Saying Good-bye to America's Pastor....Billy Graham

This past week our nation said good-bye to “America’s Pastor”, Billy Graham.  After 64 years Billy Graham served God well.  Reaching millions throughout the world, Billy Graham never wavered.  As I watch the videos and listen to the reflection of many, it wasn’t his sermons that made such a difference, it was his life.  He lived it out!  No scandals.  No weird theology.  No fluff in his messages or crusades.  Simple.  It was that, which I believe people were attracted to such a man.  He lived out his faith and in return people trusted his words. 

In observing this past week’s events three things stood out to me concerning the death of Billy Graham.  I know this may sound weird to a generation that questions God/religion or a church that has become politically correct.  Yet, I truly believe the words spoken this past week by many and the reflection of Billy Graham’s ministry was a warning to the church, to the many pastors, teachers and evangelist that fill the pulpits.  A warning in these last days in preparation of Christ return. 

Boldness of the Gospel  

Throughout this week we have heard the gospel spoken from all corners of the media.  Talk shows.  News desk.  Social media.  Specials on television.  Special interviews.  Televised funeral events.  In each avenue the gospel of Christ was spoken VERY clearly.  There was a boldness and un-shameful proclamation of salvation through Christ.  People who shared their moments of chaos, yet transformed by God’s grace and hope given through Christ.  It was visible to all!  It was refreshing!  No fluff.  It gave me a boost to proclaim the Gospel at every given chance.  No question what Billy Graham’s message was.  Though unchurched people may have heard the gospel this week, I truly believe it was more for the followers of Christ.  It seemed we were given an example…. “Pastors, teachers, evangelist and church, this is how you present the Gospel!”.

Preach the Word

With Billy Graham, there was no fluff.  There was no “group session” sermon on how to be a good friend or find success.  No message that cried out “this is your year!”.  No experiential formula to find the presence of God.  No questionable theology.  It was simple….Billy Graham let the Word of God speak for itself! 

Whether he would talk about the social ills of society, he always pointed to Christ through the Scriptures of being the great healer and answer for all.  The Word of God was his foundation and he spoke it with authority.  The words were not his own, they came from the Scriptures.  In listening to the many speakers (I wish I could remember who said this) these words echo through my mind…..

“Billy Graham never gave his opinion, he just preached the Word.”

What an example to us who profess ourselves to be teachers, pastors and evangelist.  Those who carry the responsibility of being the spiritual leaders of our time listen to the example given to us by those who listened to Billy Graham…..in these last days…PREACH THE WORD OF GOD!  Please no more formulas of success.  No more points on fulfilling your dream.  No more emotionally and experiential lessons that stir the hearts of man and substitute that as the “moving of the Spirit”.  No more teaching of spiritual growth based on man ideas given to them in moments of silence. Let the Word of God speak for itself. 

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12  (NKJV)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 2:16-17 (NKJV)

Humble.

Lastly, Billy Graham was humble.  In an interview Franklin Graham was asked what he remembered about his father.  He responded…”Daddy was the same person on the pulpit as when he was at home.”  I guess that’s what I love about this man and the example he gave us.  Once again…there was no fluff!  Of course he was seen by millions and interviewed by many, yet his fame was not found in self…it always pointed to Christ.  It was never, look what I have done.  It was always, look what Christ did!  He knew his merits and accolades was not his own, but that it was given to him by God to point others to his grace and salvation through Christ.  What an example to us all! 

 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:7-10 (NKJV)

Thank you Billy Graham for the example given to us.  May those of us who are the spiritual leaders of this generation rise in the manner in which he showed us.  May we proclaim the grace and hope of God through Christ loud and clear as he did these many years. 

Lord, here I am, send me.  May those I come across in the marketplace see you through me and hear of your salvation when given the chance to speak.   

His call.  His gift to you.  Your purpose.  Irrevocable.