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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: My students are researching fame and fortune and how it affects people’s character and how their ambition helps them achieve name recognition. The students are challenged to include some personalities from the Bible since it is filled with incredibly interesting biographical material. From the beginning of time, could there be anyone whose life impacted the world more than that of Jesus? – F.F.

 

Dear F.F.: The names of politicians, sports figures, inventors, and others from all walks of life come and go. While their names may continue in history, their impact is not lasting. Only one name is eternal and worthy of our praise and attention: the Name of the Lord God, Jesus Christ. The Prophet Daniel, who served the king of the dominant power in the world, declared, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His” (Daniel 2:20, NKJV). He did not declare the name King Nebuchadnezzar as the almighty one – only God. Isaiah, the prophet, also exalted Him as “the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy” (Isaiah 57:15, NKJV).

The strength of nations is not found in the names and personalities of men and women, but in God alone who is sovereign. No form of government has been able to establish righteousness, justice, and peace, the three elements without which we can never have continued national prosperity or international peace.

When we come to the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God. The Father is the source of all blessing, and the Son is the channel of all blessing, and it is through the Holy Spirit at work in us that all truth becomes living and operative in our lives. He is the source of all things good.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)