Phil Robertson, professional hunter, best-selling author and reality television star, was the speaker for the 2020 Men's Dinner hosted by the Billy Graham Library on Friday. Robertson shared the Gospel during the event, which also was livestreamed on the Library's Facebook page.
“This night is going to change your life,” Will Graham told those attending the sold-out event, which was held at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. “You don’t need to be on the sidelines of life anymore. It’s time to get back in the game. God’s not done with you yet, but you’ve got to surrender what time you have left on this earth to Him.
Carolina Sonrise, a country, gospel, bluegrass and oldies group based in Gaston County, North Carolina, performed while guests ate dinner. The band played two favorites—“Where Can I Go But to the Lord” and “Because He Lives”—just ahead of Robertson’s message.
The Good News of Jesus was the central point of Robertson's message, and it's needed today more than ever. “The greatest story is that He tries to bring hope in a dark time,” said Joshua Hagans of nearby Concord, North Carolina. “Don’t get me wrong. This year has been a terrible year. But there’s still something better. So don’t look at what’s now, look at what’s ahead. There’s a better story, and I like that.”
In his latest book Jesus Politics: How to Win Back the Soul of America Robertson encourages Christians to use their freedoms to advance the mission of Jesus our King.
Since his early days walking with Jesus, Robertson has become more interested in understanding the political climate from a Christian view. John Biggers, who attended Friday with his son Tucker, said he prays for our nation. “The U.S. is going through a really tough time right now,” Biggers said. “If more people believed and trusted in Christ, we wouldn’t have these issues that we’re dealing with today.”
The culinary team at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association served up a down-home menu that included BBQ brisket, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and green beans. Few skipped the banana pudding, a southern staple.
Generations of men attended the event together.
In closing, Robertson talked about eternity with Jesus. But he filtered it through his hunting lens. “I want to go to a planet that has a lot of ducks, no game wardens and I can stay there as long as I want to. That’s all I want out of this deal," Robertson said, a smile growing. He then flashed a thumbs up before returning to his seat.
Did you know the God of all creation longs for you to join Him in eternity? Find peace with Him today.
