Brevity Of Time - Billy Graham

Summary

The script delves into a profound sermon on the brevity of life, drawing from Psalm 90 to underscore the inevitability of death and the importance of living wisely within the finite time granted to us. The speaker, reflecting on personal anecdotes and historical advancements, emphasizes the rapid pace of change and the urgency of making each day count. Through the lens of Christian faith, the sermon calls for repentance, a commitment to Christ, and a life lived in anticipation of eternity. It challenges listeners to consider their own mortality, the value of time, and the eternal consequences of their choices on earth, urging an immediate and sincere response to God's offer of salvation.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker discusses the brevity of life, referencing Psalm 90 to highlight that human life is traditionally 'threescore years and ten' (70 years), extending to 'fourscore' (80 years) with strength, yet emphasizing the inevitability of aging and death.
• 🗞 The importance of numbering our days is emphasized, urging listeners to appreciate the value of each day and to apply their hearts to wisdom, recognizing the fleeting nature of life.
• 🙏 The sermon touches on the inevitability of death for everyone and the importance of preparing for it by living wisely and with purpose, acknowledging that our time on earth is limited.
• 💻 Rapid technological advancements and changes within the speaker's lifetime are recounted, illustrating the swift passage of time and the monumental shifts in society and technology.
• 📖 The concept of 'collapsing time' is introduced, noting how advancements have drastically increased the pace at which we live, contrasting with the slower pace of life in Jesus' time and even the recent past.
• 💡 The urgency and value of time are stressed, with a call to redeem the time we have by focusing on meaningful activities and commitments, especially in the face of the prevailing evil in the world.
• ❤️ The sermon advocates for a life of love and service, emphasizing the importance of loving others and dedicating time to God, as a means to live a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
• 📅 The fleeting nature of time prompts a call to immediate action and commitment to God, urging listeners not to postpone decisions of faith and to actively engage in their spiritual journey.
• 🚨 A warning is issued about the finality of time and the inevitability of judgment, emphasizing that there will come a point when it is too late to make decisions for one's soul, urging listeners to act now.
• ✅ The sermon concludes with a personal appeal for listeners to make a commitment to Christ, highlighting the eternal significance of such a decision and the transformative power of God's forgiveness and love.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the sermon?

The main topic of the sermon is the brevity of life.

Which Psalm is referenced in the sermon and what does it signify?

Psalm 90 is referenced, signifying the transient nature of human life and the importance of wisdom and righteousness.

What life expectancy is mentioned, and how does it relate to the sermon's message?

A life expectancy of seventy to eighty years is mentioned, relating to the sermon's message by highlighting the shortness of human life.

Who are some of the people mentioned in the sermon and for what reasons?

Bev Shea, Bob Hope, and a Jewish friend in the motion pictures are mentioned as examples of individuals who have lived beyond the average lifespan or have made significant impacts in their lifetime.

How does the sermon illustrate the rapid advancement of technology and its impact on society?

The sermon illustrates the rapid advancement of technology by comparing the eras of horse and buggy to modern innovations like atomic bombs, jet airplanes, and computers, emphasizing how quickly time has passed and the changes that have occurred.

What moral and spiritual condition is described, and how does it relate to the concept of time?

The sermon describes a moral and spiritual condition characterized by sin and rebellion against God, relating to the concept of time by emphasizing the urgency and finite nature of human life to seek redemption.

What analogy is used to describe how time is allocated in a person's life?

An analogy of a bank account is used, where each day, people receive 86,400 seconds to spend, emphasizing the importance of using time wisely as it cannot be saved for later use.

What does the sermon suggest about how individuals should use their time?

The sermon suggests that individuals should use their time to serve Christ, obey His will, and prepare for eternity by living according to God's plan and seeking forgiveness for their sins.

How does the sermon address the concept of judgment after death?

The sermon addresses the concept of judgment after death by stating that it is appointed unto man once to die, followed by judgment, emphasizing the need for repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ to achieve salvation.

What urgency is conveyed regarding making a decision for Christ?

The sermon conveys an urgency for making a decision for Christ by illustrating the unpredictability and brevity of life, encouraging immediate action to secure one's eternal destiny.