As our nation grieves the loss of Billy Graham today, a verse comes to mind from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV):
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
As believers in the risen Lord Jesus Christ, we grieve but we have hope. Christian music artists and many others have dedicated posts to their memories of Billy Graham. Here are a few:
from Bill and Gloria Gaither’s Facebook page:”The world has lost today a friend of the lost,
a bearer of hope, and a voice crying in the wilderness, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”
The silencing of this strong voice is a call to all Believers to step up with integrity and compassion to fill the void left by this great pastor to the world.” – Bill & Gloria Gaither
from the Newsboys Facebook page:He touched so many lives and shared God’s love with millions, we were honored to know him.
“The most thrilling thing about heaven is that Jesus Christ will be there. I will see Him face to face. Jesus Christ will meet us at the end of life’s journey.” – Billy Graham, 1918-2018
from NewSong’s Facebook page:“Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.” – Billy Graham (1918 – 2018)
from Kari Jobe’s Facebook page:Wow..his entrance to heaven was probably one of the most epic experiences. I bet they’ve been party planning up there for weeks. What an incredible legend, leader, pastor, teacher, preacher..thank you Mr. Graham for all you did in this world. I can’t wait to meet you in heaven one day. ❤️Let’s all continue our callings of helping people find Jesus!
