March 4, 2018

The Shepherd's Corner

[:en]THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

“Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.” That’s what the inscription on Rev. Billy Graham’s grave marker says. Plain and simple, just like the man himself. He is buried next to his wife, Ruth, who preceded him to their eternal home over 10 years ago. Present during the funeral service were President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush came at the viewing. But, what’s important was Jesus, whom he served, was there to welcome him into his new home in heaven.

Billy Graham has finished well. Like Paul, he, too, could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearance.”

To finish well we must live well; Billy Graham did his utmost to live well. Not only did he stay away from evil, he also tried his best to stay away from the appearance of evil. When Bill Clinton was still governor of Arkansas, Hillary Clinton wanted to meet with Billy in a private room. Billy Graham, who happened to be in Arkansas, declined the request; instead, he asked to meet in the hotel lobby.

Early in his ministry, a local newspaper posted a caricature of Billy Graham’s speeding away in car with a bundle of money after his revival meeting. When he saw that, he consulted with a friend who advised him to form an association and to submit himself to the board of trustees. He would take no money from the offering or the sale of his books; instead, he’d receive a fixed salary. Through it all Billy Graham kept his integrity unblemished. You see, he wasn’t perfect—he’d be the first to admit it—he was just clean.

Pastor Paul[:id]THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

“Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.” That’s what the inscription on Rev. Billy Graham’s grave marker says. Plain and simple, just like the man himself. He is buried next to his wife, Ruth, who preceded him to their eternal home over 10 years ago. Present during the funeral service were President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush came at the viewing. But, what’s important was Jesus, whom he served, was there to welcome him into his new home in heaven.

Billy Graham has finished well. Like Paul, he, too, could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearance.”

To finish well we must live well; Billy Graham did his utmost to live well. Not only did he stay away from evil, he also tried his best to stay away from the appearance of evil. When Bill Clinton was still governor of Arkansas, Hillary Clinton wanted to meet with Billy in a private room. Billy Graham, who happened to be in Arkansas, declined the request; instead, he asked to meet in the hotel lobby.

Early in his ministry, a local newspaper posted a caricature of Billy Graham’s speeding away in car with a bundle of money after his revival meeting. When he saw that, he consulted with a friend who advised him to form an association and to submit himself to the board of trustees. He would take no money from the offering or the sale of his books; instead, he’d receive a fixed salary. Through it all Billy Graham kept his integrity unblemished. You see, he wasn’t perfect—he’d be the first to admit it—he was just clean.

Pastor Paul[:]

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