Evangelist Billy Graham has issued an urgent warning to Americans: Don't be deceived by the world or of false promises of happiness, but accept Jesus Christ into your life before it's too late.
The 97-year old Baptist minister shared his thoughts in a question-and-answer column published in the Kansas City Star on Tuesday. Graham, founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, charged that sometimes, Christians come up with excuses as to why they can't strengthen their relationship with God, while others have the misconception that Christianity is an "unbalanced" way to live one's life.
"I don't know how you decided that Christians are unbalanced, or that God doesn't want us to enjoy life, but you're wrong," Graham wrote, referencing John 10:10 which reads: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
"Yes, right now life seems stable and happy, but what of the future? Where will you turn if illness strikes, or some other disaster threatens to overtake you? And even now, to whom can you turn when you face major decisions and don't know which way to go?" the evangelical leader asked.
"If God didn't love you, then your feelings about Him might be justified," Graham continued. "But God does love you and your family, and He wants what is best for you. The proof is that he sent His Son into the world to give His life for us."
"Don't be deceived, and don't come to the end of your life some day and realize you've taken the wrong road. Instead, turn to Jesus Christ and invite Him to come into your lives," the Baptist minister concluded, citing Psalm 16:11 which reads: "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."
Earlier in June, the pastor shared his thoughts on the Second Coming of Christ and encouraged believers to take comfort in the reality that one day, Jesus will return, and on that day, all wars will end and the world will finally find peace.
"Would wars happen if we weren't greedy, or power-hungry, or filled with envy and hate? This is why we need Christ, because only He can change our hearts and fill us with true peace and love. Have you opened your life to His transforming power?"
But there is hope for Christians, Graham reminded readers, because "some day all wars will cease - when Christ comes again!"
"He alone gives us hope for lasting peace - in our hearts, and in our world," the renowned evangelist leader concluded.
Graham is one of North Carolina's most famous sons and has made the annual "Most Admired" list a record 58 times. Since beginning his ministry in 1947, he has written 33 books and preached in more than 185 countries.
The evangelist grew up in Charlotte and currently resides in Montreat, North Carolina. In addition to advising numerous political leaders, Graham is known for his crusades that brought the gospel to 215 million people, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
