Thursday, July 28, 2011

Why Listen to John MacArthur?

Hughes Oliphant Old has written a classic 7-volume history of preaching. Theologically he is a liberal, clearly rejecting the doctrines of inerrancy and the person of Satan (and demons). Yet, I find it interesting how he evaluates the preaching of John MacArthur:

"Why do so many people listen to MacArthur, this product of all the wrong schools? How can he pack out a church on Sunday morning in an age which church attendance has seriously lagged? Here is a preacher who has nothing in the way of a winning personality, good looks, or charm. Here is a preacher who offers us nothing in the way of sophisticated homiletical packaging. No one would suggest that he is a maser of the art of oratory. What he seems to have is a witness to true authority. He recognizes in Scripture the Word of God, and when he preaches, it is Scripture that one hears. It is not that the words of John MacArthur are so interesting as it is that the Word of God is of surpassing interest. That is why one listens" (7:557-8).

Sounds Pauline, doesn't it? I think Dr. MacArthur would be very pleased with this assessment.

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