Never Say Never | The Joy of Witnessing

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 Lori has a [music] great new book called Lori has a [music] great new book called Lori has a [music] great new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to What Every Growing Christian Needs to What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know that'll help. Let's say you're Know that'll help. Let's say you're Know that'll help. Let's say you're feeling lethargic and tired. You know, feeling lethargic and tired. You know, feeling lethargic and tired. You know, if you have [music] a diet of social if you have [music] a diet of social if you have [music] a diet of social media and you don't take time for the media and you don't take time for the media and you don't take time for the word of God, [music] this is going to word of God, [music] this is going to word of God, [music] this is going to have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at harvest.org. org. harvest.org. org. harvest.org. org. Jesus charged [music] us with a Jesus charged [music] us with a Jesus charged [music] us with a responsibility to share the good news. responsibility to share the good news. responsibility to share the good news. Today on a new beginning, [music] Pastor Today on a new beginning, [music] Pastor Today on a new beginning, [music] Pastor Greg Lori points out it's the perfect Greg Lori points out it's the perfect Greg Lori points out it's the perfect time to do it. We are the first time to do it. We are the first time to do it. We are the first generation that could literally get the generation that could literally get the generation that could literally get the [music] gospel to pretty much everyone. [music] gospel to pretty much everyone. [music] gospel to pretty much everyone. So, here's a challenge I have for you. So, here's a challenge I have for you. So, here's a challenge I have for you. Would you take the gospel to people who Would you take the gospel to people who Would you take the gospel to people who have offended you or [music] people have offended you or [music] people have offended you or [music] people you're not comfortable with or people you're not comfortable with or people you're not comfortable with or people you don't even necessarily want to be you don't even necessarily want to be you don't even necessarily want to be with? Give them the gospel. with? Give them the gospel. with? Give them the gospel. >> This is the day when the lost are found.

>> This is the day when the lost are found. >> This is the day when the lost are found. [music] [music] [music] This is the day >> [music] >> [music] >> This is the day. [music] [music] >> If you find a great restaurant or see a >> If you find a great restaurant or see a >> If you find a great restaurant or see a good movie, chances are you're not shy good movie, chances are you're not shy good movie, chances are you're not shy about mentioning it to [music] someone about mentioning it to [music] someone about mentioning it to [music] someone else. We like to pass along helpful else. We like to pass along helpful else. We like to pass along helpful suggestions. But so many [music] of us suggestions. But so many [music] of us suggestions. But so many [music] of us just don't feel comfortable in just don't feel comfortable in just don't feel comfortable in suggesting someone consider the hope of suggesting someone consider the hope of suggesting someone consider the hope of the gospel. [music] the gospel. [music] the gospel. [music] We'll talk about that reluctance today We'll talk about that reluctance today We'll talk about that reluctance today on A New Beginning as Pastor Greg Lorie on A New Beginning as Pastor Greg Lorie on A New Beginning as Pastor Greg Lorie continues his studies in the [music] continues his studies in the [music] continues his studies in the [music] book of Acts. We'll learn to follow the book of Acts. We'll learn to follow the book of Acts. We'll learn to follow the example of our first century forefathers example of our first century forefathers example of our first century forefathers and discover the thrill of spreading the and discover the thrill of spreading the and discover the thrill of spreading the good news. [music] >> Today >> Today begins. [music] >> Grab your Bible and turn to Acts chap >> Grab your Bible and turn to Acts chap 10. We're back in our book of Acts 10. We're back in our book of Acts 10. We're back in our book of Acts series that we're calling the upside series that we're calling the upside series that we're calling the upside down life. And the title of the message down life. And the title of the message down life. And the title of the message is never say never. Think about this for is never say never. Think about this for is never say never. Think about this for a moment. We are the first generation a moment. We are the first generation a moment. We are the first generation that could literally fulfill the great that could literally fulfill the great that could literally fulfill the great commission in our lifetime. Think about commission in our lifetime. Think about commission in our lifetime. Think about that. Because of all of the technology that. Because of all of the technology that. Because of all of the technology that we have today, we could literally that we have today, we could literally that we have today, we could literally get the gospel to pretty much everyone get the gospel to pretty much everyone get the gospel to pretty much everyone on the planet. But that's a big project.

on the planet. But that's a big project. on the planet. But that's a big project. We can just stop and think about our own We can just stop and think about our own We can just stop and think about our own life and going into our own world. So life and going into our own world. So life and going into our own world. So the book of Acts, it's the work of the the book of Acts, it's the work of the the book of Acts, it's the work of the Holy Spirit that happened through the Holy Spirit that happened through the Holy Spirit that happened through the lives of ordinary people. It was the lives of ordinary people. It was the lives of ordinary people. It was the spirit of God working through the word spirit of God working through the word spirit of God working through the word of God in the hearts of the people of of God in the hearts of the people of of God in the hearts of the people of God. And it was said of them that they God. And it was said of them that they God. And it was said of them that they turn their world upside down. Well, now turn their world upside down. Well, now turn their world upside down. Well, now in the book of Acts, we have sort of a in the book of Acts, we have sort of a in the book of Acts, we have sort of a shifting of the gear, if you will. And shifting of the gear, if you will. And shifting of the gear, if you will. And there's a change in the strategy of the there's a change in the strategy of the there's a change in the strategy of the church where they now seem to get a church where they now seem to get a church where they now seem to get a better understanding of the simple fact better understanding of the simple fact better understanding of the simple fact that they were to take the gospel to that they were to take the gospel to that they were to take the gospel to everyone. everyone. everyone. Everyone needed to hear it, not just the Everyone needed to hear it, not just the Everyone needed to hear it, not just the people that they were personally people that they were personally people that they were personally comfortable with. Also before us here in comfortable with. Also before us here in comfortable with. Also before us here in Acts is a story of a man who was Acts is a story of a man who was Acts is a story of a man who was searching for God. He was a true seeker searching for God. He was a true seeker searching for God. He was a true seeker of God. And if a person is really of God. And if a person is really of God. And if a person is really seeking God, God will make himself known seeking God, God will make himself known seeking God, God will make himself known to them. God promises in Jeremiah 29:13, to them. God promises in Jeremiah 29:13, to them. God promises in Jeremiah 29:13, "You'll seek me and find me when you "You'll seek me and find me when you "You'll seek me and find me when you search for me with all of your heart, search for me with all of your heart, search for me with all of your heart, and I will be found by you." And the and I will be found by you." And the and I will be found by you." And the name of this man was Cornelius. And he name of this man was Cornelius. And he name of this man was Cornelius. And he was a centurion. And uh this is a was a centurion. And uh this is a was a centurion. And uh this is a pivotal moment with his conversion pivotal moment with his conversion pivotal moment with his conversion because now the church is going to leave because now the church is going to leave because now the church is going to leave not just bringing the gospel to their not just bringing the gospel to their not just bringing the gospel to their fellow Jews but to non-Jews or Gentiles fellow Jews but to non-Jews or Gentiles fellow Jews but to non-Jews or Gentiles as well to go out there and impact as well to go out there and impact as well to go out there and impact everybody. This reminds us that the everybody. This reminds us that the everybody. This reminds us that the early church was not perfect. They were

early church was not perfect. They were early church was not perfect. They were people like us. They fell short of what people like us. They fell short of what people like us. They fell short of what God called them to do. They made God called them to do. They made God called them to do. They made mistakes. They had false doctrine. They mistakes. They had false doctrine. They mistakes. They had false doctrine. They had division. They had issues that still had division. They had issues that still had division. They had issues that still infect the church today and in some infect the church today and in some infect the church today and in some quarters of the church there was even quarters of the church there was even quarters of the church there was even prejudice where they were unwilling to prejudice where they were unwilling to prejudice where they were unwilling to go to people different than them. So God go to people different than them. So God go to people different than them. So God was changing the heart now of Simon was changing the heart now of Simon was changing the heart now of Simon Peter who at this moment is for all Peter who at this moment is for all Peter who at this moment is for all practical purposes leading the church practical purposes leading the church practical purposes leading the church along with James. And so Peter is being along with James. And so Peter is being along with James. And so Peter is being impacted by a couple of events that take impacted by a couple of events that take impacted by a couple of events that take place in his life. The first one is over place in his life. The first one is over place in his life. The first one is over in Acts 9 uh verse 34 where he in Acts 9 uh verse 34 where he in Acts 9 uh verse 34 where he encounters a man named Anias. Uh he's in encounters a man named Anias. Uh he's in encounters a man named Anias. Uh he's in a non-Jewish city called Lah which by a non-Jewish city called Lah which by a non-Jewish city called Lah which by the way is modern Tel Aviv and he's a the way is modern Tel Aviv and he's a the way is modern Tel Aviv and he's a paralytic. And so Peter goes to him and paralytic. And so Peter goes to him and paralytic. And so Peter goes to him and says Anias Jesus heals you make your says Anias Jesus heals you make your says Anias Jesus heals you make your bed. And Anas got up and walked. And so bed. And Anas got up and walked. And so bed. And Anas got up and walked. And so that touched Peter's heart. He's that touched Peter's heart. He's that touched Peter's heart. He's thinking wow this guy's not a Jew and thinking wow this guy's not a Jew and thinking wow this guy's not a Jew and God just extended a miracle to him. And God just extended a miracle to him. And God just extended a miracle to him. And then there's also a story of a then there's also a story of a then there's also a story of a non-Jewish woman who was named Tabatha.

non-Jewish woman who was named Tabatha. non-Jewish woman who was named Tabatha. She had died and her friends were in She had died and her friends were in She had died and her friends were in mourning. Everybody brought uh the mourning. Everybody brought uh the mourning. Everybody brought uh the things that she had made for them. And things that she had made for them. And things that she had made for them. And uh and Peter was so moved by this and uh and Peter was so moved by this and uh and Peter was so moved by this and God led him to raise her up from her bed God led him to raise her up from her bed God led him to raise her up from her bed and he said, "Tabitha, get up." So you and he said, "Tabitha, get up." So you and he said, "Tabitha, get up." So you see, God's starting to change Peter. see, God's starting to change Peter. see, God's starting to change Peter. He's starting to soften Peter's heart He's starting to soften Peter's heart He's starting to soften Peter's heart and get him ready. Now, we're introduced and get him ready. Now, we're introduced and get him ready. Now, we're introduced to Cornelius. In Acts chapter 10, to Cornelius. In Acts chapter 10, to Cornelius. In Acts chapter 10, starting at verse one. And by the way, starting at verse one. And by the way, starting at verse one. And by the way, I'm reading from the New Living I'm reading from the New Living I'm reading from the New Living Translation. In Cesaria, there lived a Translation. In Cesaria, there lived a Translation. In Cesaria, there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius who Roman army officer named Cornelius who Roman army officer named Cornelius who was a captain of the Italian regiment. was a captain of the Italian regiment. was a captain of the Italian regiment. He was a devout man. He feared the God He was a devout man. He feared the God He was a devout man. He feared the God of Israel, as did his entire household. of Israel, as did his entire household. of Israel, as did his entire household. He gave generously to charity and was a He gave generously to charity and was a He gave generously to charity and was a man who regularly prayed to God. One man who regularly prayed to God. One man who regularly prayed to God. One afternoon around 3:00, he had a vision afternoon around 3:00, he had a vision afternoon around 3:00, he had a vision and he saw an angel of God coming toward and he saw an angel of God coming toward and he saw an angel of God coming toward him. Cornelius, the angel said. him. Cornelius, the angel said. him. Cornelius, the angel said. Cornelius stared in terror. What is it, Cornelius stared in terror. What is it, Cornelius stared in terror. What is it, sir? Which, by the way, when an angel sir? Which, by the way, when an angel sir? Which, by the way, when an angel appears, it's a good idea to call him appears, it's a good idea to call him appears, it's a good idea to call him sir, right? And though Cornelius is a sir, right? And though Cornelius is a sir, right? And though Cornelius is a powerful leader of others, he knows powerful leader of others, he knows powerful leader of others, he knows greater power when he sees it. And the greater power when he sees it. And the greater power when he sees it. And the angel replies, "Your prayers and gifts angel replies, "Your prayers and gifts angel replies, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have not gone unnoticed by to the poor have not gone unnoticed by to the poor have not gone unnoticed by God. Now send some men down to Japa to God. Now send some men down to Japa to God. Now send some men down to Japa to find a man named Simon Peter. He's find a man named Simon Peter. He's find a man named Simon Peter. He's staying with Simon, a leather worker who staying with Simon, a leather worker who staying with Simon, a leather worker who lives near the shore. Ask him to come to lives near the shore. Ask him to come to lives near the shore. Ask him to come to visit you. So we'll stop there. Looping visit you. So we'll stop there. Looping visit you. So we'll stop there. Looping back now to Cornelius. He's a centurion.

back now to Cornelius. He's a centurion. back now to Cornelius. He's a centurion. By the way, it was not easy to become a By the way, it was not easy to become a By the way, it was not easy to become a centurion. They commanded 300 to 600 centurion. They commanded 300 to 600 centurion. They commanded 300 to 600 troops. Uh the one of the historians of troops. Uh the one of the historians of troops. Uh the one of the historians of the day named Paulas described the day named Paulas described the day named Paulas described centurions as men who were not so much centurions as men who were not so much centurions as men who were not so much the venturesome daredevils as they were the venturesome daredevils as they were the venturesome daredevils as they were natural leaders known for their natural leaders known for their natural leaders known for their steadfastness and dependability in the steadfastness and dependability in the steadfastness and dependability in the heat of battle. So Cornelius, he's a heat of battle. So Cornelius, he's a heat of battle. So Cornelius, he's a leader. He's uh an intelligent man. He's leader. He's uh an intelligent man. He's leader. He's uh an intelligent man. He's a levelheaded man. He's a respected man. a levelheaded man. He's a respected man. a levelheaded man. He's a respected man. And like most Romans of his day, he And like most Romans of his day, he And like most Romans of his day, he would worship Roman gods. They had many would worship Roman gods. They had many would worship Roman gods. They had many gods that they would bow before. gods that they would bow before. gods that they would bow before. Jupiter, Mars, Venus. Many of them would Jupiter, Mars, Venus. Many of them would Jupiter, Mars, Venus. Many of them would even worship Caesar as a deity. So this even worship Caesar as a deity. So this even worship Caesar as a deity. So this was the world he lived in. But he knew was the world he lived in. But he knew was the world he lived in. But he knew this was not the answer. Something about this was not the answer. Something about this was not the answer. Something about the Jewish people and their worship of the Jewish people and their worship of the Jewish people and their worship of the one true God fascinated him. They the one true God fascinated him. They the one true God fascinated him. They were monotheistic. They worshiped one were monotheistic. They worshiped one were monotheistic. They worshiped one God. He was polytheistic. He worshiped God. He was polytheistic. He worshiped God. He was polytheistic. He worshiped many gods. He was drawn, but he didn't many gods. He was drawn, but he didn't many gods. He was drawn, but he didn't really know how to believe quite yet. He really know how to believe quite yet. He really know how to believe quite yet. He was a true seeker and God was about to was a true seeker and God was about to was a true seeker and God was about to make himself known to this man. Now, make himself known to this man. Now, make himself known to this man. Now, here's what I find interesting. An angel here's what I find interesting. An angel here's what I find interesting. An angel appears to him and says, "Go talk to appears to him and says, "Go talk to appears to him and says, "Go talk to Peter. You're going to get the answers Peter. You're going to get the answers Peter. You're going to get the answers to all of your questions." Why didn't to all of your questions." Why didn't to all of your questions." Why didn't the angel just give them the gospel?

the angel just give them the gospel? the angel just give them the gospel? Because the job of angels is not to Because the job of angels is not to Because the job of angels is not to preach the gospel. That's our job. Our preach the gospel. That's our job. Our preach the gospel. That's our job. Our job is to preach the gospel. How can job is to preach the gospel. How can job is to preach the gospel. How can they believe in him unless they've heard they believe in him unless they've heard they believe in him unless they've heard about him? How can they hear? unless about him? How can they hear? unless about him? How can they hear? unless someone tells them asks Paul in Romans someone tells them asks Paul in Romans someone tells them asks Paul in Romans 10:14. So here we have Cornelius and the 10:14. So here we have Cornelius and the 10:14. So here we have Cornelius and the Lord's getting them ready. Meanwhile, Lord's getting them ready. Meanwhile, Lord's getting them ready. Meanwhile, back in Japa, we have Simon Peter. God's back in Japa, we have Simon Peter. God's back in Japa, we have Simon Peter. God's prepping him. He's getting these guys prepping him. He's getting these guys prepping him. He's getting these guys ready to meet each other. It's going to ready to meet each other. It's going to ready to meet each other. It's going to be an explosive moment in church history be an explosive moment in church history be an explosive moment in church history and in the strategy of the church. Peter and in the strategy of the church. Peter and in the strategy of the church. Peter is sitting on the rooftop of the home of is sitting on the rooftop of the home of is sitting on the rooftop of the home of a guy named Simon the Tanner. That a guy named Simon the Tanner. That a guy named Simon the Tanner. That doesn't mean that he laid out and got doesn't mean that he laid out and got doesn't mean that he laid out and got tans all the time. That means that he tans all the time. That means that he tans all the time. That means that he had uh hides of uh leather and such. And had uh hides of uh leather and such. And had uh hides of uh leather and such. And so he was a leather worker, if you will. so he was a leather worker, if you will. so he was a leather worker, if you will. And and Peter is hungry. Uh and and by And and Peter is hungry. Uh and and by And and Peter is hungry. Uh and and by the way, I don't know about you, but I the way, I don't know about you, but I the way, I don't know about you, but I am not a good hungry person. I'm the am not a good hungry person. I'm the am not a good hungry person. I'm the person who gets hangry. You know, person who gets hangry. You know, person who gets hangry. You know, sometimes I'll start getting irritable sometimes I'll start getting irritable sometimes I'll start getting irritable and my wife will throw a sandwich at me and my wife will throw a sandwich at me and my wife will throw a sandwich at me to calm me down a little bit. And and to calm me down a little bit. And and to calm me down a little bit. And and when I go to a restaurant, you know, and when I go to a restaurant, you know, and when I go to a restaurant, you know, and by the way, I eat lunch at 11:00 sharp.

by the way, I eat lunch at 11:00 sharp. by the way, I eat lunch at 11:00 sharp. I am one of those people that eats I am one of those people that eats I am one of those people that eats early. Is there anybody else that eats early. Is there anybody else that eats early. Is there anybody else that eats an early lunch? Okay, some people Oh, an early lunch? Okay, some people Oh, an early lunch? Okay, some people Oh, lunch. I didn't even know it was lunch. I didn't even know it was lunch. I didn't even know it was lunchtime. I'm counting down the minutes lunchtime. I'm counting down the minutes lunchtime. I'm counting down the minutes till lunchtime from 9:00 in the morning, till lunchtime from 9:00 in the morning, till lunchtime from 9:00 in the morning, pretty much after I have breakfast. And pretty much after I have breakfast. And pretty much after I have breakfast. And so, you know, when you go into a so, you know, when you go into a so, you know, when you go into a restaurant, you sit down and you're restaurant, you sit down and you're restaurant, you sit down and you're looking for a server and one finally looking for a server and one finally looking for a server and one finally shows up, they take your drink order. shows up, they take your drink order. shows up, they take your drink order. Okay, I'll have water, iced tea, Okay, I'll have water, iced tea, Okay, I'll have water, iced tea, whatever you have. And then then they whatever you have. And then then they whatever you have. And then then they disappear for like a month. Where where disappear for like a month. Where where disappear for like a month. Where where do they go? Where do they go? And then do they go? Where do they go? And then do they go? Where do they go? And then they reappear again and you finally get they reappear again and you finally get they reappear again and you finally get your order in and and then a little bit your order in and and then a little bit your order in and and then a little bit of time passes and here comes the big of time passes and here comes the big of time passes and here comes the big platter with your order and you're so platter with your order and you're so platter with your order and you're so excited and they walk past your table at excited and they walk past your table at excited and they walk past your table at someone else's food. Then you start someone else's food. Then you start someone else's food. Then you start thinking, wait, didn't they get seated thinking, wait, didn't they get seated thinking, wait, didn't they get seated after us? Has anyone ever else thought after us? Has anyone ever else thought after us? Has anyone ever else thought these things? Is it just me? Yeah. And these things? Is it just me? Yeah. And these things? Is it just me? Yeah. And so you're getting hungrier and hungrier so you're getting hungrier and hungrier so you're getting hungrier and hungrier and in my case hangrier and hangrier and and in my case hangrier and hangrier and and in my case hangrier and hangrier and uh finally your order arrives and it's uh finally your order arrives and it's uh finally your order arrives and it's the wrong order. They got it wrong or or the wrong order. They got it wrong or or the wrong order. They got it wrong or or it's cold. Right? So you know Peter's it's cold. Right? So you know Peter's it's cold. Right? So you know Peter's hungry. He's just sort of laying there hungry. He's just sort of laying there hungry. He's just sort of laying there sitting there and uh and God is getting sitting there and uh and God is getting sitting there and uh and God is getting him ready for this big moment. Acts 10.

him ready for this big moment. Acts 10. him ready for this big moment. Acts 10. Now go over to verse 9. The next day, as Now go over to verse 9. The next day, as Now go over to verse 9. The next day, as Cornelius's messengers were nearing the Cornelius's messengers were nearing the Cornelius's messengers were nearing the city, Peter's up on the flat roof to city, Peter's up on the flat roof to city, Peter's up on the flat roof to pray, it's around noon. He's hungry. pray, it's around noon. He's hungry. pray, it's around noon. He's hungry. Hungry. He was hungry. Not hungry. Uh, Hungry. He was hungry. Not hungry. Uh, Hungry. He was hungry. Not hungry. Uh, and while lunch is being prepared, he and while lunch is being prepared, he and while lunch is being prepared, he fell into a trance. And he saw the sky fell into a trance. And he saw the sky fell into a trance. And he saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet open, and something like a large sheet open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. And in was let down by its four corners. And in was let down by its four corners. And in the sheet were all sorts of animals, the sheet were all sorts of animals, the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. And then a voice reptiles, and birds. And then a voice reptiles, and birds. And then a voice said to him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and said to him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and said to him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat them." Verse 14. Never, Lord, Peter eat them." Verse 14. Never, Lord, Peter eat them." Verse 14. Never, Lord, Peter declared. I have never in all of my life declared. I have never in all of my life declared. I have never in all of my life eaten anything forbidden by our Jewish eaten anything forbidden by our Jewish eaten anything forbidden by our Jewish laws. The voice spoke again and said, laws. The voice spoke again and said, laws. The voice spoke again and said, "If something God says is acceptable, "If something God says is acceptable, "If something God says is acceptable, don't say it isn't." Okay, we'll stop don't say it isn't." Okay, we'll stop don't say it isn't." Okay, we'll stop there. Okay, this would be like a very there. Okay, this would be like a very there. Okay, this would be like a very healthconscious person having a sheet or healthconscious person having a sheet or healthconscious person having a sheet or a sail or a picnic blanket if you like a sail or a picnic blanket if you like a sail or a picnic blanket if you like lowered from heaven with all of the lowered from heaven with all of the lowered from heaven with all of the foods that you are not supposed to eat. foods that you are not supposed to eat. foods that you are not supposed to eat. you know, In-N-Out Burger, Chipotle you know, In-N-Out Burger, Chipotle you know, In-N-Out Burger, Chipotle burritos, nachos with extra cheese, burritos, nachos with extra cheese, burritos, nachos with extra cheese, pizza. By the way, I just named all of pizza. By the way, I just named all of pizza. By the way, I just named all of my favorite foods literally right there.

my favorite foods literally right there. my favorite foods literally right there. You just heard them all. And you know, You just heard them all. And you know, You just heard them all. And you know, and say, "Oh, I can't eat that. I'm into and say, "Oh, I can't eat that. I'm into and say, "Oh, I can't eat that. I'm into healthy foods." Or it'd be like me healthy foods." Or it'd be like me healthy foods." Or it'd be like me having a sheet lowered from heaven having a sheet lowered from heaven having a sheet lowered from heaven filled with wheat germ and kale and and filled with wheat germ and kale and and filled with wheat germ and kale and and uh tofu and things of that nature, uh tofu and things of that nature, uh tofu and things of that nature, right? And so, but the idea here is this right? And so, but the idea here is this right? And so, but the idea here is this is not about food. This is about people. is not about food. This is about people. is not about food. This is about people. This sheet with all of these critters This sheet with all of these critters This sheet with all of these critters that were on it is a metaphor that God that were on it is a metaphor that God that were on it is a metaphor that God is giving to Peter and he's saying, is giving to Peter and he's saying, is giving to Peter and he's saying, "Leave your comfort zone and go to a new "Leave your comfort zone and go to a new "Leave your comfort zone and go to a new group of people, specifically the group of people, specifically the group of people, specifically the Gentiles." Pastor Greg [music] Lori will have the Pastor Greg [music] Lori 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. Well, Pastor [music] Greg, it's such a Well, Pastor [music] Greg, it's such a Well, Pastor [music] Greg, it's such a such an encouragement to us here at A such an encouragement to us here at A such an encouragement to us here at A New Beginning when listeners tell us how New Beginning when listeners tell us how New Beginning when listeners tell us how this broadcast has impacted their this broadcast has impacted their this broadcast has impacted their [music] life. Yeah. [music] life. Yeah. [music] life. Yeah. >> In fact, some people even call us and >> In fact, some people even call us and >> In fact, some people even call us and leave a recording of how [music] the leave a recording of how [music] the leave a recording of how [music] the program has affected them. program has affected them. program has affected them. >> That's really the way that impacts us >> That's really the way that impacts us >> That's really the way that impacts us most because we get to hear that in most because we get to hear that in most because we get to hear that in their actual voice. [music] Isn't that their actual voice. [music] Isn't that their actual voice. [music] Isn't that true?

true? true? >> Oh, yes. I can't tell you, Dave, how >> Oh, yes. I can't tell you, Dave, how >> Oh, yes. I can't tell you, Dave, how many times I've met people just out and many times I've met people just out and many times I've met people just out and about and they'll tell me of how they about and they'll tell me of how they about and they'll tell me of how they came [music] to Christ hearing our radio came [music] to Christ hearing our radio came [music] to Christ hearing our radio broadcast. That's such a blessing to me broadcast. That's such a blessing to me broadcast. That's such a blessing to me [music] and I want other people to hear [music] and I want other people to hear [music] and I want other people to hear those stories. So here's my question to those stories. So here's my question to those stories. So here's my question to you. Have you made a commitment to Jesus you. Have you made a commitment to Jesus you. Have you made a commitment to Jesus [music] Christ listening to a new [music] Christ listening to a new [music] Christ listening to a new beginning? And maybe you came to Christ beginning? And maybe you came to Christ beginning? And maybe you came to Christ in one [music] of our harvest crusades in one [music] of our harvest crusades in one [music] of our harvest crusades or or watching something we did online or or watching something we did online or or watching something we did online or or whatever it is. But if [music] you or or whatever it is. But if [music] you or or whatever it is. But if [music] you came to Christ through our media came to Christ through our media came to Christ through our media ministry, I'd love to hear your story. ministry, I'd love to hear your story. ministry, I'd love to hear your story. And I want to hear it [music] in your And I want to hear it [music] in your And I want to hear it [music] in your voice. I I want you to tell me what voice. I I want you to tell me what voice. I I want you to tell me what happened to you. and we just might use happened to you. and we just might use happened to you. and we just might use it [music] and put it on air and a lot it [music] and put it on air and a lot it [music] and put it on air and a lot of people will be blessed to hear what of people will be blessed to hear what of people will be blessed to hear what God has done [music] in your life. So God has done [music] in your life. So God has done [music] in your life. So there's a number you can call. It's a there's a number you can call. It's a there's a number you can call. It's a designated number. So only call this designated number. So only call this designated number. So only call this number to share your story. [music] And number to share your story. [music] And number to share your story. [music] And Dave, what is that number? Dave, what is that number? Dave, what is that number? >> Yes, it's 866871144.

You can call anytime again 866871144. You can call anytime again 866871144. [music] tell us how the Lord has used this tell us how the Lord has used this ministry to bring you to the Lord. ministry to bring you to the Lord. ministry to bring you to the Lord. Well, we're talking about the importance Well, we're talking about the importance Well, we're talking about the importance of sharing the gospel today as Pastor of sharing the gospel today as Pastor of sharing the gospel today as Pastor Greg presents his message from Acts 10 Greg presents his message from Acts 10 Greg presents his message from Acts 10 called Never Say Never. You know, we're called Never Say Never. You know, we're called Never Say Never. You know, we're in a time in the church now where I I in a time in the church now where I I in a time in the church now where I I see unne I don't think division is ever see unne I don't think division is ever see unne I don't think division is ever necessary, but I see people dividing necessary, but I see people dividing necessary, but I see people dividing over really small things. uh second over really small things. uh second over really small things. uh second tier, even third tier things and and tier, even third tier things and and tier, even third tier things and and your group gets narrower and narrower. your group gets narrower and narrower. your group gets narrower and narrower. It's down to pretty much us four and no It's down to pretty much us four and no It's down to pretty much us four and no more and I'm not sure about you other more and I'm not sure about you other more and I'm not sure about you other three, right? And and this is not the three, right? And and this is not the three, right? And and this is not the time to divide. This is the time to time to divide. This is the time to time to divide. This is the time to unify and get back to our primary unify and get back to our primary unify and get back to our primary mission that God has given to us. When a mission that God has given to us. When a mission that God has given to us. When a secular culture sees a divided church, secular culture sees a divided church, secular culture sees a divided church, they don't care about what we say. And they don't care about what we say. And they don't care about what we say. And here's what Paul reminds us of in here's what Paul reminds us of in here's what Paul reminds us of in Ephesians 4:3. Make every effort to keep Ephesians 4:3. Make every effort to keep Ephesians 4:3. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the spirit, binding yourselves united in the spirit, binding yourselves united in the spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. And so, yourselves together with peace. And so, yourselves together with peace. And so, make every effort to get along with make every effort to get along with make every effort to get along with people. Make every effort to not divide people. Make every effort to not divide people. Make every effort to not divide from people. And uh it's interesting from people. And uh it's interesting from people. And uh it's interesting that this happened in a place called that this happened in a place called that this happened in a place called Jaba. Does Japa ring a bell with any of Jaba. Does Japa ring a bell with any of Jaba. Does Japa ring a bell with any of you Bible students? Of course, you you Bible students? Of course, you you Bible students? Of course, you remember the story of Jonah. And God remember the story of Jonah. And God remember the story of Jonah. And God called Jonah to take uh God's message to

called Jonah to take uh God's message to called Jonah to take uh God's message to the people of Nineveh, who are renowned the people of Nineveh, who are renowned the people of Nineveh, who are renowned for their wickedness and cruelty. And for their wickedness and cruelty. And for their wickedness and cruelty. And Jonah flat out refused. And he got a Jonah flat out refused. And he got a Jonah flat out refused. And he got a boat going in the opposite direction boat going in the opposite direction boat going in the opposite direction from a little place called Japa. I've from a little place called Japa. I've from a little place called Japa. I've been to Japa. It's a seapport in Israel. been to Japa. It's a seapport in Israel. been to Japa. It's a seapport in Israel. And uh it's a beautiful little spot And uh it's a beautiful little spot And uh it's a beautiful little spot actually. And so there at Japa, Jonah actually. And so there at Japa, Jonah actually. And so there at Japa, Jonah ran from God. You know the rest of the ran from God. You know the rest of the ran from God. You know the rest of the story. A great storm came and he was story. A great storm came and he was story. A great storm came and he was thrown overboard and swallowed by a thrown overboard and swallowed by a thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. Ultimately, he repented and great fish. Ultimately, he repented and great fish. Ultimately, he repented and was given a second chance and went to was given a second chance and went to was given a second chance and went to Nineveh and preached to them and a great Nineveh and preached to them and a great Nineveh and preached to them and a great spiritual awakening broke out. But it's spiritual awakening broke out. But it's spiritual awakening broke out. But it's interesting. It's Japa. Japa is the interesting. It's Japa. Japa is the interesting. It's Japa. Japa is the place where God was directing Jonah and place where God was directing Jonah and place where God was directing Jonah and now Peter to go to people they were not now Peter to go to people they were not now Peter to go to people they were not necessarily comfortable with. So here's necessarily comfortable with. So here's necessarily comfortable with. So here's a challenge I have for you. Would you a challenge I have for you. Would you a challenge I have for you. Would you take the gospel to people who have hurt take the gospel to people who have hurt take the gospel to people who have hurt you? Would you take the gospel to people you? Would you take the gospel to people you? Would you take the gospel to people who have offended you? Would you take who have offended you? Would you take who have offended you? Would you take the gospel to people who have mistreated the gospel to people who have mistreated the gospel to people who have mistreated you or people you're not comfortable you or people you're not comfortable you or people you're not comfortable with or people you don't even with or people you don't even with or people you don't even necessarily want to be with? Let me necessarily want to be with? Let me necessarily want to be with? Let me illustrate it for my own life. Uh, as illustrate it for my own life. Uh, as illustrate it for my own life. Uh, as you know, my mom was married and you know, my mom was married and you know, my mom was married and divorced seven times and she was an divorced seven times and she was an divorced seven times and she was an alcoholic and went from husband to alcoholic and went from husband to alcoholic and went from husband to husband and there were a lot of husband and there were a lot of husband and there were a lot of boyfriends in between and I went along.

boyfriends in between and I went along. boyfriends in between and I went along. Her name was Charlene. I was on Her name was Charlene. I was on Her name was Charlene. I was on Charlene's Wild Ride. You've heard of Charlene's Wild Ride. You've heard of Charlene's Wild Ride. You've heard of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I was in Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I was in Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I was in Charlene's Wild Ride. And so after I Charlene's Wild Ride. And so after I Charlene's Wild Ride. And so after I came to Christ, I pretty much had a came to Christ, I pretty much had a came to Christ, I pretty much had a full-time ministry sharing the gospel full-time ministry sharing the gospel full-time ministry sharing the gospel with my old dads. I'll put them in with my old dads. I'll put them in with my old dads. I'll put them in quotes. Some were successful. I was able quotes. Some were successful. I was able quotes. Some were successful. I was able to share the gospel with Oscar Lori, the to share the gospel with Oscar Lori, the to share the gospel with Oscar Lori, the man who adopted me and whom my mom left man who adopted me and whom my mom left man who adopted me and whom my mom left and uh and I was able to lead him to the and uh and I was able to lead him to the and uh and I was able to lead him to the Lord uh toward the end of his life. That Lord uh toward the end of his life. That Lord uh toward the end of his life. That was fantastic. Well, my mom leaves was fantastic. Well, my mom leaves was fantastic. Well, my mom leaves Oscar, who was like a great dad, though Oscar, who was like a great dad, though Oscar, who was like a great dad, though he was not my biological father. He he was not my biological father. He he was not my biological father. He treated me as a father should treat a treated me as a father should treat a treated me as a father should treat a son. He taught me things. He I stole son. He taught me things. He I stole son. He taught me things. He I stole something once as a kid and he took me something once as a kid and he took me something once as a kid and he took me down to the jail and introduced me to down to the jail and introduced me to down to the jail and introduced me to prison. We got people in jail. And the prison. We got people in jail. And the prison. We got people in jail. And the problem was I thought it was kind of problem was I thought it was kind of problem was I thought it was kind of cool and that didn't work so well. But cool and that didn't work so well. But cool and that didn't work so well. But thankfully, I didn't go in a life of thankfully, I didn't go in a life of thankfully, I didn't go in a life of crime. He gave me an allowance. He He crime. He gave me an allowance. He He crime. He gave me an allowance. He He was a dad, a real functioning dad. And was a dad, a real functioning dad. And was a dad, a real functioning dad. And one day, my mom leaves him abruptly. I one day, my mom leaves him abruptly. I one day, my mom leaves him abruptly. I get out of my classroom and the Cadillac get out of my classroom and the Cadillac get out of my classroom and the Cadillac is loaded with a bunch of luggage and is loaded with a bunch of luggage and is loaded with a bunch of luggage and we're on our way to Hawaii to meet my we're on our way to Hawaii to meet my we're on our way to Hawaii to meet my quote new dad who had never heard of quote new dad who had never heard of quote new dad who had never heard of before. So, I land in Honolulu and before. So, I land in Honolulu and before. So, I land in Honolulu and here's this guy I've never seen before.

here's this guy I've never seen before. here's this guy I've never seen before. They take me to his home and they took They take me to his home and they took They take me to his home and they took my room that I had in New Jersey and my room that I had in New Jersey and my room that I had in New Jersey and literally recreated it in Hawaii. It's literally recreated it in Hawaii. It's literally recreated it in Hawaii. It's like my same room, same stuff in my like my same room, same stuff in my like my same room, same stuff in my room, but it wasn't my room. And the room, but it wasn't my room. And the room, but it wasn't my room. And the whole thing was bizarre. Well, he would whole thing was bizarre. Well, he would whole thing was bizarre. Well, he would too was an alcoholic and a violent too was an alcoholic and a violent too was an alcoholic and a violent drunk. And one night they got in a fight drunk. And one night they got in a fight drunk. And one night they got in a fight and he took out a wooden statue and hit and he took out a wooden statue and hit and he took out a wooden statue and hit my mother, knocked her unconscious. She my mother, knocked her unconscious. She my mother, knocked her unconscious. She landed on the floor. I came out of my landed on the floor. I came out of my landed on the floor. I came out of my room as a little boy and saw my mom room as a little boy and saw my mom room as a little boy and saw my mom lying in a pool of blood and he was lying in a pool of blood and he was lying in a pool of blood and he was holding the statue up in a menacing way. holding the statue up in a menacing way. holding the statue up in a menacing way. And I remember it. It was such a weird And I remember it. It was such a weird And I remember it. It was such a weird statement. He said, "Go back to bed. statement. He said, "Go back to bed. statement. He said, "Go back to bed. She's fine. It's just ketchup." Well, I She's fine. It's just ketchup." Well, I She's fine. It's just ketchup." Well, I knew what it was. and I climbed out the knew what it was. and I climbed out the knew what it was. and I climbed out the window of her house and went to a window of her house and went to a window of her house and went to a neighbor and the police were called, but neighbor and the police were called, but neighbor and the police were called, but she left him understandably. So now fast she left him understandably. So now fast she left him understandably. So now fast forward, I'm a Christian. I'm a pastor forward, I'm a Christian. I'm a pastor forward, I'm a Christian. I'm a pastor and I'm preaching in Honolulu and and I'm preaching in Honolulu and and I'm preaching in Honolulu and someone comes up to me and says, "Hey, someone comes up to me and says, "Hey, someone comes up to me and says, "Hey, your dad is very sick. I don't know how your dad is very sick. I don't know how your dad is very sick. I don't know how long he's going to live. Maybe you long he's going to live. Maybe you long he's going to live. Maybe you should go talk to him." And I said, "No, should go talk to him." And I said, "No, should go talk to him." And I said, "No, thank you." Why did I say no thank you?

thank you." Why did I say no thank you? thank you." Why did I say no thank you? Cuz he hurt me. Because he hurt my Cuz he hurt me. Because he hurt my Cuz he hurt me. Because he hurt my mother. I had a hard heart against this mother. I had a hard heart against this mother. I had a hard heart against this man. Even as a Christian, I wanted man. Even as a Christian, I wanted man. Even as a Christian, I wanted nothing to do with him. And the Holy nothing to do with him. And the Holy nothing to do with him. And the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said, "Go Spirit spoke to my heart and said, "Go Spirit spoke to my heart and said, "Go talk to him." So I went and I sat down talk to him." So I went and I sat down talk to him." So I went and I sat down with him and I told him all about Jesus with him and I told him all about Jesus with him and I told him all about Jesus and what Jesus had done for me. And he and what Jesus had done for me. And he and what Jesus had done for me. And he was like, "Yeah, well that's good. Well, was like, "Yeah, well that's good. Well, was like, "Yeah, well that's good. Well, I'm preaching across the street here, I'm preaching across the street here, I'm preaching across the street here, literally across the street from where literally across the street from where literally across the street from where you live at this place called Wiki you live at this place called Wiki you live at this place called Wiki Shell. Would you like to come?" No. He Shell. Would you like to come?" No. He Shell. Would you like to come?" No. He wanted nothing to do with it. But here's wanted nothing to do with it. But here's wanted nothing to do with it. But here's my point. I've never converted anyone. my point. I've never converted anyone. my point. I've never converted anyone. My job was to obey God and I went to him My job was to obey God and I went to him My job was to obey God and I went to him and did what God wanted me to do. and did what God wanted me to do. and did what God wanted me to do. [applause] Is there a guy like that in your life Is there a guy like that in your life right now? Maybe it is your father. right now? Maybe it is your father. right now? Maybe it is your father. Maybe it's a stepfather, your mom, a Maybe it's a stepfather, your mom, a Maybe it's a stepfather, your mom, a stepmother, somebody else that you're so stepmother, somebody else that you're so stepmother, somebody else that you're so hard against right now. Go to them with hard against right now. Go to them with hard against right now. Go to them with the gospel. That's effectively what the gospel. That's effectively what the gospel. That's effectively what Peter was being commanded to do. And so Peter was being commanded to do. And so Peter was being commanded to do. And so he obeyed the Lord. Unlike Jonah who he obeyed the Lord. Unlike Jonah who he obeyed the Lord. Unlike Jonah who went the wrong way but got rerouted and went the wrong way but got rerouted and went the wrong way but got rerouted and eventually got it right. Peter did eventually got it right. Peter did eventually got it right. Peter did immediately what God called him to do.

immediately what God called him to do. immediately what God called him to do. Go to Acts 10:4. Go to Acts 10:4. Go to Acts 10:4. They arrived in Cesaria the following They arrived in Cesaria the following They arrived in Cesaria the following day. Cornelius was waiting for him and day. Cornelius was waiting for him and day. Cornelius was waiting for him and called together his relatives and close called together his relatives and close called together his relatives and close friends to meet Peter. Peter entered his friends to meet Peter. Peter entered his friends to meet Peter. Peter entered his home and Cornelius fell to the floor home and Cornelius fell to the floor home and Cornelius fell to the floor before him and worshiped. Peter pulled before him and worshiped. Peter pulled before him and worshiped. Peter pulled him up and said, "Stand up. I'm a human him up and said, "Stand up. I'm a human him up and said, "Stand up. I'm a human being like you." Cornelius got up and being like you." Cornelius got up and being like you." Cornelius got up and they talked together and went inside and they talked together and went inside and they talked together and went inside and where the others were assembled. And where the others were assembled. And where the others were assembled. And Peter said, "You know, it's against the Peter said, "You know, it's against the Peter said, "You know, it's against the Jewish laws for me to come into a Jewish laws for me to come into a Jewish laws for me to come into a gentile home like this. But God has gentile home like this. But God has gentile home like this. But God has shown me that I should never think of shown me that I should never think of shown me that I should never think of anyone as impure. So I came as soon as I anyone as impure. So I came as soon as I anyone as impure. So I came as soon as I was sent for. Tell me now why you sent was sent for. Tell me now why you sent was sent for. Tell me now why you sent for me." Such an amazing story. God's for me." Such an amazing story. God's for me." Such an amazing story. God's getting both of these guys ready. The getting both of these guys ready. The getting both of these guys ready. The Roman centurion bows before him, which Roman centurion bows before him, which Roman centurion bows before him, which is pretty amazing. I mean, the is pretty amazing. I mean, the is pretty amazing. I mean, the centurion, an officer in the Roman army. centurion, an officer in the Roman army. centurion, an officer in the Roman army. The occupier is bowing before the The occupier is bowing before the The occupier is bowing before the occupied, the Jewish people. And this occupied, the Jewish people. And this occupied, the Jewish people. And this was a great act of humility, but it was was a great act of humility, but it was was a great act of humility, but it was really an act of worship. Peter says, really an act of worship. Peter says, really an act of worship. Peter says, "Get up on your feet, man. I'm just an "Get up on your feet, man. I'm just an "Get up on your feet, man. I'm just an ordinary human being just like you." But ordinary human being just like you." But ordinary human being just like you." But now Peter's getting it. Okay. Okay, now Peter's getting it. Okay. Okay, now Peter's getting it. Okay. Okay, Lord. I think I've got it figured out.

Lord. I think I've got it figured out. Lord. I think I've got it figured out. I'm putting two and two together. the I'm putting two and two together. the I'm putting two and two together. the sheep, all the weird creatures, kill and sheep, all the weird creatures, kill and sheep, all the weird creatures, kill and eat. This is the Gentile. I'm supposed eat. This is the Gentile. I'm supposed eat. This is the Gentile. I'm supposed to go to Gentiles. I got it. All right, to go to Gentiles. I got it. All right, to go to Gentiles. I got it. All right, Lord. And Peter preaches the gospel to Lord. And Peter preaches the gospel to Lord. And Peter preaches the gospel to Cornelius. And the [music] result was he Cornelius. And the [music] result was he Cornelius. And the [music] result was he is converted. Think of what God can do is converted. Think of what God can do is converted. Think of what God can do to the life of one person. >> [music] >> [music] >> Pastor Greg Lori with great >> Pastor Greg Lori with great >> Pastor Greg Lori with great encouragement today on what God can do encouragement today on what God can do encouragement today on what God can do if we follow his leading. There's more if we follow his leading. There's more if we follow his leading. There's more to come in this message here on a new to come in this message here on a new to come in this message here on a new beginning, a study called Never Say beginning, a study called Never Say beginning, a study called Never Say Never. Never. Never. Pastor Greg, we've considered the Pastor Greg, we've considered the Pastor Greg, we've considered the importance of sharing the gospel today importance of sharing the gospel today importance of sharing the gospel today and and and >> no doubt there's someone listening who >> no doubt there's someone listening who >> no doubt there's someone listening who needs to come to the Lord today. needs to come to the Lord today. needs to come to the Lord today. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What would you say to them? I'd say >> What would you say to them? I'd say >> What would you say to them? I'd say that's the most important decision that's the most important decision that's the most important decision you're ever going to make in your life. you're ever going to make in your life. you're ever going to make in your life. So, I want you to stay tuned because I'm So, I want you to stay tuned because I'm So, I want you to stay tuned because I'm going to tell you how to make that going to tell you how to make that going to tell you how to make that decision in just a few moments.

decision in just a few moments. decision in just a few moments. >> All right. Are you receiving Pastor >> All right. Are you receiving Pastor >> All right. Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily devotions each day via Greg's daily devotions each day via Greg's daily devotions each day via email? If not, let's take care of that email? If not, let's take care of that email? If not, let's take care of that right now. You can sign up today free of right now. You can sign up today free of right now. You can sign up today free of charge at harvest.org charge at harvest.org charge at harvest.org and you'll receive a daily inspirational and you'll receive a daily inspirational and you'll receive a daily inspirational thought from God's word each day in your thought from God's word each day in your thought from God's word each day in your inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. org. inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. org. inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. org. 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. We are these studies each day. We are these studies each day. We are definitely a listenerupported ministry. definitely a listenerupported ministry. definitely a listenerupported ministry. It's the generosity of listeners that It's the generosity of listeners that It's the generosity of listeners that help us be here with these programs. So help us be here with these programs. So help us be here with these programs. So if you've partnered with us, thank you. if you've partnered with us, thank you. if you've partnered with us, thank 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 write a new beginning box 4000 or write a new beginning box 4000 or write a new beginning box 4000 riverside California-92514 riverside California-92514 riverside California-92514 or call us at 1 800821-3300.

And then if you'd like to make a change And then if you'd like to make a change in your relationship with God today, in your relationship with God today, in your relationship with God today, Pastor Greg has some additional thoughts Pastor Greg has some additional thoughts Pastor Greg has some additional thoughts to share. Maybe as you've been listening to share. Maybe as you've been listening to share. Maybe as you've been listening to this message, you've thought, "I wish to this message, you've thought, "I wish to this message, you've thought, "I wish I could come into this relationship with I could come into this relationship with I could come into this relationship with God. I just don't know how." Let me tell God. I just don't know how." Let me tell God. I just don't know how." Let me tell you how you can come into a relationship you how you can come into a relationship you how you can come into a relationship with God right here, right now. First of with God right here, right now. First of with God right here, right now. First of all, you need to recognize you need God. all, you need to recognize you need God. all, you need to recognize you need God. You need to admit you're a sinner. I You need to admit you're a sinner. I You need to admit you're a sinner. I know some people choke on that word, but know some people choke on that word, but know some people choke on that word, but the Bible says, "All have sinned and the Bible says, "All have sinned and the Bible says, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." But fallen short of the glory of God." But fallen short of the glory of God." But then you need to recognize that Jesus then you need to recognize that Jesus then you need to recognize that Jesus Christ, the son of God, died on the Christ, the son of God, died on the Christ, the son of God, died on the cross for your sin. The Bible says, cross for your sin. The Bible says, cross for your sin. The Bible says, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died "While we were yet sinners, Christ died "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." And then you need to believe in for us." And then you need to believe in for us." And then you need to believe in Jesus. Jesus put it this way. For God so Jesus. Jesus put it this way. For God so Jesus. Jesus put it this way. For God so loved the world, he gave his only loved the world, he gave his only loved the world, he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in begotten son that whosoever believes in begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have him should not perish but have him should not perish but have everlasting life. You might ask, how everlasting life. You might ask, how everlasting life. You might ask, how does one believe in Jesus? To believe does one believe in Jesus? To believe does one believe in Jesus? To believe means to put your faith and trust in means to put your faith and trust in means to put your faith and trust in Christ and Christ alone and to receive Christ and Christ alone and to receive Christ and Christ alone and to receive him into your life as your own friend, him into your life as your own friend, him into your life as your own friend, Savior, and Lord. The Bible says, "For Savior, and Lord. The Bible says, "For Savior, and Lord. The Bible says, "For as many as received him, he gave them as many as received him, he gave them as many as received him, he gave them the power to become sons of God." Would the power to become sons of God." Would the power to become sons of God." Would you like to receive Christ? And by that you like to receive Christ? And by that you like to receive Christ? And by that I mean, would you like to ask Jesus to I mean, would you like to ask Jesus to I mean, would you like to ask Jesus to enter into your life and be your savior, enter into your life and be your savior, enter into your life and be your savior, your friend, your Lord? If so, you can your friend, your Lord? If so, you can your friend, your Lord? If so, you can just pray this prayer after me. It's a just pray this prayer after me. It's a just pray this prayer after me. It's a simple prayer. You can pray it out loud

simple prayer. You can pray it out loud simple prayer. You can pray it out loud if you would like, or you could pray it if you would like, or you could pray it if you would like, or you could pray it in the quietness of your heart. But if in the quietness of your heart. But if in the quietness of your heart. But if you want Jesus Christ to forgive you of you want Jesus Christ to forgive you of you want Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sin, if you want to go to heaven your sin, if you want to go to heaven your sin, if you want to go to heaven when you die, or maybe you want to make when you die, or maybe you want to make when you die, or maybe you want to make a recommmitment to the Lord, just pray a recommmitment to the Lord, just pray a recommmitment to the Lord, just pray this prayer after me now. Pray these this prayer after me now. Pray these this prayer after me now. Pray these words if you would. Lord Jesus, I know words if you would. Lord Jesus, I know words if you would. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that that I'm a sinner, but I know that that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the savior who died on the cross you're the savior who died on the cross you're the savior who died on the cross for my sin. I turn now from my sin and I for my sin. I turn now from my sin and I for my sin. I turn now from my sin and I ask you to come into my life and forgive ask you to come into my life and forgive ask you to come into my life and forgive me of all of my sin. Thank you for me of all of my sin. Thank you for me of all of my sin. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for hearing this loving me. Thank you for hearing this loving me. Thank you for hearing this prayer and thank you for answering this prayer and thank you for answering this prayer and thank you for answering this prayer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Hey, prayer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Hey, prayer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, I want if you just prayed that prayer, I want if you just prayed that prayer, I want to congratulate you and say welcome to to congratulate you and say welcome to to congratulate you and say welcome to the family of God. the family of God. the family of God. >> Yeah, that's right. And listen, we want >> Yeah, that's right. And listen, we want >> Yeah, that's right. And listen, we want to help you get started living for the to help you get started living for the to help you get started living for the Lord. Let us send you a copy of Pastor Lord. Let us send you a copy of Pastor Lord. Let us send you a copy of Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's in an Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's in an Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's in an easy to understand translation with easy to understand translation with easy to understand translation with hundreds of helps that'll guide you into hundreds of helps that'll guide you into hundreds of helps that'll guide you into building a strong foundation for your building a strong foundation for your building a strong foundation for your faith. We'll send it free of charge if faith. We'll send it free of charge if faith. We'll send it free of charge if you prayed with Pastor Greg today. Just you prayed with Pastor Greg today. Just you prayed with Pastor Greg today. Just ask for the New Believers Bible when you ask for the New Believers Bible when you ask for the New Believers Bible when you call 18008213300.

or write a new beginning box 4000 or write a new beginning box 4000 Riverside California 92514 Riverside California 92514 Riverside California 92514 or go online to harvest.org and click or go online to harvest.org and click or go online to harvest.org and click know God. know God. know God. Did [music] you know that we put our Did [music] you know that we put our Did [music] you know that we put our services that we do on Sundays online? services that we do on Sundays online? services that we do on Sundays online? It's [music] called harvest at home and It's [music] called harvest at home and It's [music] called harvest at home and you can be a part of our extended you can be a part of our extended you can be a part of our extended congregation. no matter where you are. congregation. no matter where you are. congregation. no matter where you are. And people [music] watch from literally And people [music] watch from literally And people [music] watch from literally all around the world. So, if you want to all around the world. So, if you want to all around the world. So, if you want to watch Harvest at Home [music] or view it watch Harvest at Home [music] or view it watch Harvest at Home [music] or view it later if you'd like, just download the later if you'd like, just download the later if you'd like, just download the Harvest Plus app and then join [music] Harvest Plus app and then join [music] Harvest Plus app and then join [music] us for Harvest at Home. us for Harvest at Home. us for Harvest at Home. Well, next time, more insight on the Well, next time, more insight on the Well, next time, more insight on the importance of sharing the gospel even importance of sharing the gospel even importance of sharing the gospel even [music] with those outside of our [music] with those outside of our [music] with those outside of our comfort zones. Join us here on the New comfort zones. Join us here on the New comfort zones. Join us here on the New Beginning [music] with Pastor and Bible Beginning [music] with Pastor and Bible Beginning [music] with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Lorie.