Ministério Fiel Apoiando a Igreja de Deus
“Our hearts are heavy, yet full of joy, as we share the news that our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has entered the presence of the Savior. Tonight, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured to the end.”
2 Timothy 4:1–8
Oficial news by Grace To You.
Today, with heavy hearts yet filled with hope, we join the people of God around the world to grieve — and at the same time, to give thanks — for the life and ministry of Pastor John MacArthur Jr., who has gone to be with Christ.
Since 1969, John faithfully shepherded the same congregation: Grace Community Church in Los Angeles. In an age marked by ephemerality and disposability, he showed us that legacy is built through perseverance, integrity, and decades of faithfulness. His constancy was, in itself, a powerful sermon against the superficiality that surrounds us.
His unmistakable hallmark was expository preaching — deeply rooted in the biblical text, attentive to context, centered on Christ, and delivered with courage. Through this preaching, he shaped generations of pastors who learned to handle the Word with reverence and dependence on the Holy Spirit, so that the truth of Scripture might take hold of the heart.
MacArthur was also an extraordinary communicator, using radio and media with remarkable effectiveness to expand the reach of biblical teaching to millions. A visionary educator, he founded both a university and a seminary that have become internationally respected institutions. And he was a prolific writer, with dozens of books that deeply impacted his generation — and will undoubtedly continue to bless generations to come.
John also stood out as a respected voice of conservative evangelicalism, often called upon to represent the Christian perspective on sensitive issues in society. One well-known example was his appearance on Larry King Live, where he clearly and faithfully articulated the foundations of the Christian faith.
Editora Fiel has had the honor of walking alongside John since 1978, when we published his first book in Brazil: Keys to Spiritual Growth — a precious guide that still helps believers invest in the means of grace and grow in faith. In the 1980s, we released Charismatic Chaos, a bold and timely book that confronted the excesses and doctrinal errors of segments within the evangelical world. It stirred strong reactions, but was marked by doctrinal clarity and pastoral care.
But it was in the early 90s that we published what would become John MacArthur’s most significant book for us and, for many years, the flagship title of our publishing ministry: The Gospel According to Jesus.
This book challenged what became known as “easy-believism” — a version of Christianity without fruit, without transformation, without repentance. MacArthur called readers to rethink the true meaning of salvation, showing that to be saved is to follow Christ as Lord and Savior for life — not simply to respond to a momentary decision. The book became a global classic, read and reread in churches, study groups, and seminaries, and remains a milestone in the defense of biblical faith.
Its impact was so great that our founder, Pastor Richard Denham, lost missionary support for choosing to publish it. But, convinced of the book’s importance, he stood firm and kept it in our catalog — because truth matters that much.
In 1995, we had the privilege of hosting John as a keynote speaker at our Fiel Conference for Pastors and Leaders. It was a watershed moment in our history — and the largest event Fiel had ever organized up to that point.
Personally, I had the privilege of meeting him in 2009 when I visited his church during the celebration of his 40th anniversary as pastor. We met on other occasions as well — the most recent in January 2024, when I had the honor of speaking from the same pulpit with him during a gathering of international ministry partners at Grace Community Church, our GRTI. John led a powerful devotional and brought us wise and encouraging words. The next day, it was my turn to preach — not an easy task after him, but a privilege, nonetheless.
John MacArthur was a man of God. A faithful servant. A model of courage, humility, and grace. Like every man, he had his limitations — but his life is worthy of deep gratitude. We have fewer and fewer examples like his today.
To God alone be the glory for his life. May the Lord continue to use his work, his books, his sermons, and his example to awaken a new generation of men and women committed to the truth.
Fiel Ministries Brazil has had the privilege of partnering with Grace to You and Grace Community Church for nearly 50 years, helping give voice to John’s powerful and precious teaching and ministry by publishing his works and amplifying his fruitful legacy in Brazil. We rejoice in having welcomed John among us 30 years ago, and we count it a true privilege to continue sharing in fellowship and gospel partnership with several of his close collaborators — with whom we maintain warm bonds of brotherly love and mutual support. We pray for the MacArthur family and give thanks to God for the legacy he leaves behind.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
