200+ Quotes & Sayings By Billy Graham

Billy Graham was the son of a Baptist preacher who, at the age of 12, gave his first sermon. He later attended Bob Jones University, where he met his future wife, Ruth Bell. He served as editor of the student newspaper and graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1935. After graduation, he preached for two years at his father's church in Charlotte, North Carolina Read more

In 1937, he left to become the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Montreat, North Carolina. His father died in 1944, and Graham moved to Los Angeles to take over as pastor of the Los Angeles Baptist Church. Graham worked for five years as an advertising executive before becoming a full-time Christian evangelist. He began preaching at local churches on Sundays and for $100 per week on Saturdays.

His first crusade took place on February 21, 1948. Graham's average speaking fee increased from $1,000 per engagement at the beginning of his ministry to more than $50 million per year by 1999. Graham reached millions of people through radio and television; his books; magazine articles; appearances on numerous network programs; and his ministry training centers around the world. He became one of America's most famous evangelists.

He had more than 500 crusades (largely revival meetings) across 53 countries on six continents before turning over management of all his worldwide evangelistic organizations to his son Franklin upon his retirement in 2005. Graham held evangelical views about Israel but refused to support any specific political parties or policies regarding Israel until after its statehood had been achieved (in May 1980). Graham also visited the Soviet Union during the Cold War but refused requests for him to preach there, due to concerns about being imprisoned or killed for doing so as a Christian minister. In 1989 Graham told CBS News that as a Christian minister he could not accept money from both sides during World War II because he saw it as contradicting Jesus Christ's message of non-violence. In 1995 President Bill Clinton invited Graham to attend a presidential prayer breakfast meeting with then-Russian President Boris Yeltsin and other world leaders who attended a meeting with the U.S.

president in Washington D.C.. The event was typically held annually by previous U.S presidents including Ronald Reagan before Clinton took office as president in 1993, but was not held again until 2001 when Bill Clinton invited Graham back after meeting him in Dallas following a memorial service honoring former President John F Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery where Clinton was also attending prayer

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It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge and my job to love. Billy Graham
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Remember: He WANTS your fellowship, and He has done everything possible to make it a reality. He has forgiven your sins, at the cost of His own dear Son. He has given you His Word, and the priceless privilege of prayer and worship. Billy Graham
Science is learning to control everything but man.
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Science is learning to control everything but man. Billy Graham
The blessing of knowledge becomes a curse when we pervert...
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The blessing of knowledge becomes a curse when we pervert it. Billy Graham
If ever a generation was bequeathed the knowledge of God,...
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If ever a generation was bequeathed the knowledge of God, we were. Yet we are throwing away this glorious heritage on our lust and passions. Billy Graham
The more man learns, the less he knows.
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The more man learns, the less he knows. Billy Graham
Today an educated, civilized society is turning its face while...
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Today an educated, civilized society is turning its face while thousands of unborn babies are being killed. God Himself, if not history, will judge this greater holocaust. Billy Graham
Much of the world in search of knowledge and fulfillment...
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Much of the world in search of knowledge and fulfillment ignores God! Billy Graham
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Today we have more knowledge than at any other time in history. In seconds our laptops or PCs can call up information about a topic that would have taken years to collect. Young people graduate with more knowledge than ever before–but in spite of their knowledge, they are confused, bewildered, frustrated, and without moral moorings. Billy Graham
It is the absence of the knowledge of God and...
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It is the absence of the knowledge of God and man’s refusal to obey Him that lie at the root of every problem which besets us. Billy Graham
We are the most informed people in the history of...
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We are the most informed people in the history of civilization–and yet the most confused. Though our heads are crammed with knowledge, our hearts are empty. Billy Graham
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Joy cannot be pursued. It comes from within. It is a state of being. It does not depend on circumstances, but triumphs over circumstances. It produces a gentleness of spirit and a magnetic personality. Billy Graham
‎Sincerity is the biggest part of selling anything -- including...
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‎Sincerity is the biggest part of selling anything -- including the Christian plan of salvation. Billy Graham
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Some people think that going to church on Sunday and owning a dust-covered Bible makes a person a Christian. That is not true. A Christian is one in whom Christ dwells, and the person’s life will give evidence of this. Billy Graham
Christians are expected to carry the marks of the Lord...
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Christians are expected to carry the marks of the Lord Jesus, not adapt to the fashionable counterculture driven by marketing traps. Billy Graham
If you are a true Christian .. .you will reveal...
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If you are a true Christian .. .you will reveal through your daily life the fruit of the Spirit .. .and all the other Christian virtues which round out a Christlike personality. Billy Graham
A born-again Christian should no more think of going back...
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A born-again Christian should no more think of going back to the old life than an adult to his childhood. Billy Graham
Many Christians who profess Christ do not live as though...
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Many Christians who profess Christ do not live as though they possess Him. Billy Graham
Within the New Testament, there is no indication that Christians...
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Within the New Testament, there is no indication that Christians should expect to be healthy, wealthy, and successful in this present age. Billy Graham
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Many people ask about Christianity the same [way] they ask about everything else today: “What’s in it for me?” In our selfishness, we think of God as we think of everyone else. What can He contribute to us, personally? Billy Graham
Just because a person claims to be a Christian does...
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Just because a person claims to be a Christian does not necessarily mean that he is one. Billy Graham
The Christian has a great obligation to be ethical and...
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The Christian has a great obligation to be ethical and honest in all things, even sometimes at personal hazard. It is in the difficult situation that the qualities of a Christian are seen. Billy Graham
A baby isn’t meant to stay a baby forever, and...
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A baby isn’t meant to stay a baby forever, and neither is a new Christian. Billy Graham
The goal of a child’s life is maturity–and the goal...
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The goal of a child’s life is maturity–and the goal of a Christian’s life is spiritual maturity. Billy Graham
Today our churches are filled, but how many are actually...
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Today our churches are filled, but how many are actually practicing Christianity in daily life? Billy Graham
My wife has said that a bitter, sour Christianis one...
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My wife has said that a bitter, sour Christianis one of Satan’s greatest trophies–and she’s right. Billy Graham
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Christians are becoming disengaged in following the Scripture that tells us not to conform to the world’s system. Billy Graham
Christians, saints of God, pray that the dew of heaven...
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Christians, saints of God, pray that the dew of heaven may fall on earth’s dry thirsty ground, and that righteousness may cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Billy Graham
I like the bumper sticker that reads, “Christians aren’t perfect,...
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I like the bumper sticker that reads, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” But that does not give us license to live below God’s standard. Billy Graham
When confronted with the world’s problems, we Christians say automatically:...
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When confronted with the world’s problems, we Christians say automatically: “Christianity is the answer.” But this is not true! It is the application of Christianity that is the answer. Billy Graham
We cannot inherit Christianity .. . God has no grandchildren.
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We cannot inherit Christianity .. . God has no grandchildren. Billy Graham
A contentious, belligerent Christian isn’t living according to the Spirit...
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A contentious, belligerent Christian isn’t living according to the Spirit but according to the flesh. When we stubbornly insist on our own way and are insensitive to others, peace is not our goal. Billy Graham
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What makes Christians different from everyone else is that God Himself lives within them by His Holy Spirit. When we come to Christ and give our lives to Him, God actually takes up residence within us. Billy Graham
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Every Christian should become an ambassador of Christ. .. every Christian should be so intoxicated with Christ and so filled with holy fervor that nothing could ever quench his [passion]. .. Let us capture some of the magnificent obsession that [the] early Christians had! Billy Graham
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When Rome was at the height of her glory and power, there appeared a disturbing sect called Christians. Because of a fire that burned within them, these people dared to be different . they refused to be defiled by the sensual practices of a disintegrating civilization. In a period when human life was cheap, they put a high value upon human beings, their souls, and their destiny. These Christians refused to be absorbed into the godless society of Rome. They had not heard of the rule that we hear today, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do. . Billy Graham
The feet of the Christian need to tread the narrow...
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The feet of the Christian need to tread the narrow path that the Savior trod, keeping in step with Him. Billy Graham
Christians are not powerless. We have the mighty power of...
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Christians are not powerless. We have the mighty power of God available through God the Holy Spirit, even in this world. Billy Graham
The Christian’s journey through life isn’t a sprint but a...
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The Christian’s journey through life isn’t a sprint but a marathon. Billy Graham
Tragic as it is when a child fails to develop...
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Tragic as it is when a child fails to develop physically or mentally, even more tragic is a Christian who fails to develop spiritually. Billy Graham
Christianity is not an insurance policy against life’s ills and...
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Christianity is not an insurance policy against life’s ills and troubles. Billy Graham
Christians, pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit upon a...
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Christians, pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit upon a willful, evil, unrepentant world. Billy Graham
As Christians we are constantly bombarded with attitudes and values...
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As Christians we are constantly bombarded with attitudes and values which are contrary to biblical teaching. Billy Graham
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The faithful Christian steward acknowledges that God owns all he has, and it is his responsibility to manage and dispose of his possessions in a way that is acceptable to the Lord. Billy Graham
I fear that so often we Christians give the idea...
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I fear that so often we Christians give the idea that the truth is fiction by the way we live and by the lack of dedication to the teachings of our Lord. Billy Graham
Don’t be a half- Christian. There are too many of...
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Don’t be a half- Christian. There are too many of such in the world. The world has a profound respect for people who are sincere in their faith. Billy Graham
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Too many so-called Christians are like the little chameleon which adapts its coloration to that of its surroundings. Even a critical world is quick to recognize a real Christian and just as quick to detect a counterfeit. Billy Graham
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Would Christ feel comfortable in an environment where men and women are consuming alcoholic beverages, gambling away their money, and engaging in conversation that is often filled with the baser things of life? It is a relevant question. As a Christian, Christ lives in you and you carry Him wherever you go. The Bible tells us to “come out from them and be separate” [2 Corinthians 6:17 NIV]. Billy Graham
For the Christian, all is not hopeless unless his affections...
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For the Christian, all is not hopeless unless his affections are centered on the things of this world. Billy Graham
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There are too many professed Christians who never get “wrought up” about anything; they never get indignant with injustice, with corruption in high places, or with the godless traffics which barter away the souls and bodies of people. Billy Graham
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The Christian is not to be disturbed by thechaos, violence, strife, bloodshed, and threat of war that fill the pages of our daily newspapers. We know that these things are the consequences of man’s sin and greed. Every day as I read my newspaper I say: “The Bible is true. Billy Graham
Christianity is a Gospel of crisis. It proclaims unmistakably that...
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Christianity is a Gospel of crisis. It proclaims unmistakably that this world’s days are numbered. Billy Graham
It is a tragic fact that the vast majority of...
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It is a tragic fact that the vast majority of Christians today are living a sub-normal Christian life. Billy Graham
The greatest need in the world today is for fully...
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The greatest need in the world today is for fully committed Christians. Billy Graham
It’s tough to be a Christian in our world. We...
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It’s tough to be a Christian in our world. We need to be willing to take on Jesus’ unpopularity and the scorn that is often heaped on Him. Billy Graham
There are Christians who have never really learned the biblical...
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There are Christians who have never really learned the biblical truth of separation: separation from unclean thoughts and unclean habits. Billy Graham
Millions of professing Christians are only just that–“professing.” They have...
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Millions of professing Christians are only just that–“professing.” They have never possessed Christ. They live lives characterized by the flesh. Billy Graham
Christianity is not an accretion, it is not something added....
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Christianity is not an accretion, it is not something added. It is a new total outlook which is satisfied with nothing less than penetration to the furthest corners of the mind and the understanding. Billy Graham
We have made Christianity too easy.
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We have made Christianity too easy. Billy Graham
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Our generation has become well versed in Christian terminology but is remiss in the actual practice of Christ’s principles and teachings. Hence, our greatest need today is not more Christianity but more true Christians. Billy Graham
All of Christianity is based on a person– Jesus Christ....
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All of Christianity is based on a person– Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the embodiment of the Gospel. Billy Graham
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Christianity cannot expect the world to live the truths of the Gospel until it has the life that the Gospel provides in Christ. We Christians ought to be light and salt in the society in which we live. Billy Graham
Christianity increases the scope and area of our lives.
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Christianity increases the scope and area of our lives. Billy Graham
Christianity is not a spectator sport, it’s something in which...
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Christianity is not a spectator sport, it’s something in which we become totally involved. Billy Graham
Affliction may be for our edification and Christian development.
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Affliction may be for our edification and Christian development. Billy Graham
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In some churches and religious television programs, we see an effort to make Christianity popular and always positive. This may be a comfortable cushion for those who find the hard facts too difficult. Billy Graham
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Christianity has its roots in the deep, firm soil of history. Jesus’ incarnation– God invading human history with His presence in the form of man–is on the record. Every time you write the date, you attest to the fact that God entered human history. Billy Graham
I believe there is an obedience to the Gospel, there...
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I believe there is an obedience to the Gospel, there is a self-denial and a bearing of the cross, if you are to be a follower of Christ. Being a Christian is a serious business. Billy Graham
If it is Christian, it will be Bible-centered.
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If it is Christian, it will be Bible-centered. Billy Graham
Christianity has no shrines to visit, no dusty remains to...
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Christianity has no shrines to visit, no dusty remains to venerate, no tombs at which to worship. Billy Graham
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Only the Christian faith claims that its Leader died and rose again and is alive at this moment. Many gravestones carry the inscription, “Here lies .. . , ” but on Christ’s tomb are emblazoned the words, “He is not here. Billy Graham
Christians should be a foreign influence, a minority group in...
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Christians should be a foreign influence, a minority group in a pagan world. Billy Graham
The secret of the power of Christianity is not in...
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The secret of the power of Christianity is not in its ethics. It is not in Christian ideas or philosophy .. .the secret of Christianity is found .. . in the Lord Jesus Christ. Billy Graham
If we have our eyes upon ourselves, our problems, and...
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If we have our eyes upon ourselves, our problems, and our pain, we cannot lift our eyes upward. A child looks up when he’s walking with his father, and the same should be true for the Christian. Billy Graham
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What makes us Christians shrug our shoulders when we ought to be flexing our muscles? What makes us apathetic in a day when there are loads to lift, a world to be won, and captives to be set free? Why are so many bored, when the times demand action? Christ told us that in the last days there would be an insipid attitude toward life. Billy Graham
To a sinner, a righteous person is an oddity and...
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To a sinner, a righteous person is an oddity and an abnormality. A Christian’s goodness is a rebuke to the wicked; his being right-side up is a reflection upon the worldling’s inverted position. Billy Graham
Ninety-five percent of the difficulties you will experience as a...
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Ninety-five percent of the difficulties you will experience as a Christian can be traced to a lack of Bible study and reading. Billy Graham
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God says it is our duty as Christians to take care of widows and orphans and to help the poor within the Christian society .. .And Jesus said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” Matthew 25:40 KJV]. Billy Graham
We must have a virile, dynamic, aggressive Christian who lives...
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We must have a virile, dynamic, aggressive Christian who lives Christ seven days a week, who is ready to die, if necessary, for his faith. Billy Graham
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We can never live this [Christian] life on the highest plane unless we are continually growing and moving forward. You should be closer to God today in heart, soul, and body than at any other time so far in your life. Billy Graham
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A great problem in America is that we have an anemic and watered-down Christianity that has produced an anemic, watered-down, and spineless Christian who is not willing to stand up and be counted on every issue. Billy Graham
Christianity is not primarily a matter of externals, nevertheless it...
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Christianity is not primarily a matter of externals, nevertheless it does find expression in conversation, habits, recreation, emphasis, and ambitions to be noted in our daily life. Billy Graham
The Christian is to take his place in society with...
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The Christian is to take his place in society with moral courage to stand up for that which is right, just, and honorable. Billy Graham
Christianity has become so respectable and so conventional that it...
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Christianity has become so respectable and so conventional that it is now insipid. The salt has lost its flavor. Billy Graham
Jesus said our souls are more valuable than all the...
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Jesus said our souls are more valuable than all the rest of the world put together. Billy Graham
[God] knows that an uncontrolled life is an unhappy life,...
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[God] knows that an uncontrolled life is an unhappy life, so He puts reins on our wayward souls that they may be directed into the “paths of righteousness. Billy Graham
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My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world. Billy Graham
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History is going somewhere. And we know full well that He who does all things well will bring beauty from the ashes of world chaos. A new world is being born. A new social order will emerge when Christ comes back. A fabulous future is on the way. Billy Graham
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The world doesn’t give peace, for it doesn’t have any peace to give. It fights for peace, it negotiates for peace, it maneuvers for peace, but there is no ultimate peace in the world. But Jesus gives peace to those who put their trust in Him. Billy Graham
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Until you actually possess true peace with God, no one can describe its wonders to you. Billy Graham
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Peace–[the ability] to sleep in the storm! Billy Graham
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Most people yearn for one thing more than anything else: inner peace. Without it they have no lasting happiness or security. Billy Graham
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I know where I’ve come from. I know why I’m here. I know where I’m going–and I have peace in my heart. His peace floods my heart and overwhelms my soul! Billy Graham
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The promoters of change offer a grand vision of world unity. While the globalists and international affairs specialists continue their chant for “peace, peace, ” we are reminded that the Bible says that there can be no lasting peace until Christ returns. So the world remains restless and uncertain. Billy Graham
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Your future does not hinge on the world situation, however grim it might become. It depends on what happened 2, 000 years ago at the cross and your acceptance or rejection of the Prince of Peace. Billy Graham
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If the United Nations could bring lasting peace, man could say to God, “We do not need You anymore. We have brought peace on earth and have organized humanity in righteousness.” All of these schemes are patchwork remedies that a sick and dying world must use while waiting for the Great Physician. Billy Graham
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Only Christ can meet the deepest needs of our world and our hearts. Christ alone can bring lasting peace–peace with God, peace among men and nations, and peace within our hearts. He transcends the political and social boundaries of our world. Billy Graham
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I call upon the leaders of all nations to work for peace, even when the risks seem high. I call upon Christians to pray and work for peace in whatever constructive ways are open to them. I do not believe this is only a political issue; it is a moral one as well. Billy Graham
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Peace conferences are held almost daily by governments, civic organizations, and churches. But the Scripture teaches that peace and safety will not come in any lasting way until the Prince of Peace, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, comes and rules and reigns in our world. Billy Graham
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For the Christian, peace is not simply the absence of conflict, or any other artificial state the world has to offer. Rather it is the deep, abiding peace only Jesus Christ brings to the heart. Billy Graham
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There is going on in the world today a quiet, bloodless revolution. It has no fanfare, no newspaper coverage, no propaganda; yet it is changing the course of thousands of lives. It is restoring purpose and meaning to life as men of all races and nationalities are finding peace with God. Billy Graham