BIBLICAL BRIEFS 119
Billy Graham was indeed one of the greatest Christian evangelists of all time. He served millions of people with the gospel message of salvation in Jesus Christ through his ministry, especially the masses, as well as preaching on radio and television, through books, and still by means of the internet. He was also a spiritual father of many ministers and presidents and was particularly influential as an ambassador and forerunner of the Christian faith. He established the Christian worldview of multitudes through his simple, consistent and powerful message worldwide, thus known in the secular world as the Great Legitimator, perhaps especially because of his attempt at impartiality, and his traditional approach to practical religious practice. However, there are also serious accusations brought against Graham, including being a Freemason, him being the oldest member of the Illuminati ever, that he served a satanic agenda, and several other horrific incriminations. Graham’s controversial views regarding women, same sex relationships, Jews, and others, are often used by liberal critics. There are various conspiracy theories that imply Billy Graham. Scripture warns all believers to use the gift of discernment of spirits (1Cor. 12:10) to identify those “who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves” (Matt. 7:15). BUT Christians are not allowed by God to ever speak evil of any man (Tit. 3: 2). Unfortunately, there are many people and ministries which slander that which they do not fully understand (Jude 1:10). We must absolutely guard against preachers who proclaim another Jesus as the Scriptures says, and make sure that we do not receive a spirit other than the Holy Spirit, and do not accept another gospel (2Cor. 11: 4). There are undoubtedly things that are done by great believers who are driven by a different agenda, but Jesus’ guideline in Mark. 9: 38-40 clarifies this issue: “John said to Him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.’ but Jesus said, ‘Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us.’”
Dr Tom Gouws
