were the chapters which centered on the responses of Christ to his Pharisee constituents who were charged with keeping the things which were "holy". The narration of these events gave me new insights into the words of Christ and allowed me to ponder and reflect on his words, actions and reactions.

MacArthur made the point, especially in the last chapter, that the goal of ministers and movements is to stand for what Christ taught us; it is not the primary goal to get along with all things Christian no matter what is said and who says it. The quotes he uses from other authors are excellent and bear out his premise that Christ should never be thought of as one who sought peace at all costs. Christ met people where they were and dealt with them accordingly as he searched their hearts.