The First Time I Heard John MacArthur

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of John MacArthur becoming pastor of Grace Community Church in California. 50 years is a long time being in one place. Most pastors I know do not stay in one place for that long.

I have to admit, I have not listened to much of MacArthur in my walk with Jesus especially after my first time hearing him preach. I was 14 on a mission trip with my church in Southern California in 1993, which was one year after the riots sparked by the verdict of the Rodney King trial.

I remember driving on a highway in California on a Sunday evening to attend a church service. Had no idea where we were going. I remember seeing the Hollywood sign in the way there.

We arrived at MacArthur's church which looked nice and going in with my Bible ready to hear God's Word. MacArthur acknowledged our church being there for a mission trip, but I cannot recall what songs were sung that evening. As MacArthur began to preach, I remember he spoke with clarity, however, I cannot remember what text he preached from because fatigue started to set in especially to all of us Texas teens who are still recovering from losing two hours sleep.

I wish I can say what that sermon was. After going through the Grace To You website, it was one on Revelation. My first experience with MacArthur was not as good as some would expected, but I thank God for that time because it did expose me to a wonderful Bible teacher.

I thank God for John MacArthur because he is faithful expositor of the Word of God. I do not agree with all of his conclusions, but he always goes to the Bible for his answers to questions. He has written many books (too many to count) and has a good study Bible that I have one in the ESV and another in the NKJV. I thank God for his dedication to his local church. He could have moved anywhere else, yet the Lord allowed him to serve at Grace Community Church for 50 years.

My first time with MacArthur may not have gone well as... well...I am sure what word to use to describe it, but I am grateful that his name stuck with me over the years. After my time with cancer as I began to relearn doctrine and the Bible, MacArthur was one of the names that came to mind to go deeper in my study of the Bible.