I come here today with a heavy heart.  My beloved pastor has gone to be with Jesus.  Dr. Adrian Rogers stepped over into our Lord's presence early this morning after a difficult illness.

My family came to Memphis in 1987.  There was never a question about where we would go to church.  I remember the first time we visited Bellevue.  It was awesome!  It felt like we were in heaven.  And that was just the music.  When Dr. Rogers stood up to preach, it was like hearing God himself speak.  Dr. Roger's voice was exactly like I had imagined God's voice sounding.

When new members joined the church, a small reception was held in the pastor's conference room before the evening service.  We all sat around his table waiting for him.  I'll never forget when he walked into that room.  The Holy Spirit was so evident in him that an awesome and reverent silence came over us.  We literally could not speak for a few minutes.

You know, I've thought back over that event many times.  How much my prayer has been that the Holy Spirit would be so evident in me that all else fades away.  That His Presence would proceed me wherever I am.

Dr. Rogers loved Jesus.  His favorite song was Victory In Jesus.  It was widely known that he was tone deaf.  His microphone was always turned off when we started to sing.  But can you imagine?  I'm sure he is singing with all his might now!  And I can just picture him falling at the Master's feet in praise and worship.

He has left a great hole here on earth, but there's a celebration going on in Heaven!  He had often said that when he dies to not feel sorry for him.  He would be kicking up gold dust on the streets of glory.  I can only imagine!