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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I want to live for Christ and turn my back on the hold my friends have on me, but we’ve grown up together, and they will reject me if I change my lifestyle. They would treat me as an outcast because all they know of Jesus is to blaspheme His name. Maybe in time I can have an influence on them. Doesn’t this count for something? – W.I.

A: Even with accusations hurled at God, He never changes. Regardless of man’s continual sin, the grace and patience of the Lord is overwhelming. You can’t miss the countless warnings that come from Him: “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15, NKJV).

Many people refuse to turn from sin because they’re more afraid of man’s ridicule than of God’s judgment. Others think belief in Christ is foolishness. Well, let’s see who is foolish. The whole world laughed at Noah when he boarded an ark on dry land. Lot’s neighbors in Sodom and Gomorrah laughed when he ran from the cities, saying they would be destroyed because of rampant immorality. But these eternal judgments were fulfilled as scoffers drowned in the flood and burned in the brimstone of Lot’s hometown. “‘The Lord will judge … .’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:30–31, NKJV).

But a greater judgment took place more than 2,000 years ago on Calvary, when the sins of the world were placed on Jesus. He shed His blood on the cross to pay the penalty for sin.

Do not doubt the power of Holy God who calls out to the world to repent. The Bible declares, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17, NKJV), and find the mercy and love of the blessed Savior and Redeemer of the soul.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.