Billy Graham - Who is Jesus? - Chicago 1971

TL;DR

Billy Graham explores the identity and significance of Jesus.

Transcript

I'm going to ask that we all bow our heads in prayer every head bowed and every eye closed for many thousands of people here today this will be an hour of decision and you will never be the same today even if you refuse Christ you'll never be the same once youve faced him once you've heard the gospel and rejected it you can ... Read More

Key Insights

• Billy Graham emphasizes the importance of making a personal decision about accepting or rejecting Jesus, highlighting the eternal implications of this choice.
• The sermon draws parallels between the biblical story of Jonah and Jesus, suggesting that Jesus is the ultimate sign for this generation.
• Graham discusses how Jesus was perceived in his time, addressing various misconceptions and affirming Jesus' divine nature.
• The sermon references contemporary cultural works, like rock operas and plays, that explore the question of Jesus' identity, showing his enduring influence.
• Graham asserts that Jesus' teachings transcend cultural and racial boundaries, emphasizing that Jesus belongs to the whole world.
• The resurrection of Jesus is presented as a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing hope and assurance of eternal life.
• Graham challenges listeners to consider Jesus' claims of divinity and his transformative power in the lives of believers.
• The call to action invites individuals to publicly commit to following Jesus, underscoring the importance of a personal relationship with him.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main theme of Billy Graham's sermon?

The main theme of Billy Graham's sermon is exploring the identity of Jesus Christ and the importance of making a personal decision to accept or reject him. Graham emphasizes the eternal implications of this choice and encourages individuals to consider Jesus' divine claims and transformative power in their lives.

Q: How does Graham compare Jesus to other historical figures?

Graham notes that, unlike other historical figures such as Buddha, Muhammad, or Gandhi, Jesus continues to be a central figure in cultural discussions, plays, and operas. He highlights Jesus' unique influence, pointing out that Jesus lived only 33 years, had no formal education, and never traveled far, yet remains a significant figure in history and faith.

Q: What cultural references does Graham use to illustrate Jesus' influence?

Graham references contemporary cultural works like the rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' the play 'Godspell,' and the movie 'Brother John' to illustrate Jesus' enduring influence. He notes that these works explore the question of Jesus' identity, showing that people continue to be captivated by his life and teachings.

Q: What does Graham say about Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?

Graham highlights Jesus' teachings on forgiveness, noting that Jesus instructed his followers to forgive others repeatedly, up to 'seventy times seven' times. He emphasizes that Jesus' teachings on forgiveness represent a revolutionary way of living, challenging individuals to extend grace and forgiveness to others as a reflection of God's love.

Q: How does Graham address misconceptions about Jesus?

Graham addresses several misconceptions about Jesus, including the ideas that he was merely a revolutionary, a hippie, or an establishment figure. He affirms that Jesus was much more than these labels, emphasizing his divine nature as the Son of God and his role in building a spiritual kingdom rather than a political or social movement.

Q: What role does the resurrection play in Graham's message?

The resurrection is central to Graham's message, as he presents it as the cornerstone of Christian faith. He argues that the resurrection provides hope and assurance of eternal life, and it inspired the early disciples to spread the message of Jesus. Without the resurrection, Graham asserts, Christianity would be meaningless.

Q: What invitation does Graham extend to his audience?

Graham extends an invitation to his audience to publicly commit to following Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of making a personal decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, highlighting the eternal consequences of this choice. Graham encourages individuals to experience the peace and joy that come from a personal relationship with Jesus.

Q: How does Graham describe the challenge of living as a Christian?

Graham describes living as a Christian as challenging because it involves going against the tide of the world. He notes that accepting Christ means facing spiritual battles and temptations, but he emphasizes that Christians can rely on the strength and guidance of Jesus to overcome these challenges. He encourages believers to stay grounded in prayer and scripture.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Billy Graham's sermon explores the question 'Who is Jesus?' by examining biblical narratives and contemporary cultural references. He emphasizes the importance of making a personal decision about Jesus, whose identity and significance continue to captivate people worldwide. The sermon encourages listeners to consider Jesus' divine claims and the transformative impact he can have on their lives.

• Graham highlights Jesus' unparalleled influence, noting that despite living only 33 years and having no formal education, Jesus remains a central figure in discussions about faith and morality. He challenges misconceptions about Jesus' identity, affirming his divinity and calling on individuals to accept him as their Savior.

• The sermon concludes with a call for public commitment to Jesus, stressing the eternal consequences of this decision. Graham underscores the resurrection as the foundation of Christian faith, offering hope and assurance of salvation. He invites listeners to experience the peace and joy that come from a personal relationship with Jesus.