How to Be An Encourager | Shine the Light

Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg Laurie has a great [music] new book Laurie has a great [music] new book Laurie has a great [music] new book called What Every Growing Christian called What Every Growing Christian called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know that will help. Needs to Know that will help. Needs to Know that will help. >> Let's say you're feeling lethargic and >> Let's say you're feeling lethargic and >> Let's say you're feeling lethargic and tired. You know, if you have a [music] tired. You know, if you have a [music] tired. You know, if you have a [music] diet of social media and you don't take diet of social media and you don't take diet of social media and you don't take time for the word of God, this [music] time for the word of God, this [music] time for the word of God, this [music] is going to have a damaging effect. So, is going to have a damaging effect. So, is going to have a damaging effect. So, this is just one of the things we talk this is just one of the things we talk this is just one of the things we talk about in this new book called What Every about in this new book called What Every about in this new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know. Growing Christian Needs to Know. Growing Christian Needs to Know. >> Available at harvest.org. >> If you [music] were to be summed up in >> If you [music] were to be summed up in one word, what would we call you? Mr. one word, what would we call you? Mr. one word, what would we call you? Mr. [music] [music] [music] Critical, Miss Cranky. Are you always Critical, Miss Cranky. Are you always Critical, Miss Cranky. Are you always known for being the negative person? known for being the negative person? known for being the negative person? [music] Instead, we want to be Mr. or [music] Instead, we want to be Mr. or [music] Instead, we want to be Mr. or Miss Encouragement. Miss Encouragement. Miss Encouragement. >> Our moods are contagious. Coming up >> Our moods are contagious. Coming up >> Our moods are contagious. Coming up today, Pastor Greg Laurie [music] urges today, Pastor Greg Laurie [music] urges today, Pastor Greg Laurie [music] urges us to pass on an encouraging frame of us to pass on an encouraging frame of us to pass on an encouraging frame of mind to those around us. mind to those around us. mind to those around us. >> An encourager sees the potential [music] >> An encourager sees the potential [music] >> An encourager sees the potential [music] in others and cheers them on.

>> Someone can brighten our [music] day >> Someone can brighten our [music] day with just a smile or a kind word. Others with just a smile or a kind word. Others with just a smile or a kind word. Others seem to steal the sunshine and rain on seem to steal the sunshine and rain on seem to steal the sunshine and rain on our parade. Isn't it interesting that our parade. Isn't it interesting that our parade. Isn't it interesting that [music] other people have that kind of [music] other people have that kind of [music] other people have that kind of influence on us? influence on us? influence on us? Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie points [music] out we should take Laurie points [music] out we should take Laurie points [music] out we should take that to heart and learn to have a that to heart and learn to have a that to heart and learn to have a positive influence on others. It's not positive influence on others. It's not positive influence on others. It's not that hard to do and the rewards [music] that hard to do and the rewards [music] that hard to do and the rewards [music] are wonderful. are wonderful. are wonderful. You've joined us for a study in the book You've joined us for a study in the book You've joined us for a study in the book of Acts that Pastor Greg has called The of Acts that Pastor Greg has called The of Acts that Pastor Greg has called The Upside Down Life. [music] [music] >> Turn in your Bibles to Acts chapter 11. >> Turn in your Bibles to Acts chapter 11. >> Turn in your Bibles to Acts chapter 11. Acts chapter 11 and the title of the Acts chapter 11 and the title of the Acts chapter 11 and the title of the message is how to be an encourager. message is how to be an encourager. message is how to be an encourager. Encouragement really matters. Encouragement really matters. Encouragement really matters. And that's something that we all need in And that's something that we all need in And that's something that we all need in life. In fact, I read an interesting life. In fact, I read an interesting life. In fact, I read an interesting thing about two doctors who wrote an thing about two doctors who wrote an thing about two doctors who wrote an article called the most dangerous word article called the most dangerous word article called the most dangerous word in the world. They wrote, quote, "If you in the world. They wrote, quote, "If you in the world. They wrote, quote, "If you were to put yourself in an MRI scanner were to put yourself in an MRI scanner were to put yourself in an MRI scanner and take a video of your brain and flash and take a video of your brain and flash and take a video of your brain and flash the word no for less than 1 second, uh the word no for less than 1 second, uh the word no for less than 1 second, uh there would be a sudden release of there would be a sudden release of there would be a sudden release of dozens of stress-releasing dozens of stress-releasing dozens of stress-releasing hormones and neurotransmitters."

hormones and neurotransmitters." hormones and neurotransmitters." The doctors continued to say, "These The doctors continued to say, "These The doctors continued to say, "These chemicals immediately interrupt the chemicals immediately interrupt the chemicals immediately interrupt the normal function of your brain, impairing normal function of your brain, impairing normal function of your brain, impairing logic, reason, and communication." logic, reason, and communication." logic, reason, and communication." Just flashing the word no. But then they Just flashing the word no. But then they Just flashing the word no. But then they went on to say, "But positive words like went on to say, "But positive words like went on to say, "But positive words like peace and love alter the expression of peace and love alter the expression of peace and love alter the expression of genes uh strengthening areas in our genes uh strengthening areas in our genes uh strengthening areas in our frontal lobes, promoting the brain's frontal lobes, promoting the brain's frontal lobes, promoting the brain's cognitive functioning." So, it reminds cognitive functioning." So, it reminds cognitive functioning." So, it reminds us that words really matter. What you us that words really matter. What you us that words really matter. What you say to people really matters. What you say to people really matters. What you say to people really matters. What you hear from people really matters. Abraham hear from people really matters. Abraham hear from people really matters. Abraham Lincoln, the president of the United Lincoln, the president of the United Lincoln, the president of the United States, needed encouragement. He was States, needed encouragement. He was States, needed encouragement. He was really attacked in the media of his day. really attacked in the media of his day. really attacked in the media of his day. And after he was tragically assassinated And after he was tragically assassinated And after he was tragically assassinated in the Ford Theater, they found his in the Ford Theater, they found his in the Ford Theater, they found his personal belongings and among his items personal belongings and among his items personal belongings and among his items that he carried with him, a little uh that he carried with him, a little uh that he carried with him, a little uh pocket watch and some other things, they pocket watch and some other things, they pocket watch and some other things, they found a little folded-up newspaper found a little folded-up newspaper found a little folded-up newspaper article from some uh paper sometime ago article from some uh paper sometime ago article from some uh paper sometime ago and it simply had these words written on and it simply had these words written on and it simply had these words written on it that President Abraham Lincoln is one it that President Abraham Lincoln is one it that President Abraham Lincoln is one one the greatest statesmen of our time.

one the greatest statesmen of our time. one the greatest statesmen of our time. And when Lincoln would get discouraged, And when Lincoln would get discouraged, And when Lincoln would get discouraged, he'd take out that little piece of paper he'd take out that little piece of paper he'd take out that little piece of paper and read it again for a little word of and read it again for a little word of and read it again for a little word of encouragement. Proverbs 25:11 says, "The encouragement. Proverbs 25:11 says, "The encouragement. Proverbs 25:11 says, "The right word at the right time is like right word at the right time is like right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver." So, I want precious gold set in silver." So, I want precious gold set in silver." So, I want to encourage you. to encourage you. to encourage you. And we need to encourage one another as And we need to encourage one another as And we need to encourage one another as Christians. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, Christians. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, Christians. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Encourage each other and build each "Encourage each other and build each "Encourage each other and build each other up." It does not say "discourage other up." It does not say "discourage other up." It does not say "discourage each other and tear each other down." each other and tear each other down." each other and tear each other down." And that's what some people do. No, And that's what some people do. No, And that's what some people do. No, encourage each other. Then in Hebrews encourage each other. Then in Hebrews encourage each other. Then in Hebrews 10:24, 10:24, 10:24, we're told, "Let us consider how we may we're told, "Let us consider how we may we're told, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good spur one another on toward love and good spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as deeds, not giving up meeting together as deeds, not giving up meeting together as a habit of some is, but rather a habit of some is, but rather a habit of some is, but rather encouraging one another and so much more encouraging one another and so much more encouraging one another and so much more as we see the day of the Lord as we see the day of the Lord as we see the day of the Lord approaching." We can all use some approaching." We can all use some approaching." We can all use some encouragement. So, let me say this to encouragement. So, let me say this to encouragement. So, let me say this to you. I don't know what you're going you. I don't know what you're going you. I don't know what you're going through right now in your life, but I through right now in your life, but I through right now in your life, but I want to say, "Whatever you're going want to say, "Whatever you're going want to say, "Whatever you're going through, you're going to get through through, you're going to get through through, you're going to get through it."

it." it." You say, "Well, Greg, how do you know? You say, "Well, Greg, how do you know? You say, "Well, Greg, how do you know? You're not in my shoes." No, I'm not. You're not in my shoes." No, I'm not. You're not in my shoes." No, I'm not. But I know what the Bible says. I think But I know what the Bible says. I think But I know what the Bible says. I think of the story of when Jesus said to his of the story of when Jesus said to his of the story of when Jesus said to his disciples, disciples, disciples, "Let's go to the other side," speaking "Let's go to the other side," speaking "Let's go to the other side," speaking of the Sea of Galilee. So, they boarded of the Sea of Galilee. So, they boarded of the Sea of Galilee. So, they boarded their little boat and predictably, a their little boat and predictably, a their little boat and predictably, a storm came and it was a big storm, so storm came and it was a big storm, so storm came and it was a big storm, so bad that even the seasoned sailors bad that even the seasoned sailors bad that even the seasoned sailors despaired of life. But what did Jesus despaired of life. But what did Jesus despaired of life. But what did Jesus say? He said, "Let's go to the other say? He said, "Let's go to the other say? He said, "Let's go to the other side." He did not say, "Let's go to the side." He did not say, "Let's go to the side." He did not say, "Let's go to the middle of the Sea of Galilee and drown middle of the Sea of Galilee and drown middle of the Sea of Galilee and drown together, shall we?" together, shall we?" together, shall we?" If he said that, I'd If he said that, I'd If he said that, I'd said, "Rather not board that boat, if said, "Rather not board that boat, if said, "Rather not board that boat, if you don't mind." you don't mind." you don't mind." He said, "Let's get over to the other He said, "Let's get over to the other He said, "Let's get over to the other side." He did not promise them calm side." He did not promise them calm side." He did not promise them calm seas, but he promised a safe arrival. He seas, but he promised a safe arrival. He seas, but he promised a safe arrival. He said that to every one of us. You "Well, said that to every one of us. You "Well, said that to every one of us. You "Well, what do you mean?" I mean, ultimately, what do you mean?" I mean, ultimately, what do you mean?" I mean, ultimately, we're all going to get to the other we're all going to get to the other we're all going to get to the other side. And of course, the other side is side. And of course, the other side is side. And of course, the other side is heaven. And you're going to get through heaven. And you're going to get through heaven. And you're going to get through whatever you're going through right now.

whatever you're going through right now. whatever you're going through right now. Let me share some verses that may Let me share some verses that may Let me share some verses that may address what you're facing in the address what you're facing in the address what you're facing in the moment. You might say, "I'm a failure." moment. You might say, "I'm a failure." moment. You might say, "I'm a failure." "I'll never change. I'll always be the "I'll never change. I'll always be the "I'll never change. I'll always be the way that I am." The Bible says, "You can way that I am." The Bible says, "You can way that I am." The Bible says, "You can do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who strengthens you." strengthens you." strengthens you." Believe what the Bible says, not what Believe what the Bible says, not what Believe what the Bible says, not what your emotions say. That's Philippians your emotions say. That's Philippians your emotions say. That's Philippians 4:13. You might say, "Well, I'm afraid 4:13. You might say, "Well, I'm afraid 4:13. You might say, "Well, I'm afraid of the future." But God says in of the future." But God says in of the future." But God says in Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or live in courageous. Don't be afraid or live in courageous. Don't be afraid or live in dread of them, for the Lord your God dread of them, for the Lord your God dread of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will not leave you or goes with you. He will not leave you or goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." forsake you." forsake you." You might say, "Well, I can't go on You might say, "Well, I can't go on You might say, "Well, I can't go on another day. I can't handle what I'm another day. I can't handle what I'm another day. I can't handle what I'm going through, this hardship, this going through, this hardship, this going through, this hardship, this illness." Whatever it is you're facing, illness." Whatever it is you're facing, illness." Whatever it is you're facing, and I'm reminded of the words of the and I'm reminded of the words of the and I'm reminded of the words of the Lord to the Apostle Paul. As he talked Lord to the Apostle Paul. As he talked Lord to the Apostle Paul. As he talked about his affliction that he described about his affliction that he described about his affliction that he described as a thorn in the flesh, the Lord said, as a thorn in the flesh, the Lord said, as a thorn in the flesh, the Lord said, "My grace is all you need." He'll get "My grace is all you need." He'll get "My grace is all you need." He'll get you through what you're going through.

you through what you're going through. you through what you're going through. You say, "But I have no future. I've You say, "But I have no future. I've You say, "But I have no future. I've given up on living. I have no hope." given up on living. I have no hope." given up on living. I have no hope." Psalm 38:15 says, "You, oh Lord, are my Psalm 38:15 says, "You, oh Lord, are my Psalm 38:15 says, "You, oh Lord, are my hope. You will hear my prayer." Psalm hope. You will hear my prayer." Psalm hope. You will hear my prayer." Psalm 135 says, "I'm counting on you, Lord. 135 says, "I'm counting on you, Lord. 135 says, "I'm counting on you, Lord. I'm counting on you. I put my hope in I'm counting on you. I put my hope in I'm counting on you. I put my hope in your word." Don't put your hope in your your word." Don't put your hope in your your word." Don't put your hope in your circumstances. Don't put your hope in circumstances. Don't put your hope in circumstances. Don't put your hope in your money. Don't put your hope in your money. Don't put your hope in your money. Don't put your hope in people. Put your hope in Christ and people. Put your hope in Christ and people. Put your hope in Christ and trust the word of God. trust the word of God. trust the word of God. >> [applause] >> I can't talk about hope without quoting >> I can't talk about hope without quoting Jeremiah 29:11 where the Lord says, "I Jeremiah 29:11 where the Lord says, "I Jeremiah 29:11 where the Lord says, "I know the thoughts that I think towards know the thoughts that I think towards know the thoughts that I think towards you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace, you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace, you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace, not of evil, to give you a future and uh not of evil, to give you a future and uh not of evil, to give you a future and uh hope. Okay, so I want to talk about a hope. Okay, so I want to talk about a hope. Okay, so I want to talk about a guy in the book of Acts guy in the book of Acts guy in the book of Acts that uh was known for encouraging that uh was known for encouraging that uh was known for encouraging others. Actually, his given name was others. Actually, his given name was others. Actually, his given name was Joseph, but he was given a nickname. And Joseph, but he was given a nickname. And Joseph, but he was given a nickname. And his nickname was Barnabas, which means a his nickname was Barnabas, which means a his nickname was Barnabas, which means a son of encouragement, or another way to son of encouragement, or another way to son of encouragement, or another way to translate it, he was known basically as translate it, he was known basically as translate it, he was known basically as Mr. Encouragement. Mr. Encouragement. I Mr. Encouragement. Mr. Encouragement. I Mr. Encouragement. Mr. Encouragement. I love that. I mean, is there someone you love that. I mean, is there someone you love that. I mean, is there someone you know that you could literally describe know that you could literally describe know that you could literally describe as Mr. or Miss Encouragement? That's who as Mr. or Miss Encouragement? That's who as Mr. or Miss Encouragement? That's who Barnabas was. He always had a word of Barnabas was. He always had a word of Barnabas was. He always had a word of encouragement for someone else. Now, if encouragement for someone else. Now, if encouragement for someone else. Now, if you were to be summed up in one word, you were to be summed up in one word, you were to be summed up in one word, what would we call you? Mr. Happiness,

what would we call you? Mr. Happiness, what would we call you? Mr. Happiness, Miss Critical, uh Miss Critical, uh Miss Critical, uh Mr. Cranky, Mr. Cranky, Mr. Cranky, Miss Bible, I don't know. But something Miss Bible, I don't know. But something Miss Bible, I don't know. But something that sum you up well, Barnabas was Mr. that sum you up well, Barnabas was Mr. that sum you up well, Barnabas was Mr. Encouragement. Or are you Debbie Downer Encouragement. Or are you Debbie Downer Encouragement. Or are you Debbie Downer or Bobby Buzzkill, right? Who are you? or Bobby Buzzkill, right? Who are you? or Bobby Buzzkill, right? Who are you? Are are you always known for being the Are are you always known for being the Are are you always known for being the negative person, always having the negative person, always having the negative person, always having the critical word, or are you known for critical word, or are you known for critical word, or are you known for being the positive person, always having being the positive person, always having being the positive person, always having the encouraging word? Now, let me say, the encouraging word? Now, let me say, the encouraging word? Now, let me say, you know, to balance this out, there is you know, to balance this out, there is you know, to balance this out, there is a place for criticism. a place for criticism. a place for criticism. Uh Uh Uh there is a place for a reality check, there is a place for a reality check, there is a place for a reality check, right? That's why opposites are often right? That's why opposites are often right? That's why opposites are often drawn together in marriage. drawn together in marriage. drawn together in marriage. Uh because you'll find someone that Uh because you'll find someone that Uh because you'll find someone that you're attracted to, but often they'll you're attracted to, but often they'll you're attracted to, but often they'll be your very opposite in the way you be your very opposite in the way you be your very opposite in the way you approach life. I know that's certainly approach life. I know that's certainly approach life. I know that's certainly true of my wife and myself, and it may true of my wife and myself, and it may true of my wife and myself, and it may be true of others I'm talking to right be true of others I'm talking to right be true of others I'm talking to right now. But it it is important if you love now. But it it is important if you love now. But it it is important if you love someone to tell them the truth, right?

someone to tell them the truth, right? someone to tell them the truth, right? Because the Bible says, "Faithful are Because the Bible says, "Faithful are Because the Bible says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses the wounds of a friend, but the kisses the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Open rebuke of an enemy are deceitful. Open rebuke of an enemy are deceitful. Open rebuke is better than secret love. So, is better than secret love. So, is better than secret love. So, sometimes as a way of showing my love, I sometimes as a way of showing my love, I sometimes as a way of showing my love, I will say a critical thing, but I'll say will say a critical thing, but I'll say will say a critical thing, but I'll say it in the right way. I mean, if you're it in the right way. I mean, if you're it in the right way. I mean, if you're known for encouragement and compliments known for encouragement and compliments known for encouragement and compliments and affirmation, then when you bring and affirmation, then when you bring and affirmation, then when you bring your word of criticism, it will be your word of criticism, it will be your word of criticism, it will be received. But, if you're known for received. But, if you're known for received. But, if you're known for negativity, hypercriticism, and negativity, hypercriticism, and negativity, hypercriticism, and meanness, when you come with another meanness, when you come with another meanness, when you come with another criticism, which may in a sense even be criticism, which may in a sense even be criticism, which may in a sense even be valid, it will not be received because valid, it will not be received because valid, it will not be received because you're Mr. or Ms. negativity. Instead, you're Mr. or Ms. negativity. Instead, you're Mr. or Ms. negativity. Instead, we want to be Mr. or Ms. we want to be Mr. or Ms. we want to be Mr. or Ms. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> encouragement, just like Barnabas. >> Pastor [music] Greg Laurie will have the >> Pastor [music] Greg Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a second half of his message in just a second half of his message in just a moment. moment. moment. Many listeners [music] write or call us Many listeners [music] write or call us Many listeners [music] write or call us sharing their stories of pain and loss, sharing their stories of pain and loss, sharing their stories of pain and loss, but also of hope.

but also of hope. but also of hope. >> Pastor Greg, [music] >> Pastor Greg, [music] >> Pastor Greg, [music] I wanted to share that not long ago, my I wanted to share that not long ago, my I wanted to share that not long ago, my brother and 10-year-old nephew died brother and 10-year-old nephew died brother and 10-year-old nephew died [music] in a tragic house fire. [music] in a tragic house fire. [music] in a tragic house fire. The months that followed were a The months that followed were a The months that followed were a nightmare for me and my family. nightmare for me and my family. nightmare for me and my family. Even though we received much love Even though we received much love Even though we received much love [music] and support from friends and [music] and support from friends and [music] and support from friends and family, it was still a very difficult family, it was still a very difficult family, it was still a very difficult time. But, a friend gave [music] me a time. But, a friend gave [music] me a time. But, a friend gave [music] me a copy of your book as it is in heaven, copy of your book as it is in heaven, copy of your book as it is in heaven, and it helped me so much. I've been and it helped me so much. I've been and it helped me so much. I've been walking closer to Jesus [music] than I walking closer to Jesus [music] than I walking closer to Jesus [music] than I ever have before. ever have before. ever have before. I've also found your podcasts and now I've also found your podcasts and now I've also found your podcasts and now listen [music] every day while doing listen [music] every day while doing listen [music] every day while doing computer work and while driving. computer work and while driving. computer work and while driving. Your sermons on trials and suffering Your sermons on trials and suffering Your sermons on trials and suffering have brought me so much hope, more than have brought me so much hope, more than have brought me so much hope, more than I can really ever explain. I can really ever explain. I can really ever explain. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And now, I can't get enough of reading >> And now, I can't get enough of reading >> And now, I can't get enough of reading the Bible. And when you explain how God the Bible. And when you explain how God the Bible. And when you explain how God allows trials and suffering [music] so allows trials and suffering [music] so allows trials and suffering [music] so that we can grow up spiritually, it that we can grow up spiritually, it that we can grow up spiritually, it really resonated with me. really resonated with me. really resonated with me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm now clinging more tightly to Jesus >> I'm now clinging more tightly to Jesus >> I'm now clinging more tightly to Jesus than ever before and have thanked God than ever before and have thanked God than ever before and have thanked God many times [music] for you. Blessings to many times [music] for you. Blessings to many times [music] for you. Blessings to you, Pastor Greg. you, Pastor Greg. you, Pastor Greg. >> It's wonderful [music] to know that >> It's wonderful [music] to know that >> It's wonderful [music] to know that listeners are hearing these messages, listeners are hearing these messages, listeners are hearing these messages, and God is using His [music] word to and God is using His [music] word to and God is using His [music] word to touch hearts. Would you share your story touch hearts. Would you share your story touch hearts. Would you share your story with Pastor Greg? If so, send him an with Pastor Greg? If so, send him an with Pastor Greg? If so, send him an email [email protected]. [music] email [email protected]. [music] email [email protected]. [music] That's [email protected].

And for more information [music] And for more information [music] about Pastor Greg's book As It Is in about Pastor Greg's book As It Is in about Pastor Greg's book As It Is in Heaven, go to harvest.org. [music] >> You're joining us for a study in Acts 11 >> You're joining us for a study in Acts 11 today called How to Be an Encourager. today called How to Be an Encourager. today called How to Be an Encourager. Here's Pastor Greg once again. Here's Pastor Greg once again. Here's Pastor Greg once again. >> So, Barnabas >> So, Barnabas >> So, Barnabas pops up in the book of Acts, and he pops up in the book of Acts, and he pops up in the book of Acts, and he steps in at a critical time in the life steps in at a critical time in the life steps in at a critical time in the life of the Apostle Paul. Before he was the of the Apostle Paul. Before he was the of the Apostle Paul. Before he was the Apostle Paul, when he was still Saul, Apostle Paul, when he was still Saul, Apostle Paul, when he was still Saul, the notorious Christian killer, the man the notorious Christian killer, the man the notorious Christian killer, the man who hunted down followers of Jesus who hunted down followers of Jesus who hunted down followers of Jesus Christ, the man who met Christ on the Christ, the man who met Christ on the Christ, the man who met Christ on the road to Damascus. The problem was a lot road to Damascus. The problem was a lot road to Damascus. The problem was a lot of people weren't buying it. They of people weren't buying it. They of people weren't buying it. They weren't believing that Saul was actually weren't believing that Saul was actually weren't believing that Saul was actually now a Christian. I mean, I don't even now a Christian. I mean, I don't even now a Christian. I mean, I don't even know what the modern equivalent of that know what the modern equivalent of that know what the modern equivalent of that would be. Maybe it would be Alice would be. Maybe it would be Alice would be. Maybe it would be Alice Cooper. You know, I've gotten to know Cooper. You know, I've gotten to know Cooper. You know, I've gotten to know him a little bit, and I've interviewed him a little bit, and I've interviewed him a little bit, and I've interviewed him, we've hung out some, and I him, we've hung out some, and I him, we've hung out some, and I mentioned this to people or we post mentioned this to people or we post mentioned this to people or we post these things online, and people say, these things online, and people say, these things online, and people say, "He's not a Christian. He's evil." Well, "He's not a Christian. He's evil." Well, "He's not a Christian. He's evil." Well, he did used to be evil. He did used to he did used to be evil. He did used to he did used to be evil. He did used to be a rock star living a rock star be a rock star living a rock star be a rock star living a rock star depraved life by his own admission, and depraved life by his own admission, and depraved life by his own admission, and a drug addict, and everything else, but a drug addict, and everything else, but a drug addict, and everything else, but God got hold of him and changed him. But God got hold of him and changed him. But God got hold of him and changed him. But some Christians are just unwilling to some Christians are just unwilling to some Christians are just unwilling to accept that's even a possibility. My accept that's even a possibility. My accept that's even a possibility. My second other friend of mine named second other friend of mine named second other friend of mine named Michael Franzese. Now, I met him years Michael Franzese. Now, I met him years Michael Franzese. Now, I met him years ago. Michael was being groomed to become

ago. Michael was being groomed to become ago. Michael was being groomed to become the Godfather or the Don of the Colombo the Godfather or the Don of the Colombo the Godfather or the Don of the Colombo crime family. He's a good fella, a made crime family. He's a good fella, a made crime family. He's a good fella, a made man, a mobster. And so, I had heard that man, a mobster. And so, I had heard that man, a mobster. And so, I had heard that this guy named Michael Franzese is a this guy named Michael Franzese is a this guy named Michael Franzese is a Christian and he wants to talk to you. Christian and he wants to talk to you. Christian and he wants to talk to you. And and he used to be in the mafia. My And and he used to be in the mafia. My And and he used to be in the mafia. My response was, "I'd rather not meet you." response was, "I'd rather not meet you." response was, "I'd rather not meet you." And then I asked, "Did he use the word And then I asked, "Did he use the word And then I asked, "Did he use the word whack at any point in his conversation? whack at any point in his conversation? whack at any point in his conversation? Or anything about sleeping with fishes Or anything about sleeping with fishes Or anything about sleeping with fishes or or or anything related to that?" And so, I anything related to that?" And so, I anything related to that?" And so, I didn't believe this guy A was really in didn't believe this guy A was really in didn't believe this guy A was really in the mob. I think he made that up. He the mob. I think he made that up. He the mob. I think he made that up. He wasn't in the mob. Nobody is in the mob wasn't in the mob. Nobody is in the mob wasn't in the mob. Nobody is in the mob and gets out and is still alive. and gets out and is still alive. and gets out and is still alive. And number two, I didn't believe he'd And number two, I didn't believe he'd And number two, I didn't believe he'd become a Christian if he was in the mob. become a Christian if he was in the mob. become a Christian if he was in the mob. Well, I was wrong on both counts. Well, I was wrong on both counts. Well, I was wrong on both counts. Uh he was arrested, sent to prison, and Uh he was arrested, sent to prison, and Uh he was arrested, sent to prison, and while in solitary confinement, also while in solitary confinement, also while in solitary confinement, also known as the hole, he was given a Bible known as the hole, he was given a Bible known as the hole, he was given a Bible which he started reading and he which he started reading and he which he started reading and he committed his life to Christ. And committed his life to Christ. And committed his life to Christ. And because he never ratted out any other because he never ratted out any other because he never ratted out any other mobster, he eventually was released from mobster, he eventually was released from mobster, he eventually was released from prison.

prison. prison. And uh and he used to listen to me And uh and he used to listen to me And uh and he used to listen to me uh while he was in solitary confinement uh while he was in solitary confinement uh while he was in solitary confinement on the radio. And so, he wanted to meet on the radio. And so, he wanted to meet on the radio. And so, he wanted to meet me and we've become friends since then. me and we've become friends since then. me and we've become friends since then. But look, this is the same thing that But look, this is the same thing that But look, this is the same thing that Saul was dealing with. No one believed Saul was dealing with. No one believed Saul was dealing with. No one believed he was really a Christian. he was really a Christian. he was really a Christian. Enter Barnabas. Enter Barnabas. Enter Barnabas. Enter Mr. Encouragement. Barnabas says, Enter Mr. Encouragement. Barnabas says, Enter Mr. Encouragement. Barnabas says, "Oh, you're a believer for sure. I've "Oh, you're a believer for sure. I've "Oh, you're a believer for sure. I've talked to you. I know your conversion is talked to you. I know your conversion is talked to you. I know your conversion is real." That brings me to point number real." That brings me to point number real." That brings me to point number one. An encourager sees the potential in one. An encourager sees the potential in one. An encourager sees the potential in others and cheers them on. others and cheers them on. others and cheers them on. An encourager sees the potential in An encourager sees the potential in An encourager sees the potential in others and cheers them on. others and cheers them on. others and cheers them on. So, Barnabas, Mr. Encouragement, takes So, Barnabas, Mr. Encouragement, takes So, Barnabas, Mr. Encouragement, takes Saul of Tarsus under his wing and Saul of Tarsus under his wing and Saul of Tarsus under his wing and encourages him. encourages him. encourages him. And he even says, "Let's go on the road And he even says, "Let's go on the road And he even says, "Let's go on the road together. Let's go share the gospel together. Let's go share the gospel together. Let's go share the gospel together." So, Barnabas is helping Saul. together." So, Barnabas is helping Saul. together." So, Barnabas is helping Saul. He's discipling Saul. He's teaching He's discipling Saul. He's teaching He's discipling Saul. He's teaching Saul, later to become Paul. He sees the Saul, later to become Paul. He sees the Saul, later to become Paul. He sees the potential. Acts chapter 9, verse 26. Go potential. Acts chapter 9, verse 26. Go potential. Acts chapter 9, verse 26. Go back a few verses chapters. When Saul back a few verses chapters. When Saul back a few verses chapters. When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all with the believers, but they were all with the believers, but they were all afraid of him and they did not believe afraid of him and they did not believe afraid of him and they did not believe that he had truly become a believer.

that he had truly become a believer. that he had truly become a believer. Then Barnabas brought him to the Then Barnabas brought him to the Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them Saul had seen the apostles and told them Saul had seen the apostles and told them Saul had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus and the Lord on the road to Damascus and the Lord on the road to Damascus and the Lord had spoken to Saul and he told them Lord had spoken to Saul and he told them Lord had spoken to Saul and he told them that Saul had preached boldly in the that Saul had preached boldly in the that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. I love that. So, Barnabas name of Jesus. I love that. So, Barnabas name of Jesus. I love that. So, Barnabas takes his credibility, and he had a lot takes his credibility, and he had a lot takes his credibility, and he had a lot of it. He was loved by everybody. of it. He was loved by everybody. of it. He was loved by everybody. And he put it on the line for the newly And he put it on the line for the newly And he put it on the line for the newly converted Saul to listen, I'm vouching converted Saul to listen, I'm vouching converted Saul to listen, I'm vouching for this guy. He's a real Christian. for this guy. He's a real Christian. for this guy. He's a real Christian. And that's something that we all need in And that's something that we all need in And that's something that we all need in life. We need a Barnabas. life. We need a Barnabas. life. We need a Barnabas. Or you need to be a Barnabas. Let me say Or you need to be a Barnabas. Let me say Or you need to be a Barnabas. Let me say that again. We all need a Barnabas or an that again. We all need a Barnabas or an that again. We all need a Barnabas or an encourager, or we need to be a Barnabas encourager, or we need to be a Barnabas encourager, or we need to be a Barnabas encouraging encouraging encouraging others. others. others. Because sometimes people don't believe Because sometimes people don't believe Because sometimes people don't believe you're really converted. Uh, you know, you're really converted. Uh, you know, you're really converted. Uh, you know, after I became a Christian, I I The after I became a Christian, I I The after I became a Christian, I I The funny thing is I grew my hair and beard funny thing is I grew my hair and beard funny thing is I grew my hair and beard out after I was converted. Uh, prior to out after I was converted. Uh, prior to out after I was converted. Uh, prior to that, I I had long hair, but then I that, I I had long hair, but then I that, I I had long hair, but then I became like a hippie type looking guy.

became like a hippie type looking guy. became like a hippie type looking guy. And so, I was attending Calvary Chapel And so, I was attending Calvary Chapel And so, I was attending Calvary Chapel where there were a lot of people that where there were a lot of people that where there were a lot of people that looked like me and and I decided to go looked like me and and I decided to go looked like me and and I decided to go to another church one Sunday, a very to another church one Sunday, a very to another church one Sunday, a very conservative church. And I walked in and conservative church. And I walked in and conservative church. And I walked in and they were just ending their first they were just ending their first they were just ending their first service. They had the choir and the service. They had the choir and the service. They had the choir and the preacher was in the suit and tie and preacher was in the suit and tie and preacher was in the suit and tie and everybody was All the men were in suit everybody was All the men were in suit everybody was All the men were in suit and ties. They were dressed very nicely and ties. They were dressed very nicely and ties. They were dressed very nicely and and they had the pipe organ and all and and they had the pipe organ and all and and they had the pipe organ and all that, but I heard the tail end of the that, but I heard the tail end of the that, but I heard the tail end of the first message and I thought, "That's a first message and I thought, "That's a first message and I thought, "That's a good message. I'm looking forward to good message. I'm looking forward to good message. I'm looking forward to listening to it." So, I come walking in listening to it." So, I come walking in listening to it." So, I come walking in in my bell bottoms with my hippie shirt in my bell bottoms with my hippie shirt in my bell bottoms with my hippie shirt and my long hair and my beard, and I and my long hair and my beard, and I and my long hair and my beard, and I take a seat, everyone literally is take a seat, everyone literally is take a seat, everyone literally is staring at me. I mean, everyone staring staring at me. I mean, everyone staring staring at me. I mean, everyone staring at me. at me. at me. Okay, I guess they don't have many Okay, I guess they don't have many Okay, I guess they don't have many people that look like me here. Then the people that look like me here. Then the people that look like me here. Then the preacher gets up for the second service, preacher gets up for the second service, preacher gets up for the second service, and I notice the message is different and I notice the message is different and I notice the message is different this time. It's evangelistic. And at the this time. It's evangelistic. And at the this time. It's evangelistic. And at the end, he is saying, "There's somebody end, he is saying, "There's somebody end, he is saying, "There's somebody here that needs Jesus, someone who is here that needs Jesus, someone who is here that needs Jesus, someone who is lost, they're probably on drugs." And I lost, they're probably on drugs." And I lost, they're probably on drugs." And I notice he's looking right at me. notice he's looking right at me. notice he's looking right at me. And I'm thinking, "Oh man, this preacher And I'm thinking, "Oh man, this preacher And I'm thinking, "Oh man, this preacher thinks a a sinner is here." Well, I am a thinks a a sinner is here." Well, I am a thinks a a sinner is here." Well, I am a sinner, but sinner, but sinner, but I'm converted now. And I'm literally I'm converted now. And I'm literally I'm converted now. And I'm literally listening to him, and I have my Bible, listening to him, and I have my Bible, listening to him, and I have my Bible, and I'm sort of pushing it up, like, and I'm sort of pushing it up, like, and I'm sort of pushing it up, like, "Look, I'm I'm a Christian. Stop."

I'm a Christian. Stop." He keeps preaching. He keeps preaching. He keeps preaching. Then, Then, Then, "We're going to invite you to come to "We're going to invite you to come to "We're going to invite you to come to Christ." The choir starts singing, "Just Christ." The choir starts singing, "Just Christ." The choir starts singing, "Just as I am." And he's looking at me. as I am." And he's looking at me. as I am." And he's looking at me. Everyone, I'm not exaggerating, Everyone, I'm not exaggerating, Everyone, I'm not exaggerating, everyone's looking at me. Finally, the everyone's looking at me. Finally, the everyone's looking at me. Finally, the preacher, I'm not making this up, gets preacher, I'm not making this up, gets preacher, I'm not making this up, gets up from behind his pulpit, walks down up from behind his pulpit, walks down up from behind his pulpit, walks down the stairs, walks right over to me, and the stairs, walks right over to me, and the stairs, walks right over to me, and says, "Are you saved?" says, "Are you saved?" says, "Are you saved?" I said, "Yes, I am." He looked very I said, "Yes, I am." He looked very I said, "Yes, I am." He looked very disappointed. disappointed. disappointed. "I wasted an entire evangelistic message "I wasted an entire evangelistic message "I wasted an entire evangelistic message on this guy." Then he said, "Are you on this guy." Then he said, "Are you on this guy." Then he said, "Are you baptized?" "Yes, I am." baptized?" "Yes, I am." baptized?" "Yes, I am." Then he says, "Are you coming to the Then he says, "Are you coming to the Then he says, "Are you coming to the church picnic?" I I don't know. And church picnic?" I I don't know. And church picnic?" I I don't know. And then, then, then, so the service ends, and literally so the service ends, and literally so the service ends, and literally 20 people or more ask me three 20 people or more ask me three 20 people or more ask me three questions, the same three questions. questions, the same three questions. questions, the same three questions. "Are you saved?" "Yes, I am." "Have you "Are you saved?" "Yes, I am." "Have you "Are you saved?" "Yes, I am." "Have you been baptized?" "Yes, I have." "Are you been baptized?" "Yes, I have." "Are you been baptized?" "Yes, I have." "Are you coming to the church picnic?" coming to the church picnic?" coming to the church picnic?" No. No. No. I don't want to be with you people any I don't want to be with you people any I don't want to be with you people any longer. longer. longer. You're a little weird. You're a little weird. You're a little weird. I needed someone to help me I needed someone to help me I needed someone to help me in that time in between in that time in between in that time in between my after my conversion, my after my conversion, my after my conversion, because it's really easy to fall back because it's really easy to fall back because it's really easy to fall back into your old life.

into your old life. into your old life. And get pulled back by your old friends, And get pulled back by your old friends, And get pulled back by your old friends, right? You know what I'm talking about? right? You know what I'm talking about? right? You know what I'm talking about? And then you're doing the old things And then you're doing the old things And then you're doing the old things again. again. again. And I was a new Christian. I wasn't And I was a new Christian. I wasn't And I was a new Christian. I wasn't raised in the church. I didn't raised in the church. I didn't raised in the church. I didn't understand their lingo or vocabulary. understand their lingo or vocabulary. understand their lingo or vocabulary. And I went to this little Bible study in And I went to this little Bible study in And I went to this little Bible study in my high school campus my high school campus my high school campus uh after I was a Christian and the guy uh after I was a Christian and the guy uh after I was a Christian and the guy they brought in that week was a little they brought in that week was a little they brought in that week was a little different. And and I felt very different. And and I felt very different. And and I felt very uncomfortable. I thought, I don't know uncomfortable. I thought, I don't know uncomfortable. I thought, I don't know if I really want to hang around these if I really want to hang around these if I really want to hang around these people, but I'm not really comfortable people, but I'm not really comfortable people, but I'm not really comfortable around my old friends anymore. Maybe around my old friends anymore. Maybe around my old friends anymore. Maybe I'll just sort of be a solo Christian. I'll just sort of be a solo Christian. I'll just sort of be a solo Christian. I'm telling you, I could have fallen I'm telling you, I could have fallen I'm telling you, I could have fallen through the cracks so easily. But thank through the cracks so easily. But thank through the cracks so easily. But thank God some guy who was my Barnabas came up God some guy who was my Barnabas came up God some guy who was my Barnabas came up to me. His name was Mark. And he said, to me. His name was Mark. And he said, to me. His name was Mark. And he said, "Hi, your name is Greg, isn't it?" Yeah, "Hi, your name is Greg, isn't it?" Yeah, "Hi, your name is Greg, isn't it?" Yeah, yeah, it is. yeah, it is. yeah, it is. I saw you accept Christ the other day I saw you accept Christ the other day I saw you accept Christ the other day uh at the Bible study at lunchtime. I uh at the Bible study at lunchtime. I uh at the Bible study at lunchtime. I said, "Yeah, I was kind of even said, "Yeah, I was kind of even said, "Yeah, I was kind of even defensive. Yeah, I uh" He goes, "That's defensive. Yeah, I uh" He goes, "That's defensive. Yeah, I uh" He goes, "That's great. Okay." He goes, "Um you want to great. Okay." He goes, "Um you want to great. Okay." He goes, "Um you want to come to church with me?" I said, "No, come to church with me?" I said, "No, come to church with me?" I said, "No, thank you." thank you." thank you." "No, I I I want you to come to church "No, I I I want you to come to church "No, I I I want you to come to church with me." "No, I don't want to go to with me." "No, I don't want to go to with me." "No, I don't want to go to church with you." "No, really, you got church with you." "No, really, you got church with you." "No, really, you got to come with me." "I I I don't want to to come with me." "I I I don't want to to come with me." "I I I don't want to come with you."

come with you." come with you." Uh he says, "Where do you live?" "No, I Uh he says, "Where do you live?" "No, I Uh he says, "Where do you live?" "No, I don't want you to come." Next thing I don't want you to come." Next thing I don't want you to come." Next thing I know, he's at my house. know, he's at my house. know, he's at my house. He picks me up. He drives me to church. He picks me up. He drives me to church. He picks me up. He drives me to church. I love this guy. He was so persistent. I love this guy. He was so persistent. I love this guy. He was so persistent. And that was Calvary Chapel in the And that was Calvary Chapel in the And that was Calvary Chapel in the middle of the Jesus movement. I walked middle of the Jesus movement. I walked middle of the Jesus movement. I walked into a spiritual awakening and I didn't into a spiritual awakening and I didn't into a spiritual awakening and I didn't even know it. even know it. even know it. And I walk into this building and it's And I walk into this building and it's And I walk into this building and it's filled with people. filled with people. filled with people. All this excitement. So many younger All this excitement. So many younger All this excitement. So many younger people as well, older folks, too. people as well, older folks, too. people as well, older folks, too. And I was a little overwhelmed by all And I was a little overwhelmed by all And I was a little overwhelmed by all this love. And I actually didn't want to this love. And I actually didn't want to this love. And I actually didn't want to be there. be there. be there. And I was hoping I could just leave and And I was hoping I could just leave and And I was hoping I could just leave and cuz there were no seats. And someone in cuz there were no seats. And someone in cuz there were no seats. And someone in the front row waved, "GREG, GREG." THEY the front row waved, "GREG, GREG." THEY the front row waved, "GREG, GREG." THEY WERE from my HIGH SCHOOL. "WE HAVE A WERE from my HIGH SCHOOL. "WE HAVE A WERE from my HIGH SCHOOL. "WE HAVE A SEAT for you." So I walked. SEAT for you." So I walked. SEAT for you." So I walked. I take a seat in the front row. I take a seat in the front row. I take a seat in the front row. And out walks Chuck Smith. And out walks Chuck Smith. And out walks Chuck Smith. And I heard the Bible presented in a way And I heard the Bible presented in a way And I heard the Bible presented in a way for the first time that I understood. for the first time that I understood. for the first time that I understood. And then they couldn't keep me away from And then they couldn't keep me away from And then they couldn't keep me away from the place cuz I just wanted to grow and the place cuz I just wanted to grow and the place cuz I just wanted to grow and learn more.

learn more. learn more. >> [applause] >> Listen, we're all called to be a >> Listen, we're all called to be a Barnabas. Every Some people want to be Barnabas. Every Some people want to be Barnabas. Every Some people want to be the Billy Graham. They want to be the the Billy Graham. They want to be the the Billy Graham. They want to be the Apostle Paul. Someone's got to be the Apostle Paul. Someone's got to be the Apostle Paul. Someone's got to be the Barnabas. Barnabas. Barnabas. Working behind the scenes cuz that Working behind the scenes cuz that Working behind the scenes cuz that person you're discipling, [music] person you're discipling, [music] person you're discipling, [music] that person you're encouraging may go on that person you're encouraging may go on that person you're encouraging may go on to change the world. to change the world. to change the world. And your words [music] matter and your And your words [music] matter and your And your words [music] matter and your encouragement matters. [music] [music] >> Important insight today on how we can >> Important insight today on how we can >> Important insight today on how we can step up and be a source of good step up and be a source of good step up and be a source of good reassurance in someone else's life. reassurance in someone else's life. reassurance in someone else's life. Pastor Greg Laurie with counsel from our Pastor Greg Laurie with counsel from our Pastor Greg Laurie with counsel from our study series in the book of Acts here on study series in the book of Acts here on study series in the book of Acts here on the new beginning, a series called The the new beginning, a series called The the new beginning, a series called The Upside Down Life. Upside Down Life. Upside Down Life. Well, Pastor Greg, as you've been Well, Pastor Greg, as you've been Well, Pastor Greg, as you've been speaking, maybe there's somebody speaking, maybe there's somebody speaking, maybe there's somebody listening who's really enjoyed hearing listening who's really enjoyed hearing listening who's really enjoyed hearing your story of your early days as a your story of your early days as a your story of your early days as a believer. And it's become apparent that believer. And it's become apparent that believer. And it's become apparent that they don't have a story of their own.

they don't have a story of their own. they don't have a story of their own. They've never really come to the Lord They've never really come to the Lord They've never really come to the Lord and made things right with him. and made things right with him. and made things right with him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What can they do to fix that? >> What can they do to fix that? >> What can they do to fix that? >> What I would say is He's only a prayer >> What I would say is He's only a prayer >> What I would say is He's only a prayer away. away. away. Which means if you will call upon the Which means if you will call upon the Which means if you will call upon the name of the Lord right now through name of the Lord right now through name of the Lord right now through prayer, he will hear your prayer and prayer, he will hear your prayer and prayer, he will hear your prayer and answer your prayer. Listen, if you want answer your prayer. Listen, if you want answer your prayer. Listen, if you want Jesus Christ to come into your life, if Jesus Christ to come into your life, if Jesus Christ to come into your life, if you want him to forgive you of your sin, you want him to forgive you of your sin, you want him to forgive you of your sin, if you want to know that you're going to if you want to know that you're going to if you want to know that you're going to heaven when you die, just pray this heaven when you die, just pray this heaven when you die, just pray this prayer right now after me. Just pray, prayer right now after me. Just pray, prayer right now after me. Just pray, "Lord Jesus, "Lord Jesus, "Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know I know that I'm a sinner, but I know I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the savior who died on the that you're the savior who died on the that you're the savior who died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the cross for my sin and rose again from the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead. I turn from my sin now and I dead. I turn from my sin now and I dead. I turn from my sin now and I choose to follow you choose to follow you choose to follow you from this moment forward as my savior from this moment forward as my savior from this moment forward as my savior and Lord, as my God and my friend. In and Lord, as my God and my friend. In and Lord, as my God and my friend. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Jesus name I pray. Amen. Jesus name I pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> And listen, if you have just prayed that >> And listen, if you have just prayed that >> And listen, if you have just prayed that prayer with Pastor Greg and you've meant prayer with Pastor Greg and you've meant prayer with Pastor Greg and you've meant those words sincerely, those words sincerely, those words sincerely, we want to welcome you into the family we want to welcome you into the family we want to welcome you into the family of God. And let us help you get started of God. And let us help you get started of God. And let us help you get started walking each day with the Lord. Pastor walking each day with the Lord. Pastor walking each day with the Lord. Pastor Greg wants to send you his new believers Greg wants to send you his new believers Greg wants to send you his new believers Bible absolutely free along with some Bible absolutely free along with some Bible absolutely free along with some other helpful resources. They'll help other helpful resources. They'll help other helpful resources. They'll help answer your questions and get you answer your questions and get you answer your questions and get you started off right as you live for God started off right as you live for God started off right as you live for God each day. Just let us know you prayed each day. Just let us know you prayed each day. Just let us know you prayed with Pastor Greg and that you want the with Pastor Greg and that you want the with Pastor Greg and that you want the new believers Bible when you call new believers Bible when you call new believers Bible when you call 1-800-821-3300.

We can take your call anytime at We can take your call anytime at 1-800-821-3300 or go online to harvest.org or go online to harvest.org and click the words know God. and click the words know God. and click the words know God. You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from people all the time who tell us how people all the time who tell us how people all the time who tell us how these daily studies have impacted their these daily studies have impacted their these daily studies have impacted their lives. So many have found the Lord and lives. So many have found the Lord and lives. So many have found the Lord and been encouraged through this teaching. been encouraged through this teaching. been encouraged through this teaching. And we hope our listeners might pray And we hope our listeners might pray And we hope our listeners might pray about making an investment so these about making an investment so these about making an investment so these studies can continue. studies can continue. studies can continue. >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, and even a little bit helps. You know, and even a little bit helps. You know, and even a little bit helps. You know, people need to hear the gospel so badly. people need to hear the gospel so badly. people need to hear the gospel so badly. They need to hear the teaching of the They need to hear the teaching of the They need to hear the teaching of the word of God. It changes everything word of God. It changes everything word of God. It changes everything because it changes us. because it changes us. because it changes us. And I'm so passionate about it and I'm And I'm so passionate about it and I'm And I'm so passionate about it and I'm called to do it and I'm thankful for it. called to do it and I'm thankful for it. called to do it and I'm thankful for it. But I can't do it alone. So I'm going to But I can't do it alone. So I'm going to But I can't do it alone. So I'm going to ask folks that are listening to if you ask folks that are listening to if you ask folks that are listening to if you think more people need to hear the think more people need to hear the think more people need to hear the gospel. If you believe more people need gospel. If you believe more people need gospel. If you believe more people need to hear the teaching of the word of God, to hear the teaching of the word of God, to hear the teaching of the word of God, then then then prayerfully consider investing in prayerfully consider investing in prayerfully consider investing in Harvest Ministries and maybe even become Harvest Ministries and maybe even become Harvest Ministries and maybe even become a Harvest Partner, which means you're a Harvest Partner, which means you're a Harvest Partner, which means you're someone who stands with us every month someone who stands with us every month someone who stands with us every month in your faithful giving and that opens in your faithful giving and that opens in your faithful giving and that opens up a lot of new opportunities for us.

up a lot of new opportunities for us. up a lot of new opportunities for us. So, thanks for that. So, thanks for that. So, thanks for that. >> Yeah, that's right. And we really are >> Yeah, that's right. And we really are >> Yeah, that's right. And we really are thankful for your partnership. You can thankful for your partnership. You can thankful for your partnership. You can reach us anytime, day or night, at reach us anytime, day or night, at reach us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-821-3300. Or write A New Beginning Box 4000, Or write A New Beginning Box 4000, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Riverside, California, 92514. >> Riverside, California, 92514. >> Riverside, California, 92514. Or just go online to harvest.org. Or just go online to harvest.org. Or just go online to harvest.org. Well, next [music] time, more insight Well, next [music] time, more insight Well, next [music] time, more insight from Pastor Greg's study called How to from Pastor Greg's study called How to from Pastor Greg's study called How to Be an Encourager. Be an Encourager. Be an Encourager. Join us here on A [music] New Beginning Join us here on A [music] New Beginning Join us here on A [music] New Beginning with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie. Laurie. Laurie. >> This is the day >> [music] >> [music] >> the day we life