The Good News
It's hard to find good news in today's chaotic world, but Billy Graham seldom talked about anything else. He was a simple preacher with a simple message, the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord and savior. Graham was not a pastor but, a quintessential evangelist. Before Jesus went to Heaven, after His death and resurrection, He gave the church five different ministries to carry on the work he had started. Jesus had all of these attributes, but He knew mortal men were incapable of doing the same so He divided the gifts among many. “And His gifts to the church were varied. He appointed some as apostles, [special messengers], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct]. He did this to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church].” (Eph.4:11,12) Graham understood these verses better than most preachers, so he didn’t try to go beyond the gift he was given. Because Billy Graham was obedient to the call, many were saved and blessed including numerous world leaders.
Phillip a contemporary of Paul, the apostle, is the standard bearer for aspiring evangelist. “And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip, the evangelist.”(Acts 21:8) Phillip went from town to town, tirelessly preaching the good news to all that would listen. “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake.”(Acts 8:5) When people humbly do what God has asked them to do their ministry is blessed with reward. “He who plants and he who waters are one in importance and esteem, working toward the same purpose; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.”(1Cor.3:8) Billy Graham was a humble man not comfortable with his celebrity, but his labor was rewarded like no other present-day evangelist.
There will never be another Billy Graham, but there are many who possess the gifts Jesus gave to the church. You don’t have to be a preacher or pastor or teacher to simply express your love to the people around you by telling them the Good News, Jesus is Lord and Savior. As the world continues to spiral out of control, the need for these ministries become more and more important. Will you take a minute out of your busy day and tell someone you love about Jesus. Some other humble Christian will confirm your witness, and Jesus will save that person. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God all the while was causing the growth.”(1 Cor.3:6) If you don’t tell them, who will? For more about the role of the church in today's confusing environment read “Beam me up Commander” its free.
