Why Do Christians Have to Suffer? | When Life Gets Hard

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. >> Heaven [music] is not a watered-down >> Heaven [music] is not a watered-down version of the greatest moments on version of the greatest moments on version of the greatest moments on Earth. The greatest moments on Earth are Earth. The greatest moments on Earth are Earth. The greatest moments on Earth are [music] a glimpse of greater things to [music] a glimpse of greater things to [music] a glimpse of greater things to come. come. come. >> Today on A New Beginning, >> Today on A New Beginning, >> [music] >> [music] >> Pastor Greg Laurie helps us look past >> Pastor Greg Laurie helps us look past >> Pastor Greg Laurie helps us look past the trials of today to the glory waiting the trials of today to the glory waiting the trials of today to the glory waiting for us in eternity. for us in eternity. for us in eternity. >> Heaven, a place of feasting and [music] >> Heaven, a place of feasting and [music] >> Heaven, a place of feasting and [music] fellowship, a place of activities and fellowship, a place of activities and fellowship, a place of activities and worship. Dare I say it? Heaven is a worship. Dare I say it? Heaven is a worship. Dare I say it? Heaven is a place of fun, a celebration. [music] [music] [music] >> When we have something enjoyable to look >> When we have something enjoyable to look >> When we have something enjoyable to look forward to tomorrow, it makes the forward to tomorrow, it makes the forward to tomorrow, it makes the stresses of today stresses of today stresses of today >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> a little easier to take.

>> a little easier to take. >> a little easier to take. Have you noticed that? It's all about Have you noticed that? It's all about Have you noticed that? It's all about perspective. And today on A New perspective. And today on A New perspective. And today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us adopt [music] a biblical perspective on adopt [music] a biblical perspective on adopt [music] a biblical perspective on the challenges of today. It's a message the challenges of today. It's a message the challenges of today. It's a message called [music] Why Do Christians Have to called [music] Why Do Christians Have to called [music] Why Do Christians Have to Suffer? Suffer? Suffer? We look ahead to our everlasting reward We look ahead to our everlasting reward We look ahead to our everlasting reward and let that give us encouragement for and let that give us encouragement for and let that give us encouragement for the temporary pain [music] and the temporary pain [music] and the temporary pain [music] and opposition we face today. [music] [music] >> Heaven. >> Heaven. >> Heaven. I love to talk about heaven. I love to talk about heaven. I love to talk about heaven. I love to think deeply about heaven. I love to think deeply about heaven. I love to think deeply about heaven. Why? It's my future destination as a Why? It's my future destination as a Why? It's my future destination as a Christian and it's yours as well. What Christian and it's yours as well. What Christian and it's yours as well. What will we see when we arrive in heaven? will we see when we arrive in heaven? will we see when we arrive in heaven? What will we do when we finally get to What will we do when we finally get to What will we do when we finally get to heaven? The reason I bring this topic up heaven? The reason I bring this topic up heaven? The reason I bring this topic up is here before us in the book of Acts is is here before us in the book of Acts is is here before us in the book of Acts is a story of a man who went to heaven and a story of a man who went to heaven and a story of a man who went to heaven and returned. returned. returned. He's the Apostle Paul. He was given a He's the Apostle Paul. He was given a He's the Apostle Paul. He was given a glimpse of glory. Have you ever been to glimpse of glory. Have you ever been to glimpse of glory. Have you ever been to a theater? And I don't know about you, a theater? And I don't know about you, a theater? And I don't know about you, but I've been going to theaters like I but I've been going to theaters like I but I've been going to theaters like I used to. But when you're in a theater, used to. But when you're in a theater, used to. But when you're in a theater, they show trailers for new films, right?

they show trailers for new films, right? they show trailers for new films, right? There was one film I was very excited There was one film I was very excited There was one film I was very excited about seeing after I saw the trailer. about seeing after I saw the trailer. about seeing after I saw the trailer. The trailer was amazing and then I went The trailer was amazing and then I went The trailer was amazing and then I went and saw the film and guess what? The and saw the film and guess what? The and saw the film and guess what? The trailer was better than the film. Has trailer was better than the film. Has trailer was better than the film. Has that ever happened to you? Well, Paul that ever happened to you? Well, Paul that ever happened to you? Well, Paul was sort of given a trailer, if you was sort of given a trailer, if you was sort of given a trailer, if you will, but even more, he actually died, will, but even more, he actually died, will, but even more, he actually died, went to heaven and returned back to went to heaven and returned back to went to heaven and returned back to earth. He had a glimpse of things to earth. He had a glimpse of things to earth. He had a glimpse of things to come and then ultimately saw the come and then ultimately saw the come and then ultimately saw the realized version of it. And we've had realized version of it. And we've had realized version of it. And we've had little glimpses of glory in our lives. little glimpses of glory in our lives. little glimpses of glory in our lives. You know, those special moments, you You know, those special moments, you You know, those special moments, you know, with your your with family or know, with your your with family or know, with your your with family or friends or you watch the greatest sunset friends or you watch the greatest sunset friends or you watch the greatest sunset or the greatest sunrise or the greatest sunrise or the greatest sunrise or you see a rainbow. Man, if you ever or you see a rainbow. Man, if you ever or you see a rainbow. Man, if you ever get tired of a rainbow, something's get tired of a rainbow, something's get tired of a rainbow, something's wrong with you. And I found that I can't wrong with you. And I found that I can't wrong with you. And I found that I can't photograph a rainbow. I pull my phone photograph a rainbow. I pull my phone photograph a rainbow. I pull my phone out and the phone never gives a out and the phone never gives a out and the phone never gives a representation of what I saw with my own representation of what I saw with my own representation of what I saw with my own eyes. So, last Sunday, I was visiting eyes. So, last Sunday, I was visiting eyes. So, last Sunday, I was visiting our church on Maui, Harvest Kumulani and our church on Maui, Harvest Kumulani and our church on Maui, Harvest Kumulani and I was having dinner one night with a Jim I was having dinner one night with a Jim I was having dinner one night with a Jim Feltsner who's the campus pastor and he Feltsner who's the campus pastor and he Feltsner who's the campus pastor and he told me there's more whales here right told me there's more whales here right told me there's more whales here right now, not in the church, but in the now, not in the church, but in the now, not in the church, but in the water. There's more whales uh, in the water. There's more whales uh, in the water. There's more whales uh, in the waters of Maui than any other time. It's waters of Maui than any other time. It's waters of Maui than any other time. It's a great time to go whale watching. I a great time to go whale watching. I a great time to go whale watching. I said, I wish I could go. Says there's a said, I wish I could go. Says there's a said, I wish I could go. Says there's a guy in the church who has a boat, maybe guy in the church who has a boat, maybe guy in the church who has a boat, maybe he'll take you out. And sure enough, he'll take you out. And sure enough, he'll take you out. And sure enough, that guy did take us out. His name is that guy did take us out. His name is that guy did take us out. His name is Steve, and we're thankful for that. But, Steve, and we're thankful for that. But, Steve, and we're thankful for that. But, you know, all these beautiful things, you know, all these beautiful things, you know, all these beautiful things, these are God's creation. And they these are God's creation. And they these are God's creation. And they remind us that something greater is

remind us that something greater is remind us that something greater is coming. Heaven is not a watered-down coming. Heaven is not a watered-down coming. Heaven is not a watered-down version of the greatest moments on version of the greatest moments on version of the greatest moments on Earth. The greatest moments on Earth are Earth. The greatest moments on Earth are Earth. The greatest moments on Earth are a glimpse of greater things to come. a glimpse of greater things to come. a glimpse of greater things to come. Heaven will be your greatest dreams Heaven will be your greatest dreams Heaven will be your greatest dreams realized and even more. So, we're going realized and even more. So, we're going realized and even more. So, we're going to talk about that a little bit later, to talk about that a little bit later, to talk about that a little bit later, but we come to the second section of the but we come to the second section of the but we come to the second section of the book of Acts now. Here are the apostles. book of Acts now. Here are the apostles. book of Acts now. Here are the apostles. In this case, it's Paul and Barnabas. In this case, it's Paul and Barnabas. In this case, it's Paul and Barnabas. Remember Barnabas? He was the guy who Remember Barnabas? He was the guy who Remember Barnabas? He was the guy who encouraged people. So, here they arrive encouraged people. So, here they arrive encouraged people. So, here they arrive at Lystra. Acts 14:8. at Lystra. Acts 14:8. at Lystra. Acts 14:8. While they were at Lystra, Paul and While they were at Lystra, Paul and While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled Barnabas came upon a man with crippled Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, feet. He had been that way from birth, feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting so he had never walked. He was sitting so he had never walked. He was sitting and listening as Paul preached. Looking and listening as Paul preached. Looking and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had straight at him, Paul realized he had straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed, and he called him in faith to be healed, and he called him in faith to be healed, and he called him in a loud voice, "Stand up!" The man jumped a loud voice, "Stand up!" The man jumped a loud voice, "Stand up!" The man jumped to his feet and started walking. When to his feet and started walking. When to his feet and started walking. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they the crowd saw what Paul had done, they the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, "These shouted in their local dialect, "These shouted in their local dialect, "These men are gods in human form!"

men are gods in human form!" men are gods in human form!" They decided that Barnabas was the Greek They decided that Barnabas was the Greek They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus, and Paul was Hermes. god Zeus, and Paul was Hermes. god Zeus, and Paul was Hermes. So, we'll stop there. So, now the people So, we'll stop there. So, now the people So, we'll stop there. So, now the people go on to offer sacrifices go on to offer sacrifices go on to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. Paul stops them. to Paul and Barnabas. Paul stops them. to Paul and Barnabas. Paul stops them. You guys, we're here to tell you that You guys, we're here to tell you that You guys, we're here to tell you that there's a god in heaven to worship. We there's a god in heaven to worship. We there's a god in heaven to worship. We are not gods. Uh, we're turning you to are not gods. Uh, we're turning you to are not gods. Uh, we're turning you to the true god. Now, here's the amazing the true god. Now, here's the amazing the true god. Now, here's the amazing thing. They face opposition. From who? thing. They face opposition. From who? thing. They face opposition. From who? From their religious opponents. Verse From their religious opponents. Verse From their religious opponents. Verse 19. Some Jews arrived from Antioch and 19. Some Jews arrived from Antioch and 19. Some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium Iconium Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They and won the crowds to their side. They and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town stoned Paul and dragged him out of town stoned Paul and dragged him out of town thinking he was dead, but the believers thinking he was dead, but the believers thinking he was dead, but the believers gathered around him and he got up and gathered around him and he got up and gathered around him and he got up and went back into the town. Wow, people can went back into the town. Wow, people can went back into the town. Wow, people can be fickle, can't they? be fickle, can't they? be fickle, can't they? One moment they're worshipping you, the One moment they're worshipping you, the One moment they're worshipping you, the next moment they're stoning you because next moment they're stoning you because next moment they're stoning you because these outside folks whipped them up into these outside folks whipped them up into these outside folks whipped them up into a frenzy. Reminding us that when we're a frenzy. Reminding us that when we're a frenzy. Reminding us that when we're doing the work of the Lord, we're going doing the work of the Lord, we're going doing the work of the Lord, we're going to face opposition. The devil will often to face opposition. The devil will often to face opposition. The devil will often hit you in one of two ways. Number one, hit you in one of two ways. Number one, hit you in one of two ways. Number one, he'll hit you through outward attack.

he'll hit you through outward attack. he'll hit you through outward attack. That this was an outward attack. They That this was an outward attack. They That this was an outward attack. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the stoned Paul and dragged him out of the stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city. Why did people attack us for our city. Why did people attack us for our city. Why did people attack us for our faith? faith? faith? Why do people oppose us for what we Why do people oppose us for what we Why do people oppose us for what we believe? Why do people want to cancel us believe? Why do people want to cancel us believe? Why do people want to cancel us and our message and our voice and our and our message and our voice and our and our message and our voice and our culture today? Answer, because we're culture today? Answer, because we're culture today? Answer, because we're bright lights in a dark place. bright lights in a dark place. bright lights in a dark place. We're like salt in an open wound as We're like salt in an open wound as We're like salt in an open wound as followers of Jesus. followers of Jesus. followers of Jesus. And Jesus sums it up this way. And Jesus sums it up this way. And Jesus sums it up this way. Jesus says in John 15, "If the world Jesus says in John 15, "If the world Jesus says in John 15, "If the world hates you, know that it hated me before hates you, know that it hated me before hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, it hated you. If you were of the world, it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own, but the world would love its own, but the world would love its own, but because you're not of the world, but I because you're not of the world, but I because you're not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore chose you out of the world, therefore chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word I the world hates you. Remember the word I the world hates you. Remember the word I said to you, 'The servant is not greater said to you, 'The servant is not greater said to you, 'The servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, than his lord. If they persecuted me, than his lord. If they persecuted me, they'll persecute you.'" they'll persecute you.'" they'll persecute you.'" As I've said before, just make sure As I've said before, just make sure As I've said before, just make sure you're being persecuted for the right you're being persecuted for the right you're being persecuted for the right reason. reason. reason. Sometimes Christians are persecuted not Sometimes Christians are persecuted not Sometimes Christians are persecuted not because of their faith, but because because of their faith, but because because of their faith, but because they're weird.

they're weird. they're weird. They're obnoxious. They're obnoxious. They're obnoxious. They're unnecessarily offensive. Right? They're unnecessarily offensive. Right? They're unnecessarily offensive. Right? Don't be that person. Don't be that person. Don't be that person. The Bible says, "Blessed are you when The Bible says, "Blessed are you when The Bible says, "Blessed are you when you're persecuted for righteousness' you're persecuted for righteousness' you're persecuted for righteousness' sake." sake." sake." Not for idiocy's sake or something like Not for idiocy's sake or something like Not for idiocy's sake or something like that, right? Second way the devil hit us that, right? Second way the devil hit us that, right? Second way the devil hit us is through pride. is through pride. is through pride. So, first he'll try to stop you. That's So, first he'll try to stop you. That's So, first he'll try to stop you. That's what happened to the apostles, but what what happened to the apostles, but what what happened to the apostles, but what happened then? Oh, the people said, happened then? Oh, the people said, happened then? Oh, the people said, "You're like a god." So, the devil would "You're like a god." So, the devil would "You're like a god." So, the devil would say, "God would never use you. You're say, "God would never use you. You're say, "God would never use you. You're worthless. Why would God ever work worthless. Why would God ever work worthless. Why would God ever work through you?" And then you say, "Forget through you?" And then you say, "Forget through you?" And then you say, "Forget you." Uh the Bible says God has chosen you." Uh the Bible says God has chosen you." Uh the Bible says God has chosen the foolish things of the world to the foolish things of the world to the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and you step out and confound the wise, and you step out and confound the wise, and you step out and God uses you. Devil comes back and says, God uses you. Devil comes back and says, God uses you. Devil comes back and says, "Let me rephrase that. You are awesome. "Let me rephrase that. You are awesome. "Let me rephrase that. You are awesome. You are all that in a bag of chips. You are all that in a bag of chips. You are all that in a bag of chips. No one is better than you. No one is No one is better than you. No one is No one is better than you. No one is more godly than you. No one knows the more godly than you. No one knows the more godly than you. No one knows the Bible the way you know the Bible. No one Bible the way you know the Bible. No one Bible the way you know the Bible. No one speaks like you. You're the one." Oh, speaks like you. You're the one." Oh, speaks like you. You're the one." Oh, thank you very much, devil. No, no. He's thank you very much, devil. No, no. He's thank you very much, devil. No, no. He's hitting you again. Now it's through hitting you again. Now it's through hitting you again. Now it's through pride.

pride. pride. Through pride. That can be a form of Through pride. That can be a form of Through pride. That can be a form of attack as well. Popularity can sometimes attack as well. Popularity can sometimes attack as well. Popularity can sometimes be more dangerous than persecution. be more dangerous than persecution. be more dangerous than persecution. Okay, so now Okay, so now Okay, so now they take Paul outside of the city. They they take Paul outside of the city. They they take Paul outside of the city. They stone him, and they leave him for dead. stone him, and they leave him for dead. stone him, and they leave him for dead. Acts 14:19. They stoned Paul, dragged Acts 14:19. They stoned Paul, dragged Acts 14:19. They stoned Paul, dragged him out of town thinking he was dead, him out of town thinking he was dead, him out of town thinking he was dead, but the believers gathered around him. but the believers gathered around him. but the believers gathered around him. He got up and went back into the town. He got up and went back into the town. He got up and went back into the town. Many commentators believe that this is Many commentators believe that this is Many commentators believe that this is the moment that Paul was killed and the moment that Paul was killed and the moment that Paul was killed and raised from the dead. Why do we believe raised from the dead. Why do we believe raised from the dead. Why do we believe that? Well, there has to be a moment that? Well, there has to be a moment that? Well, there has to be a moment where Paul died. where Paul died. where Paul died. Because Paul talked about it, and we're Because Paul talked about it, and we're Because Paul talked about it, and we're going to read the verse in a moment in 2 going to read the verse in a moment in 2 going to read the verse in a moment in 2 Corinthians 12. Was this the moment? I Corinthians 12. Was this the moment? I Corinthians 12. Was this the moment? I personally think it was. Many personally think it was. Many personally think it was. Many commentators think it was as well. He commentators think it was as well. He commentators think it was as well. He died and was raised from the dead. I died and was raised from the dead. I died and was raised from the dead. I wonder how that played out. So, here's wonder how that played out. So, here's wonder how that played out. So, here's Paul. He's stoned. By the way, it was Paul. He's stoned. By the way, it was Paul. He's stoned. By the way, it was horrible to be stoned. horrible to be stoned. horrible to be stoned. Painful. It could last for a while.

Painful. It could last for a while. Painful. It could last for a while. Awful way to die. Awful way to die. Awful way to die. And so, Paul dies, and And in heaven, And so, Paul dies, and And in heaven, And so, Paul dies, and And in heaven, and he's standing before God. And the and he's standing before God. And the and he's standing before God. And the Lord says, "Welcome to heaven, Paul. Lord says, "Welcome to heaven, Paul. Lord says, "Welcome to heaven, Paul. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done, good and faithful servant. Um Um Um I have some good news and bad news. I have some good news and bad news. I have some good news and bad news. You said, "Greg, where's this in the You said, "Greg, where's this in the You said, "Greg, where's this in the Bible?" It's not in the Bible. I'm just Bible?" It's not in the Bible. I'm just Bible?" It's not in the Bible. I'm just saying this could have happened. saying this could have happened. saying this could have happened. Okay, Lord, what's the good news? The Okay, Lord, what's the good news? The Okay, Lord, what's the good news? The good news is, Paul, you're coming back good news is, Paul, you're coming back good news is, Paul, you're coming back again. again. again. Really? Again? Where where am I going? Really? Again? Where where am I going? Really? Again? Where where am I going? That brings me to the bad news. That brings me to the bad news. That brings me to the bad news. There's some believers down there There's some believers down there There's some believers down there praying over your dead body that you praying over your dead body that you praying over your dead body that you would be resurrected. would be resurrected. would be resurrected. Paul says to the Lord, "Don't listen to Paul says to the Lord, "Don't listen to Paul says to the Lord, "Don't listen to them. They're sinners." them. They're sinners." them. They're sinners." No, no, Paul, I actually want to bring No, no, Paul, I actually want to bring No, no, Paul, I actually want to bring you back again. I have some things for you back again. I have some things for you back again. I have some things for you to do still. In fact, quite a few you to do still. In fact, quite a few you to do still. In fact, quite a few things. No, Lord, I don't want to go things. No, Lord, I don't want to go things. No, Lord, I don't want to go back. Listen to this. No one who is in back. Listen to this. No one who is in back. Listen to this. No one who is in heaven right now, if given the choice, heaven right now, if given the choice, heaven right now, if given the choice, would want to return to Earth again. would want to return to Earth again. would want to return to Earth again. Don't feel sorry for your loved ones Don't feel sorry for your loved ones Don't feel sorry for your loved ones that are in heaven. Feel sorry for you that are in heaven. Feel sorry for you that are in heaven. Feel sorry for you cuz you're still here.

cuz you're still here. cuz you're still here. Right? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> You're having some great experience, I >> You're having some great experience, I >> You're having some great experience, I don't know, a birthday or you got a cool don't know, a birthday or you got a cool don't know, a birthday or you got a cool gift. Oh, I wish my loved one was here. gift. Oh, I wish my loved one was here. gift. Oh, I wish my loved one was here. They're like in the presence of God They're like in the presence of God They're like in the presence of God almighty with angels singing. I think almighty with angels singing. I think almighty with angels singing. I think they're pretty good, okay? they're pretty good, okay? they're pretty good, okay? I know you wish they're and I'm not I know you wish they're and I'm not I know you wish they're and I'm not making fun of that cuz I felt that many making fun of that cuz I felt that many making fun of that cuz I felt that many times. You wish they were here with you times. You wish they were here with you times. You wish they were here with you cuz you miss them. But just know cuz you miss them. But just know cuz you miss them. But just know they're really good. they're really good. they're really good. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And uh you'll see that one day for >> And uh you'll see that one day for >> And uh you'll see that one day for yourself. We all will. >> [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. >> You know, I've heard [music] people >> You know, I've heard [music] people >> You know, I've heard [music] 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. [music] Hey Bible actually come to life. [music] Hey Bible actually come to life. [music] Hey everybody, Greg Laurie, and I've been to everybody, Greg Laurie, and I've been to everybody, Greg Laurie, and I've been to Israel many times and I've led a lot of Israel many times and I've led a lot of Israel many times and I've led a lot of tours and I have to say that's tours and I have to say that's 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 walked same stones that Jesus himself walked same stones that Jesus himself walked on, well, that's something that's on, well, that's something that's 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, [music] travel experience, [music] travel experience, [music] it actually energizes and enhances your it actually energizes and enhances your it actually energizes and enhances your study of the Bible. Think of it this study of the Bible. Think of it this study of the Bible. Think of it this way, it's a vacation with a purpose. And way, it's a vacation with a purpose. And way, it's a vacation with a purpose. And we're going to be [music] taking a tour we're going to be [music] taking a tour we're going to be [music] taking a tour of Israel April 6th to 15th, 2027.

of Israel April 6th to 15th, 2027. of Israel April 6th to 15th, 2027. [music] [music] [music] You can find out more at You can find out more at You can find out more at israel.harvest.org. >> Step right into [music] the biblical >> Step right into [music] the biblical 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 [music] through the Holy Land April 6th [music] through the Holy Land April 6th [music] through 15th, 2027. 15th, 2027. 15th, 2027. Get details at israel.harvest.org. Get details at israel.harvest.org. Get details at israel.harvest.org. [music] Well, today Pastor Greg is in Acts Well, today Pastor Greg is in Acts chapter 14 with a message called why do chapter 14 with a message called why do chapter 14 with a message called why do Christians have to suffer? Christians have to suffer? Christians have to suffer? >> So, Paul is raised again from the dead >> So, Paul is raised again from the dead >> So, Paul is raised again from the dead possibly right here. possibly right here. possibly right here. And now we read about what he saw. Go And now we read about what he saw. Go And now we read about what he saw. Go over to 2 Corinthians 12. over to 2 Corinthians 12. over to 2 Corinthians 12. Paul says, "It's doubtless not Paul says, "It's doubtless not Paul says, "It's doubtless not profitable for me to boast." profitable for me to boast." profitable for me to boast." In other words, I'm not going to brag In other words, I'm not going to brag In other words, I'm not going to brag about this. about this. about this. "I'll come to visions and revelations in "I'll come to visions and revelations in "I'll come to visions and revelations in the Lord." the Lord." the Lord." "I knew a man in Christ who 14 years "I knew a man in Christ who 14 years "I knew a man in Christ who 14 years ago, whether in the body, I don't know, ago, whether in the body, I don't know, ago, whether in the body, I don't know, whether out of the body, again, I don't whether out of the body, again, I don't whether out of the body, again, I don't know, God knows." "Such a man was caught know, God knows." "Such a man was caught know, God knows." "Such a man was caught into the third heaven. And I know such a into the third heaven. And I know such a into the third heaven. And I know such a man, whether it was in the body or out man, whether it was in the body or out man, whether it was in the body or out of the body, I don't know."

of the body, I don't know." of the body, I don't know." God knows, but he was called God knows, but he was called God knows, but he was called and caught up to paradise. He heard and caught up to paradise. He heard and caught up to paradise. He heard things so astounding they cannot be things so astounding they cannot be things so astounding they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is expressed in words, things no human is expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. I love the way Paul allowed to tell. I love the way Paul allowed to tell. I love the way Paul approaches this. Yeah, I knew this guy. approaches this. Yeah, I knew this guy. approaches this. Yeah, I knew this guy. In the body, out of the body, I I I In the body, out of the body, I I I In the body, out of the body, I I I don't even know. He's talking about don't even know. He's talking about don't even know. He's talking about himself. He's trying not to boast. himself. He's trying not to boast. himself. He's trying not to boast. It'd be really hard to not boast that It'd be really hard to not boast that It'd be really hard to not boast that you'd been to heaven, right? Yeah, I've you'd been to heaven, right? Yeah, I've you'd been to heaven, right? Yeah, I've been to heaven. Notice See, write a book been to heaven. Notice See, write a book been to heaven. Notice See, write a book about it. What's with that? about it. What's with that? about it. What's with that? No movie was made. No movie was made. No movie was made. And by the way, I have to be honest with And by the way, I have to be honest with And by the way, I have to be honest with you, I'm very skeptical of people who you, I'm very skeptical of people who you, I'm very skeptical of people who write books about all that they saw in write books about all that they saw in write books about all that they saw in heaven. I'm not saying they did, heaven. I'm not saying they did, heaven. I'm not saying they did, but I'm certainly not saying I know they but I'm certainly not saying I know they but I'm certainly not saying I know they did. did. did. The only authoritative book on the The only authoritative book on the The only authoritative book on the afterlife is the Bible. That's the book afterlife is the Bible. That's the book afterlife is the Bible. That's the book you can trust, no other. you can trust, no other. you can trust, no other. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Paul didn't write a book. >> Paul didn't write a book. >> Paul didn't write a book. Paul didn't even write a chapter. Paul didn't even write a chapter. Paul didn't even write a chapter. He says the things I heard I can't even He says the things I heard I can't even He says the things I heard I can't even really describe them to you.

really describe them to you. really describe them to you. The third heaven, where's that? The third heaven, where's that? The third heaven, where's that? Well, I think the first heaven is Well, I think the first heaven is Well, I think the first heaven is probably just what we see when we walk probably just what we see when we walk probably just what we see when we walk outside, the sky, the clouds, the outside, the sky, the clouds, the outside, the sky, the clouds, the atmosphere surrounding our earth. The atmosphere surrounding our earth. The atmosphere surrounding our earth. The second heaven, second heaven, second heaven, outer space, the planets, the galaxies, outer space, the planets, the galaxies, outer space, the planets, the galaxies, the stars. The third heaven, that's a the stars. The third heaven, that's a the stars. The third heaven, that's a dwelling place of God and the future dwelling place of God and the future dwelling place of God and the future destination of believers. Is that third destination of believers. Is that third destination of believers. Is that third heaven way, way, way, way out there? heaven way, way, way, way out there? heaven way, way, way, way out there? I don't think it's necessarily far out I don't think it's necessarily far out I don't think it's necessarily far out there. I think it's simply another there. I think it's simply another there. I think it's simply another dimension. dimension. dimension. And it may be closer than you realize. And it may be closer than you realize. And it may be closer than you realize. We talked about this when we spoke of We talked about this when we spoke of We talked about this when we spoke of angels. Angels and demons are coexisting angels. Angels and demons are coexisting angels. Angels and demons are coexisting with us right now. Just as there's a with us right now. Just as there's a with us right now. Just as there's a physical world, there's a spiritual physical world, there's a spiritual physical world, there's a spiritual world. Just as there is a natural world, world. Just as there is a natural world, world. Just as there is a natural world, there's a supernatural world. So, is there's a supernatural world. So, is there's a supernatural world. So, is heaven just right next to us? I don't heaven just right next to us? I don't heaven just right next to us? I don't know where it is. know where it is. know where it is. Paul was caught into the third heaven. Paul was caught into the third heaven. Paul was caught into the third heaven. He uses the word paradise. It was He uses the word paradise. It was He uses the word paradise. It was paradise.

paradise. paradise. That's a word that is used three times That's a word that is used three times That's a word that is used three times in the Bible to indicate the future in the Bible to indicate the future in the Bible to indicate the future life. life. life. Jesus used this word when he spoke to Jesus used this word when he spoke to Jesus used this word when he spoke to that criminal on the cross crucified that criminal on the cross crucified that criminal on the cross crucified next to him. next to him. next to him. Jesus' first statement from the cross Jesus' first statement from the cross Jesus' first statement from the cross was, "Father, forgive them, for they was, "Father, forgive them, for they was, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And right on the know not what they do." And right on the know not what they do." And right on the spot that hardened criminal believed in spot that hardened criminal believed in spot that hardened criminal believed in Jesus, and he turned to the Lord and Jesus, and he turned to the Lord and Jesus, and he turned to the Lord and said, "Lord, remember me when you come said, "Lord, remember me when you come said, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And Jesus said, into your kingdom." And Jesus said, into your kingdom." And Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, today you "Truly, truly, I say to you, today you "Truly, truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in what?" Paradise. will be with me in what?" Paradise. will be with me in what?" Paradise. That's the word. That's the word. That's the word. Boy, talk about being at the right place Boy, talk about being at the right place Boy, talk about being at the right place at the right time. That guy, huh? at the right time. That guy, huh? at the right time. That guy, huh? A deathbed conversion, for sure. He A deathbed conversion, for sure. He A deathbed conversion, for sure. He believed believed believed and joined Jesus in paradise. It's also and joined Jesus in paradise. It's also and joined Jesus in paradise. It's also used in the book of Revelation chapter 2 used in the book of Revelation chapter 2 used in the book of Revelation chapter 2 to describe our future dwelling place, to describe our future dwelling place, to describe our future dwelling place, but it can be translated the royal but it can be translated the royal but it can be translated the royal garden of a king. It's hard for us to garden of a king. It's hard for us to garden of a king. It's hard for us to wrap our minds around. I don't think wrap our minds around. I don't think wrap our minds around. I don't think there's anything I can point to and say there's anything I can point to and say there's anything I can point to and say it's like this, but when we're talking it's like this, but when we're talking it's like this, but when we're talking about the royal garden of a king, think about the royal garden of a king, think about the royal garden of a king, think of a palatial, of a palatial, of a palatial, massive estate with a beautifully massive estate with a beautifully massive estate with a beautifully uh manicured garden. Paul says it feels uh manicured garden. Paul says it feels uh manicured garden. Paul says it feels like that.

like that. like that. Incredible. Incredible. Incredible. And then he says in verse 4, "I heard And then he says in verse 4, "I heard And then he says in verse 4, "I heard things so astounding they cannot be things so astounding they cannot be things so astounding they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is expressed in words, things no human is expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell." Know this, allowed to tell." Know this, allowed to tell." Know this, heaven is a place of sight and sound. heaven is a place of sight and sound. heaven is a place of sight and sound. The King James Bible uses the word The King James Bible uses the word The King James Bible uses the word heaven 582 heaven 582 heaven 582 times in 550 different places. Heaven is times in 550 different places. Heaven is times in 550 different places. Heaven is a real place. You got to think of it a real place. You got to think of it a real place. You got to think of it that way because that's what it is. that way because that's what it is. that way because that's what it is. Heaven is as real as any city you would Heaven is as real as any city you would Heaven is as real as any city you would go to. D.L. Moody, the great evangelist, go to. D.L. Moody, the great evangelist, go to. D.L. Moody, the great evangelist, once said, quote, "Heaven is as much a once said, quote, "Heaven is as much a once said, quote, "Heaven is as much a place as Chicago. It's a destination. place as Chicago. It's a destination. place as Chicago. It's a destination. It's a locality." End quote. Jesus said, It's a locality." End quote. Jesus said, It's a locality." End quote. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a what for you?" A "I go to prepare a what for you?" A "I go to prepare a what for you?" A place. It's a place. place. It's a place. place. It's a place. Remember, heaven is a prepared place for Remember, heaven is a prepared place for Remember, heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. prepared people. prepared people. So, whatever you're going through right So, whatever you're going through right So, whatever you're going through right now is preparation for something else. now is preparation for something else. now is preparation for something else. You know, we love to quote Romans 8:28, You know, we love to quote Romans 8:28, You know, we love to quote Romans 8:28, and so we should. and so we should. and so we should. How many of you have memorized Romans How many of you have memorized Romans How many of you have memorized Romans 8:28? Oh, six of you. Very good.

8:28? Oh, six of you. Very good. 8:28? Oh, six of you. Very good. You know, the rest of you should do so You know, the rest of you should do so You know, the rest of you should do so cuz that is a great go-to verse. I think cuz that is a great go-to verse. I think cuz that is a great go-to verse. I think more of you know it. more of you know it. more of you know it. We know that all things work together We know that all things work together We know that all things work together for good to those that love God and are for good to those that love God and are for good to those that love God and are the called according to his purpose. the called according to his purpose. the called according to his purpose. But then verse 29 But then verse 29 But then verse 29 really really really helps us understand the whole concept. helps us understand the whole concept. helps us understand the whole concept. For whom God did foreknow, he also did For whom God did foreknow, he also did For whom God did foreknow, he also did predestine to be conformed into the predestine to be conformed into the predestine to be conformed into the image of his own dear son. Let's put it image of his own dear son. Let's put it image of his own dear son. Let's put it together. together. together. We know that all things work together We know that all things work together We know that all things work together for good of those who love God and are for good of those who love God and are for good of those who love God and are the called according to his purpose and the called according to his purpose and the called according to his purpose and whom God foreknew, he predestined them whom God foreknew, he predestined them whom God foreknew, he predestined them to be conformed into the image of his to be conformed into the image of his to be conformed into the image of his own dear son. Allow me to paraphrase it. own dear son. Allow me to paraphrase it. own dear son. Allow me to paraphrase it. Whatever you go through in life is Whatever you go through in life is Whatever you go through in life is preparing you to be more like Jesus. preparing you to be more like Jesus. preparing you to be more like Jesus. Right? So, that's the big picture. Right? So, that's the big picture. Right? So, that's the big picture. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> We tend to interpret Romans 8:28 through >> We tend to interpret Romans 8:28 through >> We tend to interpret Romans 8:28 through a narrow lens. Well, this means that a narrow lens. Well, this means that a narrow lens. Well, this means that good will come out of the bad and good will come out of the bad and good will come out of the bad and sometimes that happens. In fact, a lot sometimes that happens. In fact, a lot sometimes that happens. In fact, a lot of times, despite the bad, God will do of times, despite the bad, God will do of times, despite the bad, God will do something good, right?

something good, right? something good, right? But then there are times that for But then there are times that for But then there are times that for honest, when a bad thing happens to us honest, when a bad thing happens to us honest, when a bad thing happens to us and we can't see anything good coming and we can't see anything good coming and we can't see anything good coming out of it and we say, "So, where's out of it and we say, "So, where's out of it and we say, "So, where's Romans 8:28 now?" Romans 8:28 is saying, Romans 8:28 now?" Romans 8:28 is saying, Romans 8:28 now?" Romans 8:28 is saying, "Read verse 29." "Read verse 29." "Read verse 29." Whom he foreknew, he called to be Whom he foreknew, he called to be Whom he foreknew, he called to be conformed into the image of Jesus. God conformed into the image of Jesus. God conformed into the image of Jesus. God is changing you and preparing you. Why? is changing you and preparing you. Why? is changing you and preparing you. Why? Because through many tribulations, we Because through many tribulations, we Because through many tribulations, we will enter the kingdom of God. Heaven, a will enter the kingdom of God. Heaven, a will enter the kingdom of God. Heaven, a place of feasting and fellowship, a place of feasting and fellowship, a place of feasting and fellowship, a place of activities and worship. Dare I place of activities and worship. Dare I place of activities and worship. Dare I say it? Heaven is a place of fun. say it? Heaven is a place of fun. say it? Heaven is a place of fun. A celebration A celebration A celebration and that puts your present suffering in and that puts your present suffering in and that puts your present suffering in context. So, Paul continues on. So, I context. So, Paul continues on. So, I context. So, Paul continues on. So, I knew this guy, whether in the body out knew this guy, whether in the body out knew this guy, whether in the body out of the body, I don't know. Basically, of the body, I don't know. Basically, of the body, I don't know. Basically, I'm talking about myself. I'm just I'm talking about myself. I'm just I'm talking about myself. I'm just trying to be humble about it. He was trying to be humble about it. He was trying to be humble about it. He was caught up into the third heaven. What he caught up into the third heaven. What he caught up into the third heaven. What he really me, what I saw, I can't even put really me, what I saw, I can't even put really me, what I saw, I can't even put it into words, okay?

it into words, okay? it into words, okay? And now he makes this statement. And now he makes this statement. And now he makes this statement. Therefore, I have cheerfully made up my Therefore, I have cheerfully made up my Therefore, I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses mind to be proud of my weaknesses mind to be proud of my weaknesses because they mean a deeper experience of because they mean a deeper experience of because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ. I can even enjoy the power of Christ. I can even enjoy the power of Christ. I can even enjoy weaknesses, suffering, persecutions, and weaknesses, suffering, persecutions, and weaknesses, suffering, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake for my difficulties for Christ's sake for my difficulties for Christ's sake for my weakness makes me strong in him. Get it? weakness makes me strong in him. Get it? weakness makes me strong in him. Get it? Oh. Oh. Oh. So, all suffering is not bad. So, all suffering is not bad. So, all suffering is not bad. Oh, so adversity can actually be used by Oh, so adversity can actually be used by Oh, so adversity can actually be used by God. So, this thing I'm going through God. So, this thing I'm going through God. So, this thing I'm going through right now that makes no sense is right now that makes no sense is right now that makes no sense is actually making me more like Jesus and actually making me more like Jesus and actually making me more like Jesus and getting me ready for the afterlife and getting me ready for the afterlife and getting me ready for the afterlife and God can actually use it. It could even God can actually use it. It could even God can actually use it. It could even be a tool for me to help other people. be a tool for me to help other people. be a tool for me to help other people. Now, I'm starting to understand and I Now, I'm starting to understand and I Now, I'm starting to understand and I can even rejoice in it. can even rejoice in it. can even rejoice in it. Let me Let me Let me end with this. end with this. end with this. One day, One day, One day, we'll enter the afterlife. We decide in we'll enter the afterlife. We decide in we'll enter the afterlife. We decide in this life where we will spend the this life where we will spend the this life where we will spend the afterlife.

afterlife. afterlife. And I want to ask you in closing, do you And I want to ask you in closing, do you And I want to ask you in closing, do you have absolute certainty that you will go have absolute certainty that you will go have absolute certainty that you will go to heaven when you die? to heaven when you die? to heaven when you die? As I said earlier, heaven is a prepared As I said earlier, heaven is a prepared As I said earlier, heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. Listen to place for prepared people. Listen to place for prepared people. Listen to this, you don't go to heaven to find this, you don't go to heaven to find this, you don't go to heaven to find Christ. Christ. Christ. You go to Christ to find heaven. You go to Christ to find heaven. You go to Christ to find heaven. Go to Christ to find heaven. It is Go to Christ to find heaven. It is Go to Christ to find heaven. It is through Jesus and only Jesus through Jesus and only Jesus through Jesus and only Jesus that we will get to heaven. Oh, I know. that we will get to heaven. Oh, I know. that we will get to heaven. Oh, I know. That's kind of controversial now. Too That's kind of controversial now. Too That's kind of controversial now. Too bad. bad. bad. Bible hasn't changed. Bible hasn't changed. Bible hasn't changed. He is the way to the Father. There is no He is the way to the Father. There is no He is the way to the Father. There is no other way. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, >> Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, >> Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the and the life, and no man comes to the and the life, and no man comes to the Father but by me." Father but by me." Father but by me." Are you ready? You know, when I I fly, Are you ready? You know, when I I fly, Are you ready? You know, when I I fly, um um um you have to go through a lot of things you have to go through a lot of things you have to go through a lot of things now. Oh, it's just horrible flying. They now. Oh, it's just horrible flying. They now. Oh, it's just horrible flying. They make it so miserable. And then, airline make it so miserable. And then, airline make it so miserable. And then, airline food, that is an oxymoron. food, that is an oxymoron. food, that is an oxymoron. Airline food, it's not food. But anyway, Airline food, it's not food. But anyway, Airline food, it's not food. But anyway, you buy your ticket, you reserve your you buy your ticket, you reserve your you buy your ticket, you reserve your seat, you board your plane, you reach seat, you board your plane, you reach seat, you board your plane, you reach your destination, you deplane, but you your destination, you deplane, but you your destination, you deplane, but you can't just walk down to the airport, can't just walk down to the airport, can't just walk down to the airport, skip security, do whatever you want, skip security, do whatever you want, skip security, do whatever you want, board whatever plane you want, take board whatever plane you want, take board whatever plane you want, take whatever seat you want. That's not going whatever seat you want. That's not going whatever seat you want. That's not going to happen.

to happen. to happen. And in the same way, you can't just say, And in the same way, you can't just say, And in the same way, you can't just say, "Well, I'm going to go to heaven. I'm a "Well, I'm going to go to heaven. I'm a "Well, I'm going to go to heaven. I'm a good person." You're a good person on good person." You're a good person on good person." You're a good person on the basis of what and compared to who? the basis of what and compared to who? the basis of what and compared to who? You're not good enough. I can tell you You're not good enough. I can tell you You're not good enough. I can tell you that's why Christ died on the cross for that's why Christ died on the cross for that's why Christ died on the cross for you 2,000 years ago and shed his blood. you 2,000 years ago and shed his blood. you 2,000 years ago and shed his blood. You have to admit you're a sinner. You have to admit you're a sinner. You have to admit you're a sinner. >> [applause] >> You have to admit you're a sinner and >> You have to admit you're a sinner and turn from that sin turn from that sin turn from that sin and put your faith in Jesus, and then and put your faith in Jesus, and then and put your faith in Jesus, and then you can know you'll go to heaven. So, as you can know you'll go to heaven. So, as you can know you'll go to heaven. So, as we close right now, we close right now, we close right now, I want to extend an invitation for you I want to extend an invitation for you I want to extend an invitation for you to get ready, for you to ask Jesus to to get ready, for you to ask Jesus to to get ready, for you to ask Jesus to come into your life. And if you've not come into your life. And if you've not come into your life. And if you've not done this yet, do it right here, right done this yet, do it right here, right done this yet, do it right here, right now. Let's all pray. Father, I thank you now. Let's all pray. Father, I thank you now. Let's all pray. Father, I thank you for your word to us. I thank you for for your word to us. I thank you for for your word to us. I thank you for your promise of forgiveness if we'll your promise of forgiveness if we'll your promise of forgiveness if we'll come to Jesus. come to Jesus. come to Jesus. So, we ask now that you will speak to So, we ask now that you will speak to So, we ask now that you will speak to the hearts of any here who do not yet the hearts of any here who do not yet the hearts of any here who do not yet know you. Help them to come to you and know you. Help them to come to you and know you. Help them to come to you and believe in you right now. believe in you right now. believe in you right now. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[music] [music] >> Pastor Greg Laurie with an important >> 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 in just a Greg will help you do that in just a Greg will help you do that in just a moment. So, please stay tuned. moment. So, please stay tuned. moment. So, please stay tuned. I would ask for believers to be in I would ask for believers to be in I would ask for believers to be in prayer right now. prayer right now. prayer right now. Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily devotion each day via email? devotion each day via email? devotion 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 if you'd like to make a change And then if you'd like to make a change And then if you'd like to make a change in your relationship with God today, in your relationship with God today, in your relationship with God today, Pastor Greg has some additional thoughts Pastor Greg has some additional thoughts Pastor Greg has some additional thoughts to share. to share. to share. >> Maybe as you've been listening to this >> Maybe as you've been listening to this >> Maybe as you've been listening to this message, you've thought, I wish I could message, you've thought, I wish I could message, you've thought, I wish I could come into this relationship with God. come into this relationship with God. come into this relationship with God. I just don't know how. I just don't know how. I just don't know how. Let me tell you how you can come into a Let me tell you how you can come into a Let me tell you how you can come into a relationship with God right here, right relationship with God right here, right relationship with God right here, right now. now. now. First of all, you need to recognize you First of all, you need to recognize you First of all, you need to recognize you need God. You need to admit you're a need God. You need to admit you're a need God. You need to admit you're a sinner. I know some people choke on that sinner. I know some people choke on that sinner. I know some people choke on that word, but the Bible says all of sin and word, but the Bible says all of sin and word, but the Bible says all of sin and fallen short of the glory of God.

fallen short of the glory of God. fallen short of the glory of God. But then you need to recognize that But then you need to recognize that But then you need to recognize that Jesus Christ the son of God died on the Jesus Christ the son of God died on the Jesus Christ the son of God died on the cross for your sin. The Bible says, cross for your sin. The Bible says, cross for your sin. The Bible says, while we were yet sinners, Christ died while we were yet sinners, Christ died while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. for us. for us. And then you need to believe in Jesus. And then you need to believe in Jesus. And then you need to believe in Jesus. Jesus put it this way, for God so loved Jesus put it this way, for God so loved Jesus put it this way, for God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son the world he gave his only begotten son the world he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should that whosoever believes in him should that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. not perish but have everlasting life. not perish but have everlasting life. You might ask, how does one believe in You might ask, how does one believe in You might ask, how does one believe in Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? To believe means to put your faith and To believe means to put your faith and To believe means to put your faith and trust in Christ, in Christ alone, and to trust in Christ, in Christ alone, and to trust in Christ, in Christ alone, and to receive him into your life as your own receive him into your life as your own receive him into your life as your own friend, savior, and Lord. The Bible friend, savior, and Lord. The Bible friend, savior, and Lord. The Bible says, for as many as received him, he says, for as many as received him, he says, for as many as received him, he gave them the power to become sons of gave them the power to become sons of gave them the power to become sons of God. God. God. Would you like to receive Christ? And by Would you like to receive Christ? And by Would you like to receive Christ? And by that I mean, would you like to ask Jesus that I mean, would you like to ask Jesus that I mean, would you like to ask Jesus to enter into your life and be your to enter into your life and be your to enter into your life and be your savior, your friend, your Lord? If so, savior, your friend, your Lord? If so, savior, your friend, your Lord? If so, you You just pray this prayer after me. you You just pray this prayer after me. you You just pray this prayer after me. It's a simple prayer. You can pray it It's a simple prayer. You can pray it It's a simple prayer. You can pray it out loud if you would like, or you could out loud if you would like, or you could out loud if you would like, or you could pray it in the quietness of your heart.

pray it in the quietness of your heart. pray it in the quietness of your heart. But if you want Jesus Christ to forgive But if you want Jesus Christ to forgive But if you want Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sin, if you want to go to you of your sin, if you want to go to you of your sin, if you want to go to heaven when you die, or maybe you want heaven when you die, or maybe you want heaven when you die, or maybe you want to make a recommitment to the Lord, just to make a recommitment to the Lord, just to make a recommitment to the Lord, just pray this prayer after me now. Pray pray this prayer after me now. Pray pray this prayer after me now. Pray these words if you would. these words if you would. these words if you would. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, Lord Jesus, 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. I turn now from my sin, I turn now from my sin, I turn now from my sin, and I ask you to come into my life and and I ask you to come into my life and and I ask you to come into my life and forgive me of all of my sin. forgive me of all of my sin. forgive me of all of my sin. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for hearing this prayer, Thank you for hearing this prayer, Thank you for hearing this prayer, and thank you for answering this prayer. and thank you for answering this prayer. and thank you for answering this prayer. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, I want to congratulate you and say, I want to congratulate you and say, I want to congratulate you and say, "Welcome to the family of God." "Welcome to the family of God." "Welcome to the family of God." >> Yeah, that's right. And we have some >> Yeah, that's right. And we have some >> Yeah, that's right. And we have some follow-up materials ready to help you as follow-up materials ready to help you as follow-up materials ready to help you as you begin this new relationship with the you begin this new relationship with the you begin this new relationship with the Lord. An important part of this packet Lord. An important part of this packet Lord. An important part of this packet of materials is Pastor Greg's New of materials is Pastor Greg's New of materials is Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible.

Believer's Bible. Believer's Bible. It'll answer many of the questions you It'll answer many of the questions you It'll answer many of the questions you might have, and help you build a solid might have, and help you build a solid might have, and help you build a solid foundation for your faith. foundation for your faith. foundation for your faith. So, if you prayed along with Pastor Greg So, if you prayed along with Pastor Greg So, if you prayed along with Pastor Greg today, let us send you this New today, let us send you this New today, let us send you this New Believer's Bible free of charge. You can Believer's Bible free of charge. You can Believer's Bible free of charge. You can call us at 1-800-821-3300. We're here around the clock. That's We're here around the clock. That's 1-800-821-3300. Or go online to harvest.org Or go online to harvest.org and click the words "Know God." and click the words "Know God." and click the words "Know God." And then, thank you for partnering with And then, thank you for partnering with And then, thank you for partnering with us to help these daily studies continue. us to help these daily studies continue. us to help these daily studies continue. Your investments have eternal benefits. Your investments have eternal benefits. Your investments have eternal benefits. Why not make this a part of your Why not make this a part of your Why not make this a part of your personal ministry to partner in an personal ministry to partner in an personal ministry to partner in an effort that's making a real difference effort that's making a real difference effort that's making a real difference with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers, and for you for your prayers, and for you for your prayers, and for prayerfully considering how God might prayerfully considering how God might prayerfully considering how God might lead you to help tangibly. lead you to help tangibly. lead you to help tangibly. Online, you'll find us at harvest.org. Online, you'll find us at harvest.org. Online, you'll find us at harvest.org. And there, you'll see the way we'd like And there, you'll see the way we'd like And there, you'll see the way we'd like to thank you for your donation right to thank you for your donation right to thank you for your donation right now. That's harvest.org.

now. That's harvest.org. now. That's harvest.org. Or call us at 1-800-821-3300. >> [music] >> [music] >> We're here around the clock to take your >> We're here around the clock to take your >> We're here around the clock to take your call. Again, at 1-800-821-3300. Well, next time, Pastor Greg has some Well, next time, Pastor Greg has some candid words [music] about the need for candid words [music] about the need for candid words [music] about the need for harmony in our relationships as we move harmony in our relationships as we move harmony in our relationships as we move into Acts chapter 15. into Acts chapter 15. into Acts chapter 15. Join us here [music] on A New Beginning Join us here [music] on A New Beginning Join us here [music] 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 >> This is the day >> This is the day >> [music]