A Reading Response on John MacArthur's

Enrolling at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary College and Advanced Studies (PTSCAS) marks a profound turning point in my life, representing the first concrete step toward becoming a vessel that God can truly use for His glory. This transition has sparked a deep internal reflection on the weight of ministry and the necessity of a "solid theological foundation" for everything I do. John MacArthur’s insights into the nature of biblical care have been particularly impactful here, as they strip away the idea that ministry is reserved only for those with professional titles. MacArthur writes:

"All these instructions apply to rank-and-file church members, not only to some priestly caste of experts. Counseling, particularly counseling that skillfully employs and applies God's Word, is a necessary duty of Christian life and fellowship. It is also the expected result of true spiritual maturity" (3).

This perspective has shifted my view of my time at PTSCAS from merely an academic pursuit to a vital season of spiritual seasoning, where I am learning that the ability to "bear one another’s burdens" is not a specialized skill but a requirement of a life transformed by the Gospel.

In light of these reflections, my application of these truths involves a intentional shift in my daily behavior and mental framework, moving from a passive observer to an active, Scripture-focused helper. I am learning to prioritize the "mind" as the primary battlefield of counseling, recognizing that secular psychology often treats symptoms while the Bible addresses the heart. Specifically, I must start training myself to think biblically about every problem I encounter, rather than relying on common-sense or humanistic intuition. This means becoming a quiet observer of the people around me, not to judge them, but to see where burdens are being carried alone and where the Word of Christ can be "richly dwelt" and shared. I want to start practicing the "spirit of gentleness" mentioned in Galatians 6, ensuring that when I do step in to help, my words are seasoned with grace and rooted in the theological truths I am studying, rather than just well-meaning but hollow advice.

Currently, I find deep contentment in my position as a helper and a follower. There is a specific kind of humility required to be the one who does the work that often goes unseen—the "helper when things are needed to be done"—and I embrace this role as my current calling. I am eager to know more and to sit under the wisdom of my instructors at PTSCAS, understanding that a strong helper makes for a strong community. However, I also acknowledge that this season of being a quiet observer is a period of "spiritual apprenticeship." I hold the quiet confidence that as I remain faithful in these smaller duties and continue to build a foundation that relies entirely on Scripture, God will eventually make a way for me to grow out of this role. I believe that by mastering the art of being a helper now, I am preparing for the day when God will transition me into a leader who can guide others with the same gentleness and theological precision I am currently striving to learn.

While I deeply respect MacArthur’s commitment to the sufficiency of Scripture, I find myself wrestling with certain questions regarding the "all-sufficiency" of the Bible in the context of modern counseling. I wonder how we should navigate the intersection between purely spiritual struggles and genuine medical or neurological conditions that affect the mind, such as clinical depression or chemical imbalances. Does a total reliance on Scripture—as MacArthur suggests—allow for the integration of biological insights, or does his framework view all mental and emotional distress as strictly theological? I am also curious about the practical boundary between "admonishing" a brother and overstepping into a person's private life. Despite these questions, my desire to know more remains the driving force behind my studies. I am committed to being a diligent student of the Word, ensuring that regardless of where the line is drawn, my primary tool for restoration will always be the "law of Christ."