REGARDING DR. JERRY FALWELL
For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep,
and was laid among his fathers.
Acts 13:36
On Tuesday of this week, Dr. Jerry Falwell went home to be with the Lord. Dr. Falwell was a true giant in the faith, serving faithfully as a Pastor, Christian Educator, University Chancellor, and Political Force for Morality. Although I knew his health was not good, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his death. Without question, there was only one Jerry Falwell. He will be sorely missed.
HAVING DR. FALWELL AT FBC TEXARKANA
In February of 2006, our church was privileged to have Dr. Falwell come and preach. Needless to say, I was excited about the opportunity to get to know him. I was not disappointed. Jerry was warm, funny, energetic, loving, and stronger than an acre of garlic on issues related to the Gospel and the Judeo-Christian ethic. Although vilified for his unwavering position on moral issues, Dr. Falwell truly loved the sinner… but hated the sin. I admired him greatly for his willingness to stand up and be counted, even at the cost of being trashed and maligned in the media. If Pastors today had half of his courage and boldness, there is no telling the increased impact Christianity would have on our land.
FAITH NEVER QUITS
To me, Dr. Falwell’s greatest encouragement and insight came from this statement, “You do not measure a man’s greatness by his talent or wealth, as the world does, but rather by what it takes to discourage him. It is always too early to quit.” Jerry Falwell encountered many obstacles to faith (just read his last book, BUILDING DYNAMIC FAITH). Based on the circumstances, he could have easily thrown in the towel and given up on his dreams… but he never did. He believed in God’s ability to do “exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think.”
As a result of his unwavering faith and refusal to live in discouragement, God built a dynamic mega-church and the world’s largest Evangelical Christian University in a relatively small and obscure town called Lynchburg (65,000 people). Dr. Falwell joked that before Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University, Lynchburg was only known for two things: ChapStick Lip Balm and Fleet Enemas. Truly, the legacy of Lynchburg has been given a great boost under Jerry Falwell.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. DREAM BIG. God is a big God who can do far beyond what we ask of think. There is no limit to what He can accomplish through you if you will just believe Him, step out in faith and keep your eyes on Jesus.
2. WALK IN THE LIGHT. God cannot bless us like He wants to if we have unconfessed sin in our hearts. Dr. Falwell was far from perfect… but he walked in the light and did not let sin have a home in his heart.
3. PRAY HARD. Jerry Falwell was a man of prayer. He knew all the power and provision came from God… so He made sure to call upon Him for everything.
3. LOVE PEOPLE. Ministry is all about people. God loves people. If there were no people, there would be no ministry. Never lose sight of people as you go about your day. Pray for them, love them, take time for them, encourage them, laugh with them, and cry with them. God will bless you as you align your heart with His in loving and caring for people.
Love,
Jeff Schreve
Pastor
www.fromhisheart.org
jeff@fromhisheart.org
Telephone: 903.838.8329