Franklin Graham: 'The Bible' Series Will Lead Viewers to Open Scripture
The History Channel's "The Bible" miniseries continues to draw praises for its record television ratings and for increasing interest in the Bible, with the Rev. Franklin Graham being the latest to pay tribute to the positive influence the show is having on viewers.
"The Bible Series ... will likely cause a viewer to want to open the pages of Scripture to see the realities of Almighty God's plan for the human race," Graham said on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website.
Graham acknowledged that some story lines on the show are interpreted differently, but said that "the truth is that in all things the Lord Jesus Christ is seen lifted up before the world and glorified as the King of kings."
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The 10-hour miniseries, produced by Mark Burnett and his wife, Roma Downey, has been a hit in terms of ratings since it premiered March 3, becoming the highest rated cable show on television for two weeks running, beating out even popular shows like CBS' "60 Minutes" and AMC's "The Walking Dead."
A host of pastors and Christian leaders, including Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church in Texas and Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in California, have been vocal in their praise of the series, which showcases a number of biblical stories.
"I have seen probably every film made on the Bible in the last 50 years. This is by far the best one," Warren said. "One way to build a bridge between God's Word and the issues of our day is to tie a sermon series into some cultural event, something that has already caught the attention of many people."
Graham said that it was very fitting that "The Bible" was being shown in the season leading up to Easter, as it will directly remind people about the sacrifice Christ made for the world.
"As Easter approaches, it is good to once again turn to the Truth of Scripture to behold what the Savior of the world has done for the sinful human race by the gift of salvation through His grace," Graham wrote.
"For it is through repentance of sin that men, women and children can receive God's forgiveness through His sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of our sin, and for the hope of Heaven eternal because of His redeeming love."
Fans of the show can expect to see Jesus Christ, portrayed by Diogo Morgado, appear on the show starting this coming Sunday's episode, to be aired on March 17.
