On July 26th, 2020, California’s government leaders said the worship service at Grace Community Church was an illegal gathering. John MacArthur called it “a peaceful protest.” Why did the church defy the state and county’s health mandates? This episode, the penultimate of season two, goes behind-the-scenes of MacArthur and Grace Church’s lawsuit against Los Angeles County. Beyond that, we go to Washington D.C., then north of the border, and back to a 1975 MacArthur sermon to show that Christians should submit to government, resist at times, while always preaching the gospel to their political leaders. Tune in for a crash-course in political theology: truth Christians will likely need in the coming years.

For pastors, criticism comes with the job. It's a reality for nearly everyone in ministry, especially those preaching the whole counsel of God. So how should pastors, or any Christian for that matter, handle the criticism that's sure to come? What do you say when someone accuses you of unbiblical teaching, or unfairly maligns your character? John MacArthur has learned more than a few lessons on how to respond to the critics throughout his 53 years of pastoral ministry. There have been lots of public critiques of his theology. And plenty have found something negative to say about his personality, tone, and leadership. This episode draws out lessons on handling criticism from his life, particularly a time in the late 80s when MacArthur travelled to Limerick Pennsylvania to defend himself against charges of heresy.

If you appreciate John MacArthur’s preaching—particularly how he takes such an in-depth, thorough look at each text—you can thank a Puritan. Who were these men of God from centuries ago? And why do they have a particularly powerful influence not just on MacArthur, but on many of the most effective expositors in the world today? Find out in MacArthur and the Puritans, a bonus episode that previews the Puritan Conference, October 5-7 at Grace Community Church, To register, and see the world-class lineup of speakers, go to puritanconference.org.

Throughout his ministry, John MacArthur has consistently criticized and condemned the Catholic church and the Pope who leads it. That’s in stark contrast to many evangelicals today who downplay the historical differences between Catholics and Protestants. To explain why John draws a clear line in this debate, this episode visits a slum in Calcutta, India, a small town in 16th century Germany, and a hotel conference room in Florida. Tune in for this journey around the world that looks at the differences between the biblical gospel of salvation in Christ alone and a message that has deceived countless people.

In 2009, Time Magazine said Calvinism—or New Calvinism—was one of 10 ideas shaping the world. How did a theological system focused on the majesty and sovereignty of God become a world-changing movement? John MacArthur is part of the answer to that question. This episode explores how John became a Calvinist, how he pulled a generation of young people into the doctrines of grace, and why he eventually criticized the movement he had influenced.

Few American pastors are more respected, or more influential, in the Russian-speaking world than John MacArthur. His ministry has spread throughout Ukraine and Russia since before the Iron Curtain fell in 1991. During the current war, his ministry continues to have a profound, personal impact through missionary friends, training centers, and ministry partners both in the States and across the former Soviet Union. As this timely episode focuses on John and Grace Community Church’s missions endeavors in Ukraine and Russia, it looks at what effective, soul-saving, church-building missions looks like in any country.

Christians need mentors who have run the race before them. The lives of these leaders influence, challenge and motivate us. John MacArthur is considered a mentor and model by countless Christians and pastors around the world. But who does MacArthur look up to? Who has served as his teacher and friend? In this episode, we look at a man who has influenced MacArthur throughout his ministry: a Welch medical doctor turned preacher who became a kindred spirit. This relationship shows all of us the value of "remembering those who taught you and consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Famous Christian Dead Guys make great friends. Saints from the past keep Christians in the present from becoming spiritual shipwrecks in the future.

Where did John MacArthur come from? What theological heritage shaped him? Was it a denomination, a movement, a school, or a man? Those questions kick off season two of The MacArthur Center podcast. This episode looks specifically at John's father, and the MacArthur's tenuous relationship with the fundamentalist movement. It also dives into the history of that movement, and John's time at Bob Jones University, where this southern California kid accumulated a few demerits at one of the flagship institutions of American fundamentalism.

When John MacArthur was coming of age in the 1950s and 60s, what person, Christian institution, or movement entrusted him with the work of the ministry? And in turn, how has he entrusted the truth to the next generation?

Explore who influenced John, and how he's influenced the church, in season 2 of The MacArthur Center podcast. This season is titled The Entrusted: The Convictions and Legacy of John MacArthur.

Listen to the trailer and subscribe today. Season 2 launches on Tuesday, March 8th.

John MacArthur thought it was an ordinary Tuesday staff meeting, a chance to connect with his friends and fellow pastors at Grace Community Church. But this day in the fall of 1979 was actually the beginning of the greatest crisis of his ministry. Blindsided by betrayal, how did John respond? And how did he survive the coup d'etat? As this bonus episode examines Black Tuesday, it has lessons for all ministry leaders who have faced opposition.