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Ever look at a puzzle piece and try to guess the whole picture? It’s nearly impossible, until you step back and see the top of the box. So it is with life. We see a just piece (often a painful piece) but God sees the big picture. His perspective is higher, and His timing is better. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows how to trust God even when life doesn’t make sense. If you’ve ever felt stuck or confused, clarity and hope are just ahead. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some people treat prayer like it’s a game of chance. Like Bingo. They bring their petition to the Lord and then wait to see if they “get lucky.” “You win some, you lose some.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to pray with more confidence. It’s not up to luck, it’s up to the Lord . . . the Lord who loves us, and cares for us, and told us to keep asking, keep seeking and keep knocking. Practical prayer instruction is just ahead. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some people don’t understand the logic of faith. Believers put their trust in a God who parted the Red Sea, raised the dead, healed the sick, calm ed the storm, walked on water . . . and created the heavens and the earth. Doesn’t it make sense to trust a God like that? Does it make sense not to. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings a story about a woman who had faith that just wouldn’t quit. It’s inspiring insight for those times when we’re ready to throw in the towel. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Bible teaches us how to think and how to behave. And we see it demonstrated in the lives of the heroes of our faith. They were people of commitment, and people of action. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us focus on one particular biblical action figure to see the steps that lead to spiritual failure . . . so we can avoid them! Peter sometimes showed us what to do, and sometimes what NOT to do, but the takeaway lessons are significant. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They say Thomas Edison failed ten thousand times to make a viable electric light bulb. When asked about all those strikeouts, Edison would reportedly say, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us explore the failure of a certain apostle. He did the unthinkable, but we’ll see the Lord responded with the unexpected. Spiritual failure came face to face with divine mercy. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the disciples saw their Lord crucified on the cross, their hopes and dreams were dashed. But where they saw an ending, God brought a new beginning. In this Sunday episode, Pastor Greg Laurie explores the defining event of our faith. Find out “What the Resurrection of Jesus Means to You” in this message. Notes The cross was Jesus’ goal and destination from the very beginning; and it happened exactly as Jesus had predicted. The crucifixion and resurrection were God’s well thought out plan. God takes our endings and turns them into new beginnings. Read: Mark 16:1–8 “So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy.” —Matthew 28:8 If Jesus were not God, He would have never allowed worship. Read: John 20:11–17 Jesus made many post-resurrection appearances. 1. The resurrection of Jesus assures me that I am accepted by God. There is no forgiveness from balancing records, but from canceling them. 2. The resurrection of Jesus assures me that I have all the power I need to live the Christian life. 3. The resurrection of Jesus assures me that I too will live forever in Heaven. The tomb is not an entrance to death, but to life! The moment we take our last breath on Earth, we take our first breath in Heaven. 4. The resurrection of Jesus assures me that I will receive a new body just like His. You will still be you in Heaven. 5. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we will have resurrected relationships. Because Jesus died and rose there are many blessings that have come. 6. Because Jesus died and rose from the dead, we need to tell others. The Great Commission These words are a command. These words were not directed merely to the original twelve disciples. They are for every follower and disciple of Jesus Christ. Scriptures Referenced Matthew 28: 8–9 Acts 1:3 Romans 4:25 Romans 8:11–12 1 Corinthians 15:54–55 1 Corinthians 15:20–22 Colossians 3:4 1 Thessalonians 4:14–18 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 Matthew 28:19–20 — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Crime shows are extremely popular today—especially “true crime,” where investigators solve real-life crime stories and cold cases. On this historical episode, Pastor Greg Laurie interviews J. Warner Wallace, a retired cold-case detective who now investigates the claims of Jesus Christ. In this special interview, Jim Wallace takes on a bold question: “If we didn’t have the New Testament account of Jesus, could we still prove His deity?” Listen in for an enlightening conversation. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nothing takes the place of a sold-out relationship with the Lord. Not a big check in the offering plate, not packing a pew with friends and relatives on Sunday morning, not even the “God is my co-pilot” bumper stick on the back of the car. No, as Pastor Greg Laurie points out today on A NEW BEGINNING, Jesus doesn’t so much want what we have or what we can do. He wants us. He wants to be in first place, top priority, in our lives. And He wants us to follow Him. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adulthood toughens us. Every time we’re lied to, let down, or taken advantage of, we build a thicker skin and vow, “Never again.” Over time, that can make us skeptical, and even cynical. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie reminds us that a hardened heart can’t fully connect with God. It’s like we’re turtles hiding in our shells, keeping everyone out. But good news is coming. Pastor Greg helps us come out of that shell and open our hearts to the Lord. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Modern radios are very selective. They pick up one station at a time. So as you listen to A NEW BEGINNING, you’re not hearing the latest hit on the Polka Parade, or pork belly prices from the farm report. Today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out we need to be just as selective with our hearing. It’s all too easy to let the voices of our culture plant ideas and values in our heads. But today, we’ll see two brokenhearted individuals who were tuned in to Jesus. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A miracle is defined as “a surprising and welcome event that is not explainable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.” Essentially, something awesome: God did it. So many of us have needed a miracle at times . . . maybe you need one right now. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie talks about these kind of supernatural events, and what part our faith plays in the story. Good encouragement is coming. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It makes no sense to complain the car won’t start if it’s out of gas. It makes no sense to complain about sitting in the dark if we haven’t turned on the light switch. Well, when it comes to Christianity, author G.K. Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us try a real walk with God. It offers joy and contentment, and dispels loneliness and discouragement. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Easter is not only a time to reflect on what happened to Jesus, but what can happen to you. This Easter 2026, Pastor Greg Laurie shares a message for anyone who has failed, fallen, or feels like they've gone too far. From John 21, we look at Simon Peter, who denied Jesus, yet was personally restored by Him. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this special episode, Pastor Greg Laurie relates the incredible personal experience Simon Peter had with Jesus on the first Easter. After stumbling through his own pride, this bold disciple encounters Jesus in a special way as recorded in John 21. It's a reminder that redemption can come even after a great fall. Discover more about the hope of Easter when you tune in to our holiday service tomorrow! Tune in at harvest.org/live. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bible scholars have pointed out that the Bible tells us to fear not about 365 times. 365. Enough for a daily dose of reassurance. And don’t we all need it? Every day, there are plenty of reasons for worry, fear and panic. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the Easter season is a great opportunity for a fresh outlook on life and its challenges. All based on the fact that Jesus conquered the grave. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Think of all the things we do to stay alive. We fasten our seat belts. We buy fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. We lock our doors. We wear sunscreen. We take our vitamins and look both ways before we cross the street. We don’t want to die. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how death has already died. We’ll see that’s the central message of Easter, and today we’ll find out that’s our eternal hope. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the Mayo Clinic, adults with strong social support minimize many health problems, including depression, high blood pressure, and unhealthy weight gain. So there you go – more friends, less weight. But, in reality, we need connections in our lives. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the blessing of having a friendship with Jesus. “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.” Join Pastor Greg in John chapter 5. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some people just want to try a little bit of Jesus. As though Christianity was one of the dishes at a religion buffet. “Give me just a small scoop of that. I just want to bring a smile to my face, not a change to my heart.” But when we truly invite Jesus in, He’ll make us new people, head to toe, free from the chains of our past. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us watch that moment of transformation in a man who’s best efforts had come up short. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some may think Jesus is only for the needy, the neglected, the “down and out.” But Pastor Greg Laurie has pointed out before, Jesus is for the “up and outers,” as well. He’s for those who’ve tried and failed, He’s for those who’ve tried and succeeded. He’s for everyone! For God so loved the world! Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us follow the trajectory of one man’s walk of faith. He knew there was something more out there . . . and he found it! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People may fail and disappoint you—even those closest to you—but Jesus never will. In every crisis, Jesus is the only unfailing answer. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In his final interview with Pastor Greg Laurie, Chuck Smith discusses trusting God and His plan even in our most difficult moments. Find the rest of this special archival episode for more on Chuck's life, ministry, and Jesus Movement impact when you go to The Greg Laurie Show. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many believers have a time of doubt once a while. It’s not a good feeling, is it? We may wish we had the faith of those men and women in the Bible: steadfast, immovable, faith as solid as a rock. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that even some our biblical heroes encountered doubt. In fact, we’ll focus on one in particular today. But Pastor Greg draws the distinction between doubt and unbelief. We’ll see doubt is temporary, and can lead to a stronger faith. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bad things do happen . . . even to God’s children. We see it in the Bible. Job’s tragedies were mind boggling. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers. The disciples faced persecution and even martyrdom for their faith. When we face challenges, how do we keep that from turning to doubt? Pastor Greg Laurie answers that today on A NEW BEGINNING from a study in Matthew. We’ll see how doubt can often be a passageway that leads to real growth and a stronger faith. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our mission statement here at A NEW BEGINNING is “Knowing Him and Making Him Known.” Today, we’ll see how those two ideas are inseparably linked. When we make Him known, we know Him better. When we draw other people to Christ, we’re drawn to Christ. Sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? And today on the broadcast, as Pastor Greg Laurie brings us the final installment in his popular series examining the Jesus Movement, we’ll see how we can put that great idea into practice. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We can send a text to someone on the other side of the planet at practically the speed of light. Through social media, videos can circumnavigate the globe as the event happens. It’s an exciting time for communication. And there’s nothing more important to communicate than the hope of Christ. Just when the world has so much capability, it also has so much need. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says it’s time we all do our part to get that message out. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You know, when you share a smile with someone, it’s not like they take it from you and you don’t have it anymore. Often you both end up smiling. When you share a word of encouragement, both of you are the better for it. When you share the Good News of God’s love, it can touch both of you profoundly. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shares how the Gospel is at the very center of God’s plan for mankind. It’s the one thing that can change the eternal trajectory of someone else’s life. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether you're 17 or 71, popular or struggling, put-together or barely hanging on—we all need the same thing. And His name is Jesus. We'll see that in this message from Pastor Greg Laurie! Notes: In Luke 8, we meet two very different people with two very different problems. If you feel like your life is falling apart, this story is for you. Read Luke 8:40–48 This poor woman had been in poor health for 12 years.This young girl, who was sick and near death, was 12 years old. Luke 8:41 (NLT)[Jairus] came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with Him to come home with him. We all should want Jesus to come home with us. Parents: the best thing you can do is get your children to Jesus. Be faithful. Be consistent. Be present. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NLT)And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Every young person is looking for three things:a place to belong,a purpose to live for,and to be loved. Jairus had great faith in Christ. Then this woman burst on the scene.How easily Jairus could have resented this intrusion. Jesus is never late. He is always on time. This woman had been sick for 12 long years with no hope for a cure. Maybe you, too, need a healing touch from Jesus right now.Reach out to Him as this desperate woman did. Jesus literally said, “Who touched Me on my clothes?I felt in myself the power going out from Me.” The Bible says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you!”(James 4:8) Read Luke 8:49–50 Jairus heard these dreadful words, “Your daughter is dead.” But Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” Jairus had to choose which voice to listen to. “Fear not, for I am with you; I will strengthen you.”(Isaiah 41:10) “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”(John 14:27) “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”(Hebrews 13:5) “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.”(Jeremiah 29:11) How do you hear the voice of God?By opening the Bible. Read Luke 8:51–53 God doesn’t just care about your afterlife.He also cares about you in this life. 1 Timothy 6:17b (ESV)God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. John 5:24"I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They pass from death to life.” The woman needed Jesus.Jairus needed Jesus.That little 12-year-old girl needed Jesus.And so do you. Turn to Jesus. Only Jesus can give meaning to your life and hope beyond death. Everyone needs Jesus. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is God like? The answer may depend on who you ask. Instead of allowing others to form our view of Him, we need to find the answer ourselves—and we can only do that by diving into the Word. Don’t miss your chance to know Him better through this powerful message from Pastor Greg Laurie. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2 Peter 3, we read, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” Some people accepted Christ yesterday – good thing the Rapture didn’t happen the day BEFORE yesterday. Coming up on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us learn all we can about the Rapture . . . that great event when we’re suddenly caught up to meet the Lord in the air. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oh the worthless things that get into our minds when we weren’t paying attention. We can remember the words of TV themes . . . the words in the jingles of various fast-food restaurants . . . the words to songs on the radio – songs we don’t even like! If we hear something often enough, it sticks. If we can’t remember Bible verses, maybe we haven’t read them often enough. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us write the truth of Scripture on our hearts, from his message The Bible & Revival. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God’s Word is a light for our path . . . food for our souls. It’s the only offensive weapon in our suit of spiritual armor. And yet, in many homes, it’s the most dusty book on the bookshelf. It contains the very keys to the issues of life, yet it’s overlooked and forgotten. And so many times we need the help it offers. A well-used Bible that’s falling apart is usually owned by someone who isn’t. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the importance of digesting Scripture. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If we knew exactly when Jesus was returning, most of us would make sure we’re ready. We’d drop everything and GET ready. Well, it’s important to know just how soon Jesus could return. In this case, what we don’t know can impact us for eternity. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us trustworthy insight straight from God’s Word on what we can expect during the Rapture, and just how close we may be to that event. There’s literally nothing standing in its way. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We know Jesus is coming back. We don’t know when. The Bible even tells us that none of us knows the day or the hour. But it also advises us to be ready. It’ll come suddenly and could happen when we least expect it. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie welcomes Bible scholar Don Stewart for a revealing discussion of what the Bible says about God’s End Times plan. Although we don’t know the day or the hour of the Rapture, there’s so much we do know. And we’ll talk about that today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many believers start on fire for God—full of awe and excitement—but that often fades with time. In this message, see how we can have an awe that lasts. Notes: Luke 8:16–56 The problem is when we stop fighting to keep the fire lit. Read Luke 8:16–18 (NKJV) The Secret to Sustained Awe The way you keep your awe alive is by actively receiving and actively sharing the light you've been given. Luke 8:18“Therefore take heed how you hear.” Read Luke 8:19–21 Luke 8:21“My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Read Luke 8:22–25 Storms That Reset Storms expose what we really trust. Storms can also reset our perspectives. Luke 8:25 (NLT)Then He asked them, “Where is your faith?”The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When He gives a command, even the wind and waves obey Him!” The storm didn’t reveal how powerful the wind was; it revealed how powerful Jesus was. Every storm we face is an invitation to trust the One who commands the wind and obey Him. Daniel 3:17 (NLT)“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.” Daniel 3:18 (NLT)“But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Jesus endured the greatest storm, which was taking our sin on the cross. Read Luke 8:26–39 (NKJV) The Awe of Deliverance John 10:10 (NKJV)"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The demons were begging Jesus, because even the powers of hell must submit to the authority of Jesus Christ. Luke 8:37 (NKJV)Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned. Luke 8:39"Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you." And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. The man who was sitting in spiritual and physical darkness just became a lampstand. Jesus stepped into our darkness so we could:be forgiven,be restored,become children of God. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the Bible just an ancient book, or is it truly God’s Word? Join Pastor Greg Laurie as he examines why Scripture is reliable, authoritative, and still speaks with truth and power in our lives today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We know we put on our socks before our shoes, and our shirt before our jacket. We all know that the order of things is important. Pastor Greg Laurie says a spiritual awakening will come to our culture after a spiritual revival comes upon the Church. God described that dynamic in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, we’re learning about the components that lead to revival among God’s people. It’s a part of Pastor Greg’s enlightening series called Jesus Revolution. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever been behind the wheel on a long road trip? The endless miles of highway can be fatiguing. We can actually feel sleepy . . . at 65 miles an hour! Sometimes we go through life at 65 miles an hour . . . but spiritually speaking, we’ve practically fallen asleep. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to wake ourselves up spiritually, and how that’ll have an effect on our culture, as well. He’s explaining the biblical prescription for a societal spiritual awakening. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever try to accomplish the simplest tasks in a power failure? Everywhere you go inside your home, you instinctively reach for the light switch, and it doesn’t work. If you can’t see, you can’t do much. Alright, just watch TV. Oh. Yeah. Can’t. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out power is just as necessary in accomplishing the work God wants us to do. And, we’ll find out today, that work has never been more necessary. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” You can find those reassuring words in Second Peter chapter 3. And when a culture seems intent on its own destruction, sometimes God’s hand moves in miraculous ways. It’s happened before in the history of our country, and today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says it can happen again. But we play a part in bringing it to pass. Glad you’re along for a fascinating series that launches today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Resurrection is a pivot point for the entire Christian faith. Paul told the Corinthian church, “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Thankfully, he then said, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.” And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how the Resurrection provides the power we need to break through the barriers and live the Christian life. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do some succeed and others fail spiritually? Because life is a string of choices. When someone's opening social media, another's opening Scripture; when someone's skipping church, another's walking in... Pastor Greg encourages us to choose right. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Greg Laurie interviews historical Jesus scholar, Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, who shares his transformation from skeptic to believer in the Shroud of Turin's authenticity as Jesus' burial cloth. Explore how the Shroud serves as an "itemized receipt" of Jesus' purchase of redemption. And learn about other archaeological finds like the James Ossuary, Pilate Stone, Jesus Cup, and more that affirm the reliability of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Go to harvest.org/donate to receive Jeremiah's book, The Jesus Discoveries. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most of us are wired to look for a good deal. We like to exchange something of lesser value for something of greater value. Well, on a spiritual level, Jesus offers us an arrangement that’s too good to refuse. We owed a debt we couldn’t pay, but Jesus stepped in and paid a debt He didn’t owe. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us appreciate the price paid at Calvary. But even more remarkably: after Jesus died for our sins, He rose again. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the past month, we’ve been studying the rich writings of the Gospel of Mark. Mark weaves together a vivid narrative of the life of Jesus . . . and certainly the most vivid is his description of the end of Jesus’ life and ministry. These events were choreographed by the Father from the beginning of time, but the events were surprising to a First Century citizen seeing it in real time. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie presents his message, What the Death of Jesus Means to You. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are very few events of the past that we could rightfully say changed the course of human history. The invention of sliced bread? People often say it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. No. Some might say air travel . . . or telecommunications . . . or penicillin. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the very moment when our sins were paid in full. It’s the singular event that had ETERNAL consequences. And we’ll consider what that event means for us. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Golfers know the meaning of the world “mulligan.” Bad golfers know it very well. A mulligan is a do-over. “Take that swing over again, you’re good.” Well thankfully the Lord allows mulligans in the spiritual life. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins...” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us follow the biblical account of a certain spiritual failure. We’ll see what it was that led to the sin, and how that sin was forgiven and fellowship restored. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever looked at the social media posts of a friend and think, “Wow, they live a pretty good life.” Someone has pointed out we should never compare someone else’s highlight reel, to our blooper reel. We live out our blooper reel everyday, don’t we? We see the flubs, the fumbles, the gaffes, and the goofs up close. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that God sees beyond the blooper, to the future. Today, a good example of how God can rewrite our story. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Even the greatest prophet had a moment of uncertainty. But rather than condemn John, Jesus gave a response that may surprise some of us. Notes: Luke 7 John, in a moment of doubt, sent a message to Jesus,“Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Doubt is a sign that someone is thinking. A French proverb says, “He who knows nothing doubts nothing.” “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” #1 Moses was ready to quit. Numbers 11:14–15"I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me now." #2 Elijah was ready to quit.(1 Kings 19:4) #3 Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. #4 Paul the Apostle was deeply discouraged.(2 Corinthians 1:8) #5 David wrote half the Psalms while angry, confused, or feeling abandoned by God. #6 John the Baptist was discouraged and entertained doubts. Read Luke 7:18–28 John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. John was in prison because of his bold preaching to King Herod. In John’s mind, Jesus the Messiah would organize a revolt. John was expecting political deliverance.Jesus was bringing spiritual deliverance. Sometimes we misunderstand God and His word. Jesus understood John’s questions and his doubt. Jesus answered John’s doubt with evidence and clarification, not condemnation. Galatians 5:15But if you are always biting and devouring one another,watch out! Beware of destroying one another. It is easier to critique than create.It is easier to tear down instead of build up. Jesus loves you and understands your questions, too. Psalm 10:1Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:16 (a)The LORD is king forever and ever. Jesus defended John publicly,when John criticized Jesus privately.(Luke 7:24) You have immeasurable value because you are God’s creation.(1 Peter 2:9) Ephesians 2:10For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross so you could have a relationship with Him. Doubt is a matter of the mind. Unbelief is a matter of the will. John was doubting, but he still believed. Jesus refocused John’s priorities. John’s doubts were answered by Scripture.(Luke 7:22) Stay the course when you don’t see the plan.(Luke 7:23) Luke 7:28I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is! John was a part of the Old Testament economy.You are a New Testament believer. John was a friend of the Bridegroom.You are the bride of the Bridegroom. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Greg Laurie draws from the powerful story of David and Goliath to show how Christians can face their biggest challenges—whether it's fear, addiction, financial stress, or something else. It's a needed reminder that the same God who stood by David stands by you today. Listen in to this timeless message now! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever been that one person at your table in a restaurant that takes a pass on dessert? Everybody’s ordering salted caramel this and double chocolate that, and they look at you like you have a second nose growing out of the side of your head! “What’s wrong with you!?” But sometimes we have to pass up the attractive things for the best things. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us chart a course for a richer, more fulfilling walk with the Lord, in spite of other things that want our attention. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If the gift someone gives you is modest, your expression of thanks can likewise be modest. When the gift is extraordinary, a modern etiquette expert says, “Keep the level of the thank you near the level of kindness you received.” Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to a memorable moment in Jesus’ ministry when gratitude was extended Him at such a generous level, it drew attention and even criticism from the disciples. But Pastor Greg explains that Jesus commended Mary. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s nothing like driving a wide vehicle on a narrow road to make you sweat. Things get tight ... tight ... tighter still ... and you suck in your breath...! C’mon, like that’s going to make your vehicle thinner. Ever done that? But narrow roads have to be taken seriously. And the Bible describes the narrow road that leads to heaven. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that there are few who find it . . . it’s only found through a relationship with Christ. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve all seen things we’ll never forget. Maybe we saw Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Or we stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Or maybe it was watching our child take their first steps. But nothing on earth could have prepared these certain onlookers for the spectacle they were about to see. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the Transfiguration of Jesus, we’ll see it left them speechless. Well, should have left them speechless – but one of them spoke anyway. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So much of life is determined by our focus. Do we focus on career more than family, or family more than career? Do we focus more on pursuing goals, or enjoying the journey? Some focus on happiness . . . it’s their most important pursuit in life. And yet happiness isn’t found through direct pursuit. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that happiness comes when we put God before ourselves . . . when His will becomes our will. That’s our cross to bear. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What kind of faith gets Heaven’s attention? In Luke 7, Jesus was amazed by a Roman centurion’s faith—not a religious leader, but a soldier who understood authority and believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word... Notes The Roman soldier’s amazing faith got Heaven’s attention. Weak or strong, everyone has a form of faith. Read Luke 7:1–10 Luke 7:9When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following Him, He said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!" Everything about Jesus was amazing. Matthew 8:27They were amazed and said, "What kind of Man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!" Luke 7:9When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Roman centurions were significant people. This centurion somehow knew Jesus could heal his beloved servant. Sometimes non-believers have more faith than believers. The two disciples on the Emmaus Road summed it up, “We had hoped He was the One.” The non-believers remembered what Jesus said would happen after He died. Matthew 27:63We remember that while He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' Where does sickness come from? Sickness and death were not part of God’s original plan for us. Romans 5:12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. Satan brought the afflictions in Job's life. God will, on occasion, allow sickness in our lives to keep us humble, to teach us lessons, and to prepare us for the future. #1 Natural healing is what God built into the human body. #2 There is supernatural healing too. There is a promise of healing in the book of Isaiah.(Isaiah 53:4–5) 1 Peter 2:24"He himself bore our sins" in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by His wounds you have been healed." Lay hold of this promise when you need His healing touch. Why are some of us still sick?One reason is simply a lack of asking.(James. 4:2) Mark 6:5–6And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. The people who knew Jesus best couldn’t see Him for who He really was. Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The safest place to put your faith is in God. Faith is belief plus action. Faith does things. Amazing faith is to be used, applied, and put through its paces. The Christian life is lived by and through faith. Faith can make the difference between something happening and not happening. God is the One who works.But He chooses to work through humans living by faith. Even death is not the end. Jesus said, “I am the living One. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever!I hold the keys of death and the grave.” The powerful centurion had rank, influence, and resources.The widow had nothing. The centurion reached out to Jesus.But Jesus reached out to the woman. Read Luke 7:11–17 Luke 7:13When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" He said. Jesus was deeply moved by the widow’s plight. Jonah knew the nature of God was to forgive. Jesus feels sorrow and compassion for those who have lost loved ones. We will see our loved ones who died in faith again. Paul uses the word “harpazō”, translated as “caught up.”(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) The centurion demonstrated amazing faith. For the people of Nazareth, their familiarity bred contempt. The church is a dangerous place. Every time you hear the gospel and do not respond, your heart gets harder. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adultery, deception, and murder are among the sins of King David—yet he was given a second chance in life. And God can do the same for you, too. Discover how David's story proves that no failure is beyond God's grace to redeem, offering real hope and practical steps for anyone seeking a fresh start today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Greg Laurie calls his series in the book of Mark The Gospel for Busy People. It’s God’s full plan of salvation, explained and applied to our lives today. And on this edition of A NEW BEGINNING, we hear Jesus explain that full plan of salvation to disciples who were hearing it unfold for the first time. It’s a fascinating discussion where Jesus polls the disciples on perhaps the most significant question of the ages . . . a question that carries eternal consequences. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prayer is a privilege. God invites us to pray...with boldness. He invites to seek, ask and knock. But sometimes our prayers can be derailed. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us investigate those factors that can keep our prayers from reaching God’s throne. We’re in a practical series of lessons in the Gospel of Mark titled, The Gospel for Busy People. And today, we’ll see how to undergird our prayers with faith and with a proper attitude and respect for our God. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God’s plan for His children includes blessings, joy and contentment. It also includes some challenges and trials along the way. But that plan also provides the tools to navigate those tough times we face. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us understand one of the most important tools we’ve been given. Faith is the key that’ll help us see a way when there seems to be no way. Today, Pastor Greg helps us put our amazing faith into practice. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all need a touch from the Lord. And the Lord is ready to reach out. But too often, we’re touched, and jostled, and pummeled by the world around us . . . and we can’t seem to climb out from under the dogpile to feel the touch of the Lord. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us draw inspiration and practical instruction from a pairing of stories in the New Testament when Jesus’ touch came to just the right people at just the right time. Good encouragement is ahead. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We live in an instant society. Heat up something in the microwave in seconds, not minutes or hours. Get a message to someone on the other side of the planet in a split second, not days or weeks. Should it be any wonder then why we assume our prayers shouldn’t happen lickety-split? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says, as it happens, God’s clocks run on a different schedule than ours. We’ll see our timing is often impetuous . . . His timing is always perfect. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ultimate wisdom is found in Jesus Christ. And in Luke 6, He brings words that challenge us to reshape our worldview. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is love really? In this Valentine's Day message from Exodus, we cut through cultural confusion to see how the Bible defines love, and how we should respond to God's love. Listen in to a past, yet timeless, Valentine's Day message from Pastor Greg Laurie! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Medical science has come a long way in the last century. Little more than a hundred years ago, doctors treated many maladies by bloodletting! Now there are so many targeted medications, they have to get creative with the names . . . like Cisplatin, Moxifloxacin and Pancuronium. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says we should treat our spiritual ills with a kind of targeted, effective treatment. Treatment recommended by our Maker. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some people are into trucks. The more power, the more capacity, the bigger, the better. Consider the Belaz 75710 mining truck. It weighs 750,000 pounds – empty. And its tires are 13 feet tall. There’s no comparison to consumer pickup trucks. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that there’s no comparison between our enemy and our God. God’s power and capabilities are infinite. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Surprisingly, 20 to 30 percent of prescriptions for chronic health conditions are never filled . . . and about half are not taken as prescribed. Think about that. We go to the doctor, he or she examines us and gives us the medication to make us better. All we gotta do is take the pills . . . and an alarming number don’t! Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the Bible’s prescription for growing spiritually . . . but, same thing, we’ve got to follow the Great Physician’s instructions. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So much of life is a study of cause and effect. We wonder why we get so many speeding tickets. Hmm . . . could it be that we drive too fast? Or wonder why it’s so hard to get up in the morning. Maybe it’s linked to how easy it is to stay up late the night before. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us study cause and effect as it relates to success in the Christian life. Jesus paid the price for our salvation, but we’ll see maturity and spiritual growth are up to us. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we finish praying the sinner’s prayer, and become a child of God, it would be great if all our questions are immediately answered, all our doubts are suddenly dispelled and the gaps in our understanding are instantly filled in. But coming to know God and His plan for our lives is part of the privilege and challenge of living the Christian life. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how we should feel free to approach God for help in sharpening our understanding and deepening our faith. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God doesn’t need your perfect resume. He needs your availability. No matter how ordinary or imperfect you may feel, He can use you. Pastor Greg Laurie points out that Jesus picked some surprising people for His disciples. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we explore a biblical worldview on money, possessions, and giving through Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. With everyday examples, Pastor Greg Laurie challenges our obsession with “stuff” and reminds us that life is not measured by what we own, but by our relationship with God. Learn why we should see ourselves as stewards—not owners—and how that impacts the way we live. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In essence, believers are a part of two families. We’re a part of our earthly families, and we’re part of the family of God. There are privileges and responsibilities that go with both. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how it’s sometimes difficult to share about our faith with our earthly family. Sometimes, one family doesn’t want to hear about the other one. Today, some good insight on what God expects of us within those most important earthly relationships. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all begin following the Lord at different times, and from different backgrounds. But we’re all united in finding forgiveness for our sins, and sharing a calling to bring others into a saving relationship with God. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us look at the way Jesus bid His disciples to “come follow me.” We’ll examine that calling, what it costs and what it offers, and we’ll consider the blessing of being used by God to accomplish His Kingdom business. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Billy Graham wasn’t just a good preacher, a passionate speaker, and a strong believer, he was the greatest evangelist in history. But he was a humble young dairy farmer before he accepted God’s call on his life. What kinds of things can God do through you when you accept His call on YOUR life? That’s the question we’ll explore today here on A NEW BEGINNING. Glad you’re along as Pastor Greg Laurie continues his series in Mark. He’s titled this message collection “The Gospel for Busy People.” — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s never a mistake to follow Jesus’ example. In fact, that’s implied in the definition of “follower” or “disciple.” We’re walking in the footsteps of Jesus. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the dramatic moment when Jesus had a confrontation with the Devil himself. It was the moment the Savior of our souls crossed paths with the accuser of the brethren. But Jesus chose to make it a teaching moment for all of us as believers who encounter the scourge of temptation. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I John 1:8 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Given that . . . given we’re all in this boat together . . . what do we do now? How do sinners like us find forgiveness for our sin, relief for our guilt, and re-establish a relationship with a Holy God? That’s the subject on the table today on A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg Laurie launches a brand new series. We’ll see how we can access that second chance Jesus offers. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus is still saying what He said 2,000 years ago: "Follow Me." And He doesn't mean only on Sundays, but every day. Pastor Greg Laurie shares how we can put Jesus first in our lives and move away from things that pull us down. Notes: Luke 5 Social media is stealing hours you can never get back. The algorithm is designed to capture your attention and never let go- Who or what are you following? You will become like the people you follow.You will reflect their values, or lack thereof. It’s time to follow Jesus. Social media influencers want your attention.Jesus wants your heart. Jesus is here for you.He says, “Follow Me.” The bible challenges you to check on yourself. Are you really a Christian? Or are you just pretending to be one? (2 Corinthians 13:5) Acts 11:26 (NLT)It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians. To call the believers Christians was a mockery.It meant “little Christs.” Matthew 7:22 (NKJV)“Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” Matthew 7:23 (NKJV)And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” John 14:15 (NKJV)If you love Me, keep My commandments. Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Read Luke 5:27–32 Luke 5:28 (NLT)So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. Why did Matthew change so quickly? Jesus simply looked at him and said two words, "Follow Me.” Luke 5:31 (NLT)Jesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do.” God will come to us in a way we can understand. To the military man Joshua, Jesus came as a general.To the combative Jacob, He came as a wrestler.To the astrologers, the Wisemen, through a star in the heavens. Psalm 18:25 (NIV)To the faithful you show yourself faithful,to the blameless you show yourself blameless, Psalm 18:26 (NIV)to the pure you show yourself pure,but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. If you are drowning in guilt and shame,Jesus offers you forgiveness and relief. If you feel like you don’t belong,Jesus makes room at His table. God does not turn people away because of who they are.He comes to them because of it. Luke 5:27Later, as Jesus left the town, He saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector's booth and said, "Follow Me.” Tax collectors collected exorbitant taxes from each person daily.Often, they skimmed off the top or charged more than was required and pocketed the profit. Matthew was considered a traitor, a turncoat, a backslider, and a collaborator with Rome. The people who put up the biggest fight are often closer than those who don’t fight at all. Jesus knew that Matthew wanted a relationship with God.Jeremiah 29:13 Matthew couldn't bring himself to leave that tax booth and go to Jesus. Most non-Christians say they have never had a Christian explain the gospel clearly. The word used for saw, means to gaze intently upon, to stare, to fix one's eyes constantly upon an object. 1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Matthew bolted at the chance to follow and serve Jesus. “Follow Me” means to walk the same road. Following Jesus is not just something we do on Sunday. Jesus wants to be a part of everything you do and everywhere you go.Romans 13:14 How do we follow Jesus?Through prayer and Bible study. Start the day with the Bible.End the day with the Bible. Joshua 1:8 (NLT)Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. “Follow Me” also means to "Follow with Me," meaning companionship and friendship. Matthew happily jumped at the chance of a lifetime.Luke 5:27 Matthew knew the cost and willingly paid it. An old Scottish preacher called this “The expulsive power of a new affection.” When a person really meets Jesus Christ, they cannot leave the old life fast enough. Matthew lost a career but gained a destiny.He lost his material possessions but gained a spiritual fortune. Matthew was so excited that he decided to throw a party for Jesus.Luke 5:29 Jesus sees you for who you are, and He sees you for who you can be. The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation.” — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine a local food pantry to feed the hungry and less fortunate. They collect donations from far and wide. There are shelves full of food reaching to the ceiling. Great! But if they never distribute any of that food, what a crime. Some believers have a heart full of compassion and a head full of knowledge about the Christian life, but it never gets distributed. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us all reach out and share. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Would you walk all the way to work because you forgot to get in your car? Would you stand over a tub doing laundry like it’s 1910 when the washing machine is sitting right there? When power tools are available, we use them. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that the Lord has made spiritual gifts available to each of us – the power tools, as it were, of serving the Kingdom. And today we’ll see just how important it is that we use them. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s about time to pay the credit card bills from this past Christmas. Sadly, often those bills last longer than the gifts did. Ouch. But that’s how it is, right? The things of this world promise a lot of joy, but the joy expires before the cost. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us reevaluate our priorities, and set our focus on the eternal. A life lived for eternity experiences joy that never fades, and the price has been paid. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever gotten up too quickly and felt a little light-headed . . . maybe lost your balance? When you lose your balance, it’s hard to walk a straight line. Spiritually, some believers let their lives get out of balance, and then have difficulty walking the straight and narrow path of faith. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, some help from Pastor Greg Laurie on bringing our lives back into balance . . . back into harmony with God’s plan. It’s a prescription for healing what ails us spiritually. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some professions have specialty clothing . . . and it saves lives. Firefighters have “turnout pants and jackets” to protect against heat. Police officers wear kevlar vests. Soldiers have vests and helmets and boots. As we’ll learn today, Christian soldiers have specialty clothing, as well. But too many of us don’t know much about it. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us get to know our six pieces of spiritual armor, and how we can use them in spiritual battle. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Evangelism is a God-given calling every Christian must answer in obedience. In this message, Pastor Greg Laurie shares principles of a good "fisherman." Notes: Luke 5 There are right and wrong ways to go fishing.And there are also wrong ways to share our faith. The problem today isn’t that Christians are sharing the gospel the wrong way.It’s that 8/10 Christians never share the gospel in any way. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” Do you want to know how to share the gospel effectively? Do you want to go fishing for men? Read Luke 5:1–10 This is a story of how a miracle of Jesus touched the lives of three men,Peter, James, and John. This terrific trio accompanied Jesus on many occasions.They were there at the transfiguration.They were there when Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter.They were there during His agony in Gethsemane. Were they afforded these privileges because they were better than the others? Maybe Jesus was essentially saying, “I need to keep my eye on you, boys.” Peter’s misstatements were legendary. There were never three men who had less promise or natural ability.Yet they became three of the greatest missionary preachers in church history. Luke 5:3 (NLT)Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So He sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. John 1:42 (NLT)Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John--but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter"). Jesus looks at Simon and sees what he will become. There was another time Jesus looked at Peter.It was after Peter’s denial of Jesus.That was a look of understanding. It appears that Peter, James, and John had a spiritual lapse of sorts.Or perhaps they were just unsure of what it meant to follow Jesus. Peter, James, and John did not realize the potential Jesus had for them. Jesus was making them into powerful spiritual leaders who would touch their world.They had the privilege of writing the very scripture we hold in our hands. Have you sensed God’s call on your life to do a certain thing and then not done it? When Jonah ultimately stepped up to the plate, a national revival happened in the wicked city of Nineveh. Not to respond to God’s call on your life can be an actual sin.It is a sin of omission. Luke 5:4 (NLT)"Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish." Luke 5:5 (NLT)"Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing." Fishing at this time was back-breaking work because it involved laying out a great net in a semi-circle. It encompassed over 100 feet. Then it had to be drawn in hand over hand. Luke 5:5 (NLT)"Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again." Peter used an interesting term for Jesus when he called Him, “Master.”It was a nautical term, "Captain of this boat." Peter let down the net instead of the nets.The result was that the net started breaking. This was supernatural, and these fishermen all knew it. Jesus gave Peter fish because that is what Peter understood. It’s amazing how Jesus can reach the academic and the uneducated,the certified genius and the little child. Augustine lived for drinking, partying, and rampant immorality. Weeping, Augustine heard the voice of a child repeating, “Take and read.”Augustine saw this as God entering his world. This is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God. Peter is overwhelmed with gratitude and guilt as Jesus gives him a great catch. God is not looking for self-confident people.He is looking for people who are aware of their inadequacies and weaknesses. When you encounter the Holy God, you realize how sinful you are. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now, on you’ll be fishing for men!”(Luke 5:10) The Lord said we can catch men alive.Either we do it, or the devil does. Luke 5:11 (NLT)And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. The word for followed signifies the “deepest inward attachment.” #1 A fisherman needs to be patient. The Bible compares evangelism to farming.1 Corinthians 3:6–8 We live in a microwave society, but God often works like a slow cooker. Ecclesiastes 7:8a (ESV)Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. #2 A good fisherman must persevere. God doesn't grade us on our closing percentage.He grades us on our obedience. #3 A good fisherman must know to go to the right place at the right time. #4 A good fisherman must have skill. We learn effective skills through experience. We learn to build a bridge rather than to burn it. One of the best ways to share the gospel with someone is to listen. Know the word of God.2 Timothy 2:15 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. # 5 A good fisherman must know how to work with others. Cooperation is the key to effectively sharing your faith. God specializes in turning sinners into saints. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On January 21, Harvest Riverside hosted the first stop of TPUSA Faith's Make Heaven Crowded Tour, a gospel-centered gathering calling people to repentance, faith, and bold obedience to Jesus. Listen in to Pastor Greg Laurie's full speech, where he encourages Christians to remember the urgent calling of evangelism and invites nonbelievers to receive Jesus Christ. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The old evangelist Billy Sunday said, “Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in.” How many of us have our fingerprints on the doorknob, and wonder why we fell to the devil’s lures? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us good insight on the spiritual environment we’re living in. It’s a look at the spiritual battle being waged all around us, whether we realize it or not . . . and how we’re all combatants in the fight. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the days of the pony express, riders would blaze across trails, up hills, down embankments, across grassy meadows and through blazing deserts. They had one job: deliver the mail. They may have had plenty of reasons to abort their mission: weather, hunger, sickness, attacks by Paiute Indians – but they persevered. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out we have a much more important message to deliver, and that message must get through. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We live in the information age. If we have a question, the answer should be just a mouse-click away. The trouble is, for every question, you’ll find a million answers on the Internet. And yet with all that information, depression and hopelessness are at an all-time high. Is there just no way to find hope . . . or have we just been looking in the wrong places? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie continues his study of Jonah, we’ll find hope in the same place Jonah found hope. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When a pilot’s in a bad mood, is he allowed to re-route all his Toronto-bound passengers to Hawaii, just for kicks? No. If a firefighter is feeling a little down, is he allowed to take his sweet time responding to a fire? No. We do the right thing no matter how we feel. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, from the story of Jonah, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us how to look beyond our feelings to the faithfulness of God. We’ll find hope in hopeless situations. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They’ll know we’re Christians by . . . our protests? By . . . our self-righteousness? By . . . all the things we’re against? Sometimes it might seem that way. Jesus actually said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us reevaluate how our faith is seen by others. Is it off-putting . . . or irresistible? As we consider the bad example of the prophet Jonah, we’ll ask ourselves if our witness is working. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scripture reveals we were not only created on purpose, but for a purpose. And while that purpose may bring opposition, it also brings authority and sends us forward. Notes: Luke 4 Why do you exist?Why were you created? The Bible says we were not only created on purpose,but that we were created for a purpose. Luke 1:3 (NLT) Luke 1:4 (NLT) What is God’s purpose? Luke 4:14–30 #1 Purpose Brings Opposition Before you accomplish the purpose of God, you need to have the Spirit of God. Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV) Luke 4:18–19 (NKJV)"The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,Because He has anointed MeTo preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captivesAnd recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed;To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Jesus doesn’t just bring comfort.He claims authority.He is the Messiah. Luke 4:30 (NKJV)Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. Luke 4:30 (MSG)But He gave them the slip and was on His way. Living for God’s purpose brings opposition. Live for God’s purposes rather than your own. Luke 4:31–37 #2 Purpose Carries Authority Opposition is confirmation that we are on the right track. Sometimes opposition is correction.Sometimes opposition is immaturity.Sometimes opposition has consequences. "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him."—D.L. Moody But Jesus isn’t just authoritative, He’s compassionate.He’s not just powerful, He’s loving and merciful. Luke 4:38–44 #3 Purpose Sends You Forward Jesus had authority in the synagogue,compassion in the home, andmercy in the streets. Luke 4:43 (NKJV)but He said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent." What is your purpose? — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This special episode shares Pastor Greg Laurie’s commentary over the years on the truth of God’s Word regarding the topic of abortion. With insight into God’s perspective, he helps the Christian answer: Does life really begin at conception? What biblical support is there for the pro-life argument? Does God forgive those who had abortions? And can Christians ever support abortion? As Sanctity of Human Life Sunday approaches this year, get the biblical take on the topic of abortion. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes seatbelts are uncomfortable. They’re confining, they need constant adjustment, and they can rub a person the wrong way. But in a traffic accident, they can literally save your life. Sometimes we chafe under the corrective guidance of God, but in the end it’s for our own good, and may save our life. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us recognize and realign ourselves with God’s plan, as we study the wrong way to respond from the life of Jonah. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are many places in the country where the locals say, ‘If you don’t like the weather, just wait 20 minutes.” Weather changes . . . constantly. It’s the same with the storms of life. They come, and they go. Some of us feel like a rain cloud has been hovering over our heads for months! But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us find the help and reassurance we need for those times of crisis in our lives. Today’s study is one of our most requested messages. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever been the target of a scam? Many of us have, some without even realizing it. None of the scammers admit they’re trying to rip you off. They play upon your fear, or your kindness. They find a weakness or a vulnerability. Satan is like that, only he’s been practicing a lot longer. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie warns us about his tactics and strategies. We’re each in his crosshairs, but as believers we’re under the protection of The Cross. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Angels, unfortunately, suffer from a good deal of bad press. Fake news. Inaccurate reporting. They’re not plump little babies sitting on clouds playing harps, sporting a glowing halo. And not all angels are the good guys. What’s the truth about these heavenly beings? Pastor Greg Laurie has the answer today on A NEW BEGINNING from the only reliable source: God’s Word. Today’s message is one of our listeners’ most requested studies. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We can have a steady diet of donuts and burgers and then blame the giant carbohydrate conglomerates for our weight gain. We can speed and blame the cop for our traffic ticket. But at some point, we all need to take personal responsibility for our choices. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out no one goes to hell by accident. God gives opportunity after opportunity to choose the path that leads to heaven. Today, we’ll examine the clear choice where we spend eternity. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We can expect to face temptation in the Christian life. But in this encouraging episode, Pastor Greg Laurie not only reminds us victory is possible—but shows us exactly how to obtain it. Today, we look to Jesus as our inspiration for overcoming temptation. Notes We belong to God 1 Cor 6:19–20 — “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” Temptation/testing can produce good James 1:12 — “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.” When does temptation often come? Frequently after great spiritual blessing (e.g., after Jesus’ baptism → wilderness temptation). Where does temptation come from? We play a key role in our own temptation. Where there is no desire on our part, there is no temptation. James 1:14–15 (NKJV) Temptation always starts in the realm of your mind. Best place to be when temptation comes? In the will of God. Primary weapon against temptation? The Word of God. Jesus’ 3 Temptations -- Luke 4 — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you knew 2026 was your last year on earth, would you live any differently? In this revisited, powerful message, Pastor Greg Laurie urges us to make this our strongest spiritual year yet, drawing timeless wisdom from two biblical figures who knew their time was short: King Hezekiah and the apostle Paul. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are things we don’t like to talk about in polite company. Politics, of course. How about embarrassing moments, a troubled past, those times we didn’t tell the truth, the date that went very badly. Near the top of the list would have to be death and the existence of hell. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that our knowledge of hell may be dangerously limited . . . or worse yet, influenced by all the things we’ve heard in books or on TV or movies. We’ll get the truth today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They say the best form of advertising is word of mouth. When one person tells another about his experience, it’s very persuasive. Well, that form of expression was around long before Madison Avenue brought it to radio and TV. The Lord invited us to tell others what He’s done for us. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us what we can learn on this issue from the prophet who ran from God – Jonah. We’ll see, when Jonah finally turned around, so did an entire city! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some people are so easy to get along with, you can’t not like them. Know what I mean? Then there are others . . . Well, let’s just say there are others. How eager are you to share Christ with those who are less likeable? How about someone who makes you uneasy . . . or someone who intimidates you? Or someone whose lifestyle is so unlike yours? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us see how God’s love can help us go where our comfort zone leaves off. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where does your electricity come from in your home? The electric company, right? You’re connected directly. Your neighbor is connected directly. You’re not running an extension cord over to the neighbor’s to power up your lights. (At least I hope not.) Well, we each need a direct spiritual connection to our Heavenly Father. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how that sheds light on Paul’s injunction to “work out our own salvation.” Glad you’re along today for one of our best-of messages. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We live in the information age. Facts and figures fly at us faster than we can absorb. And opinions, suppositions, rumors and innuendos come screaming at us from every form of media – especially social media. Where do we find an escape? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out our respite is right in the pages of God’s Word. Not only do we find solace, we find the soothing salve of Scripture. This is one of our most requested messages. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever made a promise you couldn't keep? Unlike us, God is completely faithful. We can always trust Him to fulfill what He's promised. Pastor Greg Laurie talks more about this in an insightful Bible study. Notes: Genesis 6 God promises the forgiveness of our sins. 1 John 1:9 God promises a new life in Christ if we believe in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 God promises He will be with us and comfort us in our hard times. Isaiah 43:2 God promises He will complete the work He has begun in you. Philippians 1:6 God promises peace when we pray instead of worry. Philippians 4:6 God promises to provide for our needs. Matthew 6:31–33 The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will come again. John 14:3 Jesus is coming back again! There are over 1,500 passages in Scripture that deal with Christ’s return. It’s going to get worse before it gets better. God is in control. And we win in the end! (Build) Jesus told us our last days would be just like Noah’s time. Matthew 24:37–44 Noah walked with God when no else did. “Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?” Amos 3:3 To walk with God means that I am in agreement with Him. Early is on time, on time is late, and late is never acceptable. To walk with God is to get in-sync with Him and move when He moves. To walk with God is to have the same goal, purpose, and desires. Noah was a witness for God. 2 Peter 2:5 Noah worked for God. The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic was built by professionals. God not only remembered Noah, but Noah remembered God. Coming out of the Ark, Noah offers a sacrifice to the Lord. Genesis 8:20 Noah had his priorities straight! Saying grace over a meal. Faithful giving of your finances. Not skipping church. Scripture reminds us to remember God. Ecclesiastes 12:1 Read: Genesis 9:20–29 Noah’s fall teaches us that anyone can fall into sin. Moses sinned by striking the rock instead of speaking to it. David sinned with Bathsheba. Solomon sinned with the pursuit of pleasure. Our goal as Christians, therefore, should be to not just start this race, but also finish well, too! Noah’s fall teaches us about the destructive power of alcohol. Genesis 9:21 Noah’s life stands as a warning to every person who follows Jesus! If we see some Christian fall into sin, what should we do? Galatians 6:1 Our goal is always to restore, not destroy. James 5:19–20 God keeps His promises! God never forgets about us! Never lower your guard or rest on your laurels, spiritually. If someone has fallen into sin, our goal should always be to restore. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this special episode, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us discover the meaning and the purpose of our lives—to bring glory to God. As we enter the new year, what should be the outlook of every Christian? Pastor Greg encourages us to take a heavenly perspective on our lives and warns us against three things that can keep us "earthbound" in 2026. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a strange day indeed when a “man of the cloth” runs from the Lord. Jonah was a prophet of God . . . but when God gave him an assignment, he literally left town in the opposite direction. That solved everything, right? Not at all. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out, when we run from God, He still knows where we are, and He has some amazing ways to get our attention. And He may stop at nothing to get us back on track. Let’s learn more. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first word of the Great Commission is an important one . . . and a challenging one. “GO and make disciples.” “How ‘bout if we STAY and make disciples? Can’t we just phone it in. Can we text them? Maybe a clever meme on social media?” No, today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how we need to go and share our faith on their turf. We can’t expect them to come to church, Jesus expects us to go and meet them right where they are. Today’s talk is from our series of best of messages. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How many prodigals does the Bible tell us about? Well, most Bible students would say one. Pastor Greg Laurie has pointed out before that the prodigal son had an older brother who could also be considered a prodigal. So . . . two? Would you believe there may be three prodigals in the Bible? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg points out that Jonah could be considered the prodigal prophet. But when he turned his life around, he helped an entire city turnaround and come to God. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever accidentally gone the wrong way on a one way street? Things don’t go well, do they? People are honking, shouting, waving their arms. Not usually smiling either. Seems kind of hostile. Well . . . things don’t go well when we go the wrong way in our faith either. People seem hostile . . . or maybe it’s us. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as we launch our best-of series of messages, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us the effects of Jonah going in the wrong direction. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God has built into us a hunger for Him . . . it’s an insatiable longing that nothing else can fill. And He’s given believers a pivotal message – the Gospel message – that has the power to bring people to Him. The ingredients are there. It just needs our willingness to share that message. Are you willing to be used that way? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us a number of practical principles to help us share that life-giving message more effectively and confidently. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After experiencing God’s blessings, the people of Israel still returned to their old ways. Sound familiar? If you’ve found yourself drifting spiritually and falling into the same patterns—a fresh start is close by. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! Notes: Focus verse - Nehemiah 10 #1 Starting strong is good, finishing strong is better. Samson started well but did not finish that way. Marriage is like our relationship with God. The moment you begin to neglect and take your marriage for granted, trouble follows.The same is true of our Christian life. The bible says, “Work out your own salvation.” #2 Stay focused. When we take our eyes off the Lord, we will get discouraged. Nehemiah 4:14 Israel did not remember the Lord. This was not just about the physical state of the walls.This was about the spiritual state of their lives. #3 Israel promised to carefully follow all the commands of scripture. Read Nehemiah 10:28–29 Jesus is the unique and only miracle working Son of God who died and rose again. #4 Israel chose to obey the word of God. The surrender to God’s word happened from top down.Nehemiah 10:28 It’s one thing to believe the word of God, it’s another thing to surrender to it. #5 Israel separated themselves from ungodly influences.Nehemiah 10:28–30 To live a godly life, you need to separate yourself from some things and join yourself to others. The three most important decisions you will make in life are:What am I going to do with Jesus Christ?What am I going to do with my life?Who am I going to marry? Israel was pulled down by ungodly people. 2 Corinthians 6:14 Separation does not mean isolation. #6 Israel was invested in God’s kingdom.Nehemiah 10:32 If we follow God’s principles about giving, we can expect Him to meet our needs.2 Corinthians 9:8 Nehemiah 13:8 Little compromises lead to bigger problems. Jesus finished what he started. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Like David, we all have giants we face in life—it could be depression, marital problems, or financial issues. But the good news is no giant is too big for our God. In this powerful and timely message, Pastor Greg Laurie equips each one of us to face our personal giants with Him in the new year. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In scholastic debates, they keep score. It’s a competition, and each side wants to win big. All too often, believers think sharing their faith is some kind of competitive debate. If they can score enough points, they win . . . and the other person automatically comes to Christ. But that approach can suddenly end the conversation, and even end the friendship. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how we’re to win souls, not debates. Good encouragement coming today. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s the day we celebrate God incarnate, the baby Jesus born in a humble stable. It was a miraculous birth . . . on many levels. And yet the simple circumstances masked the enormity of how deity came to dwell among humanity. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us connect the past and the future as we consider how Jesus could return at any time. His return will be no less miraculous. And today, a lesson on “patient expectation.” Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In any gathering, there are a few people in the spotlight, so to speak, and there are a few on the periphery. Those in the spotlight may seem like the most interesting people in the room, but those on the periphery sometimes have the most fascinating stories. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the birth of Christ and helps us meet a couple of people who seem to be on the periphery of the story, but who have much to teach us about having a love for Christ. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Follow anyone on social media? People choose their favorites — travel bloggers, DIY geniuses, chefs who can cook practically anything with practically nothing. (And yes, Pastor Greg Laurie is on all the major platforms, too.) But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg points out a similar choice in the Christmas story. When Jesus was born, some people hit “follow” right away, and others just scrolled on by. And believe it or not, that same decision is still in front of us today. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it that God didn’t know how to stage a spectacular entrance for His Son? The God who created heaven and earth, hung the stars in the sky, and summons forth thunder and lightning. Was the heavenly event planner on vacation the day Jesus was born in a humble stable? No, today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how the birth of Christ happened quietly, with little fanfare, and revealed to the least likely. It was on purpose . . . and it speaks of our purpose. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The true Christmas story is far more powerful—and far more personal—than the version we often see wrapped in sentiment and tradition. Through Luke 2, Pastor Greg looks at how Christmas has been romanticized and even sidelined, yet the real story remains explosive: God stepped out of Heaven and into human history. Notes: Taking Christmas Back Luke 2 The real Christmas story is explosive. That’s because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Christmas has been hijacked. Christmas has been emptied of its meaning. Portland, Oregon just had its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Christmas has perhaps been far too romanticized even by well-meaning Christians. The beauty of the true Christmas story has explosive power. The night when God Himself came to this earth. The first Christmas is when God stepped out of Heaven and entered history. Mary was living in Nazareth, a town known for its wickedness. Mary was a nobody in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere. The angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Luke 1:28–30 (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! Read Luke 2:1–7 Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story. God’s selection of Joseph was just as significant as His selection of Mary. God, the Father in Heaven, chose Joseph to be a stepfather or father figure on earth for Jesus. Jesus grew up in many ways like any other child. We are in danger of becoming a fatherless society in America. That’s why Joseph matters. Hearing that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was willing to simply “put her away quietly,” to break the engagement. But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, too. Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Luke is very meticulous in his reporting. Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He carefully researched and had first-person interviews with the principal characters of the story. It was his desire to bring a historical and accurate record of the life of Jesus. These are not fairy tales or legends Luke invented. Luke 1:3 Caesar Augustus was the first real Roman emperor. His real name was Caius Octavius. The Roman Republic was now the Roman Empire. One inscription that was found called Augustus Caesar “the savior of the whole world.” Luke 2:11–12 (NKJV) "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." The angel was saying, “Augustus is not the savior of Rome, Jesus is.” In a time when man wanted to be God, God became a man. God incarnate born on the dirt floor of a filthy cave. God became a fetus. Deity in diapers. Babies are so amazing and so helpless. You have to cradle their heads. “It was clearly a leap down— as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised on the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy . . . where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower.” — R. Kent Hughes This symbolized Jesus’s whole life on this earth, from the cradle to the cross. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. That phrase became emblematic of Jesus’s life and ministry on earth. Christ said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” We didn’t have any room for Him, but He has many rooms for us. We effectively lose Jesus at Christmas. We say things like, “I would like to go to church, but I’m just too busy.” When Mary and Joseph got back home, they realized Jesus was gone. This can happen to us, too. Not that we lose our salvation, but we can lose sight of Jesus. It’s not about Christmas presents but His Christmas presence. The message of Christmas is, “let us worship.” We need a savior because we are sinners. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a special episode, we revisit a conversation between Pastor Greg Laurie and Franklin Graham. The two discuss the legacy of Billy Graham, and Franklin reminisces about Christmas traditions in the Graham household. Franklin also describes his start at the far-reaching ministry, Samaritan’s Purse, and shares stories of impact through their initiative, Operation Christmas Child. Watch the video of this full interview here. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the key words here are Harvest Ministries and A NEW BEGINNING is just two letters: Go! In fulfilling the Great Commission, that may be the hardest step. Go. Get up and get started. Today, on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps kindle a fire within us . . . a fire that won’t let us remain silent. We’ll see sharing our faith is a joy and a privilege. We’re featuring a message Pastor Greg recently presented at The Bold For Jesus evangelism conference in Spokane, Washington. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever try to run up a downward escalator? Sounds silly, but kids try it all the time, just to see if they can. When we try to fight against the lures of temptation on our own strength, we’re running up a downward escalator. The momentum against us is just too much. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us change escalators and embrace the power and provision of God through prayer. When we’re moving in the same direction as the Spirit of God, the journey is much easier. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you facing a challenge right now? A trial, a tragedy, a crisis, a loss? God knows what you’re going through. He’s concerned about what you’re going through. And He has the power to get you through. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out He wants us to come to Him and ask for His help. Prayer is a vital part of surviving the toughest of challenges life throws our way. And today, Pastor Greg helps us pray effectively using the Lord’s model for effective prayer. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Because of the deluge of robocalls we all get, if an unfamiliar number pops up on the phone, many people just don’t answer. Who wants those calls? Do we feel like we’re an unfamiliar number popping up God’s phone when we call on Him in prayer? Do we wonder if He’ll pick up the phone? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that God not only answers the phone, He answers our requests. We’re not an unfamiliar number at all. No, we’re family. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s said that Abraham Lincoln had an open-door policy for citizens. They could literally come right into the While House and talk with him. My how things have changed. Today, VIPs are universally unreachable . . . with one notable exception. Our God not only allows us to come to Him, He invites us, in fact He urges us. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us take full advantage of the open door we call prayer. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If God can perfectly order the events of the Christmas story, we can entrust Him with stories of our own. We should mirror Mary's surrender and submission to God's plan. Notes: Galatians 4:4 (NKJV)But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. READ Luke 1:26–33 #1 God Is Always On Time Luke 1:28 (NKJV)“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:29 (NKJV)But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. God is always on time. READ Luke 1:34–38 #2 God’s Timing Requires Our Surrender Luke 1:38 (NKJV)“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)Your kingdom come.Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. READ Mark 8:34–36 God’s plan is always better. Surrender doesn’t mean God makes everything comfortable.It means God makes everything count. Surrender always leads to Christ. Psalm 84:10 (NKJV)For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my Godthan dwell in the tents of wickedness. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”—Jim Elliott READ Luke 1:39–45 #3 Our Obedience Has A Radius Luke 1:15 (NKJV)For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. What is God asking you to do? What areas in your life is God calling you to submit and surrender? Too many Christians are satisfied with comfort when God is offering conquest. Obey God.Submit to scripture.Live a life of integrity committed to God. Let it be to me according to your word. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year" isn’t true for everyone. For some, it's a depressing, stressful season. But, as Pastor Greg Laurie takes us back to the first Christmas, he tells us how we can ALL experience a joyful holiday. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Someone has said worry is the advanced interest you pay on troubles that seldom come. An old Swedish proverb says worry gives a small thing a big shadow. What shadow is looming over you right now? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie continues a series called Faith 101: A Crash Course on the Christian Life. We’ll tackle the problem of worry and anxiety. Pastor Greg points out that the Lord has given us a very powerful tool to help us put our worries to rest. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nearly 25 million real Christmas trees decorated homes last Christmas. And about 25 million Christmas trees became kindling not long after the holiday. There’s a spiritual parallel. Today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to keep our faith from drying out. We’ll learn to keep it re-kindled by sharing the hope we have with others. Glad you’re along for A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg brings us some practical pointers on effective evangelism. It’s a good opportunity to take notes. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Greg Laurie has the opportunity to share the Gospel with countless people each year. He does so through films, crusade events, through social media and right here on A NEW BEGINNING. We’ve seen more than a million professions of faith in the 50 years of Harvest Ministries. So there must be a secret formula for successful evangelism, right? Pastor Greg would be the first to say there is no secret formula. But there are some practical pointers, and he explains them today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If there’s a war raging, and someone mistakenly stumbles into the middle of it, the warriors don’t suddenly stop and say, ‘Hey, wait a minute, fellas, this guy isn’t part of it. Let’s wait ‘til he gets outta the way.’ No people who stumble into battle unaware often get caught in the crossfire. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie wants to make sure that doesn’t happen to us. He points out that we’re surrounded by spiritual warfare, and we need to be prepared to fight, and fight victoriously. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A pilot said, “the basics of aviation are really quite simple. You push the control stick forward and the houses get real big; you pull it back and the houses get real small.” But imagine if a pilot did lose track of the basics – can’t remember what those switches do, or even why they’re important. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us with a refresher course on the basics of the Christian faith. It’s a good reminder of the fundamentals that’ll keep us all from crashing and burning. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s more to the Christmas story than you may realize. There’s a prequel... In this message, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us to the story of a godly, elderly couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist. Notes: Luke 1 Luke gives us the prequel, the story before the story. Luke opens by saying, “In the days of Herod.”That’s like saying, “In Germany, in the days of Hitler.” Heaven’s light was about to break. Read Luke 1:5–17 Luke’s narrative finds Israel in the midst of a long night of spiritual darkness. Israel was now under the control of mighty and cruel Rome.But there was something in the air that things were about to change. A promise to Israel of better days to come – Malachi 4:2 NIVBut for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Malachi 3:1 NIV“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. John the Baptist was the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. God was now going to answer the prayer and heart cry of Israel. God sent the mighty angel Gabriel. The last appearance of an angel had been to the prophet Zechariah nearly five centuries earlier. Whenever angels appeared, they would say, “Do not be afraid!” Gabriel came to an elderly couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth. The name Zacharias means, “God remembers.”Elizabeth means, “My God is an oath.” God remembers His promises and always keeps His word. God was making up for lost time, and He gave them a baby like no other,John the Baptist. #1 Zacharias was a humble man. James 4:6 ESV“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The obsession with ourselves is at the root of our problems. The humble Zacharias was a country priest. There were many priests in Israel at this time.To be a priest meant you represented the people to God. The priest also represented God to the people.The priest would interpret scripture, counsel, and provide wise judgment for the people. I understand that I, too, am a representative of God to people. You, too, are a priest.And you, too, represent God to people. You are the only bible some people will ever read. #2 Zacharias was a faithful man. God called:Moses, when he was tending sheep.David, while he was watching sheep,Elijah, when he was plowingPeter and John, when they were mending nets.God calls busy people. It’s hard to steer a parked car. If you are faithful in small things, God will give you greater opportunities. God has given to every believer spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6 NLTGod has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. Romans 12:7 NLTIf your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. Romans 12:8 NLTIf your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. Paul told Timothy to “not neglect the gift that is in you.” Zacharias was faithful to do what God had set before him. #3 Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly and blameless people. Luke 1:6 NKJVAnd they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. To be blameless does not mean they were sinless. They lived lives of integrity, not perfection. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Not to have any children was thought to be a curse from God. Little did they know that God would answer their prayers and give them a prophet. Their son, John, would be the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. Perhaps you are going through a time of difficulty right now. God was preparing Zacharias and Elizabeth for this day, and now the reward for faithfulness has come. Luke 1:13 NKJVBut the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. God hears our prayers as well. God promises us that if we call out to Him, He will hear and answer.Psalm 34:15 Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Just because our prayers are not answered does not mean God does not hear them. There is an amazing story in Daniel 10 where a mighty angel appeared before the prophet.The angel told Daniel that the prophet’s prayer had been heard in heaven 21 days earlier. God’s delays are not necessarily his denials. The devil and his fallen angels are very active right now. Revelation 12:12b NIVThe devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short. The bible tells us that in the last days there would be “satanically energized times” and that things would go from bad to worse. So, what should we do in light of this?We need to use our two secret weapons, preaching and prayer. We have no idea of what is going on in the invisible world of angels and demons.Revelation 8:3–4 God hears and stores our prayers; not one is wasted. Every prayer is answered with either yes, no, or wait. God is aware of each and every request made for His glory and in His will. God heard and recorded the prayer of this godly couple. Zacharias prayed for 30 years for a son.The reason he was surprised when Gabriel came was because he had prayed for so long. In the same way, your prayers are in God’s to-do box.Even if you have forgotten about them, God has not. Don’t give up on your prayers. This happened with the believers praying for the deliverance of Simon Peter.When the answer to their prayer arrived, they did not believe it. #4 Zacharias was human and flawed just like us! Luke 1:18 NKJVAnd Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” Luke 1:19 NKJVAnd the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. Luke 1:20 NKJV“But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words.” Zacharias could have rejoiced, but instead he questioned. We can choose to worship God, or we can choose to question God. It’s not a bad thing for a Christian to struggle or even ask God, “Why?” Some people have experienced tragedy and disappointment and have questions for God. But there comes a point when we choose to trust. Even John the Baptist had a momentary doubt.He misunderstood the mission of the Messiah like so many others. John, the greatest Old Testament prophet, sitting in a dungeon, sent word to Jesus, “Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Jesus reassured John and sent him back to the scriptures. Zacharias couldn’t speak, so he tried to explain what happened through hand gestures.Luke 1:21 Lessons from the lives of Zacharias and Elizabeth:To be humble and wait on the Lord and serve HimTo keep praying and not give up because our prayers are heard and rememberedTo believe what God tells you and act in faith, not by feeling The biblical characters were quite ordinary.They were hopelessly human, remarkably unremarkable. They were also available and obedient to the Master’s call. A 1964 Aston Martin sold for $4.6 million. The value is not in the car, but in the one who drove it. The same is true of us. The value isn’t in the vessel; it’s in the One who fills it. For centuries, the world waited. For decades, a faithful couple prayed.And at just the right time, God said, “Now!” Maybe you’ve been praying for something. Your “now” can begin today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine sitting in the driver’s seat of your parked car. And you start disassembling your steering wheel. You loosen the nut that holds your steering wheel in place. Now, the steering wheel is barely connected to your front wheels. Are you willing to hit the open highway without that control? Only if you like ditches. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, from the series Heroes of the Bible, Pastor Greg Laurie points out some people choose to do that with their very lives . . . and wind up in some kind of ditch. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Funambulism is the skill of walking the tightrope . . . the high wire. And performers face mortal danger . . . it’s a long way down. The last thing they want (literally) is to make it only half way across the high wire. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out it’s even more important to finish the race of life well. There’s mortal danger, there’s uncertainty and breathless moments. But thankfully, when we fall, the Lord is there to catch us and restore us. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world has been through a hailstorm of crisis and calamity . . . sickness, death, economic upheaval, uncertainty about the future. Hope may seem in short supply. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, we’ll see it’s only in short supply if we’re going to the wrong supplier. Pastor Greg Laurie introduces us to a man who faced an epic challenge but depended on God’s provision to see him through. We’ll learn to follow in his footsteps as Pastor Greg introduces this Last Days believer. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scripture warns us that wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction. Lots of folks going that way. It’s the way that “seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us an alternative. He helps us through the narrow gate. It won’t make us popular or politically correct. But better to live in a way that’s pleasing to God, even if it displeases people, rather than the other way around. This Giving Tuesday, help us meet the spiritual moment! Give now. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Even in the Lord’s Prayer, we say the words “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Thomas Fuller once wrote, “He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven.” Today, on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the life of Joseph, an outstanding biblical example of forgiveness and what fruit can come of that selfless action. We’re studying the Bible’s great heroes. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Isaiah 9:6 tells us what Jesus, the name above all names, means to us. Pastor Greg Laurie brings us insight in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Isaiah 9:6 Jesus Christ.That is the name above all names. Isaiah 9:6For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be calledWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. From Heaven’s perspective, Jesus was given.From earth’s perspective, Jesus was born. Jesus lived our life and then He died our death. The first Christmas gift was not a gift to a child but the gift of a child. Each of these descriptions of Jesus’ name deals with an important part of our life. Jesus said, “Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of Me.(Hebrews 10:7 KJV) Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed and in the New Testament revealed. Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad.”(John 8:56 KJV) Jacob wrestled with Jesus.Before conquering Jericho, Joshua met Jesus and bowed before Him. Let’s look at these descriptions Isaiah gives us of Christ. #1 His name is Wonderful: this takes care of the dullness of life. Wonderful comes from the word wonder. There is nothing this world has to offer that will fill the void in your life.That’s where Jesus comes in. The word, wonder, means:amazement, surprise, astonishment, admiration, bewilderment, worship, and awe. The best way to sum it up is, “God is awesome!” Knowing this wonderful God personally takes care of the dullness of life. When the shepherds shared what happened,“All that heard it wondered at these things told to them by the shepherds.”(Luke 2:18) Everything about Jesus was wonderful:His birth, His life, His words, His death, and His resurrection. Wonder will lead to worship and a desire to know Jesus better. #2 His name is Counselor: this takes care of the decisions of life. Do you know that God wants to give personal counsel and direction to you? Psalm 73:24 (NKJV)You will guide me with Your counsel,And afterward receive me to glory. Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, Jesus Christ, is offering you His counsel. Jesus, our Counselor, has a plan for our lives. Jesus has given us His word so we might learn to think and act biblically.Everything you need to know about God and life is found in Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16–17All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is trueand to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.It is God's way of preparing us in every way,fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. But your Counselor, Jesus, is very involved and wants the best for you. Jesus, our Counselor, prays for us too. #3 His name is Mighty God: this takes care of the demands of life. Jesus Christ was not just a “good man,” but the “God-Man.” The Creator became a creation.He did not lose His deity, but He added humanity. Eternal, yet an infant, the Infinite became touchable. Jesus was fully God and became fully man. Jesus did not become identical to us, but He did become identified with us. Jesus could not have identified with us more closely than He did.It was total identification without any loss of identity. Jesus claimed to be God many times. On one occasion, Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee and He fell asleep.What could be more human than that? Jesus rebuked the storm and it stopped instantly.What could be more divine than that?He was fully God. Being fully human reminds you that He understands what you are facing. Some say, “It’s very hard to be a Christian.” It’s impossible to be a Christian without the power of Jesus Christ. That’s like trying to run your electric car with no charge. We work out what God has already worked in. We don’t manufacture the power, we access it. You say, “I can’t break free from drugs or drinking or immorality.”The bible says, “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” #4 His name is Everlasting Father: this takes care of the future of life. We know life is not merely what we experience here and now on earth.As Christians, we will live forever. God is the Everlasting Father. He will always be there for you. With so many broken homes today and absentee fathers, this is a great comfort. You have an Everlasting Father who chose you. After His resurrection, Jesus said to Mary, “I go to my Father and your Father.” #5 His name is Prince of Peace: this takes care of the disturbances of life. In the storms of life, we all long for peace within. Isaiah 9:6And the government shall be upon His shoulder. For over 2000 years we are awaiting the fulfillment of this verse when Jesus returnsand establishes His kingdom (at the end of the 7-year Tribulation). When Christ returns there will be no more corruption, war, or terrorism. He will reign righteously as King of kings and Lord of lords. The five names represent five dimensions of what every believer needs:“Wonderful” answers our disillusionment.“Counselor” answers our confusion.“Mighty God” answers our weakness.“Everlasting Father” answers our loneliness.“Prince of Peace” answers our turmoil. Every knee will bow. Will you bow before Him today? — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jon Erwin’s credits include I Can Only Imagine, Jesus Revolution, and—most recently—the hit show, House of David. In this replay episode, he discusses the craft of filmmaking, the ever-changing methods of sharing the gospel, and why his art isn’t 100% biblical. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Doesn’t it seem like some people on social media are just looking for a fight? If something displeases them, they attack. And then someone else attacks right back. Has it come to that? Is that the new norm for human interaction? Glad you’re along today on A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg Laurie shows us a better way . . . a higher way. We’ll see God shows us a fresh prescription for life, demonstrated in the lives of some remarkable people who rose above. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More people complain about headaches than any other health condition. About 45 million people suffer from them each year. The major causes? Stress and lack of sleep, among others. There’s a lot on our minds. Many people feel overwhelmed much of the time. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us chart a new path. He’ll talk about the giants we face . . . those forces that seem bigger than we are. We’ll learn today how to stand against them in the power of God. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God has never encountered a problem or a crisis too big for Him to handle. He’s never said, “Uh-oh.” So when we encounter something we can’t handle, we need to look to our God who can handle anything. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie begins a series on the heroes of the Bible, we’ll see what happened when David faced a giant-sized problem. It’s a familiar story, but sometimes we miss the practical application. That’s Pastor Greg’s focus as we begin today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Worry can burn through our minds like a forest fire. It consumes our sense of peace and well-being . . . our emotional equilibrium and passion . . . our entire outlook on the day. What extinguishes that fire that tries to burn through our serenity? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie answers that question. We’ll see prayer can keep us from worry . . . but we have to have perseverance because worry can keep us from prayer. Glad you’re along today for a practical study. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Bible says “be anxious for nothing” – in other words, don’t worry about anything. It also tells us to cast our cares on the Lord because He cares for us. What is it that’s heavy on your heart today? Pastor Greg Laurie brings some good encouragement toward a worry-free life in the final message of a three-part series called God’s Answer to Fear, Anxiety and Worry. Glad you’re along today for A NEW BEGINNING. Good encouragement is coming your way on today’s program. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recorded live November 16 from Utah Valley University, Pastor Greg Laurie delivers an urgent and heartfelt message titled "Home Before Dark" where he points thousands in attendance to Jesus Christ. Get full numbers, testimonies, and more from the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Thanksgiving, we must be thankful for the things that we have but also for the things that God has in store for us! In this Sunday message from the archives, Pastor Greg Laurie shares a powerful example of praising God in all circumstances. Listen in to a special message from Acts 16. Notes Thanksgiving is not about eating, but rather giving thanks! “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” It’s easy to want to give thanks when we feel like it, but according to Scripture, it is something the believer is to do regardless of circumstances. Having an attitude of gratitude will affect you emotionally and physically. Thankful people are happy people! The two most important moments in a person’s life is when they are born and when they realize what they are born for. Far too often, we fail to give God the glory that is due to His name! Only one of the nine lepers thanked Jesus for what He did. 1. To give thanks, I must first realize as a Christian, God is in control of my life. “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” —Proverbs 16:9 God is sovereign and able to do what He pleases with whomever He chooses whenever He wishes. “For everything serves Your plans.” —Psalm 119:91 2. I must realize God loves me and is always looking out for my eternal benefit. When God takes the events of our lives, the good things and the bad things and puts them in the oven of adversity, we will say “that is good.” 3. To give thanks, I must realize God is far wiser than I am. What is immediately good is not always eternally good. What is eternally good is not always immediately good but painful. “Through each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs praying to God who gives me life.” —Psalm 42:8 Worship can be a powerful evangelistic tool. When we worship on Earth, we are in tune with what is happening in Heaven. Scripture commands us to rejoice! Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Our joy and contentment in life does not come from what we have, but from who we know! If you feel like it or not, rejoice in the Lord! “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Jesus Christ is ready to save you! Scripture Referenced Psalm 106:1 Job 1:21 Hebrews 13:15 Psalm 29:2 Luke 17:15–16 Romans 8:28 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 Revelation 5:12 Psalm 73:16 Philippians 4:4 Romans 8:38–39 Hebrews 13:5 — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s so easy to get inside our own heads. It’s an echo chamber of thoughts – often negative thoughts – that feed each other. One anxious thought sits there and germinates the next anxious thought. Pretty soon it’s a garden of worry and depression. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us pull those anxious thoughts out by the roots, and let the truth of God plant itself deeply in our hearts and minds. Glad you’re along today for good insights from Scripture! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the stillness of the night, we hear things . . . the faucet dripping, a dog barking in the distance, a car going down the road. We also think about things. It’s often when worry moves into our minds and sets up shop for the night. What if . . . how come . . . if only . . . why didn’t I...? How can we get worry to pack it up and be on its way? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us put our worries to bed, so we can get back to sleep. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Problems often bring worry and fear. And fear and worry make it difficult to solve problems. And that causes more fear and worry. Many of us have been caught in a downward spiral like that. But often, when we get to the end of ourselves, we get to the beginning of God. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that the Lord is ready to help, but He waits for our invitation. What is it that has you backed into a corner today? Help is on the way from the book of Romans. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every kid has known a bully. The bully is often bigger and meaner and is a force to bereckoned with. Well, when your new best friend happens to be the linebacker of the school football team, it’s amazing how the bully isn’t so threatening anymore. What problems are bullying you right now? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us how God stands ready to meet us at our point of need, and His problem-solving resources are limitless and reassuring. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If worry were an Olympic sport, some of us would qualify for the Gold Medal. But, in reality, life gives us so much to worry about, doesn’t it? The world is a mess, on so many levels. And we all have issues on a personal level, as well. But so many times, we’re so much more attached to our burdens than our burdens are attached to us. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie begins a message designed to set us free from the worry trap. Good encouragement worth taking some notes. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Life is full of uncertainty. But when we don't know what the future holds, we should look at the one who holds the future. Pastor Jonathan Laurie points us to faith in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Daniel 7 WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR BEARINGS, YOU BEGIN TO DRIFT. READ DANIEL 7:1–10 (NLT) #1 DANIEL’S FEARDANIEL 7:1–10 PHILIPPIANS 4:6 (NKJV)BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYERAND SUPPLICATION, WITH THANKSGIVING, LET YOUR REQUESTSBE MADE KNOWN TO GOD; PHILIPPIANS 4:7 (NKJV)AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING,WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. ISAIAH 46:9–10 (NKJV)I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER; I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NONELIKE ME, DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING, ANDFROM ANCIENT TIMES THINGS THAT ARE NOT YET DONE. #2 DANIEL’S KINGDANIEL 7:13–14 BEING WITH JESUS TRANSFORMS YOUR FEAR INTO FAITHAND YOUR CONCERN INTO CONFIDENCE. #3 DANIEL’S HOPEDANIEL 7:18, 26-28 WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS,LOOK TO THE ONE WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE. READ PHILIPPIANS 3:17–21 (NLT) DANIEL REMEMBERED HIS TRUE IDENTITY.DANIEL PURPOSED IN HIS HEART NOT TO DEFILE HIMSELF.DANIEL SOUGHT THE WELFARE AND SALVATION OF BABYLON.DANIEL DID NOT RETREAT, HE INFILTRATED.DANIEL LIVED HOLY IN A GODLESS CULTURE. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this podcast, we’re taking you back in time 30+ years to the very first Harvest Crusade with Pastor Greg Laurie. At the time called, “Summer Harvest,” and held at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California, this event features a powerful gospel presentation from Pastor Greg. Many things have changed over the years, but one thing never changes: the life-changing gospel message. Listen in as Pastor Greg speaks on the excuses that keep us from following Jesus Christ. Since 1990, millions of people have participated in Harvest Crusade events in person and online around the world. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America tomorrow, November 16! In person tickets are now SOLD OUT, but you can still watch LIVE—get more information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So many of us are procrastinators by nature. Others meant to be but they haven’t gotten around to it. Especially when thinking about the end of life and what lies beyond the grave, people tend to leave that discussion for another day. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says time may be running out. We’ll take a close look at the Lord’s plans for the End Times. How will it affect Israel . . . how will it affect us? Reliable answers today straight from God’s Word. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The dependability of a promise is tied to the integrity and the resources of the one who makes the promise. Did he mean it, can he do it? Did God mean it, can He do it? The Bible says all the promises of God are “yea and amen.” And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us how God’s promises extend to God’s people, including His chosen people. We’ll focus on his promises to the nation Israel, and how those promises can be trusted. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most cars – those that take gasoline – have an engine and a starter motor. The starter motor (sfx) is what you hear when you first turn the key. The engine is what you hear (sfx) when the car roars to life. If a spiritual awakening is like an engine, revival is like the starter motor. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us all do our part to bring revival to our land. That’s where it starts: it starts with the people of God. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When it seems like the world is coming apart, sometimes it means that things are actually coming together. It’s not a time for fear, but a time for faith. Coming up today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us examine the great spiritual movements of the past. And we’ll draw some perspective from the book of Nehemiah. We’ll see how we may be at the precipice of an amazing move of God, and how He wants our help to light the spiritual fire. Let’s learn how to get involved. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To borrow from Mark Twain, “bad news can travel halfway around the world, while good news is still putting on its shoes.” When an influential believer falls into sin, it seems like we hear about it at the speed of light. But how do we reach out to someone who’s helped us, when they’re the ones who need help? Pastor Greg Laurie answers that question today on A NEW BEGINNING. We’re considering a story about Noah in the book of Genesis. This godly man sinned. But we can learn from this biblical account. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can someone be sure they will go to Heaven when they die? Pastor Greg Laurie reveals that the answers to some of our most pressing questions are found right in the book of Isaiah. Notes: ACTS 8 AND ISAIAH 53 PEOPLE WILL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING TO AVOID PAIN. WE WANT THE GAIN WITHOUT THE PAIN. WE WANT THE CROWN WITHOUT THE CROSS. THE TEXT BEFORE US REMINDS US THAT JESUS CHOSE THE WAY OF PAIN- ON PURPOSE. WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO READ ANSWERS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS OF LIFE-- HOW CAN A PERSON COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?- HOW CAN ONE BE FREE FROM THE GUILT AND REMORSE OVER THEIR SINS?- HOW CAN ONE BE CERTAIN THAT THEIR SINS ARE INDEED FORGIVEN AND THEY WILL GO TO HEAVEN? ISAIAH 53 IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHAPTERS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. THERE IS POWER IN THE MESSAGE OF THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS. WHY IS THE DEATH OF JESUS SO IMPORTANT?BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE SINNED AGAINST GOD AND A PRICE MUST BE PAID, A SUBUSTUTE MUST BE OFFERED. JESUS IS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT CONCEALED, BUT HE IS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT REVEALED. THE BOOK OF ISAIAH OFFERS THE CLEAREST ACCOUNT OF THE DEATH OF JESUS. ISAIAH WROTE HIS BOOK 700 YEARS BEFORE CHRIST DIED.HOWEVER, HE WROTE IT AS THOUGH HE WAS AN EYEWITNESS. IN OUR JESUS AND YOU 2 SERIES, WE HAVE SEEN JESUS IN THE FIRE WITH SHADRACH, IN A WRESTLING MATCH WITH JACOB, AND NOW ISAIAH SHOWS US JESUS AS THE SUFFERER. “THIS CHAPTER IS THE VERY HEART OF THE GOSPEL. IT IS THE BIBLE IN MINATURE.”—CHARLES SPURGEON LET’S START WITH THE TWO DOWNHEARTED DISCIPLES ON THE EMMAUS ROAD AFTER JESUS ROSE. LUKE 24:27 (ESV)BEGINNING AT MOSES AND THE PROPHETS, HE INTERPRETED TO THEM IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES THE THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF. THE BIBLE TELLS THE STORY OF A MAN WHO WENT TO JERUSALEM, SEARCHING FOR GOD. BUT AS A DIGNITARY, HE RECEIVED SOMETHING VALUABLE, THE SCROLL OF ISAIAH! PHILIP HEARD THIS FOREIGN DIGNITARY READLING ALOUD FROM ISAIAH 53. READ ACTS 8:31 30-35 IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, ISAIAH IS THE MOST QUOTED OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS. JESUS AND THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITERS QUOTE ISAIAH AT LEAST 65 TIMES AND HE IS MENTIONED BY NAME 22 TIMES. THE WHOLE GOSPEL IS IN THE BOOK OF ISAIAH:- THE BRUTALITY OF THE WOUNDS INFLICTED ON JESUS. (ISAIAH 52:14)- HIS ABSOLUTE SILENCE BEFORE HIS ACCUSERS (ISAIAH 53:7)- HIS DEATH (ISAIAH 53:8–9)- THE PLACE OF HIS BURIAL (ISAIAH 53:9)- HIS RESURRECTION (ISAIAH 53:10) READ ISAIAH 53:1-3 JESUS WAS ORDINARY IN APPEARANCE. IF JESUS HAD AN INSTAGRAM, HE MIGHT NOT HAVE GONE VIRAL,BUT HE STILL WOULD HAVE GONE TO THE CROSS. IF JESUS WERE HERE TODAY, HE WOULDN’T BE TRENDING, HE’S BE TRANSFORMING. JESUS DID NOT COME FROM THE MARBLE PALACES OF ROME OR THE HALLS OF HEROD. WE OVERLOOK THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IN OUR CULTURE TODAY. WE LIVE IN A CULTURE THAT WORSHIPS THE OUTWARD. PEOPLE SCROLL PAST THE ORDINARY.MOST LIKELY, YOU COULD NOT PICK JESUS OUT OF A CROWD. AT HIS BIRTH, ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE RECOGNIZED WHO HE WAS,HUMBLE SHEPHERDS, WHO WERE THE LOWEST OF THE LOW AT THAT TIME. JESUS RETURNED TO HIS HOMETOWN OF NAZARETH WHERE HE HAD BEEN RAISED. THEY DECIDED TO KILL HIM AND TOOK HIM TO THE EDGE OF A CLIFF TO THROW HIM OFF.YET JESUS SHOWED HE WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL. LUKE 4:29 30 (ESV) BUT PASSING THROUGH THEIR MIDST, HE WENT AWAY. PEOPLE WANTED A MILITANT MESSIAH AND THEY GOT A SUFFERING SAVIOR. JESUS WAS EXTRODINARY IN WHAT HE CAME TO DO.ISAIAH 53:3 WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT “JESUS WAS A MAN OF SORROWS?” DOES IT MEAN JESUS NEVER SMILED, NEVER LAUGHED? JESUS SAID, “I TOLD YOU THIS TO MAKE YOU COMPLETELY HAPPY AS I AM.” JESUS WAS HAPPY, APPROACHABLE, AND EXUDED LOVE! 1 TIMOTHY 1:11( NLT)THE GLORIOUS GOOD NEWS ENTRUSTED TO ME BY OUR BLESSED GOD. THAT IS NOT THE VIEW MANY PEOPLE HAVE OF THE ALMIGHTY.THEY SEE HIM MORE AS THE ANGRY GOD OR THE DISINTERESTED GOD. WHEN GOD SEES YOU, HE SMILES. NUMBERS 6:24–26 (NLT)MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU.MAY THE LORD SMILE ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.MAY THE LORD SHOW YOU HIS FAVOR AND GIVE YOU HIS PEACE. WE FOLLOW THE LOVING GOD, THE HAPPY GOD, THE SMILING GOD. WHEN JESUS WAS IN GETHSHEMENE HE WAS IN THE DEEPEST SORROW AND PAIN. JESUS KNOWS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SUFFER. JESUS WAS “A MAN OF SORROWS AND AQUAINTED WITH GRIEF.”ISAIAH 53:3 JESUS DIDN’T JUST SEND US A SYMPATHY CARD FROM HEAVEN, HE SHOWED UP IN PERSON. JESUS UNDERSTANDS PAIN, NOT JUST IN THEORY, BUT PERSONALLY. WHEN YOU GRIEVE, YOU ARE WALKING A ROAD JESUS HAS WALKED. I HAVE LIVED WITH GRIEF, AND IT IS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE. SORROW PASSES THROUGH YOU, GRIEF MOVES IN AND TAKES RESIDENCE FOR A WHILE. GRIEF IS THE WAVE THAT THAT COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WHEN YOU HEAR A SONG OR SEE AN OLD PHOTO. GRIEF IS NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING,THE DEPTH OF YOUR GRIEF INDICATES THE DEPTH OF YOUR LOVE. THE BIBLE SAYS, “THERE IS A TIME TO MOURN.” PAUL POINTS OUT, “WE DO NOT GRIEVE HOPELESSLY BUT HOPEFULLY.” GOD UNDERSTANDS THAT GRIEF YOU ARE FEELING. JESUS CAN SYMPATHIZE WITH YOUR SORROW. REMEMBER WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH TIMES OF SUFFERING,JESUS HAS WALKED IN YOUR SHOES. HEBREWS 4:15 (NLT)THIS HIGH PRIEST OF OURS UNDERSTANDS OUR WEAKNESSES, FOR HE FACED ALL OF THE SAME TESTINGS WE DO, YET HE DID NOT SIN. ISAIAH 53 MATTERS TODAY BECAUSE THE ONE WHO CARRIED OUR GRIEFS AND BORE OUR SORROWSSTILL OFFERS HEALING — FOR HEARTS, FOR HOMES, AND FOR A GENERATION THAT’S LOST IT’S WAY. JESUS LOVED US AND DIED FOR US. ISAIAH 53:5 (NKJV)BUT HE [WAS] WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, [HE WAS] BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES; THE CHASTISEMENT FOR OUR PEACE [WAS] UPON HIM, AND BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED. ISAIAH 53:6 (NKJV)ALL WE LIKE SHEEP HAVE GONE ASTRAY; WE HAVE TURNED, EVERY ONE, TO HIS OWN WAY; AND THE LORD HAS LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL. JESUS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENTAL VICTIM.HE WAS A CONQUERING VICTOR. HOW CAN A PERSON BE MADE RIGHT WITH GOD?HOW CAN THE STAIN OF OUR GUILT AND SHAME FROM OUR SIN BE REMOVED? ANSWER: BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? JESUS HAD TO DIE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY TO SATISFY GOD’S RIGHTEOUS DEMANDS. GOD PLAYS BY HIS OWN RULES, AND HIS RULES STATE,“THE SOUL THAT SINS SHALL SURELY DIE.” THE DEATH OF JESUS WAS FORETOLD BY THE HEBREW PROPHETS. MESSIAH WOULD COME, BE BORN OF A VIRGIN IN BETHLEHEM, AND BE CRUCIFIED ON A CROSS. JESUS WOULD SOON SAY THE WORDS OF PSALM 22, “THEY PIERCED MY HANDS AND FEET.” PSALM 22 WAS WRITTEN 1,000 YEARS BEFORE THE FIRST CRUCIFIXION EVER TOOK PLACE. JESUS LIVED IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS FROM THE MOMENT HE ENTERED OUR WORLD. FOR SOME, THE CROSS SEEMED LIKE AN ABERRATION, A MISTAKE, A TRAGIC TURN OF EVENTS. IT MUST HAVE SEEMED LIKE THAT FOR THE DISCIPLES AS JESUS WAS ARRESTED AND MURDERED. GOD WAS THE ‘MASTER OF CEREMONIES’ AT THE CROSS. ROMANS 8:32GOD DID NOT SPARE HIS OWN SON BUT GAVE HIM UP FOR US ALL. ROMANS 3:25GOD PUT CHRIST FORWARD…BY HIS BLOOD, TO BE RECEIVED BY FAITH. (ISAIAH 53:10YET IT PLEASED THE FATHER TO BRUISE HIM; HE HAS PUT HIM TO DEATH. GOD WAS PLEASED BY THE REDEMPTION THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.HE WAS PLEASED BY THE ETERNAL PLAN OF SALVATION THAT WAS FULFILLED. IN FACT, THIS WAS THE MOST EVIL ACT EVER PERPETRATED BY SINFUL HEARTS:THE SINLESS SON OF GOD, TORTURED, SLAUGHTERED, HEARTLESSLY MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD. AND YET, FROM IT CAME THE GREATEST GOOD OF ALL TIME. CALVARY SHOWS HOW FAR MEN WILL GO IN SIN AND HOW FAR GOD WILL GO FOR SALVATION. AS CHRIST HUNG THERE, HE WAS BEARING THE SINS OF THE WORLD, DYING AS A SUBSTITUTE. TO HIM WAS IMPUTED THE GUILT OF THEIR SINS,AND HE WAS SUFFERING THE PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE SINS ON THEIR BEHALF. THE VERY ESSENCE OF THAT PUNISHMENT WAS THE OUTPOURING OF GOD’S WRATH AGAINST SINNERS. JESUS MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.ISAIAH 53:7 JESUS WAS ARRESTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AS THOUGH HE WERE A CRIMINAL. WHEN PILATE QUESTIONED JESUS, HE SPOKE A FEW WORDS, BUT NONE IN HIS OWN DEFENSE. THIS WAS ALL DONE THAT WE MIGHT BE FORGIVEN AND COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. READ ACTS 8:34–39 THAT IS HOW QUICKLY CONVERSION CAN HAPPEN.IT DOES NOT TAKE YEARS, OR MONTHS, OR WEEKS, OR DAYS, OR EVEN HOURS. JESUS CHRIST DID ALL OF THIS FOR YOU. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this interview from the archives, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with Hugh Hewitt to open up about his upbringing, running into the gospel at 17 on a high school campus, and becoming a successful evangelist, despite being the last person many would have expected. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So many of us spend so little time thinking about the Lord during the day, and yet we want to live with Him forever. God’s Word has a bottomless supply of insights for life, but social media captures so much more of most people’s attention. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie continues our Genesis series, we’ll see how Noah remembered the Lord – it was his priority – after reaching dry land following the Flood. We’ll learn a number of principles from following the life of this great patriarch! Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you have to walk a ways in the snow, sometimes it’s easiest to use the same footprints on your way back. They’re easy enough to see. What footprints do we leave in our lives, that allow our adversary the easiest access to our thoughts and actions? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie continues his series in Genesis, we’ll see the enemy is always on the prowl, looking for his next target. But we’ll learn practical principles for locking the Devil out . . . leaving him out in the cold. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mankind has had some great ideas: air travel, space flight, the wheel, the smartphone. But everyday, each of us has some very bad ideas. God calls them sin. But, good or bad, it starts with an idea. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us keep our ideas in check. We’re launching a new series from “the book of beginnings,” the book of Genesis. We’ll see dangerous ideas can be traced all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does the Devil cause so much mayhem among believers? He has help! He and his minions set their sights on believers trying to make them fall . . . and they’re quite good at what they do. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out victory is assured for God’s children when we stand in the victory of Jesus. We’re in the Garden of Eden today watching Adam and Eve struggle against the temptation of our adversary, and we’ll see how that struggle affects us even today. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the Lord’s Prayer, we read “Lead us not into temptation.” Yeah, we certainly don’t want to go down that path. But haven’t you found that sometimes temptation comes up the path and finds us! Temptation is pervasive. It’s ubiquitous. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us dissect temptation. We’ll trace its roots all the way back to the Garden of Eden. And Pastor Greg offers some biblical insights on how to stop Satan’s attacks right in their tracks. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do Christians have to go through hardship? Well, trials are like God’s gym. In them, we're broken down so we can be built up. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in his message focused on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Notes: Focus verse - Daniel 3 / James 1 Jesus walking with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through the fiery furnace. Do not despair! You are not alone in your hardship! 1 Peter 4:12Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:14Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. There are different kinds of trials and testings in the life of the Christian.The devil tempts us to destroy our faith, but God tests us to develop our faith. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.This is clearly shown in the story before us of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up for what was right, even at the risk of losing their own lives. The stand you make today will determine what kind of stand you will make tomorrow. The most important time of our life is the time of our youth.It is when we set our course and habits are developed. The evening of our life is determined by the morning of it,the end from the beginning. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego made a stand in a small area.This is why they had the character and strength to make their stand in a larger one. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were captured along with Daniel and placed as counselors to the king. One night King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream.When he awoke, he called in all the astrologers and magicians. The prophet, Daniel, humbly gave glory to God, and told the king he had dreamed of a giant statue. Daniel 2:47 (NLT)The King said to Daniel, "Truly, your God is the God of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret." As chapter 3 opens, around 16–20 years have passed.King Nebuchadnezzar has a 90-foot-tall statue erected, covered in gold of himself! The King ordered that everyone gather for a big celebration.They had an orchestra in place and when they played you better bow, or else! The Lord was very clear about that in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:4–5"Do not make idols of any kind; you must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any.” Thousands of Israelites apparently bowed, but not these three.Someone estimated 300,000 people were present. Read Daniel 3:14–18 King Nebuchadnezzar was choosing off God, when he asks,“What god will be able to rescue you?” Nebuchadnezzar had quickly forgotten the God who gave him a dream. Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar would soon be brought to his knees. Everybody is a worshipper. The question is not if we worship or not.It’s who we worship. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego worshipped God, they could not worship the statue. You will end up serving who you worship. Daniel 3:18”Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." A moment at the altar of sexual experimentation can lead to a lifetime of regret. Moments spent worshipping God can lead to a lifetime of service. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were adamant, they were not going to bow. This will happen in the life of every Christian.Sooner or later, you too will be asked to bow before some idol. These boys were facing peer pressure on an epic scale. Despite the fact that everyone in Babylon bowed,Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up straight. They figured, "Better to burn on earth and bow in Heaven, than to bow on earth, and burn in Hell!” One day, the Disciples came to Jesus, excited that they could cast out demons. Luke 10:20 (NLT)“But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were not sure they would survive this, but they were sure of God’s promises.Daniel 3:17–18 Either God would preserve them, or He would be waiting on the other side. Upon hearing of this insubordination on the part of these three teens, the King flies into a rage. Read Daniel 3:19–25 Nebuchadnezzar said the fourth man looked “like the Son of God!” In this Christophany, Jesus walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through this fiery furnace. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Jesus is there with you, each step of the way. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you, even until the end of the world." James 1:2–4When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't treat them as intruders but friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on, until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character, men of integrity with no weak spots. Staying cool, when things get hot. How do you do that? It’s similar to going to the gym and working out. A lot of folks find themselves getting tired and lethargic and say, “I’m just getting old!”Yes, and it maybe you are just out of shape too. Maybe you need to get busy and do something with your faith. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” Trials take our faith from the realm of theory to reality. James 1:3 (NKJV)Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Perseverance! (Greek: Hypomonē) We know about the suffering of Joseph. Psalm 105:18 (NLT)They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. “As he was laid in iron, iron entered his soul.” The very thing you want out of your life may be the thing you need in your life. If you want to grow spiritually, iron must enter your soul. James 1:4 (NKJV)Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. We may pray, “Lord, use me for Your glory! Bless me, Lord!”Then a trial comes. James 1:2 (NKJV)My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,No two experiences are alike. How did they do this?By the decisions and commitments they made years earlier. An idol is anyone or anything that takes God’s place in our life. 1 John 5:21 (NKJV)Little children, keep yourselves from idols. One day another world leader will come along and demand worship.The bible calls him Antichrist. He too will erect an image and demand worship, placing the image in the temple. Jesus promises to deliver us from this time of tribulation. Revelation 3:10 (NKJV)"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:11 (NKJV)"Behold, I am coming quickly! Jesus says, ”Behold, I am coming quickly!”Revelation 3:11 Nebuchadnezzar saw God work. Maybe God is trying to get your attention today! Jesus died on the cross for your sin so you could know God. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this timeless interview, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with his mentor, the late Pastor Chuck Smith, to share the origins of the Harvest Crusade, captivating behind the scenes stories, and impactful testimonies. Since its inception as the “Summer Harvest” in 1990, the Harvest Crusade has far exceeded the expectations of both pastors. Over the years, millions have attended, and hundreds of thousands of coming to faith stories have been created. If you are looking for hope or know someone who is—join Pastor Greg at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16 and become part of this remarkable story! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many products have labels noting where they were made. Maybe Made in China, Japan, Mexico, or Made in the U.S.A. Metaphorically, if we were to look at our label – the label of man himself – it would say “Made in the Garden of Eden . . . by God.” You and I were handcrafted by our Heavenly Father. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out, not only were man and woman handmade by God, the institution of marriage was, as well. Today we’ll get the full story. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you know when you get there? It seems some people are in permanent wander mode. They’re drifting. But those who live for the Lord continually encounter the wonder of God. Wonder . . . or wander? The choice is up to us. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps connect us with the plan and purpose of God. We’re in the opening message of a study series in the book of Genesis. We’re considering God’s plan from the very beginning. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God’s plan for creation and His plan for mankind, included His plan for man’s redemption. Even before the heavens and the earth were created, He knew man’s freewill would lead him astray. . . and He had a solution before we even tasted of the forbidden fruit. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie digs in to God’s plan as revealed in Genesis. To understand something best, we need to take it from the top—chapter 1, verse 1 of book #1 in God’s Word. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most all of us have someone in our circle of influence who doesn’t know the Lord, and we’ve never talked to them about Jesus. And that weighs heavily on our conscience. If it doesn’t, maybe it should. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the account of Jonah . . . no, not so much about the great fish, but about his assignment of delivering the message God gave him. At first he refused, but then he got a second chance. Maybe we need a second chance. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some statements can carry tremendous meaning. Some can be life-changing. Statements like “not guilty” . . . “you’re cancer-free” . . . “it’s a boy!” Imagine NOT sharing one of those statements with those who needed to hear it. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the privilege and responsibility of sharing a message that could affect where someone spends eternity. We’ll consider the Gospel, and how it offers us a second chance. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Even in the face of fear and uncertainty, God is by your side as you walk toward His calling. We see that through the life of Gideon, a man from the smallest clan and the least in his family, yet led by God to do great things on His behalf. Notes: Focus verse - Judges 6 It seems like our culture has been turned upside down. Isaiah 5:20–21Destruction is certain for those who say that evil is good and good is evil; that dark is light and light is dark; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. When culture is upside down, hearts are anxious. 84% of Gen Z say they feel anxious or stressed regularly. 1 in 3 adults say they lose sleep over finances. Nearly 70% of Americans say the future makes them afraid. Top fears include failure, rejection, loneliness, global conflict, and health. We will look at a man named Gideon who was really afraid when Jesus came to him.He was hiding from his enemies, the Midianites. Jesus turns fearful into faithful,hiding into fighting, andpanic into purpose. Things were really turned upside down in the days of the book of Judges. Judges 17:6 (NLT)In those days Israel had no king; so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. God raised up 13 judges to guide His people through this difficult time. The book of Joshua is the story of conquest.While Judges is a book of unbelief and disobedience. Joshua is a book about people uniting around one man to lead them, JoshuaJudges is about “everyone doing what was right in their own eyes.” But whatever and wherever the time, Jesus will show up. Don’t just pray when you are in crisis.Remember also to thank God when things are going well. James 5:13 (NIV)Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. This was a time of crisis for Israel. It was the year 1256 b.c.Approximately 200 years had passed since Joshua had led the Israelites. They did not drive all the Canaanites out and they lived to regret it.The same can be true in our lives as Christians. 200 years later the Canaanites regained strength and began to dominate the Israelites. As Judges, chapter 6 opens, we see the Israelites living under the power of the Midianites. Israel was living in despair, and finally they called out to God to deliver them,and Jesus shows up. Jesus meets fearful people where they hide. As our story begins, we find Gideon hiding from his enemies.Hardly a picture of heroism and courage. Read Judges 6:11–14 Gideon wanted to know why this difficulty was happening.He had heard about the “good old days” but where was God now? Judges 6:13“Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? “ The Christian life is full of difficult questions. 1 Corinthians 13:12“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely.” So often we are looking for an answer to the why question when it is about a Who.As in, “Who do I turn to?” The answer to that question is Jesus. This was not a mere angel (as powerful as they are) this was Jesus. Why is this a Christophany instead an angelic appearance? The speaker at first is called, “The angel of the Lord.”But then the narrative shifts and simply calls Him, “The LORD (YHWH).” The messenger says, “I am sending you.”Judges 6:14 He uses the first-person pronoun and assumes divine authority. Gideon realizes he has seen God. Judges 6:22When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he cried out, “Oh Sovereign Lord, I’m doomed! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!” Judges 6:15 (NLT)"But Lord," Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" Another translation says, “I am the runt of the litter!” God uses people who are humble. They are not proud and arrogant but see themselves for what they are. Giving hope to all the people out there who were not extraordinary but ordinary. God can do extraordinary things through ordinary people. God saw Gideon for what he would become. Gideon asks, “Who am I?”The Lord says, “That’s not the issue, ‘Who am I?’ for I will be with you!”Judges 6:15–16 The Lord calls Gideon a mighty hero. Judges 6:12The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” We see failure, God sees potential.We see a vacillating, unsure Simon, God sees a rock like Peter. Before public victory, obey God at home. God’s first test for Gideon was in his home. Some people set the world on fire, while others are still looking for a match. I would rather try and fail than never try at all. Nicodemus had a weak beginning, but he had a strong ending.Better that than a strong beginning and a weak finish. Under cover of night, Gideon tore down the alter his father had erected. Instead of turning on his son, the father defends himand seems to have his own faith rekindled. Don’t give up on your family. You don’t need to preach sermons to them all day long.You need to show it by the way you live and decisions you make. You need to take a stand in your home. Are you reading scripture to your children? Are you praying with them?Are you taking them to church every Sunday? A survey was done that found if the mother and father attend church regularly,72 % of their children will also attend regularly when they’re young adults. When only the father attends, 55 % will remain faithful. But if only the mother attends regularly, only 15 % of the children will remain faithful. If neither mother nor father attend regularly, only 6 % will remain faithful. Gideon was able to rally 32,000 men. Read Judges 7:2–3 Fear is contagious. The Christian life is not a playground, it’s a battleground. Is there something frightening you right now? Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” David said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom then shall I be afraid?Psalm 27:1 Isaiah 41:10Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Proverbs 3:24–25You can sleep without fear; you need not be afraid of disaster or the plots of wicked men, for the Lord is with you. He protects you. Gideon lost two-thirds of his army. There is always God’s part and our part. The Red Sea parted but Israel still had to march through. The walls of Jericho fell but Israel still had to march around them. The giant Goliath fell but David still had to attack. 2 Chronicles 20:12O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." The Lord told Gideon, “You still have too many warriors.” “Divide the men into two groups. The ones who just plant their face in the water without caution, leave them.” The lappers could have easily been ambushed and killed. The cuppers were alert, watching, and cautious. God gave Gideon the battle plan. No swords, knives, spears, or any kind of weapon, just clay jars and torches. The Midianites think it is some kind of ambush and they freak out.They begin to kill each other and the Israelites watch in amazement. The enemy was defeated because God’s people called on Him. Gideon’s army won a crushing victory over the Midianites. Ephesians 6:12For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood,but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. There is no way we can impact our culture with the gospel without His help. So, we call on God and say, “If You don’t come through, there is no hope.” 2 Corinthians 12:9–10“My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good. Paul concludes, “I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong!” It is not easy being a Christian in today’s culture.You will be criticized, mocked, slandered, possibly even killed. God imposed this test to get rid of the half-hearted people. God can do more with 300 committed people than 10,000 half-hearted. God is looking for faithful, obedient, watchful servants to change this world. “Give me 100 men who love God with all of their hearts and fear nothing but sin, and I will move the world!”—John Wesley Acts 17:6“Paul and Silas have turned the rest of the world upside down,and now they are here disturbing our city," they shouted. The Lord is looking for some men and women who will “blow the trumpet,”and take some chances and obey God, taking a stand first in their own homes. God can turn zeros into heros, fear into faith, hiding into fighting, and panic into purpose. Mark 5:36Don’t be afraid; only believe. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Greg Laurie explores the book of Revelation for answers on what we will do in Heaven. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God can use just about anybody to share the Gospel. He can use a former shoe salesman . . . such as D.L. Moody. He can use a young dairy farmer . . . such as Billy Graham. Or use an aimless young high school kid looking for answers . . . such as Greg Laurie. The Bible is full of people whom God used in surprising ways. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg points out the time is right for God to use you. What’s holding you back from saying yes to what the Lord has in mind? Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1860, the Pony Express could deliver a letter from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California in just 10 days. Now, we can send a document around the world in a split second. We have such capacity for delivering information, but Pastor Greg Laurie is concerned we’re not delivering the best information. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, he launches a study in Jonah. And we’ll see that we’re to deliver the Good News faithfully and dependably, no horsing around. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes we may think that our effort, by itself, does count for much. Maybe we’re the only believer in our family . . . or the only Christian at work . . . or the only one in our group of friends at school. The odds are against us. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to one of the most encouraging stories in the Old Testament. We’ll catch up with a military leader about to fight a battle, when God told him to send most of his army home so that God alone would get credit for the victory. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let’s say you want to sell your car. You think it’s worth about 10 thousand dollars. But right away, someone pays you 15 thousand dollars. Sold! So what was your car worth? Well, it was worth what the buyer was willing to pay. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us some encouraging insights on OUR worth based on the One who purchased us with the blood of His only begotten Son. And given our real worth, we’ll see how the Lord has equipped us for real Kingdom work. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He didn’t restore sight to just one eye. He didn’t feed most of the 5,000. He didn’t calm the storm on only half the Sea of Galilee. And He didn’t give part of His life on the cross to pay for some of our sins. As someone has said, “Sin had left a crimson stain, and He didn’t wash it light pink.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how Jesus gave His all . . . and the only appropriate response from us is to give our all. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You may be facing your own Jericho now—a wall that looks too high, too impossible. But before God tears down walls around you, He often wants to bring down walls within you. See how true victory is claimed in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Joshua 5 The Israelites didn’t believe God would provide for them. God proved He was able to provide,and He was teaching them to depend on Him. God proved Himself faithful. The nation listened to the fearful majority instead of the faithful minority. Because of unbelief, an eleven-day journey turned into forty years of wandering. Joshua encounters a Man with a drawn sword—the Commander of the Lord’s Armies. Read Joshua 5 1. They Put God First.Joshua 5:1–3 Joshua 4:13 (NLT)These armed men—about 40,000 strong—were ready for battle,and the LORD was with them as they crossed over to the plains of Jericho. Isaiah 55:8 (ESV)For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:9 (ESV)For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. The most important thing Joshua could do as a leader was submit to the Lord. The cutting away of the flesh is key to a relationship with God.Our flesh is what hinders intimacy with God. Romans 2:29 (NLT)True circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. Joshua’s obedience and submission to God was the very secret of their success. Joshua was not preparing for battle.He was preparing for victory. 2. They Remembered The Lord’s Faithfulness.Joshua 5:10–12 The feast that marked their deliverance from Egypt now marks their arrival in the land God promised. God is victorious.Deuteronomy 20:4, 1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:37, Proverbs 21:31 Remember God’s victories and remind yourself of what Christ has done for you. God’s primary goal for the Israelites was to teach them to depend upon Him. God renews His people’s hearts, reminds them of His faithfulness, and then reveals His presence. Before the Commander appears, the covenant must be renewed. 3. Joshua Meets Jesus.Joshua 5:13–15 Exodus 33:15 (NKJV)"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” Read Joshua 6:1–3 The pathway to success is by dependence on the Lord. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Greg Laurie delivers a message on the power of forgiveness. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s the best way to chart a course for a successful Christian life over the long haul? We might ask someone who’s walked that path over the long haul. There’s no discounting the wisdom that comes with experience. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie looks back over the past 50 years of ministry at his home church, Harvest Christian Fellowship. The Lord has blessed, but it hasn’t always been easy. So today he offers some good perspective for all of us on the path of faith. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever been caught in gridlock? Maybe you’re trying to get out of the parking lot of a large sporting event. You’re stuck. You can go forward, you can’t back up, you can’t go to the right or the left. Only thing you can do is...look up. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to a time of challenge in the history of the Israelites. They needed help. They were stuck. They looked up, and God came through. We’ll see what lessons we can learn for our own spiritual gridlock. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve all gotten used to spam calls, right? We can sometimes see them coming. Maybe we don’t answer the phone. If we do, we have our way of ending the call as quickly as possible. When the Devil comes calling, some of us forget all those defensive techniques. We sit there and listen to his sales pitch. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie returns to our series in Joshua with some practical advice on saying no to our enemy no matter how tempting his offer. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special effects companies are masters at building small models of railroads or high rises or mountain ranges. But in the movie theater, they seem huge – they fill the screen! Could it be that our problems only LOOK big? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us see our challenges through the lens of faith. And we’ll see, whether our problems are small or big or incalculable, nothing’s too hard for the Lord. Glad you’re along for our series in Joshua. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kids learn early on the playground that if a bully is bigger than them, it’s good to have a friend who’s bigger than the bully. A bully who’s met his match is no longer a threat. Well as Pastor Greg just said, greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Our adversary is no match for our Almighty God. We stand in victory when we stand with the Lord. A good lesson on that today on A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg continues his series: Joshua: Living in the Land of Promises. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes you pray... and nothing happens. You’re asking for something good, but God isn’t budging. What’s happening? You might be wrestling with God.Maybe He’s been leading you to do something—and you’ve resisted... You won’t let Him into that one area of your life. You won’t break off that relationship that drains you spiritually. You won’t give up that habit that drags you down. You’re afraid to take that step of faith.Remember Jonah? God said, “Go.” Jonah said, “No.” And God said, “Oh?”If that’s you—you’re not alone. Even Jacob wrestled with God. His struggle began with resisting and ended with resting. He stopped fighting and started clinging—saying, “I will not let You go until You bless me.” Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Genesis 32 God’s plans are better than ours. Have you ever prayed and prayed for something, and no answer came? The Bible urges us to bring our needs to God.Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) Wrestling with God is not necessarily a bad thing. “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."—Abraham Lincoln Hosea 12:3 (NLT)Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. Hosea 12:4 (NLT)Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face, and God spoke to him. Jesus is the Passover lamb in Exodus; in Numbers, He is the bronze serpent lifted up. A Christophany is an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. Jacob was wrestling with Jesus Himself. Genesis 25:23 (NKJV)And the LORD said to her: "Two nations are in your womb, …And the older shall serve the younger." Psalm 139:14,16 The meaning of Jacob’s name isheel-catcher, contender, supplanter, grabber. God does not just see you for what you are, but for what you can become. God sees things differently than we do.We see failure, God sees potential.We see the past, God sees the future.We see sin, God sees restoration. Time showed that Jacob was a righteous manand Esau was an ungodly man. It’s not about how we start this race in life but how we finish it. It was not an easy road for Jacob, and that was his own fault. Hebrews 12:16 (NLT)Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. When we get tired of praying, we start scheming, and we make a mess of things. Rebecca sent Jacob to visit her brother, Laban.On the way there, Jacob had an encounter with God. All Jacob had to do was wait on God’s timing. Jacob met his match in his uncle Laban.The trickster met the trickster extraordinaire. We reap what we sow. Christians should try to live in peace with people.Romans 12:18 God meets us at whatever level He finds usand lifts us to where He wants us to be. God will come to you in just the right way.Hebrews 4:16 Read Genesis 32:24–30 Jacob was wrestling with Jesus Christ. We need to get away from all the distractions of life and get alone with God. When you get to the end of yourself, you get to the beginning of God. Now, instead of fighting with God, Jacob is clinging to Him. In surrender to God’s plan, Jacob found what he always wanted,the very blessing he asked God for. We win by losing.Luke 17:33 Genesis 32:28 (NLT)"Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won." "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."—Corrie Ten Boom Are you running from God?The good news is God is running to you. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We don’t take our young kids to the shoe store to learn to tie their shoes. We don’t take them to the dentist to learn to brush their teeth. W e don’t take them to a nutritionist to learn to eat their vegetables. No, there are certain things parents teach their kids. It’s just part of being a parent. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out those things that go along with being a Christian parent . . . namely to pass along our faith . . . to train them up in the way of the Lord . . . to disciple them. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we go to a restaurant we’ve never been to before, do we test the chair before we sit down? Do we send the main course for chemical analysis before we take a bite? When we give our credit card to pay, do we follow the server to the register to make sure it’s not charged inappropriately? We exercise a certain amount of faith everyday. And coming up on A NEW BEGINNING. Pastor Greg Laurie helps us exercise our faith in the God of the universe, the One who loves us and only has plans for good and not to harm us. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Christian life has been compared to a race. And it certainly is that. But given the opposition we often face, it could also be compared to an obstacle course. It’s a tough assignment to “run to win” when our adversary is trying to trip us up and stop us in our tracks. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie offers biblical advice on keeping our focus and priorities where they should be. God can give us the spiritual power, but we need supply the determination to succeed. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes, we can face impossible situations. It seems there’s no way out, and no way through. Well, God can make a way where there seems to be no way. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us lean on the care of our loving God. Glad you’re along for a series called Joshua: Living in the Land of Promises. Maybe you need God’s help today. Or maybe you really don’t; you’ll need God’s help tomorrow. So stay tuned and learn how to come to God when He’s your only option. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Here’s a good quote you can find on the Internet: “In times of trouble, don’t give in to your natural reflex of worry. Instead, condition your reflex to pray.” It’s a meme from a man named Greg Laurie. Well, that same Greg Laurie brings us a complete message on how to turn our worries into prayers today as he continues a new series called “Joshua: Living in the Land of Promises.” Glad you’re along for A NEW BEGINNING as we learn to awaken our faith, and put our worries to bed. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we face uncertainty, when life gets hard, when things happen that we can’t explain, we’ll often ask: Where is God? But every Christian should realize they are never alone. Jesus is with you. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Genesis 22 Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)“Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil; For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Sometimes our feelings need to catch up with our faith. #1 Joseph was in a prison cell. He probably felt all alone and abandoned. He was there, not because he broke a law, but because he kept one—God’s law. God was in the prison cell with Joseph. Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)"You meant it for evil; but God meant it for good—to save many people alive.” #2 Let’s go from a prison to a palace and think of Esther. Queen Vashti, to her credit, refused. She would not be humiliated or objectified, not even by the king. Vashti is a role model for young girls and women today.Don’t ever let some guy reduce you to a mere object. You are a woman made in the image God. If you present yourself cheaply, don’t expect to be valued royally. A man needs to value you for who you are on the inside, not only the outside. The most attractive thing is to be a godly and principled woman. Through the providence of God, Esther became the queen of Persia. God is always at work in the life of the believer, every hour of every day. God is now here! Providence comes from the Latin prōvidentia; “pro” meaning "before" or "ahead of time” and “videntia” meaning “to see.” God is in control. #3 The story of Israel at the Red Sea.They were between a rock and a hard place. Exodus 14:13–14 (NLT) Exodus 14:13–14 (NLT) Colossians 1:16–17 Exodus 14:19 A Christophany is an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. John 8:56–58 (NKJV)"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." John 8:56–58 (NKJV)Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" John 8:56–58 (NKJV)Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM!" Luke 24:27 The disciples on the Emmaus Road were literally listening to God incarnate describe His Old Testament appearances. Jesus didn’t begin in Bethlehem; He has always been. The story of redemption started a long time ago in a garden. The Christmas story begins with a tree: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve sinned and lost that sweet fellowship with God. Genesis 3:8 (NLT)“When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden.” We can never escape the presence of God. When you walk with God, it is a source of comfort. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” James 1:14–15 (NLT)“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow,it gives birth to death.” The Bible says, “Christ was slain from the foundation of the world.” Genesis 3:15 Pharaoh tried to exterminate the Jews starting with the Hebrew baby boys. Wicked Haman tried to have the Jews wiped off the face of the earth. King Herod hearing that one was born, “King of the Jews,”tried to kill Jesus, but that too failed. Nothing would stop Messiah from coming.Nothing will stop Christ from coming again either. #4 The story of Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah. Read Genesis 22 The two of them went together.Genesis 22:8 That is exactly what happened when Jesus went to the cross for us. This gives a glimpse of Calvary from the Father’s perspective, sacrificing His Son, His only Son. Genesis 22:11 Christ died in our place and absorbed the wrath of God. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For nearly two years, we’ve prayed about bringing a Harvest Crusade to Utah—originally planned for 2027. But after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, local pastors requested we accelerate our plans. They need the hope that only Jesus can bring. So, we said yes! On November 16, 2025, we’re bringing our Harvest Crusade, called Hope for America, to UVU—the very campus where Charlie stepped into the presence of the Lord.The event will also be available to watch in real-time. To stay updated on all event details, go to https://inbound.harvest.org/harvest-crusade-utah — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When astronauts used to orbit the moon, there was a period of about 45 minutes when they were on the back side of the moon and couldn’t receive any signals from NASA’s Mission Control. Those were the longest 45 minutes of the mission! Well, believers often go through periods of disconnection from the wisdom of God’s Word. We’re without that supernatural power and direction. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us reconnect to Scripture, and see more success in our walk of faith. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus wasn’t the only one who walked on water. Remember? For a few moments, the Apostle Peter walked on water when Jesus bid him, “come to me.” But when his faith turned to fear, his feet didn’t float! Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how we can keep our faith above water, and let fear sink to the bottom. It’s an encouraging message called “How to Live a Successful Christian Life.” Good inspiration for the times of trial and challenge we face. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A ship’s captain approaching a foggy seaport will navigate based on the light from the lighthouse, not from the light of other boats. Boats drift, lighthouses stand secure. Do we navigate the life of faith based on the conduct of other believers, or based on the One we believe in? What’s the hymn say, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie help us put that objective into practice. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you pass along the cold, hard truth and a warm and loving way? Is it in the words we choose . . . the body language we present . . . the context in which it’s expressed? Yes, yes and yes. But more than that, today Pastor Greg Laurie points out that it comes from a heart of genuine compassion and concern, energized by God’s love. Today here on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg begins the final message in his series in First, Second and Third John. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Not many people come into the Kingdom because they were sufficiently brow-beaten by someone sharing their faith. Few have surrendered to Christianity simply because they lost a fiery religious debate. The Bible tells us “His kindness leads us to repentance.” God’s love can soften the hardest of hearts. God’s mercy beckons those who’ve lost their way. And coming up today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us learn to put the Lord’s compassion into practice. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today’s world, amid the tragedy and turmoil we face every day, we need hope more than ever—true hope found in Jesus. Are you sharing this life-changing hope of the gospel with those around you?You have the power to start another Jesus Revolution today. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in today’s message. Notes: Focus verses: Ephesians 4, Romans 12 God has given spiritual gifts to each of us. A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability to do something you would not normally do. Romans 12:5–16 (KJV)So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, God created you with purpose. God gave you certain gifts so you could use them to glorify Him and to serve others. We are here on this earth for three reasons:1. The glorification of God (UPWARD)2. The edification of the saints (INWARD)3. The evangelization of the world (OUTWARD) Ephesians 4:11–12 (NLT)Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Ephesians 4:11–12 (NLT) (cont)Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Read Romans 12:6–8 There is a God-given gift of exhortation. Teachers tell you how to do it, exhorters make you want to do it. Our culture has become more combative.It's like the world has become a live version of X. Our ultimate goal is to build up, not tear down. If we really love one another, we must "speak the truth in love.”Ephesians 4:15 Paul and Barnabus worked together, visiting the churches.Acts 14:22 Hebrews 10:24–25 Romans 12:8If it is giving, then give generously. Scripture teaches each Christian should give.1 Corinthians 16:2 Romans 12:8 (NLT)And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. As we use these gifts, we grow spiritually.Ephesians 4:15–16 We are here for the evangelization of the world. Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; The church is under attack right now. This was a wake-up call for the church that went to fervent prayer.Acts 12 Whenever we are doing the work of God we will face spiritual attack. Charlie reminds me of another young man who was bold for his faith, Stephen. When Charlie took his last breath on earth, he took his first breath in Heaven.2 Corinthians 5:8 Who do we turn to at a time like this? We turn to God.Psalm 46:1 We need to mourn when we lose a loved one. As tragic as Charlie’s death is, it has been a wake-up call to a younger generation.The same was true when Stephen died.Acts 8:1 Acts 1:8 (NIV)“…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After Steven’s death the church was scattered and got on with their mission.And as the church today, we need to do the same! Joshua 1:9 It’s time to reach this hopeless generation. This could be your Jesus Revolution moment. Sharing the gospel energizes and refreshes the Christian. You need an outlet for the truth God is giving you. You are blessed to be a blessing. Discover and cultivate the spiritual gifts that God has given you. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Americans can’t deny it—there's been a major cultural shift since the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, inspiring countless individuals to seek Jesus Christ and live more boldly for Him. At Charlie’s memorial service, what could have been a somber occasion became a powerful revival, feeling more like a Harvest Crusade than a funeral! Prominent voices like Vice President JD Vance and Tucker Carlson unapologetically spoke out in faith, while worship leaders like Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham filled the stadium with worship. The most unforgettable moment came when Erika Kirk offered a stunning act of forgiveness toward her husband’s murderer. Is America finally experiencing a spiritual awaking? Pastor Greg Laurie believes so and urges Christians not to let this moment in time slip by. -- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.