Lecture on the Story of Billy Graham and Charles Templeton

Introduction

• Approach the Bible with expectancy to hear from God.
• Importance of meditation on Scripture, whether a verse or a chapter.
• The story contrasts two evangelists: Billy Graham and Charles Templeton.

Billy Graham

• Renowned evangelist with a global impact.
• Known for his preaching and influence on leaders and common folks alike.
• Committed to the Bible as God's Word during a significant moment at Forest Home.

Charles Templeton

• Canadian evangelist and contemporary of Billy Graham.
• Initially successful in evangelism, even more polished than Graham.
• Experienced a crisis of faith, leading to agnosticism.

Early Ministry

• Graham and Templeton co-founded Youth for Christ.
• Both evangelists traveled extensively to preach.
• Their paths diverged due to differing views on the Bible.

Templeton's Crisis of Faith

• Faced challenges to his faith from secular authors.
• Enrolled at Princeton to address doubts, leading to solidifying agnostic beliefs.
• Left the ministry due to intellectual honesty.

Billy Graham's Resolute Faith

• Experienced doubts but chose to accept the Bible by faith.
• His decision at Forest Home marked a turning point.
• Continued to preach globally with renewed conviction.

Outcomes and Legacy

• Templeton became a writer and inventor; published 'Farewell to God'.
• Graham became one of the most influential Christian leaders.
• Templeton missed Jesus, despite his agnostic stance.

Lesson from Their Stories

• Importance of intellectual honesty as seen in Templeton's decision.
• Graham's reliance on faith and the Holy Spirit for understanding.
• Challenges to faith should be met with both intellectual pursuit and spiritual reliance.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore doubts and pursue understanding.
• The role of God's illumination through the Holy Spirit in understanding scripture.
• Personal reflection on faith and the impact of the Bible on one's life.

Personal Reflection

• The speaker's experience working at Forest Home, where Graham made his pivotal decision.
• Significance of teaching and preaching in the speaker's life.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement to share and discuss the content.
• Information on how to engage with the speaker's community and resources.

• Importance of reviewing personal beliefs about the Bible.
• Reflect on how one's beliefs affect their life and eternity.