Franklin Graham
February 8, 2003
7:15 pm
Message Summary
What is the most important thing in life? According to Franklin Graham, it is standing for our Lord. “I don’t care how many books you read, how many tapes your listen to, or how many seminars you attend. You have to take the right stand,” he said in the opening of his message. “Our stand before Almighty God is so important.” Going through several different passages in the Bible, Graham emphasized the need for one to be righteous or in a right standing with God. True to his evangelistic roots, Graham clearly stated that it is only through salvation that one can be made righteous. “Friends, you can’t be holy until you come to the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
Graham used stories from his own life to impress upon his listeners the importance of seizing the moment. After relating a conversation where someone asked Graham if he was taking advantage of people by sharing the gospel with them while giving them food and medical care, Graham shared that he responded, “I don’t take advantage of people; I take advantage of situations.” He also stressed the large need that exists for people to take part in the ministry to HIV/AIDS patients saying that people are needed to provide hospice care and orphan care and to preach the gospel to those who are dying. He went back to his earlier points about holiness saying, “You want to live the holy life. You read this Book, you study it, you apply the Scriptures to your life. You have to obey it.” He closed by reminding his listeners again that in 10 years 10 million people will be infected with HIV/AIDS and asked, “Will you be that hand to reach out and touch their life for Christ?
Student Response
Listening to Franklin Graham speak was inspiring. He has lived a lifestyle of uncompromising honesty. The different situations where he has unashamedly given testimony to his Lord are numerous. Add in his dedication to those who are dying of HIV/AIDS and starvation, and you have a heart that is dedicated to his Lord. In America we easily forget about the pain and difficulties of our fellow mankind, but Franklin Graham has not, and his message reminded me about the importance of helping meet peoples needs. The number of opportunities we have to minister is increasing daily, but we must choose to seize the moment.
—Stephanie Frusher, Senior, Communications/Print Media major