What Happens When Christians Pray Together | Talking with God

Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg Laurie has a great [music] new book Laurie has a great [music] new book Laurie has a great [music] new book called What Every Growing Christian called What Every Growing Christian called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know that will help. Needs to Know that will help. Needs to Know that will help. >> Let's say you're feeling lethargic and >> Let's say you're feeling lethargic and >> Let's say you're feeling lethargic and tired. You know, if you have a [music] tired. You know, if you have a [music] tired. You know, if you have a [music] diet of social media and you don't take diet of social media and you don't take diet of social media and you don't take time for the word of God, this [music] time for the word of God, this [music] time for the word of God, this [music] is going to have a damaging effect. So, is going to have a damaging effect. So, is going to have a damaging effect. So, this is just one of the things we talk this is just one of the things we talk this is just one of the things we talk about in this new book called What Every about in this new book called What Every about in this new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know. Growing Christian Needs to Know. Growing Christian Needs to Know. >> Available at harvest.org. >> You know, much of our prayer [music] has >> You know, much of our prayer [music] has no power in it because there's no heart no power in it because there's no heart no power in it because there's no heart in it. And if we put so [music] little in it. And if we put so [music] little in it. And if we put so [music] little heart in our prayers, we should not heart in our prayers, we should not heart in our prayers, we should not expect God to put much [music] heart in expect God to put much [music] heart in expect God to put much [music] heart in answering them. answering them. answering them. >> Coming up today, Pastor Greg Laurie >> Coming up today, Pastor Greg Laurie >> Coming up today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how energizing it is to have points out how energizing it is to have points out how energizing it is to have a productive prayer life. As [music] a productive prayer life. As [music] a productive prayer life. As [music] we'll discover, it's really what the we'll discover, it's really what the we'll discover, it's really what the Lord wants for each of us. Lord wants for each of us. Lord wants for each of us. >> Keep praying. Jesus [music] said, "Keep >> Keep praying. Jesus [music] said, "Keep >> Keep praying. Jesus [music] said, "Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Pray with persistence. Don't give up."

[music] [music] >> Some people seem to dabble at prayer. >> Some people seem to dabble at prayer. >> Some people seem to dabble at prayer. "Lord, bless everybody everywhere. "Lord, bless everybody everywhere. "Lord, bless everybody everywhere. Amen." [music] Amen." [music] Amen." [music] Others get on their knees and pray Others get on their knees and pray Others get on their knees and pray earnestly, wholeheartedly, passionately. earnestly, wholeheartedly, passionately. earnestly, wholeheartedly, passionately. Prayer can [music] actually energize our Prayer can [music] actually energize our Prayer can [music] actually energize our faith. And faith can energize our faith. And faith can energize our faith. And faith can energize our prayers. And today on A New Beginning, prayers. And today on A New Beginning, prayers. And today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie helps [music] us move Pastor Greg Laurie helps [music] us move Pastor Greg Laurie helps [music] us move to a more immersive, more rewarding to a more immersive, more rewarding to a more immersive, more rewarding experience in talking with God. We'll experience in talking with God. We'll experience in talking with God. We'll learn some [music] important principles learn some [music] important principles learn some [music] important principles that will take us there. It's a good that will take us there. It's a good that will take us there. It's a good time to take notes. >> [music] >> [music] >> The day when >> The day when >> The day when life begins. life begins. life begins. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Okay, let's grab our Bibles and turn to >> Okay, let's grab our Bibles and turn to >> Okay, let's grab our Bibles and turn to Acts chapter 12. Acts chapter 12. Acts chapter 12. Acts chapter 12, we're in our series Acts chapter 12, we're in our series Acts chapter 12, we're in our series upside down living in the book of Acts. upside down living in the book of Acts. upside down living in the book of Acts. And here's a real key And here's a real key And here's a real key into how this early church turned their into how this early church turned their into how this early church turned their world upside down. Acts 12:1. world upside down. Acts 12:1. world upside down. Acts 12:1. Now, about that time Herod the king Now, about that time Herod the king Now, about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some of stretched out his hand to harass some of stretched out his hand to harass some of the church. He killed James the brother the church. He killed James the brother the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword because he saw of John with the sword because he saw of John with the sword because he saw that it pleased the Jews. He proceeded that it pleased the Jews. He proceeded that it pleased the Jews. He proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now, this further to seize Peter also. Now, this further to seize Peter also. Now, this was during the days of unleavened bread.

was during the days of unleavened bread. was during the days of unleavened bread. So, when he had arrested him, he put him So, when he had arrested him, he put him So, when he had arrested him, he put him into prison and delivered him to four into prison and delivered him to four into prison and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him intending squads of soldiers to keep him intending squads of soldiers to keep him intending to bring him uh to the people at to bring him uh to the people at to bring him uh to the people at Passover. But, I love verse five. Passover. But, I love verse five. Passover. But, I love verse five. Underline the whole verse. Peter was Underline the whole verse. Peter was Underline the whole verse. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant therefore kept in prison, but constant therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the prayer was offered to God for him by the prayer was offered to God for him by the church. Constant prayer was offered to church. Constant prayer was offered to church. Constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. Now, here are God for him by the church. Now, here are God for him by the church. Now, here are some final insights into how to pray some final insights into how to pray some final insights into how to pray effectively. The title of my message is, effectively. The title of my message is, effectively. The title of my message is, "What happens when Christians pray "What happens when Christians pray "What happens when Christians pray together?" together?" together?" What happens when Christians pray What happens when Christians pray What happens when Christians pray together? A lot together? A lot together? A lot as shown in this story. Here's point as shown in this story. Here's point as shown in this story. Here's point number one. The prayer that has power is number one. The prayer that has power is number one. The prayer that has power is the one that is offered to God. the one that is offered to God. the one that is offered to God. The prayer that has power is the one The prayer that has power is the one The prayer that has power is the one that is offered to God. Verse five that is offered to God. Verse five that is offered to God. Verse five again, constant prayer was offered to again, constant prayer was offered to again, constant prayer was offered to God. You say, God. You say, God. You say, "What? Isn't all prayer offered to God?"

"What? Isn't all prayer offered to God?" "What? Isn't all prayer offered to God?" Well, not necessarily. Well, not necessarily. Well, not necessarily. Jesus told the story of a Pharisee who Jesus told the story of a Pharisee who Jesus told the story of a Pharisee who prayed thus with himself, which is a prayed thus with himself, which is a prayed thus with himself, which is a King James way of saying his prayer King James way of saying his prayer King James way of saying his prayer wasn't heard by God. It was sort of a wasn't heard by God. It was sort of a wasn't heard by God. It was sort of a performance. And sometimes prayers can performance. And sometimes prayers can performance. And sometimes prayers can be a performance. Look at how eloquently be a performance. Look at how eloquently be a performance. Look at how eloquently I pray. Look at me. That's not what I pray. Look at me. That's not what I pray. Look at me. That's not what prayer is about. Here's a real objective prayer is about. Here's a real objective prayer is about. Here's a real objective of prayer. of prayer. of prayer. It's not to get God to do what I want It's not to get God to do what I want It's not to get God to do what I want him to do. him to do. him to do. It's to get my will in alignment with It's to get my will in alignment with It's to get my will in alignment with him. him. him. Right? Right? Right? So, in alignment with God. So, in alignment with God. So, in alignment with God. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Jesus said in John 15, "If you abide in >> Jesus said in John 15, "If you abide in >> Jesus said in John 15, "If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall me and my words abide in you, you shall me and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done ask what you will and it shall be done ask what you will and it shall be done for you." for you." for you." All right. So, principle number two, All right. So, principle number two, All right. So, principle number two, they prayed with passion and they prayed with passion and they prayed with passion and persistence. persistence. persistence. They prayed with passion and They prayed with passion and They prayed with passion and persistence. Constant prayer, underline persistence. Constant prayer, underline persistence. Constant prayer, underline those two words, constant prayer was those two words, constant prayer was those two words, constant prayer was offered to God. This phrase constant offered to God. This phrase constant offered to God. This phrase constant prayer could be translated earnest prayer could be translated earnest prayer could be translated earnest prayer.

prayer. prayer. This is not a flippant, "Oh Lord, help This is not a flippant, "Oh Lord, help This is not a flippant, "Oh Lord, help old Peter out." old Peter out." old Peter out." This is, "Oh Lord, deliver Peter. Oh This is, "Oh Lord, deliver Peter. Oh This is, "Oh Lord, deliver Peter. Oh Lord, don't don't let Peter die. Lord, Lord, don't don't let Peter die. Lord, Lord, don't don't let Peter die. Lord, we're calling on you with passion, with we're calling on you with passion, with we're calling on you with passion, with persistence. We need your help, Lord." persistence. We need your help, Lord." persistence. We need your help, Lord." You know, much of our prayer has no You know, much of our prayer has no You know, much of our prayer has no power in it because there's no heart in power in it because there's no heart in power in it because there's no heart in it. it. it. And if we put so little heart in our And if we put so little heart in our And if we put so little heart in our prayers, we should not expect God to put prayers, we should not expect God to put prayers, we should not expect God to put much heart in answering them. much heart in answering them. much heart in answering them. Jesus said, "Knock and the door will be Jesus said, "Knock and the door will be Jesus said, "Knock and the door will be open. Seek and you shall find. Ask and open. Seek and you shall find. Ask and open. Seek and you shall find. Ask and it shall be given." And in the original it shall be given." And in the original it shall be given." And in the original language, it's keep asking, keep language, it's keep asking, keep language, it's keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Pray with seeking, keep knocking. Pray with seeking, keep knocking. Pray with persistence, don't give up. persistence, don't give up. persistence, don't give up. God answers prayer three ways, yes, no, God answers prayer three ways, yes, no, God answers prayer three ways, yes, no, and wait. and wait. and wait. Oh, we don't like wait, eh? We don't Oh, we don't like wait, eh? We don't Oh, we don't like wait, eh? We don't like no. We just want to hear yes. like no. We just want to hear yes. like no. We just want to hear yes. Here comes down to this. Sometimes God Here comes down to this. Sometimes God Here comes down to this. Sometimes God says go. says go. says go. Sometimes God says slow. Sometimes God says slow. Sometimes God says slow. And sometimes God says grow. Let me say And sometimes God says grow. Let me say And sometimes God says grow. Let me say that again. Sometimes God says go, that again. Sometimes God says go, that again. Sometimes God says go, yes. Sometimes God says, "Uh wait, slow yes. Sometimes God says, "Uh wait, slow yes. Sometimes God says, "Uh wait, slow down." And sometimes God says, "No, down." And sometimes God says, "No, down." And sometimes God says, "No, grow." Let me illustrate.

grow." Let me illustrate. grow." Let me illustrate. There was a time when the Apostle Paul There was a time when the Apostle Paul There was a time when the Apostle Paul uh came to the Lord and asked for him to uh came to the Lord and asked for him to uh came to the Lord and asked for him to heal him. heal him. heal him. Now, we don't know what Paul needed to Now, we don't know what Paul needed to Now, we don't know what Paul needed to be healed of, but I'm sure he had a lot be healed of, but I'm sure he had a lot be healed of, but I'm sure he had a lot of injuries. He was beaten with rods. He of injuries. He was beaten with rods. He of injuries. He was beaten with rods. He was shipwrecked. He was stoned. Not that was shipwrecked. He was stoned. Not that was shipwrecked. He was stoned. Not that kind of stoned. Um kind of stoned. Um kind of stoned. Um He took a lot of physical abuse. So, he He took a lot of physical abuse. So, he He took a lot of physical abuse. So, he said, "Lord, I'm asking you to heal me." said, "Lord, I'm asking you to heal me." said, "Lord, I'm asking you to heal me." And the Lord said, And the Lord said, And the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for you." In "My grace is sufficient for you." In "My grace is sufficient for you." In other words, no, Paul, I'm not going to other words, no, Paul, I'm not going to other words, no, Paul, I'm not going to heal you. heal you. heal you. But my grace is going to carry you But my grace is going to carry you But my grace is going to carry you through this. So, in effect, God said, through this. So, in effect, God said, through this. So, in effect, God said, "No." But then there's Moses. He wanted "No." But then there's Moses. He wanted "No." But then there's Moses. He wanted to deliver the children of Israel to deliver the children of Israel to deliver the children of Israel because he himself was a Hebrew and he because he himself was a Hebrew and he because he himself was a Hebrew and he was in an elevated position as probably was in an elevated position as probably was in an elevated position as probably the pharaoh in waiting the pharaoh in waiting the pharaoh in waiting uh because he was adopted into the uh because he was adopted into the uh because he was adopted into the family of the pharaoh. But he got tired family of the pharaoh. But he got tired family of the pharaoh. But he got tired of waiting on God. One day he took of waiting on God. One day he took of waiting on God. One day he took things into his own hands and he killed things into his own hands and he killed things into his own hands and he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Jewish an Egyptian who was beating a Jewish an Egyptian who was beating a Jewish man. And he was sent into exile for 40 man. And he was sent into exile for 40 man. And he was sent into exile for 40 years. He had the right idea, but he years. He had the right idea, but he years. He had the right idea, but he needed to wait on the Lord.

needed to wait on the Lord. needed to wait on the Lord. Same thing is true of Jacob. He was Same thing is true of Jacob. He was Same thing is true of Jacob. He was given the birthright by God, but he given the birthright by God, but he given the birthright by God, but he didn't want to wait for it to come his didn't want to wait for it to come his didn't want to wait for it to come his way. So, he took matters into his own way. So, he took matters into his own way. So, he took matters into his own hands and made a mess of his life. hands and made a mess of his life. hands and made a mess of his life. Listen to me. Wait on the Lord for his Listen to me. Wait on the Lord for his Listen to me. Wait on the Lord for his timing. timing. timing. And here's um And here's um And here's um a specific word to you who are young and a specific word to you who are young and a specific word to you who are young and single. single. single. How many of you are single? Raise your How many of you are single? Raise your How many of you are single? Raise your hand up. Okay. hand up. Okay. hand up. Okay. All right. You How many of you who are All right. You How many of you who are All right. You How many of you who are single? Seems like a bright in this single? Seems like a bright in this single? Seems like a bright in this section here. Okay. section here. Okay. section here. Okay. Among those who are single, how many of Among those who are single, how many of Among those who are single, how many of you who are single want to get married? you who are single want to get married? you who are single want to get married? Raise your hand up. Not all of you. Raise your hand up. Not all of you. Raise your hand up. Not all of you. Interesting. Again, that's not bad, Interesting. Again, that's not bad, Interesting. Again, that's not bad, though. Okay, here's what I would say to though. Okay, here's what I would say to though. Okay, here's what I would say to you guys. you guys. you guys. Don't do it. No, I'm kidding. I'd say take your time I'd say take your time and wait. and wait. and wait. And look for a godly man or a godly And look for a godly man or a godly And look for a godly man or a godly girl. girl. girl. Try to find someone more godly than you Try to find someone more godly than you Try to find someone more godly than you are. are. are. And And And wait on the Lord's timing. Don't rush it wait on the Lord's timing. Don't rush it wait on the Lord's timing. Don't rush it because as Benjamin Franklin once said, because as Benjamin Franklin once said, because as Benjamin Franklin once said, keep your eyes wide open before marriage keep your eyes wide open before marriage keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half shut afterwards, right?

and half shut afterwards, right? and half shut afterwards, right? But here's what happens. We say, "No, I But here's what happens. We say, "No, I But here's what happens. We say, "No, I I my eyes are half shut before I get I my eyes are half shut before I get I my eyes are half shut before I get married. I'm in love with this guy. I'm married. I'm in love with this guy. I'm married. I'm in love with this guy. I'm going to fix him." Girls, you're not going to fix him." Girls, you're not going to fix him." Girls, you're not going to fix him. going to fix him. going to fix him. He's probably going to get worse. He's probably going to get worse. He's probably going to get worse. Wait on the Lord. Wait on the Lord. Wait on the Lord. And he will get to these things in his And he will get to these things in his And he will get to these things in his time and you'll be glad you did. So, time and you'll be glad you did. So, time and you'll be glad you did. So, sometimes God says, "No." sometimes God says, "No." sometimes God says, "No." Sometimes God says, "Slow." Sometimes God says, "Slow." Sometimes God says, "Slow." Sometimes God says, "Go." Sometimes God says, "Go." Sometimes God says, "Go." Have you ever had a prayer answered so Have you ever had a prayer answered so Have you ever had a prayer answered so quickly it blew your mind? quickly it blew your mind? quickly it blew your mind? This is what's going to happen in our This is what's going to happen in our This is what's going to happen in our story now. So, they're praying, "Lord, story now. So, they're praying, "Lord, story now. So, they're praying, "Lord, deliver Peter." That brings me to point deliver Peter." That brings me to point deliver Peter." That brings me to point number three. They prayed together. They number three. They prayed together. They number three. They prayed together. They prayed together. Again, the title of my prayed together. Again, the title of my prayed together. Again, the title of my message is what happens when Christians message is what happens when Christians message is what happens when Christians pray together. Verse five, constant pray together. Verse five, constant pray together. Verse five, constant prayer was offered to God for him by the prayer was offered to God for him by the prayer was offered to God for him by the church. There's power in united prayer. church. There's power in united prayer. church. There's power in united prayer. Jesus said in Matthew 18, "If any two of Jesus said in Matthew 18, "If any two of Jesus said in Matthew 18, "If any two of you shall agree on earth touching you shall agree on earth touching you shall agree on earth touching anything they shall ask, it will be done anything they shall ask, it will be done anything they shall ask, it will be done for them of my Father who is in heaven."

for them of my Father who is in heaven." for them of my Father who is in heaven." Now, that doesn't just mean two Now, that doesn't just mean two Now, that doesn't just mean two Christians can get together and say, Christians can get together and say, Christians can get together and say, "Hey, you know what? I would really like "Hey, you know what? I would really like "Hey, you know what? I would really like to have a Ferrari. Let's agree together to have a Ferrari. Let's agree together to have a Ferrari. Let's agree together in prayer. Do you want a Ferrari? It in prayer. Do you want a Ferrari? It in prayer. Do you want a Ferrari? It could be ours, okay? Yeah, let's pray. could be ours, okay? Yeah, let's pray. could be ours, okay? Yeah, let's pray. Lord, well, no, that's not what it Lord, well, no, that's not what it Lord, well, no, that's not what it means. means. means. It means two people that have been It means two people that have been It means two people that have been prompted by the Holy Spirit praying in prompted by the Holy Spirit praying in prompted by the Holy Spirit praying in accordance with the will of God, it will accordance with the will of God, it will accordance with the will of God, it will be heard of your Father and answered. be heard of your Father and answered. be heard of your Father and answered. But this is really important because But this is really important because But this is really important because when you have a burden, share your when you have a burden, share your when you have a burden, share your burdens with other Christians. burdens with other Christians. burdens with other Christians. Get a bunch of people praying. Get a bunch of people praying. Get a bunch of people praying. I I think it's a great thing when we can I I think it's a great thing when we can I I think it's a great thing when we can bring these needs before uh the church bring these needs before uh the church bring these needs before uh the church and we can all pray together. Okay, so and we can all pray together. Okay, so and we can all pray together. Okay, so let's see what happened. Acts 12:6. Now let's see what happened. Acts 12:6. Now let's see what happened. Acts 12:6. Now I'm reading from the New Living I'm reading from the New Living I'm reading from the New Living Translation. The night before Peter was Translation. The night before Peter was Translation. The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, to be placed on trial, he was asleep, to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two fastened with two chains between two fastened with two chains between two soldiers, others stood guard at the soldiers, others stood guard at the soldiers, others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly a bright light is prison gate. Suddenly a bright light is prison gate. Suddenly a bright light is in the cell and an angel of the Lord in the cell and an angel of the Lord in the cell and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him stood before Peter. The angel struck him stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to wake him up. He must have on the side to wake him up. He must have on the side to wake him up. He must have been a deep sleeper. The angel had to been a deep sleeper. The angel had to been a deep sleeper. The angel had to kind of whack him.

kind of whack him. kind of whack him. Get up! And the chains fall off his Get up! And the chains fall off his Get up! And the chains fall off his wrists and the angel said, "Get dressed wrists and the angel said, "Get dressed wrists and the angel said, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." Sounds like a and put on your sandals." Sounds like a and put on your sandals." Sounds like a parent trying to get their kids ready parent trying to get their kids ready parent trying to get their kids ready for school. Come on, get up, get out of for school. Come on, get up, get out of for school. Come on, get up, get out of bed, wake up, put your clothes on, let's bed, wake up, put your clothes on, let's bed, wake up, put your clothes on, let's go. go. go. And uh the chains fell off his wrists. And uh the chains fell off his wrists. And uh the chains fell off his wrists. And now the angel says, "Put on your And now the angel says, "Put on your And now the angel says, "Put on your coat and follow me." And Peter uh left coat and follow me." And Peter uh left coat and follow me." And Peter uh left the cell and followed the angel. He the cell and followed the angel. He the cell and followed the angel. He thought this was a vision. He didn't thought this was a vision. He didn't thought this was a vision. He didn't realize it was actually happening. They realize it was actually happening. They realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard post. passed the first and second guard post. passed the first and second guard post. He came to the iron gate leading to the He came to the iron gate leading to the He came to the iron gate leading to the city and this opened for them all by city and this opened for them all by city and this opened for them all by itself. This is cool. Cuz this comes itself. This is cool. Cuz this comes itself. This is cool. Cuz this comes from a Greek word that we get the word from a Greek word that we get the word from a Greek word that we get the word automatic from. So the big iron gate automatic from. So the big iron gate automatic from. So the big iron gate opens on its own, you know, like at the opens on its own, you know, like at the opens on its own, you know, like at the supermarket. So he walks through the big supermarket. So he walks through the big supermarket. So he walks through the big iron gate not really believing this is iron gate not really believing this is iron gate not really believing this is actually happening. They walk down the actually happening. They walk down the actually happening. They walk down the street and the angel suddenly leaves street and the angel suddenly leaves street and the angel suddenly leaves him. Peter finally comes to his senses him. Peter finally comes to his senses him. Peter finally comes to his senses and says, "It's really true. The Lord and says, "It's really true. The Lord and says, "It's really true. The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from has sent his angel and saved me from has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders Herod and from what the Jewish leaders Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do."

had planned to do." had planned to do." When did this prayer get answered? When did this prayer get answered? When did this prayer get answered? It says the night before Peter was to be It says the night before Peter was to be It says the night before Peter was to be placed on trial. placed on trial. placed on trial. It was late. Why didn't God answer It was late. Why didn't God answer It was late. Why didn't God answer sooner? I don't know. sooner? I don't know. sooner? I don't know. But here's what's interesting. Sometimes But here's what's interesting. Sometimes But here's what's interesting. Sometimes God will wait till the last minute so God will wait till the last minute so God will wait till the last minute so you will see it's God. you will see it's God. you will see it's God. Right? Right? Right? Cuz sometimes I'll say, "Oh, Cuz sometimes I'll say, "Oh, Cuz sometimes I'll say, "Oh, coincidentally. Oh, I was lucky." No, coincidentally. Oh, I was lucky." No, coincidentally. Oh, I was lucky." No, no, no, it was the Lord. no, no, it was the Lord. no, no, it was the Lord. Remember when the disciples were out on Remember when the disciples were out on Remember when the disciples were out on the Sea of Galilee fighting a huge the Sea of Galilee fighting a huge the Sea of Galilee fighting a huge storm? They were exhausted. They They storm? They were exhausted. They They storm? They were exhausted. They They didn't know what to do. And here comes didn't know what to do. And here comes didn't know what to do. And here comes Jesus. And when did Jesus come? The Jesus. And when did Jesus come? The Jesus. And when did Jesus come? The Bible says in the fourth watch. Do you Bible says in the fourth watch. Do you Bible says in the fourth watch. Do you know when the fourth watch is? There's know when the fourth watch is? There's know when the fourth watch is? There's four watches to the night. Uh in Bible four watches to the night. Uh in Bible four watches to the night. Uh in Bible times, and the fourth watch was that times, and the fourth watch was that times, and the fourth watch was that time where it's still dark, but the sun time where it's still dark, but the sun time where it's still dark, but the sun is about to rise. So, it was the very is about to rise. So, it was the very is about to rise. So, it was the very end, which means that they'd been end, which means that they'd been end, which means that they'd been in trouble for hours and hours. So, the in trouble for hours and hours. So, the in trouble for hours and hours. So, the church is praying. This is the night church is praying. This is the night church is praying. This is the night before Peter is going to go on trial, before Peter is going to go on trial, before Peter is going to go on trial, and he would have been summarily found and he would have been summarily found and he would have been summarily found guilty and executed in this kangaroo guilty and executed in this kangaroo guilty and executed in this kangaroo court of injustice. So, it was teaching court of injustice. So, it was teaching court of injustice. So, it was teaching the church perseverance. It was teaching the church perseverance. It was teaching the church perseverance. It was teaching Peter faith and reminding us all that Peter faith and reminding us all that Peter faith and reminding us all that prayer is warfare.

prayer is warfare. prayer is warfare. The battle is not won through human The battle is not won through human The battle is not won through human strength, it's strength, it's strength, it's won on the knees. >> Pastor [music] Greg Laurie will have the >> Pastor [music] Greg Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a second half of his message in just a second half of his message in just a moment. moment. moment. >> You know, [music] I've heard people >> You know, [music] I've heard people >> You know, [music] I've heard people describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the Bible actually come to life. Bible actually come to life. Bible actually come to life. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hey everybody, Greg Laurie. And I've >> Hey everybody, Greg Laurie. And I've >> Hey everybody, Greg Laurie. And I've been to Israel many times, and I've led been to Israel many times, and I've led been to Israel many times, and I've led a lot of tours, and I have to say that's a lot of tours, and I have to say that's a lot of tours, and I have to say that's absolutely [music] absolutely [music] absolutely [music] true. Listen, when you're walking on the true. Listen, when you're walking on the true. Listen, when you're walking on the same stones that Jesus himself [music] same stones that Jesus himself [music] same stones that Jesus himself [music] walked on, well, that's something that's walked on, well, that's something that's walked on, well, that's something that's enriching to your faith. It's not just a enriching to your faith. It's not just a enriching to your faith. It's not just a travel experience, it actually energizes travel experience, it actually energizes travel experience, it actually energizes and enhances your study of [music] the and enhances your study of [music] the and enhances your study of [music] the Bible. Think of it this way. It's a Bible. Think of it this way. It's a Bible. Think of it this way. It's a vacation with a purpose. And we're going vacation with a purpose. And we're going vacation with a purpose. And we're going to be taking [music] a tour of Israel to be taking [music] a tour of Israel to be taking [music] a tour of Israel April 6th to 15th, 2027. [music] April 6th to 15th, 2027. [music] April 6th to 15th, 2027. [music] You can find out more at You can find out more at You can find out more at israel.harvest.org. israel.harvest.org. israel.harvest.org. >> Step right into biblical [music] >> Step right into biblical [music] >> Step right into biblical [music] history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land, April 6th through 15th, the Holy Land, April 6th through 15th, the Holy Land, April 6th through 15th, 2027.

2027. 2027. Get details at [music] Get details at [music] Get details at [music] israel.harvest.org. And now Pastor Greg continues his And now Pastor Greg continues his message called What happens when message called What happens when message called What happens when Christians pray together? Christians pray together? Christians pray together? >> I love this fourth point. I love what >> I love this fourth point. I love what >> I love this fourth point. I love what happens next because this shows how happens next because this shows how happens next because this shows how human these people were and how honest human these people were and how honest human these people were and how honest the Bible is and how honest the book of the Bible is and how honest the book of the Bible is and how honest the book of Acts is about this story. So, here's all Acts is about this story. So, here's all Acts is about this story. So, here's all the believers, they're praying together, the believers, they're praying together, the believers, they're praying together, they're praying with passion. God is they're praying with passion. God is they're praying with passion. God is intervening sending an angel to deliver intervening sending an angel to deliver intervening sending an angel to deliver Peter. What happens next? Go to Acts Peter. What happens next? Go to Acts Peter. What happens next? Go to Acts 12:12. 12:12. 12:12. When he realized this, that is Peter When he realized this, that is Peter When he realized this, that is Peter realized he'd been delivered from realized he'd been delivered from realized he'd been delivered from prison, he went to the home of Mary, the prison, he went to the home of Mary, the prison, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were mother of John Mark, where many were mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. He knocked at the gathered for prayer. He knocked at the gathered for prayer. He knocked at the door of the gate and a servant girl door of the gate and a servant girl door of the gate and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. When she named Rhoda came to open it. When she named Rhoda came to open it. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so recognized Peter's voice, she was so recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed. Instead of opening the door, overjoyed. Instead of opening the door, overjoyed. Instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, she ran back inside and told everyone, she ran back inside and told everyone, Peter is standing at the door. You're Peter is standing at the door. You're Peter is standing at the door. You're out of your mind, they said.

out of your mind, they said. out of your mind, they said. When she insisted, they decided, maybe When she insisted, they decided, maybe When she insisted, they decided, maybe it's his angel. Meanwhile, Peter it's his angel. Meanwhile, Peter it's his angel. Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally continued knocking. When they finally continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were opened the door and saw him, they were opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. He motioned for them to quiet amazed. He motioned for them to quiet amazed. He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had let down and told them how the Lord had let down and told them how the Lord had let him out of prison. him out of prison. him out of prison. Tell James and the other brothers what Tell James and the other brothers what Tell James and the other brothers what has happened, he said, and he went to has happened, he said, and he went to has happened, he said, and he went to another place. Now, you got to see the another place. Now, you got to see the another place. Now, you got to see the humor in the story. humor in the story. humor in the story. Apparently, God could get Peter out of a Apparently, God could get Peter out of a Apparently, God could get Peter out of a prison, but he couldn't get him into a prison, but he couldn't get him into a prison, but he couldn't get him into a prayer meeting. prayer meeting. prayer meeting. No doubt a prayer meeting for him. No doubt a prayer meeting for him. No doubt a prayer meeting for him. So, this is how my warped cartoonist So, this is how my warped cartoonist So, this is how my warped cartoonist mind sees the story. mind sees the story. mind sees the story. So, they're praying, Oh Lord, deliver So, they're praying, Oh Lord, deliver So, they're praying, Oh Lord, deliver Peter. Oh Lord, hear our prayer. Don't Peter. Oh Lord, hear our prayer. Don't Peter. Oh Lord, hear our prayer. Don't let Peter die. Lord, hear us right now. let Peter die. Lord, hear us right now. let Peter die. Lord, hear us right now. Oh Lord, now there's a knock on this Oh Lord, now there's a knock on this Oh Lord, now there's a knock on this gate. What is that? Anyway, Lord, gate. What is that? Anyway, Lord, gate. What is that? Anyway, Lord, deliver Peter and then knock again. Hey deliver Peter and then knock again. Hey deliver Peter and then knock again. Hey Rhoda, would you go get the door? She Rhoda, would you go get the door? She Rhoda, would you go get the door? She opens the door, there stands Peter. opens the door, there stands Peter. opens the door, there stands Peter. Boom, she shuts it, walks back in. Boom, she shuts it, walks back in. Boom, she shuts it, walks back in. Guess who's standing at the door? Guess who's standing at the door? Guess who's standing at the door? We don't know. It's Peter. It's not We don't know. It's Peter. It's not We don't know. It's Peter. It's not Peter. It's probably his angel.

Peter. It's probably his angel. Peter. It's probably his angel. First of all, if an angel knocks at my First of all, if an angel knocks at my First of all, if an angel knocks at my door, I'm letting them in. door, I'm letting them in. door, I'm letting them in. Right? Right? Right? And so now I love how it says they went And so now I love how it says they went And so now I love how it says they went to investigate this together. Verse 16, to investigate this together. Verse 16, to investigate this together. Verse 16, Peter continued knocking, they opened Peter continued knocking, they opened Peter continued knocking, they opened the door and they were amazed. It makes the door and they were amazed. It makes the door and they were amazed. It makes me think that maybe they all kind of me think that maybe they all kind of me think that maybe they all kind of went over together, you know, let's just went over together, you know, let's just went over together, you know, let's just check this thing out here. check this thing out here. check this thing out here. Open the door. There is Peter. Like, Open the door. There is Peter. Like, Open the door. There is Peter. Like, what are you guys doing? Let me in. what are you guys doing? Let me in. what are you guys doing? Let me in. I just got delivered from prison. I I just got delivered from prison. I I just got delivered from prison. I would rather not get re-arrested again would rather not get re-arrested again would rather not get re-arrested again and thrown back in again. and thrown back in again. and thrown back in again. But why do I bring this up? Because it But why do I bring this up? Because it But why do I bring this up? Because it shows although they prayed with passion, shows although they prayed with passion, shows although they prayed with passion, though they prayed together, they had though they prayed together, they had though they prayed together, they had their moment of doubt. And my fourth their moment of doubt. And my fourth their moment of doubt. And my fourth point is they prayed doubtingly. point is they prayed doubtingly. point is they prayed doubtingly. And we've all done this. And I bring And we've all done this. And I bring And we've all done this. And I bring this up because sometimes people say, this up because sometimes people say, this up because sometimes people say, you must pray in faith. And if you you must pray in faith. And if you you must pray in faith. And if you prayed for God to heal you and you're prayed for God to heal you and you're prayed for God to heal you and you're not healed, it's because of your lack of not healed, it's because of your lack of not healed, it's because of your lack of faith. Hold on now, buckaroo. faith. Hold on now, buckaroo. faith. Hold on now, buckaroo. We all lack faith at times.

We all lack faith at times. We all lack faith at times. We all fall short at times. And they We all fall short at times. And they We all fall short at times. And they lack faith in this moment, lack faith in this moment, lack faith in this moment, but God heard and answered their prayer. but God heard and answered their prayer. but God heard and answered their prayer. God said, go. And sometimes you'll be God said, go. And sometimes you'll be God said, go. And sometimes you'll be praying for something and it boom, it's praying for something and it boom, it's praying for something and it boom, it's answered. So quickly, you can't even answered. So quickly, you can't even answered. So quickly, you can't even really measure the time. But again, this really measure the time. But again, this really measure the time. But again, this just shows how things can change as a just shows how things can change as a just shows how things can change as a result of powerful prayer. result of powerful prayer. result of powerful prayer. Let's pull the camera back and wrap this Let's pull the camera back and wrap this Let's pull the camera back and wrap this up. In the beginning of the story, we up. In the beginning of the story, we up. In the beginning of the story, we see an all powerful King Herod wrecking see an all powerful King Herod wrecking see an all powerful King Herod wrecking havoc on the church. Herod had on his havoc on the church. Herod had on his havoc on the church. Herod had on his side the power of government, the power side the power of government, the power side the power of government, the power of the sword, and the threat of prison. of the sword, and the threat of prison. of the sword, and the threat of prison. The church had no political power, no The church had no political power, no The church had no political power, no military power, but they had the military power, but they had the military power, but they had the ultimate power, the power of God ultimate power, the power of God ultimate power, the power of God almighty. almighty. almighty. And that power was unleashed through And that power was unleashed through And that power was unleashed through prayer. prayer. prayer. So, I don't know what you're dealing So, I don't know what you're dealing So, I don't know what you're dealing with right now. I don't know what you're with right now. I don't know what you're with right now. I don't know what you're grappling with. grappling with. grappling with. I don't know what kind of problem you're I don't know what kind of problem you're I don't know what kind of problem you're being challenged with, being challenged with, being challenged with, but God is in control.

but God is in control. but God is in control. But, this is a reminder, death comes to But, this is a reminder, death comes to But, this is a reminder, death comes to every person. every person. every person. Uh the famous and the unknown, Uh the famous and the unknown, Uh the famous and the unknown, the powerful and the weak, the powerful and the weak, the powerful and the weak, you may drive a Ferrari, you may drive a you may drive a Ferrari, you may drive a you may drive a Ferrari, you may drive a Prius, Prius, Prius, you may drive a ride a Harley or ride a you may drive a ride a Harley or ride a you may drive a ride a Harley or ride a Vespa. Vespa. Vespa. Doesn't really matter. Death will come Doesn't really matter. Death will come Doesn't really matter. Death will come to every person. to every person. to every person. And you don't know when this life is And you don't know when this life is And you don't know when this life is going to end. No one does. going to end. No one does. going to end. No one does. Somehow we think we're we're entitled to Somehow we think we're we're entitled to Somehow we think we're we're entitled to live long lives, but then something live long lives, but then something live long lives, but then something happens and your life is shorter than happens and your life is shorter than happens and your life is shorter than you expected. You don't make that you expected. You don't make that you expected. You don't make that decision, but you have everything to say decision, but you have everything to say decision, but you have everything to say about that little dash in the middle. about that little dash in the middle. about that little dash in the middle. When you go to a cemetery, you'll see When you go to a cemetery, you'll see When you go to a cemetery, you'll see the date of birth and the date of death, the date of birth and the date of death, the date of birth and the date of death, and then there's a dash. and then there's a dash. and then there's a dash. The dash is all about what you do with The dash is all about what you do with The dash is all about what you do with it, how you live your life. And listen, it, how you live your life. And listen, it, how you live your life. And listen, you decide in this life where you will you decide in this life where you will you decide in this life where you will spend the afterlife. spend the afterlife. spend the afterlife. And those people don't know what's going And those people don't know what's going And those people don't know what's going to happen. The Bible tells us very to happen. The Bible tells us very to happen. The Bible tells us very clearly, and if we put our trust in clearly, and if we put our trust in clearly, and if we put our trust in Jesus Christ, we don't have to fear Jesus Christ, we don't have to fear Jesus Christ, we don't have to fear death. That doesn't mean we look forward death. That doesn't mean we look forward death. That doesn't mean we look forward to it. It doesn't mean we as Christians to it. It doesn't mean we as Christians to it. It doesn't mean we as Christians have a death wish, but what it means is have a death wish, but what it means is have a death wish, but what it means is we know when that day comes, we'll be we know when that day comes, we'll be we know when that day comes, we'll be ready to meet the Lord. As Paul said, ready to meet the Lord. As Paul said, ready to meet the Lord. As Paul said, "I have a desire to stay here with you, "I have a desire to stay here with you, "I have a desire to stay here with you, but I have a desire to depart and be but I have a desire to depart and be but I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better."

with Christ, which is far better." with Christ, which is far better." Oh, yeah. Far better. Oh, yeah. Far better. Oh, yeah. Far better. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Paul also said to live is Christ and to >> Paul also said to live is Christ and to >> Paul also said to live is Christ and to die is gain. So, when that day comes, die is gain. So, when that day comes, die is gain. So, when that day comes, that day comes and we as Christians go that day comes and we as Christians go that day comes and we as Christians go into the presence of God. But, there's into the presence of God. But, there's into the presence of God. But, there's someone listening to me right now that someone listening to me right now that someone listening to me right now that is really frightened by this topic. You is really frightened by this topic. You is really frightened by this topic. You think about it all the time. You think think about it all the time. You think think about it all the time. You think about your mortality. You worry about about your mortality. You worry about about your mortality. You worry about it. Listen, let's get it resolved right it. Listen, let's get it resolved right it. Listen, let's get it resolved right now. I am telling you on the authority now. I am telling you on the authority now. I am telling you on the authority of scripture, if you put your faith in of scripture, if you put your faith in of scripture, if you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you can have peace in the Jesus Christ, you can have peace in the Jesus Christ, you can have peace in the midst of the most difficult midst of the most difficult midst of the most difficult circumstances like Peter had when he was circumstances like Peter had when he was circumstances like Peter had when he was in prison. If you put your faith in in prison. If you put your faith in in prison. If you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you no longer have to fear Jesus Christ, you no longer have to fear Jesus Christ, you no longer have to fear death because Jesus said, "I hold the death because Jesus said, "I hold the death because Jesus said, "I hold the keys of death." I'm glad he holds them keys of death." I'm glad he holds them keys of death." I'm glad he holds them because if I had them, they would have because if I had them, they would have because if I had them, they would have been lost by now. been lost by now. been lost by now. Because I always am losing keys. Am I Because I always am losing keys. Am I Because I always am losing keys. Am I the only one? Right. Jesus has the keys. the only one? Right. Jesus has the keys. the only one? Right. Jesus has the keys. He has control. And he said, "I am the He has control. And he said, "I am the He has control. And he said, "I am the resurrection and the life and he that resurrection and the life and he that resurrection and the life and he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet believes in me, though he were dead, yet believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And he that whoever lives shall he live. And he that whoever lives shall he live. And he that whoever lives and believes in me, Jesus speaking, and believes in me, Jesus speaking, and believes in me, Jesus speaking, shall never die."

shall never die." shall never die." Oh, sure, our bodies will go into the Oh, sure, our bodies will go into the Oh, sure, our bodies will go into the ground unless the Lord comes for us in ground unless the Lord comes for us in ground unless the Lord comes for us in the rapture before that. the rapture before that. the rapture before that. And that could happen. But, if not, our And that could happen. But, if not, our And that could happen. But, if not, our bodies go into the ground, bodies go into the ground, bodies go into the ground, but they'll be resurrected again, but but they'll be resurrected again, but but they'll be resurrected again, but our soul goes immediately into the our soul goes immediately into the our soul goes immediately into the presence of God. presence of God. presence of God. That is our hope we have as followers of That is our hope we have as followers of That is our hope we have as followers of Jesus Christ. So, we're going to close now with a word So, we're going to close now with a word of prayer and I want to extend an of prayer and I want to extend an of prayer and I want to extend an invitation invitation invitation to anybody here, if you're not sure that to anybody here, if you're not sure that to anybody here, if you're not sure that you're ready for the afterlife, if you're ready for the afterlife, if you're ready for the afterlife, if you're not certain that you'll go to you're not certain that you'll go to you're not certain that you'll go to heaven when you die, respond to this heaven when you die, respond to this heaven when you die, respond to this invitation that I'll give as we pray. invitation that I'll give as we pray. invitation that I'll give as we pray. Listen, Listen, Listen, Jesus died on the cross for your sin. Jesus died on the cross for your sin. Jesus died on the cross for your sin. That's why he came to this earth. That's why he came to this earth. That's why he came to this earth. He paid the price for every wrong you've He paid the price for every wrong you've He paid the price for every wrong you've ever done, and he rose again from the ever done, and he rose again from the ever done, and he rose again from the dead. dead. dead. And now he stands at the door of your And now he stands at the door of your And now he stands at the door of your life, and he knocks. And he says, "If life, and he knocks. And he says, "If life, and he knocks. And he says, "If you hear his voice and open the door, you hear his voice and open the door, you hear his voice and open the door, he'll come in."

he'll come in." he'll come in." Peter was knocking at the door of the Peter was knocking at the door of the Peter was knocking at the door of the house, and they finally let him in. house, and they finally let him in. house, and they finally let him in. Jesus is knocking at the door of your Jesus is knocking at the door of your Jesus is knocking at the door of your life. Will you let him in? This is your life. Will you let him in? This is your life. Will you let him in? This is your moment to do so. Let's pray. Father, I moment to do so. Let's pray. Father, I moment to do so. Let's pray. Father, I pray pray pray for any that may not know you. Let this for any that may not know you. Let this for any that may not know you. Let this be the day they believe in you. Let this be the day they believe in you. Let this be the day they believe in you. Let this be the day they ask Jesus into their be the day they ask Jesus into their be the day they ask Jesus into their life and have the hope and the certainty life and have the hope and the certainty life and have the hope and the certainty that they'll go to heaven that they'll go to heaven that they'll go to heaven one day. And I ask this now in Jesus' one day. And I ask this now in Jesus' one day. And I ask this now in Jesus' name. Amen. >> Pastor Greg Laurie with an important >> Pastor Greg Laurie with an important prayer today on A New Beginning. prayer today on A New Beginning. prayer today on A New Beginning. And if you'd like to make a change in And if you'd like to make a change in And if you'd like to make a change in your relationship with the Lord, Pastor your relationship with the Lord, Pastor your relationship with the Lord, Pastor Greg will help you do that before Greg will help you do that before Greg will help you do that before today's edition of A New Beginning wraps today's edition of A New Beginning wraps today's edition of A New Beginning wraps up. up. up. Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily devotions each day via email? devotions each day via email? devotions each day via email? If not, let's take care of that right If not, let's take care of that right If not, let's take care of that right now. You can sign up today free of now. You can sign up today free of now. You can sign up today free of charge at harvest.org, charge at harvest.org, charge at harvest.org, and you'll receive a daily inspirational and you'll receive a daily inspirational and you'll receive a daily inspirational thought from God's word each day in your thought from God's word each day in your thought from God's word each day in your inbox. Again, go to harvest.org.

inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. And then, here's Pastor Greg once again. And then, here's Pastor Greg once again. And then, here's Pastor Greg once again. >> Let me close with this thought. Would >> Let me close with this thought. Would >> Let me close with this thought. Would you like to know that you will go to you like to know that you will go to you like to know that you will go to heaven when you die? heaven when you die? heaven when you die? Would you like to fill that big hole Would you like to fill that big hole Would you like to fill that big hole deep inside of you? deep inside of you? deep inside of you? Listen, it's about a relationship with Listen, it's about a relationship with Listen, it's about a relationship with God, and here's the good news. God loved God, and here's the good news. God loved God, and here's the good news. God loved you so much that 2,000 years ago he sent you so much that 2,000 years ago he sent you so much that 2,000 years ago he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for your sins, and then to rise cross for your sins, and then to rise cross for your sins, and then to rise again from the dead. And now Jesus, who again from the dead. And now Jesus, who again from the dead. And now Jesus, who died and rose, is standing at the door died and rose, is standing at the door died and rose, is standing at the door of your life, and he is knocking. And he of your life, and he is knocking. And he of your life, and he is knocking. And he says, "If you'll hear my voice and open says, "If you'll hear my voice and open says, "If you'll hear my voice and open the door, I'll come in." the door, I'll come in." the door, I'll come in." Would you like Jesus Christ to come into Would you like Jesus Christ to come into Would you like Jesus Christ to come into your life? Would you like your sin your life? Would you like your sin your life? Would you like your sin forgiven? Would you like to fill the forgiven? Would you like to fill the forgiven? Would you like to fill the hole in your soul? Would you like to go hole in your soul? Would you like to go hole in your soul? Would you like to go to heaven when you die? If so, just stop to heaven when you die? If so, just stop to heaven when you die? If so, just stop what you're doing and pray this prayer what you're doing and pray this prayer what you're doing and pray this prayer with me. You can pray it out loud if with me. You can pray it out loud if with me. You can pray it out loud if you'd like. You can pray it in the you'd like. You can pray it in the you'd like. You can pray it in the quietness of your heart if you choose, quietness of your heart if you choose, quietness of your heart if you choose, but pray this prayer. This is a prayer but pray this prayer. This is a prayer but pray this prayer. This is a prayer of asking Jesus Christ to come into your of asking Jesus Christ to come into your of asking Jesus Christ to come into your life. Pray these words. Lord Jesus, life. Pray these words. Lord Jesus, life. Pray these words. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the savior but I know that you're the savior but I know that you're the savior who died on the cross for my sin who died on the cross for my sin who died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead.

and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. I turn from that sin now, I turn from that sin now, I turn from that sin now, and I choose to follow you from this and I choose to follow you from this and I choose to follow you from this moment forward. Thank you for hearing moment forward. Thank you for hearing moment forward. Thank you for hearing this prayer this prayer this prayer and answering this prayer. and answering this prayer. and answering this prayer. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey, did you just pray that prayer? Hey, did you just pray that prayer? Hey, did you just pray that prayer? If so, I want to congratulate you and be If so, I want to congratulate you and be If so, I want to congratulate you and be the first to say, "Welcome to the family the first to say, "Welcome to the family the first to say, "Welcome to the family of God." of God." of God." >> Yeah, that's right. You have a whole new >> Yeah, that's right. You have a whole new >> Yeah, that's right. You have a whole new life in front of you now. life in front of you now. life in front of you now. And to help you begin living this new And to help you begin living this new And to help you begin living this new life, Pastor Greg would like to send you life, Pastor Greg would like to send you life, Pastor Greg would like to send you his helpful New Believer's Bible. It's his helpful New Believer's Bible. It's his helpful New Believer's Bible. It's written in the New Living Translation, written in the New Living Translation, written in the New Living Translation, with scores of helps for those who are with scores of helps for those who are with scores of helps for those who are new to the faith. So, let us send this new to the faith. So, let us send this new to the faith. So, let us send this your way. Just ask for the New your way. Just ask for the New your way. Just ask for the New Believer's Bible. We'll send it free of Believer's Bible. We'll send it free of Believer's Bible. We'll send it free of charge. You can call us at charge. You can call us at charge. You can call us at 1-800-821-3300. We are here to take your call around the We are here to take your call around the clock. That's 1-800-821-3300. Or go online to harvest.org Or go online to harvest.org and click know God.

and click know God. and click know God. And 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, that's really true, Dave. And I >> Yeah, that's really true, Dave. And I >> Yeah, that'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 in Harvest Ministries.

new beginning in Harvest Ministries. new beginning in 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. >> [music] >> [music] >> Or go online to harvest.org. >> Or go online to harvest.org. >> Or go online to harvest.org. Well, next time we'll consider a man Well, next time we'll consider a man Well, next time we'll consider a man named Barnabas and learn the important named Barnabas and learn the important named Barnabas and learn the important [music] [music] [music] role encouragement plays in the body of role encouragement plays in the body of role encouragement plays in the body of Christ. Join us here on A New Beginning Christ. Join us here on A New Beginning Christ. Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie. Laurie. Laurie. >> This is the day >> [music] >> [music] >> today when life begins.