Better Together | Reaching the World

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. Today, [music] Pastor Greg Laurie shows Today, [music] Pastor Greg Laurie shows how the early church turned their world how the early church turned their world how the early church turned their world upside down with their commitment to the upside down with their commitment to the upside down with their commitment to the gospel, and we can, too. gospel, and we can, too. gospel, and we can, too. >> What are you passionate about? >> What are you passionate about? >> What are you passionate about? >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Some people are passionate about sports. >> Some people are passionate about sports. >> Some people are passionate about sports. Other people are passionate about food. Other people are passionate about food. Other people are passionate about food. That's what [music] fires them up. Other That's what [music] fires them up. Other That's what [music] fires them up. Other people, it's politics. Listen, it's fine people, it's politics. Listen, it's fine people, it's politics. Listen, it's fine to have an interest in all of these to have an interest in all of these to have an interest in all of these things, but make your primary passion things, but make your primary passion things, but make your primary passion about [music] Jesus Christ. That's it. about [music] Jesus Christ. That's it. about [music] Jesus Christ. That's it. Don't lose that. Don't lose that. Don't lose that. >> [music] >> Christianity is a worldwide [music] >> Christianity is a worldwide [music] faith. Some say over 31% are Christians faith. Some say over 31% are Christians faith. Some say over 31% are Christians the world over.

the world over. the world over. Yet, if you rewind history, [music] Yet, if you rewind history, [music] Yet, if you rewind history, [music] Christianity began in a small geographic Christianity began in a small geographic Christianity began in a small geographic area on the other side of the globe with area on the other side of the globe with area on the other side of the globe with just a handful [music] of followers. How just a handful [music] of followers. How just a handful [music] of followers. How on the world did they reach the world? on the world did they reach the world? on the world did they reach the world? Today on A New Beginning, [music] Today on A New Beginning, [music] Today on A New Beginning, [music] Pastor Greg Laurie brings us some good Pastor Greg Laurie brings us some good Pastor Greg Laurie brings us some good insight from the book of Acts that will insight from the book of Acts that will insight from the book of Acts that will help us encourage one another in the help us encourage one another in the help us encourage one another in the faith and reach [music] our world in our faith and reach [music] our world in our faith and reach [music] our world in our time with the love of Christ. [music] [music] >> All right, let's grab our Bibles and >> All right, let's grab our Bibles and >> All right, let's grab our Bibles and turn to Acts chapter 2. Acts chapter 2, turn to Acts chapter 2. Acts chapter 2, turn to Acts chapter 2. Acts chapter 2, we're in our book of Acts series and the we're in our book of Acts series and the we're in our book of Acts series and the title of this message is better title of this message is better title of this message is better together. together. together. I heard a story about a genie that I heard a story about a genie that I heard a story about a genie that appeared to a woman. appeared to a woman. appeared to a woman. True story. The genie said, "Whatever you want, I'll The genie said, "Whatever you want, I'll give to you and I'll grant to you as give to you and I'll grant to you as give to you and I'll grant to you as many wishes as you want." Pretty good many wishes as you want." Pretty good many wishes as you want." Pretty good deal. So, the woman replied, "Well, deal. So, the woman replied, "Well, deal. So, the woman replied, "Well, genie, my wish is that my husband's eyes genie, my wish is that my husband's eyes genie, my wish is that my husband's eyes should only be on me during all waking should only be on me during all waking should only be on me during all waking hours." The genie said, "All right.

hours." The genie said, "All right. hours." The genie said, "All right. What else do you want?" She says, "Well, What else do you want?" She says, "Well, What else do you want?" She says, "Well, I don't want him to be concerned with I don't want him to be concerned with I don't want him to be concerned with anything else in life except me." In anything else in life except me." In anything else in life except me." In fact, she said, "I don't even want him fact, she said, "I don't even want him fact, she said, "I don't even want him to sleep without me right by his side to sleep without me right by his side to sleep without me right by his side all the time." "Okay," the genie says. all the time." "Okay," the genie says. all the time." "Okay," the genie says. "What else?" She said, "Uh actually, I "What else?" She said, "Uh actually, I "What else?" She said, "Uh actually, I want him when he wakes up in the morning want him when he wakes up in the morning want him when he wakes up in the morning to see my face first." "All right, to see my face first." "All right, to see my face first." "All right, anything else?" "Oh, one more thing. I anything else?" "Oh, one more thing. I anything else?" "Oh, one more thing. I don't want him to go anywhere without don't want him to go anywhere without don't want him to go anywhere without me." So, genie said, "Boom, you're a me." So, genie said, "Boom, you're a me." So, genie said, "Boom, you're a cell phone." She was turned into a smartphone. She was turned into a smartphone. It's funny we call these things It's funny we call these things It's funny we call these things smartphones, right? I think they've smartphones, right? I think they've smartphones, right? I think they've actually made us more stupid actually made us more stupid actually made us more stupid in many ways. I read an article in Inc. in many ways. I read an article in Inc. in many ways. I read an article in Inc. magazine with this headline, "We lost, magazine with this headline, "We lost, magazine with this headline, "We lost, the gadgets won." the gadgets won." the gadgets won." And among other things, the article And among other things, the article And among other things, the article points out that the average smartphone points out that the average smartphone points out that the average smartphone owner unlocks their phones 150 times a owner unlocks their phones 150 times a owner unlocks their phones 150 times a day.

day. day. 85% of smartphone users check their 85% of smartphone users check their 85% of smartphone users check their phones while speaking with friends and phones while speaking with friends and phones while speaking with friends and family. Have you ever done that? That family. Have you ever done that? That family. Have you ever done that? That That's rude, by the way. When someone's That's rude, by the way. When someone's That's rude, by the way. When someone's saying, "I just want to share this. It's saying, "I just want to share this. It's saying, "I just want to share this. It's so important." Yeah, yeah. And I just so important." Yeah, yeah. And I just so important." Yeah, yeah. And I just say, "Yeah, okay. Wait. say, "Yeah, okay. Wait. say, "Yeah, okay. Wait. Are you listening? Yeah, I'm I'm Are you listening? Yeah, I'm I'm Are you listening? Yeah, I'm I'm listening. I'm listening. Wait. listening. I'm listening. Wait. listening. I'm listening. Wait. No, no. You're not listening. Put the No, no. You're not listening. Put the No, no. You're not listening. Put the phone down. We all have done that, phone down. We all have done that, phone down. We all have done that, haven't we? haven't we? haven't we? And I think not only have smartphones And I think not only have smartphones And I think not only have smartphones made us more stupid, they've made us made us more stupid, they've made us made us more stupid, they've made us relationally relationally relationally dumb. I think social media in many ways dumb. I think social media in many ways dumb. I think social media in many ways is making people antisocial. is making people antisocial. is making people antisocial. Because, you know, social media Because, you know, social media Because, you know, social media >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> back in the day on Instagram might be >> back in the day on Instagram might be >> back in the day on Instagram might be pictures of what you had for breakfast, pictures of what you had for breakfast, pictures of what you had for breakfast, or you might see a random cat video, or you might see a random cat video, or you might see a random cat video, or other fun things. And now it's like or other fun things. And now it's like or other fun things. And now it's like people ranting, ranting about whatever people ranting, ranting about whatever people ranting, ranting about whatever it is they're upset about. And then it is they're upset about. And then it is they're upset about. And then there's the effect that it has on young there's the effect that it has on young there's the effect that it has on young people. Uh Facebook has 2.8 billion people. Uh Facebook has 2.8 billion people. Uh Facebook has 2.8 billion monthly users. And they recently, this monthly users. And they recently, this monthly users. And they recently, this is a news story, they recently did an is a news story, they recently did an is a news story, they recently did an internal uh research program. They internal uh research program. They internal uh research program. They wanted to find out what their users were wanted to find out what their users were wanted to find out what their users were really thinking and how Facebook and really thinking and how Facebook and really thinking and how Facebook and Instagram was impacting them. And they Instagram was impacting them. And they Instagram was impacting them. And they discovered that 30% of young girls who discovered that 30% of young girls who discovered that 30% of young girls who use Instagram, it makes them feel worse use Instagram, it makes them feel worse use Instagram, it makes them feel worse about their bodies uh if they were about their bodies uh if they were about their bodies uh if they were already having insecurities. Teenagers

already having insecurities. Teenagers already having insecurities. Teenagers blame Instagram for increases in their blame Instagram for increases in their blame Instagram for increases in their rates of anxiety and depression. Another rates of anxiety and depression. Another rates of anxiety and depression. Another presentation found that among teens who presentation found that among teens who presentation found that among teens who felt suicidal, 13% of British users and felt suicidal, 13% of British users and felt suicidal, 13% of British users and 6% of American users trace their 6% of American users trace their 6% of American users trace their suicidal feelings to Instagram. So, this suicidal feelings to Instagram. So, this suicidal feelings to Instagram. So, this is horrible. Now, girls, let me just say is horrible. Now, girls, let me just say is horrible. Now, girls, let me just say something. Even the people you see don't something. Even the people you see don't something. Even the people you see don't look like those pictures, okay? Cuz look like those pictures, okay? Cuz look like those pictures, okay? Cuz they're using filters and effects to they're using filters and effects to they're using filters and effects to make them look thinner or taller or make them look thinner or taller or make them look thinner or taller or whatever it is they're doing, that's not whatever it is they're doing, that's not whatever it is they're doing, that's not the real person. But, this is the the real person. But, this is the the real person. But, this is the problem. Social media is not very social problem. Social media is not very social problem. Social media is not very social at all. In fact, Americans have probably at all. In fact, Americans have probably at all. In fact, Americans have probably never been more disconnected. never been more disconnected. never been more disconnected. I read a article that was done that came I read a article that was done that came I read a article that was done that came to the conclusion that Americans have to the conclusion that Americans have to the conclusion that Americans have never felt more alone. never felt more alone. never felt more alone. And this article described Americans as And this article described Americans as And this article described Americans as the loneliest people in the world. That the loneliest people in the world. That the loneliest people in the world. That article first appeared 30 years ago. If article first appeared 30 years ago. If article first appeared 30 years ago. If that was true 30 years ago, how much that was true 30 years ago, how much that was true 30 years ago, how much more true is it today?

more true is it today? more true is it today? A Cigna, a global health service A Cigna, a global health service A Cigna, a global health service company, recently released this article company, recently released this article company, recently released this article where they interviewed 20,000 people and where they interviewed 20,000 people and where they interviewed 20,000 people and here's what they concluded. Number one, here's what they concluded. Number one, here's what they concluded. Number one, half of Americans report sometimes or half of Americans report sometimes or half of Americans report sometimes or always feeling alone. always feeling alone. always feeling alone. Number two, only half of Americans have Number two, only half of Americans have Number two, only half of Americans have meaningful in-person social interactions meaningful in-person social interactions meaningful in-person social interactions on a daily basis. And number three, on a daily basis. And number three, on a daily basis. And number three, Generation Z is the loneliest generation Generation Z is the loneliest generation Generation Z is the loneliest generation and is in the worst health than any and is in the worst health than any and is in the worst health than any other generation. So, other generation. So, other generation. So, we have a problem. we have a problem. we have a problem. So, what is the solution? Number one, we So, what is the solution? Number one, we So, what is the solution? Number one, we need God. need God. need God. And number two, we need each other. It's And number two, we need each other. It's And number two, we need each other. It's as simple as that. We need God and we as simple as that. We need God and we as simple as that. We need God and we need each other. God wired you that way. need each other. God wired you that way. need each other. God wired you that way. You're built for community. You're not You're built for community. You're not You're built for community. You're not meant to do life alone. In fact, the meant to do life alone. In fact, the meant to do life alone. In fact, the first thing that God said was not good first thing that God said was not good first thing that God said was not good was the aloneness of man back in the was the aloneness of man back in the was the aloneness of man back in the book of Genesis. It says Genesis 2:18, book of Genesis. It says Genesis 2:18, book of Genesis. It says Genesis 2:18, "It is not good for man to be alone."

"It is not good for man to be alone." "It is not good for man to be alone." Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "As iron Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "As iron Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens sharpens iron, so one person sharpens sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two another." Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two another." Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two are better than one. If either one of are better than one. If either one of are better than one. If either one of them falls down, one can help the other them falls down, one can help the other them falls down, one can help the other up." I read an article from the Harvard up." I read an article from the Harvard up." I read an article from the Harvard Women's Health Watch. And I always read Women's Health Watch. And I always read Women's Health Watch. And I always read the Harvard Women's Health Watch. It's the Harvard Women's Health Watch. It's the Harvard Women's Health Watch. It's No, I just across it. No, I just across it. No, I just across it. And it said, quote, "Dozens of studies And it said, quote, "Dozens of studies And it said, quote, "Dozens of studies have shown that people who have have shown that people who have have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, satisfying relationships with family, satisfying relationships with family, friends, and their community are friends, and their community are friends, and their community are happier, they have fewer health happier, they have fewer health happier, they have fewer health problems, and they live longer." End problems, and they live longer." End problems, and they live longer." End quote. And that's so true. Because God quote. And that's so true. Because God quote. And that's so true. Because God has wired us that way, and this is where has wired us that way, and this is where has wired us that way, and this is where the church comes in, you see? Because the church comes in, you see? Because the church comes in, you see? Because the church is an oasis of hope in a the church is an oasis of hope in a the church is an oasis of hope in a desert of hopelessness. desert of hopelessness. desert of hopelessness. And that is why every one of us needs to And that is why every one of us needs to And that is why every one of us needs to be a part of the church. You'll be be a part of the church. You'll be be a part of the church. You'll be happier when you're a part of the happier when you're a part of the happier when you're a part of the church, and you'll even be healthier church, and you'll even be healthier church, and you'll even be healthier when you're part of the church.

when you're part of the church. when you're part of the church. Physically, Time magazine did a cover Physically, Time magazine did a cover Physically, Time magazine did a cover story with a headline "Benefits of Faith story with a headline "Benefits of Faith story with a headline "Benefits of Faith and the Church." And here are their and the Church." And here are their and the Church." And here are their observations. Heart surgery patients who observations. Heart surgery patients who observations. Heart surgery patients who draw comfort from their faith have a draw comfort from their faith have a draw comfort from their faith have a significantly higher survival rate than significantly higher survival rate than significantly higher survival rate than those who do not. Isn't that those who do not. Isn't that those who do not. Isn't that interesting? Secondly, the blood interesting? Secondly, the blood interesting? Secondly, the blood pressure of people attending church is pressure of people attending church is pressure of people attending church is lower than those who don't. Thirdly, lower than those who don't. Thirdly, lower than those who don't. Thirdly, people with faith who attend church on a people with faith who attend church on a people with faith who attend church on a regular basis experience less depression regular basis experience less depression regular basis experience less depression than non-church attenders. And on it than non-church attenders. And on it than non-church attenders. And on it goes. So, it's not only good for you goes. So, it's not only good for you goes. So, it's not only good for you spiritually, it's not only good for you spiritually, it's not only good for you spiritually, it's not only good for you emotionally, it's actually good for you emotionally, it's actually good for you emotionally, it's actually good for you physically to be a part of the church. physically to be a part of the church. physically to be a part of the church. So, I bring this up because here in Acts So, I bring this up because here in Acts So, I bring this up because here in Acts 2, we're looking at the birth of the 2, we're looking at the birth of the 2, we're looking at the birth of the church. church. church. The church that Jesus started. The The church that Jesus started. The The church that Jesus started. The church that Jesus established. He only church that Jesus established. He only church that Jesus established. He only started one organization, if you will, started one organization, if you will, started one organization, if you will, when he walked our earth, and it was the when he walked our earth, and it was the when he walked our earth, and it was the church. By the way, the word church church. By the way, the word church church. By the way, the word church means called out ones. It's not about a means called out ones. It's not about a means called out ones. It's not about a building. It's not about a cathedral.

building. It's not about a cathedral. building. It's not about a cathedral. The church is when God's people gather The church is when God's people gather The church is when God's people gather together. Because Jesus said, "When two together. Because Jesus said, "When two together. Because Jesus said, "When two or more are gathered together in my or more are gathered together in my or more are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them." name, I am there in the midst of them." name, I am there in the midst of them." The church is a place to find The church is a place to find The church is a place to find accountability. The church is a place to accountability. The church is a place to accountability. The church is a place to be spiritually fed. The church is a be spiritually fed. The church is a be spiritually fed. The church is a place to hear the word of God. The place to hear the word of God. The place to hear the word of God. The church is a place to discover and then church is a place to discover and then church is a place to discover and then use your spiritual gifts. And the church use your spiritual gifts. And the church use your spiritual gifts. And the church should be your family because we really should be your family because we really should be your family because we really are your family. So, let's consider now are your family. So, let's consider now are your family. So, let's consider now the story here before us of what the the story here before us of what the the story here before us of what the early church looked like. The church early church looked like. The church early church looked like. The church that changed the world. The church that that changed the world. The church that that changed the world. The church that was accused of turning the world upside was accused of turning the world upside was accused of turning the world upside down. I'm reading from Acts chapter 2 down. I'm reading from Acts chapter 2 down. I'm reading from Acts chapter 2 verses 42 to 47, and I'm reading from verses 42 to 47, and I'm reading from verses 42 to 47, and I'm reading from the New King James Version. the New King James Version. the New King James Version. Just to get context, remember this is on Just to get context, remember this is on Just to get context, remember this is on the heels of the day of Pentecost.

the heels of the day of Pentecost. the heels of the day of Pentecost. So, the Holy Spirit has been poured out. So, the Holy Spirit has been poured out. So, the Holy Spirit has been poured out. And 3,000 people have come to believe in And 3,000 people have come to believe in And 3,000 people have come to believe in Jesus after Jesus after Jesus after Simon Peter delivered the inaugural Simon Peter delivered the inaugural Simon Peter delivered the inaugural message of the church. Acts 2:42, "And message of the church. Acts 2:42, "And message of the church. Acts 2:42, "And they continued steadfastly they continued steadfastly they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and in the apostles' doctrine and in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, the breaking of bread and in fellowship, the breaking of bread and in fellowship, the breaking of bread and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul, prayers. And fear came upon every soul, prayers. And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done and many wonders and signs were done and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now, all who through the apostles. Now, all who through the apostles. Now, all who believed were together. They had all believed were together. They had all believed were together. They had all things in common. They sold their things in common. They sold their things in common. They sold their possessions and goods and divided them possessions and goods and divided them possessions and goods and divided them among all as everyone had need. So, among all as everyone had need. So, among all as everyone had need. So, continuing daily with one accord in the continuing daily with one accord in the continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to temple and breaking bread from house to temple and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness house, they ate their food with gladness house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and simplicity of heart, praising God and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. and having favor with all the people. and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily And the Lord added to the church daily And the Lord added to the church daily [music] those that were being saved." >> [music] >> [music] >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second >> 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. Many [music] listeners write or call us Many [music] listeners write or call us Many [music] listeners write or call us sharing their stories of pain and loss, sharing their stories of pain and loss, sharing their stories of pain and loss, but also of hope. [music] but also of hope. [music] but also of hope. [music] >> Pastor Greg, I wanted to share that not >> Pastor Greg, I wanted to share that not >> Pastor Greg, I wanted to share that not long ago my brother and 10-year-old long ago my brother and 10-year-old long ago my brother and 10-year-old nephew died in a tragic house fire.

nephew died in a tragic house fire. nephew died in a tragic house fire. The months that followed [music] were a The months that followed [music] were a The months that followed [music] were a nightmare for me and my family. nightmare for me and my family. nightmare for me and my family. Even though we received much love and Even though we received much love and Even though we received much love and support from friends and family, it was support from friends and family, it was support from friends and family, it was still a very difficult [music] time. But still a very difficult [music] time. But still a very difficult [music] time. But a friend gave me a copy of your book as a friend gave me a copy of your book as a friend gave me a copy of your book as it is in heaven [music] and it helped me it is in heaven [music] and it helped me it is in heaven [music] and it helped me so much. I've been walking closer to so much. I've been walking closer to so much. I've been walking closer to Jesus than I ever have before. Jesus than I ever have before. Jesus than I ever have before. I've also found your podcasts [music] I've also found your podcasts [music] I've also found your podcasts [music] and now listen every day while doing and now listen every day while doing and now listen every day while doing computer work and while driving. computer work and while driving. computer work and while driving. Your sermons on [music] trials and Your sermons on [music] trials and Your sermons on [music] trials and suffering have brought me so much hope, suffering have brought me so much hope, suffering have brought me so much hope, more than I can really ever explain. more than I can really ever explain. more than I can really ever explain. And now [music] I can't get enough of And now [music] I can't get enough of And now [music] I can't get enough of reading the Bible and when you explain reading the Bible and when you explain reading the Bible and when you explain how God allows trials [music] and how God allows trials [music] and how God allows trials [music] and suffering so that we can grow up suffering so that we can grow up suffering so that we can grow up spiritually, it really resonated with spiritually, it really resonated with spiritually, it really resonated with me. me. me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm now clinging more tightly to Jesus >> I'm now clinging more tightly to Jesus >> I'm now clinging more tightly to Jesus than ever before and have thanked God than ever before and have thanked God than ever before and have thanked God many times for you. Blessings to you, many times for you. Blessings to you, many times for you. Blessings to you, Pastor Greg. Pastor Greg. Pastor Greg. >> It's wonderful to [music] know that >> It's wonderful to [music] know that >> It's wonderful to [music] know that listeners are hearing these messages and listeners are hearing these messages and listeners are hearing these messages and God is using his word [music] to touch God is using his word [music] to touch God is using his word [music] to touch hearts. Would you share your story with hearts. Would you share your story with hearts. Would you share your story with Pastor Greg? If so, send him an email Pastor Greg? If so, send him an email Pastor Greg? If so, send him an email [email protected].

[email protected]. [email protected]. That's [email protected]. [music] And for more information about Pastor And for more information about Pastor [music] Greg's book as it is in heaven, [music] Greg's book as it is in heaven, [music] Greg's book as it is in heaven, go to harvest.org. >> Well, Pastor Greg is taking us to the >> Well, Pastor Greg is taking us to the early days of the church. It was an early days of the church. It was an early days of the church. It was an exciting time. As scripture says, the exciting time. As scripture says, the exciting time. As scripture says, the Lord added to the church daily those Lord added to the church daily those Lord added to the church daily those that were being saved. Let's continue. that were being saved. Let's continue. that were being saved. Let's continue. >> So, what can we learn from this church? >> So, what can we learn from this church? >> So, what can we learn from this church? If you're taking notes, here's point If you're taking notes, here's point If you're taking notes, here's point number one. They were a learning church. number one. They were a learning church. number one. They were a learning church. They were a learning church. Now, let me They were a learning church. Now, let me They were a learning church. Now, let me apply this to you personally. If you apply this to you personally. If you apply this to you personally. If you want to be a growing Christian, you need want to be a growing Christian, you need want to be a growing Christian, you need to be a learning Christian. There's to be a learning Christian. There's to be a learning Christian. There's always so much more to learn. I've been always so much more to learn. I've been always so much more to learn. I've been a Christian, well, pretty long now, over a Christian, well, pretty long now, over a Christian, well, pretty long now, over 50 years. 50 years. 50 years. And, you know, you would think that I And, you know, you would think that I And, you know, you would think that I know a lot, and I know some things, but know a lot, and I know some things, but know a lot, and I know some things, but I've discovered that I have so much I've discovered that I have so much I've discovered that I have so much still to learn. And then there's a still to learn. And then there's a still to learn. And then there's a problem as you get older with forgetting problem as you get older with forgetting problem as you get older with forgetting things you've learned, right? So, it's a things you've learned, right? So, it's a things you've learned, right? So, it's a it's a process of learning new things it's a process of learning new things it's a process of learning new things and being reminded of old things that and being reminded of old things that and being reminded of old things that maybe you have forgotten.

maybe you have forgotten. maybe you have forgotten. And the Apostle Paul, after 3 years of And the Apostle Paul, after 3 years of And the Apostle Paul, after 3 years of walking with the Lord, said, walking with the Lord, said, walking with the Lord, said, "Look, "Look, "Look, I am pressing on because I have not I am pressing on because I have not I am pressing on because I have not reached perfection, pressing on toward reached perfection, pressing on toward reached perfection, pressing on toward the mark." And that should be the the mark." And that should be the the mark." And that should be the objective and the attitude of every objective and the attitude of every objective and the attitude of every follower of Jesus Christ. These people follower of Jesus Christ. These people follower of Jesus Christ. These people were studying the word of God. To those were studying the word of God. To those were studying the word of God. To those of us who are called to preach and teach of us who are called to preach and teach of us who are called to preach and teach the Bible, scripture says in 2 Timothy the Bible, scripture says in 2 Timothy the Bible, scripture says in 2 Timothy 4:2, "Preach the word, be persistent, 4:2, "Preach the word, be persistent, 4:2, "Preach the word, be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. whether the time is favorable or not. whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, encourage Patiently correct, rebuke, encourage Patiently correct, rebuke, encourage your people with good teaching." your people with good teaching." your people with good teaching." Then Paul goes on to say, "For the time Then Paul goes on to say, "For the time Then Paul goes on to say, "For the time will come when people will no longer will come when people will no longer will come when people will no longer listen to right teaching, but follow listen to right teaching, but follow listen to right teaching, but follow their own desires, and look for teachers their own desires, and look for teachers their own desires, and look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to who will tell them whatever they want to who will tell them whatever they want to hear." hear." hear." So, our focus at this church for 50 So, our focus at this church for 50 So, our focus at this church for 50 years now has been on teaching the word years now has been on teaching the word years now has been on teaching the word of God. We offer theology without of God. We offer theology without of God. We offer theology without apology. Pretty much whatever we're apology. Pretty much whatever we're apology. Pretty much whatever we're doing, we're going to get around to doing, we're going to get around to doing, we're going to get around to opening up the Bible and see what it has opening up the Bible and see what it has opening up the Bible and see what it has to say. That is our focus. That will to say. That is our focus. That will to say. That is our focus. That will always be our focus. Now, that is not always be our focus. Now, that is not always be our focus. Now, that is not always the focus. Um always the focus. Um always the focus. Um >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I'm glad you agree.

>> I'm glad you agree. >> I'm glad you agree. That's not always the focus. Some That's not always the focus. Some That's not always the focus. Some churches are focused more on worship. churches are focused more on worship. churches are focused more on worship. They may be focused more on having a They may be focused more on having a They may be focused more on having a emotional experience. emotional experience. emotional experience. And then other churches are focused And then other churches are focused And then other churches are focused perhaps on entertainment. perhaps on entertainment. perhaps on entertainment. And another church might be focused more And another church might be focused more And another church might be focused more on politics, but our focus should be on on politics, but our focus should be on on politics, but our focus should be on the word of God. This first-century the word of God. This first-century the word of God. This first-century church did that. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> So, there's a need for strong biblical >> So, there's a need for strong biblical >> So, there's a need for strong biblical preaching, but there's also a need for preaching, but there's also a need for preaching, but there's also a need for good listening. good listening. good listening. Good listening. You know, it's easy to Good listening. You know, it's easy to Good listening. You know, it's easy to not pay attention. not pay attention. not pay attention. I remember those old Peanuts cartoons I remember those old Peanuts cartoons I remember those old Peanuts cartoons and when the parents spoke, it was like, and when the parents spoke, it was like, and when the parents spoke, it was like, "Wah wah wah wah wah wah wah." You know, "Wah wah wah wah wah wah wah." You know, "Wah wah wah wah wah wah wah." You know, they never had the voices of the they never had the voices of the they never had the voices of the parents, just the kids. And sometimes parents, just the kids. And sometimes parents, just the kids. And sometimes that's how things can sound to you. You that's how things can sound to you. You that's how things can sound to you. You can tune something out. You're not can tune something out. You're not can tune something out. You're not paying attention. You need to give your paying attention. You need to give your paying attention. You need to give your attention with intention. The fact of attention with intention. The fact of attention with intention. The fact of the matter here in verse 42, when it the matter here in verse 42, when it the matter here in verse 42, when it says continued steadfastly, this speaks says continued steadfastly, this speaks says continued steadfastly, this speaks of passion.

of passion. of passion. They were living in a first love They were living in a first love They were living in a first love relationship with Jesus and they had relationship with Jesus and they had relationship with Jesus and they had burning hearts. burning hearts. burning hearts. And let me ask you this, what are you And let me ask you this, what are you And let me ask you this, what are you passionate about? I mean, seriously, I passionate about? I mean, seriously, I passionate about? I mean, seriously, I know the default answer, Jesus. Okay, know the default answer, Jesus. Okay, know the default answer, Jesus. Okay, maybe. We'll see. I'll go check out your maybe. We'll see. I'll go check out your maybe. We'll see. I'll go check out your social media. social media. social media. And then I'll see what you're really And then I'll see what you're really And then I'll see what you're really passionate about. What do you post most passionate about. What do you post most passionate about. What do you post most about? What do you talk most about? Some about? What do you talk most about? Some about? What do you talk most about? Some people are passionate about sports. people are passionate about sports. people are passionate about sports. Sports. I have never cared that much Sports. I have never cared that much Sports. I have never cared that much about sports. I'm sorry to tell you about sports. I'm sorry to tell you about sports. I'm sorry to tell you this. I may have to turn my man card in. this. I may have to turn my man card in. this. I may have to turn my man card in. But, uh But, uh But, uh I I just never cared that much. You I I just never cared that much. You I I just never cared that much. You know, never having a dad growing up, I know, never having a dad growing up, I know, never having a dad growing up, I just never really got into the sports just never really got into the sports just never really got into the sports vortex. And I know a lot of And there's vortex. And I know a lot of And there's vortex. And I know a lot of And there's nothing wrong with loving sports and nothing wrong with loving sports and nothing wrong with loving sports and enjoying sports, but is that your enjoying sports, but is that your enjoying sports, but is that your primary passion? Other people are primary passion? Other people are primary passion? Other people are passionate about movies, you know. Or passionate about movies, you know. Or passionate about movies, you know. Or this new series on Netflix. Oh, have you this new series on Netflix. Oh, have you this new series on Netflix. Oh, have you seen this? OH, YOU GOT TO WATCH THIS. seen this? OH, YOU GOT TO WATCH THIS. seen this? OH, YOU GOT TO WATCH THIS. AND YOU KNOW, you'll be talking about AND YOU KNOW, you'll be talking about AND YOU KNOW, you'll be talking about whatever, but the moment that topic whatever, but the moment that topic whatever, but the moment that topic comes up, they get all fired up. Other comes up, they get all fired up. Other comes up, they get all fired up. Other people are passionate about food. Food.

people are passionate about food. Food. people are passionate about food. Food. Everything's food, you know? And that's Everything's food, you know? And that's Everything's food, you know? And that's what fires them up. Other people, it's what fires them up. Other people, it's what fires them up. Other people, it's politics. Man, they're not even politics. Man, they're not even politics. Man, they're not even interested in the conversation until you interested in the conversation until you interested in the conversation until you get to politics. Now, they come to life. get to politics. Now, they come to life. get to politics. Now, they come to life. Listen, it's fine to have an interest in Listen, it's fine to have an interest in Listen, it's fine to have an interest in all of these things, but make your all of these things, but make your all of these things, but make your primary passion about Jesus Christ. primary passion about Jesus Christ. primary passion about Jesus Christ. That's it. That's it. That's it. Don't lose that. Don't lose that. Don't lose that. >> [applause] >> It's not that these other things are bad >> It's not that these other things are bad things, but if one of these things takes things, but if one of these things takes things, but if one of these things takes the place of Jesus and your passion is the place of Jesus and your passion is the place of Jesus and your passion is channeled in a different direction, it channeled in a different direction, it channeled in a different direction, it actually can be a bad thing. So, these actually can be a bad thing. So, these actually can be a bad thing. So, these people listened. people listened. people listened. They listened to what the word said. They listened to what the word said. They listened to what the word said. They continued with passion in the They continued with passion in the They continued with passion in the apostles' doctrine, and that's the way apostles' doctrine, and that's the way apostles' doctrine, and that's the way we should be as well. We must come with we should be as well. We must come with we should be as well. We must come with the desire to hear the word. Number two, the desire to hear the word. Number two, the desire to hear the word. Number two, it was a loving church. So, number one, it was a loving church. So, number one, it was a loving church. So, number one, they were a learning church. Number two, they were a learning church. Number two, they were a learning church. Number two, they were a loving church. Verse 42, they were a loving church. Verse 42, they were a loving church. Verse 42, they continued in fellowship, the they continued in fellowship, the they continued in fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers, and breaking of bread and prayers, and breaking of bread and prayers, and continued to do this together. Now, as continued to do this together. Now, as continued to do this together. Now, as we grow in our faith, we will want to do we grow in our faith, we will want to do we grow in our faith, we will want to do it with other believers, it with other believers, it with other believers, uh gathering around the word of God. And uh gathering around the word of God. And uh gathering around the word of God. And the Lord loves it when we talk about him the Lord loves it when we talk about him the Lord loves it when we talk about him together. There's a fascinating little together. There's a fascinating little together. There's a fascinating little passage over in Malachi 3:16, passage over in Malachi 3:16, passage over in Malachi 3:16, uh that says, "Those that feared the uh that says, "Those that feared the uh that says, "Those that feared the Lord talked with each other, and the

Lord talked with each other, and the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard." The Lord Lord listened and heard." The Lord Lord listened and heard." The Lord listened and heard. So, listened and heard. So, listened and heard. So, it's The idea is that it's The idea is that it's The idea is that the phrase listened and heard can be the phrase listened and heard can be the phrase listened and heard can be translated to prick the ear. So, it's translated to prick the ear. So, it's translated to prick the ear. So, it's you hear something, and all of a sudden you hear something, and all of a sudden you hear something, and all of a sudden you tune into it. The idea is that God you tune into it. The idea is that God you tune into it. The idea is that God bends down to us not to miss a single bends down to us not to miss a single bends down to us not to miss a single word. So, we're talking about whatever, word. So, we're talking about whatever, word. So, we're talking about whatever, and suddenly someone says, "You know, and suddenly someone says, "You know, and suddenly someone says, "You know, the word of God or the Bible or Jesus." the word of God or the Bible or Jesus." the word of God or the Bible or Jesus." All of a sudden the Lord says, "Oh, All of a sudden the Lord says, "Oh, All of a sudden the Lord says, "Oh, wait. What are you saying? I'm really wait. What are you saying? I'm really wait. What are you saying? I'm really interested in what you're saying." interested in what you're saying." interested in what you're saying." For instance, if I'm talking to an adult For instance, if I'm talking to an adult For instance, if I'm talking to an adult and one of my grandchildren comes up and and one of my grandchildren comes up and and one of my grandchildren comes up and says, "Papa, I hear that." And I'm going says, "Papa, I hear that." And I'm going says, "Papa, I hear that." And I'm going to tune out whatever is happening around to tune out whatever is happening around to tune out whatever is happening around me and put my attention toward one of my me and put my attention toward one of my me and put my attention toward one of my grandchildren. God likes it when we grandchildren. God likes it when we grandchildren. God likes it when we talked about him together. Fellowship is talked about him together. Fellowship is talked about him together. Fellowship is praying together. Fellowship is serving praying together. Fellowship is serving praying together. Fellowship is serving together. Fellowship is suffering together. Fellowship is suffering together. Fellowship is suffering together. Fellowship is being blessed together. Fellowship is being blessed together. Fellowship is being blessed together. Fellowship is serving together. Fellowship is serving together. Fellowship is serving together. In fact, the stronger your together. In fact, the stronger your together. In fact, the stronger your vertical fellowship, the stronger your vertical fellowship, the stronger your vertical fellowship, the stronger your horizontal fellowship will be. By horizontal fellowship will be. By horizontal fellowship will be. By vertical, I mean the closer you are to vertical, I mean the closer you are to vertical, I mean the closer you are to God, the closer you'll be with God's God, the closer you'll be with God's God, the closer you'll be with God's people.

people. people. And if you're not as close to God as you And if you're not as close to God as you And if you're not as close to God as you need to be, you'll probably want to need to be, you'll probably want to need to be, you'll probably want to spend less time around godly people. So, spend less time around godly people. So, spend less time around godly people. So, this is something that is so important. this is something that is so important. this is something that is so important. Now, I know sometimes people say, "So, I Now, I know sometimes people say, "So, I Now, I know sometimes people say, "So, I don't know the church, you know, it's so don't know the church, you know, it's so don't know the church, you know, it's so full of hypocrites." full of hypocrites." full of hypocrites." Hey, there's always room for one more, Hey, there's always room for one more, Hey, there's always room for one more, so come join us. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> You've heard me and others say many >> You've heard me and others say many >> You've heard me and others say many times that times that times that don't try to find the perfect church cuz don't try to find the perfect church cuz don't try to find the perfect church cuz when you find it, you'll ruin it, right? when you find it, you'll ruin it, right? when you find it, you'll ruin it, right? The church is made up of imperfect The church is made up of imperfect The church is made up of imperfect people. people. people. We all fall short. We all fall short. We all fall short. We all make mistakes. We all make mistakes. We all make mistakes. But, But, But, that's an excuse when you say the church that's an excuse when you say the church that's an excuse when you say the church is full of hypocrites. Sometimes people is full of hypocrites. Sometimes people is full of hypocrites. Sometimes people say, "Well, I don't know. When I go to say, "Well, I don't know. When I go to say, "Well, I don't know. When I go to church, I feel judged." church, I feel judged." church, I feel judged." Let me say something that might surprise Let me say something that might surprise Let me say something that might surprise you. Maybe you need to be judged a you. Maybe you need to be judged a you. Maybe you need to be judged a little bit. Now, let me explain. Let me little bit. Now, let me explain. Let me little bit. Now, let me explain. Let me explain. explain. explain. Jesus said, "Judge not, lest you be Jesus said, "Judge not, lest you be Jesus said, "Judge not, lest you be judged." Every non-believer knows that judged." Every non-believer knows that judged." Every non-believer knows that verse.

verse. verse. And they also know this verse, "Let him And they also know this verse, "Let him And they also know this verse, "Let him that is without sin cast the first that is without sin cast the first that is without sin cast the first stone, right?" stone, right?" stone, right?" But, what does it mean when Jesus says, But, what does it mean when Jesus says, But, what does it mean when Jesus says, "Judge not, lest you be judged?" Does it "Judge not, lest you be judged?" Does it "Judge not, lest you be judged?" Does it mean we should not make evaluations mean we should not make evaluations mean we should not make evaluations about people or situations? We should about people or situations? We should about people or situations? We should not make judgments of any kind? Well, it not make judgments of any kind? Well, it not make judgments of any kind? Well, it can't mean that can't mean that can't mean that because the Bible says judgment begins because the Bible says judgment begins because the Bible says judgment begins at the house of God. A literal at the house of God. A literal at the house of God. A literal translation of what Jesus said would be translation of what Jesus said would be translation of what Jesus said would be "Condemn not lest you be condemned." So, "Condemn not lest you be condemned." So, "Condemn not lest you be condemned." So, if you went to a church and you were if you went to a church and you were if you went to a church and you were condemned, condemned, condemned, that's wrong and I apologize for that if that's wrong and I apologize for that if that's wrong and I apologize for that if that happened. But, if you went to a that happened. But, if you went to a that happened. But, if you went to a church and someone called you out church and someone called you out church and someone called you out because of a sinful thing you were because of a sinful thing you were because of a sinful thing you were doing, that's not condemnation, that's doing, that's not condemnation, that's doing, that's not condemnation, that's love. love. love. Now, there's a right way to do it. Now, there's a right way to do it. Now, there's a right way to do it. There's a right way to do it. There's a right way to do it. There's a right way to do it. Cuz you know, some people they're so Cuz you know, some people they're so Cuz you know, some people they're so holier than thou and they're arrogant holier than thou and they're arrogant holier than thou and they're arrogant and condescending. Now, we're not and condescending. Now, we're not and condescending. Now, we're not talking about that, but I'm saying that talking about that, but I'm saying that talking about that, but I'm saying that if there's someone that loves you enough if there's someone that loves you enough if there's someone that loves you enough to say, "I'm concerned about you to say, "I'm concerned about you to say, "I'm concerned about you spiritually." That is a true friend spiritually." That is a true friend spiritually." That is a true friend because the Bible says, "Faithful are because the Bible says, "Faithful are because the Bible says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses the wounds of a friend, but the kisses the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." See, a true of an enemy are deceitful." See, a true of an enemy are deceitful." See, a true friend will stab you in the front, not friend will stab you in the front, not friend will stab you in the front, not the back.

the back. the back. Right? The Bible says, "Open rebuke is Right? The Bible says, "Open rebuke is Right? The Bible says, "Open rebuke is better than secret love." So, we do need better than secret love." So, we do need better than secret love." So, we do need to be accountable to one another. I to be accountable to one another. I to be accountable to one another. I think this is one of the reasons people think this is one of the reasons people think this is one of the reasons people church hop because people get their church hop because people get their church hop because people get their number. number. number. Hey man, I I see you're still doing this Hey man, I I see you're still doing this Hey man, I I see you're still doing this thing. Why are you doing that? thing. Why are you doing that? thing. Why are you doing that? I'm feeling called to another church. I'm feeling called to another church. I'm feeling called to another church. Then they end up in the other church and Then they end up in the other church and Then they end up in the other church and people find out and then they move to people find out and then they move to people find out and then they move to another church. Let me tell you a story another church. Let me tell you a story another church. Let me tell you a story of a guy who was stranded on an island of a guy who was stranded on an island of a guy who was stranded on an island out in the middle of the ocean. They out in the middle of the ocean. They out in the middle of the ocean. They finally came and rescued him. Saw that finally came and rescued him. Saw that finally came and rescued him. Saw that he had three buildings that he had he had three buildings that he had he had three buildings that he had built. Three. built. Three. built. Three. And so, they asked him, "Well, three And so, they asked him, "Well, three And so, they asked him, "Well, three buildings, what are these buildings?" He buildings, what are these buildings?" He buildings, what are these buildings?" He says, "Well, the first building, that's says, "Well, the first building, that's says, "Well, the first building, that's my house." my house." my house." Okay, what are the other two buildings? Okay, what are the other two buildings? Okay, what are the other two buildings? "Well, the next one, that's my church." "Well, the next one, that's my church." "Well, the next one, that's my church." Okay, your house, your church. What's Okay, your house, your church. What's Okay, your house, your church. What's the third building? He says, "That's the the third building? He says, "That's the the third building? He says, "That's the church I used to go to." The church, a place to develop a The church, a place to develop a consistent theology. consistent theology. consistent theology. A place [music] to develop friendships. A place [music] to develop friendships. A place [music] to develop friendships. A place to grow together.

[music] [music] >> Pastor Greg Laurie with important >> Pastor Greg Laurie with important >> Pastor Greg Laurie with important insight on the role the church should insight on the role the church should insight on the role the church should play in our daily lives. We're learning play in our daily lives. We're learning play in our daily lives. We're learning a lot from this new series on A New a lot from this new series on A New a lot from this new series on A New Beginning called The Upside Down Life, Beginning called The Upside Down Life, Beginning called The Upside Down Life, based in the book of Acts. based in the book of Acts. based in the book of Acts. Now, as important as it is to be a part Now, as important as it is to be a part Now, as important as it is to be a part of a good church, it's not church of a good church, it's not church of a good church, it's not church membership that gets us to heaven. membership that gets us to heaven. membership that gets us to heaven. It's only through a relationship with It's only through a relationship with It's only through a relationship with Christ that we can know we're going to Christ that we can know we're going to Christ that we can know we're going to heaven when this life is over. heaven when this life is over. heaven when this life is over. Do you have that assurance? Do you have that assurance? Do you have that assurance? Pastor Greg, it's just not a good idea Pastor Greg, it's just not a good idea Pastor Greg, it's just not a good idea to assume everything's just going to to assume everything's just going to to assume everything's just going to work out okay, is work out okay, is work out okay, is >> No, this is one area of your life you >> No, this is one area of your life you >> No, this is one area of your life you want to be sure about. Where you're want to be sure about. Where you're want to be sure about. Where you're going to spend eternity. going to spend eternity. going to spend eternity. The Bible says, "These things we write The Bible says, "These things we write The Bible says, "These things we write to you that you may believe on the Son to you that you may believe on the Son to you that you may believe on the Son of God and that you may know that you of God and that you may know that you of God and that you may know that you have eternal life." Listen, I know I have eternal life." Listen, I know I have eternal life." Listen, I know I have eternal life. I know I'll go to have eternal life. I know I'll go to have eternal life. I know I'll go to heaven one day. And I hope that doesn't heaven one day. And I hope that doesn't heaven one day. And I hope that doesn't sound boastful. And if it does, I'm sound boastful. And if it does, I'm sound boastful. And if it does, I'm boasting in what God has done for me, boasting in what God has done for me, boasting in what God has done for me, not on what I've done for God. not on what I've done for God. not on what I've done for God. The reason I know these things is The reason I know these things is The reason I know these things is because I've turned from my sin and I've because I've turned from my sin and I've because I've turned from my sin and I've put my faith in Christ, you see? And if put my faith in Christ, you see? And if put my faith in Christ, you see? And if you do the same, you can have the same you do the same, you can have the same you do the same, you can have the same hope. You just need to call out to the hope. You just need to call out to the hope. You just need to call out to the Lord and admit you're a sinner and ask Lord and admit you're a sinner and ask Lord and admit you're a sinner and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you and come Jesus Christ to forgive you and come Jesus Christ to forgive you and come into your life. The Bible says, "Whoever into your life. The Bible says, "Whoever into your life. The Bible says, "Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will will call upon the name of the Lord will will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." Will you call upon him right be saved." Will you call upon him right be saved." Will you call upon him right now? I'm going to pray a simple prayer now? I'm going to pray a simple prayer now? I'm going to pray a simple prayer and I'm going to ask you to pray this and I'm going to ask you to pray this and I'm going to ask you to pray this prayer after me, if you would. So, if prayer after me, if you would. So, if prayer after me, if you would. So, if you want to know that you're going to

you want to know that you're going to you want to know that you're going to heaven when you die, if you want to know heaven when you die, if you want to know heaven when you die, if you want to know for certain that Christ is living in for certain that Christ is living in for certain that Christ is living in your life, then pray this prayer with your life, then pray this prayer with your life, then pray this prayer with me. Just pray these words. Lord Jesus, I me. Just pray these words. Lord Jesus, I me. Just pray these words. Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, know I am a sinner, know I am a sinner, but I know you are the savior but I know you are the savior but I know you are the savior who died on the cross for my sin. I turn who died on the cross for my sin. I turn who died on the cross for my sin. I turn from my sin now, from my sin now, from my 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 as my savior and my lord, moment forward as my savior and my lord, moment forward as my savior and my lord, as my god and my friend. Thank you for as my god and my friend. Thank you for as my god and my friend. Thank you for hearing this prayer. hearing this prayer. hearing this prayer. Thank you for answering this prayer. Thank you for answering this prayer. Thank you for answering this prayer. And I ask this in Jesus' name. And I ask this in Jesus' name. And I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. And listen, if you've just prayed that And listen, if you've just prayed that And listen, if you've just prayed that prayer with Pastor Greg, and you've prayer with Pastor Greg, and you've prayer with Pastor Greg, and you've meant those words sincerely, the Lord meant those words sincerely, the Lord meant those words sincerely, the Lord has forgiven your sin, and you're now a has forgiven your sin, and you're now a has forgiven your sin, and you're now a Christian. Christian. Christian. And we want to help you get started in And we want to help you get started in And we want to help you get started in this new life of faith. Let us send you this new life of faith. Let us send you this new life of faith. Let us send you Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's in an easy-to-understand translation, in an easy-to-understand translation, in an easy-to-understand translation, and there are scores of features to help and there are scores of features to help and there are scores of features to help a new believer build a solid foundation a new believer build a solid foundation a new believer build a solid foundation for their faith.

for their faith. for their faith. So, get in touch and ask for the New So, get in touch and ask for the New So, get in touch and ask for the New Believer's Bible. We'll send it to you Believer's Bible. We'll send it to you Believer's Bible. We'll send it to you free of charge. Just call free of charge. Just call free of charge. Just call 1-800-821-3300. You can call us anytime. Again, You can call us anytime. Again, 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 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, 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. Thanks to the Lord.

year. Thanks to the Lord. year. 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. [music] Or, go online to harvest.org. Or, go online to harvest.org. Well, next time, more insight [music] on Well, next time, more insight [music] on Well, next time, more insight [music] on how we need the church and the church how we need the church and the church how we need the church and the church needs us. More from our studies [music] needs us. More from our studies [music] needs us. More from our studies [music] in the book of Acts. Join us here on A in the book of Acts. Join us here on A in the book of Acts. Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible New Beginning with Pastor and Bible New Beginning with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg [music] Laurie.

teacher Greg [music] Laurie. teacher Greg [music] Laurie. >> This day day we begin. we begin. we begin. >> [music]