“Unleashing God’s Truth, One Verse at a Time”

Noteworthy pastor and Bible teacher John MacArthur (1939–2025) died this week. “JMac,” as he was commonly known, had a profound impact upon me. At the age of 19, there I was alone at a desk, late in the evening, drinking a Red Bull, reading MacArthur’s commentary on Romans. That experience literally altered the course of my life. I don’t remember anything I read; I simply remember being radically changed by studying JMac’s interpretation of Paul’s letter. Although I had been raised in the church, I had not experienced the degree of detail and depth with which MacArthur explained the meaning of the text before. Fast forward a few years, I had the opportunity to meet MacArthur, shake his hand, and tell him thank you for his ministry. I don’t recall what he said in response, but I remember having the takeaway, “He’s kind and gentle.” My impression of him from the pulpit (strong, bold, confrontational at times) was very different than my impression with him one-on-one (warm & approachable).

A takeaway that all Christians should have from MacArthur’s life and ministry is the need to possess an unflinching commitment to the authority of God’s Word. JMac modeled this conviction for a very long time—he pastored the same church for over 50 years! Through that time, John taught the same message: an unwavering commitment to what the Bible teaches. We need more of that, as we are prone to compromise due to fear, worldliness, hypocrisy, and comfort. JMac’s life helps us see the importance of that lesson. May we all seek similar courage from the Spirit to stand firm upon Scripture, now and always.

Pastor Chance Sumner