A Biblical Election Guide For You - Franklin Graham Decision America Tour

	Dear Friend, Last week we prayed with thousands of Christians at the capitols in Maine, Vermont, and New York, and I’m preparing for three more Decision America Tour prayer rallies this week in New England (see locations below). If you live in the area, I hope you will bring your friends, family, and church groups to stand with us in prayer. We hear from people attending who tell us what an enormous encouragement it is for them to see so many other Christians turn out to pray. One man in Vermont told us he didn’t know there were that many Christians in the entire state! All ages come—families with young children, youth groups, college students—and this week I had the privilege of meeting a 104-year-old woman whose family brought her to pray with us. As we continue through the Northeast with the Decision America Tour, will you also pray for hearts that are now cold to be awakened to the things of God? Election Day will be here before you know it. Do you feel equipped to vote?    Request Your 2016 Presidential Election Guide » I’d like to send you a free copy of our special September issue of Decision magazine—while supplies last—which examines the presidential candidates’ stances on the Supreme Court, religious liberty, and abortion, plus the Democratic and Republican platforms on marriage, national defense, terrorism, poverty, Israel, and more. You can request yours here. Thank you for standing with me and thousands of other Christians across America in prayer. May God bless you! Sincerely, Franklin Graham P.S. I hope you will share these remaining prayer rallies with your friends and loved ones: #39, August 30–Boston, Massachusetts #40, August 31–Providence, Rhode Island #41, September 1–Hartford, Connecticut #42, September 13–Dover, Delaware #43, September 14–Trenton, New Jersey #44, September 15–Harrisburg, Pennsylvania #45, October 4–Lansing, Michigan #46, October 5–Indianapolis, Indiana #47, October 6–Columbus, Ohio #48, October 11–Annapolis, Maryland #49, October 12–Richmond, Virginia #50, October 13–Raleigh, North Carolina  “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” —1 Timothy 2:1-2, NKJV Request Your 2016 Presidential Election Guide Click Here to View in Browser

A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201

A Cross-shaped Capitol - Franklin Graham Decision America Tour

	Dear Friend, Last week, crowds totaling more than 17,000 joined us in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota to “humble themselves, and pray and seek [God’s] face” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV) at the Decision America Tour prayer rallies at their capitols. I preached the Gospel message, as I do at all of the stops, and we praise God that over 500 people told us they made decisions for Jesus Christ. How fitting it was to stand in front of the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin—which is shaped like a cross—and proclaim that Jesus Christ is the only answer for America. Protesters showed up at the prayer rally in Madison with signs and banners. Some atheists waved signs that said “Not afraid to burn in hell.” How sad—but we praise God that all of them heard His Word proclaimed! Despite the pessimism that many have for the future of our nation, I still have hope. Why? In 2 Chronicles—the next verse after the one quoted above—God told Solomon that if His people truly repented, “My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place” (v. 15). My heart is burdened to see this come to pass for America, and I hope yours is too. Next week the tour will come to the Northwest and then Alaska. Will you help spread the word?    Spread the Word » #30, June 28–Salem, Oregon #31, June 29–Olympia, Washington #32, July 1–Juneau, Alaska #33, August 9–Helena, Montana #34, August 10–Boise, Idaho #35, August 12–Cheyenne, Wyoming #36, August 23–Augusta, Maine #37, August 24–Montpelier, Vermont #38, August 25–Albany, New York #39, August 30–Boston, Massachusetts #40, August 31–Providence, Rhode Island #41, September 1–Hartford, Connecticut #42, September 13–Dover, Delaware #43, September 14–Trenton, New Jersey #44, September 15–Harrisburg, Pennsylvania #45, October 4–Lansing, Michigan #46, October 5–Indianapolis, Indiana #47, October 6–Columbus, Ohio #48, October 11–Annapolis, Maryland #49, October 12–Richmond, Virginia #50, October 13–Raleigh, North Carolina  Will you join us with your friends, family, and church at the Decision America Tour prayer rally in your capital? In Illinois, one volunteer chartered 13 tour buses and brought 650 people with her! Thank you for standing with us for America and praying fervently that God will turn our nation to Him. May God richly bless you! Gratefully, Franklin Graham

Franklin Graham: God's Hand Is Being Removed From This Nation - CBN NEWS CHARISMA NEWS

Franklin Graham: God's Hand Is Being Removed From This Nation

 5/23/2016 CBN NEWS   charisma news

Graham said secularism and communism "are one and the same." (Courtesy)

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

---

Evangelist Franklin Graham is urging Christians to vote this election year, even if "it's for the lesser of two evils."

Graham spoke to a crowd on the steps of the capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was the 24th stop, nearly the halfway mark of his 50-capitol Decision America Tour.

"I have no hope for the Democrat Party ... I have no hope for the Republican Party," Graham told the more than 3,000 people at the event, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. "The only hope for our nation today is Almighty God. The most important thing we can do as Christians is pray. It is our only hope."

Graham says believers should vote for candidates who at least consider their concerns. He says bringing God back into politics is an absolute necessity.

Between 1,000 and 8,000 people have met Graham at each stop on the tour, the purpose of which is to encourage Christians to pray and stand up for their faith.

"We are more concerned about political correctness than about God's truth and righteousness," he continued. "America is being stripped of its biblical heritage and God-inspired foundations.

Graham said secularism and communism "are one and the same."

"Secularism is godless. Secularism is taking over our country. Every level of government is secular. It has crept in and taken root," he said.

"The people who do this call themselves 'progressives.' Look at what they stand for and believe. They want to make us a godless country and a godless society," he continued. "If we take God out, He will leave. He blessed us more than any nation on Earth, but his hand is being removed, and the only thing we can do is pray ... and go vote." 

Reprinted with permission from CBN.com. Copyright The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., All rights reserved.

Draw closer to God. Experience the presence of the Holy Spirit every month as you read Charisma magazine. Sign up now to get Charisma for as low as $1 per issue.

Has God called you to be a leader? Ministry Today magazine is the source that Christian leaders who want to serve with passion and purpose turn to. Subscribe now and receive a free leadership book.

Franklin Graham Decision America Tour - More dates

	Dear Friend, I’m excited to announce six new stops for the Decision America Tour in June and July: • June 14–Springfield, Illinois • June 15–Madison, Wisconsin • June 16–St. Paul, Minnesota • June 28–Salem, Oregon • June 29–Olympia, Washington • July 1–Juneau, Alaska We’re heading into a busy season for the tour—this month we’ll be in six states! Will you join me, along with your church or group, when I come to your state? This is a chance for Christians to stand together, hand in hand, to pray for our leaders and our nation. It’s also a chance to let our politicians know that the Christian voice and the Christian vote count. • March 15–Denver, Colorado • March 16–Santa Fe, New Mexico • March 18–Phoenix, Arizona • March 29–Salt Lake City, Utah • March 30–Carson City, Nevada • March 31–Sacramento, California • April 12–Little Rock, Arkansas • April 13–Jackson, Mississippi • April 14–Montgomery, Alabama • April 26–Austin, Texas • April 27–Oklahoma City, Oklahoma • April 28–Topeka, Kansas • May 3–Nashville, Tennessee • May 4–Frankfort, Kentucky • May 5–Charleston, West Virginia • May 17–Jefferson City, Missouri • May 18–Lincoln, Nebraska • May 24–Pierre, South Dakota • May 25–Bismarck, North Dakota God tells us in His Word, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16, NKJV). As thousands of people gather at each state capitol to pray, we are asking God to work in a mighty way—in individual lives and in our nation. Imagine the impact this can have on America! “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). If you haven’t already, I urge you to register your Decision America Tour pledge to God and to our nation online—and urge your friends and your church to do the same.   Sign the Pledge Thank you for your support of the Decision America Tour and for standing for God’s truth. May He bless you and your faithfulness—and may God bless America Sincerely, Franklin Graham P.S. Will you let your friends or family in other states know about the Decision America Tour? Send them to DecisionAmericaTour.com to learn more and then invite them to join us on their capitol steps.

A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201

Franklin Graham: Danger Signs Are Everywhere - TAYLOR BERGLUND CHARISMA NEWS

Franklin Graham: Danger Signs Are Everywhere

2/18/2016 TAYLOR BERGLUND  charisma news

Photo: Turkey being shelled is just one of many danger signs in the world. (Reuters)

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

---

Franklin Graham is not endorsing any presidential candidates, but he found time during his Decision America tour to comment on the state of the country.

Graham wrote on Facebook: "Is the world imploding? While the United States is focused on its own politics, the world is unraveling. The danger signals are everywhere. Beheadings, rapes, murders, bombings are taking place every day across North Africa through the Middle East, all the way to the borders of India. The U.S. military is deploying fighter aircraft to Finland to counter Russia's moves in that region; China is deploying missiles on an artificial island they have built in the south China sea over the objections of the international community; and North Korea has successfully test fired a long-range missile that has the potential of eventually reaching America with a nuclear bomb. A few days ago, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said we have slid back into a 'Cold War.' There's a global epidemic of political and economic instability. All you have to do is look at the headlines and realize that the only hope for the world in which we live is Almighty God. It is imperative that we remember to pray for all 'those in authority' as God has commanded in His Word (1 Tim. 2:1-3).

"One day He is going to wipe the slate clean and 'create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind' (Is. 65:17). For those who have trusted His Son Jesus Christ by faith, there is an eternal future with Him to look forward to.

"Jesus left us words of reassurance and hope, 'Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also' (John 14:1-3)."

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW from CHARISMA: Do you want to encounter the Holy Spirit and hear God speak to you? Increase your faith, discover freedom, and draw near to God! Click Here

Franklin Graham: Young Pastors Are Caught Up in Pop Culture - TODD STARNES CHARISMA NEWS

Franklin Graham speaks during one of his Decision America Tour stops. (Courtesy/BGEA)

Franklin Graham: Young Pastors Are Caught Up in Pop Culture

1/12/2016 TODD STARNES  charisma news

Franklin Graham is a voice crying in the wilderness.

"I believe we are perilously close to the moral tipping point for the survival of the United States of America," Graham wrote in Decision magazine. "I refuse to be silent and watch the future of our children and grandchildren be offered up on pagan altars of personal pleasure and immorality."

The Supreme Court has already redefined marriage. The nation has become a killing field for Islamic radicals. And Christians have become targets for practicing their First Amendment rights.

"There now exists deep-seated antagonism and hostility toward Christianity in every seat of power in this nation—government, media, courts and education," Graham wrote. "It has become open season on Christians."

Instead of ignoring the rotting of America's culture, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has decided to do something about it.

Earlier this month, Graham launched the "Decision America Tour," a series of prayer rallies at the capitol buildings of all 50 states. 

"The only hope for America is not the Democratic Party, and it's not the Republican Party," Graham told me. "The only hope for America is God."

I caught up with Graham just after his inaugural prayer gathering in Des Moines. More than 2,000 people turned out in frigid weather—to petition the Almighty.

It was one of the rare moments in Iowa when politicians were not recognized nor were they allowed to speak.

"If a candidate showed up—we're not going to recognize them," Graham said. "We're not going to give them a microphone."

That's because "Decision America Tour" is not about politics.

"It's trying to lead this nation in prayer, confessing the sins of our country, asking for God's forgiveness and encouraging Christians to get engaged in the political process," he told me.

Graham is doing what many young ministers refuse to do—address issues that some might consider politically incorrect.

He told me that while a number of older pastors understand the gravity of the situation, many younger pastors do not.

"The younger pastors—so many are caught up in the pop culture, and the pastor in a church is more about being cool," he said. "We're beginning to put theology in the back seat, and I'm concerned about the church."

And that's when he dropped this evangelical bombshell.

"To be honest with you, the problems we have in America today are the failure of the church," he said.

I reckon that comment just made a lot of folks start wiggling in the pews.

But Graham has a valid point.

The government has taken on many responsibilities that were once in the hands of the local church.

"The churches have allowed the government to take away their responsibility and so the government is feeding people, the government is clothing people, the government is now in charge of health care," he said.

Graham expounds on this topic during our podcast interview—but the point he is making is clear. It's time for Christians to re-engage the culture.

"We as a nation are in trouble, and only God can fix it," he said.

Todd Starnes is host of "Fox News & Commentary," heard on hundreds of radio stations. Sign up for his American Dispatch newsletter, be sure to join his Facebook page and follow him on Twitter. His latest book is God Less America.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW from CHARISMA: Do you want to encounter the Holy Spirit and hear God speak to you? Increase your faith, discover freedom, and draw near to God! Click Here

Did you enjoy this blog? Click here to receive it by email.

Franklin Graham: America's Walls Are Crumbling But ...

9/2/2015 FRANKLIN GRAHAM  charisma news

Franklin Graham will be devoting his time in 2016 to go to every state in our country to hold a prayer rally, to preach the gospel, and to challenge believers to take a stand and take action. (Courtesy/BGEA)

Dear Friend,

In the Bible we read that Nehemiah was discouraged and distressed because the walls of Jerusalem had been broken down and its gates had been burned with fire. He sat down and wept and mourned for his nation—and he cried out to the God of heaven.

God heard his prayers and used him to lead the people to rebuild those broken-down walls. They were greatly outnumbered by their enemies and facing opposition and vicious threats. They responded by praying and seeking God, and they went to work rebuilding what had been torn down, even holding their weapons in their hands to protect themselves while they worked. In a miraculously short time—52 days—they rebuilt the walls and hope was restored.

America's walls of biblical morality are crumbling. Almost everyone I speak with is distraught over the direction our nation is taking. Christianity and our religious freedoms are under siege. Progressives and secularists want to see God removed from everything and to burn every gate of protection.

We can't sit idle. Like Nehemiah we need to take a bold stand. We need to cry out to God on behalf of our nation. Nehemiah confessed the sins and failures of the people, "including myself and my father's family," and repented. He prayed, "We have acted very wickedly toward you" (Nehemiah 1:6–7, NIV).

I believe that it is going to take the church of Jesus Christ standing up for righteousness, shoulder to shoulder, to make a difference in this country. I do not believe that Republicans or Democrats or any other party can turn this nation around, but I do have hope. God hears the prayers of His people, and walls can be rebuilt.

I will be devoting my time in 2016 to go to every state in our country—all 50—to hold a prayer rally, to preach the gospel, and to challenge believers to take a stand and take action. We are calling it the Decision America Tour, and we will begin announcing dates for specific cities on the tour in October. Be watching for that. My purpose for going is to call the church and Christians to pray, to vote, and to engage.

I'm not going to endorse specific candidates, but I believe it's vitally important that we vote for those who best support biblical and godly principles. Christians should be going to the polls and voting in record numbers. Your vote does matter. Millions of evangelical Christians did not vote in the last presidential election. If Christians continue to leave voting to others, there may be no turning this country around. The first political debate that aired recently had the highest viewership in cable TV history—24 million watching. I think this is evidence of the dissatisfaction with Washington and shows that voters are paying attention.

During the Decision America Tour, I want to urge Christians not only to vote but also to engage by running for political office at all levels—local, state, and federal. We need Christian judges, Christian assembly members, and Christian mayors. We need Christian clerks of court, school board members, governors, and, of course, senators and representatives. Most importantly on this tour, I am calling on those who follow the name of Jesus Christ to do as God's Word says: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14, MEV).

The only hope for America is to have hearts changed—and Christ can do that. On the 50-state Decision America Tour, I will be preaching the only message that has the power to bring real and lasting change—the gospel. In every state next year, I will preach that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took our sins to the cross, shed His blood, and died on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind, and God raised Him to life. I will be giving an invitation for people to repent of sin and turn to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives.

The success of the Decision America Tour depends on prayer. Just as Nehemiah's people were threatened, this effort will be under attack.

But just as Nehemiah found, it is worth it. I don't believe Christians should be shrinking back. America is at a crossroads, and I believe we should take every opportunity to stand up for the things of God and His Word.

The strategy that the Lord gave Nehemiah was for each family to begin repairing the portion of the wall nearest their own home. And in our day we can begin rebuilding the wall around our own homes as well. How? Start a prayer group in your own community to pray that our nation would turn back to God—just a few friends praying together every week can make a huge impact. Join your state's prayer team and pray for the Decision America Tour and for our nation. Support Christians running for office in your city and state. Engage right where you are to make a difference for Christ.

Thank you for standing with us at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to take the gospel message to as many people as possible through radio, the Internet, evangelistic Crusades both here at home and around the world, and now the Decision America Tour.

Franklin Graham, son of iconic evangelist Billy Graham, is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse.

The Charisma Podcast Network is now live. Subscribe now for free!