Tributes to Norm Geisler

Notes of Appreciation for Norm and Barbara Geisler sent to Norm before his 80th Birthday

Thank you for your work for the kingdom! I have been so blessed and encouraged by your ministry. God bless you!
Carlin Fortkamp

Dr. Geisler, I’m working on a sermon this afternoon, just used (again) you’re Big Book of Bible Difficulties, and wanted to say thank-you for your ministry. You have impacted my work by teaching at Dallas Seminary (I took and audited classes with you–a special blessing); the two times you spoke at the church I pastor in Naples, Florida; your thoughtful defense of inerrancy and a physical resurrection in the face of criticism; and your many excellent books. A heartfelt thank-you is long overdue. May God continue to bless you in every way as you serve our Lord and Savior. –Jim N.

Greetings Dr. Geisler, Allow me to express my gratitude to you for writing a book that was instrumental in my salvation. In 2006 … with my heathen beliefs – I considered myself an Atheist. One day I found myself in the local library in Princeton MN where I walked past a cart of books to be shelved. I wasn’t perusing these books, however, as I walked by the spine of a particular book leapt off the cart at me – I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist. I checked it out and devoured it! It tore down objection upon objection of mine and provided evidence upon evidence for the truth claims of Christ. I grew up Catholic and had no comprehension as to there being any extra-biblical support for the claims of scripture. Your book was incredibly impactful! In short order, I professed faith in Christ and haven’t looked back since. I wasn’t a reader, but God made me a reader. My main purchases, apart from food, are books – books that teach me about God and increase my affections for Him. God, in his incredible grace, now uses this feeble man in many ways to strengthen First Baptist Church in … MN. God is good, and He has used your book as an instrumental means of saving this wretched sinner. It’s incredible the affection and appreciation I have for you, though I have never met you. Thank you for your faithfulness Dr. Geisler. May God bless you and continue to use you for His glory. Mike H.

Dr. Geisler, I am amazed at your life of service to the Kingdom. You have done more in a lifetime than many people combined could ever hope to accomplish. … I’m so grateful you decided to open a seminary right down the street from me! The time spent learning from and helping you has been one of the highlights of my ministry. I am truly blessed by you! In Christ, Shawn N.

Dr. Geisler, I’m a student at VIU in southern California pursuing my Dmin in Apologetics. I studied under Dr. Moreland at Biola University for my graduate degree. The day I graduated I began looking for enrollment at SES because I wanted to learn from the best! As the Lord would have it Dr. Holden began offering this Dmin program which was only 15 minutes from my house. I am so thankful for the mountain of work of yours that I get to go through. You are one of my heros and I’m in awe you and your service to the King. One day I’ll get to give you a hug and though you may not know me, having read many of your works, watched hours of your lectures, and seen many interviews, I feel I do know you. God bless you in your retirement and thank you. Jack M.

Hello Dr. Geisler, I received the notice that you are looking to retire. I understand that you will continue to serve as the Lord allows and I know we will continue to be blessed by your ongoing contributions. I know that you have certainly shaped my development as a pastor and apologist and I will always carry the many truths from scripture with me that you helped to put into simple terms. I will never forget my classes with you during my time at Veritas and I continue to feel significant gratitude in knowing that you sat on my thesis committee. The Lord has truly blessed your time of ministry and I hope that both you and Barbara recognize the mighty calling placed upon both of your lives which you have been striving to fulfill. I know first hand that my ministry to others is supported tremendously by my wife and I can’t imagine that Barbara was anything less than supportive at the saintly level given the amount of time you must have spent in ministry with all the books, debates, courses, and presentations you have done. Your example sets the bar for us all to strive to do what God has gifted us to do individually and you will continue to be known in our household as yet another example of a man committed to the Lord Jesus who longed to see people come to the saving knowledge of the truth. I wish you and your family the very best and it is my prayer that the years ahead will be even more blessed for you and your family than the years the Lord has already given you. In Christ, David R.

Thank you Dr. Geisler for your years of serving the Lord and your amazing books and teachings. I have learned so much and continue to learn in my classes a VIU. My relationship with God is deepening and I am increasingly equipped to defend the Christian faith. God Bless you. Kevin S.

Dr. Geisler, Thank you for decades of defending the faith and for training others like me to defend the faith. The American church owes you a great debt for your decades of service. I will continue to use your textbooks when I teach college and graduate courses in theology, apologetics, philosophy, and ethics. You have been like a gentle father to many apologists like me. Yet, you always knew when to stand firm in the defense of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. You have set the example for future generations of apologists to follow. I respect your scholarship greatly. The encouragement you have given me over the years goes a long way with me. … we promise you that, by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to stand for true biblical Christianity throughout the decades. You have built a legacy—because of your work, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of fearless apologists all over the world that will “contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” Your impact on biblical Christianity will continue for decades to come. I pray that the Lord gives you the comfort and the rest you need. I’m sure the day will come when the Lord Jesus tells you “well done though good and faithful servant.” Until that day comes, enjoy your time with Barbara and your family. Know that you are loved by multitudes. You have been a warrior for King Jesus—you have trained future warriors as well. Thank you for being faithful to our Lord and persevering in the defense of the faith. Thank you for encouraging younger apologists to not compromise and to battle for the truth. You are the greatest truly evangelical apologist of my lifetime (I was born in 1960). Your impact on me has been great. Besides your scholarly work, you have truly been a loving brother in Christ and a spiritual father to many. I pray that God blesses you and your family until that day when you see Jesus face to face. Thank you for giving me opportunities to train other apologists. You will always be one of my heroes of the faith. I love you with the love of the Lord. May God Bless You Greatly My Friend, Phil F.

Dear Dr. Geisler and Mrs. Geisler, Thank you does not even begin to cover how grateful I am to have been blessed to have had the opportunity of sitting under a few of your classes at VES. Dr. Geisler, I have grown so much in my faith and knowledge of the Bible because of your teaching and books (my favorite being “Chosen But Free”). Thank you for being willing to be used by God in taking difficult and deep philosophical and theological questions and issues by addressing and explaining them in more understandable ways. Thank you also for planting the gift of Veritas; when I read the statement of faith for the first time it was as if God had created this school for me as identify in the core beliefs of this school. Dr. Geisler thank you for giving us the tools and knowledge to be defenders/proclaimers of the Faith! May God bless you and your family! Mrs. Geisler, while I never had the privilege to have met you, I just wanted to thank you as well for the support and sacrifices you have made over the years in relation to your husband’s ministry. May God bless you both during this transition and I look forward to the day when the entire family of God will be together with our Lord Jesus! Thank you is not enough for the ministry both have given! Your brother in Christ, Nathan W.

Thanks God for Dr. Geisler who has equipped the body of Christ by his biblically very excellent works!! Our Lord Jesus bless you always! Ari from Indonesia

Your teaching and your life has been very meaningful to me. Your love for God, truth, and people is a testimony to all in the body of Christ. You have truly inspired me in these areas. I remember not too long ago I viewed Christianity as something to be held private and mostly on “blind” faith. You, and others, have taught me to embrace logic and reason for what it is…a characteristic that flows from the very nature of God and thus, not something to run from… but something to cling to. Your diligent and courageous fight for the inerrancy of Scripture has gotten you into more than one hot skillet. I’ve watched how you have handled the opposition – the arguments and the people. I must say, well done! You do not attack or ridicule the individual… you simply lay out point by point your defense. Keep up the fight! You have thought well…and you have lived well. Grace and peace to you and Barb. -Randall B., Topeka, KS

Thank you for giving voice to truth for these many years. Your voice to the moderation between Calvinism and Arminianism has been much needed over the later part of the 20th and into the early 21st Century. Thank you very much. I have your Systematic Theology on Logos and gave hard back copies to both of my sons who are studying for the ministry a couple of years ago for Christmas. Thank you again. Pastor Jim, Kaiserslautern, Germany

I thank God for your ministry, I’ve been so blessed by your writings…I have almost all of your works, and every one is engaging, thorough, deep in its content, yet so easy to read. I especially appreciate your systematic theology set, the preconditions you discuss in volume one, as well as “I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist”, oh “Chosen but Free” was an amazing work as well! I love your writing not just b/c I agree with it all, but because it is so thorough in addressing apposing views so as to give a well educated view of the issues at hand. Thank you Norm for continuing to serve our Lord! Daniel F.

Norm the man!! Joe Luna

I am proud to say I have your four volume Systematic Theology. I also have copies of many of you other books. Although you and I have never met, you have made a significant impact on my theological/ apologetic ministry. Thank uou so very much for following our Lord and being such a blessing to so many. Blessings, Rick C.

Dr. Geisler, I want to thank you so much for all the absolutely fantastic work you have done, and moreover all the other good apologists that you have helped shaped today. I can truly say that it is by the gifts that God has given you and that you have used that I am where I am today. Today I am extremely happily married, moving to a nice new house, and to top it off, me and my wife believe that she is pregnant. You see Dr. Geisler just over a decade ago I had to begin to really question “does God exist”. My life was mired in sin and I was extremely depressed because I really thought that I had blow it. However in your answers, both in your writings and your audio I was able to see that Gods word was indeed His word, and because of that I was able to receive the “peace that surpasses all understanding”.
Dr. Geisler, God has used you in so many fantastic ways to help break down peoples barriers to belief, that I am confident that you will receive crowns in heaven, and I also know that you will with joy toss those at the feet of Jesus, our wonderful Counselor, Savior and God all mighty. Thank you for all that you have done, thank you for all the minds you have helped train, thank you for all the hearts that you have had the privilege of leading to Christ, thank you for all the brothers and sisters that you have brought into our family. And most of all, thank you for yielding your life, your talents, your gifts, to the One who has harnessed them and used you for His purpose, His Glory and Love for humanity. God Bless you Dr. Geisler, my prayers are always for your continued steadfast stand for the very embodiment of Truth, Jesus Christ. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Robert S.

You are my brother in the Lord, my adopted father seeing I do not have one now, my mentor and my friend. Though I may not have given back to you what you have given to me, I am so indebted to you, I just want to say I Agape you very very much and thank you for keeping toward the Lord and His Word. Thank you Norm. Steven K.

Dr. Geisler. We are so thankful for your ministry and devotion to the Lord. – Mary Lou Jacobs Baker

Thanks for your availability to the Lord, He has used you in our families life. – Alan Darley

Thank you for your work! I have a copy of “I Don’t Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist.” Great work, and I’m looking forward to reading more of your writings. God bless you! Steve K.

Several years ago you gave me a copy of your powerpoints for free because I teach Apologetics to Seniors at a Christian high school. You and Frank Turek drove hundreds of miles to teach one Saturday at a little church in New Jersey. You cannot know now how far your kind generosity has gone…to over 700 students and their families…to hundreds in conversations on street corners of New York City, Paterson NJ, and San Jose Costa Rica, and to all those that my students and children have boldly shared the Gospel with in parks, gas stations, buses, taxis, and air planes, because of the emboldening that Apologetics engenders in the hearts of those who love the Lord Jesus and love the Lost. With tears I thank you for putting dynamite in my hands through your lectures, your books, your essays, and your steadiness. You were my advisor at SES, my teacher at seminars and VIU classes and you have been an intellectual mentor and a prized brother in evangelism and the defense of the gospel. All who abide in Christ bear fruit. Grateful for Christ in you, Daniel F. and Family

God bless you, and may you be blessed with many more years the Lord will share, that wonderful mind and wisdom that He has gifted us all with, through you. The first book I read with you name on it, I was thrilled that someone could explain and magnify God so beautifully. Lynette Rials

Hi Dr. Geisler! I have read and studied your work intensely for about 8 years now. I’ve read so much, I kind of feel like I know you! I have always been extremely interested in your Existentially Undeniable Cosmological Argument for God’s existence. Do you forsee yourself writing any more philosophical works such as “Christian Apologetics” or “Philosophy of Religion” that focus on these types of issues in the future? Thanks Norm for all your hard work and your love for the truth, for Jesus Christ, and His word. Kevin W.

Love you Dr. G!! Simon J. W.

Though I’ve only had the opportunity to meet you in person once, I view you as a prolific and trusted mentor to me. You were foundational in my early walk as a Christian, and on numerous occasions your teachings and books saved my faith from shipwreck. To say “thank you” is not enough, but it will have to do. Thank you! R.S.

God bless you, Dr. Geisler! Uziel Santana Dos Santos

Thank you for allowing me to see Christ in you and helping so much along the way. Thanks for the fun times, the Johnny Cash music that’s stuck in my head, and the never ending encouragement. Trevor Mander

Your material has helped me through many struggles in my life. Thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you continue to do for the glory of God. Matthew Q.

You are an inspiration to so many. Thanks for being faithful to the Lord. Layne P.

Dear Dr. Geisler, I have only just found you – where have you been all my life?! Thank you for helping me organize my defense for Christ – I’m wrestling with an intellectual giant who makes mincemeat of me, but the Lord has lead me to some very fine apologists (you being one of them) who have given me greater confidence in my ability to give a rational argument for what I believe to be wonderfully true. May God bless you richly and give you an even greater understanding of who He is, so that you may continue to teach and bless us. Now…just to keep you humble, let me tell you this: it is only because your jokes are so terrible that they are actually funny!! God bless you, dear sir – God bless you. Kim S.

Thanks for all the great books! Carolyn A. L.

God Bless you! Andrew C. L.

Thank God for your faithful service to Him and the vast number of people who have been greatly impacted by your work and ministry. Troy P T.

Your books are a blessing to me! Your faithfulness to the inspired Word is indeed an example for us all. God bless!!! Justin S

Norman Geisler is one of the clearest thinkers of our time. He always explains with such clarity. I can’t say enough about his ministry! He is one of my favorite theologians and his work will always be on my bookshelf! I do find your work to be nothing less than top notch. God Bless you brother! Greg B.

Love you Norman Geisler. Steve H.

God bless you Norm!! Barbara Joyce

Thank you for the example that you have set for us and the knowledge you have gained and shared! Romenna Jones

Thank you for teaching me apologetics. Really enjoyed your class. Happy Birthday. Pamela H.

You got me through seminary! Earl P.

Thank you for your faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ and your love for the saints. Derrek Que Headen

I wanted to take the time to say you’re such a blessing to this generation…even to someone as far away as Ghana(West Africa)! M. Appiahduku

Norman, you are a blessed Man. Mark M.

Dear Dr. Geisler, Thank you for your surrendered life. Thank you for staying faithful to Jesus all these decades… Daniel M.

We are so thankful for your ministry and devotion to the Lord. Mary L. J. B.

Thanks for your availability to the Lord. He has used you in our families life. Pam K.

You are an inspiration!!! Thanks for your service!!! Josh Fults

Dr. Geisler, you are an inspiration to all, especially in the area of providing solid evidence that Christianity is true, faith is not wishful thinking, and the Bible is accurate and true. Thank you for your wonderful works over the years. And thank you for your boldness to Biblically challenge questionable theology and 5-point Calvinism. Few are willing to get into the ring because they want the favor of men more than God. May the Lord continue to use you. Happy 80th Birthday! Cindy A.

I thank and praise the Lord for His work through Dr. Geisler. Dr. Geisler has impacted so many countless lives though his hardwork, dedication, and scholarship. He has made mountainous volumes of scholarly research available for the everyday Christian. He is and has been a very bright light in our culture and his work has strengthened churches and individuals. Thank you Dr. Geisler for continuing to fight the good fight, and being a godly example to us a leader, instructor, and fellow servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. Words cannot express how much you mean to me and my family. Happy Birthday and God bless you always, may the years ahead be the most fruitful for you and your family. Patrick M.

May the LORD continue to bless you in wonderful ways. Lynn E.

I have learned much from your insight and knowledge! Mark Townsend

His life has been dedicated to loving God with all of his heart, soul, strength and MIND. We celebrate his life, and wish him a blessing … Chris W.

Atheism is slowly becoming the trend of faith here in the philippines. i have used your video on youtube and your book to defend our faith.. thanks for all the work you’ve done sir. – Benjie Emanil

Thanks for making a big difference, so that we can make a difference in our small world too! Alicia C.

You are a huge influence! I gave your encyclopedia of apologetics to a pastor in India and he then showed me the collection he already had of your books. Many more blessings to you in the name of Christ! Walter T.

My husband Gary and I had you in many classes at DBC. We so enjoyed your classes and your humor:) Continued blessings to you and your family. Marian P. T.

Dear Dr. Norman, May the Lord bless your life, your family and your ministry in this new springtime that God gives you. One of the great joys I had in my Christian walk was to meet him and learn from his example of dedication to defending the Christian faith. A big hug from Brazil. With love always, Uziel S. ‎

I pray God’s continued blessings for you and your family. Jackie R. S.

Dr. Geisler, you will never know how much your ministry has touched my life. … I love ya in the Lord sir! Eddie Bellville

Thank you for being faithful to God’s calling on your life and being a blessing to so many. Brandon J.

Dr. Geisler,You are truly a blessing to the kingdom of God, and I have learned a great deal from you. You were gracious enough to allow me and several friends to spend a weekend with you a couple of years ago, and we will never forget that. I pray that God blesses you with strength to continue living for Him. Your friend and brother, Jason M.

You have been a blessing for my life and I’m sure for many people; I really thank God for a person like you, truly admirable the ministry you are serving for, I wish God gives you a lot of years more and a lot of blessings as well, greeting from Honduras. Walter Martinez

Through your writings, you are a real blessing to our family. Rhonda P.

Thanks so much for your work through your ministry! Peter K.

Dr. G. and I have had our moments over the years, but I wish to add my strong blessing on my former teacher. I have much I owe to him and pray for God’s blessing of many more years of his service to the household of faith. Norm has been one of the strongest supporters of key doctrines such as inerrancy. It is hard to say where we would all be without him. Happy Birthday Norm and may God continue to bless your ministry! William L.

My family is grateful for your work and owns many of your books. Holly J. B.