The Refreshing Power of Sharing Your Faith, Part 1 | What Lasts Forever

For America's 250th birthday, Greg For America's 250th birthday, Greg Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. >> Available on DVD at harvest.org. >> Often as Christians, we hoard the truth. >> Often as Christians, we hoard the truth. But listen, the gospel, by design, is But listen, the gospel, by design, is But listen, the gospel, by design, is [music] meant to be shared, not hid. And [music] meant to be shared, not hid. And [music] meant to be shared, not hid. And sometimes we're hoarders of truth sometimes we're hoarders of truth sometimes we're hoarders of truth instead of sharers of hope. instead of sharers of hope. instead of sharers of hope. >> And coming up [music] today on A New >> And coming up [music] today on A New >> And coming up [music] today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie points out Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie points out Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie points out when we share the hope of the gospel, when we share the hope of the gospel, when we share the hope of the gospel, [music] we'll find that we live more [music] we'll find that we live more [music] we'll find that we live more hopeful, fulfilled lives ourselves. hopeful, fulfilled lives ourselves. hopeful, fulfilled lives ourselves. >> As you give to and serve others, you >> As you give to and serve others, you >> As you give to and serve others, you yourself will be replenished and yourself will be replenished and yourself will be replenished and refreshed. [music] >> Whatever [music] we've accumulated in >> Whatever [music] we've accumulated in life, we can't take it with us when life life, we can't take it with us when life life, we can't take it with us when life is over.

is over. is over. It's like a game of Monopoly. The cash, It's like a game of Monopoly. The cash, It's like a game of Monopoly. The cash, [music] the houses, the hotels, when the [music] the houses, the hotels, when the [music] the houses, the hotels, when the game is over, it all goes back in the game is over, it all goes back in the game is over, it all goes back in the box. But there is [music] one exception, box. But there is [music] one exception, box. But there is [music] one exception, people. We can take people to heaven people. We can take people to heaven people. We can take people to heaven with us. The Lord invites [music] us, with us. The Lord invites [music] us, with us. The Lord invites [music] us, urges us to share the gospel and invite urges us to share the gospel and invite urges us to share the gospel and invite them to Christ. Today on A New them to Christ. Today on A New them to Christ. Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie offers Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie offers Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie offers [music] good encouragement as a part of [music] good encouragement as a part of [music] good encouragement as a part of his encouraging series called Refresh. his encouraging series called Refresh. his encouraging series called Refresh. >> [music] >> We all know as Christians, we're >> We all know as Christians, we're supposed to share our faith. supposed to share our faith. supposed to share our faith. You've probably heard of the Great You've probably heard of the Great You've probably heard of the Great Commission. Commission. Commission. In case you don't know what it is, it's In case you don't know what it is, it's In case you don't know what it is, it's found in two Gospels, Matthew and Mark. found in two Gospels, Matthew and Mark. found in two Gospels, Matthew and Mark. Mark's version has Jesus saying, "Go Mark's version has Jesus saying, "Go Mark's version has Jesus saying, "Go into all the world and preach the into all the world and preach the into all the world and preach the Gospel." Matthew's version is, "Go into Gospel." Matthew's version is, "Go into Gospel." Matthew's version is, "Go into all the world and make disciples of all all the world and make disciples of all all the world and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all nations, teaching them to observe all nations, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, things that I have commanded you, things that I have commanded you, baptizing them in the name of the baptizing them in the name of the baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and lo, I am with you always," says our lo, I am with you always," says our lo, I am with you always," says our Lord. The Great Commission. We know Lord. The Great Commission. We know Lord. The Great Commission. We know we're supposed to do it, but frankly, we're supposed to do it, but frankly, we're supposed to do it, but frankly, most of us don't. Studies have shown most of us don't. Studies have shown most of us don't. Studies have shown that 95% that 95% that 95% of Christians have never led another of Christians have never led another of Christians have never led another person to Christ. Only 2% of churchgoers person to Christ. Only 2% of churchgoers person to Christ. Only 2% of churchgoers invited an unchurched person to church invited an unchurched person to church invited an unchurched person to church in the last year, and 59% of all in the last year, and 59% of all in the last year, and 59% of all Christians say they seldom or never Christians say they seldom or never Christians say they seldom or never share their faith with others. Honestly,

share their faith with others. Honestly, share their faith with others. Honestly, we're a little bit like Jonah. By the we're a little bit like Jonah. By the we're a little bit like Jonah. By the way, we're going to be looking at Jonah way, we're going to be looking at Jonah way, we're going to be looking at Jonah chapter 3, so turn in your Bibles there, chapter 3, so turn in your Bibles there, chapter 3, so turn in your Bibles there, and we talked about Jonah a little bit and we talked about Jonah a little bit and we talked about Jonah a little bit in my last message, which was titled The in my last message, which was titled The in my last message, which was titled The Refreshing Power of Revival. But we can Refreshing Power of Revival. But we can Refreshing Power of Revival. But we can be like Jonah. We don't want to bother be like Jonah. We don't want to bother be like Jonah. We don't want to bother ourselves with the needs of others. ourselves with the needs of others. ourselves with the needs of others. We'll get into this a little bit more in We'll get into this a little bit more in We'll get into this a little bit more in a few moments, but Jonah was called to a few moments, but Jonah was called to a few moments, but Jonah was called to go preach to these people who lived in go preach to these people who lived in go preach to these people who lived in Nineveh, and Nineveh was the capital of Nineveh, and Nineveh was the capital of Nineveh, and Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, and the Assyrians are the Assyria, and the Assyrians are the Assyria, and the Assyrians are the enemies of the Israelites, and as a enemies of the Israelites, and as a enemies of the Israelites, and as a patriotic Jew, he didn't want to go patriotic Jew, he didn't want to go patriotic Jew, he didn't want to go preach to his enemies. He didn't care preach to his enemies. He didn't care preach to his enemies. He didn't care about them. And we can be this way as about them. And we can be this way as about them. And we can be this way as well. If we're brutally honest, we'll well. If we're brutally honest, we'll well. If we're brutally honest, we'll say, "I don't really care that much say, "I don't really care that much say, "I don't really care that much about non-believers, and and I I have about non-believers, and and I I have about non-believers, and and I I have what I need, and I don't want to share what I need, and I don't want to share what I need, and I don't want to share it." Hey, this goes back to our it." Hey, this goes back to our it." Hey, this goes back to our childhood. When we were taught to share, childhood. When we were taught to share, childhood. When we were taught to share, we would be happily playing with the we would be happily playing with the we would be happily playing with the little toy as a baby or a toddler and little toy as a baby or a toddler and little toy as a baby or a toddler and then another child's introduced into the then another child's introduced into the then another child's introduced into the setting and someone says, "Share your setting and someone says, "Share your setting and someone says, "Share your toy with your cousin or your little toy with your cousin or your little toy with your cousin or your little friend." and you start fighting over the friend." and you start fighting over the friend." and you start fighting over the toy. We don't like to share. Often as toy. We don't like to share. Often as toy. We don't like to share. Often as Christians, we hoard the truth. But Christians, we hoard the truth. But Christians, we hoard the truth. But listen, the gospel by design is meant to listen, the gospel by design is meant to listen, the gospel by design is meant to be shared, not hid. And sometimes we're be shared, not hid. And sometimes we're be shared, not hid. And sometimes we're hoarders of truth instead of sharers of hoarders of truth instead of sharers of hoarders of truth instead of sharers of hope. Sometimes we become so inward in hope. Sometimes we become so inward in hope. Sometimes we become so inward in our focus, we miss this great truth. As

our focus, we miss this great truth. As our focus, we miss this great truth. As you give to and serve others, you you give to and serve others, you you give to and serve others, you yourself will be replenished and yourself will be replenished and yourself will be replenished and refreshed. Jesus put it this way. He refreshed. Jesus put it this way. He refreshed. Jesus put it this way. He said, "Give and it shall be given to said, "Give and it shall be given to said, "Give and it shall be given to you. Press down, shaken together, you. Press down, shaken together, you. Press down, shaken together, running over, and with the same measure running over, and with the same measure running over, and with the same measure you give, it will be given back to you." you give, it will be given back to you." you give, it will be given back to you." Listen, the Bible says that God is Listen, the Bible says that God is Listen, the Bible says that God is looking for people to show himself looking for people to show himself looking for people to show himself strong on behalf of. He's looking for strong on behalf of. He's looking for strong on behalf of. He's looking for someone, well, like you. someone, well, like you. someone, well, like you. Who will actually say, "Use me, Lord. Who will actually say, "Use me, Lord. Who will actually say, "Use me, Lord. I'll go where you want me to go. I'll I'll go where you want me to go. I'll I'll go where you want me to go. I'll say what you want me to say." Listen, say what you want me to say." Listen, say what you want me to say." Listen, will you be that person? If so, a will you be that person? If so, a will you be that person? If so, a wonderful adventure awaits you. I wonderful adventure awaits you. I wonderful adventure awaits you. I believe that sharing your faith can be believe that sharing your faith can be believe that sharing your faith can be exciting, joyful, and dare I use the exciting, joyful, and dare I use the exciting, joyful, and dare I use the word fun. word fun. word fun. Yes, you heard me right. As Psalm 126:6 Yes, you heard me right. As Psalm 126:6 Yes, you heard me right. As Psalm 126:6 says, "Those who go out weeping, says, "Those who go out weeping, says, "Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with carrying seed to sow, will return with carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying their sheaves songs of joy, carrying their sheaves songs of joy, carrying their sheaves with them." You've heard that old song, with them." You've heard that old song, with them." You've heard that old song, "Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in "Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in "Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves." That's what that's about.

the sheaves." That's what that's about. the sheaves." That's what that's about. You go out with sadness, concern for You go out with sadness, concern for You go out with sadness, concern for people that don't know the Lord, but you people that don't know the Lord, but you people that don't know the Lord, but you come back with joy because people have come back with joy because people have come back with joy because people have come to Christ. Jesus said, "There's joy come to Christ. Jesus said, "There's joy come to Christ. Jesus said, "There's joy in heaven over one sinner that comes to in heaven over one sinner that comes to in heaven over one sinner that comes to repentance." As C.S. Lewis pointed out, repentance." As C.S. Lewis pointed out, repentance." As C.S. Lewis pointed out, quote, "Joy is a serious business of quote, "Joy is a serious business of quote, "Joy is a serious business of heaven." End quote. Jesus said, "It is heaven." End quote. Jesus said, "It is heaven." End quote. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than it is to more blessed to give than it is to more blessed to give than it is to receive." And that word blessed is receive." And that word blessed is receive." And that word blessed is interchangeable with the word happy. So, interchangeable with the word happy. So, interchangeable with the word happy. So, you could translate it as follows, "It's you could translate it as follows, "It's you could translate it as follows, "It's a happier thing to give than it is to a happier thing to give than it is to a happier thing to give than it is to receive." And that is certainly true receive." And that is certainly true receive." And that is certainly true when we're sharing the message of the when we're sharing the message of the when we're sharing the message of the gospel. I already pointed out that gospel. I already pointed out that gospel. I already pointed out that there's joy in heaven every time a there's joy in heaven every time a there's joy in heaven every time a person puts their faith in Jesus Christ. person puts their faith in Jesus Christ. person puts their faith in Jesus Christ. And if there's joy in heaven because of And if there's joy in heaven because of And if there's joy in heaven because of that, there ought to be joy on earth and that, there ought to be joy on earth and that, there ought to be joy on earth and in our hearts if we had the privilege of in our hearts if we had the privilege of in our hearts if we had the privilege of playing a role in that as well. Listen, playing a role in that as well. Listen, playing a role in that as well. Listen, next to personally knowing the Lord, the next to personally knowing the Lord, the next to personally knowing the Lord, the greatest joy I know is bringing others greatest joy I know is bringing others greatest joy I know is bringing others to him and then watching them grow and to him and then watching them grow and to him and then watching them grow and be transformed. Third John 1:4 says, "I be transformed. Third John 1:4 says, "I be transformed. Third John 1:4 says, "I have no greater joy than to hear my have no greater joy than to hear my have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in truth." Joy!

children are walking in truth." Joy! children are walking in truth." Joy! There's joy in telling people about There's joy in telling people about There's joy in telling people about Jesus and seeing them grow in Jesus. Jesus and seeing them grow in Jesus. Jesus and seeing them grow in Jesus. The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers there in Thessalonica there in Thessalonica there in Thessalonica about the great joy he was experiencing about the great joy he was experiencing about the great joy he was experiencing as he watched them grow spiritually. And as he watched them grow spiritually. And as he watched them grow spiritually. And he said in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, "What he said in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, "What he said in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, "What is our hope or our joy or crown of is our hope or our joy or crown of is our hope or our joy or crown of boasting before the Lord Jesus at his boasting before the Lord Jesus at his boasting before the Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? You," Paul coming? Is it not you? You," Paul coming? Is it not you? You," Paul writes, "are our glory and our joy." writes, "are our glory and our joy." writes, "are our glory and our joy." Listen to this, the happiest Christians Listen to this, the happiest Christians Listen to this, the happiest Christians are the evangelistic Christians. Let me are the evangelistic Christians. Let me are the evangelistic Christians. Let me say that again, the happiest Christians say that again, the happiest Christians say that again, the happiest Christians I know are the evangelistic Christians I know are the evangelistic Christians I know are the evangelistic Christians and the least happy Christians I know and the least happy Christians I know and the least happy Christians I know are the nit-picky kind. They're arguing are the nit-picky kind. They're arguing are the nit-picky kind. They're arguing over theological minutia and never over theological minutia and never over theological minutia and never telling others about Jesus. It was the telling others about Jesus. It was the telling others about Jesus. It was the old country preacher Vance Havner who old country preacher Vance Havner who old country preacher Vance Havner who once said, "If we're too busy using our once said, "If we're too busy using our once said, "If we're too busy using our sickles on each other, we're going to sickles on each other, we're going to sickles on each other, we're going to miss the harvest." End quote. Yes, there miss the harvest." End quote. Yes, there miss the harvest." End quote. Yes, there is a happiness that we are missing out is a happiness that we are missing out is a happiness that we are missing out on on on if we're not sharing our faith. You if we're not sharing our faith. You if we're not sharing our faith. You know, they have done studies and found know, they have done studies and found know, they have done studies and found that when you help someone else, there's that when you help someone else, there's that when you help someone else, there's an actual release of endorphins.

an actual release of endorphins. an actual release of endorphins. They call it the helper's high, an They call it the helper's high, an They call it the helper's high, an actual euphoria that one can experience actual euphoria that one can experience actual euphoria that one can experience by helping a person. Now, that's true in by helping a person. Now, that's true in by helping a person. Now, that's true in just helping in general, but when you're just helping in general, but when you're just helping in general, but when you're pointing a person to Christ pointing a person to Christ pointing a person to Christ and they would come to believe in him, and they would come to believe in him, and they would come to believe in him, that's the greatest joy of all. You that's the greatest joy of all. You that's the greatest joy of all. You know, as Christians, sometimes we find know, as Christians, sometimes we find know, as Christians, sometimes we find ourselves down ourselves down ourselves down and depressed and lethargic. We don't and depressed and lethargic. We don't and depressed and lethargic. We don't understand it because we're reading our understand it because we're reading our understand it because we're reading our Bibles, Bibles, Bibles, we're praying, we're going to church, we we're praying, we're going to church, we we're praying, we're going to church, we might even be in a small group, but might even be in a small group, but might even be in a small group, but there's a sort of depression that has there's a sort of depression that has there's a sort of depression that has set into our life and we wonder why. set into our life and we wonder why. set into our life and we wonder why. Maybe it's because you need to start Maybe it's because you need to start Maybe it's because you need to start thinking of others instead of just thinking of others instead of just thinking of others instead of just yourself. Maybe this is not all about yourself. Maybe this is not all about yourself. Maybe this is not all about you. This is about you getting grounded you. This is about you getting grounded you. This is about you getting grounded in your faith and then helping others to in your faith and then helping others to in your faith and then helping others to come and believe in Jesus. I have a come and believe in Jesus. I have a come and believe in Jesus. I have a 10-step cure for depression. Now, before 10-step cure for depression. Now, before 10-step cure for depression. Now, before I give it to you, let me just say I I give it to you, let me just say I I give it to you, let me just say I acknowledge the reality of clinical acknowledge the reality of clinical acknowledge the reality of clinical depression and I know some people have a depression and I know some people have a depression and I know some people have a serious struggle with this. I'm not serious struggle with this. I'm not serious struggle with this. I'm not really talking about that. Talking about really talking about that. Talking about really talking about that. Talking about the depression that many people have in the depression that many people have in the depression that many people have in life. So, I have a 10-step life. So, I have a 10-step life. So, I have a 10-step cure for depression.

cure for depression. cure for depression. So, you might want to write this down. So, you might want to write this down. So, you might want to write this down. 10 steps. Step number one, find someone 10 steps. Step number one, find someone 10 steps. Step number one, find someone who has greater needs than you and do who has greater needs than you and do who has greater needs than you and do something for them. Find someone who has something for them. Find someone who has something for them. Find someone who has greater needs than you and do something greater needs than you and do something greater needs than you and do something for them. That's step number one. Step for them. That's step number one. Step for them. That's step number one. Step number two is repeat step number one number two is repeat step number one number two is repeat step number one nine more times. Get it? nine more times. Get it? nine more times. Get it? The idea is look at the needs of others The idea is look at the needs of others The idea is look at the needs of others and share Jesus with them. You see, and share Jesus with them. You see, and share Jesus with them. You see, Satan wants to steal your joy as a Satan wants to steal your joy as a Satan wants to steal your joy as a Christian and he wants to keep people Christian and he wants to keep people Christian and he wants to keep people from coming to Christ. He doesn't want from coming to Christ. He doesn't want from coming to Christ. He doesn't want you to hear what I'm saying to you right you to hear what I'm saying to you right you to hear what I'm saying to you right now because it's a direct threat to the now because it's a direct threat to the now because it's a direct threat to the kingdom of darkness. kingdom of darkness. kingdom of darkness. The devil's unhappy he lost you. He's The devil's unhappy he lost you. He's The devil's unhappy he lost you. He's unhappy that you transferred your unhappy that you transferred your unhappy that you transferred your citizenship from his kingdom to God's citizenship from his kingdom to God's citizenship from his kingdom to God's kingdom. He's unhappy you changed your kingdom. He's unhappy you changed your kingdom. He's unhappy you changed your eternal address from hell to heaven. But eternal address from hell to heaven. But eternal address from hell to heaven. But I'll tell you what, if you want to make I'll tell you what, if you want to make I'll tell you what, if you want to make him really unhappy, him really unhappy, him really unhappy, start trying to bring people out of his start trying to bring people out of his start trying to bring people out of his kingdom into God's kingdom. But listen, kingdom into God's kingdom. But listen, kingdom into God's kingdom. But listen, God wants us to do this. He wants us to God wants us to do this. He wants us to God wants us to do this. He wants us to share our faith because God chooses to share our faith because God chooses to share our faith because God chooses to reach people through people.

reach people through people. reach people through people. In fact, we're told over in Romans In fact, we're told over in Romans In fact, we're told over in Romans 10:14, "How can they call on him unless 10:14, "How can they call on him unless 10:14, "How can they call on him unless they believed in him? How can they they believed in him? How can they they believed in him? How can they believe in him unless they've heard believe in him unless they've heard believe in him unless they've heard about him? And how can they hear about about him? And how can they hear about about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" How him unless someone tells them?" How him unless someone tells them?" How true. Now look, God could do this work true. Now look, God could do this work true. Now look, God could do this work without us. He could roll away the without us. He could roll away the without us. He could roll away the heavens and poke this face through and heavens and poke this face through and heavens and poke this face through and say, "Hello humanity, I'm God and you're say, "Hello humanity, I'm God and you're say, "Hello humanity, I'm God and you're not. not. not. Believe in me right now." But no, God Believe in me right now." But no, God Believe in me right now." But no, God chooses to reach people through chooses to reach people through chooses to reach people through >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> people. >> 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. We really [music] enjoy hearing when We really [music] enjoy hearing when We really [music] enjoy hearing when Pastor Greg's teaching and preaching Pastor Greg's teaching and preaching Pastor Greg's teaching and preaching touches lives. touches lives. touches lives. >> Hi Pastor Greg. I love listening to your >> Hi Pastor Greg. I love listening to your >> Hi Pastor Greg. I love listening to your podcasts [music] podcasts [music] podcasts [music] as they help me grow in my walk with as they help me grow in my walk with as they help me grow in my walk with Christ. You are one of the first pastors Christ. You are one of the first pastors Christ. You are one of the first pastors [music] I've ever listened to that [music] I've ever listened to that [music] I've ever listened to that actually held my attention because the actually held my attention because the actually held my attention because the way you share scripture, [music] your way you share scripture, [music] your way you share scripture, [music] your stories, and especially your humor.

stories, and especially your humor. stories, and especially your humor. Thank you for letting God use you. Thank you for letting God use you. Thank you for letting God use you. You have helped me greatly in times of You have helped me greatly in times of You have helped me greatly in times of confusion, and I've grown closer to God confusion, and I've grown closer to God confusion, and I've grown closer to God because of your messages. because of your messages. because of your messages. Thank you so much, and God bless you. Thank you so much, and God bless you. Thank you so much, and God bless you. >> When we hear from you, it's not only a >> When we hear from you, it's not only a >> When we hear from you, it's not only a blessing, it [music] also confirms that blessing, it [music] also confirms that blessing, it [music] also confirms that the program is making an impact. If you the program is making an impact. If you the program is making an impact. If you have a story to share, [music] have a story to share, [music] have a story to share, [music] call Pastor Greg and let him know. Call call Pastor Greg and let him know. Call call Pastor Greg and let him know. Call 1-866-871-1144. [music] [music] Again, 866-871-1144. Well, we're considering the story of Well, we're considering the story of Jonah today, and Pastor Greg points out Jonah today, and Pastor Greg points out Jonah today, and Pastor Greg points out the lessons it teaches us about the the lessons it teaches us about the the lessons it teaches us about the importance of evangelism. importance of evangelism. importance of evangelism. Now, when we think Now, when we think Now, when we think >> of the story of Jonah, as I pointed out >> of the story of Jonah, as I pointed out >> of the story of Jonah, as I pointed out last time, we focus on the whale. But last time, we focus on the whale. But last time, we focus on the whale. But the book of Jonah is not about a whale. the book of Jonah is not about a whale. the book of Jonah is not about a whale. There's only two verses that deal with There's only two verses that deal with There's only two verses that deal with that crazy sea monster he got swallowed that crazy sea monster he got swallowed that crazy sea monster he got swallowed by. The book of Jonah is a story of a by. The book of Jonah is a story of a by. The book of Jonah is a story of a massive revival that came about through massive revival that came about through massive revival that came about through the efforts of one man, and that man was the efforts of one man, and that man was the efforts of one man, and that man was Jonah. He was called to preach to Jonah. He was called to preach to Jonah. He was called to preach to Nineveh, which was a great city, by the Nineveh, which was a great city, by the Nineveh, which was a great city, by the way. The population of Nineveh was way. The population of Nineveh was way. The population of Nineveh was around 300,000. It might have been a around 300,000. It might have been a around 300,000. It might have been a little smaller, but that was a mega city little smaller, but that was a mega city little smaller, but that was a mega city back at that time. The reason the back at that time. The reason the back at that time. The reason the population was so high is because it population was so high is because it population was so high is because it became the capital of Assyria. There was became the capital of Assyria. There was became the capital of Assyria. There was a magnificent palace built there. So, it

a magnificent palace built there. So, it a magnificent palace built there. So, it was a very, very large city of its day, was a very, very large city of its day, was a very, very large city of its day, 300,000 300,000 300,000 strong. It was a great city, we read in strong. It was a great city, we read in strong. It was a great city, we read in Jonah 1:2. But Jonah said, "I don't want Jonah 1:2. But Jonah said, "I don't want Jonah 1:2. But Jonah said, "I don't want to go preach to that great city." So to go preach to that great city." So to go preach to that great city." So then we read in Jonah 1:4, God sent a then we read in Jonah 1:4, God sent a then we read in Jonah 1:4, God sent a great wind. great wind. great wind. And then that wind brought a storm, and And then that wind brought a storm, and And then that wind brought a storm, and Jonah was ultimately swallowed by a Jonah was ultimately swallowed by a Jonah was ultimately swallowed by a great fish in Jonah 1:17. great fish in Jonah 1:17. great fish in Jonah 1:17. But the ultimate story of Jonah is about But the ultimate story of Jonah is about But the ultimate story of Jonah is about a great God who showed great love to a a great God who showed great love to a a great God who showed great love to a lost city like Nineveh and offered them lost city like Nineveh and offered them lost city like Nineveh and offered them his forgiveness. his forgiveness. his forgiveness. If we miss that, we've missed the whole If we miss that, we've missed the whole If we miss that, we've missed the whole point of the story. point of the story. point of the story. So I heard the story of a police officer So I heard the story of a police officer So I heard the story of a police officer who pulled over some guy who had two who pulled over some guy who had two who pulled over some guy who had two penguins in the back seat of his car. penguins in the back seat of his car. penguins in the back seat of his car. The officer said, "Sir, I don't know if The officer said, "Sir, I don't know if The officer said, "Sir, I don't know if you know this, but penguins are an you know this, but penguins are an you know this, but penguins are an endangered species. You can't drive endangered species. You can't drive endangered species. You can't drive around with penguins in your car, so around with penguins in your car, so around with penguins in your car, so take them to the zoo." take them to the zoo." take them to the zoo." And the man said, "I will, officer." The And the man said, "I will, officer." The And the man said, "I will, officer." The next day the officer saw him driving next day the officer saw him driving next day the officer saw him driving around with the penguins again, but this around with the penguins again, but this around with the penguins again, but this time they were wearing Hawaiian shirts time they were wearing Hawaiian shirts time they were wearing Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses. The officer said, and sunglasses. The officer said, and sunglasses. The officer said, "Excuse me, I told you to take those "Excuse me, I told you to take those "Excuse me, I told you to take those penguins to the zoo yesterday." The man penguins to the zoo yesterday." The man penguins to the zoo yesterday." The man said, "I did, and now we're going to the said, "I did, and now we're going to the said, "I did, and now we're going to the beach today."

beach today." beach today." Yeah, I think he kind of missed the Yeah, I think he kind of missed the Yeah, I think he kind of missed the point of what the officer was trying to point of what the officer was trying to point of what the officer was trying to say, and we can very easily miss the say, and we can very easily miss the say, and we can very easily miss the point of the book of Jonah. God turned point of the book of Jonah. God turned point of the book of Jonah. God turned around 300,000 people through one man. around 300,000 people through one man. around 300,000 people through one man. How was he able to do this? Because you How was he able to do this? Because you How was he able to do this? Because you and I, well, we want to be the Jonah in and I, well, we want to be the Jonah in and I, well, we want to be the Jonah in our neighborhood, the Jonah in our our neighborhood, the Jonah in our our neighborhood, the Jonah in our family, the Jonah family, the Jonah family, the Jonah uh in our sphere of influence. Hopefully uh in our sphere of influence. Hopefully uh in our sphere of influence. Hopefully mine is being swallowed by a sea mine is being swallowed by a sea mine is being swallowed by a sea monster. Okay, so if you're taking monster. Okay, so if you're taking monster. Okay, so if you're taking notes, here's point number one. notes, here's point number one. notes, here's point number one. It takes a changed person It takes a changed person It takes a changed person to change other people. to change other people. to change other people. It takes a changed person to change It takes a changed person to change It takes a changed person to change other people. It started with Jonah other people. It started with Jonah other people. It started with Jonah himself. Of course, he was swallowed by himself. Of course, he was swallowed by himself. Of course, he was swallowed by maybe the whale or whatever that maybe the whale or whatever that maybe the whale or whatever that creature was. And it was in the belly of creature was. And it was in the belly of creature was. And it was in the belly of that whale that Jonah had a personal that whale that Jonah had a personal that whale that Jonah had a personal revival. revival. revival. It was there that he repented of his sin It was there that he repented of his sin It was there that he repented of his sin and recommitted himself to the Lord and and recommitted himself to the Lord and and recommitted himself to the Lord and was willing to do what the Lord had was willing to do what the Lord had was willing to do what the Lord had called him to do. And so what happened?

called him to do. And so what happened? called him to do. And so what happened? The whale cruises up to the beach there The whale cruises up to the beach there The whale cruises up to the beach there on Nineveh. I wonder what that was like. on Nineveh. I wonder what that was like. on Nineveh. I wonder what that was like. You're just sitting out on the beach, You're just sitting out on the beach, You're just sitting out on the beach, catching some rays, watching the surf, catching some rays, watching the surf, catching some rays, watching the surf, and all of a sudden you see this large and all of a sudden you see this large and all of a sudden you see this large object coming toward you. The Ninevites object coming toward you. The Ninevites object coming toward you. The Ninevites might have stood up, "What is that? What might have stood up, "What is that? What might have stood up, "What is that? What That It's A IT'S A WHALE!" AND AND THE That It's A IT'S A WHALE!" AND AND THE That It's A IT'S A WHALE!" AND AND THE WHALE pulls right up in the shore and WHALE pulls right up in the shore and WHALE pulls right up in the shore and opens his mouth and vomits. The Bible opens his mouth and vomits. The Bible opens his mouth and vomits. The Bible says he vomited Jonah. Out comes Jonah. says he vomited Jonah. Out comes Jonah. says he vomited Jonah. Out comes Jonah. Boom! Ta-da! I wonder what he looked Boom! Ta-da! I wonder what he looked Boom! Ta-da! I wonder what he looked like. like. like. His skin was probably bleached white His skin was probably bleached white His skin was probably bleached white from the gastric juices of the sea from the gastric juices of the sea from the gastric juices of the sea creature. He probably smelled worse than creature. He probably smelled worse than creature. He probably smelled worse than anyone you've ever smelled before. And anyone you've ever smelled before. And anyone you've ever smelled before. And he has a message, "40 days and Nineveh he has a message, "40 days and Nineveh he has a message, "40 days and Nineveh shall be overthrown." Wow, what a story shall be overthrown." Wow, what a story shall be overthrown." Wow, what a story this is. But listen, Jonah was the right this is. But listen, Jonah was the right this is. But listen, Jonah was the right man at the right place at the right man at the right place at the right man at the right place at the right time. time. time. I wonder if you know somebody right now I wonder if you know somebody right now I wonder if you know somebody right now that the Lord has been that the Lord has been that the Lord has been nudging you to talk to. nudging you to talk to. nudging you to talk to. You know, it's interesting for me You know, it's interesting for me You know, it's interesting for me because sometimes I'll be out and about because sometimes I'll be out and about because sometimes I'll be out and about and I'll just see someone.

and I'll just see someone. and I'll just see someone. And And I just The Lord I don't know how And And I just The Lord I don't know how And And I just The Lord I don't know how to explain this, but just in my heart I to explain this, but just in my heart I to explain this, but just in my heart I sense I should go start a conversation sense I should go start a conversation sense I should go start a conversation with them. with them. with them. And uh And I don't know what to say to And uh And I don't know what to say to And uh And I don't know what to say to them exactly. I don't know how the them exactly. I don't know how the them exactly. I don't know how the conversation will go. I don't know conversation will go. I don't know conversation will go. I don't know anything about them, but I've sensed anything about them, but I've sensed anything about them, but I've sensed I've come to realize that I need to I've come to realize that I need to I've come to realize that I need to respond to those promptings of the Holy respond to those promptings of the Holy respond to those promptings of the Holy Spirit. That's how it starts. It's just Spirit. That's how it starts. It's just Spirit. That's how it starts. It's just a little nudge, a little prompting, a a little nudge, a little prompting, a a little nudge, a little prompting, a little direction. Look at that person little direction. Look at that person little direction. Look at that person right there. Why Why you engage that right there. Why Why you engage that right there. Why Why you engage that person in a conversation? person in a conversation? person in a conversation? Did it ever occur to you that God has Did it ever occur to you that God has Did it ever occur to you that God has placed you right where you are right now placed you right where you are right now placed you right where you are right now to reach certain people? One of my to reach certain people? One of my to reach certain people? One of my favorite Bible stories is the story of favorite Bible stories is the story of favorite Bible stories is the story of the beauty queen Hadassah. It's found in the beauty queen Hadassah. It's found in the beauty queen Hadassah. It's found in the book of Esther. the book of Esther. the book of Esther. Uh the king of Persia wanted a new Uh the king of Persia wanted a new Uh the king of Persia wanted a new queen. So he had this beauty contest and queen. So he had this beauty contest and queen. So he had this beauty contest and Hadassah, a very attractive young Jewish Hadassah, a very attractive young Jewish Hadassah, a very attractive young Jewish woman, entered the contest. She had been woman, entered the contest. She had been woman, entered the contest. She had been raised by her uh uncle Mordecai. Her raised by her uh uncle Mordecai. Her raised by her uh uncle Mordecai. Her father had died. And incredibly, she won father had died. And incredibly, she won father had died. And incredibly, she won the beauty contest and she became the the beauty contest and she became the the beauty contest and she became the queen of Persia. Sounds like a fairy queen of Persia. Sounds like a fairy queen of Persia. Sounds like a fairy tale, right? Her prince comes. And uh tale, right? Her prince comes. And uh tale, right? Her prince comes. And uh now she's the queen. And if it was a now she's the queen. And if it was a now she's the queen. And if it was a fairy tale, it would end with these fairy tale, it would end with these fairy tale, it would end with these words, "And they lived happily ever words, "And they lived happily ever words, "And they lived happily ever after." But this isn't a fairy tale.

after." But this isn't a fairy tale. after." But this isn't a fairy tale. This is a Bible story, which means it's This is a Bible story, which means it's This is a Bible story, which means it's true. It actually happened because a true. It actually happened because a true. It actually happened because a villain enters the story, more sinister villain enters the story, more sinister villain enters the story, more sinister than any villain you've seen in any than any villain you've seen in any than any villain you've seen in any child story, with a plan to literally child story, with a plan to literally child story, with a plan to literally exterminate the Jewish people. And uh exterminate the Jewish people. And uh exterminate the Jewish people. And uh meanwhile, Hadassah, also known as Queen meanwhile, Hadassah, also known as Queen meanwhile, Hadassah, also known as Queen Esther, was oblivious to what was going Esther, was oblivious to what was going Esther, was oblivious to what was going on. The king signed a decree that every on. The king signed a decree that every on. The king signed a decree that every Jew would be put to death. But Esther Jew would be put to death. But Esther Jew would be put to death. But Esther was living in the lap of luxury. You was living in the lap of luxury. You was living in the lap of luxury. You know, she was being pampered there in know, she was being pampered there in know, she was being pampered there in the palace and she knew nothing of the the palace and she knew nothing of the the palace and she knew nothing of the plight of her fellow Jews. So one day plight of her fellow Jews. So one day plight of her fellow Jews. So one day your uncle Mordecai shows up outside the your uncle Mordecai shows up outside the your uncle Mordecai shows up outside the walls of the city. And uh and he's walls of the city. And uh and he's walls of the city. And uh and he's calling out for Esther. Someone says, "I calling out for Esther. Someone says, "I calling out for Esther. Someone says, "I think this guy is related to you." She think this guy is related to you." She think this guy is related to you." She goes, "Oh, send him some new clothes." goes, "Oh, send him some new clothes." goes, "Oh, send him some new clothes." And he didn't want new clothes. He And he didn't want new clothes. He And he didn't want new clothes. He wanted her attention. And I love what he wanted her attention. And I love what he wanted her attention. And I love what he said to his niece. He says to her, "If said to his niece. He says to her, "If said to his niece. He says to her, "If you keep quiet at a time like this, you keep quiet at a time like this, you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will deliverance and relief for the Jews will deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and arise from some other place, but you and arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Then, Mordecai your relatives will die. Then, Mordecai your relatives will die. Then, Mordecai makes this very well-known statement, makes this very well-known statement, makes this very well-known statement, "But who knows? Perhaps you were made "But who knows? Perhaps you were made "But who knows? Perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this." In other queen for such a time as this." In other queen for such a time as this." In other words, he's saying, "Esther, this is words, he's saying, "Esther, this is words, he's saying, "Esther, this is your wake-up call. This is why you are your wake-up call. This is why you are your wake-up call. This is why you are where you are. You're not there by where you are. You're not there by where you are. You're not there by coincidence.

coincidence. coincidence. You're there by providence to save your You're there by providence to save your You're there by providence to save your people. And if you don't do it, God will people. And if you don't do it, God will people. And if you don't do it, God will find someone else." So, did it ever find someone else." So, did it ever find someone else." So, did it ever occur to you that you are where you are occur to you that you are where you are occur to you that you are where you are because God wants you there? See, the because God wants you there? See, the because God wants you there? See, the problem is this, when we become problem is this, when we become problem is this, when we become Christians, we want to remove ourselves Christians, we want to remove ourselves Christians, we want to remove ourselves from bad influences, from bad influences, from bad influences, stay away from ungodly people who might stay away from ungodly people who might stay away from ungodly people who might tempt us to do ungodly things. And then tempt us to do ungodly things. And then tempt us to do ungodly things. And then that's good, but we have to be careful that's good, but we have to be careful that's good, but we have to be careful that we don't lose contact with that we don't lose contact with that we don't lose contact with non-believers. We can sort of retreat in non-believers. We can sort of retreat in non-believers. We can sort of retreat in what we might describe as a Christian what we might describe as a Christian what we might describe as a Christian bubble. You know, we we listen to bubble. You know, we we listen to bubble. You know, we we listen to Christian radio, we buy our car from a Christian radio, we buy our car from a Christian radio, we buy our car from a Christian car dealer, Christian car dealer, Christian car dealer, we watch Christian movies, and we we watch Christian movies, and we we watch Christian movies, and we boycotted so many stores, there's none boycotted so many stores, there's none boycotted so many stores, there's none left to go to anymore. We're sort of left to go to anymore. We're sort of left to go to anymore. We're sort of isolated all by ourselves. But listen, isolated all by ourselves. But listen, isolated all by ourselves. But listen, Jesus said, "Go into all the world and Jesus said, "Go into all the world and Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel." So, I have to go. I preach the gospel." So, I have to go. I preach the gospel." So, I have to go. I have to leave my comfort zone, my safety have to leave my comfort zone, my safety have to leave my comfort zone, my safety zone, even. Jesus did not say the whole zone, even. Jesus did not say the whole zone, even. Jesus did not say the whole world should go to church, but he did in world should go to church, but he did in world should go to church, but he did in effect say the church should go to the effect say the church should go to the effect say the church should go to the whole world. So, you need to go to where whole world. So, you need to go to where whole world. So, you need to go to where people are, to that person in the people are, to that person in the people are, to that person in the restaurant that's serving you.

restaurant that's serving you. restaurant that's serving you. Tell them that God loves them. Make sure Tell them that God loves them. Make sure Tell them that God loves them. Make sure you leave a tip. Don't be a cheapskate. you leave a tip. Don't be a cheapskate. you leave a tip. Don't be a cheapskate. Nothing worse than sharing your faith Nothing worse than sharing your faith Nothing worse than sharing your faith with a waitress or a server and then not with a waitress or a server and then not with a waitress or a server and then not leaving them a very generous tip. But leaving them a very generous tip. But leaving them a very generous tip. But what about that person you're pumping what about that person you're pumping what about that person you're pumping gas around the other side putting gas in gas around the other side putting gas in gas around the other side putting gas in their car? There just might come a their car? There just might come a their car? There just might come a moment for you to start a little moment for you to start a little moment for you to start a little conversation. Start by praying and ask conversation. Start by praying and ask conversation. Start by praying and ask the Lord to lead us because you are the Lord to lead us because you are the Lord to lead us because you are where you are for such a time as this. where you are for such a time as this. where you are for such a time as this. Now, listen to this. God does not need Now, listen to this. God does not need Now, listen to this. God does not need you to accomplish his work. God can you to accomplish his work. God can you to accomplish his work. God can reach people without you, but he would reach people without you, but he would reach people without you, but he would rather reach people with you and through rather reach people with you and through rather reach people with you and through you. you. you. Again, Mordecai said to Esther, "If you Again, Mordecai said to Esther, "If you Again, Mordecai said to Esther, "If you keep quiet at a time like this, keep quiet at a time like this, keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will deliverance and relief for the Jews will deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place." So, seize arise from some other place." So, seize arise from some other place." So, seize the moment. >> Pastor [music] Greg Laurie, encouraging >> Pastor [music] Greg Laurie, encouraging us to seize the moment, to take us to seize the moment, to take us to seize the moment, to take advantage of those opportunities God advantage of those opportunities God advantage of those opportunities God gives us to share the hope of Christ.

gives us to share the hope of Christ. gives us to share the hope of Christ. Good encouragement today here on A New Good encouragement today here on A New Good encouragement today here on A New Beginning, and there's more to come from Beginning, and there's more to come from Beginning, and there's more to come from this message. this message. this message. Pastor Greg, let's do what you said and Pastor Greg, let's do what you said and Pastor Greg, let's do what you said and seize the moment and invite someone seize the moment and invite someone seize the moment and invite someone listening to accept the Lord's offer of listening to accept the Lord's offer of listening to accept the Lord's offer of salvation. salvation. salvation. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> They don't know for sure if they'll go >> They don't know for sure if they'll go >> They don't know for sure if they'll go to heaven when this life is over. to heaven when this life is over. to heaven when this life is over. What would you say to someone who wants What would you say to someone who wants What would you say to someone who wants to take care of that right now, today? to take care of that right now, today? to take care of that right now, today? >> I would say that God is just a prayer >> I would say that God is just a prayer >> I would say that God is just a prayer away. You know, it doesn't take years to away. You know, it doesn't take years to away. You know, it doesn't take years to become a Christian. It doesn't take become a Christian. It doesn't take become a Christian. It doesn't take months. months. months. Frankly, it doesn't even take hours. It Frankly, it doesn't even take hours. It Frankly, it doesn't even take hours. It can happen so quickly. can happen so quickly. can happen so quickly. It just starts with you saying to God, It just starts with you saying to God, It just starts with you saying to God, "I know I'm a sinner. "I know I'm a sinner. "I know I'm a sinner. I know that you love me. I know that you I know that you love me. I know that you I know that you love me. I know that you sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sin and paid for those sins, and then to sin and paid for those sins, and then to sin and paid for those sins, and then to rise again from the dead, and I want him rise again from the dead, and I want him rise again from the dead, and I want him to come into my life." So, here's my to come into my life." So, here's my to come into my life." So, here's my question to you. Have you done that yet? question to you. Have you done that yet? question to you. Have you done that yet? Because Jesus who did die on that cross Because Jesus who did die on that cross Because Jesus who did die on that cross and rose again from the dead 3 days and rose again from the dead 3 days and rose again from the dead 3 days later is alive and standing at the door later is alive and standing at the door later is alive and standing at the door of your life right now and he's of your life right now and he's of your life right now and he's knocking. And he's saying, "If you'll knocking. And he's saying, "If you'll knocking. And he's saying, "If you'll hear my voice and open the door, I will hear my voice and open the door, I will hear my voice and open the door, I will come in." Would you like your sin come in." Would you like your sin come in." Would you like your sin forgiven? Would you like to know that forgiven? Would you like to know that forgiven? Would you like to know that when you die, you will go to heaven? Do when you die, you will go to heaven? Do when you die, you will go to heaven? Do you want Christ to come into your life you want Christ to come into your life you want Christ to come into your life right now? If so, why don't you just right now? If so, why don't you just right now? If so, why don't you just stop whatever it is you're doing and stop whatever it is you're doing and stop whatever it is you're doing and pray this prayer with me. You could pray pray this prayer with me. You could pray pray this prayer with me. You could pray it out loud. You can pray it in the it out loud. You can pray it in the it out loud. You can pray it in the quietness of your own heart, but pray

quietness of your own heart, but pray quietness of your own heart, but pray this prayer to God. this prayer to God. this prayer to God. Say, "Lord Jesus, Say, "Lord Jesus, Say, "Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, I know that I am a sinner, I know that I am a sinner, but I know that you are the savior but I know that you are the savior but I know that you are the savior who died on the cross for my sin who died on the cross for my sin who died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. I'm sorry for my sin and I turn from it I'm sorry for my sin and I turn from it I'm sorry for my sin and I turn from it now and I choose to follow you from this now and I choose to follow you from this now and I choose to follow you from this moment forward. moment forward. moment forward. I ask all of this in Jesus' name. I ask all of this in Jesus' name. I ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Listen, if you just prayed that prayer, Listen, if you just prayed that prayer, Listen, if you just prayed that prayer, the Bible promises that God has heard the Bible promises that God has heard the Bible promises that God has heard your prayer and has answered that your prayer and has answered that your prayer and has answered that prayer. The Bible says that we will prayer. The Bible says that we will prayer. The Bible says that we will confess our sin, he's faithful and just confess our sin, he's faithful and just confess our sin, he's faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us to forgive us our sin and cleanse us to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So, God bless from all unrighteousness. So, God bless from all unrighteousness. So, God bless you. You've made the right decision, the you. You've made the right decision, the you. You've made the right decision, the decision to follow Jesus Christ. decision to follow Jesus Christ. decision to follow Jesus Christ. >> Yeah, that's right. And And listen, >> Yeah, that's right. And And listen, >> Yeah, that's right. And And listen, Pastor Greg would like to help you get Pastor Greg would like to help you get Pastor Greg would like to help you get started off right living for the Lord. started off right living for the Lord. started off right living for the Lord. He'd like to send you his New Believer's He'd like to send you his New Believer's He'd like to send you his New Believer's Bible. Bible. Bible. It features hundreds of helps for new It features hundreds of helps for new It features hundreds of helps for new believers and it's written in an believers and it's written in an believers and it's written in an easy-to-understand translation. So, easy-to-understand translation. So, easy-to-understand translation. So, contact us for your free copy of the New contact us for your free copy of the New contact us for your free copy of the New Believer's Bible.

Believer's Bible. Believer's Bible. Call 1-800-821-3300. Call anytime. Or write A New Beginning, Call anytime. Or write A New Beginning, Box 4000, Riverside, California 92514. Box 4000, Riverside, California 92514. Box 4000, 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". Well, Pastor Greg, we're so thankful for Well, Pastor Greg, we're so thankful for Well, Pastor Greg, we're so thankful for the work God is doing through this the work God is doing through this the work God is doing through this ministry. ministry. ministry. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We're touching lives for eternity. And >> We're touching lives for eternity. And >> We're touching lives for eternity. And we're really thankful for our friends we're really thankful for our friends we're really thankful for our friends who see the fruit of this ministry and who see the fruit of this ministry and who see the fruit of this ministry and invest so this work can reach even invest so this work can reach even invest so this work can reach even further. Isn't that right? further. Isn't that right? further. Isn't that right? >> Absolutely. When you invest in Harvest >> Absolutely. When you invest in Harvest >> Absolutely. When you invest in Harvest Ministries, you're investing in the Ministries, you're investing in the Ministries, you're investing in the souls of men and women, boys and girls. souls of men and women, boys and girls. souls of men and women, boys and girls. And what is the value of a soul? Well, And what is the value of a soul? Well, And what is the value of a soul? Well, let me personalize it. What's the value let me personalize it. What's the value let me personalize it. What's the value of your soul? of your soul? of your soul? What's the value of the soul of your What's the value of the soul of your What's the value of the soul of your husband, your wife, husband, your wife, husband, your wife, your son or your daughter? your son or your daughter? your son or your daughter? Or your mom or your dad?

Or your mom or your dad? Or your mom or your dad? Or your best friend? Well, I would say Or your best friend? Well, I would say Or your best friend? Well, I would say you probably couldn't put a price tag on you probably couldn't put a price tag on you probably couldn't put a price tag on it. It's so valuable. it. It's so valuable. it. It's so valuable. Well, listen, God says, "All souls are Well, listen, God says, "All souls are Well, listen, God says, "All souls are mine." God loves us and sent his son to mine." God loves us and sent his son to mine." God loves us and sent his son to die on the cross to pay the price for die on the cross to pay the price for die on the cross to pay the price for all of our sins so we could be forgiven all of our sins so we could be forgiven all of our sins so we could be forgiven and come into a relationship with him. I and come into a relationship with him. I and come into a relationship with him. I can't think of a better investment of my can't think of a better investment of my can't think of a better investment of my resources, of my money, resources, of my money, resources, of my money, than in the work of the kingdom of God. than in the work of the kingdom of God. than in the work of the kingdom of God. So, we would ask you to prayerfully So, we would ask you to prayerfully So, we would ask you to prayerfully consider investing in Harvest Ministries consider investing in Harvest Ministries consider investing in Harvest Ministries as we continue on to fulfill the Great as we continue on to fulfill the Great as we continue on to fulfill the Great Commission. Commission. Commission. >> Yeah, that's right. And you can make >> Yeah, that's right. And you can make >> Yeah, that's right. And you can make your donation right now at harvest.org your donation right now at harvest.org your donation right now at harvest.org or write us at A New Beginning, Box or write us at A New Beginning, Box or write us at A New Beginning, Box 4000, Riverside, California 92514. 4000, Riverside, California 92514. 4000, Riverside, California 92514. Or call 1-800-821-3300. That's a 24/7 phone number. That's a 24/7 phone number. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> 1-800-821-3300. Well, next time Pastor [music] Greg Well, next time Pastor [music] Greg highlights a number of specific lessons highlights a number of specific lessons highlights a number of specific lessons we learn from Jonah's outreach to we learn from Jonah's outreach to we learn from Jonah's outreach to [music] the city of Nineveh. Good [music] the city of Nineveh. Good [music] the city of Nineveh. Good information is coming. Join us here on A information is coming. Join us here on A information is coming. 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 Laurie.

teacher Greg Laurie. teacher Greg Laurie. >> This is the day, [music] the day when the day when >> [music]