A HERO GOES HOME

I was traveling when my wife called to inform me of the death of the Reverend Jerry Falwell. My first thought..."another giant has left us." W.A. Criswell, Adrian Rogers, Manley Beasley, Bertha Smith and now...Jerry Falwell. Although each of the aforementioned had different gifts and ministries in the Kingdom, God used them mightily. Jerry Falwell stood for righteousness. He stood toe to toe with liberals, athiests and militants.

Several years ago, he led his church (Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA)traditionally independent to affiliate with the Southern Baptist Convention. Conservative, before conservative was cool, he liked what he saw in the resurgence of the largest evangelical denomination in the world.

The news media is calling him a television evangelist. I suppose in some regards he was, but he was more. He was a pastor first and foremost. He was a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ and he did not waver one bit in his commitment to the gospel. He was an educator, apologist and visionary. He was a husband, father and grandfather. And I must not leave out that he was a lover of pastors.

Frank Page, SBC President said, "His ministry must be seen from the perspective of being a pastor. Dr. Falwell never aspired to be anything other than a pastor who spoke prophetically the Word of God. Not everyone agreed with his stances, but all should admire his passion and commitment to the cause of Christ to the end. He desperately wanted our culture to understand God and to understand where obedience and disobedience lead."

Dr. Richard Land is quoted saying, "A true giant of the faith has gone on to his heavenly reward. Our grief at our loss of his witness, energy and giftedness for the kingdom is mitigated by the fact that he is now with his Savior for eternity. Dr. Falwell’s home-going leaves an enormous gap in the leadership ranks of evangelical Christianity in America and around the world. He will be greatly missed."

Dr. Morris Chapman, SBC Executive Director said of Falwell, "Jerry Falwell leaves a spiritual legacy that is lasting. During a tumultuous time in our culture, he took a stand on the Word of God that emboldened evangelicals to come together to speak in a common voice for the protection of our country’s moral and spiritual values. He will be known not only for his leadership on issues debated in the public square, but also for his tireless work to establish ministries to the hurting and those in need."

In 1998, Phyllis and I had the privilege of going to Israel with Him. You haven't lived until you run where Jesus walked with Jerry Falwell. Unlike the liberal media would characterize him, he was charming, witty, adventursome and fun to be around. What a great guy.

All three of our daughters attended Liberty. Yes they were Jerry's kids and the impact that the school and Dr. Falwell had on their lives is immeasurable. They will be forever grateful for the opportunity to attend and blessed to be LU grads.

Thank you Jerry. I know you have already heard it from Him, but "well done."