John James Murray was born in Dornoch, Sutherland. Converted in his teens he became interested in the recovery of Reformed and Puritan teachings in the 1950s. He joined the Banner of Truth Trust in London as an assistant editor in 1960. After 13 years with the Trust he trained for the Gospel ministry at Edinburgh University and at the Free Church College. He served congregations of the Free Church of Scotland in Oban, Argyll (1978-89) and in Edinburgh (St Columba's) (1989-2002). Since retiring he has been assisting in congregations of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) in the Glasgow area. He was elected Moderator of the 2003 General Assembly of the Church. His writings include Behind a Frowning Providence; John E Marshall:Life and Writings; Catch the Vision (the story of the Reformed recovery in the 1950s); John Knox:a Bitesize Biography and A God-Centred Vision for Church and Nation. He is married and the father of three children.