I thoroughly enjoyed this biography. As a Teaching Pastor, it was extremely encouraging to me because it reinforced a conviction that I hold to with a firm grip. At times, looking out over the landscape of evangelicalism, it appears as if this conviction is in the minority or even called into question. What is this conviction? True ministry is built upon the faithful proclamation and application of God’s Word!

How refreshing to read of MacArthur’s ministry and find that same conviction endorsed and faithfully embraced over the years. For that reason, and many more, MacArthur is a living hero of the faith. It’s not about him. It’s about faithfully standing on the Word and relying on the Word to accomplish the work.

The story of Grace Church, Grace to You, and the Master’s College and Seminary really is a miracle story. It’s amazing and thrilling to see the worldwide audience and impact that has been realized through sound biblical exposition.

My favorite portion of this work was when we are given a glimpse inside MacArthur’s study. While preparing messages preaching through the Gospel of Matthew, he wrote this to a friend:

There are many days when I can hardly stand what I am discovering. It just overwhelms me. In every paragraph there is this incomparable Jesus Christ and He is just devastatingly powerful and glorious. It is a crushing experience to be exposed to Him, and yet it is the most exalting thing—to realize He has embraced me for all eternity! I would rather preach Christ than anything else. He is the most compelling subject in all the universe. (p. 62)

This is the lesson from MacArthur’s life and ministry, a man thoroughly overwhelmed with the beauty and glory of Christ and therefore committed to exalting Him through sound biblical preaching! As pastors, we will not all have such extensive ministries. In fact, the majority of us will have ministries that will never be widely known. However, if we run after BIG, we will miss the most IMPORTANT. Let us run after Christ. In our lives, our study, and our preaching, let it be known by our congregants that Christ is all sufficient! The scope and expanse is God’s business. Faithfulness to His Word is our calling.

At times it seems that some of the young, restless, and reformed grow impatient and dismissive of MacArthur, especially if he directs a word to them (us). I appeal to my brothers in ministry, learn to listen without feeling the compulsion to quickly reply. I don’t agree with everything MacArthur says and does, but he is a stable, mature, wise, and proven voice. There is far more for us to learn from him and appreciate of him than there are points of disagreement to argue over. He has walked in the Word, in the local church, and in ministry long enough, with steady faithfulness, that if he feels compelled to say it, we should feel compelled to listen, even if we don’t like it or agree with it.