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Book Review
May 2, 2001

The Evangelist by Lewis A. Drummond

Billy Graham: there is a name known to people all over the world, Christian and non-Christian. Considering that he has preached all over the world for over 50 years in more than 185 countries before a live audience exceeding 200 million, one cannot ignore the life and teaching of the evangelist.

Drummond acknowledges Graham's successes and also at times his controversy. This review however, will seek to focus on the style of writing Drummond employs. This is not really a biography. Instead, The Evangelist is a doctrinal profile of this century's most recognizable preacher.

Chapters two through eight consider Graham's teachings on various doctrines. These include: the Holy Spirit, the true Gospel, the sovereignty of God, the centrality of Christ, the social gospel, suffering, and the Bible. Chapters nine through eleven deal with the practical issues of boldness, godliness, and revival. Chapter thirteen deals with Graham and the church. Each chapter does a thorough job of detailing Billy Graham's preaching and beliefs.

While Graham is admired by many, he is also is also a lightning rod for criticism. While Drummond notes these criticisms he could have been a little more detailed and balanced in his presentations of those criticism. One would have wished that in the chapter on the church this book would dealt more thoroughly with the legitimate criticisms some evangelicals have with mass evangelism and association with non-evangelical church leaders. Still this is a great book and a must have for anyone interested in Baptists and Christianity in general.

An added bonus is a CD with a video clip from Graham's first crusade in Los Angeles in 1949. Also included is a video clip from one of the latest Billy Graham crusades as well as audio sermons of Graham through the years.

No preacher in this century has been better documented, considered, discussed, admired, or reviled. Lewis Drummond should be credited with helping us to get to know the real Billy Graham a little better!

The Evangelist by Lewis Drummond (Word Publishing, 2001) hardcover, 288 pages.

Lewis Drummond serves as the Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at Beeson Divinity School.

 .

Billy Graham ...went for a sort time to Bob Jones College ... but he soon left Bob Jones and enrolled in Florida Bible Institute ... Dr. Bob Jones .. was disappointed and disturbed with Billy Graham's decision to leave the school. The president told the young man, "Billy, if you leave and throw your life away in a little Bible school, chances are you will never be heard of. At best all you could amount to would be a poor country preacher somewhere out in the sticks." (p.3)

Immediately Billy Graham fell under conviction. Why hadn't he seen it before? As soon as he got back to his hotel room, Billy fell to his knees and made a promise to God, "I'll never peach again without stressing the cross." (p. 35)

Every area area of our lives is to be under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. And that means the searchlight of God's Word must penetrate every corner of our lives. (p. 111)

I believe God has prepared the hearts of certain people in every audience I speak to. I never think about the results. I know there are people that God has prepared their hearts, and in that sense they are chosen by God. I have total relaxation. I just know something is going to happen that God has planned. (p. 202).

 

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