The First Jesus Movement | Spiritual Renovation

For America's 250th birthday, Greg For America's 250th birthday, Greg Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. >> Available on DVD at harvest.org. >> We need to [music] be filled with the >> We need to [music] be filled with the Holy Spirit to do what God has called us Holy Spirit to do what God has called us Holy Spirit to do what God has called us to do. to do. to do. >> Our task is enormous, intimidating, >> Our task is enormous, intimidating, >> Our task is enormous, intimidating, and exciting. [music] and exciting. [music] and exciting. [music] And Pastor Greg Laurie points out how And Pastor Greg Laurie points out how And Pastor Greg Laurie points out how the Lord is making an extraordinary the Lord is making an extraordinary the Lord is making an extraordinary resource [music] available to us. resource [music] available to us. resource [music] available to us. >> There is explosive, >> There is explosive, >> There is explosive, dynamite power from the Holy Spirit that dynamite power from the Holy Spirit that dynamite power from the Holy Spirit that can be given [music] can be given [music] can be given [music] to you and me right now. A power to to you and me right now. A power to to you and me right now. A power to witness, a power to change [music] witness, a power to change [music] witness, a power to change [music] the world.

>> The [music] home renovation business is >> The [music] home renovation business is a $600 billion industry. a $600 billion industry. a $600 billion industry. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Reviving an old home takes some skill >> Reviving an old home takes some skill >> Reviving an old home takes some skill and a lot of hard work. and a lot of hard work. and a lot of hard work. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Well, God has a blueprint for reviving >> Well, God has a blueprint for reviving >> Well, God has a blueprint for reviving our culture, and he's looking for our our culture, and he's looking for our our culture, and he's looking for our involvement in the project. Today on A involvement in the project. Today on A involvement in the project. Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie continues [music] his opening message in continues [music] his opening message in continues [music] his opening message in a new series called The Upside Down a new series called The Upside Down a new series called The Upside Down Life. It's a look at the [music] part we Life. It's a look at the [music] part we Life. It's a look at the [music] part we are called to play in bringing a are called to play in bringing a are called to play in bringing a spiritual renovation to the world in spiritual renovation to the world in spiritual renovation to the world in which we live. which we live. which we live. >> [music] >> Why don't you grab your Bibles and turn >> Why don't you grab your Bibles and turn to the book of Acts, Acts chapter 1. to the book of Acts, Acts chapter 1. to the book of Acts, Acts chapter 1. Okay, the title of my message is Okay, the title of my message is Okay, the title of my message is the first Jesus movement. Now, the book the first Jesus movement. Now, the book the first Jesus movement. Now, the book of Acts was authored by Dr. Luke. This of Acts was authored by Dr. Luke. This of Acts was authored by Dr. Luke. This is a second book that he wrote that was is a second book that he wrote that was is a second book that he wrote that was underwritten by a godly man named underwritten by a godly man named underwritten by a godly man named Theophilus. Theophilus. Theophilus. And uh Theophilus also underwrote Luke And uh Theophilus also underwrote Luke And uh Theophilus also underwrote Luke writing the Gospel of Luke. The name writing the Gospel of Luke. The name writing the Gospel of Luke. The name Theophilus, by the way, means lover of Theophilus, by the way, means lover of Theophilus, by the way, means lover of God.

God. God. So, if you want to know more about So, if you want to know more about So, if you want to know more about Jesus, and you want to love the Lord, Jesus, and you want to love the Lord, Jesus, and you want to love the Lord, this is a good book to study. this is a good book to study. this is a good book to study. One other thing I would point out about One other thing I would point out about One other thing I would point out about the book of Acts, it's an unfinished the book of Acts, it's an unfinished the book of Acts, it's an unfinished book. It is never officially ended. Now, book. It is never officially ended. Now, book. It is never officially ended. Now, I'm not suggesting we add to the I'm not suggesting we add to the I'm not suggesting we add to the scripture. I'm just saying we should not scripture. I'm just saying we should not scripture. I'm just saying we should not put a period where God has put a comma. put a period where God has put a comma. put a period where God has put a comma. The church is marching on. The work of The church is marching on. The work of The church is marching on. The work of the Holy Spirit through the church is the Holy Spirit through the church is the Holy Spirit through the church is continuing on, and we're effectively continuing on, and we're effectively continuing on, and we're effectively writing new chapters to it today as we writing new chapters to it today as we writing new chapters to it today as we serve the Lord in our time. So, let's serve the Lord in our time. So, let's serve the Lord in our time. So, let's look now at a few verses from the book look now at a few verses from the book look now at a few verses from the book of Acts chapter 1. I'm going to read of Acts chapter 1. I'm going to read of Acts chapter 1. I'm going to read verses 1 to 4 and share some points with verses 1 to 4 and share some points with verses 1 to 4 and share some points with you. Uh and I'm reading from the New you. Uh and I'm reading from the New you. Uh and I'm reading from the New Living Translation. Living Translation. Living Translation. In my first book, I told you, In my first book, I told you, In my first book, I told you, Theophilus, Luke writes, about Theophilus, Luke writes, about Theophilus, Luke writes, about everything Jesus began to do and teach everything Jesus began to do and teach everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven until the day he was taken up to heaven until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further after giving his chosen apostles further after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.

instructions through the Holy Spirit. instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the 40 days after he suffered and During the 40 days after he suffered and During the 40 days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from died, he appeared to the apostles from died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in time to time, and he proved to them in time to time, and he proved to them in many ways he was actually alive, and he many ways he was actually alive, and he many ways he was actually alive, and he talked to them about the kingdom of God. talked to them about the kingdom of God. talked to them about the kingdom of God. Okay, we'll stop there. Okay, we'll stop there. Okay, we'll stop there. Here's point number one, if you're Here's point number one, if you're Here's point number one, if you're taking notes, before you can change the taking notes, before you can change the taking notes, before you can change the world, you yourself must first be world, you yourself must first be world, you yourself must first be changed. Before you can change the changed. Before you can change the changed. Before you can change the world, world, world, you must first be changed. Look at verse you must first be changed. Look at verse you must first be changed. Look at verse three, during the 40 days after he three, during the 40 days after he three, during the 40 days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the suffered and died, he appeared to the suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles. apostles. apostles. They had their lives changed when they They had their lives changed when they They had their lives changed when they saw Jesus risen from the dead. See, they saw Jesus risen from the dead. See, they saw Jesus risen from the dead. See, they never thought they would see Jesus again never thought they would see Jesus again never thought they would see Jesus again when they looked at his beaten, when they looked at his beaten, when they looked at his beaten, traumatized body hanging on the cross of traumatized body hanging on the cross of traumatized body hanging on the cross of Calvary. But Jesus rose again and Calvary. But Jesus rose again and Calvary. But Jesus rose again and appeared many times over a 40-day appeared many times over a 40-day appeared many times over a 40-day period. He appeared first to Mary period. He appeared first to Mary period. He appeared first to Mary Magdalene who came to anoint his dead Magdalene who came to anoint his dead Magdalene who came to anoint his dead body at the tomb. He appeared after that body at the tomb. He appeared after that body at the tomb. He appeared after that to Simon Peter. Then he appeared in the to Simon Peter. Then he appeared in the to Simon Peter. Then he appeared in the upper room to the disciples and upper room to the disciples and upper room to the disciples and specifically to Thomas who said, "I specifically to Thomas who said, "I specifically to Thomas who said, "I won't believe until I can put my hand in won't believe until I can put my hand in won't believe until I can put my hand in the wounds in his side." He appeared to the wounds in his side." He appeared to the wounds in his side." He appeared to two disciples walking on the Emmaus two disciples walking on the Emmaus two disciples walking on the Emmaus road. He appeared to Simon Peter again road. He appeared to Simon Peter again road. He appeared to Simon Peter again at the Sea of Galilee telling him to at the Sea of Galilee telling him to at the Sea of Galilee telling him to feed God's sheep. And he appeared over feed God's sheep. And he appeared over feed God's sheep. And he appeared over 500 people at one time. This transformed

500 people at one time. This transformed 500 people at one time. This transformed them. Jesus was them. Jesus was them. Jesus was basically popping up everywhere basically popping up everywhere basically popping up everywhere and they knew he was alive and they knew and they knew he was alive and they knew and they knew he was alive and they knew he had risen. You see, before they could he had risen. You see, before they could he had risen. You see, before they could change the world, Jesus needed to change change the world, Jesus needed to change change the world, Jesus needed to change them. them. them. First John 1:1 says, John writing, "We First John 1:1 says, John writing, "We First John 1:1 says, John writing, "We proclaim to you the one who existed from proclaim to you the one who existed from proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and the beginning, whom we have heard and the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and we touched him with our own hands. He is we touched him with our own hands. He is we touched him with our own hands. He is the word of life." Listen to this, if the word of life." Listen to this, if the word of life." Listen to this, if you want people to follow Jesus, you want people to follow Jesus, you want people to follow Jesus, you must be a good example as a follower you must be a good example as a follower you must be a good example as a follower of Jesus. Let's find point number two, of Jesus. Let's find point number two, of Jesus. Let's find point number two, here it is. The church had a job to do here it is. The church had a job to do here it is. The church had a job to do and so do we. The church had a job to and so do we. The church had a job to and so do we. The church had a job to do, and so do we. Let's go to Acts do, and so do we. Let's go to Acts do, and so do we. Let's go to Acts chapter 1 verse 7. chapter 1 verse 7. chapter 1 verse 7. And uh And uh And uh we see Jesus saying, "The Father alone we see Jesus saying, "The Father alone we see Jesus saying, "The Father alone has the authority to set the times and has the authority to set the times and has the authority to set the times and the dates, and they're not for you to the dates, and they're not for you to the dates, and they're not for you to know, but you will receive power when know, but you will receive power when know, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you'll be witnesses telling people about you'll be witnesses telling people about you'll be witnesses telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and Samaria to the ends of the Judea, and Samaria to the ends of the Judea, and Samaria to the ends of the earth."

earth." earth." They had a job to do, They had a job to do, They had a job to do, and so do we. We're still called to tell and so do we. We're still called to tell and so do we. We're still called to tell people about Jesus everywhere. It starts people about Jesus everywhere. It starts people about Jesus everywhere. It starts with a question. In Acts chapter 1 verse with a question. In Acts chapter 1 verse with a question. In Acts chapter 1 verse 6, the apostles came and said, "Lord, 6, the apostles came and said, "Lord, 6, the apostles came and said, "Lord, has the time come for you to now free has the time come for you to now free has the time come for you to now free Israel and restore your kingdom?" Israel and restore your kingdom?" Israel and restore your kingdom?" Now, here's the problem. They couldn't Now, here's the problem. They couldn't Now, here's the problem. They couldn't get over this notion they had as to why get over this notion they had as to why get over this notion they had as to why Jesus came. They thought he was coming Jesus came. They thought he was coming Jesus came. They thought he was coming to establish his kingdom then and there. to establish his kingdom then and there. to establish his kingdom then and there. Then he was crucified. Then he rose Then he was crucified. Then he rose Then he was crucified. Then he rose again from the dead, so they're back on again from the dead, so they're back on again from the dead, so they're back on point again. "Okay, Lord, when are you point again. "Okay, Lord, when are you point again. "Okay, Lord, when are you going to establish your kingdom?" And going to establish your kingdom?" And going to establish your kingdom?" And Jesus effectively says, "Guys, will you Jesus effectively says, "Guys, will you Jesus effectively says, "Guys, will you get off of that?" get off of that?" get off of that?" He says to them specifically in verse 7, He says to them specifically in verse 7, He says to them specifically in verse 7, "The Father alone has the authority to "The Father alone has the authority to "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times. They're not set those dates and times. They're not set those dates and times. They're not for you to know. Guys, stop focusing on for you to know. Guys, stop focusing on for you to know. Guys, stop focusing on when I am returning. Focus instead on when I am returning. Focus instead on when I am returning. Focus instead on what you should be doing as you're what you should be doing as you're what you should be doing as you're waiting." And the same thing is waiting." And the same thing is waiting." And the same thing is happening today. People ask all the happening today. People ask all the happening today. People ask all the time, "When is Jesus coming back? Why is time, "When is Jesus coming back? Why is time, "When is Jesus coming back? Why is Jesus not come back again?" Well, he Jesus not come back again?" Well, he Jesus not come back again?" Well, he will come back according to his perfect will come back according to his perfect will come back according to his perfect timing. And he's already said, "No one timing. And he's already said, "No one timing. And he's already said, "No one knows the day or the hour, only the knows the day or the hour, only the knows the day or the hour, only the Father in heaven." So, don't focus on Father in heaven." So, don't focus on Father in heaven." So, don't focus on when he is coming, focus on what you are when he is coming, focus on what you are when he is coming, focus on what you are to do until he returns. Their job and to do until he returns. Their job and to do until he returns. Their job and our job is very clear. Verse 8, "You are

our job is very clear. Verse 8, "You are our job is very clear. Verse 8, "You are my witnesses, telling people about me my witnesses, telling people about me my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere." everywhere." everywhere." It's inescapable. It's the Great It's inescapable. It's the Great It's inescapable. It's the Great Commission. Commission. Commission. It's still here before us to fulfill. It's still here before us to fulfill. It's still here before us to fulfill. And I think a lot of times when we study And I think a lot of times when we study And I think a lot of times when we study Bible prophecy, we get sidetracked and Bible prophecy, we get sidetracked and Bible prophecy, we get sidetracked and we miss the main point. Bible prophecy we miss the main point. Bible prophecy we miss the main point. Bible prophecy is not given to enlarge our brains, it's is not given to enlarge our brains, it's is not given to enlarge our brains, it's given to expand our hearts. It should given to expand our hearts. It should given to expand our hearts. It should move us to want to reach more people move us to want to reach more people move us to want to reach more people with the gospel so they too can be ready with the gospel so they too can be ready with the gospel so they too can be ready for the Lord's return. Jesus is not for the Lord's return. Jesus is not for the Lord's return. Jesus is not late. He'll come at the appointed hour. late. He'll come at the appointed hour. late. He'll come at the appointed hour. But here's what he wants us to do But here's what he wants us to do But here's what he wants us to do according to 2 Peter 3:9, which says, according to 2 Peter 3:9, which says, according to 2 Peter 3:9, which says, "The Lord isn't slow about his promise "The Lord isn't slow about his promise "The Lord isn't slow about his promise as some people think. He's patient for as some people think. He's patient for as some people think. He's patient for your sake. He doesn't want anyone to your sake. He doesn't want anyone to your sake. He doesn't want anyone to perish or be destroyed. He wants perish or be destroyed. He wants perish or be destroyed. He wants everyone to repent." everyone to repent." everyone to repent." You know, back in 1970 when the Jesus You know, back in 1970 when the Jesus You know, back in 1970 when the Jesus movement was happening, we're all movement was happening, we're all movement was happening, we're all praying, "Lord, come back. Lord, praying, "Lord, come back. Lord, praying, "Lord, come back. Lord, return."

return." return." Aren't you glad he didn't answer our Aren't you glad he didn't answer our Aren't you glad he didn't answer our prayer? prayer? prayer? How many of you have become a Christian How many of you have become a Christian How many of you have become a Christian since 1970? Raise your hand. That's since 1970? Raise your hand. That's since 1970? Raise your hand. That's quite a few of you. quite a few of you. quite a few of you. So, thank God he didn't answer that So, thank God he didn't answer that So, thank God he didn't answer that prayer. He's waiting for more to prayer. He's waiting for more to prayer. He's waiting for more to believe. It seems to me there may be one believe. It seems to me there may be one believe. It seems to me there may be one person walking on this earth that will person walking on this earth that will person walking on this earth that will be the last person to believe before the be the last person to believe before the be the last person to believe before the rapture of the church. Can you imagine rapture of the church. Can you imagine rapture of the church. Can you imagine if you knew who that person was? if you knew who that person was? if you knew who that person was? Like this this dude. This if this guy Like this this dude. This if this guy Like this this dude. This if this guy gets saved, we go to heaven. Would you gets saved, we go to heaven. Would you gets saved, we go to heaven. Would you be tempted to put pressure on that guy? be tempted to put pressure on that guy? be tempted to put pressure on that guy? Or that girl? Or that girl? Or that girl? Then you just say, "All right, why don't Then you just say, "All right, why don't Then you just say, "All right, why don't you ask Christ into your life right you ask Christ into your life right you ask Christ into your life right now?" And you lead him in prayer and now?" And you lead him in prayer and now?" And you lead him in prayer and boom, you're in heaven. Well, God knows boom, you're in heaven. Well, God knows boom, you're in heaven. Well, God knows when that will happen. But here's what when that will happen. But here's what when that will happen. But here's what they were to do and here's what we are they were to do and here's what we are they were to do and here's what we are to do. Verse 8, "You will be my to do. Verse 8, "You will be my to do. Verse 8, "You will be my witnesses telling people about me witnesses telling people about me witnesses telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This is sort of the battle plan earth." This is sort of the battle plan earth." This is sort of the battle plan for world evangelism. It starts in for world evangelism. It starts in for world evangelism. It starts in Jerusalem, then it goes to Judea, Jerusalem, then it goes to Judea, Jerusalem, then it goes to Judea, then to Samaria, and to the ends of the then to Samaria, and to the ends of the then to Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Now, for them, Jerusalem was home earth. Now, for them, Jerusalem was home earth. Now, for them, Jerusalem was home base.

base. base. Uh for them, Judea would be the wider Uh for them, Judea would be the wider Uh for them, Judea would be the wider area of Israel. Samaria was outside of area of Israel. Samaria was outside of area of Israel. Samaria was outside of their country, and the ends of the earth their country, and the ends of the earth their country, and the ends of the earth was what was left over. So, in the same was what was left over. So, in the same was what was left over. So, in the same way, when we think about reaching people way, when we think about reaching people way, when we think about reaching people with the gospel, we start with our with the gospel, we start with our with the gospel, we start with our Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. And what is your Jerusalem? What is my And what is your Jerusalem? What is my And what is your Jerusalem? What is my Jerusalem? It's your home base. It's Jerusalem? It's your home base. It's Jerusalem? It's your home base. It's your family. your family. your family. And guess what? The hardest people to And guess what? The hardest people to And guess what? The hardest people to reach with the gospel are your family, reach with the gospel are your family, reach with the gospel are your family, right? right? right? Because you come home one day and say, Because you come home one day and say, Because you come home one day and say, "I've become a Christian." And I'm "I've become a Christian." And I'm "I've become a Christian." And I'm following Jesus right now, they're all following Jesus right now, they're all following Jesus right now, they're all thinking, "Oh, no." Right? thinking, "Oh, no." Right? thinking, "Oh, no." Right? And and then you tell them they need the And and then you tell them they need the And and then you tell them they need the Lord, and they're saying, "We knew you Lord, and they're saying, "We knew you Lord, and they're saying, "We knew you when you were a little kid. Why should when you were a little kid. Why should when you were a little kid. Why should we listen to you?" Uh this is why Jesus we listen to you?" Uh this is why Jesus we listen to you?" Uh this is why Jesus said, "A prophet is not without honor said, "A prophet is not without honor said, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country." Jesus except in his own country." Jesus except in his own country." Jesus himself did not have his own family himself did not have his own family himself did not have his own family totally accept him and believe in him totally accept him and believe in him totally accept him and believe in him till after his death and resurrection.

till after his death and resurrection. till after his death and resurrection. On more than one occasion, they came to On more than one occasion, they came to On more than one occasion, they came to take him home because they thought he take him home because they thought he take him home because they thought he had lost his mind, you see? So, the had lost his mind, you see? So, the had lost his mind, you see? So, the hardest people to reach are your family. hardest people to reach are your family. hardest people to reach are your family. It took me well over 30 years to see my It took me well over 30 years to see my It took me well over 30 years to see my own mother come to Christ. And so, that own mother come to Christ. And so, that own mother come to Christ. And so, that may be your situation right now, but may be your situation right now, but may be your situation right now, but start with your Jerusalem. Then you go start with your Jerusalem. Then you go start with your Jerusalem. Then you go to your Judea. That's the wider area. to your Judea. That's the wider area. to your Judea. That's the wider area. Maybe that's your workplace. Maybe Maybe that's your workplace. Maybe Maybe that's your workplace. Maybe that's your sphere of influence, people that's your sphere of influence, people that's your sphere of influence, people you meet out there. You You out there you meet out there. You You out there you meet out there. You You out there and you leave your comfort zone, but and you leave your comfort zone, but and you leave your comfort zone, but then you go to Samaria. So, for a Jew to then you go to Samaria. So, for a Jew to then you go to Samaria. So, for a Jew to say Samaria say Samaria say Samaria was for them to go to their enemies. was for them to go to their enemies. was for them to go to their enemies. See, the Samaritans had nothing to do See, the Samaritans had nothing to do See, the Samaritans had nothing to do with the Jews and vice versa. Remember with the Jews and vice versa. Remember with the Jews and vice versa. Remember the woman at the well said to Jesus, the woman at the well said to Jesus, the woman at the well said to Jesus, "Why would you, a Jew, talk to me, a "Why would you, a Jew, talk to me, a "Why would you, a Jew, talk to me, a Samaritan? Don't you know that Jews and Samaritan? Don't you know that Jews and Samaritan? Don't you know that Jews and Samaritans want nothing to do with each Samaritans want nothing to do with each Samaritans want nothing to do with each other?" And Jesus said, "If you knew who other?" And Jesus said, "If you knew who other?" And Jesus said, "If you knew who it was who was speaking to you, you it was who was speaking to you, you it was who was speaking to you, you would ask him and he would give you would ask him and he would give you would ask him and he would give you living water." The point is, you leave living water." The point is, you leave living water." The point is, you leave your comfort zone, you go to people you your comfort zone, you go to people you your comfort zone, you go to people you would not normally go to. I think of our would not normally go to. I think of our would not normally go to. I think of our own ministry. We started initially here own ministry. We started initially here own ministry. We started initially here in Riverside. That's our Jerusalem. Our in Riverside. That's our Jerusalem. Our in Riverside. That's our Jerusalem. Our Judea is the Inland Empire. Our Samaria, Judea is the Inland Empire. Our Samaria, Judea is the Inland Empire. Our Samaria, well, that's going out to California and well, that's going out to California and well, that's going out to California and the rest of the nation. And the the rest of the nation. And the the rest of the nation. And the outermost parts of the earth are just outermost parts of the earth are just outermost parts of the earth are just the whole planet that we've been able to the whole planet that we've been able to the whole planet that we've been able to go to. On any given day at Harvest at go to. On any given day at Harvest at go to. On any given day at Harvest at Home, we have thousands of people Home, we have thousands of people Home, we have thousands of people viewing from around the world, from viewing from around the world, from viewing from around the world, from places ranging from the United States,

places ranging from the United States, places ranging from the United States, every state represented, to Australia, every state represented, to Australia, every state represented, to Australia, Canada, South Africa, Kenya, the Canada, South Africa, Kenya, the Canada, South Africa, Kenya, the Philippines, Ireland, India, Singapore. Philippines, Ireland, India, Singapore. Philippines, Ireland, India, Singapore. The list goes on. So, you start at home The list goes on. So, you start at home The list goes on. So, you start at home base and [music] you move beyond that. >> Pastor Greg [music] Laurie will have the >> Pastor Greg [music] Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a second half of his message in just a second half of his message in just a moment. moment. moment. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Did you know that we put our services >> Did you know that we put our services >> Did you know that we put our services that we do on Sundays online? It's that we do on Sundays online? It's that we do on Sundays online? It's called [music] Harvest at Home. And you called [music] Harvest at Home. And you called [music] Harvest at Home. And you can be a part of our extended can be a part of our extended 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 like, just download the later, if you like, just download the later, if you like, just download the Harvest Plus app and then join us for Harvest Plus app and then join us for Harvest Plus app and then join us for Harvest at Home. [music] Harvest at Home. [music] Harvest at Home. [music] >> Well, today Pastor Greg is helping us >> Well, today Pastor Greg is helping us >> Well, today Pastor Greg is helping us see what we need to know to join the see what we need to know to join the see what we need to know to join the Lord in impacting our culture for Lord in impacting our culture for Lord in impacting our culture for Christ. Christ. Christ. >> One final point. We need to be filled >> One final point. We need to be filled >> One final point. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to do what God has with the Holy Spirit to do what God has with the Holy Spirit to do what God has called us to do.

called us to do. called us to do. We need to be filled with the Holy We need to be filled with the Holy We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to do what God has called us to Spirit to do what God has called us to Spirit to do what God has called us to do. Look at verse 8. You shall receive do. Look at verse 8. You shall receive do. Look at verse 8. You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon power when the Holy Spirit comes upon power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses telling you and you will be my witnesses telling you and you will be my witnesses telling people about me everywhere. Stop and people about me everywhere. Stop and people about me everywhere. Stop and think about this. These were not think about this. These were not think about this. These were not intellectuals. These were not even intellectuals. These were not even intellectuals. These were not even theologians. These were ordinary people. theologians. These were ordinary people. theologians. These were ordinary people. We might call them blue collar workers We might call them blue collar workers We might call them blue collar workers today. Fishermen, a tax collector, some today. Fishermen, a tax collector, some today. Fishermen, a tax collector, some others thrown in. others thrown in. others thrown in. How could these guys change the world? How could these guys change the world? How could these guys change the world? Thomas doubted Jesus was alive. Simon Thomas doubted Jesus was alive. Simon Thomas doubted Jesus was alive. Simon Peter denied Jesus outright. If someone Peter denied Jesus outright. If someone Peter denied Jesus outright. If someone as strong as Simon Peter could be as strong as Simon Peter could be as strong as Simon Peter could be demoralized by the words of a servant demoralized by the words of a servant demoralized by the words of a servant girl in the high priest courtyard, how girl in the high priest courtyard, how girl in the high priest courtyard, how could any of them go anywhere preaching? could any of them go anywhere preaching? could any of them go anywhere preaching? Jesus answers that question. Verse 8, Jesus answers that question. Verse 8, Jesus answers that question. Verse 8, you receive power you receive power you receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you'll be my witnesses. The way they you'll be my witnesses. The way they you'll be my witnesses. The way they would do this is with a power they did would do this is with a power they did would do this is with a power they did not already have. A power beyond not already have. A power beyond not already have. A power beyond anything they'd ever experienced before.

anything they'd ever experienced before. anything they'd ever experienced before. A power to change the world. A power to A power to change the world. A power to A power to change the world. A power to witness. A power to share their faith. A witness. A power to share their faith. A witness. A power to share their faith. A power to turn their world upside down. power to turn their world upside down. power to turn their world upside down. And guess what? The same power that was And guess what? The same power that was And guess what? The same power that was given to them to change their world is given to them to change their world is given to them to change their world is given to you right now to change our given to you right now to change our given to you right now to change our world. world. world. It's here now. It's here now. It's here now. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Nothing's changed. >> Nothing's changed. >> Nothing's changed. On the day of Pentecost, Peter said, On the day of Pentecost, Peter said, On the day of Pentecost, Peter said, "This promise" and he was speaking of "This promise" and he was speaking of "This promise" and he was speaking of the promise of power of the Spirit is to the promise of power of the Spirit is to the promise of power of the Spirit is to you, it's to your children, you, it's to your children, you, it's to your children, and it's even to the Gentiles and all and it's even to the Gentiles and all and it's even to the Gentiles and all who have been called by the Lord our who have been called by the Lord our who have been called by the Lord our God. And what is the promise? The God. And what is the promise? The God. And what is the promise? The promise of the power of the Spirit. Now, promise of the power of the Spirit. Now, promise of the power of the Spirit. Now, the word power is noteworthy, it's from the word power is noteworthy, it's from the word power is noteworthy, it's from the Greek word dunamis. the Greek word dunamis. the Greek word dunamis. Uh Uh Uh the story is told of Alfred Nobel who the story is told of Alfred Nobel who the story is told of Alfred Nobel who invented an explosive invented an explosive invented an explosive uh element that he didn't have a name uh element that he didn't have a name uh element that he didn't have a name for.

for. for. And so he went to a friend of his that And so he went to a friend of his that And so he went to a friend of his that spoke Greek. And Nobel said, "What is spoke Greek. And Nobel said, "What is spoke Greek. And Nobel said, "What is the Greek word for explosion?" His the Greek word for explosion?" His the Greek word for explosion?" His friend said, "It's dunamis." friend said, "It's dunamis." friend said, "It's dunamis." Alfred Nobel said, "I'm going to call Alfred Nobel said, "I'm going to call Alfred Nobel said, "I'm going to call what I've created dynamite." what I've created dynamite." what I've created dynamite." And so really what the Bible is saying And so really what the Bible is saying And so really what the Bible is saying is there is explosive is there is explosive is there is explosive dynamite power from the Holy Spirit that dynamite power from the Holy Spirit that dynamite power from the Holy Spirit that can be given to you. can be given to you. can be given to you. To you and me right now. We just need to To you and me right now. We just need to To you and me right now. We just need to receive it. receive it. receive it. And I think the problem with this is we And I think the problem with this is we And I think the problem with this is we overly mystify the work of the Spirit. overly mystify the work of the Spirit. overly mystify the work of the Spirit. We think it has to always be an We think it has to always be an We think it has to always be an emotional experience. And maybe it will emotional experience. And maybe it will emotional experience. And maybe it will be, and maybe it won't be. You know, be, and maybe it won't be. You know, be, and maybe it won't be. You know, when you fill your car with gas, do you when you fill your car with gas, do you when you fill your car with gas, do you have an emotional experience? have an emotional experience? have an emotional experience? Maybe you do when you see what the price Maybe you do when you see what the price Maybe you do when you see what the price is. What? is. What? is. What? Cuz if you're driving an SUV or a big Cuz if you're driving an SUV or a big Cuz if you're driving an SUV or a big truck, a hundred bucks on gas? truck, a hundred bucks on gas? truck, a hundred bucks on gas? Yeah, so you don't necessarily have an Yeah, so you don't necessarily have an Yeah, so you don't necessarily have an emotional experience when you fill your emotional experience when you fill your emotional experience when you fill your vehicle.

vehicle. vehicle. But you fill your vehicle. And the Bible But you fill your vehicle. And the Bible But you fill your vehicle. And the Bible tells us that God wants to empower us tells us that God wants to empower us tells us that God wants to empower us with the Spirit. He wants to fill us, with the Spirit. He wants to fill us, with the Spirit. He wants to fill us, and he wants to do it again, and he and he wants to do it again, and he and he wants to do it again, and he wants to do it again, and again. In wants to do it again, and again. In wants to do it again, and again. In fact, every day you should get up in the fact, every day you should get up in the fact, every day you should get up in the morning and say, "Lord, fill me with the morning and say, "Lord, fill me with the morning and say, "Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit. I need this power today to Holy Spirit. I need this power today to Holy Spirit. I need this power today to do what you have called me to do." And do what you have called me to do." And do what you have called me to do." And these first-century believers received these first-century believers received these first-century believers received that power. We have a man in our church that power. We have a man in our church that power. We have a man in our church who teaches who teaches who teaches Bible studies and leads worship in an Bible studies and leads worship in an Bible studies and leads worship in an assisted living home here in town. His assisted living home here in town. His assisted living home here in town. His name is Steve. And he was teaching the name is Steve. And he was teaching the name is Steve. And he was teaching the older folks how the early church was so older folks how the early church was so older folks how the early church was so bold in sharing the gospel, and he bold in sharing the gospel, and he bold in sharing the gospel, and he pointed out how they relied on the Holy pointed out how they relied on the Holy pointed out how they relied on the Holy Spirit to do it. And one of the women Spirit to do it. And one of the women Spirit to do it. And one of the women who was listening to him is 82 years who was listening to him is 82 years who was listening to him is 82 years old, so she took it to heart. And they old, so she took it to heart. And they old, so she took it to heart. And they got together the next Sunday, and she got together the next Sunday, and she got together the next Sunday, and she said, "I want to give a praise report." said, "I want to give a praise report." said, "I want to give a praise report." And he said, "What happened?" She says, And he said, "What happened?" She says, And he said, "What happened?" She says, "Well, I've been praying every day that "Well, I've been praying every day that "Well, I've been praying every day that the Lord would fill me with the Holy the Lord would fill me with the Holy the Lord would fill me with the Holy Spirit and open up an opportunity for me Spirit and open up an opportunity for me Spirit and open up an opportunity for me to share the gospel." She said that she to share the gospel." She said that she to share the gospel." She said that she was able to share the gospel with an was able to share the gospel with an was able to share the gospel with an 85-year-old gentleman who accepted 85-year-old gentleman who accepted 85-year-old gentleman who accepted Christ. I love that story, don't you?

Christ. I love that story, don't you? Christ. I love that story, don't you? >> [applause] >> You're never too old to share the >> You're never too old to share the gospel. You're never too young to share gospel. You're never too young to share gospel. You're never too young to share the gospel. This power is available to the gospel. This power is available to the gospel. This power is available to all of us as we serve the Lord. So, we all of us as we serve the Lord. So, we all of us as we serve the Lord. So, we need to take advantage of these need to take advantage of these need to take advantage of these opportunities. opportunities. opportunities. But here's what I would like to close But here's what I would like to close But here's what I would like to close with. This power is here for us right with. This power is here for us right with. This power is here for us right now. And as we start this new series in now. And as we start this new series in now. And as we start this new series in the book of Acts, I I want to pray that the book of Acts, I I want to pray that the book of Acts, I I want to pray that God would fill us with this power, and God would fill us with this power, and God would fill us with this power, and we would experience this real time in we would experience this real time in we would experience this real time in our life. So, we're going to pray it our life. So, we're going to pray it our life. So, we're going to pray it right now. right now. right now. And we're going to receive this power. And we're going to receive this power. And we're going to receive this power. You may feel something. You may feel something. You may feel something. You may feel nothing. This has nothing You may feel nothing. This has nothing You may feel nothing. This has nothing to do with feelings. This is an act of to do with feelings. This is an act of to do with feelings. This is an act of faith where a promise is given. Here's faith where a promise is given. Here's faith where a promise is given. Here's what the Bible says. what the Bible says. what the Bible says. If you as If you as If you as parents give good gifts to your parents give good gifts to your parents give good gifts to your children, children, children, how much more will your Father in heaven how much more will your Father in heaven how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask give the Holy Spirit to those who ask give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.

him. him. That's all you have to do. Just ask him. That's all you have to do. Just ask him. That's all you have to do. Just ask him. Lord, would you give this to me? And the Lord, would you give this to me? And the Lord, would you give this to me? And the Lord's response is, "Oh, yes." Lord's response is, "Oh, yes." Lord's response is, "Oh, yes." Do you like to give gifts to people? Do you like to give gifts to people? Do you like to give gifts to people? You know, when I buy a gift for someone, You know, when I buy a gift for someone, You know, when I buy a gift for someone, I can't wait to give it to them. It's I can't wait to give it to them. It's I can't wait to give it to them. It's hard for me to wait till Christmas Day hard for me to wait till Christmas Day hard for me to wait till Christmas Day or their birthday or whatever it is. I or their birthday or whatever it is. I or their birthday or whatever it is. I want them to have it now. The Father in want them to have it now. The Father in want them to have it now. The Father in heaven is anxious and eager to give you heaven is anxious and eager to give you heaven is anxious and eager to give you this power in your life. He wants to do this power in your life. He wants to do this power in your life. He wants to do it. it. it. Do you want the gift? Do you want the gift? Do you want the gift? You know, when you're a kid and You know, when you're a kid and You know, when you're a kid and Christmas is approaching and your Christmas is approaching and your Christmas is approaching and your birthday is approaching, you're anxious birthday is approaching, you're anxious birthday is approaching, you're anxious to open your gifts, right? to open your gifts, right? to open your gifts, right? So, you want the gift. The Father wants So, you want the gift. The Father wants So, you want the gift. The Father wants to give you the gift. This sounds to me to give you the gift. This sounds to me to give you the gift. This sounds to me like a good combination. like a good combination. like a good combination. This sounds to me like a moment right This sounds to me like a moment right This sounds to me like a moment right now where we can receive what the Lord now where we can receive what the Lord now where we can receive what the Lord has for us. So, I'm going to do has for us. So, I'm going to do has for us. So, I'm going to do something that I do often with folks something that I do often with folks something that I do often with folks accepting Christ. accepting Christ. accepting Christ. But, this is for all of us who are But, this is for all of us who are But, this is for all of us who are believers already. I'm going to ask you believers already. I'm going to ask you believers already. I'm going to ask you to pray a prayer after me out loud. to pray a prayer after me out loud. to pray a prayer after me out loud. Mean this prayer. Mean this prayer. Mean this prayer. God will hear this prayer. And in this God will hear this prayer. And in this God will hear this prayer. And in this prayer, prayer, prayer, we're going to ask the Lord to give us we're going to ask the Lord to give us we're going to ask the Lord to give us the power of the Spirit. Now, look, when the power of the Spirit. Now, look, when the power of the Spirit. Now, look, when you're a Christian, the Spirit is inside you're a Christian, the Spirit is inside you're a Christian, the Spirit is inside of you already.

of you already. of you already. When you're a Christian, the Bible says When you're a Christian, the Bible says When you're a Christian, the Bible says you're sealed with the Holy Spirit of you're sealed with the Holy Spirit of you're sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. So, this is not receiving the promise. So, this is not receiving the promise. So, this is not receiving the Holy Spirit. This is receiving, listen, Holy Spirit. This is receiving, listen, Holy Spirit. This is receiving, listen, the power of the Holy Spirit. the power of the Holy Spirit. the power of the Holy Spirit. We're talking about a very specific We're talking about a very specific We're talking about a very specific promise in Acts 1:8. You shall receive promise in Acts 1:8. You shall receive promise in Acts 1:8. You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon power after the Holy Spirit comes upon power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you to be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, you to be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, you to be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth. So, this is a specific of the earth. So, this is a specific of the earth. So, this is a specific prayer of receiving the power of the prayer of receiving the power of the prayer of receiving the power of the Spirit. Why don't we all stand as we Spirit. Why don't we all stand as we Spirit. Why don't we all stand as we pray this prayer? pray this prayer? pray this prayer? So, I'll pray So, I'll pray So, I'll pray and you pray after me and you pray after me and you pray after me if you want this power in your life. if you want this power in your life. if you want this power in your life. Just pray these words, "Lord Jesus, Just pray these words, "Lord Jesus, Just pray these words, "Lord Jesus, you've called me to be a witness. you've called me to be a witness. you've called me to be a witness. You've called me to reach the world with You've called me to reach the world with You've called me to reach the world with the gospel. But I have not always done that as I But I have not always done that as I should.

But I want to start doing it like never But I want to start doing it like never before. But I need help. But I need help. You've promised the power of the spirit You've promised the power of the spirit You've promised the power of the spirit to me. Now I receive that power. Now I receive that power. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Give me a new boldness. Give me a new boldness. Give me a new boldness. Give me a new courage. Give me a new courage. Give me a new courage. I receive [music] it from you now. I receive [music] it from you now. I receive [music] it from you now. In Jesus name I pray." Now you just receive that power in your Now you just receive that power in your life. life. life. Let God's Holy Spirit [music] Let God's Holy Spirit [music] Let God's Holy Spirit [music] permeate every crevice permeate every crevice permeate every crevice of your being of your being of your being and give you that boldness and give you that boldness and give you that boldness that he wants you to have. that he wants you to have. that he wants you to have. >> Pastor Greg Laurie with an important >> Pastor Greg Laurie with an important >> Pastor Greg Laurie with an important prayer asking the Lord to empower us for prayer asking the Lord to empower us for prayer asking the Lord to empower us for the responsibilities ahead. the responsibilities ahead. the responsibilities ahead. Glad you've joined us today here on A Glad you've joined us today here on A Glad you've joined us today here on A New Beginning for the launch of our new New Beginning for the launch of our new New Beginning for the launch of our new series in the book of Acts.

series in the book of Acts. series in the book of Acts. Uh Pastor Greg, let's speak to the Uh Pastor Greg, let's speak to the Uh Pastor Greg, let's speak to the person listening who is on the other person listening who is on the other person listening who is on the other side of this discussion. side of this discussion. side of this discussion. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> They've never shared the gospel because >> They've never shared the gospel because >> They've never shared the gospel because they're really not sure what the gospel they're really not sure what the gospel they're really not sure what the gospel is. is. is. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> They'd like to be closer to God, but >> They'd like to be closer to God, but >> They'd like to be closer to God, but they just don't know where to start. they just don't know where to start. they just don't know where to start. >> Well, they just need to hear more. They >> Well, they just need to hear more. They >> Well, they just need to hear more. They need to hear what the essential gospel need to hear what the essential gospel need to hear what the essential gospel message is and I've got a great resource message is and I've got a great resource message is and I've got a great resource for you. We've set up a web page that's for you. We've set up a web page that's for you. We've set up a web page that's called knowgod.org. k n o w g o d dot o called knowgod.org. k n o w g o d dot o called knowgod.org. k n o w g o d dot o r g. You go there, I have a video r g. You go there, I have a video r g. You go there, I have a video presentation of how you accept Christ, presentation of how you accept Christ, presentation of how you accept Christ, lead you in a prayer, and then it links lead you in a prayer, and then it links lead you in a prayer, and then it links to other spiritual resources that will to other spiritual resources that will to other spiritual resources that will help you grow spiritually. So, just go help you grow spiritually. So, just go help you grow spiritually. So, just go to knowgod.org. to knowgod.org. to knowgod.org. Do it right now. Do it right now. Do it right now. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from people all the time who tell us how people all the time who tell us how people all the time who tell us how these daily studies have impacted their these daily studies have impacted their these daily studies have impacted their lives. So many have found the Lord and lives. So many have found the Lord and lives. So many have found the Lord and been encouraged through this teaching. been encouraged through this teaching. been encouraged through this teaching. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> And we hope our listeners might pray >> And we hope our listeners might pray >> And we hope our listeners might pray about making an investment so these about making an investment so these about making an investment so these studies can continue.

studies can continue. studies can continue. >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, and even a little bit helps. You know, and even a little bit helps. You know, and even a little bit helps. You know, people need to hear the gospel so badly. people need to hear the gospel so badly. people need to hear the gospel so badly. They need to hear the teaching of the They need to hear the teaching of the They need to hear the teaching of the word of God. It changes everything word of God. It changes everything word of God. It changes everything because it changes us. because it changes us. because it changes us. And I'm so passionate about it, and I'm And I'm so passionate about it, and I'm And I'm so passionate about it, and I'm called to do it, and I'm thankful for called to do it, and I'm thankful for called to do it, and I'm thankful for it. it. it. But I can't do it alone. So, I'm going But I can't do it alone. So, I'm going But I can't do it alone. So, I'm going to ask folks that are listening to if to ask folks that are listening to if to ask folks that are listening to if you think more people need to hear the you think more people need to hear the you think more people need to hear the gospel, gospel, gospel, if you believe more people need to hear if you believe more people need to hear if you believe more people need to hear the teaching of the word of God, then the teaching of the word of God, then the teaching of the word of God, then prayfully consider investing in Harvest prayfully consider investing in Harvest prayfully consider investing in Harvest Ministries and maybe even become a Ministries and maybe even become a Ministries and maybe even become a Harvest Partner, which means you're Harvest Partner, which means you're Harvest Partner, which means you're someone who stands with us every month someone who stands with us every month someone who stands with us every month in your faithful giving, and that opens in your faithful giving, and that opens in your faithful giving, and that opens up a lot of new opportunities for us. up a lot of new opportunities for us. up a lot of new opportunities for us. So, thanks for that. So, thanks for that. So, thanks for that. >> Yeah, that's right. And we really are >> Yeah, that's right. And we really are >> Yeah, that's right. And we really are thankful for your partnership. You can thankful for your partnership. You can thankful for your partnership. You can reach us anytime, day or night, at reach us anytime, day or night, at reach us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-821-3300. Or just go online to harvest.org.

Or just go online to harvest.org. Well, next time, Pastor [music] Greg Well, next time, Pastor [music] Greg Well, next time, Pastor [music] Greg leads us into the action-packed second leads us into the action-packed second leads us into the action-packed second chapter of Acts as our study series chapter of Acts as our study series chapter of Acts as our study series continues, [music] a series called The continues, [music] a series called The continues, [music] a series called The Upside Down Life. Join us here on A New Upside Down Life. Join us here on A New Upside Down Life. Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible Teacher Beginning with Pastor and Bible Teacher Beginning with Pastor and Bible Teacher >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Greg Laurie. >> A new beginning >> A new beginning with with with >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> life begins.