I consider Pastor MacArthur as my Grandpastor; my pastor, and the other pastors in my church are graduates of The Master's Seminary and were very close to Pastor John. One of his grandchildren is a member of my church.
I was saved 7 and a half years ago and almost immediately the Holy Spirit led me to both pastor John and RC Sproul. I have listened to thousands of hours of their sermons. I learned to read my bible faithfully (daily in MacArthur's Study Bible, in addition to the RC Sproul's Study Bible and the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible) because of their encouragement and expository teachings. These powerful men gave me spiritual guidance, developing in me a love for the Lord, a desire to grow in spiritual discernment, a passion for correct theology and courage to stand up for Jesus Christ as He has revealed Himself. I am not alone, millions the world over have the same testimony.
What Spurgeon was to the 19th Century, MacArthur is to the 20th and 21st centuries. Heaven sent to us to guide the remnant into TRUTH.
Since last night, I've been wondering why the Lord took Pastor John now instead of allowing him to go up with us (not questioning God's plans-just meditating) because I was told that he wanted to go with us in the Rapture. Who doesn't?! But his body had been ravaged with a variety of illnesses these past 3 years. It was a gift to him, his family and all brothers and sisters who love him that he remained here as long as he did. and
It seems, in my human thinking, and keeping in mind that God's thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways, that:
-At the sound of the trumpet, the dead in Christ rise first, so Pastor John will be in the company of those who precede us during the Rapture, as is his due, for his incredible leadership and faithfulness.
-That over the coming days, Pastor John will receive an amazing memorial service, filled with those who love him and are grateful for his service and impact on our lives, all for the glory of Christ.
-Likely over the next few days and weeks, many people will hear of his ministry and work for Jesus, become curious, and as a result, come to saving faith. God can use His men even when they are gone.
-Pastor John had to have been worn out and was ready to meet Jesus after a lifetime of faithful, diligent ministry. (I have had almost no impact and I am worn out and ready to meet Jesus, so it's hard to imagine how ready he must have been!)
-The removal of one of the most consistent, faithful, living voices for Jesus Christ is another judgment upon this world, and a harbinger of the lateness of the hour.
Undoubtedly there are other reasons that my human mind cannot discern, but today I am both joyful and sad, and looking up because our redemption draws nearer than ever.
I, and millions of others, owe a debt of gratitude to the Lord for giving us a man who unwavered in faithful service, especially in these very perilous, Laodicean times.
The verse in 2 Samuel 3:38 seems worthy of this man when King David spoke "And the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?"
Certainly, there was a great celebration in Heaven last night! I'm comforted to know that Jesus just welcomed home a true hero of the faith into His eternal kingdom.
Thank you for that wonderful tribute. I only pray that the Lord will raise up more like him in these last days. Those who stay true to God's word, no matter the cost. My pastor is one such man. Trained at the Masters Seminary. Our church is small but strong in the word with faithful elders and deacons and a word centered women's ministry. There are a ton of churches in our area, but few true Bible centered ones.
My church is the same, not many like it in our very large community. The churches that are rooted in Pastor MacArthur's Master's Seminary,a nd remain faithful to his teachings, are bright lights in a dark world.
Jeff, truly an excellent tribute you've written to a great Defender of the Faith. Now John is fellowshipping with Paul, Peter, the Apostles, RC Sproul, Spurgeon, Lloyd-Jones, Luther, Calvin, Packer, McGee, Machen, and so many other believers--but especially the Lord Jesus! What a glorious time, one that we can only surmise and look forward to. As Paul said, how much better it is to leave this 'house' of clay and 'move' into the glorious presence of the LORD, where there is "fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore"! (Psalm 16:11)
Fortunately, a great many audio visuals of John MacArthur sermons are left to us. I recommend to all to begin with these two: "Saved or Self Deceived," parts 1 and 2.
A better or more eloquent elegiac could not have been penned. Thank you, Jeff. I knew that Pastor MacArthur's sojourn was drawing to a close, but it still came like a hammer blow this morning when I read his death announcement. It was the same way I felt when Pastor Sproul went home a few years ago, only with added poignancy because I, too am of an age when death seems not like some distant event that only happens to other people but rather like an unwanted guest who intrudes on all my thoughts. I do not fear that eventuality, although I heartily wish it not to arrive prematurely. I did not entirely share the staunch Reformed position occupied by both Sproul and MacArthur, but their defense of their beliefs was inspiring and Biblically grounded. They will be sorely missed by those of us who remain, but their presence at the Throne of The King will surely add to the liveliness of heavenly discourse.
Thank you for such a beautiful tribute to a faithful man of God. I came across him by accident a few years ago, and praise God, through listening to him, I came out of the charismatic denomination.
Oh Jeff….this is beautiful! Your choice of the English vernacular…to describe Dr. MacArthur…made me both want to weep…and at the same time…left me in stitches! I’m still chuckling over “He not only confronted false teachers…he incinerated them!” I love it! That he did!
I believe we all get a new name…when we get to Heaven…I believe some where in John’s new name…will be “The Incinerator!”
50…years from now…I believe Dr. MacArthur will still be the greatest influencer for the Gospel and the faith once delivered unto the saints….of the 20th and 21st centuries there ever was…I doubt at this late hour….there is anyone…. on the horizon…. that can fill his shoes! He will be missed!
Thank you, Jeff, for that great tribute to a great ambassador for Jesus Christ! So beautifully written!
I consider Pastor MacArthur as my Grandpastor; my pastor, and the other pastors in my church are graduates of The Master's Seminary and were very close to Pastor John. One of his grandchildren is a member of my church.
I was saved 7 and a half years ago and almost immediately the Holy Spirit led me to both pastor John and RC Sproul. I have listened to thousands of hours of their sermons. I learned to read my bible faithfully (daily in MacArthur's Study Bible, in addition to the RC Sproul's Study Bible and the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible) because of their encouragement and expository teachings. These powerful men gave me spiritual guidance, developing in me a love for the Lord, a desire to grow in spiritual discernment, a passion for correct theology and courage to stand up for Jesus Christ as He has revealed Himself. I am not alone, millions the world over have the same testimony.
What Spurgeon was to the 19th Century, MacArthur is to the 20th and 21st centuries. Heaven sent to us to guide the remnant into TRUTH.
Since last night, I've been wondering why the Lord took Pastor John now instead of allowing him to go up with us (not questioning God's plans-just meditating) because I was told that he wanted to go with us in the Rapture. Who doesn't?! But his body had been ravaged with a variety of illnesses these past 3 years. It was a gift to him, his family and all brothers and sisters who love him that he remained here as long as he did. and
It seems, in my human thinking, and keeping in mind that God's thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways, that:
-At the sound of the trumpet, the dead in Christ rise first, so Pastor John will be in the company of those who precede us during the Rapture, as is his due, for his incredible leadership and faithfulness.
-That over the coming days, Pastor John will receive an amazing memorial service, filled with those who love him and are grateful for his service and impact on our lives, all for the glory of Christ.
-Likely over the next few days and weeks, many people will hear of his ministry and work for Jesus, become curious, and as a result, come to saving faith. God can use His men even when they are gone.
-Pastor John had to have been worn out and was ready to meet Jesus after a lifetime of faithful, diligent ministry. (I have had almost no impact and I am worn out and ready to meet Jesus, so it's hard to imagine how ready he must have been!)
-The removal of one of the most consistent, faithful, living voices for Jesus Christ is another judgment upon this world, and a harbinger of the lateness of the hour.
Undoubtedly there are other reasons that my human mind cannot discern, but today I am both joyful and sad, and looking up because our redemption draws nearer than ever.
I, and millions of others, owe a debt of gratitude to the Lord for giving us a man who unwavered in faithful service, especially in these very perilous, Laodicean times.
The verse in 2 Samuel 3:38 seems worthy of this man when King David spoke "And the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?"
Certainly, there was a great celebration in Heaven last night! I'm comforted to know that Jesus just welcomed home a true hero of the faith into His eternal kingdom.
All glory to God!
Thank you for that wonderful tribute. I only pray that the Lord will raise up more like him in these last days. Those who stay true to God's word, no matter the cost. My pastor is one such man. Trained at the Masters Seminary. Our church is small but strong in the word with faithful elders and deacons and a word centered women's ministry. There are a ton of churches in our area, but few true Bible centered ones.
Many wolves and few shepherds. 😢
My church is the same, not many like it in our very large community. The churches that are rooted in Pastor MacArthur's Master's Seminary,a nd remain faithful to his teachings, are bright lights in a dark world.
Jeff, truly an excellent tribute you've written to a great Defender of the Faith. Now John is fellowshipping with Paul, Peter, the Apostles, RC Sproul, Spurgeon, Lloyd-Jones, Luther, Calvin, Packer, McGee, Machen, and so many other believers--but especially the Lord Jesus! What a glorious time, one that we can only surmise and look forward to. As Paul said, how much better it is to leave this 'house' of clay and 'move' into the glorious presence of the LORD, where there is "fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore"! (Psalm 16:11)
Lovely tribute to a great man. Thank you Jeff.
Fortunately, a great many audio visuals of John MacArthur sermons are left to us. I recommend to all to begin with these two: "Saved or Self Deceived," parts 1 and 2.
A better or more eloquent elegiac could not have been penned. Thank you, Jeff. I knew that Pastor MacArthur's sojourn was drawing to a close, but it still came like a hammer blow this morning when I read his death announcement. It was the same way I felt when Pastor Sproul went home a few years ago, only with added poignancy because I, too am of an age when death seems not like some distant event that only happens to other people but rather like an unwanted guest who intrudes on all my thoughts. I do not fear that eventuality, although I heartily wish it not to arrive prematurely. I did not entirely share the staunch Reformed position occupied by both Sproul and MacArthur, but their defense of their beliefs was inspiring and Biblically grounded. They will be sorely missed by those of us who remain, but their presence at the Throne of The King will surely add to the liveliness of heavenly discourse.
AMEN!
Brilliant tribute.
Thank you for such a beautiful tribute to a faithful man of God. I came across him by accident a few years ago, and praise God, through listening to him, I came out of the charismatic denomination.
“Well done, good and faithful servant” is the only validation or affirmation any of us ever needs to hear.
Yet, people all over the world clamor, tripping over themselves in desperation for plastic pearls when they could have diamonds.
Thank you sir for telling it like it is!! He was the last of a very small group that told it like scripture says.
I learned much from the teaching of Pastor John.... knowing what I believed and why.
Nice. Beautifully written. Thank you!
Well done Jeff! Thank you.
Oh Jeff….this is beautiful! Your choice of the English vernacular…to describe Dr. MacArthur…made me both want to weep…and at the same time…left me in stitches! I’m still chuckling over “He not only confronted false teachers…he incinerated them!” I love it! That he did!
I believe we all get a new name…when we get to Heaven…I believe some where in John’s new name…will be “The Incinerator!”
50…years from now…I believe Dr. MacArthur will still be the greatest influencer for the Gospel and the faith once delivered unto the saints….of the 20th and 21st centuries there ever was…I doubt at this late hour….there is anyone…. on the horizon…. that can fill his shoes! He will be missed!