“God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with.” This quote from famed evangelist Billy Graham emphasizes that we are to receive God’s grace and distribute it throughout the whole world to as many people as possible. Over the course of his life, Billy Graham has had an incalculable impact on Christianity and on the world as we know it. He is reputed to have personally preached to more people than anyone else in history in person let alone those he has reached over television and radio.
Billy’s first chance to preach in front of a large audience came in 1949, when he was invited to preach a revival sermon in L.A. After news that Graham was preaching at the revival spread through a radio talk show, so many people attended that the revival was extended by an additional five weeks, with each sermon closely followed by papers around the country. Graham’s popularity in the Christian community skyrocketed, his influence so palpable it is believed to be one of the major influences on America’s post-WWII culture. One of Graham’s more popular topics during this time was his outspoken opinions on the evils of communism.
Throughout his career, Billy Graham has received much criticism for what he has done. Some think his message is too liberal, others too simplistic, and one man, Bob Jones, even commented that Graham has done “more harm to the cause of Jesus Christ than any other living man.” Despite these comments, Billy Graham is seen by most in an overwhelmingly positive light. He is regarded as the one mega-evangelist who did it right. Unlike many others such as Jim Bakker, Joel Osteen, and Jimmy Swaggart, he simply preached the gospel and did not get caught up in the fame and the potential for financial success.
Billy Graham is undoubtedly one of the most influential Christian figures in the history of the world. Through his implacable morals, to his unflinching beliefs about Christ and Christianity, Billy Graham has led millions around the world to Christ. His influence will forever be felt in Christian life and his work will continue to lead people around the world to Christ until He Himself comes back.