I did not know Billy Graham personally, but my mentor was a friend of his. He spoke highly of Mr. Graham, as did most Christian leaders. He had few enemies and was respected by world leaders far and wide. At the point of his death, it is estimated that less than 2% of the world’s population didn’t know of his name and or of his evangelistic passion and most of those were children.
"There comes a moment when we all must realize that life is short, and in the end the only thing that really counts is not how others see us, but how God sees us."
Dr. Graham was the son of a prosperous dairy farmer, Billy grew up in rural North Carolina. In 1934, he underwent a conversion to the indwelling Life of Christ at a revival meeting led by the evangelist Mordecai Ham and professed his “decision for Christ.” This marked the beginning of his journey of living out the Life of Jesus, leading him to become one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century, if not in world history.
"If Christianity is valid, why is there so much evil in the world? With so much soap, why are there so many dirty people in the world? Christianity, like soap, must be personally applied if it is to make a difference in our lives.”
Dr. Graham attended Bob Jones College, Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College), and Wheaton College. His studies were dedicated to the ideology of soap - leading people to the eternal source of cleansing of their sins through Jesus Christ. He was ordained as a minister by the Southern Baptist Convention. His education played a crucial role in shaping his preaching style—a simple, direct message of sin and salvation that he delivered energetically and without condescension, with a special emphasis on what people can be in Christ.
"There are three of you. There is the person you think you are. There is the person others think you are. There is the person God knows you are and can be through Christ."
Billy became known for filling stadiums and other massive venues around the world where he preached live sermons. These were often broadcast via radio and/or television, with some continuing to be seen into the 21st century. However, he was not one to be caught up in fame. He was known for saying I am just an ordinary messenger of the Kingdom of God. He remained approachable until the day of his death. Who, by the way, was buried in a gold sprayed pine box casket made by Christians in prison - a casket crafted by inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana. His legacy of humility, character and faith in Christ has become a roadmap to millions globally.
"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith."
Dr. Graham openly repudiated racial segregation at a time of intense racial strife in the United States, insisting on racial integration for all of his revivals and crusades, as early as 1953. He also invited Martin Luther King Jr. to preach jointly at a revival in New York City in 1957. His advocacy for viewing humanity through the eyes of God, which placed him in the highest offices of governance, motivate both political and religious leaders. He was devoted to not only living out the teachings of Christ, but he hosted a relentless passion to release Christ to work through him.
"Our world is obsessed with success. But how does God define success? Success in God’s eyes is faithfulness to His calling."
His success by the standards of the world was beyond the measurements of humanity. By the time he passed away on February 21, 2018, his legacy for those that knew him, was not one of fame, but a testament to the power of faith in Christ, the importance of integrity, and the transformative power of the indwelling Gospel of Jesus’s Life. Even with those who acquired worldly fame, he was known for demonstrating the enduring love and grace of His Savior - Jesus.
"A great man, a humble servant, and a shepherd to millions has passed on. Billy Graham was a consequential leader. He had a powerful, captivating presence and a keen mind. He was full of kindness and grace." - President George W. Bush
George W. Bush, as well as his family, were influenced through Mr. Graham significantly. During the dark period of George’s life when he was questioning the existence of God, Mr. Graham paid a personal visit to their home. Before the evening concluded, Billy led the soon to be President back into the fold of authentic salvation in Christ. I not only had the privilege of hearing this story firsthand, but I was also honored to serve President Bush for five years under the banner of the Faith-Based Initiative. In fact, many of my views regarding faith and politics comes from this relationship.
"I believe that every problem facing us as Americans is basically a spiritual problem. Crime is a spiritual problem. Inflation is a spiritual problem. Corruption is a spiritual problem. Social injustice is a spiritual problem. The lack of will even to defend our freedoms is a spiritual problem."
Yes, Billy Graham said these words. He once said a few words that impact my daily focus on defending America, "I would challenge every deeply committed American who is qualified to think about running for political office. I do not believe that we as Christians should withdraw. We need men and women of integrity and Christian commitment who will run for political office.” I took those words to heart. I accepted that challenge. While I am no politician, those that know me and my writings, watch our productions, know this, I will defend America and its roots to my last breath.
"The word politics has a wider meaning than merely a political party or party platform. Politics affects community life—our towns, our cities, our states and our country. Churches filled with Christians have a right to be concerned about where politics takes our nation."
Like most, I respect the life and works of Christ in Billy Graham as an evangelist. However, as for me, he was much more than an evangelist. Dr. Graham was a man that understood the importance of NOT separating the Gospel from politics, power and privilege. For him, it was all under the banner of a sovereign God reaching out to humanity who desperately needed a King of kings.
No question, Billy Graham’s life was a radiant light of authentic faith in Christ, illuminating the path for countless individuals seeking the indwelling Life of Jesus Christ. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when they dedicate their life to first releasing the actual Life of Christ from within, and then serving others through the mission God has appointed to each of His children. His life story is not just a biography of a great man, but a testament to the transformative power of a faithful servant in action and deeds.
Mr. Graham, welcome to my wall of heroes.
IM History Series: Billy Graham