To close the conference Friday night, John MacArthur took the pulpit and began by answering many of the criticisms regarding Strange Fire. He directly addressed the claims that the teaching at the conference has been unloving and divisive, saying that "the most loving thing someone can do is to tell the truth" and that "it's better to be divided by the truth than united by error." He said he does care about offending people, but he cares more about offending God.
With that in mind, he made a clear call for his continuationist friends to abandon a position that gives license and credibility to the excesses of the charismatic movement. He strongly exhorted them to consider the cost of their continuationist stance, and how it can be a gateway to unbiblical charismatic theology and practice. He closed his time, and the week, by restating his motive to hold the Strange Fire conference. He demonstrated from 1 and 2 Timothy a pastor's responsibilities—illustrated in the life of Paul—to declare and guard the treasured truth of God's Word.
We trust Strange Fire was an encouragement to you. In the coming weeks, the audio and video from the conference will be available both here and at tmstrangefire.org. We look forward to how the Lord will use those resources to strengthen His church and grow His people.
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