Book Review : Nearing Home

I recently finished Billy Graham’s new book, “Nearing Home; Life, Faith, and Finishing Well”. Billy Graham has been one of my favorite preachers, authors, and examples for many, many years. “Nearing Home”, in my opinion, was primarily written for, and directed toward, older adults. This is not a book of theology. In it you will not find the major doctrines of the Bible discussed and debated. Instead, it is a book of wisdom, advice, and encouragement written by a man who is staring the effects of old age squarely in the face. He writes with grace. It is this same grace that has marked his life as a servant of God, and it is the same grace that enables him to deal with poor health and other life-changing decisions. “Nearing Home” deals with the subject of aging, while practically dealing with subjects such as wills, retirement, and finances. Graham reminds the reader that our God-given purpose is not over until life itself is over.

 “Nearing Home” helps the reader learn how to take hold of God’s will for your life, lean on God when loved ones are lost, navigate life-changing transitions, and biblically deal with fear. The book falls into ten chapters. It does not have the standard feel and structure. Instead, this book takes on a conversational format;  mingled with scripture and personal stories.  This is a simple read written by a man who has given his life to the single purpose of honoring God and leading others to do the same. He encourages and inspires the reader to face the uncertain future with the certainly of Jesus Christ. A quote that inspired me is this one: “The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless. The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.”  “Nearing Home” is well worth your time.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Worth Repeating : Billy Graham

“What does it mean to be born again? It is not just a remodeling job, performed somehow by us on ourselves. Today we hear a lot about recycling, reconstruction, and reshaping. We renovate houses and add on more rooms. We tear down old buildings and build new ones in our cities, calling it urban renewal. Millions and millions of dollars are spent every year on health spas, beauty resorts, and exotic cosmetics – all by people hoping to reshape their faces or renew their bodies.

 In like manner, people frantically pursue all sorts of promised cures for the renewal of their inner lives. Some people hunt for renewal at the psychiatrist’s office. Others search for spiritual renewal in exotic oriental religions or processes of inward meditation. Still others seek for inner peace and renewal in drugs and alcohol. Whatever the path, however, they eventually come to a dead end. Why? Simply because man cannot renew himself. God created us. Only God can recreate us. Only God can give us the new birth we so desperately want and need.”

Billy Graham, How To Be Born Again, 1977