Most people probably have heard of Billy Graham, but how about Chuck
Templeton? What about Bron Cliffort? Have you heard of them? Did you
know that they were also packing out auditorium in 1945 when Billy
Graham first preached to large crowds? Here are some thoughts prompted
from the Book FINISHING STRONG by Steve Farrar.

All three of these young men rose to prominence in their middle
twenties. One seminary president after hearing Chuck Templeton a
brilliant, dynamic preacher - called Him the most gifted, talented
young preacher in America. Templeton and Graham became very close
friends. Then started preaching together with the Youth for Christ
Organization.

Most observers thought that Templeton will be the one who go to the top.

One magazine wrote a feartures article calling Templeton the "Baby Ruth
of evangelism."

Bron Cliffort was another gifted, young fireball evangelist. Many
believed that Cliffort was the most gifted, powerful preacher to come
up in the church for may centuries. People lined up for hours to hear
him preach. When he went to Baylor University to give a discourse, they
actually cut the ropes of the bells of the tower. They wanted nothing
to interfere with his preaching. For two and half hours the students
of Baylor sat on the edges of their seat as he gave a dissertation on
"Christ and the Philosopher's stone".

At the the age of twenty-five, Cliffort touched more live, influenced
more leaders, and set more attendance records than other clergyman in
American history. National leaders yield for his attention. He was
tall, handsome, dashing, intelligent and sophisticated. Hollywood
actually tried to cast him in the role for the famous movie, THE ROBE.
He seemed to have everything.

Graham, Templetion and CLiffort launched out of the starting block
like Olympic gold medalist in 1945. Why haven't you heard of Chuck
Templeton and Bron Cliffort? the answer may surprise you.

By 1950 Templeton had left the ministry. He pursued a radio career. He
became an announcer and a newscaster, telling the world that he no
longer believed Jesus Christ was the Son of God. He become an atheist.
By 1950, this future Babe Ruth of preaching was not even in the ball game.

By 1954 Cliffort had lost his family, ministry and health. Eventually
he lost his life because of his addiction to alcohol. Financial
irresponsibility left his wife and their two Downs-syndrome children
penniless. This once famous preacher died of cirrhosis of the liver at
the age of thirty-five in a rundown hotel on the edge on Amarillo. He
died unwept, unhonored, and unsung. Some of the pastors from
Amarillo, Texas, got together and collected and collected enough money
to buy a cheap casket. They shipped his body back to the east coast,
where he was buried in a pauper's cemetery.

In 1945 all three of these young men with extraordinary gifts were
preaching for the purpose of multiplying the church by thousands of
people. But within ten years only one of them was still on track for
Christ.

In CHRISTIAN Life it's not how you start but it's how you finish.

A recent survey shocked me, it's reported that only one out ten who
start ministry at the age of 21 serve the Lord to age 65. They fall
away from ministry due to immorality, discouragement, liberal theology,
and love for wealth and the things in this world.

Probably you will say "it is a really an interesting story but I can't
relate to it because I'm not in ministry". May I respond by suggesting
that if you are Christian and are serious about Jesus Christ, then you
are in the ministry. All Christians are in the ministry (Eph 4:11, Col
3:23). Whatever your profession, you work for Jesus. Jesus said that
you are salt of the earth and light of the world (Matt 5:13-14). You are
only thing flavoring and saving this world. We are co workers for Jesus.

Here are questions for you:
* Will you finish strong for Christ?
* Will you be a multiplier for Him throughout your life?
* What will keep you from being one who leaves the race?

You see, those who finish strong are the exceptions. Why? because when
it comes to finishing strong, there so many strong odds against you.
The devil is against you and so are the flesh and the cares of
this world. You could become your own enemy as you place your personal
wants and desires above seeking the kingdom of God. Although not
impossible, finishing strong is possible. You will be required to make
some tough choices.

The church need Christians who are committed to the call of Christ and
the Great Commissions. Such Christians will choose:
* Marriage and family over divorce and brokenness.
* Teaching children God's way and not the World's way.
* People over policies and programs.
* Enlarging instead of reducing their circle of love.
* Risking much for God rather playing it safe.

To finish strong, we must choose.....
* To Multiply not just add disciple.
* To stand for truth when critics are the loadest.
* To release not control people in ministry.
* And to Pray and fast and pray again.

Multiplication is the last great end-time revival. Reaping will come
quicker that we can sow. Harvest time will require more work and
workers than we can imagine. And the risk will be greater than anyone
who has ever undertaken. God continue to ask the soul-winning,
soul-seraching question, "WHOM shall I send?"

Those who finish strong are needed more than ever as church multiplies
disciples in the last days. Multitudes await the gospel. Will you be
the multiplier proclaiming the good news of Jesus Chirst who goes to
the waiting masses? I urge you to respond to God's call,
"HERE am I: SEND ME".