An American icon of spiritual truth and a model of Christian values, the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham celebrated his 95th birthday on Monday night with a premier showing of his final sermon to America, “The Cross.”

Graham’s daughter Gigi Graham, members of her home church, Montreat Community Church and business leaders in the small Blue Ridge Mountain town of Black Mountain, N.C., gathered together at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts to view the reverend’s video, which is part of a series of sermons for study called “My Hope America.”

The series is available on Graham’s website www.billygraham.org, along with suggestions for group study and community outreach to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone.

Local ministers are encouraging church members to take time out and watch The Cross which will air Saturday, Nov. 9, on CBS, WJTV, channel 12 at 6:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church Brookhaven minister, the Rev. Greg Warnock, is among them and said Graham’s popularity is a testament to the power of the gospel.

“I think it is amazing that our nation has a Dr. Graham,” Warnock said, “and that he is still relevant to our nation – he carries a message that is very much needed.”

“My Hope America” is a combination of sermons by the Rev. Graham and personal revelations and testimony from real people whose lives have been profoundly changed by the gospels of Christ in the New Testament.

Warnock said Graham’s sermons have been a model for him and all pastors.

“Graham has served as a model for all ministers,” Warnock explained, “and for followers of Christ, for two important reasons: one, his steadfast commitment to sharing the story of salvation through Jesus Christ, and two, Graham’s personal integrity and humility as a servant in his ministry.”

Warnock said at Wednesday’s services at First Baptist he encouraged members to tune in beginning Thursday, Nov. 7.

Those with cable television can watch the episode tonight on TBN at 8 p.m. central standard time, and on Fox News at 9 p.m. central standard time, Warnock said.

Visit Graham’s website for a full list of times and channels.