One of the greatest pastors and preachers of the twentieth century went home to be with his Lord this morning. Dr. Adrian Rogers died today after battling cancer and double pneumonia caused by blood clots in his lungs. His death at a Memphis hospital occurred in the same city where he had served as the pastor of historic Bellevue Baptist Church for over 32 years.
Known worldwide for his faithful proclamation of the gospel on both the television and radio (through his Love Worth Finding ministry), Dr. Rogers was a man of God who stood for the truth in days of increasing relativism. His faithful pulpit ministry has inspired many, including me. Adrian Rogers’ soul is now with his Lord. His body awaits the resurrection to a new glorified body. For those who heard Adrian Rogers preach, can you imagine what his voice will sound like with glorified vocal chords?!?! That booming voice which was silenced briefly over the weekend (because of the respirator tube) will once again reverberate in praise to his Creator, Savior and Lord!!!
On a personal note, Dr. Rogers ministry was intertwined with my life in a way that he never knew. My and my wife’s first official date was to go hear him preach in a revival service at Calvary Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN eleven years ago. Over the next couple years, as a dating and just married couple, we had the privilege of hearing Dr. Rogers preach several times in meetings in the Knoxville area. In addition, over the years I had the privilege of hearing him in person at several Pastor’s Conferences. I saw and heard him in person for the last time earlier this year in June at the Southern Baptist Convention’s Pastors Conference. The picture above shows Dr. Rogers preaching that night. He had already been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving chemotherapy treatments, but his voice was strong and the message was clear (that message is viewable online by clicking here).
Dr. Rogers courage and leadership shaped a denomination. His ministry impacted millions. I am thankful for the privilege of having lived to hear one of America’s greatest preachers. The preacher is now in the presence of his Lord and it is ultimately to the Lord that we must express our gratitude today. For Adrian Pierce Rogers was one of God’s special gifts to His church!
Related Links:
- AP Story reporting Dr. Rogers’ death on FOXNews.com.
- Baptist Press article reporting Dr. Rogers’ death.
- Post by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. honoring Adrian Rogers’ life and ministry (must read).
- Obituary for Dr. Adrian Rogers
- Biography of Dr. Adrian Rogers
- Radio Program Announcement of Dr. Rogers’ death.
- Online Audio Sermons by Dr. Adrian Rogers.
- Video of last sermon preached to SBC’s 2005 Pastor’s Conference (mentioned above).
Dr. Adrian Rogers was my favorite radio/tv preacher. He will be missed.
What a great tribute to him.
Wow. I have heard him a few times on the radio and enjoyed it. He will be missed, but to die is Gain. Praising God forever.
Adrian Rogers was the absolute best in his knowledge of the scriptures and making application of those to the lives of the common people.
It really saddens my heart that video sermons of Pastor Adrian Rogers are not easy to download and share as a witnessing tool. His sermons were powerful and life changing they sure changed my lfe and gave me a great desire to learn God’s word. I sure am greatful for the audio sermons I have but I pray and wait patienly for the ability to play this great man of God’s videos at any given time. I believe more souls could be won.Keep up the great work Pastor Steve.
Believe it or not, I just found out that Pastor Rogers had passed in 2005. Since reconnecting with the Lord Jesus Christ last year, I’ve been listening to BOT T Radio Network on a regular basis, and they continually play (thank goodness) Minister Rogers’ sermons. For me, the inspiration of his wit, wisdom, distinctive voice and of course, faith in God is just as strong and powerful today as it was back then.
I have been hear he’s sermons over than three years and I didn’t know it that he has died, and I am very sad today because I was tought one I will meet him , because the Word’s of God have touch me so much with he’s preaching.
Stay with God Word I love you Jesus, Hb 11,38
38 (the world was not worthy of them)
I am still being blessed by Adrian Roger’s sermons on TV and Internet.. Every time I think about Dr. Rogers, I think of his sermon, What is Heaven like. He said, The most wonderful thing about Heaven will be seeing Jesus face to face. (1st John 3:2)
It’s been 13+ years since Dr. Rogers went home. I still miss him. It seems like a great loss for the world but God knows what He is doing. I remember Dr. Rogers saying sometimes it seems dark but be can know “ it’s getting gloriously dark!” It sure seemed as if that was the case the day he left. I have never heard anyone express his love for the Lord Jesus any more passionately from behind the pulpit.