As you have probably heard this past week Reverend Billy Graham died, as he would say, his home was in heaven and he was just passing through.
Over the course of his ministry it is estimated that he preached to over 200 million people at more than 400 crusades. A poll in 2005 said that 1 in 6 adult Americans had heard Billy Graham speak, not to mention the thousands of others he impacted around the globe.
What did he preach to all those people? A very simple message, The Gospel.
‘For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life’” (John 3:16).
Many people can point to the fact that Billy Graham’s ministry was used in their life, to help them find redemption through Jesus Christ.
This past weekend, in reflecting on the passing of Billy Graham, Pastor Matt asked the question, “who is going to take his place?”
I remember in 2015 when my wife Emily’s grandfather passed away wrestling with a similar thought.
Grandpa Varney, although not on the global scale of Billy Graham, faithfully preached the gospel for over 60 years. A humble man who dedicated his life to sharing the hope that he had found in Jesus. At his funeral, many gathered and spoke of how he had helped to point them to The Truth.
As these faithful men now rest from their work and see Jesus face to face, those of us who remain are forced to ask this question – who will take up this task of sharing the Gospel?
What about you?
As a follower of Jesus, the answer “not me” isn’t an option. Jesus commanded us, Matthew 28:19:
“Go and make disciples of all the nations.”
Like me, you may shudder at the thought of the global role that Billy Graham filled – or even be intimidated by the long and faithful ministry of Grandpa Varney - but just as we are all different, our ministries are different too.
You don’t have to rent a building and invite hundreds of people to a crusade and share The Gospel. God has given us His Holy Spirit, His helper (Acts 1:8), and He goes with us. Tell the people around you about the hope you have found. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
“May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave His life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. All glory to God forever and ever!”
Galatians 1:3-5