In the summer of 2000 I took a group from Cherokee Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Cherokee, Alabama to a Billy Graham crusade in Nashville, TN.
I never really watched him much on television.
I figured this was probably the last time I’d ever have an opportunity to attend such a crusade and I was right.
His theology is impeccable but his message very simple and easy to understand and follow. He was fervent that people have a saving relationship with Christ rather than getting into what or why to believe anything beyond that. Not much proof or evidences were needed but the message was logical, made sense, and biblical.
I was a young pastor at the time—well, not that young—35 maybe. Most of my own preaching was teaching what I thought was interesting regarding the nature of God or why we believe what we believe—and that aspect of Christian theology called Apologetics. But Billy Graham’s message didn’t go there—he was trying to make sure as many as possible were saved and had an eternal relationship with Christ. For many people, this might be the only chance to hear the gospel proclaimed clearly and a decision made.
How did it change my life? Well, I had previously spent much effort in battling the many ‘charismatic’ (speaking-in-tongues) people in my church with their false prophesies and “word/faith” “name-it-and-claim-it” people in my church— I realized that all I needed to focus upon was salvation itself—the atonement and receiving Christ. I could still emphasize what I found interesting as far as Theology, the Sacraments, tradition, etc. but I didn’t need to prove anyone wrong—just focus on the essentials in a clear manner.