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Key Bible Verse: Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). Bonus Reading: John 3:4-17

Background and upbringing are never enough to give anyone an "extra push" into heaven. Ask Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy. Talk about having spiritual connections!

But Franklin will be the first to tell you that it wasn't enough. Raised in the spiritual greenhouse of the Graham home, Franklin went through the right motions: baptism, regular church attendance, and exposure to a steady diet of the gospel. But deep inside, Franklin knew he was hollow.

One evening in Switzerland Billy Graham confronted his son. "Your mother and I sense that you're struggling in your heart, Franklin. You need to face the truth; you need to make your own decision. Until you do, you won't have peace."

Angered by his father's words, Franklin decided to run from the truth. He ran to several Middle East countries trying to fill his life without committing it to Christ.

Then one night in a hotel room in Jerusalem, the very place where Jesus had his conversation with Nicodemus [in today's Bonus Reading], Franklin decided Jesus was right. He prayed, received Him into his life, and was born again. Now he was more than the son of a world-renowned preacher. He was a child of the living God.

—Skip Heitzig in Jesus Up Close

My Response: Do I sense that I'm hollow … or know that I've been reborn?

Adapted from Jesus Up Close (Tyndale, 2001)

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Thank You, Father, that through Christ Your power can and does save anyone.

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