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7 Ways to Study the Bible Like Billy Graham

7 Ways to Study the Bible Like Billy Graham

June 25, 2026

In his recent tribute to the late Reverend Billy Graham, pastor and Desiring God founder John Piper notes Graham’s incredible habit of Bible study (taken from John Pollock’s biography, Billy Graham):

Beyond all else Billy Graham studies the Bible, the supreme authority for his belief and action. Every day he reads five Psalms, covering the psalter in a month, and one chapter of Proverbs, the book that “shows us how to relate our own lives to our fellow men.” He reads through a Gospel each week, using commentaries and modern translations, and constantly returns to the Acts of the Apostles. He annotates throughout the Bible. “Sometimes His word makes such an impact on me that I have to put the Bible down and walk around for a few moments to catch my breath.” (Pollock, 248)

This is pretty incredible to consider, but not surprising given Graham’s lasting influence. Of course, God is not calling us to be the next Billy Graham. But let’s take Graham’s own description of how he studied the Bible and see if we can’t find some good advice and encouragement for our own study in the Word.

Here are 7 ways we can study the Bible the way Billy Graham did:

Photo Credit: ©BillyGraham.org

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Patience is a Virtue: 6 Ways to Grow in this Fruit of the Spirit

Patience is a Virtue: 6 Ways to Grow in this Fruit of the Spirit

June 15, 2020

The origin of the popular saying "patience is a virtue" comes from a poem around 1360. However, even before then the Bible often mentions patience as a valuable character quality.

So what exactly is the meaning of patience?

Well, patience is most commonly defined as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. In other words, patience is essentially "waiting with grace." Part of being Christian is the ability to accept unfortunate circumstances gracefully while having faith that we will ultimately find resolution in God.

What is virtue and why is it important?

Virtue is synonymous with having a noble character. It simply means the quality or practice of moral excellence and is one of the central tenants of Christianity. Being virtuous is essential to enjoying a wholesome life and building healthy relationships!

In Galatians 5:22, patience is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit. If patience is a virtue, then waiting is the best (and often most unpleasant) means by which the Holy Spirit grows patience in us.

But our culture does not value patience in the same way that God does. Why be patient? Instant gratification is much more fun! Our increasing ability to instantly satisfy our wants may be taking away the blessing of learning how to wait well.

What does it mean to “wait well,” anyway?

Here are six ways to let scripture guide you to wait well for your sanity and sanctification – ultimately for God’s glory:

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

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