John MacArthur, senior pastor of Grace Community Church (GCC) in Sun Valley, California, was welcomed with a standing ovation upon his return to the pulpit Sunday night (Nov. 24) after multiple health issues kept him from being able to preach.
Over the past few months, MacArthur has had to undergo multiple heart surgeries and one surgery involving his lungs. The last time MacArthur preached was this past July.
John MacArthur Is ‘So Thankful to the Lord’
In his return, the 85-year-old MacArthur shared his gratitude for God’s providence throughout his life. MacArthur has served as GCC’s senior pastor for 55 years.
“I should go away more often,” MacArthur said jokingly after the thousands who were attending the Sunday night worship service stood and showed their thankfulness for their pastor’s return to the pulpit. “That was very, very thoughtful.”
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MacArthur continued, “It’s been since July that I’ve preached here on a Sunday. That wouldn’t have been my choice, but I think as [GCC] just sung, sometimes our trials are blessings in disguise, and God has purposes that we would never have been able to fulfill if we weren’t put into some kind of stress.” The pastor added, “I can tell you, I’ve had three heart surgeries and a surgery on my lungs in those last few months, and I’m still here, so thankful to the Lord for that.”
He’s BAAACK!!!
Dr. John MacArthur’s return to the pulpit, following months of surgery and recuperation, is truly heartening to see and hear.
— Virgil L. Walker (@VirgilWalkerOMA) November 26, 2024
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