How many lives have been touched?
How many people have heard the message of the gospel?
How many people have responded and accepted Christ as the result of his ministry?
Far more than we can count but God kept a record.
Touched with the gift of evangelism Billy Graham embraced that gift and made the most of it. Some of his life was met with criticism from those who professed to be Christians. They criticized him for having unbelievers on his stage at his crusades. They criticized him for the partnerships he made with various religious groups when he would come to a city or town. They criticized him for saving but not discipling people and we could go on…. but here’s the thing, he never allowed any criticism to push him towards taking his sights off the goal of the high calling of Christ Jesus in His life. He pressed onward, continued to have crusades, pray for presidents, and help people in the ministry whether they were just entering into it or seasoned. He never wavered from keeping his eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of his faith.
In short he always pushed people to Jesus – and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
How many lives have been touched?
How many people have heard the message of the gospel?
How many people have responded and accepted Christ as the result of his ministry?
Far more than we can count but God kept a record.
I remember a friend of mine was invite to pray for President Obama on his first Inauguration Day. This invite was a struggle for him because he knew a certain percentage of people in his community and church did not like Obama and his fear was if he went and prayed for him it could wind up hurting his ministry. In a “mere chance” meeting with Reverend Graham he told him about his struggle and asked him for advice. Reverend Graham said these words…
“You are a called man of God aren’t you?”
Yes
“Then go a pray for him, that is one of the most important things a man of God does… he prays for people.”
How many lives have been touched?
How many people have heard the message of the gospel?
How many people have responded and accepted Christ as the result of his ministry?
Far more than we can count but God kept a record.
From his own words here is what Reverend Graham would want said on this day… the day of his passing…
“Do you know where you will be when you step into eternity? The ultimate destination is not found in a slick vacation package. The ultimate destination is Heaven—found in Jesus Christ. Nothing can transcend this wonderful place. Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23).
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).
Perhaps you have never bent your will to God’s will and been born again. You can do that now, for He desires that all be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Right now you can make your decision for Christ and start on the road that leads to a heavenly home.
Jesus said in essence, “You can be where I am, or you can be where I am not.” I pray you settle life’s most important question: Where will you spend eternity?”
(These words were taken from Billy Graham’s book – “Where Am I”)
How many lives have been touched?
How many people have heard the message of the gospel?
How many people have responded and accepted Christ as the result of his ministry?
Far more than we can count but God kept a record.
My prayer today is that not only would you be able to add your name to the list of people that have been touched by Billy Graham’s ministry but that you…
if you haven’t already…
would accept Jesus as your Savior and allow Jesus to add your name to the book of life.
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