Jerry Falwell: Aflame for God

by Gerald S. Strober, Ruth Tomczak

SIGNED

188 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Jeffrey Bush]

I've read two books on the life of Jerry Falwell. His love for God and for others is very impressive! I enjoyed the book. Here are some helpful takeaways:



It is evident that Jerry loves young people and those things that interest them. “Years ago,” he says, “I decided that if I had to make my life count for eternity, I would do as the Lord did, and as the apostle Paul did — reproduce myself in others and teach them the same reproductive principles. I think for the rest of my life the major part of my ministry will be gathering young men and women around me and reproducing in them what God has reproduced in me.” — Page 88-89

Jerry’s vast ministry to people necessitates that he travel a great deal. When he is away from home, he calls Macel and his children at least once a day. He talks to Macel, Jerry Jr., Jeannie, and Jonathan and prays with each individually. He often says to mothers and fathers, “You had better make your family your priority, because that is God’s priority for you. You may have all the world against you, but if you have a loving spouse and children who love one another, your home will be a fortress. It will be a refuge to which you run. A true Christian home is the most heavenly thing on this earth. It is characterized by peace and serenity and is a place of happiness.” — Page 113

“How strong is a man?” Jerry Falwell asks his congregation and the approximately 20 million viewers of the Old-Time gospel Hour. “He is only as strong as is his relationship to Christ.” — Page 115

When asked his ultimate dream, Jerry Falwell says, “I believe this is the terminal generation before Jesus comes. My ultimate desire is to glorify God by giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to every creature in my generation – somehow.” — Page 120

Jerry always said First, ‘Nothing of eternal value is ever accomplished apart from prayer;’ second, “The difference between greatness and mediocrity is vision;’ and third, ‘You determine a man’s greatness not by his talent or wealth as the world does, but rather by what it takes to discourage him.’ — Page 136

“There is no limit to the power of prayer,” says Jerry. “God loves His children and is concerned about every detail of their lives. God will answer our prayers – not always as we wish them answered, but always in accordance with His will and for our good. Jesus does all things well. Let us claim the promises of God through prayer. I am convinced that if we are to reach the world for Christ in this generation, we must train and mobilize a mighty army of praying people. The great movings of God in every generation have had their beginning in prayer meetings.” “A great moving of God” is what Jerry desires the church to be characterized by. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to be evidenced in every one of our ministries.”— Page 143-144

“The real mission of the New Testament church is to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to begin at Jerusalem, but we are also to go on to the uttermost parts of the earth. God has given us a burden to start at least five thousand new churches on the North American continent in the next five years. We have asked God to plant literally hundreds of missionaries all over the planet who will likewise be establishing New Testament churches. The hope of our nation, and for the world, is in the establishment of local, New Testament churches that will reach and teach the people of our generation and mobilize them to participate in world evangelization.” — Page 145

[Kaci]

Interesting read if you went to Liberty University but didn’t know Jerry Falwell Sr. Found interesting tidbits that I didn’t know before and connections with people that still work there, even though this book was written in 1979. Jerry Sr. was certainly flawed, but I do believe he was sincere and devoted to Christ, although not perfectly. Some of the controversial things he said and did were not Christlike, but it’s definitely a different type of weakness than Jerry Jr., who seems to be, at the least, consumed by greed and pride.

[Lyndon]

I don't remember reading this book, but my book list from 1991 says I did in Feb of that year. I've been keeping lists for books I've read since 1990 and of course I can't remember them all. I did admire Falwell's ministry back then, though. Sure, looking back he was flawed and his son a disgrace. Still, it's part of my journey and I'm who I am in part because of the books I've read. You are too, probably.

[Donald Hulbert]

I’ve had this book for years, but just read it earlier this year. Very good and I went to Liberty when Dr. Falwell was there, I went 1979-1981. It was good to read and be able to recall a lot of what I knew of his life.