John MacArthur Unable to Continue Preaching Second Service After Falling Ill

Many people are praying for Pastor John MacArthur, 83, after the venerated elder was unable to preach the second service, having at one point to “catch his breath” before plowing ahead through the first, and then taking leave of the next one. An elder at Grace Community Church informed the second service congregants:

“Just so you know, Pastor John had a bug this week and preached our first hour but asked if he might be able to take a break for the second hour. So Mike Riccardi is going to be answering the call. It’s pretty pretty amazing we have guys with sermons in their Bibles wherever you go and so Mike’s going to be here.”

Tim Hurd at the Bible Thumping Wingnut initially reported the story, with one of his commenters adding more context.

I attended the first service. Pastor John had gone up to the pulpit to preach and soon as he got there he had taken a second “to catch his breath.” He said he wasn’t sure why all of a sudden he was out of breathe and had made a few coughs. I think it was about 45 seconds though to a minute that took maybe, but he did go on to preach.

In the earlier part of his sermon he did crack a joke saying that he wanted us to get into the Bible so that we would stop worrying about him since we were all looking at him and I’m sure he noticed all the concerned faces in the church but he did state that he was feeling great. He did sound back to normal during the rest of the sermon, but I’m praying for Pastor John. I prayed for him during the service.

I have learned so much from that man and I thank God that He allowed me to see Pastor John preach these past few weeks at Grace Community Church. Happy New Year’s to all and God bless.

John MacArthur has trended on Twitter several times over the last few months, mostly for his continued strong stance against homosexuality and advocating for personal purity and sound biblical teaching.

Continue to pray for MacArthur, for his continued and enduring health.