My Answer

on Sep 1, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I am troubled that many churches no longer preach from the Bible but from other people’s writing. Is this right? I’m searching for a new church and discouraged with the lack of Bible teaching, but there’s abundant activity and programs. Doesn’t this lead to spiritual malaise? Is this a trend that we should speak up against? – C.S.

A: The Bible teaches that in the last days there will be a famine – a great famine of the Word of God, a spiritual starvation leading to spiritual death.

“‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord God, ‘That I will send a famine on the land. Not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but shall not find it (Amos 8:11–12, NKJV).

People do ask, “What are the symptoms of spiritual death?” They include a denial of sin against God, a seared conscience, and a lack of appetite for God and His Scriptures. The Bible is a bore to many people, even though Jesus said the Word of God is more important than our daily bread.

A spiritually dead person has no real spiritual activity. They may well have much physical activity and social activity – but little activity when it comes to living in obedience to God’s Word and serving in God’s kingdom.

The Bible warns that people should “return to the Lord” (Isaiah 55:7, NKJV).

Sadly, many people believe that they have found abundant life in their activity that brings them pleasure. In time, they learn that it’s not what they thought – not what they hoped it would be. After all the experiences, they remain restless. Believing in Jesus Christ and feeding on His Word daily is the key to abundant living.

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