For some reason, this past week, Adrian Rogers has been on my mind.
I find it hard to believe that it’s already been five years since he received his heavenly promotion. As the dynamic and lovable pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Rogers was, for several decades, an iconic leader among Southern Baptists, particularly in the 80′s.
At the height of the great SBC controversy, it was under his leadership that the SBC was steered away from liberalism towards the safe shores of the Bible. The SBC would likely be in shambles today, were it not for his leadership. He was a great preacher, a great husband and family man, and a great follower of Jesus. His body may be buried and his soul may be gone, but his impact and ministry still lives on.
When most people think of Dr. Rogers, they instantly think of his voice. When he spoke, it boomed and thundered to the envy of every preacher. But how he spoke was really just a reflection of what he spoke. His voice was deep. His wit and wisdom likewise. Some men are blacksmiths. Other men are silversmiths. Adrian Rogers was a wordsmith. Nobody could say it like he did. When he spoke, people used to listen. It would do us all some good today to listen to him once again.
In that spirit, I want to share with you a collection of “Adrianisms” that I have compiled. These may not be the very best of Adrian Rogers, but they sure get close. If you don’t know who Dr. Adrian Rogers was, then you’re in for a treat. If you do, then you’re in for a reminder of why he was such a treat. I thank God for Adrian Rogers’ life, example, and faith.
Here are a few of my favorite Adrianisms.
