Books
Excerpt

Billy Graham: Why Linger in the Land of the Dying?

An excerpt from “Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond.”

Christianity Today October 23, 2015
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

Those who keep Heaven in view experience joy, even in the midst of trouble.

Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond

Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond

Thomas Nelson

256 pages

$15.43

This was never more evident than with my friend Billie Barrows, especially in the months leading up to her death. Cliff and Billie Barrows joined me in ministry while on their honeymoon in 1945. It was the beginning of a long and joyful friendship. Cliff directed our music, and Billie played the piano in those early days.

After forty-nine years of marriage and service together with our team, Billie Barrows transcended this life into eternity. I cannot help but think of the powerful words widely attributed to John Newton as he lay on his deathbed. Someone asked him, “Are you still with us?” Newton whispered, “I am still in the land of the dying, but soon, I shall be in the land of the living!”

You see, death for the Christian is just the entryway to eternity, where the eternal God welcomes us in. The Bible says, “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24).

Ruth and I visited the Barrows in their home shortly before Billie’s death. They were expecting their children home for a few days of reunion. Billie knew she did not have long on this earth.

I stayed downstairs with Cliff as he fixed lunch, while Ruth went upstairs with Billie, who had been preparing some of the children’s rooms. She was so happy and filled with joy as she anticipated her children’s visit.

How much more does our heavenly Father anticipate His children’s homecoming? Our imaginations simply cannot comprehend the grandeur of this wonderful home, a place of everlasting joy, contentment, and peace.

How can we ever begin to know the rejoicing that will take place when the Lord brings all of us home in immortal bodies? The morning stars will sing together and the angels will shout for glory. Think of having complete fulfillment, knowing that our homecoming brings unspeakable joy to our wonderful Lord! So why do we prefer lingering here? Because we are not only earthbound in body; we are earthbound in our thinking. But when we leave this place, we will never dwell on it again. Our eyes and hearts will be fixed on Christ.

When we stand at the graveside of a loved one, we sorrow. But those united with Christ in death are also united with Him in the joy of resurrection. There was no joy at the tomb of Lazarus. It was a somber and woeful time—until Jesus arrived!

Words cannot describe the shock of seeing a dead man alive again—and the joy of knowing that we, too, shall one day hear the Lord Jesus call our names. Contemplate it for a moment and imagine hearing His voice speak your name. If that does not cause joy to bubble inside of you, it is doubtful anything else will.

Taken from Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond by Billy Graham. Copyright © 2015 by William F. Graham Jr. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com

Our Latest

Wire Story

SBC to Sell Nashville Headquarters to Cover Cost of Abuse Cases

Southern Baptists have spent down reserves with over $12 million in legal fees over the past three years.

News

Seminary Professor Accused of Secret Second Marriage

Accountability group says Vince Bantu, an expert in ancient African Christianity, is justifying adultery with an argument for polygamy. Bantu denies their claims.

These Christians Have Not Given Up on North Korea

Experts and practitioners discuss their top challenges and encouragements in serving the reclusive country.

Mobilizers See Millions of Future Missionaries in Overseas Filipino Workers

While Filipino Christians are reaching the diaspora, cross-cultural evangelism efforts face challenges.

Sports Betting Has Become Too Prevalent for Christians to Ignore

Online gambling isn’t necessarily sinful, but it’s certainly not a careful use of the wealth God has given us.

News

You Can Turn Off the News and Still Be a Good Citizen

Five experts share advice for Christians overwhelmed by the headlines

Excerpt

God at the Bottom of the Glass

An excerpt from “The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust” on discovering the hand of God in the science of his creation.

Shielded from Truth at Our Own Expense

The Bible consistently tells us we must examine ourselves and accept correction, but our culture is forgetting the art of fair critique.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube