What legacy will you leave behind when your time in this world has come to an end? Are you living a life pleasing to God for those who know you? Today, I want to spotlight a man of God that leaves a legacy, unlike any human I’ve ever known. I’m referring to Billy Graham. He gave us guidelines on what legacy is important for others to follow.
I’m sure His name comes to your mind as a man of God also, right? I respect Billy Graham, however, there’s one revealing truth you need to know about Him that deeply saddens my heart and spirit. You will find what I’m referring to towards the end of this post.
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What Legacy Should You Follow? Faith to Faith
Before you read the one specific legacy I’m referencing in this blog post I believe it’s important to define legacy first, okay? There are two types of legacy that are important to remember. Christian legacy and a non-Christian belief.
What Does Legacy Mean?
“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is a legacy of character and faith.”
Billy Graham
So with this being said your financial status is of no consequence. The best way in my opinion to define legacy is by leaving behind a biblical faith for others to remember you.
I can not think of an individual on earth who has left behind a more powerful legacy than the man I’m sure comes to your mind also!
Do you live your life sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others with the urgency that people all over the world must learn about God?
I can think of one man who dedicated his ENTIRE life to sharing the message of the gospel with ALL. Feed my sheep He did and He has done it NOT to receive glory for Himself…God received ALL the glory.
Leave a legacy of one that points to Christ…Nobody But Jesus
When you consider what legacy you want to be remembered by, like me, you think of Reverend Billy Graham, right?
Resource: JUST AS I AM: The Autobiography of Billy Graham, HarperCollins Publishers, 1997.
Billy was born on November 7, 1918, in a small town outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, and grew up on the family dairy farm.
One evening Billy heard Dr. Mordecai Fowler Ham speak at an evangelistic meeting. He convicted him of his own sinfulness and rebellion.
Billy said he finally understood his need, for a personal relationship with Jesus, at Dr. Ham’s meetings.
He felt that the Graham family’s consistent Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance were valuable; but he still felt empty inside, restless, and resentful of all the work he was doing to earn his way to heaven.
Near His Sixteenth birthday in 1934 went forward to a Dr. Ham meeting and committed His life to Christ.
Legacy Meaning | Live A Life of Surrender
Billy’s heart was completely surrendered to Jesus Christ at that point, and the foundation was laid for his future ministry to people around the world.
In 1938 while taking his nighttime walks around the golf course, Billy got down on his knees at the edge of one of the greens, prostrated himself before the Lord, and prayed, “O God, if You want me to serve You, I will.” From that night on, Billy’s life purpose was set.
Share the Gospel of Jesus with others
Billy Graham led many Crusades in his lifetime, but I wonder if he ever considered beforehand, the value of leaving a legacy so powerful that it’s still impacting lives today!
Billy went all over the world, spreading the gospel. He is one man no one can say didn’t do his part of the great commission and what legacy is all about!
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
The Graham Family Home where Billy grew up has been restored and moved to the Library site as well, and Ruth’s grave presides over the entrance surrounded by beautiful flowers.
Etched on her gravestone, visitors read:
END OF CONSTRUCTION: THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
Apparently, Ruth once saw a similar sign along the road and it reminded her of God’s patient care in preparing her (and the rest of His children) for Heaven.
Many personal items from Billy’s and Ruth’s past now reside at the Billy Graham Library.
One particularly meaningful item on display is Billy’s “Decision Card” which he completed the day he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.
It is dated November 1, 1934, and includes Billy’s teenage signature.
When asked if Billy could live his ministry life over again, would he do anything different, he replied,
“I would speak less and study more, and I would spend more time with my family. I would also spend more time in spiritual nurture, seeking to grow closer to God so I could become more like Christ.”
“About one thing I have absolutely no regrets, however,” Billy said, “and that is my commitment many years ago to accept God’s calling to serve Him as an evangelist of the Gospel of Christ.
When Billy gets to Heaven, he says he’s going to ask God, “Why me, Lord?
Why did You choose a farm boy from North Carolina to preach to so many people, to have such a wonderful team of associates, and to have a part in what You were doing in the latter half of the twentieth century?”
Legacy of Life and Hope of eternity
The answer seems obvious to those who have been blessed by more than sixty years of Billy’s evangelistic messages.
Born and Passing: November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018
Leave a representation for others to follow
I have heard many times that he stated:
“My home is in Heaven. I’m just passing through this world. Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it? I shall be more alive than I am now. I will have changed my address because I will be in the presence of God.”
Friends, can you visualize the scene, when Billy walked through the pearly gates of Heaven? I picture Jesus standing there with open arms, to embrace him saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Through Billy’s crusades, thousands upon thousands of lives were changed by being obedient and preaching the words of Jesus Christ. Can you imagine how many crowns our Lord laid at his feet?
Repentance Is Crucial
Repentance is absolutely crucial for the numerous Drs that performed abortion procedures. If they do NOT repent and ask forgiveness they will be held accountable for every child they murdered.
Planned Parenthood will be held accountable too. They take advantage of these young girls in this situation.
There are always other options. I know many women who were raped but could not have an abortion however, their husbands raised the child as though they were their very own.
In many cases, I believe the woman who gets pregnant uses abortion as an excuse simply because they do not want to be a Mother for a reason known only to them.
What is the 1 Revealing Truth You Need To Know?
First and foremost, there’s NO disputing the good Billy Graham did in His life for the sake of the gospel. I respect Him for all He did in His life to further the Kingdom of God.
However, that being said, His stance and belief on the topic of abortion are flat-out wrong and go against the very word of God. Read the verse below. I have always looked up to Billy Graham and do not want to speak ill of the dead but this truth needs to be brought to light.
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live. Deuteronomy 30:19
I found the following Larry King interview where a caller asked what Billy Graham thought of abortion. Billy replied He says He’s against abortion, in one sentence then states something else entirely different next.
He supports abortion in the case of rape, and incest, and in the case when a woman’s life is at stake. Starts at 10:35 if you do not want to watch the whole video.
I definitely did NOT think the pastor I have always looked to would have given this comment and it saddens me deeply. If you disagree with me that’s your right to do so but as a Christian, this is not biblical.
My husband and I witnessed the motorcade traveling through North Carolina for Billy. Graham’s celebration of life. It was very emotional. At this particular time, however, I had no clue where he stood on abortion. Had I known, in all honesty, I’m not sure if I would attend.
Your Turn
What legacy will you leave? Are you living a life pleasing to God or a life pleasing to man? What guidance are YOU giving others on what’s important to leave behind to remember you by?
Angela Cleary | Christian Influencer and Inspirational Writer of Resounding His Love
Hey there, I’m Angela. My passion is sharing the gospel, and how Jesus has transformed my life and he can do the same for you. When trials and tribulations arise it’s crucial to walk by faith not by sight, no matter how things appear. In my posts, I’m 100% honest and vulnerable, and I share some hard things, even when it isn’t easy…But if “My Story” helps “You” overcome your struggles in life and learn to lean on Jesus…Our #1 problem solver in all circumstances…it’s worth it!
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