In 2020, amid the confusion and fear of a global pandemic, California became ground zero for government-imposed restrictions that treated churches as non-essential gatherings—placing them behind casinos, strip clubs, and marijuana dispensaries in terms of public value. Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles County officials demanded compliance, threatening fines, arrests, and eviction if churches dared to open their doors in obedience to God rather than man.
But Pastor John MacArthur would not yield.
He understood what many in the government—and sadly, many within the Church—did not: that the authority of the Church does not derive from the permission of civil government, but from Christ Himself, the head of the Church. “We must obey God rather than men,” he declared, echoing the apostles in Acts 5:29. It was more than a theological conviction—it became the battle cry that reverberated across the world.
Pastor John’s stand encouraged and challenged every pastor to answer the question: Will you choose God over fear of man?
Representing Pastor John and Grace Community Church in that fight was the privilege of my lifetime. Together with an incredible legal team, we stood against unconstitutional restrictions that violated the First Amendment’s guarantees of free exercise of religion and freedom of assembly. The legal battle spanned months, was filled with media scrutiny, relentless pressure from public health officials, threats of enforcement actions, and even lies and hateful opposition from other Christians.
But in August 2021, the Lord granted us victory: Grace Community Church won a $800,000 settlement from the state of California and Los Angeles County, acknowledging the government’s violation of constitutional rights.
That victory wasn’t just about one church. It set a national precedent affirming that no pandemic, no politician, and no public health order can override the Constitution. More importantly, it reaffirmed a deeper truth that transcends legal briefs and courtrooms: the Church belongs to Christ. The state has no jurisdiction over it.
Throughout the ordeal, Pastor John remained remarkably composed and never wavered in his trust in the Lord for the outcome. He intentionally did as much media as he could to encourage other pastors to stand strong. He did not waste time answering his critics or defending his reputation. He knew Who he served. He was, in every sense, a shepherd. Calm, steady, and laser-focused on what God required of him. His boldness was matched only by his humility. Even as the world debated him, he opened his Bible, stood in the pulpit, and preached the Word with clarity, conviction, and compassion.
In these past days, many are eulogizing Pastor John as an internationally renowned teacher. But he was never a celebrity pastor. He was not driven by fame or applause or headlines. He was a humble servant (he would say slave) who understood the weight of his calling and sought only to magnify Christ. Every moment of his life and ministry was about making Jesus known.
As someone who sat under his teaching, who was pastored by his faithful exposition of Scripture, and who had the distinct honor of walking with him through one of the most consequential legal and cultural battles of our time, I will always treasure the testimony of his faithful trust in God’s sovereignty.
His legacy is not just in the books he wrote or the sermons he preached, but in the millions of lives he impacted by pointing them to the truth of Christ—unapologetically and without compromise.
Pastor John MacArthur inspired me and so many others to run our race with endurance, looking to Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. He reminded us, even in the most turbulent times, that our hope is not in courts or politics or even religious liberty, but in the unshakable kingdom of God.
I will dearly miss my pastor and my friend. But I rejoice that his race is finished and his reward is sure. And I look forward to the day when we will see one another again, together in eternity with Christ our Lord.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
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