January 17, 2020

Living on a Prayer – Week One

Many believers and nonbelievers alike know Billy Graham, have heard at least one of his messages, and have been inspired by at least one of the statements that he made during his ministry.  He is perhaps the greatest earthly evangelist of the modern age.  His accomplishments are many.  Here are just a few:

• In 1947 he became the president of Northwestern Schools
• In 1949 he was invited to preach a revival in Los Angeles by “Christ for Greater L.A” and the word of that revival spread like wildfire and become famous even to this day
• In 1950 his sermons were being broadcast on more than 800 radio stations
• In 1953 he published his first book
• In 1981 he was inducted into the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame
• In 1983 he received the nation’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• In 1996 he received a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor
• He was made Knight of the Order of the British Empire in 2001

His crusades brought thousands of Christians and non-Christians to hear his messages, while millions more tuned in through their radio or television.  Nearly 3 million people have responded to an altar call held at one of his services and countless people have been led to the Lord influenced by the Truth of his preaching. His sermons and his ministry to this day still impact millions of lives all over the world. Yet, near the end of his life in an interview with a young reporter, Mr. Graham was asked this question:  “Looking back over your ministry, would you do it differently?” Graham answered, “Yes.  If I had to do it over again, I would spend more time in meditation and prayer.  Just telling the Lord how much I love him and adore him.” You see, Graham was right when he said in one of his messages, “In this modern day, in which we live, we have learned to harness the power of the atom, but very few of us have learned how to fully develop the power of prayer.  We have not yet learned that a man is more powerful on his knees than behind the most powerful weapons we have ever developed. This week we kick off a series I believe has the potential be life changing for many.  This four-week series we are calling Living on a Prayer will start this week by looking at the question, “What is Prayer?”  I believe God has a POWERFUL Word for us this Sunday and I pray that you are able to join us. Blessings, Pastor Brandon