Even in this era of superstar charismatic preachers, none probably is as universally well known as Billy Graham. Many have called him America’s pastor due to his fame and his counsel to so many Presidents.
I have always had an appreciation for him even though I could not endorse some of his theological assertions. I was able to see him live at one of his famous crusades when I was in school. And while there was much a Lutheran could scoff at, his simple presentation of the law and gospel was compelling, especially for a man of his age.
So when I saw this book available to review at BookSneeze, I jumped at the opportunity. Truth is 99% of his sermons at his crusades were very similar since he viewed both his call and his crusades as specifically evangelistic. He did not seek to teach on many topics but time and time again sought to reveal man as sinner and Jesus as Savior. I hoped this book might give me a broader insight into the convictions of this man.
This book is very easy to use and read. It is simply a collection of quotations on various topics. It is nice that they are footnoted as well. Even though there were many topics listed, almost all of the quotes still revolved around the basic message of sin and salvation. To me this was disappointing because I hoped to learn more about his thoughts on other things. However, at the same time, I cannot help but rejoice that his focus always remained on sin and grace. If you have to get stuck on one thought, that is the one to land on. With such a tendency, he could have been confused as a Lutheran until the altar call.
The quotations themselves are a good reference to have. Billy Graham did not speak in fancy language but is blessedly plain and straightforward. We could learn from this. Just parrot the scriptures and leave it there. I could see this book being helpful in preparing a sermon or speaking on a particular topic.
Strikingly absent is any talk of the sacraments even as mere ordinances. Obviously, I did not expect to agree if there were quotes but the fact that nothing is said of them says a lot.
I feel about this book the way I feel about the man. There is much to be lauded but there is also much missing. This book could be worth owning to those looking for different ways to same the same things (which all Lutheran preachers ought to do). But as a Lutheran, you will always have to fill in the Baptist blanks.
