Prominent evangelist Billy Graham died Wednesday morning at 99.
As news circulated the globe, Christians took to social media to celebrate the life of one of the most influential men in the world.
Here's what they are saying.
Billy Graham was, in my view, the most important evangelist since the Apostle Paul. He preached Christ, not himself, not politics, not prosperity. When many saw evangelicals as just so many Emer Gantrys, he carried unimpeachable personal integrity.
— Russell Moore (@drmoore) Feb. 21, 2018
What Billy Graham taught us is all summed up in the invitation hymn sing at his crusades across the nation: "Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me."
— Russell Moore (@drmoore) Feb. 21, 2018
God raised up Reverend Billy Graham as a servant to raise up the rest of us. He has now called him home. Reverend Graham's spiritual life & influence will continue until He calls us all home. God has Blessed us all with the life of Rev. Graham. RIP
— Steve King (@SteveKingIA) Feb. 21, 2018
I vividly remember, working at a newspaper outside Charlotte, Billy Graham had a health scare that prompted us to pre-plan a special memorial publication, just in case. Interviews with locals, religious leaders, photo galleries, etc. That was a full 10 years ago. pic.twitter.com/7lYmOkxBxN
— Graham Cawthon (@GrahamCawthon) Feb. 21, 2018
Thank You, Billy Graham — https://t.co/niLRyedROT
— Thom Rainer (@ThomRainer) Feb. 21, 2018
If there is a man who should be added to Hebrews 11 as a man of Faith, then it is Billy Graham. He has gone HOME . RIP
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) Feb. 21, 2018
My favorite Billy Graham quote:
— Paul Boyd (@PaulBoydWSOC9) Feb. 21, 2018
"Can you see God?
You haven't seen him?
I've never seen the wind.
I see the effects of the wind,
but I've never seen the wind.
There's a mystery to it."
-Billy Graham
1918-2018 pic.twitter.com/0OcBIkDE60
A faithful servant entered into the joy of his master today. God, raise up more like Billy Graham, who will stay faithful and focused, and who will run the race with endurance!! #BillyGraham #Legacy pic.twitter.com/OGPmfS6d9C
— Mattie Montgomery (@ForTodayMattie) Feb. 21, 2018
I've always loved this TED talk of Billy Graham, one of the best examples of engaging with the gospel in the public square: https://t.co/0vc7IGao7b
— J.D. Greear (@jdgreear) Feb 21, 2018
Just got the word that Billy Graham has passed at the age of 99
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) Feb. 21, 2018
What joy there must be in Heaven this morning as this good and faithful servant enters into the joy of His Lord.
You were one of a kind Sir and this world will not be the same place without you.
Heaven gained a new angel but earth lost a remarkable man of faith in the passing of Billy Graham. His life made an eternal difference!
— Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) Feb. 21, 2018
It is incredible how Billy Graham found Christ, then inspired the globe and led millions of others to do the same. THIS is living life with the purpose God wants for us. Here's his amazing life story: https://t.co/NvGBogIC1S
— Billy Hallowell (@BillyHallowell) Feb. 21, 2018
Thank you Dr. Billy Graham for living a remarkable life. The Lord used you to reach millions of people with the gospel. You were an incredible example of integrity.
— Derwin L. Gray (@DerwinLGray) Feb. 21, 2018
Well done good and faithful servant. You fought the good fight, you kept the faith, you finished the race. #RIP pic.twitter.com/h5Wfqct6SX
Praise God for the life and message of Billy Graham. I have loved him since I was a small boy. He is with Jesus.
— Jack Graham (@jackngraham) Feb. 21, 2018
He shaped my life and ministry in every way. Thank God for the life and legacy of @BillyGraham
— Ronnie Floyd (@ronniefloyd) Feb. 21, 2018
There simply will never be another Billy Graham. What a gift of God to this world.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) February 21, 2018
Today, the most influential evangelist in modern history @BillyGraham stepped into the corridors of eternity.
— Samuel Rodriguez (@nhclc) February 21, 2018
He preached the gospel, lived with integrity and changed the world. Thank you for the example.
My condolences to the family. #BillyGraham
Billy Graham has passed away at the age of 99. What an example he set and what a legacy he left. Here he is preaching on hell: https://t.co/jkGVKinYHG. How different than today's self-help gospel!
— Dr. Michael L. Brown (@DrMichaelLBrown) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham's ministry for the gospel of Jesus Christ and his matchless voice changed the lives of millions. We mourn his passing but I know with absolute certainty that today he heard those words, "well done good and faithful servant." Thank you Billy Graham. God bless you(2/2)
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 21, 2018
The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018Billy Graham was filled with the love of Christ and shared His good news around the world. I'm profoundly grateful for his life. pic.twitter.com/hMiL5JNJ9W
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) February 21, 2018
Vernon Brewer, World Help's president and founder
Today, my family and I mourn the passing of a great man of God, the Rev. Billy Graham. Easily one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, he touched the lives of millions through his unparalleled career as an evangelist. Yet, to me, Billy Graham's evangelism in action, his work to alleviate poverty, hunger and suffering, has been just as profound of a legacy. Modern-day humanitarian aid would not be the same without Billy Graham. Many of us in the humanitarian community were inspired by him to serve others, dream big and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need.
Billy Graham might be known for calling people to be born again and for inspiring a generation of preachers and evangelists; but who knows how many humanitarians have been born from his example?
The world will dearly miss the Rev. Billy Graham, but his legacy and impact will live on through those who take on his mantle and go to the places no one else will go to deliver eternal hope and immediate help to those in need.
Billy Graham was a statesman for the Christian faith, who embodied humility, authenticity and dedication to God's word. While he had the ear of worldwide leaders and notable celebrities, his goal was never to impress but to influence. After spending time with Mr Graham during his Philadelphia crusade, I became acutely aware how He approached every individual with the same care, compassion and loving attitude while striving each day to emulate the ultimate example of Christ.
While Mr. Graham leaves behind a great and abundant legacy, which may never fully be known on this side of heaven, one of his truest legacies is the people, like myself, who are now following in his footstep to preach the Gospel message of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
I am forever grateful for Mr. Graham's impact on my life, not only professionally as an evangelist, having modeled my own ministry after his, but also personally, which is evident by my son and his namesake, Graham.
We will update this story throughout the day. Please check back for more.
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