Donating more books Dispensationalism, Arminianism & Pragmatism

Though I am very appreciative of the many books I have read and accumulated over many decades. But when they are no longer in use, and become mere dust collectors, and/or are doctrinally indifferent, then it’s time to redistribute another box of books, which makes more room for new books (or more solid old books). Besides, it’s better to give than to hoard.

Regarding the John MacArthur Bible Commentary. Though I am no longer a dispensationalist, I have found his Bible commentary helpful in many ways. I also give thanks to the Lord for MacArthur’s high view of the inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility, and sufficiency of the Scriptures. But why would I purge the last MacArthur book from my shelves? Well, I have no problem with MacArthur personally, it’s the gross idolatry of MacArthur that’s problematic.

Including but not limited to. There was a time in one Reformed Church that some within invoked the words “John MacArthur” (or “MacArthur”) more than the name Jesus or Christ. At another Church, a Pastor told me, “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but MacArthur’s my protestant Pope!”

At the beginning of the COVID phenomena, many Pastors from different churches admittedly emulated whatever MacArthur did. When MacArthur closed their church, they closed theirs. Rather than these idolaters obey the Scripture, and/or consider church history during far worse “pandemics,” they wrongfully used MacArthur as their measuring rod. And many months later when MacArthur (and his Elders) asked Caesar (the courts) for “permission” to resume services, his followers stood by to follow whatever legal “precedence” came to fruition. As if somehow MacArthur was going to supersede what the Scriptures have already said, or secondarily what the U.S. Constitution has said. Then when MacArthur finally decided to resume services inside their building, his followers (and some idolaters) lauded him as a “hero of the faith,” as they moved their congregations back inside. And who paid for Grace Community Church legal costs? We The People, the taxpayers paid for it via with their $800,000.00 settlement. Will someone please pass the barf bag. 🤮

Frankly, many have a sinful infatuation or obsession with MacArthur, hence he has become their golden calf. Pastoral idolatry is a real problem in 21st Century Christendom, and some become visibly angry when you step on their idols, and they’ll hate me for this. But God does not call His people to build up their friends list, or fan base; He called them to worship Him, and to be God pleasers not man pleasers. I saw this idolatry with Greg Laurie, then John MacArthur and evangelists like Ray Comfort, and Todd Friel. That is why you will often hear me say things to the effect. I’m only a fan and follower of one man, and that is the Man Christ Jesus. Or, my favorite preacher is Jesus. Or, my mentors at large are the men in the Scriptures or old dead men. The Scriptures are clear that every man has idols in his life (including myself). But when we become aware of them, we’re to repent of them, not continually repeat the worship of those idols.

In regards to idolatry, Paul warned the church in 1 Corinthians 10:12-14,

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Did you get that? “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

God has faithfully provided Christians with a way of escape. Brethren, when you hear a man preach a wonderful message, we must praise God for that, because it is the Lord that bestows His gifts to the brethren.

Lastly, yes, the Scriptures clearly state that the Lord’s people are to respect and even esteem those who labor among the church, but never are we to esteem sinful pastors more highly than our sinless Savior Christ Jesus, who died for His church. Or have we forgotten the true meaning of Soli Deo Gloria?