An email closing a discussion about Dr. Gilly Graham's expose' from a disapointed believer in December 1999

Dear All:

The recent discussions concerning Dr.Billy Graham - his methods, and gospel - only serve to remind me that we must not put our trust in 'chariots' or 'horses' or even 'men' but only in the name of the Lord our God. I hope this will be your experience as well!

Two things should be considered in this discussion:

1. God uses whomsoever He will, in whatsoever manner He deems, in order to get His will (purposes) accomplished. In Isaiah 55:11, God shows us that even as His natural laws provide for our physical well-being, so also "shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Beautifull examples of this sovereignty of God abound in scripture. Baalam's Ass, is the
obvious one that comes quickly to mind, but there are numerous others.
God will use even 'unregenerate' men to accomplish His ends. Nothing can stop His will being accomplished in the lives of His elect. From a view of history we can see that despite the wickedness - and, often, outright heresy - of many 'preachers' -- God's elect have been separated from the masses. (And here, I am not condemning Billy Graham, per se. I was once, a very strong supporter of BG, and especially after the upheavel's and exposes in televangeland, I came out strongly in his defence [did anyone ever hear the DA song "I Love You Billy"?]; now, however, I can point you to any number of BG exposes -- but will refrain.)

2. Our 'sheep'-iness lends us a predilection to revere and, indeed, rely on the teachings, ministry, visibility, etc. of teacher/ministers. I was, unfortunately, 'very' inclined to look-up-to, depend-on, and look for direction from others whom I felt were qualified (knowledge, experience, anointing) in the ministry or as teachers (author- cum- theologians). Naming names (at this point) has nothing to do with our subject; suffice it to say that I was enamoured by others in the sense that I relied on them as a filter for my experential relationship and intellectual understanding of my Father. They were pseudo- authorities in my life.

Nevertheless, God has - through the years - shown me that I must rely on Him alone, that men are fallible, and that no one can come between me and Him. Jesus, God the Son, is my High Priest interceding on my behalf. God the Father is my Creator, and He who adjudicates my life. God the Holy Spirit leads me into all truth, understanding, and sanctifies my soul.

In conclusion, I would like to encourage everyone to maintain and give priority to 'their own' relationship to our Lord (and all that that entails - esp. studying His word). Get good teaching from wherever you might find it. Keep the Word as your rule/canon/authority when determing sound doctrine, etc. Men are 'sinners' and thus fallible - don't be daunted by their failures or shortcomings. Look unto Christ, our Hope of Glory.

Your unprofitable servant in Christ, H..L..