Tribute to John MacArthur: Servant of the Word & Flock

In his book, JOHN MACARTHUR: SERVANT OF THE WORD AND FLOCK, Iain Murray writes, "Through more than 40 yrs [56 now], John MacArthur has opened and taught the Word of God in one local congregation, Grace Community Church, Los Angeles. Consequences have followed which no one anticipated, and which the preacher attributes to 'the sovereign hand of God.' A people united to Christ, and to their pastor, became a channel for blessing across the earth. It has been a ministry marked by characteristics that re-appear in every spiritual advance--not concern for 'relevance'; not special attractions for young or old, male or female; but love for God and dependence on His Word and promises. MacArthur has proved, without ever intending to do so, that true preaching of the Word of God is international, 'because if you teach the Bible it transcends every border, every language, every culture. It is as relevant today, and will be tomorrow, as in all the years since God put it down.' That is why his sermons are heard or read in more than 200 countries around the world today. But this is also a human story, including the shaping of his youth, the strength of marriage and family, the refining influence of trials and controversies, and the building of a man whose staff have never known him to be angry. There are friends who, for all their love of his ministry, say his life is his best sermon." And that's what lead one elder's wife, who's been there over 40 years to say, 'We have a worshipper for a pastor.' Another GCC member said, 'His greatest sermon is his life.' And a third, that 'He is profoundly generous' to which I can personally attest. At Grace Bible Church, Talent Oregon midweek Bible study we're doing something a bit different. Amid a generation that has seen so many ministers of the Gospel become casualties to their own lusts or financial scandals and disqualified themselves from vocational ministry, we'll take just a moment in time to thank the Lord for a man He raised up to run strong and faithfully all the way through the finish line where he heard "Well done, my faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord" (Matt 5:21). While we WILL NOT memorialize this redeemed sinner beyond that which we ought, we are biblically obligated to "show honor to whom honor is due" (Rom 13:7). Join us as we "remember those who led us, who spoke the Word of God to us; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith" (Heb 13:7). Give glory to God for His gracious gift of this gifted one that He gave His Church for 56 years in these moments of reflection "John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock" Wednesday at 6:00.