The Rev. Billy Graham spoke at the Metro Maryland Festival at Camden Yards on Sunday to relay his take on the word of God.
“He has the voice of wisdom for new generations,” said Velva Cooper, 41, of Westminster. “Young, old, black and white [come to hear him speak.] He?s a legend.”
Graham, 88, has preached the gospel to more than 210 million people in 185 countries. He spoke from a stage placed on the Orioles infield to a crowd that could hardly await his every word. He has been credited with building the largest evangelistic ministry in the world.
His son, the Rev. Franklin Graham, led most of the three-day revival meeting this weekend in Baltimore. Suffering from Parkinson?s disease, the senior Graham rarely speaks publicly anymore, and said this could be his last time.
“We?re living in a world where people depend on proof,” Graham said. “You cannot prove the existence of God. You cannot see Him on a computer screen. But He is the creator. God created everything. Even you.”
Toni Davis, 29, of Baltimore County, said she has never seen Billy Graham in person before, but has seen him on television. “He preaches about being saved and Jesus Christ. That?s really the only way to be saved,” she said. “He?s Christian and I?m Christian. His preaching is really what I came for.”
Billy Graham preaches a gospel of salvation, saying sinning is in human nature and everyone is a sinner. He asked,”How many of the commandments have you kept? We know there is something wrong in human nature. There is war and terrorism,” he said.
But, he said, God will forgive all who want to be forgiven. Graham invited anyone who felt the need to be saved to join him on stage and confess sins in front of God.
“Listen to the word of God no matter what your background may be. The love of God is there,” he said.
