They Had Been with Jesus | Faith That Stands Firm

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. Pastor Greg Laurie [music] points out Pastor Greg Laurie [music] points out how the early church faced opposition, how the early church faced opposition, how the early church faced opposition, significant opposition, but they significant opposition, but they significant opposition, but they persevered. [music] persevered. [music] persevered. [music] >> The authorities told the apostles to >> The authorities told the apostles to >> The authorities told the apostles to stop what they were [music] doing, never stop what they were [music] doing, never stop what they were [music] doing, never to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. This was first-century cancel [music] This was first-century cancel [music] This was first-century cancel [music] culture. They were trying to cancel out culture. They were trying to cancel out culture. They were trying to cancel out the message of the gospel, [music] but the message of the gospel, [music] but the message of the gospel, [music] but the gospel will never be canceled, ever. the gospel will never be canceled, ever. the gospel will never be canceled, ever. Ever. Ever. Ever. >> [music] [music] [music] >> Jesus warned us that we may face >> Jesus warned us that we may face >> Jesus warned us that we may face persecution for our faith.

persecution for our faith. persecution for our faith. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It doesn't mean we're doing something >> It doesn't mean we're doing something >> It doesn't mean we're doing something wrong. In fact, it may be an indication wrong. In fact, it may be an indication wrong. In fact, it may be an indication that we're right with the Lord. Today on that we're right with the Lord. Today on that we're right with the Lord. Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie [music] points to that characteristic [music] points to that characteristic [music] points to that characteristic and several others that show us how and several others that show us how and several others that show us how we're doing. If we're walking closely we're doing. If we're walking closely we're doing. If we're walking closely with the Lord, these traits [music] will with the Lord, these traits [music] will with the Lord, these traits [music] will be obvious. It's good insight and a good be obvious. It's good insight and a good be obvious. It's good insight and a good opportunity to take some notes. Pastor opportunity to take some notes. Pastor opportunity to take some notes. Pastor Greg [music] is in the book of Acts Greg [music] is in the book of Acts Greg [music] is in the book of Acts today, reading from the New Living today, reading from the New Living today, reading from the New Living Translation. >> [music] >> [music] >> The >> The >> The day when day when day when life begins. life begins. life begins. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Let's grab our Bibles and turn to Acts >> Let's grab our Bibles and turn to Acts >> Let's grab our Bibles and turn to Acts chapter 3 and the title of my message is chapter 3 and the title of my message is chapter 3 and the title of my message is they had been with Jesus. they had been with Jesus. they had been with Jesus. And now we come to the first miracle of And now we come to the first miracle of And now we come to the first miracle of the early church. We don't read that the the early church. We don't read that the the early church. We don't read that the Lord said, "Go to the temple by the gate Lord said, "Go to the temple by the gate Lord said, "Go to the temple by the gate beautiful, the beautiful gate." It was a beautiful, the beautiful gate." It was a beautiful, the beautiful gate." It was a special gate there in Jerusalem and special gate there in Jerusalem and special gate there in Jerusalem and there's going to be a guy there who begs there's going to be a guy there who begs there's going to be a guy there who begs for money. I want you to raise that guy for money. I want you to raise that guy for money. I want you to raise that guy to his feet. We don't read that to his feet. We don't read that to his feet. We don't read that happened. There was no pillar of fire.

happened. There was no pillar of fire. happened. There was no pillar of fire. There was no angelic message. Peter and There was no angelic message. Peter and There was no angelic message. Peter and John were just doing what they did. They John were just doing what they did. They John were just doing what they did. They went to the temple and prayed. As went to the temple and prayed. As went to the temple and prayed. As they're walking in, here's a guy who was they're walking in, here's a guy who was they're walking in, here's a guy who was a fixture at the temple. Everybody knew a fixture at the temple. Everybody knew a fixture at the temple. Everybody knew him. him. him. Most ignored him. Most ignored him. Most ignored him. Peter looks down at him and the Lord Peter looks down at him and the Lord Peter looks down at him and the Lord speaks to Peter. Let me paraphrase. He speaks to Peter. Let me paraphrase. He speaks to Peter. Let me paraphrase. He says, "Look, buddy, I don't have any says, "Look, buddy, I don't have any says, "Look, buddy, I don't have any money for you. What I have something money for you. What I have something money for you. What I have something much better. In the name of Jesus Christ much better. In the name of Jesus Christ much better. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk." He grabs of Nazareth, get up and walk." He grabs of Nazareth, get up and walk." He grabs the guy by the hand and pulls him up. the guy by the hand and pulls him up. the guy by the hand and pulls him up. Boy, you talk about putting it on the Boy, you talk about putting it on the Boy, you talk about putting it on the line. line. line. You talk about betting the farm. You talk about betting the farm. You talk about betting the farm. That could have gone south very easily. That could have gone south very easily. That could have gone south very easily. He could have pulled him up and then he He could have pulled him up and then he He could have pulled him up and then he came crashing to the ground. came crashing to the ground. came crashing to the ground. But Peter had a act of faith but then he But Peter had a act of faith but then he But Peter had a act of faith but then he took the next step and pulled the man up took the next step and pulled the man up took the next step and pulled the man up and of course the man was walking and and of course the man was walking and and of course the man was walking and leaping and praising God. And now here leaping and praising God. And now here leaping and praising God. And now here comes an opportunity. The focus of this comes an opportunity. The focus of this comes an opportunity. The focus of this story is not the miracle. story is not the miracle. story is not the miracle. It was the door that the miracle opened. It was the door that the miracle opened. It was the door that the miracle opened. It was the opportunity that was now It was the opportunity that was now It was the opportunity that was now before Peter to preach the gospel. We before Peter to preach the gospel. We before Peter to preach the gospel. We read in Acts 3:12, Peter saw his read in Acts 3:12, Peter saw his read in Acts 3:12, Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the people of opportunity and addressed the people of opportunity and addressed the people of Israel. 5,000 people believed on this Israel. 5,000 people believed on this Israel. 5,000 people believed on this day as a result. And now Peter and John day as a result. And now Peter and John day as a result. And now Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin.

are brought before the Sanhedrin. are brought before the Sanhedrin. That's sort of like the Supreme Court of That's sort of like the Supreme Court of That's sort of like the Supreme Court of the day, right? They They had the final the day, right? They They had the final the day, right? They They had the final ruling. ruling. ruling. And we read in Acts chapter 4 verse 7, And we read in Acts chapter 4 verse 7, And we read in Acts chapter 4 verse 7, they brought in the two disciples and they brought in the two disciples and they brought in the two disciples and demanded by what power and in whose name demanded by what power and in whose name demanded by what power and in whose name have you done this? Then Peter, filled have you done this? Then Peter, filled have you done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, "Leaders and with the Holy Spirit, said, "Leaders and with the Holy Spirit, said, "Leaders and elders of our nation, are we being elders of our nation, are we being elders of our nation, are we being questioned because we did a good deed questioned because we did a good deed questioned because we did a good deed for a crippled man? for a crippled man? for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Do you want to know how he was healed? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to you and all the Let me clearly state to you and all the Let me clearly state to you and all the people of Israel, he was healed in the people of Israel, he was healed in the people of Israel, he was healed in the name and power of Jesus Christ from name and power of Jesus Christ from name and power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, the man you crucified, but Nazareth, the man you crucified, but Nazareth, the man you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead. For this whom God raised from the dead. For this whom God raised from the dead. For this is the one referenced to in the is the one referenced to in the is the one referenced to in the scriptures where it says the stone the scriptures where it says the stone the scriptures where it says the stone the builders rejected has now become the builders rejected has now become the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. And there's salvation in no cornerstone. And there's salvation in no cornerstone. And there's salvation in no one else, for there's no other name in one else, for there's no other name in one else, for there's no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to all of heaven for people to call on to all of heaven for people to call on to save them." Then the members of the save them." Then the members of the save them." Then the members of the council were amazed when they saw the council were amazed when they saw the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John. They could boldness of Peter and John. They could boldness of Peter and John. They could see that they were ordinary men who had see that they were ordinary men who had see that they were ordinary men who had no special training, and they recognized no special training, and they recognized no special training, and they recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. And them as men who had been with Jesus. And them as men who had been with Jesus. And since the man who had been healed was since the man who had been healed was since the man who had been healed was standing right there among them, the standing right there among them, the standing right there among them, the council had nothing to say. All right, council had nothing to say. All right, council had nothing to say. All right, we'll stop there. So, let's identify we'll stop there. So, let's identify we'll stop there. So, let's identify what it means to be with Jesus. What it what it means to be with Jesus. What it what it means to be with Jesus. What it means to walk with Jesus. If you're means to walk with Jesus. If you're means to walk with Jesus. If you're taking notes, here's note number one or taking notes, here's note number one or taking notes, here's note number one or point number one, I should say. If you point number one, I should say. If you point number one, I should say. If you have been with Jesus, or if you're have been with Jesus, or if you're have been with Jesus, or if you're walking with Jesus, you will boldly walking with Jesus, you will boldly walking with Jesus, you will boldly share your faith.

share your faith. share your faith. You'll boldly share your faith. Don't You'll boldly share your faith. Don't You'll boldly share your faith. Don't forget this same Peter forget this same Peter forget this same Peter only days earlier, effectively, only days earlier, effectively, only days earlier, effectively, had openly denied Christ, even taking an had openly denied Christ, even taking an had openly denied Christ, even taking an oath saying he never knew the man. Now oath saying he never knew the man. Now oath saying he never knew the man. Now he's preached on the day of Pentecost he's preached on the day of Pentecost he's preached on the day of Pentecost and 3,000 people have believed, and he's and 3,000 people have believed, and he's and 3,000 people have believed, and he's preached here and 5,000 people have preached here and 5,000 people have preached here and 5,000 people have believed. Where did Peter get this believed. Where did Peter get this believed. Where did Peter get this confidence and this courage? He got it confidence and this courage? He got it confidence and this courage? He got it from the Holy Spirit. Remember we read from the Holy Spirit. Remember we read from the Holy Spirit. Remember we read in Acts 1:8, "You shall receive power in Acts 1:8, "You shall receive power in Acts 1:8, "You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you after the Holy Spirit has come upon you after the Holy Spirit has come upon you to be witnesses unto me." That same to be witnesses unto me." That same to be witnesses unto me." That same power that was given to the believers in power that was given to the believers in power that was given to the believers in the first century is available for the first century is available for the first century is available for believers in the 21st century. That believers in the 21st century. That believers in the 21st century. That means us. Because the promise on the means us. Because the promise on the means us. Because the promise on the Pentecost was, "This promise is unto Pentecost was, "This promise is unto Pentecost was, "This promise is unto you, to your children, to your you, to your children, to your you, to your children, to your children's children, to all that are up children's children, to all that are up children's children, to all that are up far off, even as many as the Lord our far off, even as many as the Lord our far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." So, Peter had this God shall call." So, Peter had this God shall call." So, Peter had this boldness and we should have this boldness and we should have this boldness and we should have this boldness as well. You know, for many to boldness as well. You know, for many to boldness as well. You know, for many to share their faith is a duty, it's a share their faith is a duty, it's a share their faith is a duty, it's a drudgery, it shouldn't be.

drudgery, it shouldn't be. drudgery, it shouldn't be. Be like Peter and see the opportunities. Be like Peter and see the opportunities. Be like Peter and see the opportunities. Number two, if you've been with Jesus, Number two, if you've been with Jesus, Number two, if you've been with Jesus, you'll be a person that knows scripture. you'll be a person that knows scripture. you'll be a person that knows scripture. People will know you've been with Jesus People will know you've been with Jesus People will know you've been with Jesus when you love to read and study the when you love to read and study the when you love to read and study the Bible because Jesus said, "Lo, in the Bible because Jesus said, "Lo, in the Bible because Jesus said, "Lo, in the volume of the book, I have come." He'll volume of the book, I have come." He'll volume of the book, I have come." He'll come to you in the volume of the book. come to you in the volume of the book. come to you in the volume of the book. Here's another point about being with Here's another point about being with Here's another point about being with Jesus or walking with Jesus, you may not Jesus or walking with Jesus, you may not Jesus or walking with Jesus, you may not like but it's true. like but it's true. like but it's true. A person who has been with Jesus will be A person who has been with Jesus will be A person who has been with Jesus will be persecuted. persecuted. persecuted. You'll be persecuted. The authorities You'll be persecuted. The authorities You'll be persecuted. The authorities told the apostles to stop what they were told the apostles to stop what they were told the apostles to stop what they were doing. No reason was given. They said, doing. No reason was given. They said, doing. No reason was given. They said, "Just stop. "Just stop. "Just stop. Don't do it anymore." Acts 4:17, "But to Don't do it anymore." Acts 4:17, "But to Don't do it anymore." Acts 4:17, "But to keep them from spreading their message keep them from spreading their message keep them from spreading their message any further, we must warn them not to any further, we must warn them not to any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus' name again." speak to anyone in Jesus' name again." speak to anyone in Jesus' name again." So, they called the apostles back in and So, they called the apostles back in and So, they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or commanded them never again to speak or commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. You know teach in the name of Jesus. You know teach in the name of Jesus. You know what this was? This was first-century what this was? This was first-century what this was? This was first-century cancel culture.

cancel culture. cancel culture. Right? Right? Right? They were trying to cancel out the They were trying to cancel out the They were trying to cancel out the message of the gospel, but the gospel message of the gospel, but the gospel message of the gospel, but the gospel will never be canceled. Ever. will never be canceled. Ever. will never be canceled. Ever. Ever. Ever. Ever. >> [applause] >> That's the hill I will die on. >> That's the hill I will die on. There's other hills you can stand on and There's other hills you can stand on and There's other hills you can stand on and they're important causes, but the hill I they're important causes, but the hill I they're important causes, but the hill I will die on is the hill of the gospel. will die on is the hill of the gospel. will die on is the hill of the gospel. No one will stop me from preaching it. No one will stop me from preaching it. No one will stop me from preaching it. >> [applause] >> They'll try, but they'll always fail. >> They'll try, but they'll always fail. Notice that the issue was the name of Notice that the issue was the name of Notice that the issue was the name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Stop speaking in the name of Jesus. Stop speaking in the name of Jesus. Stop speaking in the name of Jesus. I've been asked, you know, to pray at I've been asked, you know, to pray at I've been asked, you know, to pray at different events. I get asked to do different events. I get asked to do different events. I get asked to do these sort of civic events. these sort of civic events. these sort of civic events. And a couple of times I've been told, And a couple of times I've been told, And a couple of times I've been told, "Please don't pray in the name of "Please don't pray in the name of "Please don't pray in the name of Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." I'm going to pray in the name of Jesus, I'm going to pray in the name of Jesus, I'm going to pray in the name of Jesus, all right? all right? all right? I'm not going to be told I can't do I'm not going to be told I can't do I'm not going to be told I can't do that. that. that. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And if they don't want me to do that, >> And if they don't want me to do that, >> And if they don't want me to do that, they shouldn't ask me to come and pray.

they shouldn't ask me to come and pray. they shouldn't ask me to come and pray. Cuz that's how I roll. Cuz that's how I roll. Cuz that's how I roll. But that's how we pray. We go to the But that's how we pray. We go to the But that's how we pray. We go to the Father in the name of Jesus. I don't Father in the name of Jesus. I don't Father in the name of Jesus. I don't think it's a small thing. We need to think it's a small thing. We need to think it's a small thing. We need to pray in the name of Jesus. We need to pray in the name of Jesus. We need to pray in the name of Jesus. We need to preach in the name of Jesus. We need to preach in the name of Jesus. We need to preach in the name of Jesus. We need to live in the name of Jesus because live in the name of Jesus because live in the name of Jesus because there's power in that name. That's why, there's power in that name. That's why, there's power in that name. That's why, right? right? right? >> [applause] >> That's why it's so weird to me when >> That's why it's so weird to me when non-believers invoke the name of Jesus non-believers invoke the name of Jesus non-believers invoke the name of Jesus and they say they're atheists. and they say they're atheists. and they say they're atheists. If you're an atheist, it seems the last If you're an atheist, it seems the last If you're an atheist, it seems the last name you would want to speak is the name name you would want to speak is the name name you would want to speak is the name of Jesus Christ. Remember, he didn't of Jesus Christ. Remember, he didn't of Jesus Christ. Remember, he didn't even exist. even exist. even exist. God isn't even real. And yet you say, God isn't even real. And yet you say, God isn't even real. And yet you say, "Jesus Christ." Why do you say that? "Jesus Christ." Why do you say that? "Jesus Christ." Why do you say that? Because in your own way, you're Because in your own way, you're Because in your own way, you're acknowledging he exists and there's acknowledging he exists and there's acknowledging he exists and there's power in that name, right? We know that. power in that name, right? We know that. power in that name, right? We know that. Even non-believers know that. Even non-believers know that. Even non-believers know that. And so, persecution will come. That's And so, persecution will come. That's And so, persecution will come. That's one of the hardest things about being a one of the hardest things about being a one of the hardest things about being a Christian. Let's be honest. Christian. Let's be honest. Christian. Let's be honest. I mean, if you want to be loved by I mean, if you want to be loved by I mean, if you want to be loved by everyone, this is a problem.

everyone, this is a problem. everyone, this is a problem. Because Jesus said, "Beware when all men Because Jesus said, "Beware when all men Because Jesus said, "Beware when all men speak well of you." speak well of you." speak well of you." I mean, if everyone thinks you're great I mean, if everyone thinks you're great I mean, if everyone thinks you're great and nobody has any issues with you and and nobody has any issues with you and and nobody has any issues with you and no one's ever upset with anything you no one's ever upset with anything you no one's ever upset with anything you say, I have to wonder, are you living in say, I have to wonder, are you living in say, I have to wonder, are you living in the name of Jesus? the name of Jesus? the name of Jesus? Now, I'm not saying be unnecessarily Now, I'm not saying be unnecessarily Now, I'm not saying be unnecessarily offensive. offensive. offensive. As much as possible, we should be the As much as possible, we should be the As much as possible, we should be the most loving person, the most caring most loving person, the most caring most loving person, the most caring person, the most compassionate person, person, the most compassionate person, person, the most compassionate person, the best neighbor, the best co-worker, the best neighbor, the best co-worker, the best neighbor, the best co-worker, the best of whatever we do, but we're the best of whatever we do, but we're the best of whatever we do, but we're looking for the opportunities to get the looking for the opportunities to get the looking for the opportunities to get the gospel in at the same time. And if you gospel in at the same time. And if you gospel in at the same time. And if you do that, do that, do that, you will be persecuted. So, what should you will be persecuted. So, what should you will be persecuted. So, what should I do when I'm persecuted? Go into the I do when I'm persecuted? Go into the I do when I'm persecuted? Go into the corner and sulk? No, the opposite. corner and sulk? No, the opposite. corner and sulk? No, the opposite. Here's what Jesus says in Matthew 5, Here's what Jesus says in Matthew 5, Here's what Jesus says in Matthew 5, "God blesses you when people mock you "God blesses you when people mock you "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and and persecute you and lie about you and and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you say all sorts of evil things against you say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers." So, Jesus because you are my followers." So, Jesus because you are my followers." So, Jesus says, "Be happy about it. Be very glad says, "Be happy about it. Be very glad says, "Be happy about it. Be very glad about it for a great reward awaits you about it for a great reward awaits you about it for a great reward awaits you in heaven." So, how can people tell that in heaven." So, how can people tell that in heaven." So, how can people tell that we've been with Jesus? Number one, we've been with Jesus? Number one, we've been with Jesus? Number one, you'll be bold in your witness. Number you'll be bold in your witness. Number you'll be bold in your witness. Number two, you'll be a student of scripture.

two, you'll be a student of scripture. two, you'll be a student of scripture. Number three, you'll be persecuted. Number three, you'll be persecuted. Number three, you'll be persecuted. Here's my last point. A person who has Here's my last point. A person who has Here's my last point. A person who has been with Jesus will be a person of been with Jesus will be a person of been with Jesus will be a person of prayer. prayer. prayer. You'll be a person of prayer. So, after You'll be a person of prayer. So, after You'll be a person of prayer. So, after being persecuted, being persecuted, being persecuted, Peter and John were dismissed. What did Peter and John were dismissed. What did Peter and John were dismissed. What did they do? They went and got together with they do? They went and got together with they do? They went and got together with the Christians. Look at Acts 4:29. the Christians. Look at Acts 4:29. the Christians. Look at Acts 4:29. They're praying now together. "And now, They're praying now together. "And now, They're praying now together. "And now, oh Lord," they pray, oh Lord," they pray, oh Lord," they pray, "hear their threats and give your "hear their threats and give your "hear their threats and give your servants great boldness in their servants great boldness in their servants great boldness in their preaching. Send your healing power, may preaching. Send your healing power, may preaching. Send your healing power, may miraculous signs and wonders be done miraculous signs and wonders be done miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant, through the name of your holy servant, through the name of your holy servant, Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." Apparently, God Apparently, God Apparently, God affirmed this prayer. After this prayer, affirmed this prayer. After this prayer, affirmed this prayer. After this prayer, the building where they were meeting the building where they were meeting the building where they were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the shook, and they were all filled with the shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they preached God's Holy Spirit, and they preached God's Holy Spirit, and they preached God's message [music] with boldness. >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. >> You know, I've heard people [music] >> You know, I've heard people [music] >> You know, I've heard people [music] describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the Bible actually come to life.

Bible actually come to life. Bible actually come to life. >> Hey, everybody, [music] Greg Laurie. And >> Hey, everybody, [music] Greg Laurie. And >> Hey, everybody, [music] Greg Laurie. And I've been to Israel many times, and I've I've been to Israel many times, and I've I've been to Israel many times, and I've led a lot of tours, and [music] I have led a lot of tours, and [music] I have led a lot of tours, and [music] I have to say that's absolutely true. Listen, to say that's absolutely true. Listen, to say that's absolutely true. Listen, when you're walking on the same stones when you're walking on the same stones when you're walking on the same stones that Jesus himself walked on, well, that Jesus himself walked on, well, that Jesus himself walked on, well, that's something that's [music] that's something that's [music] that's something that's [music] enriching to your faith. It's not just a enriching to your faith. It's not just a enriching to your faith. It's not just a travel experience, it actually energizes travel experience, it actually energizes travel experience, it actually energizes and enhances your study of the Bible. and enhances your study of the Bible. and enhances your study of the Bible. [music] Think of it this way. It's a [music] Think of it this way. It's a [music] Think of it this way. It's a vacation with a purpose. And we're going vacation with a purpose. And we're going vacation with a purpose. And we're going to be taking a tour [music] of Israel to be taking a tour [music] of Israel to be taking a tour [music] of Israel April 6th to 15th, 2027. April 6th to 15th, 2027. April 6th to 15th, 2027. You can find out more at You can find out more at You can find out more at israel.harvest.org. israel.harvest.org. israel.harvest.org. [music] [music] [music] >> Step right into biblical history. Join >> Step right into biblical history. Join >> Step right into biblical history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land April 6th through [music] 15th, 2027. April 6th through [music] 15th, 2027. April 6th through [music] 15th, 2027. Get details at israel.harvest.org. Get details at israel.harvest.org. Get details at israel.harvest.org. [music] [music] [music] We're learning some of the We're learning some of the We're learning some of the characteristics that confirm we're characteristics that confirm we're characteristics that confirm we're walking closely with the Lord. walking closely with the Lord. walking closely with the Lord. Pastor Greg's message is called They Had Pastor Greg's message is called They Had Pastor Greg's message is called They Had Been with Jesus.

Been with Jesus. Been with Jesus. >> Here's some important little truths >> Here's some important little truths >> Here's some important little truths about prayer found in these verses. about prayer found in these verses. about prayer found in these verses. Number one, they prayed together. Number one, they prayed together. Number one, they prayed together. So, they're threatened by the Sanhedrin, So, they're threatened by the Sanhedrin, So, they're threatened by the Sanhedrin, they're told to no longer preach in the they're told to no longer preach in the they're told to no longer preach in the name of Jesus. What's the first thing name of Jesus. What's the first thing name of Jesus. What's the first thing they do? They said, "Let's get together they do? They said, "Let's get together they do? They said, "Let's get together with our fellow Christians, and let's with our fellow Christians, and let's with our fellow Christians, and let's pray about it." pray about it." pray about it." Why? Because there's power in united Why? Because there's power in united Why? Because there's power in united prayer. prayer. prayer. Galatians 6:2 says, "Share each other's Galatians 6:2 says, "Share each other's Galatians 6:2 says, "Share each other's burdens, and in this way you will obey burdens, and in this way you will obey burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ. Jesus said, "I tell the law of Christ. Jesus said, "I tell the law of Christ. Jesus said, "I tell you if any two of you will agree you if any two of you will agree you if any two of you will agree together on earth concerning anything together on earth concerning anything together on earth concerning anything you ask of your Father in heaven, he you ask of your Father in heaven, he you ask of your Father in heaven, he will do it." Pray together. will do it." Pray together. will do it." Pray together. Maybe you've come to church today with a Maybe you've come to church today with a Maybe you've come to church today with a burden. burden. burden. Maybe there is a concern to you. You Maybe there is a concern to you. You Maybe there is a concern to you. You have a loved one that is very sick or have a loved one that is very sick or have a loved one that is very sick or you yourself are very sick. Or you are you yourself are very sick. Or you are you yourself are very sick. Or you are facing a catastrophe, a crisis, a facing a catastrophe, a crisis, a facing a catastrophe, a crisis, a challenge, or you just feeling down. challenge, or you just feeling down. challenge, or you just feeling down. It's such a great thing to say to a It's such a great thing to say to a It's such a great thing to say to a couple Christian friends, "Can we just couple Christian friends, "Can we just couple Christian friends, "Can we just pray together?"

pray together?" pray together?" And how many of you notice how things And how many of you notice how things And how many of you notice how things can just change when you just lift it up can just change when you just lift it up can just change when you just lift it up to the Lord? to the Lord? to the Lord? Instead of bearing that all by yourself, Instead of bearing that all by yourself, Instead of bearing that all by yourself, you you share it with others and they you you share it with others and they you you share it with others and they help you sort of lift it up. It's like help you sort of lift it up. It's like help you sort of lift it up. It's like when when when you try to lift the couch all by you try to lift the couch all by you try to lift the couch all by yourself and how hard it is and then you yourself and how hard it is and then you yourself and how hard it is and then you get three other people to help. Everyone get three other people to help. Everyone get three other people to help. Everyone takes a corner and you pick it up and takes a corner and you pick it up and takes a corner and you pick it up and and it makes all the difference in the and it makes all the difference in the and it makes all the difference in the world. They prayed together. world. They prayed together. world. They prayed together. And then as they prayed together, And then as they prayed together, And then as they prayed together, uh verse 23 says, "As soon as they were uh verse 23 says, "As soon as they were uh verse 23 says, "As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the freed, Peter and John returned to the freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them other believers and told them other believers and told them uh what the elders had said and they all uh what the elders had said and they all uh what the elders had said and they all lifted their voices together." And now lifted their voices together." And now lifted their voices together." And now number two, verse 24. I love this part number two, verse 24. I love this part number two, verse 24. I love this part of their prayer. It says they prayed, "O of their prayer. It says they prayed, "O of their prayer. It says they prayed, "O sovereign Lord, sovereign Lord, sovereign Lord, verse 24, O sovereign Lord, verse 24, O sovereign Lord, verse 24, O sovereign Lord, creator of heaven and earth creator of heaven and earth creator of heaven and earth and the sea and everything in them." and the sea and everything in them." and the sea and everything in them." So, the Sanhedrin said you can't preach So, the Sanhedrin said you can't preach So, the Sanhedrin said you can't preach anymore. So, they went to a higher anymore. So, they went to a higher anymore. So, they went to a higher authority.

authority. authority. Later they said, "We must obey God and Later they said, "We must obey God and Later they said, "We must obey God and not men." not men." not men." We live under civil government. We live under civil government. We live under civil government. The Bible tells us that civil government The Bible tells us that civil government The Bible tells us that civil government is put in that position of power by God. is put in that position of power by God. is put in that position of power by God. But sometimes government leaders, But sometimes government leaders, But sometimes government leaders, presidents, presidents, presidents, governors, governors, governors, congressmen, senators, mayors, and congressmen, senators, mayors, and congressmen, senators, mayors, and others may tell you to do something that others may tell you to do something that others may tell you to do something that is against scripture. is against scripture. is against scripture. If that happens, that's a we must obey If that happens, that's a we must obey If that happens, that's a we must obey God and not men moment, right? God and not men moment, right? God and not men moment, right? >> [applause] >> This is one of those moments. And the >> This is one of those moments. And the moment was specifically, you can no moment was specifically, you can no moment was specifically, you can no longer preach the gospel. Uh yeah, no longer preach the gospel. Uh yeah, no longer preach the gospel. Uh yeah, no way. We're going to keep preaching the way. We're going to keep preaching the way. We're going to keep preaching the gospel. But they call out to God and gospel. But they call out to God and gospel. But they call out to God and call him the sovereign God. call him the sovereign God. call him the sovereign God. When we call God sovereign, it simply When we call God sovereign, it simply When we call God sovereign, it simply means that I'm acknowledging his means that I'm acknowledging his means that I'm acknowledging his greatness. So, it's really a good thing greatness. So, it's really a good thing greatness. So, it's really a good thing to remember your God is all powerful.

to remember your God is all powerful. to remember your God is all powerful. He's all powerful. That's why Jesus, in He's all powerful. That's why Jesus, in He's all powerful. That's why Jesus, in what we call the Lord's Prayer, taught what we call the Lord's Prayer, taught what we call the Lord's Prayer, taught us to pray as follows, "Our Father who us to pray as follows, "Our Father who us to pray as follows, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. art in heaven, hallowed be your name. art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on Your kingdom come, your will be done on Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Then it says, earth as it is in heaven." Then it says, earth as it is in heaven." Then it says, "Give us this day our daily bread." So, "Give us this day our daily bread." So, "Give us this day our daily bread." So, Jesus is giving us a template for Jesus is giving us a template for Jesus is giving us a template for prayer, and he is in effect saying, "If prayer, and he is in effect saying, "If prayer, and he is in effect saying, "If you have the luxury of time when you you have the luxury of time when you you have the luxury of time when you pray, take time to contemplate the pray, take time to contemplate the pray, take time to contemplate the awesomeness and greatness and power of awesomeness and greatness and power of awesomeness and greatness and power of God, and it will put your problem in its God, and it will put your problem in its God, and it will put your problem in its proper perspective." proper perspective." proper perspective." Oh sovereign God, Oh sovereign God, Oh sovereign God, oh sovereign God. oh sovereign God. oh sovereign God. It was um It was um It was um Spurgeon Spurgeon Spurgeon who uh pointed out that God's power is who uh pointed out that God's power is who uh pointed out that God's power is great, and it is then that we can trust great, and it is then that we can trust great, and it is then that we can trust it, and we should call upon him. Chuck it, and we should call upon him. Chuck it, and we should call upon him. Chuck Swindoll said, "God is able to do what Swindoll said, "God is able to do what Swindoll said, "God is able to do what he pleases with whomever he chooses he pleases with whomever he chooses he pleases with whomever he chooses whenever he wishes." whenever he wishes." whenever he wishes." And they prayed for God's will. Look at And they prayed for God's will. Look at And they prayed for God's will. Look at verse 29. "Oh Lord, consider their verse 29. "Oh Lord, consider their verse 29. "Oh Lord, consider their threats, and give us your servants great threats, and give us your servants great threats, and give us your servants great boldness in preaching your word."

boldness in preaching your word." boldness in preaching your word." So, they were told not to preach, so So, they were told not to preach, so So, they were told not to preach, so they said, "Okay, we're going to keep they said, "Okay, we're going to keep they said, "Okay, we're going to keep preaching, but now we pray that we'll be preaching, but now we pray that we'll be preaching, but now we pray that we'll be even bolder." even bolder." even bolder." Even bolder than they were before. They Even bolder than they were before. They Even bolder than they were before. They did not pray they would ever break from did not pray they would ever break from did not pray they would ever break from persecution, but that they might have persecution, but that they might have persecution, but that they might have boldness in persecution. boldness in persecution. boldness in persecution. It's sort of like praying, "Lord, I It's sort of like praying, "Lord, I It's sort of like praying, "Lord, I don't pray for a lighter load, I pray don't pray for a lighter load, I pray don't pray for a lighter load, I pray for a stronger back." for a stronger back." for a stronger back." Uh I want to be stronger and bolder. I Uh I want to be stronger and bolder. I Uh I want to be stronger and bolder. I think we all should pray that prayer. think we all should pray that prayer. think we all should pray that prayer. And once again, they were filled with And once again, they were filled with And once again, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Let me remind you what the Holy Spirit. Let me remind you what the Holy Spirit. Let me remind you what it means to be filled with the Spirit. it means to be filled with the Spirit. it means to be filled with the Spirit. It means to be controlled by the Spirit. It means to be controlled by the Spirit. It means to be controlled by the Spirit. And as I've told you before, we should And as I've told you before, we should And as I've told you before, we should pray for the filling of the Spirit every pray for the filling of the Spirit every pray for the filling of the Spirit every single day because Ephesians 5 says, "Be single day because Ephesians 5 says, "Be single day because Ephesians 5 says, "Be being filled with the Holy Spirit, being filled with the Holy Spirit, being filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." And so, the idea and spiritual songs." And so, the idea and spiritual songs." And so, the idea is ask for the filling of the Spirit is ask for the filling of the Spirit is ask for the filling of the Spirit again and again and again. And God again and again and again. And God again and again and again. And God filled them and this prayer was pleasing filled them and this prayer was pleasing filled them and this prayer was pleasing to God because verse 31 says, "The place to God because verse 31 says, "The place to God because verse 31 says, "The place shook and they were all filled with the shook and they were all filled with the shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." And I want to pray for Holy Spirit." And I want to pray for Holy Spirit." And I want to pray for that that that as we close our service. But before we as we close our service. But before we as we close our service. But before we do that, do that, do that, I I want to just offer this final I I want to just offer this final I I want to just offer this final thought.

thought. thought. Have you been with Jesus? Let me put it Have you been with Jesus? Let me put it Have you been with Jesus? Let me put it another way. Do you know Jesus? another way. Do you know Jesus? another way. Do you know Jesus? Do you have a relationship with Jesus Do you have a relationship with Jesus Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ? I love how these folks were Christ? I love how these folks were Christ? I love how these folks were described initially as people of the described initially as people of the described initially as people of the way. way. way. People that are walking with the Lord, People that are walking with the Lord, People that are walking with the Lord, talking with the Lord, hearing from the talking with the Lord, hearing from the talking with the Lord, hearing from the Lord. Lord. Lord. Do you have that kind of relationship Do you have that kind of relationship Do you have that kind of relationship with God or does he seem distant and with God or does he seem distant and with God or does he seem distant and disinterested? disinterested? disinterested? You just perceive him as some kind of a You just perceive him as some kind of a You just perceive him as some kind of a force out there in the universe. Oh, no. force out there in the universe. Oh, no. force out there in the universe. Oh, no. God is personal. It's a relationship God is personal. It's a relationship God is personal. It's a relationship with him that we all can have with him that we all can have with him that we all can have because Christ died on the cross and because Christ died on the cross and because Christ died on the cross and rose again from the dead and now wants rose again from the dead and now wants rose again from the dead and now wants to come and live in us. Remember I told to come and live in us. Remember I told to come and live in us. Remember I told you, being a Christian is not about you, being a Christian is not about you, being a Christian is not about imitation, it's about impartation, imitation, it's about impartation, imitation, it's about impartation, meaning Christ living in you. Does Jesus meaning Christ living in you. Does Jesus meaning Christ living in you. Does Jesus live inside of you right now? You say, live inside of you right now? You say, live inside of you right now? You say, "Well, "Well, "Well, I don't really know." I don't really know." I don't really know." Then he probably doesn't. Then he probably doesn't. Then he probably doesn't. If someone moved into your house in the If someone moved into your house in the If someone moved into your house in the middle of the night, do you think you'd middle of the night, do you think you'd middle of the night, do you think you'd know?

know? know? They're cooking fish at 4:00 in the They're cooking fish at 4:00 in the They're cooking fish at 4:00 in the morning. I mean, morning. I mean, morning. I mean, I'm not comparing Jesus to someone I'm not comparing Jesus to someone I'm not comparing Jesus to someone cooking fish in your house. I'm I'm just cooking fish in your house. I'm I'm just cooking fish in your house. I'm I'm just simply saying that you would know if simply saying that you would know if simply saying that you would know if someone moved in your house. And don't someone moved in your house. And don't someone moved in your house. And don't you think of the creator of the you think of the creator of the you think of the creator of the universe, the sovereign, almighty God universe, the sovereign, almighty God universe, the sovereign, almighty God took residence in your heart, you would took residence in your heart, you would took residence in your heart, you would know? know? know? And if you don't know, that would say to And if you don't know, that would say to And if you don't know, that would say to me he doesn't live there. me he doesn't live there. me he doesn't live there. Well, that can change right now. Well, that can change right now. Well, that can change right now. Because the Bible says, "For as many as Because the Bible says, "For as many as Because the Bible says, "For as many as received him, received him, received him, he gave them the power to become sons he gave them the power to become sons he gave them the power to become sons and daughters of God." and daughters of God." and daughters of God." Have you asked Christ to come into your Have you asked Christ to come into your Have you asked Christ to come into your life? Has he forgiven you of your sins? life? Has he forgiven you of your sins? life? Has he forgiven you of your sins? Have your sins been blotted out? Wiped Have your sins been blotted out? Wiped Have your sins been blotted out? Wiped away? Washed? Have you been refreshed? away? Washed? Have you been refreshed? away? Washed? Have you been refreshed? Or have you come here today with a Or have you come here today with a Or have you come here today with a burden and load of guilt weighing you burden and load of guilt weighing you burden and load of guilt weighing you down? down? down? Guilt isn't always a bad thing. Guilt isn't always a bad thing. Guilt isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes God uses guilt to just show us Sometimes God uses guilt to just show us Sometimes God uses guilt to just show us how much we need his help. how much we need his help. how much we need his help. The objective is not to get rid of The objective is not to get rid of The objective is not to get rid of guilt, the objective is to get rid of guilt, the objective is to get rid of guilt, the objective is to get rid of what causes the guilt. And what causes what causes the guilt. And what causes what causes the guilt. And what causes the guilt is your sin, you see.

the guilt is your sin, you see. the guilt is your sin, you see. But if your sin is forgiven, and if your But if your sin is forgiven, and if your But if your sin is forgiven, and if your sin is removed, then the guilt goes with sin is removed, then the guilt goes with sin is removed, then the guilt goes with it. So, let's not just deal with the it. So, let's not just deal with the it. So, let's not just deal with the symptom, let's deal with the cause. symptom, let's deal with the cause. symptom, let's deal with the cause. Go to the Lord and say, "I know I've Go to the Lord and say, "I know I've Go to the Lord and say, "I know I've sinned. sinned. sinned. I'm sorry. I need Jesus in my life. I'm sorry. I need Jesus in my life. I'm sorry. I need Jesus in my life. Forgive me, Lord." And if you do that, Forgive me, Lord." And if you do that, Forgive me, Lord." And if you do that, you'll leave here a different person you'll leave here a different person you'll leave here a different person than when you came in. than when you came in. than when you came in. So, we're going to close with a prayer. So, we're going to close with a prayer. So, we're going to close with a prayer. And if you want Christ to come into your And if you want Christ to come into your And if you want Christ to come into your life, if you want him to forgive you of life, if you want him to forgive you of life, if you want him to forgive you of your sin, you can pray this prayer with your sin, you can pray this prayer with your sin, you can pray this prayer with me. Let's all pray. If you want Jesus to me. Let's all pray. If you want Jesus to me. Let's all pray. If you want Jesus to come into your life, come into your life, come into your life, if you want to be forgiven of your sin, if you want to be forgiven of your sin, if you want to be forgiven of your sin, if you want to go to heaven when you if you want to go to heaven when you if you want to go to heaven when you die, die, die, pray this prayer with me. Lord Jesus, pray this prayer with me. Lord Jesus, pray this prayer with me. Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner, I know I'm a sinner, I know I'm a sinner, but I know you're the savior but I know you're the savior but I know you're the savior who died on the cross for me who died on the cross for me who died on the cross for me and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. Now, come into my life Now, come into my life Now, come into my life and be my [music] savior and Lord. and be my [music] savior and Lord. and be my [music] savior and Lord. I repent of my sin. In Jesus' name I I repent of my sin. In Jesus' name I I repent of my sin. In Jesus' name I pray.

pray. pray. Amen. >> An important prayer from Pastor Greg >> An important prayer from Pastor Greg Laurie today on A New Beginning. Laurie today on A New Beginning. Laurie today on A New Beginning. And if you've just prayed that prayer And if you've just prayed that prayer And if you've just prayed that prayer and asked Jesus to forgive your sin, uh and asked Jesus to forgive your sin, uh and asked Jesus to forgive your sin, uh we want to first say congratulations and we want to first say congratulations and we want to first say congratulations and welcome to the family of God. And we welcome to the family of God. And we welcome to the family of God. And we also want to help you as you begin also want to help you as you begin also want to help you as you begin walking with the Lord. We'd like to send walking with the Lord. We'd like to send walking with the Lord. We'd like to send you Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. you Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. you Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's free of charge. It'll help you get It's free of charge. It'll help you get It's free of charge. It'll help you get started on the road of faith. It has started on the road of faith. It has started on the road of faith. It has scores of special helps for those who scores of special helps for those who scores of special helps for those who are new to the faith. So, just ask for are new to the faith. So, just ask for are new to the faith. So, just ask for the New Believer's Bible when you call the New Believer's Bible when you call the New Believer's Bible when you call us at 1-800-821-3300. Call anytime around the clock, Call anytime around the clock, 1-800-821-3300. Or go online to harvest.org Or go online to harvest.org and click know God. and click know God. and click know God. And stay with us. Uh Pastor Greg comes And stay with us. Uh Pastor Greg comes And stay with us. Uh Pastor Greg comes back in a moment to pray with us all.

back in a moment to pray with us all. back in a moment to pray with us all. And then let us say a word of thanks to And then let us say a word of thanks to And then let us say a word of thanks to those who support us financially. Those those who support us financially. Those those who support us financially. Those who make it possible for us to bring you who make it possible for us to bring you who make it possible for us to bring you these studies each day. these studies each day. these studies each day. We are definitely a listener-supported We are definitely a listener-supported We are definitely a listener-supported ministry. It's the generosity of ministry. It's the generosity of ministry. It's the generosity of listeners that help us be here with listeners that help us be here with listeners that help us be here with these programs. these programs. these programs. So, if you've partnered with us, thank So, if you've partnered with us, thank So, if you've partnered with us, thank you. you. you. And if you have yet to partner with us, And if you have yet to partner with us, And if you have yet to partner with us, well, I hope you'll get in touch today well, I hope you'll get in touch today well, I hope you'll get in touch today and let us know that you're standing and let us know that you're standing and let us know that you're standing with us. Even a small investment would with us. Even a small investment would with us. Even a small investment would help. It's actually an investment in help. It's actually an investment in help. It's actually an investment in changing lives. Thank you for partnering changing lives. Thank you for partnering changing lives. Thank you for partnering with us. You can donate securely online with us. You can donate securely online with us. You can donate securely online at harvest.org at harvest.org at harvest.org or call us at 1-800-821-3300. Well, next time Pastor Greg takes us to Well, next time Pastor Greg takes us to the sin of Ananias and Sapphira and the sin of Ananias and Sapphira and the sin of Ananias and Sapphira and shows us the peril of living anything shows us the peril of living anything shows us the peril of living anything less than an honest life before God. less than an honest life before God. less than an honest life before God. But, before we go, uh Pastor Greg closes But, before we go, uh Pastor Greg closes But, before we go, uh Pastor Greg closes this way. this way. this way. >> We're going to pray now for the Lord to >> We're going to pray now for the Lord to >> We're going to pray now for the Lord to fill us [music] with the Holy Spirit, fill us [music] with the Holy Spirit, fill us [music] with the Holy Spirit, again, again, again, because we need that power, don't we?

because we need that power, don't we? because we need that power, don't we? Don't you [music] need it? Man, I need Don't you [music] need it? Man, I need Don't you [music] need it? Man, I need it. it. it. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I need it. >> I need it. >> I need it. I need that boldness. I need that I need that boldness. I need that I need that boldness. I need that courage. I need that strength. courage. I need that strength. courage. I need that strength. And we all need it each and every day. And we all need it each and every day. And we all need it each and every day. [music] So, if you want him to fill you [music] So, if you want him to fill you [music] So, if you want him to fill you right now, just pray these words, "Lord right now, just pray these words, "Lord right now, just pray these words, "Lord Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >> Lord Jesus, >> Lord Jesus, >> Lord Jesus, >> I am weak, >> I am weak, >> I am weak, >> I am weak, >> I am weak, >> I am weak, >> but you are strong. >> but you are strong. >> but you are strong. >> But you are strong. >> But you are strong. >> But you are strong. >> I need courage. >> I need courage. >> I need courage. >> I need courage. >> I need courage. >> I need courage. >> I need boldness. >> I need boldness. >> I need boldness. >> I need boldness. >> I need boldness. >> I need boldness. >> So, fill me with your Holy Spirit. >> So, fill me with your Holy Spirit. >> So, fill me with your Holy Spirit. >> So, fill me with your >> So, fill me with your >> So, fill me with your >> Right here, [music] right now. >> Right here, [music] right now. >> Right here, [music] right now. >> Right here, now. >> Right here, now. >> Right here, now. >> In Jesus' name I pray. >> In Jesus' name I pray. >> In Jesus' name I pray. >> In Jesus' name >> In Jesus' name >> In Jesus' name >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> This is the day >> This is the day >> This is the day >> [music]