March 22, 2019 – Click here to listen
The Los Angeles Crusade of 1949 was the first great evangelistic campaign of Billy Graham. He had a pivotal point in his young ministry when, during this 1949 Los Angeles crusade, he benefitted from a two-word directive from powerful publisher, William Randolph Hearst, to “Puff Graham,” (a journalistic signal instructing his people to write praiseworthy stories about the “Johnny-come-lately” evangelist Billy Graham.) This decree made Billy an instant celebrity nationwide. The sudden front-page coverage showered on Graham by Hearst newspapers in mid-October (after three weeks of little notice of his small tent revival) was quickly matched by other newspapers and newsmagazines – literally a media circus descending on his rallies under a big tent.
During the campaign Graham spoke to 350,000 people, by the end, 3,000 of them decided to convert to Christianity. It was subsequently described as the greatest revival since the time of Billy Sunday. After this crusade Graham became a national beloved figure in the United States.
Graham related in his book, “Just as I Am” (HarperCollins), that he never learned why Hearst took an interest in him. “Hearst and I did not meet, talk by phone, or correspond as long as he lived,” Graham wrote.
Last night I was interviewed on a radio/call-in ministry and they wanted to know about the Jesus Alliance. I relayed this story in an effort to demonstrate what we would like to accomplish. Hearst had worked many years to build a powerful publishing empire. As demonstrated, a two-word directive put Billy Graham on the map and millions have claimed Christ as their Savior as the message of the Lord was proclaimed worldwide.
Today things have changed, and newspapers are ancient history. We are attempting to build an internet- technology platform that we can use to put forth the message of God throughout the world for a good ministry like Graham’s or a faith-based movie, or event to millions that otherwise they would have no way of reaching.
I spoke with a movie producer recently who told me that when faith-based movies first started appearing, churches were none to glad to let their congregations know about them and encourage them to go to the theaters and support them. He explained that movie-making is a business and if millions go and see movies and they make money they will make more faith-based movies instead of satanic trash movies. He told me that after a while churches had a change of heart. They are still willing to tell their congregations about upcoming movies, but now they want to be paid to do it. Satanic greed?
At the Jesus Alliance we just desire to get the word out and not charge anyone for anything. Our desire is to see the message of the Lord get out and many come to salvation and be discipled. We pray that the Lord will help us to build a larger following. If you have not signed up for the Jesus Alliance, please go to our website and do so or follow us on Facebook. Become a part of fulfilling the Great Commission of sharing the Gospel and discipling the nations today.
Billy Graham led multitudes to come forward to make decisions for Christ in every part of the world using this simple prayer:
“O God, I am a sinner. I’m sorry for my sins. I’m willing to turn from my sins. I receive Christ as Savior. I confess Him as Lord. From this moment on I want to follow Him and serve Him in the fellowship of His church. In Christ’s name, Amen.”
Sounds like a few pastors need to act this out themselves . . .
Mark 16:15
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’”
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!