by George Sweeting
No one, in all of human history, has spoken to as many people face-to- face as Billy Graham. Though some secular and spiritual leaders have enjoyed large audiences for a decade or two, none has equaled his 45 years of mass appeal.
It was in 1945, while I was a student at the Moody Bible Institute, that I first heard Billy at a Saturday night youth rally in Chicago's Moody Church. I left knowing I had heard someone special. Since then, I have attended scores of his crusades, over nearly five decades.
I'm thankful to Billy for several reasons. First, from the beginning, he has given full credit to God for his success. Often I've heard him quote the prophet Isaiah, "I am the LORD: that is My name: and My glory I will not give to another" (Isa. 42:8 KJV).
Consistently he has ascribed "glory to God' and not to himself. In every contact I have had with Billy Graham, I've come away refreshed by his unadulterated modesty.
Secondly, Billy has remained true to the fundamentals of the Gospel. Whether on his broadcast, The Hour of Decision, his many articles and books, or in media interviews, Billy has consistently proclaimed, "The Bible says...."
His unswerving loyalty to the Bible as the inspired Word of God has revitalized millions of believers. His focus on Jesus Christ His atoning death for sinners and His triumphant resurrection has roused the church worldwide to return to the basics.
Thirdly, Billy Graham has consistently modeled integrity.
Aware of past scandals by some religious leaders, and the skepticism of a secular world, Billy and his teammates formulated guidelines for themselves. A serious start was made in November 1948, while in Modesto, Calif. William Martin, in his book, A Prophet With Honor, refers to this statement as the "Modesto Manifesto."
The team seriously sought financial integrity. They determined to live on a reasonable salary rather than receive "love offerings" during their crusades. They turned over the management of the finances of their crusades to local organizations. Honesty was the goal, whether reporting attendance, offerings or decisions.
Fourthly, Billy and his partners resolved morally to guard against even the "appearance of evil". Being young, attractive and in the spotlight, they promised to avoid, where humanly possible, being alone with someone of the opposite sex, other than their spouses.
Though other concerns were part of the Modesto deliberations, a determination was also made to focus on proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ rather than in defending themselves, debating with critics or retaliating. Of course, no one in this life is faultless, yet in spite of their differences, fair-minded people are compelled to acknowledge their integrity.
Fifth, Billy Graham has been intensely creative. Wisely, he has identified with gifted people from around the world to reach this generation with the Gospel. He has channeled millions to the needs of the world through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He has articulated the Gospel through Decision magazine, bestselling books, Worldwide Pictures, Christianity Today, The Billy Graham Center at Wheaton and the Training Center in Asheville, N. C.
Ministries of this magnitude don't just happen. They're the result of Spirit-filled vision and businesslike application. Each facet, like spokes of a wheel, contributes to reaching this generation with the Gospel.
Though he has ministered to more than 100 million people, and walked with the greats of our times, he has maintained biblical values, and, after 50 years, has remained virtually unchanged. Though singularly gifted and mightily used by God, he is disarmingly modest.
Finally, I am thankful to Billy and Ruth for their lifetime partnership. They've been an extraordinary couple devoted to making a difference.
Words are too inadequate to express our heartfelt appreciation; however, "as for me and my house," I want to say, "Thank you, Billy."
Reprinted with permission of the Chancellor's Office, Moody Bible
Institute. Originally published in Moody
Magazine, October 1995. Dr. George Sweeting is Chancellor of Moody Bible Institute.