I’m not sure I can pinpoint the first time I heard the word “gospel”. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, nor did I attend church, VBS or youth camp. So I guess my first recognition of the word would have been in my teenage years when I became a Christian, but even then, I did not fully understand the weight and the wonder of this word.
The word “gospel” is derived from the Anglo- Saxon term “god-spell”, which literally means good story or good news.
It first appears in connection with the four books of the apostles; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and is referenced a total of 93 times exclusively in the New Testament. The revelation of the gospel was evidenced in the earthly life of Jesus. It was for the sake of the gospel that the disciples, personally commissioned by Jesus, and the early church empowered by the Holy Spirit following Jesus’ ascension, invested their entire lives.
And then he, (Jesus), told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15 NLT
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 (ESV)
So what exactly is the good news?….
The good news is the message of Yahweh’s unconditional, undeserved love for all people…. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NASB2020)
The message of the gospel is the gift of God’s grace that came wrapped in the person of Jesus… So the Word, (Jesus), became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 (NLT)
And everyone who believes in Jesus receives the gift of eternal life…
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:12 (ESV)
At its core, the gospel is easy to comprehend, yet simultaneously it is profound, as it contains the mysterious and beautiful plan of a Holy God to redeem sinful man. And most significantly it is also incredibly powerful, as evidenced in the radical transformation of the men and women throughout history who have personally received and genuinely believed this good news. And one such individual is a man of high integrity, moral character, and spiritual fortitude; the Reverend Dr. Billy Graham…
My husband and I recently had the opportunity to visit the Billy Graham library in Charlotte NC, and we were both equally inspired, encouraged and truthfully challenged, but in a good, God way. I have always had a deep respect for Dr. Graham, but through the library experience, which is what it truly is, an experience, I was able to learn more of Dr. Graham’s family origin, his faith story, his calling and his lifetime commitment to preach the gospel.
On a side note, I highly recommend the library experience to all who are able to attend, but I warn you, be prepared with tissues, as you will undoubtedly experience some tears, as both my husband and I did. There were so very many things that greatly impacted me as I walked through the various rooms of the library watching video footage of crusades, television clips of past interviews, reading wall displays and looking at picture montages of Billy smack dab in the center of world events, not to mention posing with presidents, dignitaries, nobility and celebrities. But the one truly significant element of Billy Graham’s ministry 
that resonated with me the most was simply this: throughout his lifetime he stayed true to his calling. His fervent commitment to preach the simple gospel message remained the same, spanning a 60-year faithful, fruitful ministry career. During this time, he never conformed to the changing tide of culture, political pressure or the draw of celebritism. He remained untainted, humble, never desiring the spotlight, but rather consistently elevating the gospel message, making much of Jesus…
Billy Graham, along with his beloved wife Ruth, a co-heir in the mission of the gospel, are both buried on the grounds of the library. Both husband and wife chose their epitaphs prior to leaving this world. Ruth’s lightheartedly states, “End of Construction, thank you for your patience.” And Billy’s humbly states, “Billy Graham, Preacher of the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:6”
How incredibly thankful I am for the legacy and example of Billy Graham’s life that impacted millions around the globe with the message of truth, hope, freedom and forgiveness available through Jesus Christ. And although Billy has left this world, his life-impacting mission and ministry continue to reach people with the good news of the gospel.
About the library…
Billy Graham was against the idea of a library bearing his name. He was so adamant against anything that would detract from the message he has preached for more than 60 years—a message that points to Christ alone as the way to God.
When the concept of the library was described to Mr. Graham as a “Crusade” that would continue for generations to come, he reconsidered. “When it was presented as an ongoing ministry and that people would have the opportunity to be won to Christ, I changed my mind,” he said. In line with Mr. Graham’s wishes, the library’s core experience is the Gospel and the transforming power it has on a life that says “Yes” to Jesus Christ.
https://billygrahamlibrary.org
In closing, although we may not all be called to the same level of ministry, and the majority of us will more than likely never have the dominant platform or world influence that Billy Graham was entrusted with, still as Christ followers, we have each been chosen to uphold, honor and share the gospel. And practically speaking, our mission field is right in front of us. It’s where we live, work and play. It is the people we see on a daily basis in our neighborhood, community, the grocery store, ball field, the bank, and at our doctor’s office. Basically, our harvest field is everyone we come in contact with, and those God has strategically placed in our lives who need to hear the good news.
While we may never hold crusades, travel internationally, advise presidents or meet with dignitaries, we have all been commissioned as ambassadors of the gospel of good news…
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NASB2020)
For reflection….
- Take some time to consider what the gospel means to you, and then based on your thoughts, write out a personal and practical definition of the word.
- Read the scripture below, making special note of what it declares about the good news. What does this scripture reveal to you personally? Consider recording your thoughts in a journal.
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Romans 1:16-17 (NLT)
- Close your time in a prayer of gratitude to God for His gospel.
Beautiful! We lived in Charlotte for four years and visted the library many times. It was a wonderful place to take visiting family and friends. Billy was such a loving, non judgmental man who understood that respecting all people as we are all children of God. He built bridges with people of all faiths, cultures and beliefs. Sadly, so many Christians think judgment and disdain for anyone “different” are not worthy of love. I pray that Billy’s style of preaching would be the norm.
Hi Carol, TY for your comment! Yes indeed, Billy Graham’s ministry left an amazing impact on the world and his legacy lives on.