Billy Graham was an American evangelical Christian evangelist and an ordained Southern Baptist minister. Graham is best known for his evangelistic missions or “Crusades.” He believed God knew no borders or nationalities. Throughout his career, Graham preached to millions around the world. He met and prayed with every U. S. president from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama.
Graham authored 34 books, including his memoir, Just As I Am. In 1983, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. In 1996, Graham and his wife, Ruth, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can bestow on a private citizen.
Graham married Wheaton College classmate Ruth Bell Graham in 1943. They had five children ( Ruth Graham, Gigi Graham Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz, Nelson, & Franklin Graham) and made their home in the mountains of North Carolina. They were married for 64 years before Ruth’s death in 2007. Graham died from natural causes on February 21, 2018, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99.
It was at times a bit strange reading in 2024 a book about death published in 1987. Billy Graham explains hospices as “a new-old concept that is growing rapidly in the Western world.” It is intended as a book of spiritual help, of course, yet he includes advice about living wills and estate planning. I read it because the idea sometimes known as soul sleep or the question of when the afterlife begins has concerned me ever since the deaths of my grandparents and that of a close friend. Billy Graham does not allude to soul sleep or to the many New Testament passages that refer to individuals as “asleep in the Lord.” In the eleventh (of twelve) chapters, however, he is assertive about an immediate afterlife: “The believer’s passage to heaven is a direct route. As soon as we are dead, we will be with the Lord. Jesus told the repentant thief on the cross, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” And: “When our body ceases to function and we are dead, the spirit of the believer is not asleep. . . . When we leave our bodies, we depart to be with Christ (Philippians 1:23), and ‘wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies’ (Romans 8:23).” There is comfort in this confidence to be sure, though I think it also would have been good to have provided both views and explored this other idea that evidently some Christians hold.
Since my teenage years, the Billy Graham ministry got my attention and I appreciate his insightful words, understanding of the Bible, and ability to speak as if I was the only one in the room. He cares and connects with people and truly loves God…and because of these traits his truth is infectious. Reading BG words not only informs but consoles my spiritual need to know Jesus as my companion and savior .
Encouraging, gives peace and reassurance. We must accept that Jesus is God's son and He died so that we may be with Him for eternity. What great hope and peace we who have accepted God's gift of forgiveness and salvation have! If you are lacking peace in your life, this book will show you how to find peace and joy that will last for eternity.
Written in 1987 the book continues relevant to people today. Facing the reality of death is an important step for all Christians. We don't need to fear death - we need to understand it. Billy Graham presents the topic with clarity and love.
I thought I was reading a book about death but this book helped me know how to live life to the fullest and not to fear death. As I was helping my aged mother come to terms with her death, this book was an amazing guide and will be referred to for years to come.
I have yet to read a Billy Graham book that I didn't like. From consoling a friend or family members this book puts things into perspective. Highly recommend that you read it.
Explains absolutely nothing. Goes back and forth showing how different religions believe about dying and after life, and at the end you have learned nothing.
Why waste your time reading about something that cannot be proved?
Another great book by Billy Graham. It is sobering as you can imagine - I found it both practical and inspirational. Highly recommend it to be added to your library.