Day 12: Billy Graham - “The Power of the Gospel”
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Introduction
Night after night, thousands gathered at Madison Square Garden in 1957 to hear the evangelist Billy Graham preach. Originally planned for 6 weeks, the 1957 New York Crusade lasted for 16 weeks due to the overwhelming number of people. In total, an estimated 2.4 million attended this event, and tens of thousands came forward to accept Christ. Yet, Graham didn’t attribute this success to himself. It was only because of the power of the gospel that a multitude was delivered into God’s kingdom.
The Power of the Gospel
Billy Graham often confessed, “I have never tried to entertain people or impress them with my personality. My responsibility is to preach Christ.” Whether he was speaking to an audience of thousands or an individual, his core message was always the gospel. He knew that only God could open hearts through the message of Christ. So he proclaimed that truth alone.
Graham meticulously prepared and practiced his sermons, and he was undeniably a gifted speaker. Yet, many were saved, not because of his efforts (though they were faithful and honorable to God), but because of the mighty God who was at work through the gospel. Whenever Graham spoke about the truth of Jesus, God’s glorious light would shine into darkened hearts and lead them to His love.
However, Graham would never have agreed that preaching should only be done by pastors. They may have a particular role, but he knew that every Christian was called to rely on the gospel’s power and share it with their friends, families, and anyone else around them. All believers have access to the infinite power of the gospel. Their responsibility is to share it and trust God to do the rest.
Reflection
Think about the people in your life who don’t know Christ. What fears or doubts do you have that prevent you from sharing the gospel with them? Let’s lay them all down before God and ask for greater faith and renewed confidence in His Word. May we trust in His power that He exercises through the gospel.