The MacArthur Center Podcast

804

As The MacArthur Center for Expository Preaching at The Master’s Seminary opens its doors, season one of its flagship podcast will tell the surprising, providential, compelling story of how John MacArthur became synonymous with expository preaching. From his first sermon at Grace Community Church on February 9, 1969, through his 52 years of relentless, verse-by-verse exposition from the New Testament, John has modeled a simple idea: that the Bible is clear and the preacher’s task is to patiently explain that meaning to his audience. This documentary-style season will look at Grace Community Church, which during John’s 52-year ministry has grown from a small, nondescript church in the middle of the San Fernando Valley into one of the largest, most influential churches in the United States. These eight episodes will tell the story of John’s calling into pastoral ministry and explain why, and how, he preaches the way he does. It will also trace his involvement in controversies and look at how he preaches during cultural upheaval and personal suffering. Don’t miss season one of The MacArthur Center podcast.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • Dishy1968
    Excellent podcasts
    Please don’t change a thing. I love the intro music. These podcasts have been enlightening and edifying. Looking forward to the next episode.
  • John G ( CA )
    Great app, great content.
    Nothing like sound doctrine. Thank you ATD & Pastor John. I wish I had the ability to know the effect Pastor John and anything coming out of Grace Church has had on the world. Thank you for it ALL; Grace Media, this app and all the others.
  • Laurel kid
    A Venables
    I have been listening to John MacArthur’s sermons for over 20 years. When God gave me a new birth when I was 30 years old I become so excited about the word of God. The learning curve has been amazing showing me the true character of God. When I first started listening to John I was captivated that when he spoke his words were so clear and confirmed everything that God was teaching me. I have two MacArthur bibles one that is falling apart with notes and a new one that is clean and secure. I stumbled across this podcast centered around different topics related to John’s life and ministry. These are so well done and such a blessing to me. Cannot wait for new episodes. Thanks Austin and team for pulling all of this together for us!!!!!
  • audri0421
    Fantastic podcast!
    Each episode I said “that was my favorite”! They are each so well done, from the production of the show to, most importantly, to the theology that points and gives all the credit to Christ! I can’t recommend The MacArthur Center podcast more! Thank you for all the work that goes into each episode! I have listened to them all so far and I am (impatiently) waiting for more to come out!
  • No news bad news
    Great show!
    Have enjoyed getting to know about the life and ministry of MacArthur, who I wasn’t even aware of prior. but I was dissapointed in the episode of “when believers stop believing.” After naming several people who have walked away from the faith and become apostates, you don’t address the tension between how they were able to walk away if they were secured as believers. You talk more about the perseverance of the saints and how to know you’re truly saved without addressing what is actually happening when someone does fall away.
  • McMiinnVol Fan
    Please Listen to These
    Outstanding podcasts! I highly recommend you listen to them.
  • rlboselli
    Great Podcast
    Wonderful content but extremely noisy background music. It could lower the volume and change the style for such a great talkings. Just a thought on the Episode about friendship
  • Pizza is good for me
    MLJ podcast doesn’t make sense
    After listening to the eschatology podcast the Martyn Lloyd-Jones show is very confusing. I’m confused about how to reconcile the two shows and how much MLJ actually influenced MacArthur. MLJ was amillenial and very clear about his views and even his opposition to the dispensational propaganda in this episode. MLJ is more clear than this podcast.
  • Tatum Burke
    Excellent podcast
    This is a fantastic podcast documenting many significant aspects of John MacArthur’s ministry over the years. I haven’t missed an episode and look forward to each new one. But I was disappointed in the misrepresentation of the family integrated church model in the latest episode.
  • The Darrell McClain Show
    A wonderful Telling
    I’ve listened to this podcast 4 times now every Show is just so rich I’m always waiting for the next one to come.
  • Michele Suz
    Favorite podcast
    I literally never want this podcast to end. I want to hear every story and all the history of John MacArthur’s ministry as well as all the faithful men and women connected to him. What a treasure the Lord has given us in this era of church history. Come Lord Jesus! Until then, keep sharing the stories, please.
  • vickimfox
    Excellent content, distracting audio issues
    Excellent content! It goes into detail on many aspects of MacArthur’s ministry and the challenges going forward. I would have rated five stars if it were not for the distracting audio issues. Here are some of the annoyances: - Interviews often have a good connection with interviewee, but awful connection with interviewer. You can hear the answers but not the question. - Sermon clips and other recordings have a musical background added. Often this background is as loud as the speaker, thus making it difficult to listen. - Episode has a bass heavy dub beat background that varies in intensity when there are pauses. - I could go on. For producers, please drop the background music so those of us with old ears can better hear the content. Thanks.
  • eml72
    Superb!
    Thank you Duncan for for rich biblical truths and discussion,thought provoking topics and the creative style. My new fav! I’ll be praying for you all.
  • yghnbcvb
    Awesome
    In the 1980’s, I was in the Navy and went to SEAL training in Coronado, CA. I heard some on John’s teaching at that time and didn’t like him at all. I thought he was arrogant and condescending; without empathy and judgmental. Now, I feel like I had been in the Christian “Matrix” deceived by my own sin and idea of Christ my mind created. God used John (and subsequently his staff -ATD) to give me the “Red Pill” and wake up to the True Gospel and Expository Preaching …it’s cut me to my knees to repent and thank Jesus for His sovereignty in every molecular movement in the universe! I’ve downloaded all these podcasts and it’s teaching me so much about the Bible, true Christ, and filled so many gaps in my 60yrs on this planet.
  • jhueni
    So good!
    Love this podcast! So entertaining and encouraging!
  • PJacMcDon
    Can’t get enough!
    Recommend it to all the guys I disciple and we all can’t wait for the next episode. It is a sad moment when you look at the screen and it says only 5 mins left. Austin is a fantastic story teller mixing truth with humor and wit, drawing out biblical convictions for every preacher to build long and faithful ministry in the local church. Thankful for the good work of these men!
  • paulyb123
    The Only Bad Thing About This Podcast
    The only bad thing about this podcast is that it has to end. Every episode is well done, well written, and produced. I love to hear these stories. Very encouraging and thought provoking. Thank you so much for creating these.
  • ACM-Oklahoma
    Great podcast!
    Thanks Pastor Duncan, you’re doing a great job- and we love Pastor John MacArthur! Very helpful podcast, please keep the seasons coming!! The Lord has also blessed me with the access to Grace to You all these years!!!!
  • Nixie1120
    When the Believer stops believing.
    This episode had me in tears. I have wrestled like many so much about my salvation. It would scare me because I wondered at times how can I be saved when I keep sinning in this or that. This episode was timely. Thank you for the work that you do in spreading God's truth. Nicole from Northern California
  • Orange777
    Excellence in Podcasting
    I appreciate the great care in putting these podcast episodes together. Everything from the edifying content to the hip bass music listening experience, this podcast sets a great standard! God bless John MacArthur for such an exemplary life and ministry from which I twelfth have benefited from and the Lord used to grow me in so many ways. Keep up the good work!
  • MdaMD
    A stable force through the years
    I’ve been listening to Grace to You since the 80s and continue to expand my exposure to John MacArthur’s ministry even to this day. Today I listened to podcast S3:E1 and continue to learn. As highlighted in this issue, I have appreciated over the years his example in his friendship with RC Sproul. Between those two ministries, there is such a wealth of biblical teaching and security even with the difference in Baptism and eschatology. Both of those men model how to relate in a Christ honoring way with there differences and yet stand back to back against a common enemy of the gospel (such as ECT). These podcasts are such a helpful insight into why I am drawn to Dr. MacArthurs ministry from the day I first heard him preach. Sometimes I wasn’t sure what drew me when his preaching was hard but I always learned the Bible from him more than anyone and I was forced to disagree with the Bible, not Him and that is what would persuade me. The podcast will show you so many other sides to his effective ministry and give you practical things you can do in your ministry, even if you are not a minister. (I am a family physician)
  • Concaimom3
    Clarifying, edifying, informative…& also comical!
    I just found this podcast & can’t stop listening. At the center of this wonderfully, well put together production about the life & ministry of John MacArthur is another opportunity to share the gospel….& I love that even when it’s about him…It’s really not, it’s about HIM!👆🏼 I am so grateful for Grace To You & all the various ministries God has brought out of John MacArthur & Grace Community Church! Thank you for offering some insight into a man who has provided some much needed biblical understanding & guidance in my life through his expository preaching! Blessings!
  • Brandy30400
    Favorite Podcast
    I’ve been listening to this podcast since it started & always look forward to every episode. It is not only entertaining but makes you ponder on God’s amazing work in the life of Pastor John, his family & the GCC.He is indeed a blessing to us believers who listen to his teachings.
  • Bible study addict from the OC
    Love The Expositor Podcast (MacArthur Center)
    I love the Expositor / MacArthur center podcast. This Orange County middle aged woman has listened to the first five episodes of season one and has found it gripping, entertaining, wickedly funny and super creative. It starts with a bang from the opening seconds to the final words spoken on each episode and doesn’t waste one breath or one second. But, best of all, it’s full of truth. You just wanna shout “YEAH”, after every single episode ends. I never expected to learn this much about John MacArthur, because he doesn’t make his sermons about him. Everything about this podcast points to MacArthur‘s unparalleled ministry, and the giftedness of the people under him, all for the purpose of giving Jesus Christ honor and glory.
  • eschram
    Solid!
    I enjoyed this podcast tremendously! As a church planter trying to build a solid foundation for the church, the principles spoken here have been extremely helpful! One suggestion though…there are a TON of sermons, books and people who are mentioned in the podcast. It would be nice to be able to go back and check these out. Maybe links in the show notes? Thank you!
  • Bonzo.95
    Couldn't ask for better
    Given the succinctness of the episodes, I couldn't ask for a better documentation of MacArthur's life and ministry. I have been "binging" these episodes since discovering this podcast just a few weeks ago!
  • Matt’s Apple ID
    Faith-filled tribute to a faithful shepherd
    Timely, thorough, insightful, and inspiring. Anymore in the works for 2023 release?
  • Ann Wist
    Absolutely Amazing
    I have 2 words: absolutely amazing So thankful for the ministry of these godly men who stand for the one and only source of truth—scripture
  • wrcxf
    Fascinating Truth
    Educational, eye-opening inside view of MacArthur ministry. So encouraging and comforting. Word of warning: the chirps and bells the producer likes to sprinkle throughout is not your iPhone battery going dead. But where are you in 2023? Are you going to continue with third season?
  • evangelifish
    I thought just Catholics had a pope
    The production of the podcast is great. The content is pretty great as well. However, I do find it strange to put a man on such a pedestal especially when he’s still alive. I would have hoped that we would have learned after the likes of Robert Schuyler, Ravi, etc. that maybe we should be wary to praise men so hastily. Most people also don’t realize that many of the people around him have their livelihoods and their paychecks tied up in MacArthur, so don’t be so shocked that they would praise him accordingly. Men will be sinful, but it is God’s word doing God’s work through the Spirit that we should praise God. More of God and less of us.
  • emmeline888
    A must…
    ..this podcast, which aims for those in the clergy, is pertinent to all of us. We are all “ministering” to one another —- this is invaluable. I have to—no, I must—say what an impact it has made on my life and faith. To God be the glory!
  • Hip handmade
    Great way to learn more about my pastor
    I always look forward to learning more about my pastor.
  • scotty-j
    Helpful and informative, but an unbalanced portrait
    My life and walk with Christ have been greatly shaped by John MacArthur; I was a member of Grace Community Church during my formative college years, and my current church has many connections to JMac and Grace Church. This podcast has been a helpful look at a longtime pastor who has stayed faithful to what Scripture says throughout turbulent times in history and changes, both for better and for worse, in evangelicalism and the church. The topics, interviews, and stories contained within are always interesting and engaging, and ATD does a great job at producing and narrating the podcast at a pace that keeps it enjoyable to listen to. With that said, my main criticism of this podcast is that it’s fairly one-sided. It paints John MacArthur as a stalwart of truth, remaining faithful despite his many critics, proving evangelical “fads” to be wrong, and apparently never making any mistakes. But John MacArthur is a human, a sinner, and an imperfect pastor. In future episodes, I would love to hear more of the lessons that JMac has learned over the years from things he got wrong, situations where he misunderstood, and times where sin just got the best of him. After all, isn’t confession and repentance part of the process of sanctification? And don’t we all become better leaders and people when we learn from the lessons of our blunders and mistakes?
  • bmbutler2
    Enjoy each episode, but …..
    Please, please, please cut out the background music at least with the heavy bass that literally shakes my car (and it’s on a 0 setting for bass - i checked.). I was listening to episode 6 and at one point the music drowns out the speaker and then at the 43:00 mark, I had to shut it off because the heavy bass and annoying background music were hurting me physically and I just couldn’t listen to it anymore. I have really enjoyed each episode and look forward to the next, but PLEASE ditch the background music and heavy, heavy bass. It almost makes my teeth rattle.
  • Vanahilion
    Turn the music down
    You literally can’t hear what John is saying in one of the interviews because the music is so loud. The volume on voices is inconsistent. Love the show otherwise
  • IMO 618
    More information needed in episode description!
    Great podcast! My 10 year old and I love listening. It would be even better if I was able to go to the episode about John’s mentor and find his name in the description along with links to his preaching and books that are mentioned without having to listen all over again, although I will if I have to. Thank you!
  • lovejc♥️
    We have thoroughly enjoyed listening in…
    .. Pastor John has been my faithful & beloved, long distance pastor for nearly 30 years now. I’ve listened to his marvelous messages almost every single day of my life in that time. We have also had the great honor and privilege of meeting him, and visiting the Grace campus several times. Pastor John is a true shepherd and an unparalleled guide, who points us to The Lord Jesus Christ, while staying humble and loving! This podcast has been such an unexpected gift. Thank you ATD, for allowing us into the sweet intimacy of this essential Christ honoring ministry. SDG ..
  • wisawoo
    So happy to subscribe
    I have greatly enjoyed this ministry. I grew up in a Christian home with a grandpa as a pastor. The first place I went after coming home from the hospital was the church to be prayed over and dedicated to the Lord. I came to listen in a pretty defeated state. I knew there had to be more and how horribly I failed in my understanding and expectations of what God wants for my life. I found GTY and John MacArthur during the cv-19 crisis. I had so many questions! I wanted nothing more than to serve God. I have joy in my heart and peace that passes my understanding even in this state of earthly defeat, the Holy Spirit is using all these lessons to compound my understanding of basic salvations life. I am learning at such a rapid pace, and I can hardly stop sharing all that is being revealed in these lessons. I have annoyed many family and friends, but it’s okay I am using my knowledge to help teach others even if they do not really want to know. I have prayed for God to allow me to know Him better and through GTY, and like any student learning how to apply tools, that without an experience tutor, would never be used or used improperly. Thank you all so much. Praying daily for you all and with you all. Wisawooo
  • Browngt
    Season 2, Episode 6 is Excellent
    This is the best and most beneficial episode of the entire podcast. Go to gty.org and search for the IFCA Q&A parts 1&2. Every pastor has critics and every pastor needs to know how to deal with them Biblically. I’m thankful for Dr.MacArthur’s example and that so much of his history as a pastor and speaker is documented so thoroughly. Excellent work A. Duncan and team!!
  • Beautiful_Things
    Favorite Podcast
    While I don’t listen to a ton of podcasts, this one is my favorite. It’s so well done. I wish they would produce more episodes per year, but not at the sake of quality. It’s a must listen for anyone interested in modern church history, as well as, reformed theology.
  • The Glory of God Forever
    The G.O.A.T. for Enjoyable Christian Podcasting
    Thank you so much for this podcast! I am SO looking forward to the end of this season. This podcast is extremely well-produced and that have so much good content. I listened to it twice, and some episodes 3, 4, 5 times. Well Done Austin Duncan! Also, I likewise a little annoyed by those who claim the music is bad. The Content gets an A+ & the Music an A- Without it, the podcast would be good, but not one of the best. BUT IGNORE EVERYTHING AND LISTEN TO IT YOURSELF!
  • ayechapp
    Best podcast out in my opinion!
    I rush to my podcasts app when I am updated of a new episode. I have listened to some twice and plan to replay more in days ahead. Also, I’m annoyed by the negative feed back about the music and audio. It’s what makes the podcast not so plain and boring to listen to. Ignore those comments. The podcast is awesome!!
  • Gabygurl
    Blessing and top notch
    I heard about John MacArthur as a teenager. Have been listening and collecting his books since 1987 by radio, app, and now discovered this podcast through a sister in Christ. He’s a true warrior and expositor. The Lord has blessed him and used him in far reaching way. The presentation of this Season 1 series was wonderfully made, accurate and entertaining. The background sounds and music excellent….. please keep the format and the narration by ATD made it all the more riveting and entertaining
  • naenae3_
    Awesome
    Excellent podcast, informative, humorous at times. Love the background music, too! Well done!
  • Rita S. in OH
    A+ content, D- music
    The content is very informative, educational, and motivating. The background music, however, is very annoying and distracting. It reminds me of the “hipster Muzak” I hear played in upscale hotels:) I understand the use of background music (I am involved with similar productions professionally). There should be a link between topic and tone, and it should not be noticeable beyond a few moments at the beginning.
  • wjoshuameadows
    Pastoral Gold
    This is one of the best things I’ve listened to in a long time. It is so helpful to a struggling pastor and a reminder to one who is “thriving.”
  • Javieluco
    Riveting and inspiring!
    What an amazing and godly example JMAC has been. The testimony and words of his son, daughter and students speak concise volumes about God and His faithfulness. Excellent music and production! ATD really has a heart for this, shout out to the lobo as well! SDG! God above all!
  • PnkPerry
    Amazing
    This is so well done and informational. You’ll love it.
  • Paytong3701
    This helped me explore a call to preach!
    Best podcast about preaching I’ve heard!
  • jordanland
    Wow
    Didn’t know I needed this podcast right now! Love it so much! Thank you guys for making it
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.