‘I’m On the Last Lap.’ Pastor John MacArthur Sends Video Message To Shepherd Conference Attendees
A visibly frail John MacArthur has shared a video for Shepherd Conference attendees and also for the public, expressing his great sadness and disappointment at not being able to attend while also wishing grace and peace to attendees.
MacArthur, 85, has been away from the pulpit for the better part of a year, battling a series of health issues, setbacks, and complications stemming from multiple heart surgeries he had in the back half of 2024.
It has been hoped that he would be able to attend the beloved conference, which draws thousands of pastors to Grace Community Church every year, and which began March 5th, but it was not to be. He shares:
I want to say ‘grace to you,’ all of you who are at the Shepherds Conference. For me it’s the highlight of the year, so you have to know my disappointment in coming to you through video. It really came down to being the only option because I haven’t had such a speedy recovery as I hoped to have.
I feel great. I just uh, lost a lot of strength by being seven weeks in the hospital. I mean, it’s the hospital that can kill you. You can survive the illness. If you can survive the hospital, then you’ve won on every level.
It took a toll on me physically, so I’m seeing physical therapists and trainers and trying to get back as soon as possible.
I had the message on my heart and I didn’t want to lose the opportunity to give it to you. So we printed it up in a booklet. The good news is you don’t have to listen to me and you don’t have to take notes because you’re going to get the sermon in a booklet form.
I just know how much I miss being at Shepherd’s Conference. I love the fellowship. I love the preaching. I especially love the singing- every aspect of it- and the camaraderie and fellowship of meeting people is always a highlight.
So thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your faithfulness and being a part of Shepherd’s Conference. I’ll be praying for you and asking the Lord to bless in an unusual way and sharpen all of us for whatever the Lord has for us in the future.
I realize I’m on the last lap. That takes on a new meaning when you know you’re on the short end of the candle. But I am all thanks and praise to God for everything he’s allowed me to be a part of and everything he’s accomplished by his word in these years of ministry.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Despite signs of physical decline, it’s impossible not to pick up on the strength of his words and the message shining through. And the message he would have given attendees in person, and now is giving them in print form, is perfect.
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Sorry to hear of your physical battles (wondering though did you get the clot shot). This also would be a good time to renounce Calvinism, Cessationism, and Replacement Theology. (As I recall you basically renounced Replacement Theology referring to it as heresy when you appeared on Ben Shapiros program). Hoping not only for physical recovery but a spiritual one as well.
Non-cessationists are so hung up on their false interpretation of Scripture that they can’t even wish someone well, as they finish running the race of faith towards the end of their life . John MacArthur is a top level theologian who has rightly divided the Word and probably the greatest preacher since Spurgeon, and you have to bring up disputable charismatic and other issues as he is basically saying goodbye as a preacher. Your pride is on parade before all the world.
H Summerville, as someone who was formerly a member of MacArthur’s church, while I think your intentions might be from a place of genuine concern, I think you are not getting some points right.
What exactly does Calvinism get wrong? I won’t get into all the TULIP points but surely you believe the word of God is inerrant?
– Man is totally depraved apart from God (Romans 3:10 there is none righteous, no not one…there is none who seeks for God)
– Believers are unconditionally elected (Eph 1:4-5 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…He predestined us to adoption as sons, John 15:16 You did not choose me but I chose you)
Continuationism is a SECONDARY issue. Not a primary one. If you believe those gifts are still present, that does not affect your salvation. Nor does it affect MacArthur’s to believe they have ceased.
MacArthur has never taught replacement theology. There was never a correction that had to be issued. We very clearly understand from Scripture that Israel is still God’s chosen people. The church by no means substitutes Israel or takes Israel’s place. Paul says in Romans 11 that God has not rejected Israel but they have a partial hardening at this time so Israel is temporarily put to the side in some sense. God is choosing to accomplish His means primarily at this time through the church, but Israel will be restored; there is a remnant. That is what I was taught and that is what is said in Scripture.
Well said DD and L Lin.
L Lin, you realize many other people also believe God’s Word is inerrant, AND reject the teaching that: God predestines billions of people to hell, because He did not and/or would not give them any possibility to repent and believe, yet He will punish them for all eternity for not repenting and believing, right? That’s is what is meant by total depravity, not that we are totally unrighteous, and not simply that we cannot work our way to salvation. That, and a multitude of other troubling problems come with Calvinism, such as God does not love the whole world, Jesus did not die for everyone, etc.
You are right about Replacement theology, and that cessationism is a secondary issue, but JM pretty much made it a primary issue a few years back. So ………
BTW, check out What Love Is This? for more on the madness of Calvinism, and on the madness in Calvin himself.
Anyone who doesn’t believe in replacement theology is not a Christian since the gospel is that the church replaces Israel.
I’d note that Jesus’ audience in John 15:16 was the Disciples, at the Lord’s Supper. And in Ephesians 1:12, Paul clarifies that he is speaking of the “first”. Verses 11-14 draw a distinction between those “first” (which I would tend to believe would refer to the Apostles), and the brethren at the church of Ephesus.
I don’t know much about all the theology, but I believe it’s important when interpreting scripture to pay attention to who the audience is. Scriptures that talk about election and predestination may not be referring to all believers. In many cases, I’ve noticed, the scripture is referring to the Apostles, who were all, in fact, directly chosen by Jesus Himself, including Paul on the road to Damascus.
But it would not always apply to the Apostles. Because we have scriptures such as Matt. 24, which indicate there will be elect in the end times. There, the word is “eklektos”, which can mean “favorite”. I don’t know of any scripture anywhere that would indicate that the “elect” refers to all believers. Seems to me it must refer to certain select individuals God has called for a certain purpose.
Or if it refers to all believers, it could mean that God chooses us in response to our freely accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and Master. By the blood of Jesus, we become clean. We become “selectable”.
I don’t know. But I am certain God’s word doesn’t conflict with itself, whether I understand it all or not. If the understanding of election/predestination conflicts with John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9, and other such scriptures. then the understanding is not correct, and needs to be reexamined.
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Cessationism is taught in 1 Corinthians 13 and Acts 8:18-24.
Replacement Theology is taught all over the gospel and the Pauline Epistles so much that is IS the gospel literally. But its very plainly taught in Matthew 21:43
“43 Therefore say I unto you (Jews), The kingdom of God shall be taken from you (Jews), and given to a nation (Gentiles) bringing forth the fruits thereof.”
Calvinism is definately NOT the gospel; Replacement Theology literally IS the gospel.
The gospel very much is that the Old Testament is wholly obliterate and NOBODOY can be saved by the Law. Therefore thank God for the New Testament. Everyone trusting in the Law (ALLLLLLLLLLL the Jews) are going to hell. That’s the gospel.
In that case, Replacement theology qualifies as a false gospel. At a minimum, it is false. However, if you conflate it with the gospel, and you are a proponent of it, then it seems you are promoting a false gospel.
I’m Agreeing with what John MacAuther has been Preaching and teaching for many years now. When I got saved is when God all out of Love opened my Heart to Jesus with John 3:16!!
I didn’t know that much about God but we have Creation all around us. He sought me! Reviled in the Verse when Gods Spirit Broke my Heart! I was Dead and made Alive not by my choice, but by Grace. God is Love. We keep Preaching to the Whole World. “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;repent and believe in the gospel.””
Mark 1:14-15
We can never choose it about for Being Born Again. Praying for Josh and Family.
Keep Sharing the Good News! His Chosen will always be Healed ❤️❤️❤️
hy
Non-cessationists are so hung up on their false interpretation of Scripture that they can’t even wish someone well, as they finish running the race of faith towards the end of their life . John MacArthur is a top level theologian who has rightly divided the Word and probably the greatest preacher since Spurgeon, and you have to bring up disputable charismatic and other issues as he is basically saying goodbye as a preacher. Your pride is on parade before all the world. rb.gy/tzkwnx
Spurgeon’s sermons are trash. There is no more than 2-5 minutes of usable material in any one of them and the rest is just filler made up of false teaching. MacArthur’s Calvinism is false, and his stupid dispensationalism, but he is good on certain things like Mary not being the Mother of God. MacArthur is 1000 times better than Spurgeon, who I believe is in hell. MacArthur I have some hope for. Spurgeon was a sabbatarian, a smoker, a liar, and a very grotesque Calvinist, and a fat glutton. MacAruthr at least doesn’t smoke (so far as I know) and is not a fat glutton, and not a sabbatarian.
After reading thru all these comments I am so glad the Bible is my theology book. Not some 17th century or church historical figure writing their own book. John MacArthur did not die for you. He cannot save you. Neither can a host of modern day theologians save you. Only Jesus can and from scripture he wants to. By the way Jesus is still Jewish. He is the Jewish Messiah. He is the Messiah of Israel. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He told Abraham that in him ALL nations will be blessed! Happy churching everyone.
I’m glad, H Summerville that you believe the gospel! That’s the most important thing. Everything else we disagree on is not necessary for our salvation. I never said MacArthur is saving anyone but since you brought up he needed to renounce certain aspects of his beliefs, I was merely refuting that. He has taught the truth of Scripture.
M, you are absolutely right, God does love the whole world. It says so in John 3:16. I’m not sure I ever heard a Calvinist say otherwise. But although God loves the world, I’m sure know this: He must also punish sin and wickedness. And why some people are not saved is a mystery to all of us. So, I used to believe I could choose God. Especially when I was younger. I thought… I just know God is real and I could accept God. The thing is…we cannot work for our salvation. It’s impossible. It’s only by grace (Eph 2:8) that any of us have our minds and hearts opened to knowing God. And Paul continues in the verse, “so that no man may boast.” It cannot be 99% Christ and 1% me. It has to be 100% Christ raising me from my spiritual deadness into life. The only thing I “contribute” to my salvation is my sin – which is really to say, I contribute nothing. Romans 9 was eye opening for me and I would encourage you to read through it especially verses 14-23. It is still something to this day that I grapple with…because it does not make sense to me still at times, but it’s not up to us to know why God thinks this way.
V.18-19 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. You will say to me then, Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?
MacArthur, to my knowledge, never said you weren’t a real Christian if you believe in charismatic gifts, but if you do find something where he did say that, please definitely post a link. He did make a big deal out of it though if that’s what you mean. I think his intent was to call out a lot of the false teachers placing overemphasis on those gifts and leading people astray.
T, I agree, context is important, but by your logic then, we should assume that everything Paul said is only written to the designated church that it’s titled too. So none of Paul’s words will apply to us at all which would make God’s word have very little power in our lives. He says to them in Eph 2 “But God being rich in mercy….made us alive together with Christ…raised us up with Him, seated us with Him…” The “us” in Ch 2 is the same “us” in Ch 1: Chose us, predestined us, lavished us, made known to us. He is absolutely referring to all Christians as well. If you are a Christian, you are a child of God and He chose you already to be perfect and blameless. This is the core of the Christian’s identity. I am a child of God! And I had nothing to do with it. I didn’t have to earn it. I didn’t have to work for it. It was all God!
Thanks for replaying L Lin. Yes, that is what limited atonement means, that God only died for some, not all, and therefore He does not love all. And many, not all, Calvinists not only believe that, they go out of their way to twist Jn 3:16 (and other verses, like 1 Jn 2:1-2, etc) to continue to teach the L in TULIP.
And, of course, they have no idea (and no way) of how to handle verses like 2 Peter 2:1, which clearly states that Jesus died for and “bought” false teachers:
“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord WHO BOUGHT THEM, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”
Also, no one said anything about works. That is a Red Herring/Straw Man argument here. Faith/belief is obviously not a work. Yet Calvinists still willful try to conflate the two, even though there are numerous verses which juxtapose faith and works, denoting they are not the same.
We are dead in are tresspasses, yes. But this does not mean we are “dead” and cannot do anything, including believe. That makes ZERO sense. Yet that is what many/most Calvinists teach, and deceive many by that error. It is one thing to teach and believe Calvinism, but those who resort to twisting logic and Scripture (at least in this area of being dead) expose a certain level of being naive, and/or a willful ignorance.
If God made it impossible for everyone to choose, for everyone to believe or not, then Scripture would certainly be written different, such as: Jesus died for only the elect … or … Whosoever believes in Him will be saved, but there countless who cannot believe, because I, God, made it impossible to believe … etc.
I cannot remember his exact words (it was years ago), so he may or may not have said they are not saved. He likely, at a very minimum, implied that. Either way, that was not my point, it was how dogmatic he was about that, and how he left no room for discussion, nor was there any grace to them (yes, quite ironic).
Having said that, JM has written a lot of good things, and holds to some right doctrine, of course.
Thank you for sharing your views, M and I can see where your concerns lie. First off, I want to clarify my previous post because I didn’t make it clear before, that I don’t believe God predestines people to hell. There is only singular predestination for the elect. The Romans 9 verse I brought up actually says God chooses believers. It essentially says He chose to show mercy to Moses and not to Pharaoh, so Paul is asking from a human standpoint then how God can still find fault in Pharoah and likewise those He did not choose to have mercy on. The answer Paul gives in Romans 9 later essentially is that we cannot understand God’s ways. He is the Potter. But I just wanted to clarify that God does not cause people to choose unbelief in case it was confusing. Tbh, even I was a little confused afterwards when I posted that. That’s what I get for posting in the middle of the night! Scripture does NOT teach double predestination. That would make God evil which He is not.
You said “work our way into salvation” in your initial post so that’s where I was clarifying. But maybe that’s not what you meant. But I would say we can only believe because God gives us the ability to. God must give us the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and our hearts to believe. A spiritually dead person cannot know God. There’s no amount of intelligence or human knowledge I possess that would help me towards believing. It must come from God alone.
And yes I can see what you’re saying about other Scripture in addition to John 3:16 like in 1 Tim it says God desires for all men to be saved. But Scripture also clearly teaches that God chooses believers in Eph 1 and Romans 9. So these truths must all come together in some way. I know I always need to learn more and study more but I appreciate you bringing those verses up.
I will say though, Eph 1 has been so helpful for me these past couple of months. It is the most comforting truth for a believer to know that God loved you and made you His child even before the foundation of the world.
That 2 Peter verse is interesting. I’ll have to look more into that and study it for myself.
While we may disagree on a lot, I appreciate your willingness to have a discussion!