And He [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
I was recently having a conversation with my Mother, and out of no where, I said, “Can you imagine how many rewards Billy Graham will have when he gets to heaven.” We weren’t even talking about Billy Graham, but that statement just came out of my spirit. She looked at me and said, “You’re right.” I went on to say, “Just think of all of the souls that he’s led to Christ. He’s preached in stadiums for decades and whenever he gives the altar call, scores of people just start coming forth!” And then she agreed with me again and said, “We need to get busy.”
Well, later that same week I received an email about a new documentary dvd that would be coming available, “Billy Graham: The Early Years”. And then that following Sunday, who was our guest preacher at my home church? No, not Billy Graham, but his daughter Ann Graham Lotz! I started thinking, “Okay Lord, are You trying to tell me something about Brother Graham?”
So, I started doing my research on him and here’s what I’ve found. Since Billy Graham started his crusade ministry in 1947;
– he’s preached Christianity to live audiences of nearly 215 million people,
– he’s preached in more than 185 countries and territories through various meetings,
– he refused to preach to segregated congregations during the Civil Rights Era,
– he’s spiritually counselled several Presidents of the United States,
– he’s authored 28 faith-based books and so many other accomplishments!
But what’s so mind blowing is that in 2008, Graham’s lifetime audience, including radio and television broadcasts, topped 2.2 billion. 2.2 BILLION SOULS FOR CHRIST! Whether they accepted Christ or not, he’s preached the Gospel to them!
Maybe God hasn’t called you to a worldwide ministry or to the missions field. But He’s called you to do something for Him ~ are you doing it? And if you are busy about your Father’s business, are you doing it with all of your might (with no complaints)?
Today we have the opportunity to work on our testimonies. Just like Enoch, (Brother Graham and so many others), I want to have the testimony that I pleased God.
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5
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