Billy Graham Close to Passing...?

Today is Friday the 13th, 2013. The time is 12:53 PM EST. I just received a phone call from my Christian friend as she was leaving Montreat, NC. She was close to tears. “Pam, I just passed WLOS television truck…they were setting up cameras near the entrance on the road that leads to Reverend Billy Graham’s home…” She went on to describe a recent interview of Franklin and William Graham, who stated that Reverend Graham was lately without strength, although able to walk weakly.

William went even further in stating that he felt it was simply time to release Billy Graham into the hands of God and let him go home at last.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/dec/13/billy-graham-near-death-close-going-home-be-lord/

Is it time for the passing of an American icon? Truly, only God can know.

I realize that Billy Graham has stirred up much controversy in recent years due to statements he has made at times. Subjects regarding abortion. The suspicion that he may be a 33rd degree Mason. And more.

However, as a Christian, I choose to remember the wonderful Gospel messages Graham has preached throughout the years. The stadiums filled with thousands of people listening to him preach the Gospel. The countless hands going up and people coming forward to repent of their sins and to dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ. Evangelistic crusades that have touched the lives of millions of people across the globe. The active ministries he will leave behind, such as THE COVE right outside Asheville, NC.

The Bible states, “Who are you to judge another man’s servant? Before his master he is to stand or fall.” On the day of judgment, there is but one Person that Billy Graham must stand before to give an account of his life, and that is the just judge of all men, Jesus Christ at His judgment throne.

I am thankful that God has appointed me to be neither judge, jury, nor executioner! I am not worthy, and I don’t have all the facts. Jesus Christ alone can judge the secrets of one’s heart.

Regarding various negative articles that have been published periodically throughout past decades regarding Reverend Graham, I personally choose to draw the veil of Christian charity over all this, and to instead thank God for the many ways in which He did use Graham to touch the lives of millions for Jesus Christ throughout his lifetime.

Before you respond with, “…but I read THIS and THAT article exposing Billy Graham, ” pause for a moment and ask yourself this question: could YOUR life and actions withstand the same withering and merciless scrutiny that people have subjected his life and words to???

How would YOUR life and words and actions measure up? Wouldn’t you want others to be gracious towards you with your faults and failures and words whenever they fell short of perfection?

Truly, we have all sinned at times and fallen short of the glory of God. And that is exactly what the grace, mercy and forgiveness of God manifested through Jesus Christ and His precious blood is all about. Christians are never perfect, only FORGIVEN. That includes ME. That includes YOU. And that includes the Reverend Billy Graham as well. We as Christians are all under HIS GRACE AND MERCY to cover for our faults and failures.

Please pray for the Graham family at this special time. May God in His mercy take Billy Graham for His glory, without further suffering or pain. After all, we were redeemed by Jesus Christ to be taken out of this world and out of a temporal body of pain and suffering, to be in the Presence of God and His glorious kingdom forever. This is the ultimate goal of every true Christian!