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Last week, Pastor John MacArthur went to glory. Those who had been following his health challenges knew this day was coming, yet it still struck with unexpected force. When I read that he was hospitalized and doctors told him he would not regain his voice, the writer of the post said MacArthur seemed to know it was time. It was the sound of his voice that became my familiar friend over the course of decades of listening. 

When Tim and I were first married, his family had a library of sermon series on cassette tapes that came in binders. For younger generations, it might be hard to imagine a time before podcasts, live streams, and YouTube, but back then, we purchased physical copies of individual sermons! I would borrow four or five cassette sets at a time and listen to them on my way to work or around town. Eventually, cassettes gave way to CDs, and then it was all online. There was no end to the supply of his resources, and if I had a question about something, John MacArthur usually had an answer. 

Admittedly, his style took some getting used to. I remember when I first heard him; I thought he yelled too much and took too long to develop his points. Sometimes it seemed like he never got through his introduction. But, just as we adapted to changing technology, I began to see his raised voice not as yelling, but as passion in the pulpit, and I appreciated the depth of his teaching and his unhurried approach to verse-by-verse preaching. 

Soon, he became (to me) the standard of expository preaching. I knew he wasn’t perfect or infallible, but he embodied what I had come to expect in a pastor: an uncompromising love for Scripture and an unwavering commitment to preach all of it. From him, I learned that the Bible was its own interpreter, and a good teacher opened it and unleashed its power one verse at a time. MacArthur was no entertainer, but his sermons were endlessly fascinating, and he provided background and context to familiar passages that brought them to life, always keeping the gospel forefront.

It’s challenging to summarize his impact on my life. But, just as I’ve been encouraged by those who’ve shared their JMac memories, I want to share mine. 

My Top 10 Favorite John MacArthur Sermons

After decades of listening, it’s hard to pick my favorite sermons, but here are a few that I’ve returned to time and again. Each one has helped me see God, Jesus, salvation, and even current events in light of what the Bible says.

(It’s hard to see, but each title and bolded text is hyperlinked for your convenience.)

10. God vs. the Gods of Egypt

We’re all familiar with the Exodus story, but did you know that the plagues God unleashed weren’t random, but judgments against the false deities of Egypt? A sobering reminder of how God views idolatry. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 

9. SERIES: The Murder of Jesus: Matthew 27:27-37

I listen to this series annually to prepare my heart for Easter. There’s also a book by the same title. You simply won’t read the story, or see the characters around the cross, the same way after listening to this series. MacArthur describes the political maneuvering of Pilate, Herod, Caiaphas, and others in their conspiracy to murder Jesus in a gripping and eye-opening detail. Of course, what makes the murder of Jesus so incredible is that while they were murdering Jesus, he was willingly laying his life down for his sheep. 

8. SERIES: Jesus Over All: Calming the Storm: Mark 4:35-41

In this sermon, MacArthur describes the geography around the Sea of Galilee and the violence of the storms that occur there, giving the listener a greater appreciation for the life-or-death situation the disciples faced. I wrote about that story here, but one of my favorite takeaways was MacArthur’s description of the disciples’ fearful reaction to Jesus’ instantaneous stilling of the waters. He said, “What’s worse than having a storm outside your boat is having God in your boat; that’s enough to panic you.”

7. SERIES: Jesus Over All: Dominating Powers Part I and 2: Mark 5:1-20

This series was so good that I think it deserves two places on my list. This 2-part sermon series describes how terrifying Jesus’ ministry was to the demonic realm while he walked on earth. This story provides in graphic detail the screeching horror of “Legion” and all the other scores of demons when they came face-to-face with Jesus, Son of the Most High God. Chills. 

6. SERIES: The Doctrines of Grace

I wrestled to understand election and predestination for several years. Like many others, I have tried to reconcile the paradox of human responsibility and divine election. Still, this series has helped me understand the doctrine of divine election and the tenets of Reformed theology better than almost any other.

5. When Government Rewards Evil and Punishes Good: Selected Scriptures

John MacArthur might’ve been at the top of his game during the COVID madness and California’s attempt to shut down churches. When so many others cowered, he was outspoken, courageous, and unflinching in his resolve to obey God, rather than man. His voice and his willingness to go to jail if need be were just what America needed to see and hear during that time. 

4. A Jet Tour Through Revelation

I realize Christians have differing viewpoints on eschatology and end-time events, but John MacArthur was not confused about this issue! His reasoning, outlining, and description of the events described in the book of Revelation have been tremendously helpful and stabilizing in my life. I’ve listened to this sermon probably six or seven times, and I enjoy it and learn more from it each time.

3. VIDEO: Pastors Need Pastors: A Conversation with John Piper and John MacArthur

If you want to see the lighter side of John MacArthur, you’ll enjoy this video. MacArthur and Piper haven’t always agreed on everything, but it’s hard not to see their mutual love and admiration for each other, as well as their shared love for God’s Word.

2. SERIES: The Tale of Two Sons

This series will challenge you to see new insights into the three main characters of this famous short story. You’ll see the selfishness of the prodigal, the blindness, disbelief, and hatred of the older brother, and the outlandish grace of the Father. MacArthur often mentioned that it really shouldn’t be called the Prodigal Son, but the Prodigal God for his outrageous love for his wayward children! I’ve attempted to capture the key takeaways from this series in this post.

1. Pray Boldly: Luke 11

When I thought of writing this list, the first sermon that came to mind was this one, which says something. The persistent friend who decides he’d rather be a bad friend than a bad host wakes up his neighbor in the middle of the night to help him provide food to his late-arriving guests. This story tells us more about how God expects us to pray than we might imagine. We can pray with importunity that God hear and answer our prayers according to his Word. I wrote about this message here. 

Grace to You

However, one of my fondest memories of John MacArthur was meeting him one Sunday after visiting his church. We called ahead to make arrangements to meet him after the service. Our kids were as excited to meet him as Tim and I were. My son, Cole, who had a particular fondness for him, asked if he could give him a hug, and he agreed.

So, thank you, Pastor MacArthur, for your faithfulness to God’s Word, which has touched so many generations. You will be dearly missed, but I’m thankful the sound of your voice will live on.

Grace to you,

Cara

P.S. Tell me what your favorite JMac sermons are in the comments below! How has he impacted your life?