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Tuesday 24 July 2012

Billy Graham's letter to America...

Many of you reading my blog will know that I am a fan of Billy Graham. It was through Billy's preaching on the Hour of Decision broadcast, that I was able to understand my need of salvation.
I want to post a letter that Billy Graham has written to America. It is clear that Billy Graham can see that the judgements of God are getting ever closer. I believe that it is not only America that is facing the downward spiral that Billy talks about. I see it here in Canada very much the same. May God Bless you as you read Billy Graham's letter posted here.

Here is the letter Billy Graham wrote:   (I will highlite some parts that I find significant: )


July 24, 2012 - In a new prayer letter Billy Graham writes: "My heart aches for America and its deceived people. The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy, and He responds to repentance."

 

Some years ago, my wife, Ruth, was reading the draft of a book I was writing. When she finished a section describing the terrible downward spiral of our nation’s moral standards and the idolatry of worshiping false gods such as technology and sex, she startled me by exclaiming, “If God doesn’t punish America, He’ll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.”
She was probably thinking of a passage in Ezekiel where God tells why He brought those cities to ruin. “Now this was the sin of ... Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen” (Ezekiel 16:49–50, NIV).

I wonder what Ruth would think of America if she were alive today. In the years since she made that remark, millions of babies have been aborted and our nation seems largely unconcerned. Self-centered indulgence, pride, and a lack of shame over sin are now emblems of the American lifestyle. Just a few weeks ago in a prominent city in the South, Christian chaplains who serve the police department were ordered to no longer mention the Name of Jesus in prayer. It was reported that during a recent police-sponsored event, the only person allowed to pray was someone who addressed “the being in the room.” Similar scenarios are now commonplace in towns across America.Our society strives 
to avoid any possibility of offending anyone—except God.

Yet the farther we get from God, the more the world spirals out of control.
My heart aches for America and its deceived people. The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy, and He responds to repentance. In Jonah’s day, Nineveh was the lone world superpower—wealthy, unconcerned, and self-centered. When the Prophet Jonah finally traveled to Nineveh and proclaimed God’s warning, people heard and repented.

I believe the same thing can happen once again, this time in our nation. It’s something I long for, and my son Franklin recently shared a vision for perhaps the greatest challenge in the history of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association—to launch an outreach called My Hope with Billy Graham that would bring the Gospel into neighborhoods and homes in every corner of America next year.

BGEA has already taken My Hope to more than 50 nations. We’ve worked in close partnership with local churches across each country, and those churches have reported millions of life-changing decisions for Christ. Carrying out a nationwide American version of this evangelistic outreach will be an enormous undertaking, but in my spirit I know God has called us to do this, and I pray He will stir your heart to join us in prayer and support.

Franklin will share more about the project with you as the planning develops. In the meantime, all this year Franklin and his son Will are preaching “repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21, ESV) at Crusade events across North America—from Texas to Canada—and God has blessed the work. Already tens of thousands have heard the Gospel, and many have responded, especially young people.

As I write, I am in the middle of a busy summer enjoying visits with many of my grandchildren and other family members, but also working hard on a new book that addresses some dangerous illusions about eternal salvation that are becoming increasingly accepted in many places. I want to point the world to what the Bible says.
Although age and health restrict my mobility and my stamina, not to mention my eyesight and hearing, I am thankful for the days God has given me, and I am humbled by His continued hand of favor on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The Lord draws people to Himself daily through BGEA’s various evangelistic ministries, and I am so deeply grateful.

The next Crusade event is August 18–19 with Franklin in Green Bay, Wis., followed by two in September, in Buffalo, N.Y., and Ottawa, Ontario. Please join me in praying for the power of the Holy Spirit on the preaching of the Gospel.

May God bless you,

Billy Graham

10 comments:

  1. Hi!
    I just found your blog :)

    I'd like to know your opinion about this youtube video:
    http://youtu.be/axxlXy6bLH0

    Regards,
    another Sparrow :)

    It's OK if you want to delete this comment.
    God bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found my blog! God Bless you. I'm not on youtube so I'm not familiar with the video you mentioned. If you can explain the video a bit, I'll be glad to comment on it. Thanks.

      Delete
  2. Hello, again! :-)
    Thank you so much for the answer.

    This is the address of the video I mentioned:
    http://youtu.be/axxlXy6bLH0
    It's easy to watch.

    You can also search via Google. Just write this:
    Billy Graham Denies Jesus Is The ONLY WAY To The Father.

    It's the conversation between Billy Graham and Robert Schuller (the Crystal Cathedral and the "Hour Of Power" TV program) on May 31, 1997.

    Have a lovely Monday!
    God bless!

    Regards,
    a Sparrow from Finland :)

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    Replies
    1. OK, I understand now what you are asking and I thank you for your questions - I have been following Billy Graham's teaching from my youth and I am 100% sure that Billy Graham believes and teaches that Jesus is the only way of Salvation. What has happened is that people, through the influence of Satan take a small part of what was said and distort it to cause unbelief among people who are doubting or weak in faith. ( you will see this kind of distortion also in politics regularly) What I believe Billy Graham was refering to is found in Romans 1:19 and 20 where it says: 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
      20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
      This means that every human on the planet has some sort of opportunity to see that God is real - through creation you can see that God is real. God gives this opportunity to every person and when God sees a person is searching for Him, He provides further opportunites for that person to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. God can put a tract in your path, provide a friend that can help you or give you a dream,( which He has done to Muslim people) and so He calls people to Himself in various ways. He will give more to anyone who is honestly searching for Him. God looks at the heart and to the person that He gives more to, from that person more is required.
      I would also like to point out that in the recent Canadian edition of Decision Magazine, April 2012 edition, Billy Graham wrote an article entitled "THE ONLY WAY". I would encourage you to get a copy of this particular magazine and read the entire article. I quote from the article where Billy Graham writes (" The facts concerning His virgin birth, His sinless life, His sacrificial and substitutionary death, His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father and the glorious hope of His return must not be diluted or distorted in any way. Jesus is the only Christ, He is also God, our Lord and Savior.......Only the divine Savior could die as the perfect and complete sacrifice for our sins .....The Bible tells us He is the only way. The Bible says you must confess your sins and receive Jesus Chrsit by faith as your Lord and Savior....")
      I hope this clears things up for you my friend. Do you know Christ as your Savior? May God Bless you as you seek Him everyday.

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    2. Dear NorthernSparrow,
      I appreciate your answer. Thank you for your efforts!

      Yes, Jesus Christ is my Savior. I have been His follower from the year 1978.

      During my "USA years" (in the 80's) I was following Billy Graham's teachings a lot, - and I have also read his books after that. I always have liked Billy Graham and that's why I was so sad I found that Youtube video of the conversation between Billy Graham and Robert Schuller.
      I'm really happy you mentioned that article "THE ONLY WAY". Thanks!

      Are you aware of "A Common Word At Yale", "Loving God And Neighbor Together"?
      In its list, among others are:
      Rev. Dr. Robert Schuller and
      Rick Warren,(The Purpose Driven Life).
      (There are many famous names on that list.)
      The address is:
      http://www.yale.edu/faith/acw/acw.htm
      What do you think about this Common Word?

      Have a blessed day!

      A Sparrow from Finland :-)

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  3. Thanks for your question - I am aware of Rick Warren and his Chrislam( the blending of Christian and Islam)efforts. Rick Warren does not represent the truth of the gospel with this and I would suggest to keep as far away from it as you can. The Muslim faith is a false religion and cannot save anyone. It directly opposes Christianity and is very dangerous. Any religion that does not proclaim Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation is a false religion. You cannot live for Christ and add another religion to it. God demands our loyalty to Him 100%. The Bible warns us of wolves in sheeps clothing so we should consider ourselves warned!

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  4. Just to add another thought to my comment above; As Christians, it is our duty to witness to people who do not know Christ and that includes Muslims. While we are seeking to win them to Christ, we should never compromise on our own faith. We should not allow them to worship their Allah in our churches, nor do we need to walk around on "eggshell" so as to not offend them with our faith in Christ and the Bible. Thanks

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  5. Dear NorthernSparrow,
    thank you for the answers.
    I agree with you.

    I found this:
    John Piper Responds to "A Common Word Between Us and You".
    I think it's really good and worth listening.
    The http-address is:
    http://youtu.be/rTY-9FY13kw


    I have been reading Apostle Paul's Letter to the Romans,
    - and this morning Romans 16:
    "17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
    18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
    19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
    20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."
    "25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
    26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
    27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

    Have a blessed and happy August!

    A House Sparrow from Finland :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, feel free to share my blog with your friends - for those who do not speak English, it is google translate enabled.
      Have a nice day!

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  6. Hi!
    Thank you.
    Have a good weekend!

    Regards,
    HouseSparrow :-)

    ReplyDelete