Meeting MacArthur

During a bookstore break at the Ligonier Conference last weekend, I decided to buy a cheap paperback copy of John MacArthur's book "Charismatic Chaos." I have been wanting to read it for a while now just to see what he had to say about the Charismatic movement and the theoretical cessation of certain spiritual gifts.

(While I disagree with Cessationism, I do stand in unity with Cessationists and conservative Pentecostal/Charismatics in condemning the unbiblical "chaos" that occurs within the movement.)

On the second day of the conference, I was fortunate enough to get right at the head of the line for a book signing in which John MacArthur and R.C Sproul were participating.

So there I was, the ex-Pentecostal minister standing in line to get MacArthur to autograph Charismatic Chaos! The irony of the whole situation was just too much!

When my turn came to approach the table, I laid the Charismatic Chaos book on the table and said, "Hello Dr. MacArthur... You might find this sort of ironic, but I was actually a Pentecostal minister up until about 8 months ago. I got your book because I am researching different viewpoints and I want to see what your position is..."

At that point, Dr. MacArthur abruptly dropped his pen on the table, looked up at me with a surprised expression, smiled, and then extended me the right hand of fellowship!!!

As he autographed the book, I confessed to him that after skimming through his book, there were indeed many things that I actually agree with him about; especially when it comes to all of the weird and unbiblical manifestations sometimes reported within the Charismatic movement.

Before I moved down the line, I told him that I was now in the Southern Baptist movement, to which his reply was: "Well, you are moving in the right direction!"

While it only lasted about 20 seconds, I am sure I will always remember meeting John MacArthur. Despite the few theological differences I may have with him, John is definitely one of my "heroes of the faith." God has used his teaching to enrich my life and deepen my theology. Because of that he has my utmost respect.

My God richly bless John MacArthur!