Reflecting on the memorial service for John MacArthur. That is the topic we'll discuss today right here on the Christian Realview Radio program. Where the mission is to sharpen the biblical worldview of Christians and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. I'm David Wheaton, the host. The Christian Roeview is a non-profit, listener-supported radio ministry.
You can connect with us by visiting our website, thechristianworldview.org. or by following us on X. Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. As always, thank you for your notes of encouragement, financial support, and lifting us up in prayer. There are several common terms for the ceremony that takes place after someone dies.
Funeral. Celebration of life. Memorial service You can tell a lot about the deceased by the manner and mood of their service.
Some are focused on how accomplished and full of good works the person was. others are about happy memories and photos. Still others are like a dirge full of grief over the loss. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep or dead.
so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, Even so, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. In Jesus To be sure. There should be grief over the loss of a loved one. For we will never see or speak to that person.
again in this life. Jesus himself wept when seeing the family and friends of Lazarus lament over his death. Not because they wouldn't see Lazarus again. Jesus was about to raise him from the grave, after all. but because death is the ultimate enemy in reality of our sin corrupted world.
But that passage in 1 Thessalonians says believers shouldn't grieve as do the rest, unbelievers, who have no hope. Because of the promise that God will bring true believers into His presence in heaven. to live for eternity. Where there is no sin, pain or or death. This is why for the believer the service following death should largely focus on the greatness of God and how He brings the believer into an infinitely better eternity.
Instead of memorializing or celebrating this life, It really should be a worship service of God. for this life and even more the next. I attended the Memorial Service better said the worship service for Pastor John MacArthur this past weekend at Grace Community Church in Los Angeles. MacArthur went to heaven back on july fourteenth at age eighty six after nearly three years of health problems. Outside my parents, John MacArthur has had the most Significant influence on my life through his preaching.
and his character.
So, my older brother and I traveled to the church, as we have done many times over the years, for the Shepherds' Conference. an annual convergence of men in ministry. Only this time we wouldn't be hearing MacArthur preach. We will be hearing others praise God. For the grace and gifting he showered on MacArthur's life.
And the eternal reward He is now receiving. It was two hours and forty-five minutes of worshiping God for the good work He did in the life and ministry. of John MacArthur. John MacArthur's eldest son Matt joins us today in the program. Matt and his wife have been married for forty years and are the parents of three adult children and they are the grandparents of seven.
He works in the investment management business and also serves as the President of Grace to You. Matt will offer unique insight into his dad and what the family was aiming to accomplish in the service. Before we get to the interview with Matt though. I think it would be helpful context to play a few audio clips from the service. that will give you a taste of what it was like.
I would highly recommend, though, that you and your family take the time to watch the entire service. you would be edified in doing so. And we have a link to it on our website, thechristianworldview.org. There was massive attendance that Saturday. for the service at Grace Community Church.
I'm guessing they have capacity of about 5,000 people on the church campus. The sanctuary doesn't hold that many.
So attendees who came Many of them were watching on televisions inside the various rooms around the campus. and they served lunch to everyone after the service. And many of the members of the church assembled in their small groups in their own homes to watch the service. And there were lots of personal and ministry friends of John MacArthur who came from all over the world. Here are a few names you likely know.
Ken Hamm from Answers in Genesis was there along with Ray Comfort from Living Waters, Todd Friel of Wretched, the well-known preachers Paul Washer and H. B. Charles, Tom Pennington, pastor at Countryside in Texas, Phil Johnson of Grace to You, Tim Chow, he's a well-known blogger, Travis Allen, one of our favorite guests on this program, pastors in Colorado. And there were many within Christian media. And other parts of the Christian industry who had worked with MacArthur over the years, as you can imagine, MacArthur's network is very extensive.
The service started with the Los Angeles Police Department presenting an American flag to John MacArthur's wife, Patricia. And then there was a bagpiper who played Amazing Grace. followed by the choir singing the Lord's Prayer. which I just have to play about one minute of. Deliver us not into temptation, but deliver us from him.
Whenever I hear that, that just takes my spirit to a heavenly realm. Then the Getty saying There was an audio playing of John MacArthur reading 1 Corinthians 15, the entire chapter, which had been taken from a past sermon. Pastor Alistair Begg. offered a rich prayer. The choir is sang another hymn The King of Love my Shepherd is What a beautiful hymn that is and then John Piper, noted pastor and author.
came up to offer a reflection, on his friend and fellow preacher, John MacArthur. The law of the Lord is perfect. Reviving the soul. The testimony of the Lord is Sure. Making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right. Rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is pure. Enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean.
enduring forever. The commandment The precepts, the law.
Okay. The testimony. They're all Perfect. The rules. True.
and righteous. All together. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold, sweeter also than honey. And drippings from the honeycomb. Moreover, By them is your servant warned, and in keeping them there is Great reward.
Great reward. It is amazing. How Two hearts. can be knit together By a common taste for the For this honey. It's amazing how two hearts can be knit together by a common greediness.
For this treasure That is more. Precious than gold. John MacArthur loved the taste of the honey of heaven. He was greedy. for the treasures of the word of God.
He told a few of us Some years ago I have never ceased. to be thrilled with the preparation to preach. I love to discover the truth of God. He loved the quest. fulfillment of Psalm 111.
Two. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
So he loved the quest, and he loved even more the treasure. The seeking and the finding. It could never be said of John MacArthur Always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. He loved to learn. He loved to arrive.
You love to stand. Most of all, he loved to preach. To herald the treasure that he had found in the word. to other people. A shared joy is a double joy.
You see more clearly what you say more clearly. Commending a treasure intensifies the experience of its worth. And so he loved to preach. And he was good at it. Oh my.
So clear.
So textual, so precise, so zealous, so authentic. Authoritative, practical, relevant, anointed, God made John MacArthur an extraordinary preacher. There was more by John Piper. But for the sake of time Johnny Erickson Tata, the very special Christ follower who has been in a wheelchair since her teenage days. after breaking her neck in a diving accident, came up.
She is an author and leads a very powerful ministry to people with disabilities around the world, and she was a long time friend of John MacArthur. They both loved hymns. and used to sing them together, and here is a portion of what she had to say. And recently, less than 24 hours before. John stepped into heaven.
Just the last remaining hours. I FaceTimed him. Because he was a founding board member of our ministry, Johnny and Friends, to people with disabilities around the world. And I wanted to assure him that we were setting firm safeguards. making certain that we ensure we always contend.
For the gospel once delivered to the saints. Jude chapter 1. And Then I asked him John, do you remember that night at your house? We went back and forth, Kim after Kim after Kim. And he whispered, Absolutely.
How could I forget it? Then I said, John. In closing, I must sing just One last verse, and you you don't have to Expend your breath. Just let me sing to you. one that I know you know by heart.
When I draw. This fleeting breath When my heart Eyelids close in death.
Now this is the best part, John. When I soar to be a little bit of a soul. Two worlds unknown. See thee on Thy judgment Wrong. Rock of ages.
Cliff for me. Let me hide. myself. Indeed. That brings tears to my eyes thinking about.
Soaring to worlds unknown, Seeing thee on thy judgment throne. Beautiful words from Johnny Erickson, Tada. Skipping ahead for the sake of time, both of John MacArthur's sons then spoke, Matt and Mark. We're going to hear from Matt in the next two segments.
So, I'll just play a short clip of son Mark recounting what his dad said to him on the way to the hospital. when Mark had a brain tumor as a teenager, and they didn't quite know what they were dealing with. And he put his hand on my leg. And he said, Are you ready to die? And I knew exactly what he was saying.
Are you prepared to die? That conversation. For the next two or three miles, I don't exactly remember what we talked about. I just remember we were. I was thinking about something that I had never contemplated I mean, I love Jesus and I accepted Jesus into my heart.
But am I ready to die? I'm only 18. And then Mark MacArthur closed his message. using the same words that his dad had once told him. In honor of Dad, And ultimately the greater honor of Christ.
Thank you for coming, but I would ask you this question. Are you ready to die? If you are not ready, Repent and believe. For today is the day of salvation. There is no other name.
Under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. It is Jesus. He is the name above all names. And that was Dad's greatest love. But if you are ready?
Like dad was? And I echo Paul. Be alive in Christ. Be alive in Christ. Death has no sting.
We live with fervor and joy. We are the most envious people in the entire universe. We have Christ. He's right. The believer has everything Because of Christ.
But for the non-believer, There's only one command from Jesus. You must. be born again. All right, we'll take a brief break, but next, Matt MacArthur. who is John MacArthur's eldest son, joins us.
I'm David Wheaton and you are listening to the Christian Ruralview Radio Program. The 10th Overcomer Foundation Cup golf event is set for Monday, September 15th at White Bear Yacht Club near St. Paul, Minnesota. David Wheaton here, host of The Christian Worldview, encouraging you to invite some friends or clients to experience a rare day on one of the best courses in Minnesota, hear the good news of the gospel, and discover how the Overcomer Foundation, the non-profit organization that directs the Christian Worldview radio program, is impacting hearts and minds. Golfer registration includes 18 holes with CART, all meals and beverages, and golfer gift.
Out-of-town golfers and guests are more than welcome to come. Non-golfers can take part in the post-golf meal and message. There are lots of sponsorship opportunities as well. We hope to see you Monday, September 15th at White Bear Yacht Club near St. Paul, Minnesota.
To find out more and register, go to thechristianworldview.org or call 188-646-2233. The August issue of the Christian Worldview Journal is commemorative on the life and ministry of one of the great preachers, John MacArthur, who recently went home to be with the Lord. Josh Barzan writes about key events of MacArthur's life and the scope of his ministry. Pastor Travis Allen provides insight into his character and mission. Also, you'll find part two of Soren Kern's series on anti-Semitism and how it is infecting conservative and Christian circles.
The Christian Worldview Journal is a monthly, twelve-page, full-color print publication designed to sharpen your biblical worldview on current events and issues of the faith. The journal is mailed to all Christian Worldview partners who support this radio ministry at $10 or more per month. To become a Christian Worldview partner or order an individual issue of the journal, go to thechristianworldview.org or call 188-646-2233 or write to box four zero one, Excelsior, Minnesota. Yeah. Welcome back to the Christian Worldview.
I'm David Wheaton. Be sure to visit thechristianworldview.org where you can sign up for our weekly email, the Christian Worldview Journal, monthly print publication, order resources for adults and children, and support the ministry. Our topic today is reflecting on the memorial service for John MacArthur. In the opening segment, you heard some of the highlights of the service.
Now let's get to the interview with Matt MacArthur. Pastor MacArthur's eldest son and president of Grace to U. for a unique look into the life and ministry of his dad. Matt, thank you for coming on the Christian Worldview Radio program today. The last three years of your dad's life.
were really difficult. With various health challenges with his heart, lungs, kidneys, and perhaps there were more that I don't know about, but. What was your dad's perspective for that? Through these last few years. Considering he wasn't able to do what his calling was, and that was to preach.
That's a good question, David. I think the overarching sentiment from dad Consistently was one of thankfulness. He had an amazing ability. to be thankful in all circumstances. While it was difficult, And he even on several occasions said to me, That I I would just want to preach.
I want to serve mom. I want to lead the staff.
So despite his desire His physical ability to do that was just. it becomes so difficult but through it all he would say i'm just thankful Well, he really modeled what scripture says to in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus, even through a very difficult health journey. Matt, can you tell us more about what he faced in those last two and a half years from a health standpoint? It started in January of 2023 on New Year's Day. He had not been feeling well the week prior.
And I recall a conversation with him that, you know, I think you should just stay home. We've got some very capable men that can fill the pulpit on New Year's Day. And he says, you know, I think you're right. That morning, he got up to preach. His heart began to race.
He asked the people in the church to just be patient with him until he could catch his breath.
Well, effectively, as a result of that. His wit is always uh Funny to me, and he said, Yeah, I. They pulled me at halftime. And not only did they pull him, they raised him to the emergency room because. He had significant blockage in his heart.
And by It's God's kindness, he didn't have a massive heart attack. And in that process, he ended up with four stints. And that really began. Three years or so of just not getting better, David. You would have these procedures, and the doctors were convinced that this was going to take care of it.
And then He had a valve replacement. And they went in there and put a new valve. Transaortic. valve replacement. And they thought, well, that's gonna make his heart Be stronger.
And then he began to have challenges with his kidneys. They were compromised for various reasons over the years. And then you had trouble breathing.
So we had a Majors with surgery on his lung. Hard to recover.
So, with each of these events, Mentally, he was strong. He was... Committed to getting back. We had a trainer coming to the house nearly every other day. I mean, he had a voracious appetite.
to continue to steward the gift God had given him. But with each procedure, it became more and more apparent that the road back was a. Going to be insurmountable. You know, with each of these procedures, it was two, three, four, five, six-week stays at the hospital. Dad often said, You die in hospitals, which actually happened in his case.
But those became very difficult, very challenging. The sheer boredom. His inability to really study. He became in mobile. And despite all that.
I'd come in and be listening to.
Some Christian hymns. I would say, Dad, how are you doing? And he'd always say, So I'm thankful. If there's one sentiment that he Demonstrated and verbalized. It was one of thankfulness to the Lord.
for his kindness in his life. and that God would. Allow him. a steward of all that he did. And so Thankfulness.
David, he was thankful. He was a thankful guy. Always humble, as I said. It's a memorial. Meek, kind, humble.
And he was that way. throughout his entire stay and multiple hospital visits. Matt, you mentioned In his actual final days in the hospital, that he said something to the effect that. When he knew he was going to die. Death, there is no sting.
Could you recount what took place? With him in just the last day or so of his life as to what he said and what he was like. My dad's Final days on a on a Sunday, I was with him. He sounded good. He was dictating a particular letter to our board of elders.
He had a burden. for there to be unity. In all of life, but in ministry. He was at home. Then I got to receive a phone call on a Tuesday, so just a short two days later.
A doctor had come to visit him and Got them on the phone with me and they said that. It appears as though your dad has pneumonia. He's got fluid on his lungs. And so I said to him. We're not going to extend your life one day, but you're also not going to heaven on my watch.
We're going to take you to the hospital. And Rheib reluctantly said, I don't want to go to the hospital. I'm ready to see Jesus. And I said, Well, That may happen anyway, but we're going.
So when we got to the hospital, when he did, I ended up going and seeing him two days later.
So on Friday, really began. Yes. I mean, we were at the point where, okay. We've done everything possible. This is God's will.
We're going to embrace it. And during that whole time. It came to a head on Saturday. when they said john we need to put some medicine into your stomach. Not via chewing and swallowing.
To which he replied, I'm not doing that. Never forget, he said, I'm unable to preach, I'm unable to serve you. My dear wife. Can't write. I can't lead.
I can't exercise my spiritual gifts. Why are we delaying heaven? And then he said to me, Son, will you pray? That the Lord will take me home. to be with him.
And now, can you imagine, David? John MacArthur asking you to pray that he goes to heaven. Like, this is my dad, right? But more importantly. This man's changed the world for Christ and he's ready to go.
He wants to be with Christ, the one he's proclaimed for 56 years.
So I said Well, Dad, is that your prayer? And he said, yes, it is. I said, well. The prayer of a righteous man availeth much, Dad. I think heaven's near.
And he got a little bit of a twinkle in his eye. And so I just did. I just asked that the Lord would. Extend more grace and mercy to him. and that you'd bring him home to be with the one he loves and is proclaimed.
That was probably on a Saturday or so. And so it was at that point. That The family, my siblings, all agreed that this was the right decision. And so there was no dissenters. We were all in unison on this.
Really, from that point till Monday evening. About 613 that he actually entered. Heaven's gates. I read scripture. I read Psalms.
Twenty-three, Psalm 51. We sang, we played hymns. You Again, in a very frail weak state was very lucid. He was there all the way.
So he just thought out loud. And I even had mentioned he had said that. It's all of grace. Graces pushes away sin. And David.
And he sat there and laid there and just kept saying, I am unworthy. I am unworthy. It's all of grace. Tim. It's a beautiful thing.
went so many times over the years. I have heard. Hey Matt, I met your dad. He was so nice. Yeah.
And I always chuckle at that because he was such. A lion in the pulpit. He was so definitive and he was. He preached with conviction and depth and passion. And yet in his personal life, he was a kind man.
And he understood. The mag Magnitude of the grace of God. And at the end of his days, It was about The amazing concept and truth of God's grace. Look, he pastored Grace Community Church for 56 years. The man Extended grace.
time and time again because he understood. how God has extended that grace to him on a daily basis.
So it was such A remarkable, a remarkable lesson. In grace. And David, the people that participated in the memorial. That was an evidence of grace. that these men who had differences in their ministries over the years.
But at the end of the day, they loved the truth and they fought for it. I wanted that to be portrayed. And There are so many examples of that, just people that came and participated.
So Circling back those last three days, Dad. Demonstrated grace. He spoke about it. Yeah, he understood the grace of God, God's supernatural goodness and enablement to do his will. that I read that he was telling his caregivers about God's grace in the Gospel to the very end.
Can you tell us more about that? As we were moving him out of ICU. The nurse was working with dad, and they were going to roll him into the area upstairs where. you know, his final days would be spent. And uh My dad turned to This nurse and said.
Do you know Christ? Do you know Chris? He can barely talk. And he looked up and the nurse said. Oh, mister MacArthur, I'll find my way.
And my dad says. That's a scary thought. And then he said. Today is the day of salvation. Call on the name of the Lord today.
And He raised his weak, frail hand. to shake with this nurse. Do me a favor, call on Christ.
So what am I saying? He was still preaching David. He was still dragging people into heaven. to the best of his ability. That we all know, right?
God's kingdom is going to go on. He's going to have those other instruments that will advance his causes. But the uniqueness of this man and the giftedness that was given to him by God. is a massive loss. We need to be thankful.
And I've said this. Many times. Look, we had this man much longer than Charles Virgin. Then Martin Lloyd Jones, then R.C. Sprolls, then James Montgomery Boyce, and many others.
God allowed us to sit under this vessel.
Sorry. 85 years. That's amazing. That's the kindness of God. And so we can be sorrowful.
And weep, and that's That's valid. But we've got to be filled with thankfulness. Like no one is more thankful. Than me. Like, how did I get a front row seat?
Who chose me to sit at this man's feet? privately and publicly. Wow. And see how God used him in. Ways that are unbeknownst to us.
Like this is unfathomable. Dad could have been born and lived and ministered in the 20s. And the only people that would have experienced this are that. people in his local church or within shouting distance. But God placed him.
In a day and age when Grace to you and the internet and All these technological tools can be used to continue to advance this kingdom. Again, as I said at the memorial. My dad Led well. Because you lived well. He knew Christ.
And it was so evident. All the way to the very end. And what Put a model that it can be done. You can finish well. And um He lived what he preached.
Thank you for sharing that, Matt MacArthur, with us today on the Christian Worldview Radio program, the eldest son of John MacArthur. He works in the investment management business now. He's the president of Grace to You and also the chairman of the MacArthur Charitable Trust. Matt, you talked about your dad's character, the scope of what he led from Grace Community Church to the Masters Seminary, the Masters University, Grace to You, church and mission organizations, and I'm sure there was more. This is a tremendous amount to oversee, constantly producing sermons week by week, books coming out.
Many pastors Share the same doctrinal beliefs. As your dad. But what was it about? his character or his discipline or his work ethic. Or just as gifting.
that do you think led to the kind of person and ministry he had? I'll answer that, but I think if I give you dad's answer. Here's a gift. It was a gift. And if it's a gift, David, the premium placed on a gift.
is one of massive stewardship. And so He was extremely disciplined. He was bright. He had a remarkable voice. His cadence in the pulpit was easy to listen to.
And behind all of that, girded all of that, the cornerstone of it all was his character. He walked with Christ. He chased the right things. He wasn't looking for clicks. He wasn't looking to be popular.
He didn't care about that stuff. But he had an inordinate ability. to produce volumes and volumes of work. How do you write? 25,000 study notes in a Bible and pastor a church.
He was a very, very gifted guy, but he works hard, David. He had a work ethic. And so You take that. recipe that I just described. And you place character at the core of it.
And this is what you get. You get 3,600 sermons. You get a. A commentary series. You get a study about it.
You get over 150 books. But at the end of the day, It's all of grace, but I just believe that God uniquely gifts certain men.
Now, dad, when he came to Christ Church at 29 years old. A couple hundred people, and he was satisfied to shepherd that flock. And be faithful in there. Wasn't ever his goal. I was in a board meeting.
Several years ago with race to you and We were having a particular radio station. I don't recall which one it was, but the giving and support for that station. was less than was necessary to stay on the air. I'll never forget what. Several of the men in the room are trying to get creative on how we can.
fix the problem and Dad just said, well guys, stop right there. This is God's work. If we're not supposed to be on there. Go off. We're worried about the depth of what we do.
God will handle the breadth of it. And I just thought, you know, here's a man that rather than trying to. keep score on how many radio stations were on it wasn't about that for him It was always about the depth of the ministry. It was always about. What honors Christ more?
David You've had the privilege. Your family's had the privilege of being. knowing our family for many, many years. And You've seen my dad. behind closed doors some.
And I I could just only tell you that What you saw on Sundays, what you saw in his public ministry was evident in his private life. It was just never about Building things. It just wasn't for him. In fact, he's warned pastors. of that.
Shepherd the flock, disciple your men. God will deal with the breadth of your ministry.
So. I can only suggest, David, he was gifted. He was uniquely gifted by God. His father was a faithful servant to the very end. But he did not have.
the impact. And you can only surmise that God design was for John MacArthur to have this global impact. Like he did. I remember as kids, just He would study constantly. Our conversations over the years were always very one-dimensional.
They were always about ministry, always about the truth, always about what he's discovering in the word of God. Rarely would he say, hey son, how are things going at work? What the hell? He just was all about Christ and the ministry and the truth being expanded and growing. And so.
Yeah, even through COVID, David, we had an opportunity because of the stance that dad and the church took. And it really supercharged grace to you and the ministries and the attractiveness of what we've had been doing for so, so many years. Again, from a stewardship perspective, we had some resources that we. Didn't expect they came in through the kind and gracious. Donors?
Yeah. So we're in another board meeting and Several of the Accountants, we're excited about. the excess and to which dad replied.
Well, we got ministry to do. This ministry is about faith and trust in God and God alone. put that money into ministry. Yeah. So He just was a gifted, unusual man.
And I'll tell you, he was a very rare person who could handle. as much Accolades And I'm even going to say fame and remain. Humble. Neek He and I flew Southwest Airlines in the back of the plane. That was normal for us.
And I just love that about my dad. I have his checkbook, David. It's remarkable. He is what he preached. And I'm so thankful for that.
That God blessed him. And you and I, and so many, many others are beneficiaries of that.
Well said, Matt, thank you for sharing just what he was like behind the scenes and what made him the man he was. We'll take a short break to tell you about some ministry resources and updates. Stay tuned, one more segment coming up with Matt MacArthur. about his dad, Pastor John MacArthur, and what of his recent heaven-going in memorial service. I'm David Wheaton and you are listening to the Christian Worldview Radio Program.
The August issue of the Christian Realview Journal is commemorative on the life and ministry of one of the great preachers, John MacArthur, who recently went home to be with the Lord. Josh Barzon writes about key events of MacArthur's life and the scope of his ministry. Pastor Travis Allen provides insight into his character and mission. Also, you'll find part two of Soren Kern's series on anti-Semitism and how it is infecting conservative and Christian circles. The Christian Worldview Journal is a monthly, twelve-page, full-color, print publication designed to sharpen your biblical worldview on current events and issues of the faith.
The journal is mailed to all Christian Worldview partners who support this radio ministry at $10 or more per month. To become a Christian Worldview partner or order an individual issue of the journal, go to thechristianworldview.org or call one triple eight six four six twenty two thirty three or write to box four zero one Excelsior, Minnesota for Mm-hmm. How to lead your family.
Now there's a high priority issue for current or aspiring husbands and fathers. Pastor Joel Beekey, Chancellor of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, has written a short yet helpful book titled How to Lead Your Family, A Guide for Men Wanting to Be More. The framework that Dr. Beeke sets forth is that Christian husbands and fathers share in a limited way. Christ's three offices of prophet, priest, and king.
He explains how these should be manifest in the home as the husband and father loves and leads his wife and children. How to Lead Your Family is 80 pages, soft cover, and retails for $12. You can order a copy for a donation of any amount to the Christian Worldview. Order at thechristianworldview.org or call 188-646-2233 or write to Box 401, Excelsior, Minnesota, 55331. Welcome back to the Christian Worldview.
I'm David Wheaton. Be sure to visit thechristianworldview.org where you can sign up for our weekly email, the Christian Worldview Journal, monthly print publication, order resources for adults and children, and support the ministry. Our topic today is reflecting on the memorial service for John MacArthur that we're better describing as a worship service of God for him. And our guest is Matt MacArthur. Pastor MacArthur's eldest son.
Matt, you said in your message at the Memorial Service that his loudest sermon was his life, and you quote him as saying, There's no duty more sacred than my role as husband and father.
Well that's where my true character is accurately seen. How did your mom, who is still living, enhance your dad's life. His ministry and the giftings he had, and how was she handling all of this? Mom was very satisfied. and serving dad well, serving our family well.
And that brought her great joy and she was very effective at that. She was a part of that's Ability to do what he did as well. I mean, she made some great sacrifices over the years. Time. and energy and Just trying to Support.
This man that had so many, many, many demands. You know, my mom is Stad. No, I I think she's Processing the reality of where dad is. In that, she's She's resting. She's had some challenges just trying to process these things.
The last couple of years have been hard on her, seeing dad suffer so much. She's had several falls herself, Brooke. not one, but two hips over the last four or five years.
So that's taken a toll physically and mentally. per dad's request because we love our mother she's being well taken care of And cared for. Dad wanted her. to remain at the home. And so we're honoring Dad's request.
But again, God's time is perfect, David. He's writing the story, right? And so we're just trying to see his hand in all this. And I do. We know we're not long far out from his home going, but I'm seeing God's hand in.
And all this, and the outpouring of love. and support It's just been. Overwhelming. It's just been overwhelming. My dad was dearly, dearly loved by many, many people.
And it's fun. As the oldest son, to be able to share. That love with so, so many other people. I've never felt. Like I took a back seat.
to somebody or something or to even ministry. For mom, she You know, Dad was he was the star of the show, so to speak.
So she supported him. She loved him unconditionally. And she was she was critical. Him doing and exercising the gifts that he did and did so well.
So, thank you for asking. Her health is okay. She needs full-time care, which we're doing and honoring her in that. And I think heaven just got a whole lot sweeter for her. The Memorial Service Mat.
was really like nothing I've ever attended before. I've been to a lot of them over the years. It was really more like a regular worship service. And it was So honoring to God and your dad as the Lord's servant. I remember it was a long service, two hours and 45 minutes.
I remember about an hour and a half into it. I remember thinking, this is so good. I don't want this to end. Did your dad personally plan that service with those he wanted to speak, or was this done? after he went to heaven, whereas this was a family planning.
Yeah. He did not plan that. The truth be told, I planned it. And it was more of a, this is what I think. will most honor Christ.
and dad in that process. And it wasn't just me, obviously. I mean, there was a lot of people involved. The objective was twofold, David? to edify the church.
and honor my Father and ultimately point to Christ. It was very intentional. There were no pictures of dad in the service. The cross was where we wanted people to look in point two. All of the songs.
were some of my dad's favorites. I knew that for sure. It's interesting, David. Ed was not very prescriptive, despite me asking him on a number of occasions. what his wishes would be.
I said, well, dad, who do you think should? Could step into this pulpit someday. And he says.
Well, I would never presume to know God's will. On who that person should be. I go, I know, Dad, but I just want your opinion. And we chuckle, but I never got an answer. I just never did.
And But he left us enough. to know what would have brought him honor. And I'm grateful to the Lord that the service. did that. Christ was exalted and my dad was honored.
There are two sides of the safe coin, right? If we honor Christ in this, he's going to be happy. And that was the goal. And I think the mission was accomplished and I'm so thankful. Two hours and 45 minutes.
That's a tall order to sit still, and like you. I was like, I just went by in it. In a nanosecond, it's like wow. Christ was honored. And now what.
That just fills my heart with joy. Final question for you, Matt. And we just so appreciate your willingness to come on the program so soon after the memorial service. You know, a couple of themes that came up that you've Even mentioned today in our conversation is that your dad just had an insatiable desire. For God's word, John Piper emphasized that as well.
Use Psalm 18 and just looking for the honey of the word. Yeah, great desire for that. Another thing that came up that you've mentioned today that a lot of people say about him that maybe when they meet him for the first time, they hear him as a, like you said, a lion in the pulpit, but then so gracious. In in person and then His last words to you, you mentioned in your message at the service. He said to you, His last words to you were, Son, Be faithful.
So, as you think of these things about your dad, his insatiable desire for God's word. His graciousness as a person, he really pursued that. description of Christ. He was full of grace and truth. And then his final exhortation to you to be faithful.
What would be your exhortation to listeners today? going forward in their own wives As to what they should take away from your dad with regard to these just few things I just mentioned. You know, David. Our faith comes down to One person. That's Christ.
I think Dad. He knew Christ. He walked with Christ. He loved Christ. And You don't know Christ.
Unless you study the book you Written by God. Right. You have to have. An insatiable desire, like my dad. I know it was unique.
But You have to know price. He's the all in all. My dad's life was it. Fundamentally, it was devotion to the person and work of Christ. From his birth.
to his death, to his resurrection. And For the listeners out there. You will finish well if you're committed and a true disciple of the person of Christ. Christ has given us everything for life and godliness. It's all right there.
It's all right there. And if we keep our focus where it needs to be. We'll finish well. We all know, we've all seen the carnage out there. and and the blight on on the church at large when people who claim Christ and they They fall in such massive ways, and it's such a reproach on Christ.
I will tell you how significant that was to my dad. That in one time. In my 61 years. did I see my father shed a tears.
Now, some of it may be, as John Piper said, he just wasn't very melancholy, which is true, which is true. But fundamentally, He understood Christ and he understood. the sovereignty of God to such a degree That his own wife can break her neck. And he leans immediately. into the sovereignty of God.
And doesn't Bat an eye. But the one time. He didn't even shed a tear. But the one time I saw my dad shed a tear. was when he had found out.
This was Got to be 35, 40 years ago now. that a staff member had been involved in immorality. It shook him to the core. Why? Because it was a reproach on Christ.
It wasn't life circumstances break your neck, you get cancer. Those are all. Challenging and sad and hard, and their trials that we're considered all joy in. But it was sin. It was a reproach on Christ.
And If the listeners and the church at large will recognize how much Christ has done for us. that we are to love him in words. and deeds will finish well. And that's what my dad did. That's a major idea.
And what a model, what a gift from God. Our hearts should be filled with Uh Ending amounts of gratefulness for the person of Christ. And men like John MacArthur. who can run the race and finish well. That just described your dad so well.
And thank you for that exhortation for those of us listening today as to what your dad would say. That's exactly what he would say. He loved Christ, pursue Christ, and finish well for his glory.
So, Matt, we just thank you for taking the time to come on the program today. We loved your dad so much as a person and as a preacher. We love your family. Thank you for being such a good friend to us and being so hospitable to us over the years in Los Angeles. And we just wish all of God's best and grace to you.
And your family, Grace Community Church, Grace to You and all the ministries you're involved with. Thank you again. David, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for. your commitment to proclaiming the truth.
It's a great blessing. You and my dad had a lot in common on that front.
So I'm grateful for your ministry and all you're doing. to love Christ and encourage people to finish well. Thank you, David. If there was one recurring theme in the memorial service, and again in Matt's remarks today, it's that. John MacArthur loved Christ.
and he spent his life exhorting others to do the same. Because Christ is worthy of our love and obedience. He created us. He sustains us. He died for sinners so that we might be forgiven.
and have eternal life with Him. Let's choose daily. to love him above all else. Thank you for joining us today on the Christian Worldview and for your support of this non-profit radio ministry. Again, there's a link to watch John MacArthur's service on thechristianwheelview.org.
Until next time. Think biblically. Live accordingly. And above all, love Jesus Christ. The mission of the Christian worldview is to sharpen the biblical worldview of Christians and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
We hope today's broadcast encouraged you toward that end. To hear a replay of today's program, order a transcript, or find out what must I do to be saved, go to thechristianworldview.org or call toll free 188-646-2233. The Christian Wheelview is a listener-supported, non-profit radio ministry furnished by the Overcomer Foundation. To make a donation, order resources, become a Christian Worldview partner, sign up for our weekly email or the Christian Worldview Journal monthly print publication, or to contact us, go to thechristianworldview.org. Call 188-646-2233 or write to Box 401, Excelsior, Minnesota, 55331.
Thanks for listening to the Christian Worldview. Uh
