Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant

The Christian community mourns today as we say goodbye to Pastor John F. MacArthur Jr, who has passed away at the age of 86. Over the past five decades, MacArthur served as a pastor for Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. While he was at the helm of that church, his unwavering commitment to the word of the Lord left a lasting mark on those who were in his presence as he shared the grace of the Lord with others.

MacArthur was a fearless preacher, known for his in-depth teachings, which he refused to compromise in the face of societal pressure or cultural trends. His voice brought hope to those who listened, especially through his radio program, “Grace To You,” which reached countless people worldwide over many decades. He also produced numerous books, including “Charismatic Chaos”, “Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship.”, and “The Gospel According to Jesus.” These books provided a sound doctrine that Christians could embrace, addressing the ever-changing world landscape.

 MacArthur has mentored a generation of pastors; his legacy includes a steadfast stance on biblical inerrancy, a passion for discipleship, and a life lived in service to Christ. His most recent feats occurred during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when California implemented lockdown rules that prohibited worship gatherings. They decided to continue with in-person worship, leading to a legal battle with Los Angeles and state officials. MacArthur defended his stance in a 2020 Fox News interview, emphasizing that the government shouldn’t dictate worship practices. The Thomas More Society, representing MacArthur, expressed hopes that the outcome would inspire others to uphold religious liberty.

Though he has entered eternity, his teachings will continue to guide the church. As he often said, “the truth is always the truth”. Today, we honour a man who spent 86 years proclaiming the truth, faithfully, boldly, and without apology.

“I’ve finished the course; I’ve kept the faith.” – John F MacArthur.