Dobson Remembers D. James Kennedy
by Motte Brown on 09/05/2007 at 2:29 PM
Here is Focus on the Family's press release regarding the passing of Dr. D. James Kennedy:
Focus on the Family founder and Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., issued the following statement today upon learning of the death of Dr. D. James Kennedy:
"The Church has lost one of its truly significant figures, and American families have lost one of their most passionate, effective defenders. For decades, Dr. Kennedy has been a passionate defender of biblical truth in a culture that increasingly forgot it. He was a giant in the battle to restore traditional values in our nation."
"Most importantly, I believe, Dr. Kennedy would want to be remembered as a man whose greatest desire was to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Believers around the world are indebted to him for holding firm to that important calling."
1. florida_grl said the following at 2:32 PM on Sep 5:
oh no!!!!! He was my favorite. I went to some of his services. He was one amazing leader.
his sermons are still up there with the best.
and I first heard about his death here.
:( :(
2. Evan said the following at 3:26 PM on Sep 5:
All men, good or bad, must someday pass from this earth. He did a lot of good for the Christian community. Now he can rest with the Lord, which is better.
3. Sarah said the following at 7:02 PM on Sep 5:
After hearing the news, here's something I wrote on my blog about my experience working with him:
Dr. Kennedy Has Gone To Glory
Once Dr. Kennedy knew the truth of the life changing power of Jesus Christ, he spent his life in full service to God. He influenced the world in a powerful, positive way for the Gospel of Jesus Christ through his pastoral position at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, seen on TV by millions, and through the broadcast outreach of Coral Ridge Ministries.
God gave me the privilege of working for Dr. Kennedy as a production assistant at Coral Ridge Ministries for three and a half years.
After about a year and a half, I was asked to produce the weekly promos for the hour long show aired every week, The Coral Ridge Hour. Week after week, I would watch through Dr. Kennedy's sermons, and pick out sound bites that would help draw people in to watch and give an idea of the what the sermon would be about. It was excellent material to work with, making my job easier, and was a spiritually edifying and educational experience.
The first time I met him, when he walked into the TV studio for a taping, I felt like I was meeting Moses from the Bible, because of his great spiritual leadership position. He was very kind and witty.
Another time I was asked to bring him a cup of water in the studio. Bringing him some water and thinking I would display my biblical knowledge, I quoted the verse that when someone brings someone a cup of cold water, he will not lose his reward. However, I had forgottom one important part of the verse, which Dr. Kennedy quickly remembered. "The verse doesn't say that," he said. "It says that whoever brings a cup of water in My Name will not lose his reward."
Dr. Kennedy surely has not lost his reward. He was a man marked for God, with a life of obedience and an impact no man can measure, all for the glory of God.
The legacy website, set up to honor Dr. Kennedy, bears this quote:
"Now, I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a box and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry. But I have told them not to do that because I don't want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end with the Hallelujah chorus, because I am not going to be there, and I am not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down upon you poor people who are still in the land of dying and have not yet joined me in the land of the living. And I will be alive forevermore, in greater health and vitality and joy than ever, ever, I or anyone has known before."
D. James Kennedy, Ph.D.
4. Motte said the following at 7:24 AM on Sep 6:
Thanks for sharing your perspective Sarah. I was surprised to learn after his death that he created Evangelism Explosion and the Center for Christian Statesmanship. I've been familiar with both programs for years, at my current church and the latter when I worked on Capitol Hill.
5. Riqui said the following at 8:28 PM on Sep 6:
This week saw the loss of two icons of the 20th century: D. James Kennedy and Luciano Pavarotti.
Both will be notably missed and were highly regarded in their fields.
However, the similarities come to and end very quickly. Though there is mourning for Dr. Kennedy, there is also hope. He is not lost to us forever. One day, I look forward to meeting Dr. Kennedy along with many other brothers and sisters and I definitely look forward to meeting my Saviour. I can only hope that Pavarotti met his Saviour before the end.
Enjoy your reward brother Kennedy.
6. Sean Deer said the following at 3:23 PM on Dec 18:
I am so saddened to learn of Dr. D James Kennedy's death!
I first became familiar with Dr. Kennedy soon after re-dedicating my life to Christ in 1995 and moving back to the USA, to live with my mother in Philadelphia.
In the early stages of my renewed walk with the Lord, I was buffeted on every side, by that lying accuser the devil.
However, I found solace many Saturday nights/evenings, while watching his broadcasts.
His command of every topic on both a spiritual and intellectual level was remarkable! And I once remember him giving a talk to a group of evolutionists and seeing them give him a standing ovation!
He was truly a remarkable man and I am saddened to learn of his death!
I only learnt of his death while watching an old broadcast of TBN's "Praise The Lord" Programme with Benny Hinn here in the UK.
Unfortunately I don't come across his programme much over here.
I pray that the Lord will equip me by his Holy Spirit, to be able to debate with conviction and boldness the myriad of issues that seek to eliminate the core of our moral fibre, the Bible and salvation through Jesus Christ!
May the Lord's peace rest upon his wife and daughter! Thank you for sharing him with us!
Sean Deer
(Nottingham, England)