Throughout his life, Billy Graham spent many of his birthdays in different states and countries while traveling for ministry. His message, however, remained the same no matter where he found himself.

November 7, 2024 would have been Billy Graham’s 106th birthday. Today, we will remember his timeless message of the Cross that gives us “New Birth” through Jesus Christ.

Rev. Graham was always sure to point people to the Cross, no matter the sermon topic. At a 1982 Crusade in Boise, Idaho, he preached from the book of John – one of the books he preached from most during his ministry.

In John 3, when Jesus was approached by Nicodemus with questions about His identity, Jesus answered by pointing him to salvation and eternal life. John 3:3 says, “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”

In his sermon, Billy Graham said, “Nicodemus could see only the physical and the materialistic; and Jesus was talking about the spiritual.”

Christians are not excluded from Nicodemus’ mindset; we often can only see the physical and materialistic.

He defines “rebirth” from Ezekiel 36:26, which says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Billy Graham said, “The new birth brings about a change in the whole philosophy and manner of living,” indicating that a person’s salvation will be evident in the way their life changes.

Rev. Graham recognized the difficulty in understanding the concept of rebirth, but reminded the importance of believing in Jesus Christ through faith – without all the answers.

The earthly birthday celebration should pale in comparison to the celebration of being reborn into the Kingdom of Heaven – made possible through Jesus’ perfect life, death on the Cross, and glorious Resurrection.

While Billy Graham’s birthday is certainly a day to celebrate and remember, it is more important to consider the eternal significance of experiencing “the new birth” found in Jesus Christ.

Today, we remember what would have been Billy Graham’s 106th birthday. More importantly, we celebrate his “new birth” that was evident in his faithful preaching of the Gospel throughout his life.

Have you given your life to Jesus? Follow these simple steps to find peace with God.