As you watch the news, do you feel as I do—that it seems
the world is coming apart at the seams? There appears to be no end to the bad
news. The killing of Christians by Muslims from Indonesia to Bangladesh to
Pakistan.
China tearing down church buildings. Christians tortured, beheaded
and crucified in Iraq, with villages burned and churches destroyed, and much
the same in Syria.
American pastor Saeed Abedini is still imprisoned in Iran
for his faith. Throughout Northern Africa, the Middle East, and many parts of
the world, the church of Jesus Christ—and anyone or any group who bears His
Name—is under attack. In our own country as well, there is great opposition to
the church of Jesus Christ. We see this throughout the media, the entertainment
industry, government and politics.
Jesus warned His disciples in Matthew 24 when they asked
Him about the signs of the end of the age. He said there would be wars and
rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes and pestilence. He told them, "Then
shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be
hated of all nations for my name's sake" (Matt. 24:9, KJV).
As I read the news, I can't help but wonder if we are in
the last hours before our Lord Jesus Christ returns to rescue His church and
God pours out His wrath on the world for the rejection of His Son. I don't know
if we have hours, days, months, or years—but as Christians, God calls us to
take the truth of the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. Our job is to warn
sinners of the consequences of sin and show them that God is loving and
gracious, willing to forgive if we come to Him in repentance and faith. We have
to accept God's provision for our sins—the shedding of Christ's Blood on the cross.
This is what we preach at BGEA—Jesus Christ, dead, buried and risen! Ultimately
this is what matters most in this world.
We have seen firsthand the pestilence of Ebola. This year
the virus has already claimed the lives of over 1,000, making it the deadliest
Ebola outbreak in history. A medical doctor serving with Samaritan's Purse in
Liberia was infected with this deadly virus, but through the prayers of many
righteous, God spared his life. All this reminds me of the urgency of preaching
the gospel while we have the opportunity. Jesus tells us, "As long as it
is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one
can work" (John 9:4, NIV).
I have just completed a major evangelistic Crusade in
Pittsburgh, and we have another coming up in Toronto, Ontario, and then Erie,
Pennsylvania, where the Good News will be proclaimed to thousands and broadcast
over the Internet to reach even more. This fall we have a powerful new My Hope film being
released with a never-before-seen message from my father about heaven.
This is
a great chance for you and your church to partner in My Hope 2014 with Billy
Graham and invite your friends and loved ones to hear the Gospel. Plan to show
it to people you know and encourage your church to show it as well.
Whether we are holding evangelistic Crusades in stadiums or
reaching the lost in closed countries in the Middle East through the Internet as they search for
answers to questions like "What happens after I die?" or "Who is
Jesus?"—through whatever means we are able to proclaim the Good News of
Jesus Christ, your prayers and financial gifts make this ministry possible. We
are grateful for your partnership and your heart for the gospel.
Franklin Graham, son
of iconic evangelist Billy Graham, is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse.
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