Billy Graham is 90 years old today and his touch upon the evangelical landscape of this past century is so immense that it will far out last his physical presence upon this earth.
In addition, one of the other profound things that he has helped transform is the use of technology for preaching of the Gospel:
From the start of the association that bears his name, Graham harnessed the media to spread his message of evangelism around the world.
But he knows technology’s true place: it is fully under subjection to the Holy Spirit. And we can’t ever forget that. More thoughts after the break.
John Piper has an amazing summary review of Graham’s life, which I highly encourage you all to read. It was this portion of Piper’s entry that really jolted me awake (much more than an overly-sugarized-cup-of-coffee)…
For all the technology he employed, he relied profoundly on the Holy Spirit in the work of evangelism:
He told students in 1964 at Harvard Divinity School… “I used to think that in evangelism I had to do it all, but now I approach evangelism with a totally different attitude. I approach it with complete relaxation. First of all, I don’t believe that any man can come to Christ unless the Holy Spirit has prepared his heart.
Secondly, I don’t believe any man can come to Christ unless God drives him. My job is to proclaim the message. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to do the work, period.” (Catherwood, 230)
I loved this reminder and I think it’s well worth meditating as we seek to use the online space to carry even further the saving message of Jesus Christ.
You see, “technology proper” (like that of “theology proper” perhaps), is seen correctly as just another “clay pot” and vessel to be used by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 29:16). Just because we have made and created the internets doesn’t mean we can forget that God created us.
So this morning, I kindly reminded that in regards to using this blog and the many other places that I share my faith, I can do it courageously (and in completely relaxation), knowing that the Holy Spirit is preparing the hearts of those that are reading it and that my job is not to convert but to proclaim. As Billy said:
It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to do the work, period.
Amen. Period.
I have hear it put this way….
When we have offered the the message of hope, our assignment ends and the Spirit's mission begins.
Too many times we focus so intensely on what we can do more to speed up the process, when ultimately it all boils down to the Spirit. Without him working within the heart of an individual all work on our parts merely cloud things.
Great post and great reminder. Thank you.
amen to that bunk. thanks for the comment!
just a curious q… but what if no one asks…?
Well, if someone sees that you are leading a life that they want to live they will ask. If no one asks, maybe you are not leading a life that merits the attention.
When I was in the Marine Corps a friend of mine told me that he was a Mormon and had joined the Corps as his mission. He is the one that put that idea in my mind. He never approached people to discuss religion. He just did a good job and eventually people would ask why he seemed to be better at what he did, and only then would he speak about his reasons.
I could be wrong.
Thanks for the thoughts! I think it's one method that may work depending on who you are the gifts that God has given us… and certainly not all methods work for everyone!
In addition, I do believe that we are called to share the Gospel… and that requires words. life-style can point in the right direction but it must be spoken…!
thanks, love the conversation.
that is why it is called "the word" I suppose.
hah! no doubt. have a great sunday!
We can change the method, but not the message.
We can change the vehicle, but not the veracity.
Just a few catch phrases, if you will.
so true… but oh how we try so hard to change the message… but on purpose and accidental!
gotta stop that and nip that in the bud.
I thought it was that when we are asked for the message our assignment begins.
I don't believe in preaching at… only speaking to people when asked.
bill graham is dead… didn't you know?
oh… haha… bill graham is dead… billy graham is not……… yet
uh… snap.
Woah!?
Man, I love that great reminder. It takes a lot of pressure off of us in terms of evangelizing knowing that God first prepares the heart.
Maybe that is why I like marketing and PR so much. That is effectively what we do for the Lord. He is in sales and management. We are asked to bring the message and spread His Word.
jesus was a master marketer…? puaha.
good times.
teehee.