Reflective Paper Assignment Billy Graham
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Jan 9, 2024
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Reflection Essay: The Life and Ministry of Billy Graham
THEO650: Public Theology (D02)
May 12, 2023
There are tons of great articles in the world that glorify the best leaders throughout generations. Billy Graham’s America
written by Grant Wacker provided great insight into the value Billy Graham brought to this world.
Political
Although most people are judged based on the abilities to excel in one area in life, Billy Graham possessed multiple public identities make his success that made his impact that much better. 1
Unlike most preachers, has decades worth of experience within the political arena. America during his time was embarking unto unknown territory. After the Great Depression, countries were in constant war, industrialism began, and the world needed God. Evangelism was on the rises although out the 1990s because America were losing it’s soul. Billy Graham thrived in his generation because he understood the impact Christ would have on our lives. To best spread the gospel throughout the world, developing a trusting relationship with political figures will help spread the gospel to a new level.
Matthew 28:16-20 states:
And Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Mr. Graham received invitations to meet with many U.S. presidents for decades. As a believer in God, he met with politicians from different political parties. Billy worked with various politicians throughout his time, allowing him to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and offer spiritual guidance in the Oval Office. He became a special friend to several presidents and someone of whom they asked spiritual questions.
1
Grant Wacker, “Billy Graham’s America,” Church History (78), 3 (2009):495
For example, President Dwight D. Eisenhower confided in Billy Graham regarding Heaven's existence after encountering a series of health issues. This situation may seem small to some, but this was a huge deal. Having an ex-general and president of the United States ask you questions about their life, especially after death, is amazing. Billy Graham’s track record of success in spreading the word of God has allowed us to view him as the country’s spiritual counselor.
Personal
Billy Graham’s political life was only made possible by his reputation of having good character. Billy Graham exemplified what it meant to live as Christ would live if he were here in person. The world witnessed a man of virtue who successfully blended into a good work ethic and character.
2
Romans 12:2 states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Graham experienced many transitions in American history. Each transition introduce new problems but Graham never conformed to the world to fit in. He stayed connected to Christ which gave him the strength to overcome all challenges in his way.
Romans 8:6-10 states:
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 2
Ibid, 496
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Billy Graham also was a man who trusted the Bible as the Word of God. His foundation was always solid because he came to God first before everything. His ability to put God first developed his reputation as a man with integrity. The article mentions that no one questioned his financial and business decisions because he earned a trustworthy reputation. Philippians 4:8 states, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
With over a decade of work, the people never lost faith in his trust in Scripture despite the
opposition he received from trends in the world. This is not to say that he did not understand what was going on in the world because he was an avid reader of the newspaper. His love for the
Bible is what allowed him to remain humble after achieving so much public success. Billy Graham was among the few evangelists caught up in a scandal. This speak volume because the media placed obstacles in the way of evangelist to prevent the spread of God. His character is the
primary reason God used his to spread the gospel on a global platform.
Conclusion
After reading this article, I better understand Billy Graham's impact during the 20
th
and 21
st
Century. As a millennial, I only recollected what Billy Graham accomplished in the early 2000s when I first began understanding what it meant to live righteously. I already possess many
pieces of literature from Billy Graham such as his devotionals, commentaries, and recorded sermons. I will continue to study Graham and emulate his work in society.
Bibliogrpahy
Wacker, Grant. “Billy Graham’s America.” Church History (78)
, 3 (2009): 489–511.