On November 7, Evangelist Billy Graham will celebrate his 90th birth date. Like many others, I have been influenced in an indirect but very positive way by his life. The world may never again see his equal. Millions upon millions of souls have come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of Billy Graham. No one can challenge the gospel message he has preached, but many have slandered him vigorously nonetheless.
I remember on one occasion, nearly thirty years ago, of going to a fundamentalist Baptist Church one evening. A visiting evangelist began to rail against Mr. Graham. I was both sickened and shocked that so much time was taken, not to preach the Word of God, but to attack another believer. A similar incident happened a few years ago when a minister had the audacity to tell me that "Billy Graham is a man to be pitied and prayed for, not to be quoted". He objected to my quoting of Mr. Graham’s writings and sermons. Such people should be ashamed.
How does Billy Graham handle his distracters? One biographer of Mr. Graham quoted someone close to him as saying, "Billy can out love anyone I have ever met". God has given Mr. Graham unusual grace to pray for those who persecute him and despise him. He loves his enemies. His example in this area is one that I would like to emulate.
When asked in a TV interview what he would like to be remembered for, despite all of his great and historical accomplishments, Mr. Graham responded with one word, "Integrity. I want to be known for having integrity." And that he has. In finances, in personal honor, in moral values, Mr. Graham has proven himself to be a man of integrity.
When asked again how his preaching might be different if he could do it all over again, Mr. Graham said, "I would preach more on the cross and the blood of Christ. That is where the Christian’s power is." I would totally agree. For ministers and evangelists who value wise counsel, there it is in all of its simplicity. Preach Christ. Preach the cross. Preach the blood. Therein is the Christian’s power.
