With John MacArthur’s passing into glory, we can collectively recognize how blessed we were to have him as a preacher in our time. His ability to convey theological topics with precision, clarity, and simplicity is what made him, in my view, the greatest preacher of our generation.

My First Encounter with MacArthur

My first exposure to John MacArthur wasn’t decades ago like it may have been for many others. It was in 2020, when I stumbled across his sermon addressing the Black Lives Matter Riots.

As a native Minnesotan, this was incredibly relevant. It came at a time when many large evangelical churches were struggling to make sense of the cultural moment.

He opened the message with a bold declaration:

“It falls to me today to speak to you from the Word of God, as it always does. You have no interest in my opinion, I would not waste your time by giving it. But we must hear from God. Everybody is aware that we are in a crisis, perhaps something we have not experienced in most of our lifetimes. We need to understand it from the biblical viewpoint.”

This sermon was my introduction to John MacArthur and to expository preaching. It was a turning point for me—how do we, as Christians, view the world through the lens of God’s perfect Word?

A Catalyst for Spiritual Growth

That sermon set me on a path of watching countless MacArthur sermons. It led to explosive growth in my faith, knowledge, and understanding of who God is. His commitment to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture reshaped my walk with Christ.

John MacArthur played a crucial role in my sanctification—he helped me crave deeper biblical preaching and a more robust theology.

This pursuit also led me to discover other faithful expositors and teachers, including:

• R.C. Sproul
• Paul Washer
• Voddie Baucham
• Costi Hinn

A Local Church Connection

That journey also led my family to Beacon of Hope Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, pastored by Steve Lonetti—a man who once served alongside MacArthur at Grace Community Church. Pastor Lonetti has faithfully shepherded Beacon of Hope for over a decade and continues the same bold, expository teaching that drew me in from the beginning.

It is also through Beacon of Hope that I was able to have the opportunity to go to Shepherd’s conference in March 2024, where I was able to see MacArthur preach in person, at his last Shepherd’s conference. I am so thankful for God’s providence in allowing so many men from our church to participate in such a marvelous God glorifying event.

A Legacy of Faithfulness

I’m incredibly thankful for MacArthur’s ministry:

• His influence on Christianity in America
• His boldness and zeal in preaching God’s Word
• His deep convictions, always rooted in Scripture

While I am saddened that he has left this earth, I rejoice knowing that his faith has finally turned to sight.

1 Corinthians 15:54–58 (LSB)

But when this corruptible puts on the incorruptible, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the word that is written,

“DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.

O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?
O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?”

Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.