On the Homegoing of D. James Kennedy
September 5th, 2007
(By John MacArthur)
On behalf of Patricia and our family, together with all the families of Grace Community Church and our extended ministries, let me take an opportunity to express our profound sadness at the news that D. James Kennedy died this morning. Our mourning is mingled with gladness and gratitude for the continuing influence of Dr. Kennedy’s life and teaching, for the privilege of having known him and learned from him, and for the assurance that he is in the presence of Christ even now, worshiping his Savior and enjoying the glories of heaven. The church of Christ worldwide will feel the loss of his leadership. So we stand in quiet sorrow alongside Dr. Kennedy’s family and the people of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, and we pray for God’s comforting grace.
We remember Dr. Kennedy with deep gratitude for his clear voice, for his courage in the defense of truth, and for his relentless energy. But we remember him most fondly for his work in the ministry of evangelism. Dr. Kennedy was remarkably effective in training people how to present the gospel clearly and persuasively. He was therefore uniquely blessed as the human instrument though which countless souls have heard the gospel and multitudes of Christians have been trained to share it with others. The rippling effects of that ministry will surely extend beyond anything Dr. Kennedy himself could ever have imagined. Christ taught us that all heaven rejoices whenever one soul repents. Jim Kennedy’s earthly work must have contributed immeasurably to heaven’s joy, and I have every confidence that as he entered into that joy this morning, he heard the Master’s words: “Well Done.”
One of the faithful few. Enjoy your rest, Dr. Kennedy.
In a sea of confusion over the airwaves, Dr. Kennedy was a solid voice trumpeting Truth. His ministry will have eternal ramifications, even beyond his physical death as his messages will continue to be aired. Dr. Kennedy no doubt heard “well done, good and faithful servant”.
One of the true pillars of light for 20th century evangelism and apologetics. Dr. Kennedy’s Why I Believe Series (both audio and in print) is one the strongest cases for Christianity I have ever encountered as a follower of Christ for three decades. His Coral Ridge Hour TV show was the cream of the crop for Christian broadcasts. A personalble, caring, and highly intelligenct man, he will be sorely missed. I feel like I have lost a close friend, even though I never met him.
Amid the multitude of voices assailing Christians for their money Dr Kennedy was one of the few that preached the Gospel and championed rightiousness in our nation.
He will be greatly missed and I pray that God will raise up another to continue the work that He established through James Kennedy. Well done my good and faithful servant.