Sunday, January 26, 2014

Book Review: The Reason for My Hope by Billy Graham

One of the most powerful four-letter words is "HOPE". If you watch (or read) the news, you easily see how much this world struggles with hopelessness. Billy Graham shares the reason for his hope: salvation which, in his opinion, is the most hopeful word in history. It's the same message he has been preaching for more than 70 years. In this book, he is urging readers to see the need for Christ with a sense of urgency. The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings hope to us all. Jesus came to seek and save the lost; however, many people refuse to be saved. Many fail to realize that they are in need of a rescue. I enjoyed all the real-life stories shared in this book. I really appreciate Billy Graham's presentation of God's truths without any sugarcoating. He covers Who Jesus is, what sin is, Christ's victory at the cross, evidence of Christ's resurrection, Hell, authentic faith/true Christianity, transformation, carnal "Christians," the cost of following Jesus, and the second coming of Jesus Christ. He's spot on his diagnosis of our society. At the end of the book, Billy Graham explains clearly how you can be saved. I highly recommend this engaging & encouraging book! Christ's redemption story is the most beautiful story no matter how many times we read or hear it. It renews and refreshes our hope. If you're not yet a Christian, please do not disregard God's warning of judgment and God's offer of redemption as in the days of Noah. Jesus is our only Hope for Heaven--the only Way to salvation! Don't leave earth without Him!

"There is no middle ground when it comes to Jesus Christ. You either believe Him and live for Him or reject Him and live for yourself." (p. 83)

"Becoming a Christian means no longer living for yourself but for God in obedience to Him...To say you believe in Him and then continue living as though nothing has changed is to deny the power of God in your new life." (p. 114)

"It is interesting that the ancient Greek word for butterfly is psyche, meaning the very life of the soul. The caterpillar's transformation is a wonderfully symbolic picture of the miracle work of Christ in transforming a lost soul into a vibrant believer." (p. 116)

"Hope in the Lord is not a wish but an absolute assurance that man can be snatched from the fire of destruction and be saved into new life--changed by the mercy of Jesus Christ and declared righteous before His throne of grace." (p. 154)

"Today those who rebuke the world for its immorality and injustice are considered intolerant, but God's warning is a rebuke on man's sin, and His salvation will not be granted to those who continue in it." (p. 171, 172)


 ~I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. All the opinions I have expressed are my own.

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