John MacArthur and the Young Prophet: Sharpening the Sword

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Young prophet being swiftly escorted out of John MacArthur's pulpit and out of the church.

“You are sharpening the sword and they are cutting each other.”

These were the words spoken by the young Scottish prophet to Pastor John MacArthur in a recent service. And let me tell you, IT IS TRUE!!!

JOHN MACARTHUR IS VERBALLY ATTACKED BY A FALSE PROPHET AT GRAC...

★JOHN MACARTHUR IS VERBALLY ATTACKED BY A FALSE PROPHET AT GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH, CA 8/16/2015 ★WATCH PASTOR JOHN MACARTHUR'S GRACIOUS RESPONSE! ★Video by: SO4J-TV © 2015 [Martha Mac] ★Keep Looking UP!^ (Col.3:1-4) Love in CHRIST, #SO4J #SoldOutForJesus #GraceToYou #JohnMacArthur #GTY #StrangeFire #SteveLawson #LifeAtGCC #LifeAtGrace ►www.SO4J.com ►www.Facebook.com/SO4JTV ►www.GraceChurch.org ►www.GTY.org ★SHARE: https://www.facebook.com/SO4JTV/videos/10153209819979983/

Posted by SO4J-TV & Video Productions on Sunday, August 16, 2015

How do I know? Because in this lengthier clip, you can see not only John MacArthur but his congregants and leaders, smiling, laughing, cracking jokes, and mocking the young man. MacArthur stated, “If he were a real prophet, he wouldn’t behave in such a way.” (How would he know how a real prophet behaves if he believes prophecy ceased in the 1st century?) Very Christlike, very Christlike indeed. Even if the young prophet was in error--which I firmly believe he was not--he was sincere, in earnest. Not treating what he said lightly or as a joke.

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Pastor John MacArthur, a biblically sound teacher...until it comes to the modern day gifts and operations of the Spirit of God including prophetic ministry.

I also know because when my article on the situation was published SEVERAL #TeamMacArthur Reformed “saints”/Calvinists came for me in the form of a Twitter war. I found it laughable (and discouraging) that they were very literally proving the words of one they considered a false prophet or not a prophet at all.

I’ve written before on how our words can affect another; how more times than I can count, mean, evil, wicked, thoughtless words are likened to swords, daggers, fangs, and the like in Scripture.

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. (Psalm 55:21)

Indeed, they belch with their mouth; Swords are in their lips; For they say, “Who hears?” (Psalm 59:7)

There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, And whose fangs are like knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, And the needy from among men. (Proverbs 30:14)

I don’t want to draw this out, but we have GOT to do better as the Church. Laughing at, mocking, slandering, attacking someone you don’t agree with--someone who is supposed to be your fellow brother or sister in Christ--is NOT the way to be Christlike!! In fact, it reinforces the lack thereof.

You know not what spirit you are of. And it is NOT the Spirit of God!!

If you disagree with the young prophet who called out John MacArthur, you’re entitled to. If you disagree with my writing an article on it and supporting his words as well as actions, you're entitled to. But you are NOT entitled to attack someone else and still call yourself representing Christ at the same time.

And I do not use the word “attack” lightly.

Honestly, this whole situation reminds me of something the Apostle Paul said:

For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. (I Cor. 11:19)

I guess that speaks for itself.

We will not always agree. We will not always like each other. The truth we’re called to write, teach, and preach may be uncomfortable or even harsh to some. But there is no need to be rude, messy, nasty, or downright “mean on purpose” as Joni Lamb would say. The message and ministry of Christ is not meant to bring discouragement. Discouragement of sin, yes. Conviction of ungodliness, yes. But it is unto repentance and reconciliation. NOT unto tearing each other down.

We MUST do better.

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