{"id":12713,"date":"2025-03-13T14:01:21","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T18:01:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/christnewstoday\/?p=12713"},"modified":"2025-03-13T14:01:21","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T18:01:21","slug":"after-lengthy-hospitalization-john-macarthur-states-he-is-on-the-last-lap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/christnewstoday\/2025\/03\/after-lengthy-hospitalization-john-macarthur-states-he-is-on-the-last-lap.html","title":{"rendered":"After Lengthy Hospitalization, John MacArthur States he is on \u201cthe last lap\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Phil Johnson \/ X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

John MacArthur, 85, is finally home after spending seven weeks in the hospital. MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church in California has battled a steady stream of health issues this last year. He did not preach at Grace from July to November, with three heart surgeries in November. He underwent lung surgery as well. In January, he was hospitalized for breathing issues, where he has remained until recently. The prolonged stay meant he missed the annual Shepherds Conference. However, he still managed to send out a video message<\/a> to attendees.<\/p>\n

An obviously frail-looking MacArthur greeted attendees and shared his disappointment for missing the event. However, he shared that the video message was the best option. \u201cIt really came down to being the only option. I haven\u2019t had such a speedy recovery as I had hoped to have. I feel great; I just lost a lot of strength by being seven weeks in the hospital. … I\u2019m seeing a physical therapist, trainers, and trying to get back as soon as possible,\u201d he said. \u201cI realize I\u2019m on the last lap,\u201d he added. \u201cThat takes on a new meaning when you know you\u2019re on the short end of the candle. I am all thanks and praise to God for everything He\u2019s allowed me to be a part of and everything He\u2019s accomplished by His Word in these years of ministry. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n

MacArthur has led Grace since 1969 and has become a pillar the Christian faith with his no-nonsense sermons and far-reaching radio ministry, \u201cGrace to You.\u201d His video announcement had many speculating that MacArthur is anticipating passing away. \u201cNo one has shaped my life and ministry since Christ saved me like John MacArthur. A once-in-a-generation vessel. Someone I could always trust from afar. Courageous, unashamed, and yet a humility that fueled those things, if anyone had eyes to see. I thank God for John. I always will, wrote one user on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Phil Johnson, executive director of Grace to You, has pushed back in the past against rumors that MacArthur\u2019s health condition is more serious than previously thought. \u201cThe suggestion that he has been handed over to palliative care is a sinister lie. There\u2019s no conspiracy by the elders at GCC to keep people from hearing information they need to know,\u201d he wrote on a Facebook post<\/a>. \u201cPeople who think John is obliged to make regular public reports about his health on social media aren’t living in the real world. Beyond what I’ve said here, it\u2019s John\u2019s & his family\u2019s prerogative to make public announcements about his health whenever and however they see fit.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

John MacArthur, 85, is finally home after spending seven weeks in the hospital. MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church in California has battled a steady stream of health issues this last year. He did not preach at Grace from July to November, with three heart surgeries in November. He underwent lung surgery as well. In…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":516,"featured_media":12716,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fbia_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nAfter Lengthy Hospitalization, John MacArthur States he is on \u201cthe last lap\u201d<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pastor John MacArthur, 85, is home after seven weeks in the hospital, reflecting on his ministry and recovery.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/christnewstoday\/2025\/03\/after-lengthy-hospitalization-john-macarthur-states-he-is-on-the-last-lap.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta 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