Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey | Billy Graham TV Special

(Man) Think about it. A man who brings the word of God to more people than any other person in history. (George H.

W. Bush) A humble farmer's son who helped change the world is a spiritual gift to all of us. (Johnny Carson) Would you welcome, please, evangelist, author, educator.

. . (David Frost) One of the most influential.

. . And here he is.

Billy Graham! Dr Billy Graham. Billy Graham.

(applause) (applause) (Man) Who was this man who could preach like this? (Graham) I cannot save anybody. I'm just an ordinary messenger of the kingdom of God.

(Larry King) He was a giant. You won't see his likes again. He was unparalleled in my judgment.

(Brit Hume) I think presidents reached out to him because they wanted what he had. . .

None of us were in on those one-on-one sessions. . .

The Bible says that every one of us are important to God. (Mel Graham) He was always willing to take a risk when it was for the right reason. (Graham) Is there an answer?

Yes, there is an answer! (Charles Gibson) You always knew with Graham. .

. It was about the message and not about the man. (Graham) Who is this unique person that comes across the pages of history?

Jesus said, "Follow me. "Come and change the world with me. " My father, Billy Graham, went home to be with the Lord on February 21, 2018.

And it's hard to believe that so much time has passed. It seems like yesterday that I got that phone call. You know, I still miss him.

And my mother who passed ten years before he did. But I know that I'll see them again one day in heaven in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So on this anniversary of my father's passing, I wanted to share some of his story with you.

It's really a testimony that God has a plan and a purpose for every one of us. And when you give your life completely to Him, (chuckling) He'll do something extraordinary with it. (Paul Harvey) This is 42nd and Broadway, New York City, overlooking Times Square.

ABC TV news cameras are on the scene to report history as it's made in this culmination of sixteen weeks of the Billy Graham New York Crusade. . .

What a thrilling and wonderful sight this is. I wish that those that were sharing the service by television could see what I see. (Narrator) Billy Graham was affectionately known as America's pastor, leading gospel crusades that quickly became a national sensation.

You say, "But Billy, I'm different. "I don't think religion takes with me. "I don't think I'm the kind.

" (Narrator) The clarity of his message and authority of his preaching were hallmarks of his ministry. But they didn't come without a struggle. Early on Billy wrestled with a crisis of faith that could have drastically changed the course of his life.

(Franklin Graham) There was this debate going on within his friends that began to question Scripture and were questioning why my father believed in the Bible to be the holy inspired word of God. (Graham) Arguments were that you couldn't really trust the scriptures, and that only the old-fashioned fundamentalists could trust the scriptures. And I began to think, "Well, perhaps they're right.

"Maybe this Bible isn't as authoritative "as I thought it was. " And I remember how disturbed I was by that, because I'd always believed in the Bible. (Narrator) Billy found himself at a crossroads, contending with arguments that carried eternal consequences, but he continued to study and pray, knowing he could not move on until the issue was settled once and for all.

The summer of 1949 would bring him to a watershed moment. (Graham) I remember many years ago I went through a terrible struggle intellectually about the Bible, and I was concerned and worried and battling with myself, and I remember going out in the moonlight, out in the forest, and I took this Bible, and I said, "Lord, I don't understand all about this Bible. "There are many things I cannot explain.

" And I remember laying the Bible out on a stump, and I said, "Lord, this is Your book. "I'm going to accept it by faith "like I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, "and He saved me "and changed me and transformed me, "I'm accepting this as Your word by faith. " (Narrator) Billy's personal decision that night would have a far-reaching public impact, setting the stage for a series of extraordinary events.

(Narrator) It was 1949. . .

just weeks after Billy's doubts about Scripture were put to rest. Evidence of his new confidence presented itself in Los Angeles under the big tops of two Ringling Brothers Circus tents. (Graham) When we started in those meetings I had experienced the authority of the scriptures, and I went there and quoted the scriptures.

I believe this sincerely from the depths of my heart. . .

(Graham) The meetings began to gather a little momentum during those first three weeks. (William Martin) And then one night in what is one of the pivotal events in Billy Graham's career he showed up at the tent, and the place was overflowing with newspaper reporters. (Graham) I said, "What has happened?

"Why are you all here? " And one of them said, "You've just been 'kissed' by William Randolph Hearst. " And he showed him a piece of paper that looked like it had been torn off of a wire service machine, and there were two famous words on it, "Puff Graham.

" (Graham) You know, I never met Mr Hearst. I never had any correspondence with him in my whole life. Whatever the reason it certainly started a chain of events that I never dreamed.

(William Martin) And then that followed by Associated Press, United Press International News Service. Soon afterward stories in Time, Life, Newsweek, and Billy Graham became nationally known. After that the tent was expanded.

People standing outside, and the revival went on another four weeks, which placed something of a burden on Billy Graham. (Narrator) After the stunning success of what became an eight-week-long revival nothing would ever be the same for Billy Graham. But he wasn't alone on this remarkable journey.

There would never have been a Billy Graham without a Ruth Graham. (Narrator) In 1940 Billy had met Ruth Bell while continuing his studies at Wheaton College near Chicago. The daughter of missionaries was known for her deep spirituality and mischievous fun.

(Graham) I was working on a furniture truck in the afternoons for fifty cents an hour. This man that ran the furniture truck began to tell me about this girl from China. He said, "She's the girl for you.

" Well, I had my eyes already on another girl, but when I came out and saw her standing there he said, "That is Ruth Bell. " At that moment I was in love, and not only in love, something told me inside, "She'll be your wife. " ♪ Hey, hey (hey, hey) ♪ ♪ It's just a sunny day ♪♪ (Narrator) On a warm August night in 1943 Billy and Ruth were married in the quaint mountain town of Montreat, North Carolina.

(Franklin Graham) My mother loved my father, and my father loved and adored her, and it was a partnership. They were called together as a team. Mother was the tether to dad's balloon.

(Narrator) Soon after their wedding Ruth began to experience the first of many separations as Billy's demanding preaching schedule increased. Could you imagine saying "goodbye" to my father knowing that he's going to be gone not just for a week but for two months, four months, six months. I don't know how she did it.

(Graham) A lot of times I would go down this driveway here with tears in my eyes. I didn't want to go, because I knew it'd be several weeks or months before I'd see her. (Narrator) Her commitment enabled Billy to remain faithful to God's call as opportunities to reach people with the gospel grew beyond anything they could've ever imagined.

The Bible from Genesis to Revelation points to Christ. . .

And the Bible says you can have your sins forgiven. . .

Why? Because we're sinners! We cannot solve our problems.

. . And I believe, today, that the American people are hungry to hear the voice of God.

(Charles Gibson) There has always been a hunger for faith in this country and for answers. He really brought that basic yearning and longing in people to the forefront. And while He was dying.

. . (Narrator) That same hunger for faith in other countries led to international invitations that would take Billy Graham and his young team around the globe.

Little did they know their great adventure would last almost six decades. (Voice-over) Coming up, Billy Graham's life impacted the meek and the powerful. (Brit Hume) Presidents reached out to him because they wanted what he had.

(Voice-over) But when the public figure faced his final years, what were his private thoughts? I've been asked so many times lately: Do I fear death? Some of my closest friends and relatives, and especially my wife, are already in heaven.

(Voice-over) Next. . .

on An Extraordinary Journey. (Voice-over) For over sixty years, Billy Graham devoted his life to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Let Christ change you and transform you!

(Voice-over) And today that work continues. As I'm speaking tonight. .

. Partner with us in the mission of proclaiming the gospel through every means available. With internet evangelism we reach the world twenty-four hours a day.

Our Rapid Response chaplains offer hope in times of crisis. And we continue to share God's love through Franklin Graham Festivals and Will Graham Celebrations. Join us in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Visit BillyGraham. tv or call 877-567-8989. As a thank you, you can receive a copy of Don Wilton's book Saturdays with Billy, My Friendship with Billy Graham.

Partner with us by calling today or go to BillyGraham. tv. (Narrator) As Billy Graham continued his life-long mission of bringing hope to others, he grew into a man of great influence.

(cheering and applause) (Narrator) His words of wisdom were sought by both the helpless and powerful. (Brit Hume) I think presidents reached out to him because they wanted what he had. I think his relationship was a comforter, a role of advisor.

(Charles Gibson) None of us were in on those one-on-one sessions that he may have had with Bill Clinton when he was in trouble or with Lyndon Johnson when he despaired over the war, or with George Bush when he was about to send kids to war. While we weren't in on those sessions it's obvious that all of those presidents said very openly, "I can take such comfort from talking to Billy Graham. " (Narrator) Whether for a private meeting or a national celebration twelve U.

S. Presidents found occasion and reason to call on Billy Graham. (Graham) We recognize on this historic occasion that we are a nation under God.

This faith in God is our foundation and our heritage. (George H. W.

Bush) When the president has to commit forces, somebody's son, somebody's daughter into battle it's very traumatic. He can't blame someone else. You don't form a committee.

The burden is the president's, and I just welcomed the comfort given to me by Billy Graham. He was there. He was at my side, and it meant a lot to me.

(George H. W. Bush) Billy Graham, The man, the preacher, the humble farmer's son who helped change the world is a spiritual gift to all of us.

(Narrator) Billy had become a respected presence on the world stage. His message of faith touched hearts and his voice of comfort made a difference even in the darkest of times. (indistinct conversations) (sobbing) (yelling) It's falling!

Get out! 9/11 was one of the most catastrophic events in our country's history. (helicopter rotors thumping) (George W.

Bush) This is a nation that was in shock over unbelievable attacks. We got unmoored, as it were, as a country. We didn't know what to believe in anymore.

I think people were in search of something. I knew that we needed to help, you know, the nation recover. (Karl Rove) The president wanted Reverend Graham to participate in the service at the National Cathedral and the big problem was that there was no commercial air traffic.

In fact, there were no civilian aircraft allowed to fly. We worked with the Defense Department and the FAA to get special permission to fly. On the morning of the service there was literally one civilian aircraft above the nation.

. . bringing Billy Graham to Washington.

(Graham) September 11 will go down in our history as a day to remember. No matter how hard we try words simply cannot express the horror, the shock and the revulsion we all feel over what took place in this nation on Tuesday morning. (George W.

Bush) This is three days after a vicious attack. Just being in his presence gave you a sense of calm, and the nation needed calm. (Graham) We come together today to affirm our conviction that God cares for us.

The Bible says that He's the God of all comfort Who comforts us in our troubles. (Rick Warren) He was a voice of reason. He was a pastoral voice to the entire nation.

The cross tells us that God understands our suffering. For He took upon Himself in the person of Jesus Christ our sins and our suffering. And from the cross God declares, "I love you.

" But the story does not end with the cross-- for Christ has conquered evil and death and hell. Yes, there's hope. ♪ (Graham) As I look back over my life it's full of surprises.

I never thought I would become friends with people in different countries all over the world. (Graham preaching) You say, "But Billy, I don't deserve such love. "I'm a sinner.

I've broken God's law. "I've failed Him a thousand times. " I look out across an audience when I stand there to preach, and I think of all the people with their different backgrounds and their various needs, and I know that they are objects of God's mighty love.

I've been asked so many times lately: Do I fear death? No, I look forward to death with great anticipation. I'm looking forward to seeing God face-to-face, and that could happen any day.

(Newscaster) We have breaking news from North Carolina. The Reverend Billy Graham has died. (Newscaster) The world is mourning the loss of one of the most influential people in history.

This is just a tremendous loss. Billy Graham was a titan of this country. (Newscaster) It is hard to overstate the significance in American culture over the past fifty, sixty, seventy years.

♪ ♪ (Man) Billy Graham has touched so many hearts. (Woman) It's just an honor to be able to say one last goodbye. He serves as an example to those of us that follow.

♪ (Bill Clinton) I'm just one of millions, maybe hundreds of millions of people who in their own way will find some way to say thank you and goodbye to Billy Graham. (George W. Bush) If there's such a thing as a humble shepherd of the Lord Billy Graham is that person.

♪ ♪ (Mitch McConnell) Billy Graham lifted up our nation. Not because he occupied the spotlight so masterfully but because he knew he wasn't the one who belonged in it. He was just a happy instrument in the hands of his Creator.

(Paul Ryan) Here lies America's pastor. A man made great not by who he was but by Who he served. (Donald Trump) Today we give thanks for this extraordinary life.

And it's very fitting that we do so right here in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. We can only imagine the number of lives touched by the preaching and the prayers of Billy Graham. Today we honor him as only three private citizens before him have been so honored.

♪ ("Amazing Grace" being played on bagpipes) ♪ I believe from heaven's perspective that my father's death is as significant as his life. And his life was very significant. (Gigi Graham) I'm grateful that God has now brought mother and daddy back together again for eternity.

(Ned Graham) My father was faithful. He was available, and he was teachable. May we all be that way.

My father was not God. But he showed me what God was like. He showed me unconditional love.

He has often said that "Someday you'll read that Billy Graham is dead. " He said, "Don't you believe one word of it. " He said, "I'll be more alive "than I am now.

"I will have just changed addresses, that's all. " And I can only imagine what it was like for my father to step into heaven and there was the Lord Jesus Christ to say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. " There was the throne of God, can you just imagine that?

My mother. . .

his mother. Father, friends, clapping, cheering. Bells ringing, trumpets blowing.

Not because it was Billy Graham. It's just, another child of God had come home. Another child of God.

(applause and cheering) (applause and cheering) (Graham preaching) We're all under the sentence of death. We're all going to die. We all need to be ready to meet God.

I know I'm going to heaven because of what Jesus did on that cross. Jesus said, "I'm the way, the truth, and the life. "No man cometh to the Father but by Me.

" The only way to the Father, Father God, is through His Son, Jesus Christ. (Graham preaching) When Jesus came, He came to die on a cross. And on that cross, He bore our sins and shed His blood for us.

We're all sinners. He calls us to repent of our sins. And to come to Him by faith.

The Bible says, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. "Old things pass away; everything becomes new. " He can make you a totally new person.

(Graham preaching) Have you opened your heart to Jesus? Have you repented of your sins? I'm going to ask you to do that today.

This is the moment. Tonight I want Jesus in my heart. (Graham preaching) You don't have long.

You'll be in eternity, and the decision you make tonight may decide where you'll be. Do you know Christ? Are you ready?

(Franklin Graham) I want to give you an opportunity to respond to my father's question: Are you ready? Are you ready to stand before God? If you died today will He receive you into His presence in heaven?

If you're not sure you can just simply pray this prayer with me. Just say, Dear God, I'm a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son.

I believe that He died; He shed His Blood on a cross for my sins. And I believe that You raised Him to life. I want to turn from my sins and put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

I want Him to be my Lord and Savior. And I want to follow Him from this day forward, forever. And I pray this in Jesus' name.

If you prayed that prayer call the number that's on the screen or go to our website. We want to help you as you start this new journey with Almighty God. Thank you.

(Man) Would you welcome, please, evangelist, author,. . .

Billy Graham! Billy Graham. (applause) (Voice-over) Experience even more of Billy Graham's life story.

The full-length Extraordinary Journey film includes his early struggles. . .

(Graham) I would rather be anything but being a preacher. (Voice-over) His courageous stand on civil rights. .

. his decades-long mission to preach behind the Iron Curtain. .

. and much more. Get the complete story and bring the journey home today.

(Voice-over) For over sixty years, Billy Graham devoted his life to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. And today that work continues. As I'm speaking tonight He's calling some of you.

That's how much He loves you. (Voice-over) Join us in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. Visit BillyGraham.

tv or call 877-567-8989. As a thank you, you can receive a copy of Don Wilton's book, Saturdays with Billy. Call or log on today.