PART 1 REV BILLY GRAHAM VS JESUS, BIBLE, PAUL, THE FIRST CHURCH

October 24, 2025 /

Part 1 Rev Billy Graham VS Jesus, Paul, the Early Church, Bible

(The purpose of this is to compare modern. day media, life representations of Saved, Ministry lay Christians with those who accuse and vilify famous pastors, Christians on line (dare them to watch several Billy Graham You Tubes video

Introduction:

When examining the lives and ministries of Jesus, Paul, the early church, and Rev. Billy Graham, it becomes clear that these figures share key commonalities in their message, lifestyle, and authority. Each one was deeply committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, living out Christian values, and prioritizing the salvation of souls. However, each also navigated the cultural and historical context in which they ministered, offering a unique perspective on how the Christian message was spread.

This comparison will focus on the message, teachings, authority, and lifestyle of each—highlighting similarities and differences, as well as the ways in which Billy Graham’s ministry reflects core principles of Jesus’ and Paul’s ministries.

1. The Message of Jesus, Paul, the Early Church, and Rev. Billy Graham

A. Jesus’ Message:

Core Message: Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), emphasizing repentance, the Kingdom of God, and salvation through faith in Him. His message was one of grace, forgiveness, and love, offering the way to eternal life through Him (John 14:6).

Key Scriptures:

Luke 4:18-19 (KJV): “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor…”

John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…”

B. Paul’s Message:

Core Message: Apostle Paul expanded on Jesus’ message, focusing on the justification by faith, the importance of the resurrection, and the new life believers have in Christ. His letters laid the foundation for Christian doctrine and emphasized the grace and freedom believers have in Christ (Romans 6:4).

Key Scriptures:

Romans 1:16 (KJV): “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…”

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God…”

C. The Early Church’s Message:

Core Message: The early church, led by apostles and disciples, continued to preach the message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. They called people to repentance, baptism, and faith in Jesus Christ. Their message was clear: Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, who had died for the sins of the world and was raised from the dead to give eternal life to all who believe.

Key Scriptures:

Acts 2:38 (KJV): “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 4:12 (KJV): “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

D. Billy Graham’s Message:

Core Message: Rev. Billy Graham’s ministry echoed Jesus’ and Paul’s message of salvation through faith in Christ, repentance, and the importance of personal relationship with Jesus. He preached the Gospel in a simple, direct way, emphasizing salvation, the need for repentance, and the urgency of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. Graham’s call for conversion was clear: one must come to Jesus for eternal life.

Key Scriptures:

John 14:6 (KJV): “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Romans 10:9 (KJV): “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

2. The Authority of Jesus, Paul, the Early Church, and Billy Graham

A. Jesus’ Authority:

Jesus’ authority came directly from God the Father. He didn’t rely on human approval or cultural norms; His authority was intrinsic and divine. Jesus’ teachings were often delivered with power and boldness, and His actions confirmed His authority, such as healing the sick, casting out demons, and raising the dead.

Matthew 28:18 (KJV): “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

B. Paul’s Authority:

Paul’s authority was rooted in his apostolic calling and his unique experience with Jesus. He didn’t seek authority from human sources but received his commission directly from Christ (Galatians 1:1). His apostolic authority was recognized by the early Church, and his letters became foundational for Christian doctrine.

Galatians 1:1 (KJV): “Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead…”

C. The Early Church’s Authority:

The early church was led by apostles and elders, whose authority was rooted in their commissioning by Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The apostles’ teachings and actions were authoritative, but they also emphasized servant leadership—willing to lay down their lives for the Gospel.

Acts 2:42 (KJV): “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

D. Billy Graham’s Authority:

Billy Graham’s authority was not self-appointed, but was based on his calling by God to preach the Gospel. Like Jesus and Paul, his authority came from a divine commission to spread the message of salvation. Graham’s genuine faith, consistent character, and biblical preaching earned him the trust of millions, as he faithfully declared the Word of God.

Romans 1:16 (KJV): “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…”

3. The Lifestyle of Jesus, Paul, the Early Church, and Billy Graham

A. Jesus’ Lifestyle:

Jesus lived a humble life, relying on the Father and on the support of others for His earthly needs. He modeled servant leadership and self-sacrifice, showing His disciples that greatness in the Kingdom of God comes through service, not power.

Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV): “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant…”

B. Paul’s Lifestyle:

Paul’s lifestyle reflected sacrifice and selflessness. He worked to support himself (Acts 20:34), endured hardships, and faced persecution for the sake of the Gospel. He encouraged others to follow his example of humility and dependence on God.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV): “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

C. The Early Church’s Lifestyle:

The early Christians lived in community, practicing hospitality, and mutual care. They devoted themselves to prayer, the teaching of the Word, and spreading the Gospel. Their lifestyle was marked by unity, selflessness, and a willingness to face persecution for the sake of Christ.

Acts 2:44-47 (KJV): “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”

D. Billy Graham’s Lifestyle:

Billy Graham led a simple, disciplined, and humble life. While his ministry grew large, he stayed focused on his calling and was always committed to integrity and personal holiness. He did not engage in the excesses of fame or wealth, but instead, dedicated himself to the message of Christ and the souls he was called to reach.

2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV): “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

4. Conclusion:

While Jesus, Paul, the early Church, and Billy Graham lived and ministered in different cultural contexts, they shared several key principles:

A focus on salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. ” there is only “one way” to heaven”

A commitment to humility and service, not seeking personal gain.

A biblical foundation for their authority, not relying on human approval but on God’s calling.

Billy Graham’s ministry was in many ways a modern reflection of these biblical principles, embodying the simplicity and truth of the early church’s message while utilizing modern methods to reach a global audience. His life and message echo the timeless truth of the Gospel: salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. Through integrity, humility, and obedience to God’s call, Billy Graham’s ministry was a powerful testimony to the authority and truth of God’s Word

Reader: Compared to Modern Christian Ministry, why not take time out to view several of Dr Billy Graham’s You Tube view and note the big deep Eternal sober ultra contrasts” -Sister T

To Sow Into: