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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 9:6
For 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 called
Wonderful, 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 3:16–17
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true
and 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 9:6
And the government shall be upon His shoulder.
 
For over 2000 years we are awaiting the fulfillment of this verse when Jesus returns
and 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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 FEAR
DANIEL 7:1–10
 
PHILIPPIANS 4:6 (NKJV)
BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER
AND SUPPLICATION, WITH THANKSGIVING, LET YOUR REQUESTS
BE 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 NONE
LIKE ME, DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING, AND
FROM ANCIENT TIMES THINGS THAT ARE NOT YET DONE.
 
#2 DANIEL’S KING
DANIEL 7:13–14
 
BEING WITH JESUS TRANSFORMS YOUR FEAR INTO FAITH
AND YOUR CONCERN INTO CONFIDENCE.
 
#3 DANIEL’S HOPE
DANIEL 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 SORROWS
STILL 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 8:32
GOD DID NOT SPARE HIS OWN SON BUT GAVE HIM UP FOR US ALL.
 
ROMANS 3:25
GOD PUT CHRIST FORWARD…BY HIS BLOOD, TO BE RECEIVED BY FAITH.
 
(ISAIAH 53:10
YET 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 4:12
Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,
as if something strange were happening to you.
 
1 Peter 4:14
Be 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 1:2–4
When 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: Hypomon?)
 
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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 5:20–21
Destruction 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, and
panic 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, Joshua
Judges 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 6:22
When 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 6:12
The 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 him
and 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 41:10
Fear 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 3:24–25
You 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 20:12
O 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 6:12
For 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 5:36
Don’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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.