Discipleship: The Next Step in Following Jesus | Growing Together in Faith

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. Brand new [music] Christians can learn a Brand new [music] Christians can learn a lot from those who've known the Lord for lot from those who've known the Lord for lot from those who've known the Lord for a while. But coming up today, Pastor a while. But coming up today, Pastor a while. But coming up today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that the help Greg Laurie points out that the help Greg Laurie points out that the help goes both ways. [music] goes both ways. [music] goes both ways. [music] >> New believers need old believers. Old >> New believers need old believers. Old >> New believers need old believers. Old believers need new believers. Having a believers need new believers. Having a believers need new believers. Having a new believer [music] in your life can new believer [music] in your life can new believer [music] in your life can have a reviving effect on you. As they have a reviving effect on you. As they have a reviving effect on you. As they discover truths for the first time, you discover truths for the first time, you discover truths for the first time, you can rediscover [music] can rediscover [music] can rediscover [music] them. You stabilize them, they energize them. You stabilize them, they energize them. You stabilize them, they energize you.

>> There's a good chance you've [music] >> There's a good chance you've [music] seen a two-man saw. With handles on both seen a two-man saw. With handles on both seen a two-man saw. With handles on both sides, it's an excellent example of sides, it's an excellent example of sides, it's an excellent example of teamwork. One man pushes, the other man teamwork. One man pushes, the other man teamwork. One man pushes, the other man pulls, and then vice versa. Some of pulls, and then vice versa. Some of pulls, and then vice versa. Some of those saws were 12 ft [music] long. those saws were 12 ft [music] long. those saws were 12 ft [music] long. The Christian life has many examples of The Christian life has many examples of The Christian life has many examples of teamwork. And today on A New Beginning, teamwork. And today on A New Beginning, teamwork. And today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us focus Pastor Greg Laurie helps us focus Pastor Greg Laurie helps us focus [music] on discipleship. It addresses [music] on discipleship. It addresses [music] on discipleship. It addresses the push and pull of daily life as a the push and pull of daily life as a the push and pull of daily life as a believer. For a new believer and a believer. For a new believer and a believer. For a new believer and a veteran believer, [music] each have veteran believer, [music] each have veteran believer, [music] each have something to offer the other. >> Discipleship. The next step in following >> Discipleship. The next step in following Jesus. So, let me tell you some things Jesus. So, let me tell you some things Jesus. So, let me tell you some things now that new believers need. And I'm now that new believers need. And I'm now that new believers need. And I'm addressing these remarks to two groups addressing these remarks to two groups addressing these remarks to two groups of people. Number one, to new believers. of people. Number one, to new believers. of people. Number one, to new believers. But, I'm also addressing my remarks to But, I'm also addressing my remarks to But, I'm also addressing my remarks to older believers because this is what you older believers because this is what you older believers because this is what you need to do for younger believers. The need to do for younger believers. The need to do for younger believers. The new believer needs acceptance.

new believer needs acceptance. new believer needs acceptance. Because, you know what? New Christians Because, you know what? New Christians Because, you know what? New Christians have a lot of rough edges. have a lot of rough edges. have a lot of rough edges. They haven't learned the new Christian They haven't learned the new Christian They haven't learned the new Christian vocabulary yet. In fact, they might have vocabulary yet. In fact, they might have vocabulary yet. In fact, they might have a few words left over from their old a few words left over from their old a few words left over from their old vocabulary that will pop up now and vocabulary that will pop up now and vocabulary that will pop up now and then. Be patient with them. Be loving then. Be patient with them. Be loving then. Be patient with them. Be loving toward them. I think of how little I toward them. I think of how little I toward them. I think of how little I understood when I came to Christ. And understood when I came to Christ. And understood when I came to Christ. And thankfully, there were people that were thankfully, there were people that were thankfully, there were people that were accepting. Number two, a new believer accepting. Number two, a new believer accepting. Number two, a new believer needs assurance. needs assurance. needs assurance. They need assurance. They need to know They need assurance. They need to know They need assurance. They need to know that they're saved. So, we need to that they're saved. So, we need to that they're saved. So, we need to assure them. And 1 John 5 says, "These assure them. And 1 John 5 says, "These assure them. And 1 John 5 says, "These things we write to you that believe in things we write to you that believe in things we write to you that believe in the name of the Son of God that you may the name of the Son of God that you may the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." They know that you have eternal life." They know that you have eternal life." They can know, and we need to assure them. can know, and we need to assure them. can know, and we need to assure them. And if you're a new believer, we want to And if you're a new believer, we want to And if you're a new believer, we want to assure you as well. Number three, the assure you as well. Number three, the assure you as well. Number three, the new believer needs protection. new believer needs protection. new believer needs protection. New believers are vulnerable to their New believers are vulnerable to their New believers are vulnerable to their own emotions. They don't understand it own emotions. They don't understand it own emotions. They don't understand it when they had a sense of euphoria when they had a sense of euphoria when they had a sense of euphoria when they accepted Christ and 2 days when they accepted Christ and 2 days when they accepted Christ and 2 days later, it's gone.

later, it's gone. later, it's gone. Maybe they thought, "Oh, it will always Maybe they thought, "Oh, it will always Maybe they thought, "Oh, it will always be this way." But, it won't. You'll have be this way." But, it won't. You'll have be this way." But, it won't. You'll have days where you don't feel anything, days where you don't feel anything, days where you don't feel anything, right? So, we need to say, "That's okay. right? So, we need to say, "That's okay. right? So, we need to say, "That's okay. That's normal. Nothing bad has happened. That's normal. Nothing bad has happened. That's normal. Nothing bad has happened. Uh you need to learn how to walk by Uh you need to learn how to walk by Uh you need to learn how to walk by faith, not by feeling because the Bible faith, not by feeling because the Bible faith, not by feeling because the Bible says the just shall live by faith." New says the just shall live by faith." New says the just shall live by faith." New believers are also vulnerable to false believers are also vulnerable to false believers are also vulnerable to false teachings. We have to ground them in teachings. We have to ground them in teachings. We have to ground them in scripture. And old friends are going to scripture. And old friends are going to scripture. And old friends are going to show up that will try to drag them down show up that will try to drag them down show up that will try to drag them down and old girlfriends and old boyfriends and old girlfriends and old boyfriends and old girlfriends and old boyfriends will suddenly materialize and will suddenly materialize and will suddenly materialize and temptations they never had will suddenly temptations they never had will suddenly temptations they never had will suddenly appear. And the new believer, number appear. And the new believer, number appear. And the new believer, number four, needs fellowship. four, needs fellowship. four, needs fellowship. That's why we want to involve them in That's why we want to involve them in That's why we want to involve them in our lives. That's why small groups are our lives. That's why small groups are our lives. That's why small groups are so good. Because some things are learned so good. Because some things are learned so good. Because some things are learned in rows and other things are learned in in rows and other things are learned in in rows and other things are learned in circles. circles. circles. Where you're together and you can talk Where you're together and you can talk Where you're together and you can talk about it and you can ask questions. And about it and you can ask questions. And about it and you can ask questions. And so, we need to bring a new believer into so, we need to bring a new believer into so, we need to bring a new believer into the church.

the church. the church. New believers need old believers. Old New believers need old believers. Old New believers need old believers. Old believers need new believers. Having a believers need new believers. Having a believers need new believers. Having a new believer in your life can have a new believer in your life can have a new believer in your life can have a reviving effect on you. reviving effect on you. reviving effect on you. As they discover truth for the first As they discover truth for the first As they discover truth for the first time, you can rediscover them. time, you can rediscover them. time, you can rediscover them. You stabilize them, they energize you. You stabilize them, they energize you. You stabilize them, they energize you. This is illustrated with spending time This is illustrated with spending time This is illustrated with spending time with children. with children. with children. Someone asked me in an interview Someone asked me in an interview Someone asked me in an interview recently, "What do you like to do with recently, "What do you like to do with recently, "What do you like to do with your free time?" your free time?" your free time?" And I said, "I like to spend time with And I said, "I like to spend time with And I said, "I like to spend time with my grandkids." my grandkids." my grandkids." I call them up or text them, "Hey, what I call them up or text them, "Hey, what I call them up or text them, "Hey, what are you doing? You want to go are you doing? You want to go are you doing? You want to go somewhere?" "Yeah, we want to go do somewhere?" "Yeah, we want to go do somewhere?" "Yeah, we want to go do this, Papa. We want to get ice cream." this, Papa. We want to get ice cream." this, Papa. We want to get ice cream." Then we're going to get ice cream. "We Then we're going to get ice cream. "We Then we're going to get ice cream. "We want to walk around in the mall." Let's want to walk around in the mall." Let's want to walk around in the mall." Let's do it. "We want to do this other thing." do it. "We want to do this other thing." do it. "We want to do this other thing." Let's do that. See, my job is not to Let's do that. See, my job is not to Let's do that. See, my job is not to parent them, my job is to grandparent parent them, my job is to grandparent parent them, my job is to grandparent them. them. them. Fill them up with sugar and send them on Fill them up with sugar and send them on Fill them up with sugar and send them on home. home. home. Right? Right? Right? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> No, but seriously. It's to enter into >> No, but seriously. It's to enter into >> No, but seriously. It's to enter into their life, do what they want to do. You their life, do what they want to do. You their life, do what they want to do. You say, say, say, "Well, you know, that's a nice thing for "Well, you know, that's a nice thing for "Well, you know, that's a nice thing for you to do." Actually, I enjoy it. It's you to do." Actually, I enjoy it. It's you to do." Actually, I enjoy it. It's good for me, too. And I think when you good for me, too. And I think when you good for me, too. And I think when you have a new believer in your life, it have a new believer in your life, it have a new believer in your life, it energizes you, as well. You know, some energizes you, as well. You know, some energizes you, as well. You know, some grandparents have collected a lot of grandparents have collected a lot of grandparents have collected a lot of things over the years that they have in things over the years that they have in things over the years that they have in their home their home their home and they say to the grandkids when they and they say to the grandkids when they and they say to the grandkids when they come over, "Don't touch anything. That's come over, "Don't touch anything. That's come over, "Don't touch anything. That's fragile. Don't break that." You know, fragile. Don't break that." You know, fragile. Don't break that." You know, get rid of all that junk, okay? Put it get rid of all that junk, okay? Put it get rid of all that junk, okay? Put it in a box. No one likes it anyway.

in a box. No one likes it anyway. in a box. No one likes it anyway. It's funky old stuff. It's funky old stuff. It's funky old stuff. Put it away. Go admire it sometime in Put it away. Go admire it sometime in Put it away. Go admire it sometime in your own. When your grandkids come in, your own. When your grandkids come in, your own. When your grandkids come in, make your home a welcoming place. And make your home a welcoming place. And make your home a welcoming place. And the same is true spiritually. Have a the same is true spiritually. Have a the same is true spiritually. Have a life. Have a lifestyle. Have a home life. Have a lifestyle. Have a home life. Have a lifestyle. Have a home that's welcoming to new believers. It's that's welcoming to new believers. It's that's welcoming to new believers. It's good for them and it's good for you. good for them and it's good for you. good for them and it's good for you. Because a new believer might ask Because a new believer might ask Because a new believer might ask questions that you don't have the questions that you don't have the questions that you don't have the answers to. Therefore, you got to get answers to. Therefore, you got to get answers to. Therefore, you got to get back in the Bible again. And they'll back in the Bible again. And they'll back in the Bible again. And they'll remind you of things that maybe you have remind you of things that maybe you have remind you of things that maybe you have forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. I read an article about a number of I read an article about a number of I read an article about a number of billionaires who are trying to find a billionaires who are trying to find a billionaires who are trying to find a cure for aging. cure for aging. cure for aging. And some of them are getting blood I'm And some of them are getting blood I'm And some of them are getting blood I'm not making this up. This seems insane to not making this up. This seems insane to not making this up. This seems insane to me. They're getting blood transfusions me. They're getting blood transfusions me. They're getting blood transfusions from healthy young people from the ages from healthy young people from the ages from healthy young people from the ages of 16 and 25 believing it will reverse of 16 and 25 believing it will reverse of 16 and 25 believing it will reverse the aging process. the aging process. the aging process. What they didn't plan for was the fact What they didn't plan for was the fact What they didn't plan for was the fact that after getting these blood that after getting these blood that after getting these blood transfusions, they moved back into their transfusions, they moved back into their transfusions, they moved back into their parents' house and played video games parents' house and played video games parents' house and played video games nonstop. So nonstop. So nonstop. So No, listen, you want a blood No, listen, you want a blood No, listen, you want a blood transfusion, transfusion, transfusion, get a new believer that you can help get a new believer that you can help get a new believer that you can help grow spiritually.

grow spiritually. grow spiritually. New believers are the lifeblood of the New believers are the lifeblood of the New believers are the lifeblood of the church. church. church. You show me a church that doesn't have a You show me a church that doesn't have a You show me a church that doesn't have a constant flow of new believers in it and constant flow of new believers in it and constant flow of new believers in it and I will show you a church that's I will show you a church that's I will show you a church that's beginning to stagnate. beginning to stagnate. beginning to stagnate. As I've said before, we have a choice. As I've said before, we have a choice. As I've said before, we have a choice. Evangelize or fossilize. Evangelize or fossilize. Evangelize or fossilize. We don't want to live in the past. We We don't want to live in the past. We We don't want to live in the past. We rejoice in what God has done, but that's rejoice in what God has done, but that's rejoice in what God has done, but that's then and this is now. then and this is now. then and this is now. And we want to keep reaching new people And we want to keep reaching new people And we want to keep reaching new people and help them come into a relationship and help them come into a relationship and help them come into a relationship with Christ. And that brings us now to with Christ. And that brings us now to with Christ. And that brings us now to what we call what we call what we call the Great Commission here in Matthew 28. the Great Commission here in Matthew 28. the Great Commission here in Matthew 28. Verse 16, Jesus said to his disciples, Verse 16, Jesus said to his disciples, Verse 16, Jesus said to his disciples, "I've been given all authority in heaven "I've been given all authority in heaven "I've been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make and on earth. Therefore, go and make and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach these new and of the Holy Spirit. Teach these new and of the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all my commands I have disciples to obey all my commands I have disciples to obey all my commands I have given you and be sure of this," says our given you and be sure of this," says our given you and be sure of this," says our Lord, "I'm with you even to the end of Lord, "I'm with you even to the end of Lord, "I'm with you even to the end of the age."

the age." the age." Next point, before I can make a Next point, before I can make a Next point, before I can make a disciple, I have to first be a disciple. disciple, I have to first be a disciple. disciple, I have to first be a disciple. Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? And Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? And Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? And are you discipling someone else? Listen, are you discipling someone else? Listen, are you discipling someone else? Listen, we should be either discipling someone we should be either discipling someone we should be either discipling someone or we should be being discipled by or we should be being discipled by or we should be being discipled by someone. In other words, we should someone. In other words, we should someone. In other words, we should either have a new believer in our life either have a new believer in our life either have a new believer in our life that we're helping out or we should have that we're helping out or we should have that we're helping out or we should have an older believer in our life that's an older believer in our life that's an older believer in our life that's helping us out and guess what? Sometimes helping us out and guess what? Sometimes helping us out and guess what? Sometimes you can do both at the same time. you can do both at the same time. you can do both at the same time. You can have someone that's mentoring You can have someone that's mentoring You can have someone that's mentoring you and you can be mentoring somebody you and you can be mentoring somebody you and you can be mentoring somebody else. This is really important and it's else. This is really important and it's else. This is really important and it's part of what we're called to do. What is part of what we're called to do. What is part of what we're called to do. What is the Great Commission? Number one, he the Great Commission? Number one, he the Great Commission? Number one, he says be baptized in the name of the says be baptized in the name of the says be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. And Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. And Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. And what else are we to do? We're to teach what else are we to do? We're to teach what else are we to do? We're to teach people to obey his commands. And by the people to obey his commands. And by the people to obey his commands. And by the way, the Great Commission way, the Great Commission way, the Great Commission is a command. In other words, Jesus is a command. In other words, Jesus is a command. In other words, Jesus says, "Hey, if you can work it out in says, "Hey, if you can work it out in says, "Hey, if you can work it out in your busy schedule, your busy schedule, your busy schedule, would you mind as a personal favor to go would you mind as a personal favor to go would you mind as a personal favor to go into all the world?" No, he says, "I'm into all the world?" No, he says, "I'm into all the world?" No, he says, "I'm your Lord. I'm your commander and I your Lord. I'm your commander and I your Lord. I'm your commander and I command you to go into all the world and command you to go into all the world and command you to go into all the world and preach the gospel."

preach the gospel." preach the gospel." I like to be commanded by Jesus, don't I like to be commanded by Jesus, don't I like to be commanded by Jesus, don't you? you? you? That's a great thing to do. That's a great thing to do. That's a great thing to do. >> [applause] >> I remember years ago I had the privilege >> I remember years ago I had the privilege of being asked to be on the board of of being asked to be on the board of of being asked to be on the board of directors of the Billy Graham directors of the Billy Graham directors of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Evangelistic Association Evangelistic Association by Billy himself. by Billy himself. by Billy himself. And so I was brought onto the board and And so I was brought onto the board and And so I was brought onto the board and one day Billy said, "I need a hat." one day Billy said, "I need a hat." one day Billy said, "I need a hat." Because Billy was always losing his Because Billy was always losing his Because Billy was always losing his hats. Somehow he thought that a ball cap hats. Somehow he thought that a ball cap hats. Somehow he thought that a ball cap would disguise him. But people always would disguise him. But people always would disguise him. But people always managed to recognize Billy. Because he managed to recognize Billy. Because he managed to recognize Billy. Because he had a profile you could put on Mount had a profile you could put on Mount had a profile you could put on Mount Rushmore, you know, a very distinctive Rushmore, you know, a very distinctive Rushmore, you know, a very distinctive profile. People always recognize him, profile. People always recognize him, profile. People always recognize him, but he wanted a hat. but he wanted a hat. but he wanted a hat. "Greg," he said, "I want you to get me a "Greg," he said, "I want you to get me a "Greg," he said, "I want you to get me a hat." I felt like I was on a mission hat." I felt like I was on a mission hat." I felt like I was on a mission from God. from God. from God. We were in some city where he was doing We were in some city where he was doing We were in some city where he was doing a crusade and I went down to the local a crusade and I went down to the local a crusade and I went down to the local mall and I found a hat store. I think it mall and I found a hat store. I think it mall and I found a hat store. I think it was called Lids, maybe. was called Lids, maybe. was called Lids, maybe. And I've never seen so many hats in my And I've never seen so many hats in my And I've never seen so many hats in my life. life. life. And I didn't know what his size was. I'm And I didn't know what his size was. I'm And I didn't know what his size was. I'm looking and praying, "God, give me looking and praying, "God, give me looking and praying, "God, give me wisdom. What's the right hat for Billy wisdom. What's the right hat for Billy wisdom. What's the right hat for Billy Graham?"

Graham?" Graham?" And then I finally found a hat and I And then I finally found a hat and I And then I finally found a hat and I went to him, "Billy, I got you a hat." went to him, "Billy, I got you a hat." went to him, "Billy, I got you a hat." It's a ball cap. He says, "Thank you." It's a ball cap. He says, "Thank you." It's a ball cap. He says, "Thank you." He put it on. He put it on. He put it on. The next day there was a picture of him The next day there was a picture of him The next day there was a picture of him wearing my hat. I said, "That's my hat. wearing my hat. I said, "That's my hat. wearing my hat. I said, "That's my hat. I got him that hat." I got him that hat." I got him that hat." And then he lost it. So, you know. And then he lost it. So, you know. And then he lost it. So, you know. But but I I I love the fact that Billy But but I I I love the fact that Billy But but I I I love the fact that Billy Graham said, "Do this for me." It was my Graham said, "Do this for me." It was my Graham said, "Do this for me." It was my honor. It's my privilege to do anything honor. It's my privilege to do anything honor. It's my privilege to do anything to help a man of God like that. Now to help a man of God like that. Now to help a man of God like that. Now think the Lord Jesus Christ is saying, think the Lord Jesus Christ is saying, think the Lord Jesus Christ is saying, "Do this for me." "Do this for me." "Do this for me." Look at all that I've done for you. Look at all that I've done for you. Look at all that I've done for you. Now I want you to do the following. Go Now I want you to do the following. Go Now I want you to do the following. Go into all the world and make disciples of into all the world and make disciples of into all the world and make disciples of all nations. It's a command. all nations. It's a command. all nations. It's a command. It's not given to It's not given to It's not given to only the original disciples, nor is it only the original disciples, nor is it only the original disciples, nor is it given to the so-called professionals given to the so-called professionals given to the so-called professionals alone like pastors or evangelists or alone like pastors or evangelists or alone like pastors or evangelists or missionaries. These words are addressed missionaries. These words are addressed missionaries. These words are addressed to every follower of Jesus. They're to every follower of Jesus. They're to every follower of Jesus. They're addressed to you. So, here's my addressed to you. So, here's my addressed to you. So, here's my question. Are you making disciples? question. Are you making disciples? question. Are you making disciples? When's the last time you've shared the When's the last time you've shared the When's the last time you've shared the gospel? When's the last time you've gospel? When's the last time you've gospel? When's the last time you've taken a new believer under your wing and taken a new believer under your wing and taken a new believer under your wing and helped them to grow [music] spiritually.

>> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. Whenever [music] you send us an email, Whenever [music] you send us an email, Whenever [music] you send us an email, letter, or post a comment on social letter, or post a comment on social letter, or post a comment on social media, we read every word. media, we read every word. media, we read every word. >> Hi Pastor Greg, I'm a retired United >> Hi Pastor Greg, I'm a retired United >> Hi Pastor Greg, I'm a retired United States [music] Marine who thanks God for States [music] Marine who thanks God for States [music] Marine who thanks God for your preaching. I love listening to your your preaching. I love listening to your your preaching. I love listening to your podcast. I'm still trusting God that he podcast. I'm still trusting God that he podcast. I'm still trusting God that he will save my wife and two daughters. I will save my wife and two daughters. I will save my wife and two daughters. I wish I would have shown Jesus to them wish I would have shown Jesus to them wish I would have shown Jesus to them earlier, but I'm praying now for their earlier, but I'm praying now for their earlier, but I'm praying now for their salvation every day. May God bless you salvation every day. May God bless you salvation every day. May God bless you and your family, Greg. and your family, Greg. and your family, Greg. >> Has Pastor Greg [music] heard from you? >> Has Pastor Greg [music] heard from you? >> Has Pastor Greg [music] heard from you? Why not drop him an email and let him Why not drop him an email and let him Why not drop him an email and let him know. Send it [music] to know. Send it [music] to know. Send it [music] to [email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected]. Again, that's [email protected]. [music] >> Well, we're getting some important >> Well, we're getting some important perspective on the discipleship process perspective on the discipleship process perspective on the discipleship process today as Pastor Greg shows us how it today as Pastor Greg shows us how it today as Pastor Greg shows us how it helps equip new believers and long-time helps equip new believers and long-time helps equip new believers and long-time believers as well. believers as well. believers as well. >> The calling of God is the enabling of >> The calling of God is the enabling of >> The calling of God is the enabling of God. He will give you all of the power God. He will give you all of the power God. He will give you all of the power that you need. Look at verse 18. Jesus that you need. Look at verse 18. Jesus that you need. Look at verse 18. Jesus says, "All power is given to me in says, "All power is given to me in says, "All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore and heaven and in earth. Go therefore and heaven and in earth. Go therefore and make disciples."

make disciples." make disciples." Now, whenever you see the word Now, whenever you see the word Now, whenever you see the word therefore, find out what it's there for. therefore, find out what it's there for. therefore, find out what it's there for. It's always drawing on what was It's always drawing on what was It's always drawing on what was previously said. So, contextually, Jesus previously said. So, contextually, Jesus previously said. So, contextually, Jesus says, says, says, "All power is given to me in heaven and "All power is given to me in heaven and "All power is given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore." Wait, but you on earth. Go therefore." Wait, but you on earth. Go therefore." Wait, but you have the power. I don't have it. No, I'm have the power. I don't have it. No, I'm have the power. I don't have it. No, I'm giving it to you. giving it to you. giving it to you. Says Jesus, "Go therefore Says Jesus, "Go therefore Says Jesus, "Go therefore into all the world and make disciples." into all the world and make disciples." into all the world and make disciples." What does it mean to go and make What does it mean to go and make What does it mean to go and make disciples? It means to lead others to disciples? It means to lead others to disciples? It means to lead others to Christ, establish them spiritually, and Christ, establish them spiritually, and Christ, establish them spiritually, and do it again. do it again. do it again. It's sort of like wash, rinse, repeat. It's sort of like wash, rinse, repeat. It's sort of like wash, rinse, repeat. You've seen that on some direction for You've seen that on some direction for You've seen that on some direction for cleaning something. Wash, rinse, repeat. cleaning something. Wash, rinse, repeat. cleaning something. Wash, rinse, repeat. Or evangelize, stabilize, immobilize. Or evangelize, stabilize, immobilize. Or evangelize, stabilize, immobilize. This is our job. You do it, you do it This is our job. You do it, you do it This is our job. You do it, you do it again, you do it again, and you do it again, you do it again, and you do it again, you do it again, and you do it few more times, and then you keep doing few more times, and then you keep doing few more times, and then you keep doing it. It never stops. It's a lifetime it. It never stops. It's a lifetime it. It never stops. It's a lifetime commitment. Somewhere along the line commitment. Somewhere along the line commitment. Somewhere along the line we've separated evangelism from we've separated evangelism from we've separated evangelism from discipleship, but they're really one in discipleship, but they're really one in discipleship, but they're really one in the same.

the same. the same. The Great Commission is not just gospel The Great Commission is not just gospel The Great Commission is not just gospel proclamation, it's follow-up, and it's proclamation, it's follow-up, and it's proclamation, it's follow-up, and it's discipleship. discipleship. discipleship. And it would be like a doctor, you know, And it would be like a doctor, you know, And it would be like a doctor, you know, delivering a baby, and then giving the delivering a baby, and then giving the delivering a baby, and then giving the baby a box of Pampers and saying, "Son, baby a box of Pampers and saying, "Son, baby a box of Pampers and saying, "Son, you got to get out there. It's a rough you got to get out there. It's a rough you got to get out there. It's a rough world, but you'll do okay." world, but you'll do okay." world, but you'll do okay." That baby needs to be cared for. That baby needs to be cared for. That baby needs to be cared for. Speaking of babies, a study was Speaking of babies, a study was Speaking of babies, a study was conducted in a large hospital, and they conducted in a large hospital, and they conducted in a large hospital, and they discovered something interesting. They discovered something interesting. They discovered something interesting. They found that the people working in the found that the people working in the found that the people working in the nursery noticed that the babies who were nursery noticed that the babies who were nursery noticed that the babies who were in their cribs near the door did better in their cribs near the door did better in their cribs near the door did better than the babies in the cribs in the than the babies in the cribs in the than the babies in the cribs in the other parts of the room. They wondered other parts of the room. They wondered other parts of the room. They wondered why. After careful study, they why. After careful study, they why. After careful study, they discovered the nurses were more prone to discovered the nurses were more prone to discovered the nurses were more prone to give attention to the babies near the give attention to the babies near the give attention to the babies near the door as they went about their duties. door as they went about their duties. door as they went about their duties. This is what a new believer needs. They This is what a new believer needs. They This is what a new believer needs. They need care. They need attention. You need need care. They need attention. You need need care. They need attention. You need to take time for them. This is what to take time for them. This is what to take time for them. This is what we're all called to do. And listen to we're all called to do. And listen to we're all called to do. And listen to what Christ says in closing. what Christ says in closing. what Christ says in closing. He says, "Go into all the world, make He says, "Go into all the world, make He says, "Go into all the world, make disciples of all nations." And then he disciples of all nations." And then he disciples of all nations." And then he says, "And lo, I am with you even to the says, "And lo, I am with you even to the says, "And lo, I am with you even to the end of the age."

end of the age." end of the age." This promise is not simply saying that This promise is not simply saying that This promise is not simply saying that Jesus is with us, Jesus is with us, Jesus is with us, but he is, if you're a Christian. but he is, if you're a Christian. but he is, if you're a Christian. Because Jesus said, "I'll never leave Because Jesus said, "I'll never leave Because Jesus said, "I'll never leave you or forsake you." you or forsake you." you or forsake you." But this is a promise in its context But this is a promise in its context But this is a promise in its context that is specifically saying to those who that is specifically saying to those who that is specifically saying to those who are fulfilling the Great Commission. are fulfilling the Great Commission. are fulfilling the Great Commission. Allow me to paraphrase. Jesus is saying, Allow me to paraphrase. Jesus is saying, Allow me to paraphrase. Jesus is saying, "As you go into all the world and make "As you go into all the world and make "As you go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, teaching them disciples of all nations, teaching them disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all things that I've to observe all things that I've to observe all things that I've commanded you. Lo, I am with you. In commanded you. Lo, I am with you. In commanded you. Lo, I am with you. In other words, I'm going to be with you in other words, I'm going to be with you in other words, I'm going to be with you in a special way. I'm going to bless you in a special way. I'm going to bless you in a special way. I'm going to bless you in a unique way. I'm going to use you in a a unique way. I'm going to use you in a a unique way. I'm going to use you in a fantastic way as you go about doing this fantastic way as you go about doing this fantastic way as you go about doing this thing that I've called you to do. So, thing that I've called you to do. So, thing that I've called you to do. So, this is a great promise. It's a blessing this is a great promise. It's a blessing this is a great promise. It's a blessing to us as well as to the person we are to us as well as to the person we are to us as well as to the person we are helping. So, here's my question for you. helping. So, here's my question for you. helping. So, here's my question for you. Are you doing this? And if not, why not? Are you doing this? And if not, why not? Are you doing this? And if not, why not? Let's do it. Let's do it. Let's do it. This is a lifelong calling for all of us This is a lifelong calling for all of us This is a lifelong calling for all of us to be engaged in.

to be engaged in. to be engaged in. But, we can't do this on our own But, we can't do this on our own But, we can't do this on our own strength. We're going to fail. We're strength. We're going to fail. We're strength. We're going to fail. We're going to fall short. But, there's a going to fall short. But, there's a going to fall short. But, there's a promise of power to every Christian to promise of power to every Christian to promise of power to every Christian to do what God has called them to do. do what God has called them to do. do what God has called them to do. In Acts 1:8, Jesus says, "You shall In Acts 1:8, Jesus says, "You shall In Acts 1:8, Jesus says, "You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has receive power after the Holy Spirit has receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you to be witnesses to me in come upon you to be witnesses to me in come upon you to be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth." uttermost parts of the earth." uttermost parts of the earth." I'll give you the power you need. And I'll give you the power you need. And I'll give you the power you need. And it's interesting the word that Christ it's interesting the word that Christ it's interesting the word that Christ uses for power there. It comes from the uses for power there. It comes from the uses for power there. It comes from the Greek word dunamis. Greek word dunamis. Greek word dunamis. Dunamis. Dunamis. Dunamis. Which we translate into the word Which we translate into the word Which we translate into the word dynamite. You've probably heard of dynamite. You've probably heard of dynamite. You've probably heard of Alfred Nobel Alfred Nobel Alfred Nobel because there's something called the because there's something called the because there's something called the Nobel Peace Prize. Nobel Peace Prize. Nobel Peace Prize. Did you know that Alfred Nobel was an Did you know that Alfred Nobel was an Did you know that Alfred Nobel was an incredible inventor? And he actually incredible inventor? And he actually incredible inventor? And he actually invented something that we now know as invented something that we now know as invented something that we now know as dynamite. dynamite. dynamite. So, during World War I, this was a game So, during World War I, this was a game So, during World War I, this was a game changer to have something with that changer to have something with that changer to have something with that explosive power. explosive power. explosive power. And uh Nobel went to a friend who knew And uh Nobel went to a friend who knew And uh Nobel went to a friend who knew Greek. And he said, "What is the Greek Greek. And he said, "What is the Greek Greek. And he said, "What is the Greek word for explosion?" And the man said, word for explosion?" And the man said, word for explosion?" And the man said, "Well, it's dunamis." And so, Nobel "Well, it's dunamis." And so, Nobel "Well, it's dunamis." And so, Nobel named it dynamite. But, the problem was named it dynamite. But, the problem was named it dynamite. But, the problem was so many lives were taken because of so many lives were taken because of so many lives were taken because of dynamite.

dynamite. dynamite. Uh Alfred Nobel decided he didn't want Uh Alfred Nobel decided he didn't want Uh Alfred Nobel decided he didn't want to be known for that. to be known for that. to be known for that. So, he developed something called the So, he developed something called the So, he developed something called the Nobel Peace Prize, which had a cash Nobel Peace Prize, which had a cash Nobel Peace Prize, which had a cash prize attached to it that was given to prize attached to it that was given to prize attached to it that was given to people who work for the cause of peace. people who work for the cause of peace. people who work for the cause of peace. And today we know him more for that. But And today we know him more for that. But And today we know him more for that. But here's the point. here's the point. here's the point. Explosive dynamite power. Paul says, Explosive dynamite power. Paul says, Explosive dynamite power. Paul says, "I'm not ashamed of the gospel of "I'm not ashamed of the gospel of "I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It's the power." Same word, of Christ. It's the power." Same word, of Christ. It's the power." Same word, of God, under salvation. There's power. God, under salvation. There's power. God, under salvation. There's power. And you need power. And you need power. And you need power. We all need power. We plug our phones in We all need power. We plug our phones in We all need power. We plug our phones in every day. My phone is constantly every day. My phone is constantly every day. My phone is constantly draining. What about yours? draining. What about yours? draining. What about yours? And we plug in our cars now, too. We And we plug in our cars now, too. We And we plug in our cars now, too. We plug in all kinds of things. plug in all kinds of things. plug in all kinds of things. God wants to infuse you with Holy Spirit God wants to infuse you with Holy Spirit God wants to infuse you with Holy Spirit power each and every day. power each and every day. power each and every day. The Bible says, "Don't be drunk with The Bible says, "Don't be drunk with The Bible says, "Don't be drunk with wine, wine, wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit, but be filled with the Holy Spirit, but be filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making and spiritual songs, singing and making and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." And melody in your heart to the Lord." And melody in your heart to the Lord." And that word that is used there for be that word that is used there for be that word that is used there for be filled means be constantly filled over filled means be constantly filled over filled means be constantly filled over and over and over again. You need and over and over again. You need and over and over again. You need refills. Would it seem strange to you if refills. Would it seem strange to you if refills. Would it seem strange to you if uh uh uh you had a car and drove it for maybe a you had a car and drove it for maybe a you had a car and drove it for maybe a week and then it wasn't running, you week and then it wasn't running, you week and then it wasn't running, you took it to the gas station and and you took it to the gas station and and you took it to the gas station and and you think, "Can you fix this car for me?"

think, "Can you fix this car for me?" think, "Can you fix this car for me?" And they would ask you, "Have you And they would ask you, "Have you And they would ask you, "Have you refilled it with gas?" "Oh, I didn't refilled it with gas?" "Oh, I didn't refilled it with gas?" "Oh, I didn't know about that. No one told me." Yeah, know about that. No one told me." Yeah, know about that. No one told me." Yeah, you need to refill your car. you need to refill your car. you need to refill your car. Listen, God gives refills. Listen, God gives refills. Listen, God gives refills. He'll fill you again and again. He'll fill you again and again. He'll fill you again and again. And you can ask him for that power. So, And you can ask him for that power. So, And you can ask him for that power. So, we're going to close our service today we're going to close our service today we're going to close our service today by asking God to give us this power we by asking God to give us this power we by asking God to give us this power we need to do this job he has called us to need to do this job he has called us to need to do this job he has called us to do. do. do. And this power is available. So, we'll And this power is available. So, we'll And this power is available. So, we'll pray together and say, "Lord, pray together and say, "Lord, pray together and say, "Lord, fill us with the Holy Spirit." fill us with the Holy Spirit." fill us with the Holy Spirit." You want to do that? You want to do that? You want to do that? Let's pray. Father, thank you Let's pray. Father, thank you Let's pray. Father, thank you for your promise. Thank you for your for your promise. Thank you for your for your promise. Thank you for your calling. calling. calling. Thank you for the privilege of serving Thank you for the privilege of serving Thank you for the privilege of serving you. And you have promised power. you. And you have promised power. you. And you have promised power. You've said you will give the Holy You've said you will give the Holy You've said you will give the Holy Spirit to those that ask you. Spirit to those that ask you. Spirit to those that ask you. So, we ask now because scripture So, we ask now because scripture So, we ask now because scripture promises ask and it shall be given. Seek promises ask and it shall be given. Seek promises ask and it shall be given. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door and you shall find. Knock and the door and you shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened. So, we're asking shall be opened. So, we're asking shall be opened. So, we're asking for this power in our life.

for this power in our life. for this power in our life. Power to be a witness. Power to be a witness. Power to be a witness. Power to overcome our fears. Power Power to overcome our fears. Power Power to overcome our fears. Power to take risks for the kingdom of God. to take risks for the kingdom of God. to take risks for the kingdom of God. Power Power Power to share our faith. Power to disciple. to share our faith. Power to disciple. to share our faith. Power to disciple. To take other believers under our wing To take other believers under our wing To take other believers under our wing and be a friend to them. Be an example and be a friend to them. Be an example and be a friend to them. Be an example to them. to them. to them. Be someone who can mentor them and help Be someone who can mentor them and help Be someone who can mentor them and help them get them get them get mature and strong. mature and strong. mature and strong. And then go and repeat this process And then go and repeat this process And then go and repeat this process again and again. We see the calling, again and again. We see the calling, again and again. We see the calling, Lord. We fall short. So, we're praying Lord. We fall short. So, we're praying Lord. We fall short. So, we're praying now that you will fill us with your Holy now that you will fill us with your Holy now that you will fill us with your Holy Spirit. Why don't we just pray this Spirit. Why don't we just pray this Spirit. Why don't we just pray this together? Just Just pray this after me. together? Just Just pray this after me. together? Just Just pray this after me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, Lord. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, Lord. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, Lord. Just pray that. There it is. There it is. Fill us, Lord. Fill us, Lord. Fill us, Lord. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Today, tonight, Today, tonight, Today, tonight, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, open doors of opportunity for us.

open doors of opportunity for us. open doors of opportunity for us. Let us be sensitive to your leading. Let us be sensitive to your leading. Let us be sensitive to your leading. Help us to not quench the Holy Spirit, Help us to not quench the Holy Spirit, Help us to not quench the Holy Spirit, but help us instead to yield to the Holy but help us instead to yield to the Holy but help us instead to yield to the Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. And Lord, we know that you will guide us And Lord, we know that you will guide us And Lord, we know that you will guide us and empower us and empower us and empower us and do things through us that will amaze and do things through us that will amaze and do things through us that will amaze us if we'll just [music] open up. us if we'll just [music] open up. us if we'll just [music] open up. Amen. >> Pastor Greg [music] Laurie praying that >> Pastor Greg [music] Laurie praying that God would empower us to serve him God would empower us to serve him God would empower us to serve him properly. properly. properly. Important insights on the dynamic of Important insights on the dynamic of Important insights on the dynamic of discipleship today on A New Beginning. discipleship today on A New Beginning. discipleship today on A New Beginning. Glad you've tuned in. Glad you've tuned in. Glad you've tuned in. And then let us take a moment to thank And then let us take a moment to thank And then let us take a moment to thank you for praying for this ministry and you for praying for this ministry and you for praying for this ministry and for supporting it through your generous for supporting it through your generous for supporting it through your generous donation. It's an investment in kingdom donation. It's an investment in kingdom donation. It's an investment in kingdom business. Isn't that right, Pastor Greg? business. Isn't that right, Pastor Greg? business. Isn't that right, Pastor Greg? >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. And I >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. And I >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. And I believe it's so important because you believe it's so important because you believe it's so important because you know, the gospel saves lives. It saves know, the gospel saves lives. It saves know, the gospel saves lives. It saves eternal lives. eternal lives. eternal lives. Because when a person believes in Jesus Because when a person believes in Jesus Because when a person believes in Jesus according to scripture, they pass from according to scripture, they pass from according to scripture, they pass from darkness to light, from the power of darkness to light, from the power of darkness to light, from the power of Satan to the power of God. And then of Satan to the power of God. And then of Satan to the power of God. And then of course, that changes the course of their course, that changes the course of their course, that changes the course of their future. That impacts their children and future. That impacts their children and future. That impacts their children and their children's children. The gospel their children's children. The gospel their children's children. The gospel changes everything. And thousands and changes everything. And thousands and changes everything. And thousands and thousands of people respond every single thousands of people respond every single thousands of people respond every single year.

year. year. Thanks to the Lord. Thanks to the Lord. Thanks to the Lord. Also thanks to you for your investment Also thanks to you for your investment Also thanks to you for your investment in this ministry, enabling us to reach in this ministry, enabling us to reach in this ministry, enabling us to reach people wherever they are. So, if this is people wherever they are. So, if this is people wherever they are. So, if this is something you care about, I encourage something you care about, I encourage something you care about, I encourage you to make a financial investment in A you to make a financial investment in A you to make a financial investment in A New Beginning and Harvest Ministries. New Beginning and Harvest Ministries. New Beginning and Harvest Ministries. >> Yeah, that's right. And we really do >> Yeah, that's right. And we really do >> Yeah, that's right. And we really do appreciate your support. Thanks for appreciate your support. Thanks for appreciate your support. Thanks for partnering with us today. It can make a partnering with us today. It can make a partnering with us today. It can make a real difference, not just for today or real difference, not just for today or real difference, not just for today or this week, but for eternity. this week, but for eternity. this week, but for eternity. So, get in touch with your support today So, get in touch with your support today So, get in touch with your support today by calling 1-800-821-3300. That's a 24/7 phone number, That's a 24/7 phone number, 1-800-821-3300. 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. or go online to harvest.org. or go online to harvest.org. And while you're online with us, why not And while you're online with us, why not And while you're online with us, why not begin receiving Pastor Greg's daily begin receiving Pastor Greg's daily begin receiving Pastor Greg's daily devotions via email every day. They're devotions via email every day. They're devotions via email every day. They're free of charge. We'll send them to the free of charge. We'll send them to the free of charge. We'll send them to the email address you provide for us. And email address you provide for us. And email address you provide for us. And when they arrive, you can read them or when they arrive, you can read them or when they arrive, you can read them or with one click, listen to the audio with one click, listen to the audio with one click, listen to the audio version. Sign up today free of charge version. Sign up today free of charge version. Sign up today free of charge [music] at harvest.org.

[music] at harvest.org. [music] at harvest.org. >> Well, next time Pastor Greg presents >> Well, next time Pastor Greg presents >> Well, next time Pastor Greg presents important insight on the challenging important insight on the challenging important insight on the challenging [music] times of trial and suffering we [music] times of trial and suffering we [music] times of trial and suffering we may face and the way God will use may face and the way God will use may face and the way God will use [music] those times to help us grow. [music] those times to help us grow. [music] those times to help us grow. Join us here on A New Beginning with Join us here on A New Beginning with Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie. Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie. Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie. >> A new >> A new >> A new beginning beginning beginning >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> with >> with >> with life begins.