Billy Graham: 'Heart’s Deceit Remains World’s Biggest Problem'

By Julie Brown Patton 25 Aug, 2016 11:29 EDT

Billy Graham with Bible — Rev. William Franklin "Billy" Graham Jr. has been called the most famous preacher of the last 60 years. He recently said the biggest challenge facing people now and in the past is "the human heart." Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

When evangelist Rev. Billy Graham recently was asked what he thought was the biggest problem of today's world, he had three words: "the human heart." Then he explained the Bible puts it bluntly and he quoted Jeremiah 17:9, which states "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

The preacher offered the response through the services of his Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, based in North Carolina.

William Franklin "Billy" Graham Jr. stated he believed the main challenge for the world always has been the human heart.

"Think about it a minute. If we could only get rid of our pride and selfishness, we'd have a perfect world. We'd live in harmony with each other, and we'd no longer have conflicts or wars. Hatred and jealousy would end, and instead we'd be motivated by love and compassion and mutual respect," he shared.

"We'd already be living in the perfect world that the Bible promises through Isaiah 2:4 -- 'Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.'"

Graham said destructive emotions have been in human hearts from the beginning, and "no matter how hard we try, they still rule our lives and our world."

Terrorism, violence, crime, drugs, corruption, broken relationships - the list is almost endless, he reminds.

The Bible says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? (James 4:1).

Graham stated this is why the greatest need today is what it's always been: To turn to God for the forgiveness and new life people need.

"This is possible because God loves us, and Jesus Christ gave his life for us," said the 97-year-old Christian.

"We live in a dangerous world, and our only hope is to turn to Christ and submit our lives to his transforming power. Have you committed your life to him? Jesus' promise is true: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." (John 14:27)."

Graham has preached Christianity to live audiences of nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories through various meetings, including BMS World Mission and Global Mission. He also reached hundreds of millions more through television, video, film, and webcasts.

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Billy Graham: 'Heart’s Deceit Remains World’s Biggest Problem'

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.