We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham Q: Are the stories true of people dying, going to Heaven, and then coming back to tell about their experiences? A: Best-selling books and blockbuster movies have been read and seen about people dying and coming back to life and telling about Heaven. There was much excitement, curiosity and confusion. Someone said, “No one has ever come back from the grave to speak of Heaven.” This is true with one exception. His name is Jesus Christ. He left His glorious home in Heaven with God the Father and came to...
Q: Why does it seem suffering gets worse when we have more conveniences and more scientific breakthroughs than all of history? A: In every country throughout the world there are people suffering—it has been like this since the beginning. Personal pain has been with us since God told Eve she would have pain in childbirth. Some pain is visible, and some is intensely private. Suffering comes in all forms—physical, emotional, spiritual. Some people have their share of pain more than others, but all experience it; it’s part of life. Every gener...
Q: My grandson served in the military and is now back in civilian life. He feels defeated when he sees so many Americans against our flag. Can our nation turn itself around? A: (From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham) America has gone a long way down the wrong road. We are blessed to have brave citizens serve this country, but no one person can turn a nation around. For Christians we must remember that our allegiance is first to God, and then country. When a nation humbles itself before God, He blesses. Only by His power does a nation...
Q: Is belief in God the same as the belief the devil has in God? A: The devil and his demons know God exists; certainly Satan stands before the throne of God accusing mankind, as seen in the book of Job. The demon world also believes in the facts of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. But their belief is not a saving belief because it does not lead them to turn to God in repentance. A saving belief in God is what happens when sinners turn from sin to Christ and put their trust and faith in Him, the Savior of sinners. This is a saving f...
Q: I fear for the attack on our homes, our families and our children—the future of our country. What can we do to combat the assaults? A: The family, for most, used to be a close-knit group, and the home was self-contained. It was shelter; it was security; it was a kind of school where life’s basic lessons were taught. It was a kind of church where God was honored. It was a factory where the basic necessities of life were made. It was a place where wholesome recreation and simple pleasures were enjoyed. A national leader once said, “The home...
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham Q: America has been a land of plenty for much of its history and some believe our nation can never fall. Are we in danger of going the way of other great and powerful nations? A: Fifteen hundred years ago the people of imperial Rome were living in luxury, ease, and prosperity. The Romans laughed at the rugged barbarians of the north. They had a far lower standard of living than the Romans did. They could not possibly conquer Rome—great imperial Rome. But they did. Those illiterate barbarians conquered...
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham Q: Is it true that Queen Victoria believed in Jesus Christ? A: In the biography of Queen Victoria there is a heart-warming story told. She went into the slums of London and visited the home of an elderly lady. When the queen rose to leave, she asked, “Is there anything I can do for you?” The woman said, “Yes, ma’am, Your Majesty, you can meet me in Heaven.” The queen turned to her and said softly, “Yes. I’ll be there, but only because of the blood that was shed on the cross for you and for me.” Queen V...
The human soul transcends earthly value Q: Why is it that Christians say we have to believe their way or miss Heaven? Isn’t this a little narrow, maybe even arrogant? A: Christians do make up a religion—Christians believe God’s every word. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Who doesn’t want to be saved? Some years ago a man’s plane crashed into the ocean. He survived the crash, but had blood on his forehead which attracted the sharks, and he spent 10 hours kicking at the sharks to sur...
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham The human soul transcends earthly value Q: Someone on the radio spoke about God putting a value on the human soul. How can this be since no one can see or touch the soul? — S.S. A: It was reported several years ago that it would take a hundred billion dollars to get one man safely to Mars. That is a staggering amount of money. It is interesting how people place great value on things and even experiences. But God, in His outpouring of love for mankind, placed the value of one human soul at an i...
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham Jesus’ acts prove he wasn’t an ordinary human Q: Is there proof that Jesus, who came to earth in human form, is really God? — P.S. A: Jesus lived a perfect life. Those who schemed to bring him to trial had to obtain false witnesses to bring charges, because he was blameless. “In Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). There was also evidence of His power — power that only comes from God. He had power over sickness and disease. His miracles were a witness to the fact that He is Lord of all nature. “Ev...
Jesus is larger than life itself Q: I am not necessarily against Jesus but I think people throughout history have embellished his story and made him bigger than life. Show me where I might be wrong. — D.Q. A: Jesus Christ is bigger than life! He breathed life into the first man, Adam, and He gives life to every human being. He is so much bigger than life that He speaks it into existence. “He gives to all life, breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25). “You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven … the seas and all that is in them, and You prese...
Have you found the source of real love? Q: Can a person really find a soul mate to share the deepest things of life? — S.S. A: A: Matchmaking has become a booming business in our culture’s restless search for a “soul mate.” Online services promise to bring light into your life by matching you up with someone just right for you. “Relationship experts” teach clients to practice “self-love” in order to attract a potential partner. One such expert wrote, “We have the power to create our own personal movie-like narratives, love stories based on...
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham Is it Wrong to Be Scared of Hurricanes? Q: I live in Florida and am terrified of even the threat of a hurricane. It seems the newscasters thrive on this kind of terror. Is it wrong to be fearful? A: People have faced ominous storms since the beginning of time. Many face them with defiance, refusing to pay attention to the warnings or prepare for catastrophe, only to be caught in the storm’s fury. There was a day when forecasters could not tell us with precision when storms would hit, but that d...
God deserves our thanks during good times and bad Q: I have been blessed with wonderful parents who are now elderly and in declining health. They are in pain and distress daily yet they are constantly rejoicing that the Lord is with them and they pray for others who have no faith in Him. I cannot accept their faith when I see no sign of God’s mercy. Why doesn’t God relieve their misery? — C.C. A: For those who look not on their own sorrow but to the Savior’s sorrow for the weak and dying, they have learned comfort from the Bible verse that sa...
Q: I enjoy making money and doing things that please me. My mother tells me about the stories in the Bible about how riches can corrupt. Is her interpretation correct? A: Luke 16 is the famous passage about a rich man whose disobedience to God led him to reject the very thing he longed for—eternal life. God does not condemn people because they are rich, nor does He justify others because they are poor. Poverty is not a virtue, nor are riches themselves sin. But Jesus did say, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for...
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham Q: Is misrepresentation to protect myself a lie if it doesn’t hurt anyone else? — T.T. A: The Bible teaches that proper conduct includes truthfulness. God’s Word teaches that we should be truthful in our representations of ourselves. Jesus denounced the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees! In the Sermon on the Mount, He rebuked all hypocritical giving, praying and fasting. We should be truthful in speaking of our past achievements in our particular vocation. God does not ask us to understate the fac...
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham Set an example through prayer for your children Q:Is it important for children to pray and, if so, what should a parent do if a child refuses to pray? — P.C. A: Encourage your children to pray and teach them by example. When children see and hear their parents pray it can become a natural and important thing throughout their lives. But don’t force your children to pray. Perhaps a few minutes before bedtime you can read a story to them about Jesus and ask them if they understand what the story is abo...
Q: My whole life I have heard that Christians are expected to be Christ-like. Is that really possible? — D.I A: It is God’s will for His followers to become more like Christ. He came to show us the way, but it can only happen as we submit every area of our lives to His authority. The key word is “submit.” It is an unpopular word particularly in today’s self-indulgent culture. The idea of handing control over to someone else (even God) goes against the grain of our natures. This is usually the first spiritual battle a new believer encounter...
Take time to appreciate the gifts given to you Q: I don’t mean to be ungrateful but when my family gives me gifts, they are things I can’t use or don’t want. Is it wrong to ask for something specific, like a gift card, so that I can buy what I want? — G.C. A: Have you ever thought about what a gift really is? The giver initiates the gift. Often the giver chooses the gift with a specific purpose in mind. Many grandparents will give stocks and bonds to build up college funds for their grandchildren. The young often do not appreciate such gifts a...
Q: My friend is the kindest and most thoughtful person I know, and yet she has no interest in God or religion. Frankly, she’s better than most of the Christians I know. How do you account for this? A: I’m sorry your friend has no interest in God—but I’m still thankful for her thoughtfulness and kindness. The world certainly would be a better place if there were more people like her! The Bible says, “A kindhearted woman gains honor” (Proverbs 11:16). Although she doesn’t realize it, her personality didn’t happen by accident or chance; instead...
Q: Recently we moved into a new neighborhood, and I suppose we ought to get involved in a local church, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort. After all, what difference does it make what church you join—or if you join one at all? Our previous ones didn’t do much for us. A: I’m sorry you haven’t had a positive church experience—but I hope this won’t keep you from seeking one in the future. Churches (like people) differ from each other, and I strongly encourage you to seek out the one that God has for you. Have you ever asked yourself what y...
Q: My grandchildren say I worry too much, even about things that don’t really matter. I suppose I am a bit of a worrywart, but I’ve always been like this, and I’ve told them I’m just too old to change. Am I right? A: It’s true that the older we get, the more we tend to become set in our ways. But it doesn’t have to be like this—and it shouldn’t be, especially with spiritual problems like worrying. Admittedly some people worry more than others; perhaps you’re one of them. But that doesn’t mean we can’t change, even as we grow older—with God’s...
Q: I know I ought to read the Bible, and I’ve tried, but I’ve always been a poor reader, and finally I just gave up. Does God think I’m a bad person?. A: God knows both what you can do and what you can’t do—and He doesn’t get angry with you or look down on you because of this. We aren’t all the same; God created us with different abilities. The Bible says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:6). Don’t misunderstand me, however. The Bible is God’s Word, and if we ignore it, our lives will be morally a...
Q: I’ve never really understood Jesus’ prayer just before His arrest. It almost sounds like He was begging God to rescue Him so He wouldn’t have to die. Am I right? — Mrs. V.McF. A: One of the most moving events in the entire Bible took place when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, a secluded area just outside Jerusalem. In hours, He would be betrayed and arrested, and the conflict of the ages between good and evil — between God and Satan — would take place. Could it be avoided? In His prayer, Jesus looked deeply into the “cup” He wa...
Q: My friend says that Jesus never claimed to be God, or anything like that. He says Jesus was on a spiritual search just like the rest of us, and what we basically learn from Jesus is how we can find our own spiritual path. Is he right? A: No, your friend is not correct. Even before Jesus was born, an angel told Joseph that he should not be afraid to take Mary as his wife, because the child already growing in her womb would be called Immanuel—which means “God with us” (see Matthew 1:18-25). One way Jesus demonstrated His divine nature was b...
