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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Is it really possible that God spoke directly to people in the ancient world, and how can we reason this out? – R.T.

A: If we were confronted with a book that said in hundreds of different situations that, for instance, the king or queen of England spoke, we would believe that he or she actually had been making statements.

The writers of the Bible spoke in many ways to indicate that God gave them their information. In the Old Testament alone, they said 3,000 times that God spoke! Just in the first five books of the Bible, we find such phrases as these:

“The Lord God called to the man,” “The Lord God said to the woman,” “The Lord said to Noah,” “God spoke to Israel,” “God said,” “The Lord spoke, saying,” “The Lord commanded,” “Hear the words of the Lord.”

Did God speak to these people as they were inspired to write? If He didn’t, then they were the most blatant and consistent liars the world has ever known. Would a variety of people from different areas, many of them not knowing each other, tell more than 3,000 lies on one subject? If we cannot believe God spoke to people in the Bible, then we cannot believe that their prophecies came true – and yet they did! That’s been proven down through the centuries.

Jesus quoted the Old Testament. He said, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35, NKJV). The Bible has been quoted by royalty and paupers, actors and activists, and the saved and unsaved. God’s holy Word stands the test of time and carries with it the integrity and authority of God Himself: “These things I have spoken to you” (John 16:33, NKJV).

God’s Word will challenge, convict, encourage, and help us discover His abiding love to all who faithfully commit themselves to Him.

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

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.