Brian From, a graduate of Billy Graham’s alma mater, Wheaton College, shares a Christianity Today reflection by historian Grant Wacker on why Billy Graham captured the world’s attention. Wacker opens with a young man from Ghana whose life changed when he heard Graham on the radio, and recalls Graham insisting late in life that “the Lord has done some important things through me.” He points to three factors in Graham’s influence: natural gifts like his presence and good looks; a compelling story of a North Carolina farmer’s son who became a confidant to presidents and preached to 77 million people in person, while keeping a reputation for financial and moral integrity; and above all, a simple, powerful gospel message centered on John 3:16. The piece also acknowledges Graham’s missteps, including his closeness to Richard Nixon and a 1972 Oval Office conversation he later apologized for. Brian reflects on how the message Graham preached continues to change lives.

<p>Brian From, a graduate of Billy Graham&rsquo;s alma mater, Wheaton College, shares a Christianity Today reflection by historian Grant Wacker on why Billy Graham captured the world&rsquo;s attention. Wacker opens with a young man from Ghana whose life changed when he heard Graham on the radio, and recalls Graham insisting late in life that &ldquo;the Lord has done some important things through me.&rdquo; He points to three factors in Graham&rsquo;s influence: natural gifts like his presence and good looks; a compelling story of a North Carolina farmer&rsquo;s son who became a confidant to presidents and preached to 77 million people in person, while keeping a reputation for financial and moral integrity; and above all, a simple, powerful gospel message centered on John 3:16. The piece also acknowledges Graham&rsquo;s missteps, including his closeness to Richard Nixon and a 1972 Oval Office conversation he later apologized for. Brian reflects on how the message Graham preached continues to change lives.</p>

The idea of “the common good” has a rich history within the Christian church. It’s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God’s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God’s design for all of us fulfilled.

<p>The idea of &ldquo;the common good&rdquo; has a rich history within the Christian church. It&rsquo;s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God&rsquo;s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God&rsquo;s design for all of us fulfilled.</p>