The Secret to Sharing the Gospel Effectively | Better Together

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. Coming up today [music] on A New Coming up today [music] on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie has an Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie has an Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie has an important word of encouragement about important word of encouragement about important word of encouragement about focusing on what's most important. focusing on what's most important. focusing on what's most important. >> I don't know if I can remember a time >> I don't know if I can remember a time >> I don't know if I can remember a time [music] in our nation when we've been [music] in our nation when we've been [music] in our nation when we've been more divided. more divided. more divided. Then I think sometimes we're allowing Then I think sometimes we're allowing Then I think sometimes we're allowing our political [music] views to our political [music] views to our political [music] views to overshadow our theological views, and we overshadow our theological views, and we overshadow our theological views, and we find ourselves [music] divided. We need find ourselves [music] divided. We need find ourselves [music] divided. We need to remember that our primary message is to remember that our primary message is to remember that our primary message is about God's kingdom. about God's kingdom. about God's kingdom. Calling people to Christ.

>> Whether it's a small [music] folk group >> Whether it's a small [music] folk group or a large orchestra, beautiful music or a large orchestra, beautiful music or a large orchestra, beautiful music comes when everyone [music] plays comes when everyone [music] plays comes when everyone [music] plays together in rhythm and harmony. If each together in rhythm and harmony. If each together in rhythm and harmony. If each is playing a different tune, they have a is playing a different tune, they have a is playing a different tune, they have a word for that. word for that. word for that. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie [music] points out the importance Laurie [music] points out the importance Laurie [music] points out the importance of unity in our efforts to bring the of unity in our efforts to bring the of unity in our efforts to bring the gospel to our generation. In a time of gospel to our generation. In a time of gospel to our generation. In a time of division [music] division [music] division [music] and disunity in the culture, it's more and disunity in the culture, it's more and disunity in the culture, it's more important than ever that we all come important than ever that we all come important than ever that we all come together in one accord, as the Bible together in one accord, as the Bible together in one accord, as the Bible puts it. puts it. puts it. >> [music] >> If you've ever had a new car, there's >> If you've ever had a new car, there's nothing like the smell of a new car. You nothing like the smell of a new car. You nothing like the smell of a new car. You know what I'm saying? You're just know what I'm saying? You're just know what I'm saying? You're just cruising down the road. Everything is cruising down the road. Everything is cruising down the road. Everything is clean and shiny and everything's clean and shiny and everything's clean and shiny and everything's working. Let's just say you got your new working. Let's just say you got your new working. Let's just say you got your new car and you're driving around. You're car and you're driving around. You're car and you're driving around. You're loving it. It's so fantastic. And then loving it. It's so fantastic. And then loving it. It's so fantastic. And then after about a week or so, your car just after about a week or so, your car just after about a week or so, your car just sputters and stops. You have to pull sputters and stops. You have to pull sputters and stops. You have to pull over to the side of the road. You have a over to the side of the road. You have a over to the side of the road. You have a trailer to the car dealership. You're trailer to the car dealership. You're trailer to the car dealership. You're pretty upset. You're saying, "Why did pretty upset. You're saying, "Why did pretty upset. You're saying, "Why did this car stop? It's brand new." And the this car stop? It's brand new." And the this car stop? It's brand new." And the dealer gets in your car and he turns it dealer gets in your car and he turns it dealer gets in your car and he turns it on and he says, "You're out of gas."

on and he says, "You're out of gas." on and he says, "You're out of gas." Okay. Okay. Okay. How silly would that be? How silly would that be? How silly would that be? And so I bring this up because sometimes And so I bring this up because sometimes And so I bring this up because sometimes as Christians, we fail to realize that as Christians, we fail to realize that as Christians, we fail to realize that we need to be filled and refilled and we need to be filled and refilled and we need to be filled and refilled and refilled again with the Holy Spirit. And refilled again with the Holy Spirit. And refilled again with the Holy Spirit. And we're looking at a church, the we're looking at a church, the we're looking at a church, the first-century church, the church that first-century church, the church that first-century church, the church that changed the world. And this was changed the world. And this was changed the world. And this was something that they encountered on a something that they encountered on a something that they encountered on a regular basis because I think sometimes regular basis because I think sometimes regular basis because I think sometimes as Christians, we're sort of sputtering. as Christians, we're sort of sputtering. as Christians, we're sort of sputtering. We're slowing down. We're not firing on We're slowing down. We're not firing on We're slowing down. We're not firing on all cylinders. It's because we need fuel all cylinders. It's because we need fuel all cylinders. It's because we need fuel in the tank. But what does it mean to be in the tank. But what does it mean to be in the tank. But what does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? I think filled with the Holy Spirit? I think filled with the Holy Spirit? I think when we hear that phrase, we imagine it when we hear that phrase, we imagine it when we hear that phrase, we imagine it must be an emotional experience. Well, must be an emotional experience. Well, must be an emotional experience. Well, the fact is it can be. Right? When you the fact is it can be. Right? When you the fact is it can be. Right? When you say, "Lord, fill me with your Holy say, "Lord, fill me with your Holy say, "Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit," you may feel something. But Spirit," you may feel something. But Spirit," you may feel something. But then again, you may feel nothing. I said then again, you may feel nothing. I said then again, you may feel nothing. I said recently, um do you have an emotional recently, um do you have an emotional recently, um do you have an emotional experience when you put gas in your car experience when you put gas in your car experience when you put gas in your car or your SUV? And I said, "You may, once or your SUV? And I said, "You may, once or your SUV? And I said, "You may, once you see how much money it's going to you see how much money it's going to you see how much money it's going to cost you." Right? So, cost you." Right? So, cost you." Right? So, we have to set the emotional idea aside.

we have to set the emotional idea aside. we have to set the emotional idea aside. Understand this first-century church, Understand this first-century church, Understand this first-century church, they were filled with the spirit again they were filled with the spirit again they were filled with the spirit again and again and again. And it set them and again and again. And it set them and again and again. And it set them into motion. In fact, I think you could into motion. In fact, I think you could into motion. In fact, I think you could title the book of Acts the Acts of the title the book of Acts the Acts of the title the book of Acts the Acts of the Holy Spirit. The Bible doesn't call this Holy Spirit. The Bible doesn't call this Holy Spirit. The Bible doesn't call this the Acts of the Apostles. It was titled the Acts of the Apostles. It was titled the Acts of the Apostles. It was titled later. But really this is the work of later. But really this is the work of later. But really this is the work of the Holy Spirit. And when we bring up the Holy Spirit. And when we bring up the Holy Spirit. And when we bring up the Holy Spirit, some people wonder who the Holy Spirit, some people wonder who the Holy Spirit, some people wonder who is the Holy Spirit? I heard someone ask is the Holy Spirit? I heard someone ask is the Holy Spirit? I heard someone ask my wife the other day, they're very new my wife the other day, they're very new my wife the other day, they're very new in the faith, who is the Holy Spirit? in the faith, who is the Holy Spirit? in the faith, who is the Holy Spirit? Well, that's a good question. The Holy Well, that's a good question. The Holy Well, that's a good question. The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity, Father, Spirit is part of the Trinity, Father, Spirit is part of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is a Son, and Holy Spirit. He is a Son, and Holy Spirit. He is a personality. He's not just a force. He personality. He's not just a force. He personality. He's not just a force. He has a distinct will and purpose. In has a distinct will and purpose. In has a distinct will and purpose. In fact, the Holy Spirit can be resisted. fact, the Holy Spirit can be resisted. fact, the Holy Spirit can be resisted. The Holy Spirit can be quenched. The The Holy Spirit can be quenched. The The Holy Spirit can be quenched. The Holy Spirit can be lied to. The Holy Holy Spirit can be lied to. The Holy Holy Spirit can be lied to. The Holy Spirit can be insulted. And the Holy Spirit can be insulted. And the Holy Spirit can be insulted. And the Holy Spirit can even be blasphemed. In fact, Spirit can even be blasphemed. In fact, Spirit can even be blasphemed. In fact, the only unforgivable sin in the Bible the only unforgivable sin in the Bible the only unforgivable sin in the Bible is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? The work of the What does that mean? The work of the What does that mean? The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring us to Jesus Holy Spirit is to bring us to Jesus Holy Spirit is to bring us to Jesus Christ. That's point number one. He's Christ. That's point number one. He's Christ. That's point number one. He's come to bring us to Jesus. John 16:8, come to bring us to Jesus. John 16:8, come to bring us to Jesus. John 16:8, Jesus says, speaking of the Spirit, when Jesus says, speaking of the Spirit, when Jesus says, speaking of the Spirit, when he has come, he will convict the world he has come, he will convict the world he has come, he will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of of sin and of righteousness and of of sin and of righteousness and of judgment. So, if I blaspheme, it means judgment. So, if I blaspheme, it means judgment. So, if I blaspheme, it means I'm resisting the primary work he has I'm resisting the primary work he has I'm resisting the primary work he has come to do in my life. I'm saying no to come to do in my life. I'm saying no to come to do in my life. I'm saying no to Jesus. The only unforgivable sin is a Jesus. The only unforgivable sin is a Jesus. The only unforgivable sin is a rejection of Christ. Every other sin can rejection of Christ. Every other sin can rejection of Christ. Every other sin can be forgiven. So, the Holy Spirit comes be forgiven. So, the Holy Spirit comes be forgiven. So, the Holy Spirit comes to bring us to Jesus. Number two, the to bring us to Jesus. Number two, the to bring us to Jesus. Number two, the Holy Spirit seals us. So, when you Holy Spirit seals us. So, when you Holy Spirit seals us. So, when you become a Christian, he seals you. What become a Christian, he seals you. What become a Christian, he seals you. What does this even mean? Well, over in does this even mean? Well, over in does this even mean? Well, over in Ephesians 1:13, it says, when you Ephesians 1:13, it says, when you Ephesians 1:13, it says, when you believed in Christ, he identified you as believed in Christ, he identified you as believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. Listen, the whom he promised long ago. Listen, the whom he promised long ago. Listen, the Spirit is God's guarantee that he will Spirit is God's guarantee that he will Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and give us the inheritance he promised and give us the inheritance he promised and that he purchased us to be his own that he purchased us to be his own that he purchased us to be his own people. So, let's go back to that new people. So, let's go back to that new people. So, let's go back to that new car purchase. If you go down to the car car purchase. If you go down to the car car purchase. If you go down to the car lot and you say, "I like that car. I'd lot and you say, "I like that car. I'd lot and you say, "I like that car. I'd like to buy that car. Can you hold it like to buy that car. Can you hold it like to buy that car. Can you hold it for me for 6 months?"

for me for 6 months?" for me for 6 months?" They're going to say, "No, we cannot do They're going to say, "No, we cannot do They're going to say, "No, we cannot do that cuz someone else may come and want that cuz someone else may come and want that cuz someone else may come and want to buy that car." But, if you put a to buy that car." But, if you put a to buy that car." But, if you put a deposit down, we'll hold it for you for, deposit down, we'll hold it for you for, deposit down, we'll hold it for you for, you know, a certain amount of time, you you know, a certain amount of time, you you know, a certain amount of time, you know, maybe 24 hours, maybe 48 hours, know, maybe 24 hours, maybe 48 hours, know, maybe 24 hours, maybe 48 hours, but we need a deposit showing that you but we need a deposit showing that you but we need a deposit showing that you really want to buy this car. So, you put really want to buy this car. So, you put really want to buy this car. So, you put a serious deposit down on the car. In a serious deposit down on the car. In a serious deposit down on the car. In the same way, God says, "I'm serious the same way, God says, "I'm serious the same way, God says, "I'm serious about the work I'm doing in your life about the work I'm doing in your life about the work I'm doing in your life and to prove it, when you believe in me, and to prove it, when you believe in me, and to prove it, when you believe in me, I'm giving you the Holy Spirit. It's my I'm giving you the Holy Spirit. It's my I'm giving you the Holy Spirit. It's my guarantee it'll give you the inheritance guarantee it'll give you the inheritance guarantee it'll give you the inheritance I promised." Number three, the Holy I promised." Number three, the Holy I promised." Number three, the Holy Spirit assures me that I am a child of Spirit assures me that I am a child of Spirit assures me that I am a child of God. God. God. Have you ever doubted if you're really Have you ever doubted if you're really Have you ever doubted if you're really saved? Have you ever questioned if saved? Have you ever questioned if saved? Have you ever questioned if you're really going to heaven? Have you you're really going to heaven? Have you you're really going to heaven? Have you ever wondered if you really are God's ever wondered if you really are God's ever wondered if you really are God's child? Listen, if you put your faith in child? Listen, if you put your faith in child? Listen, if you put your faith in Christ, the Bible says God has sent his Christ, the Bible says God has sent his Christ, the Bible says God has sent his Spirit into your life to remind you that Spirit into your life to remind you that Spirit into your life to remind you that you belong to him. In fact, we read over you belong to him. In fact, we read over you belong to him. In fact, we read over in Romans 8:16, "The Spirit bears in Romans 8:16, "The Spirit bears in Romans 8:16, "The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are witness with our spirit that we are witness with our spirit that we are children of God." I know I'm a children of God." I know I'm a children of God." I know I'm a Christian. I know I'm a child of God.

Christian. I know I'm a child of God. Christian. I know I'm a child of God. You say, "Why? Because you're such a You say, "Why? Because you're such a You say, "Why? Because you're such a great person?" Yes. No, not really. great person?" Yes. No, not really. great person?" Yes. No, not really. Au contraire, the opposite of that. Au contraire, the opposite of that. Au contraire, the opposite of that. Despite my shortcomings and my mistakes Despite my shortcomings and my mistakes Despite my shortcomings and my mistakes and my sins, I know I'm God's child cuz and my sins, I know I'm God's child cuz and my sins, I know I'm God's child cuz his Spirit confirms it in my heart and his Spirit confirms it in my heart and his Spirit confirms it in my heart and you sense that as well, don't you? We're you sense that as well, don't you? We're you sense that as well, don't you? We're told over in 1 John 5:13, "These things told over in 1 John 5:13, "These things told over in 1 John 5:13, "These things we write to you that you may know that we write to you that you may know that we write to you that you may know that you have eternal life because you you have eternal life because you you have eternal life because you believed on the name of the son of God. believed on the name of the son of God. believed on the name of the son of God. So, let's review. The Holy Spirit comes So, let's review. The Holy Spirit comes So, let's review. The Holy Spirit comes to bring us to Jesus. He seals us. The to bring us to Jesus. He seals us. The to bring us to Jesus. He seals us. The Holy Spirit reminds us we're God's Holy Spirit reminds us we're God's Holy Spirit reminds us we're God's children. Here's another one. The Holy children. Here's another one. The Holy children. Here's another one. The Holy Spirit teaches us. John 14:26, "The Spirit teaches us. John 14:26, "The Spirit teaches us. John 14:26, "The helper," Jesus says, "the Holy Spirit, helper," Jesus says, "the Holy Spirit, helper," Jesus says, "the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he whom the Father will send in my name, he whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and will bring will teach you all things and will bring will teach you all things and will bring to your remembrance all things that I to your remembrance all things that I to your remembrance all things that I have said to you." have said to you." have said to you." Have you ever had a time where Have you ever had a time where Have you ever had a time where you're just reading the Bible and all of you're just reading the Bible and all of you're just reading the Bible and all of a sudden it just comes alive? A verse a sudden it just comes alive? A verse a sudden it just comes alive? A verse just jumps off the page and it speaks to just jumps off the page and it speaks to just jumps off the page and it speaks to you so directly. That's exactly what you you so directly. That's exactly what you you so directly. That's exactly what you needed to hear. Or has there been needed to hear. Or has there been needed to hear. Or has there been another occasion where maybe you're another occasion where maybe you're another occasion where maybe you're sharing your faith with someone or sharing your faith with someone or sharing your faith with someone or encouraging or ministering to someone encouraging or ministering to someone encouraging or ministering to someone and suddenly a verse that you don't even and suddenly a verse that you don't even and suddenly a verse that you don't even remember memorizing jumps into your remember memorizing jumps into your remember memorizing jumps into your brain and you're quoting it perfectly brain and you're quoting it perfectly brain and you're quoting it perfectly and you're saying, "How did that and you're saying, "How did that and you're saying, "How did that happen?" That is the work of the Holy happen?" That is the work of the Holy happen?" That is the work of the Holy Spirit teaching you and bringing things Spirit teaching you and bringing things Spirit teaching you and bringing things to your remembrance. And also, the Holy

to your remembrance. And also, the Holy to your remembrance. And also, the Holy Spirit leads us. Romans 8:14 says, "For Spirit leads us. Romans 8:14 says, "For Spirit leads us. Romans 8:14 says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, as many as are led by the Spirit of God, as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." they are the sons of God." they are the sons of God." And I found this leading is usually just And I found this leading is usually just And I found this leading is usually just a prompting, just a sense of direction. a prompting, just a sense of direction. a prompting, just a sense of direction. I I I feel like I need to go talk to that feel like I need to go talk to that feel like I need to go talk to that person. Maybe I need to do this thing. person. Maybe I need to do this thing. person. Maybe I need to do this thing. Little promptings from the Holy Spirit Little promptings from the Holy Spirit Little promptings from the Holy Spirit that you will begin to sense as you that you will begin to sense as you that you will begin to sense as you mature in your faith. And finally, the mature in your faith. And finally, the mature in your faith. And finally, the Holy Spirit wants to empower you and Holy Spirit wants to empower you and Holy Spirit wants to empower you and fill you again and again and again. fill you again and again and again. fill you again and again and again. Ephesians 5 says, "Don't be drunk with Ephesians 5 says, "Don't be drunk with Ephesians 5 says, "Don't be drunk with wine because I will ruin your life, but wine because I will ruin your life, but wine because I will ruin your life, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to be filled with the Spirit, speaking to be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns and yourself in psalms and hymns and yourself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making spiritual songs, singing and making spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. That melody in your hearts to the Lord. That melody in your hearts to the Lord. That phrase be filled is a command. You're phrase be filled is a command. You're phrase be filled is a command. You're commanded to be filled with the Spirit. commanded to be filled with the Spirit. commanded to be filled with the Spirit. Secondly, it's something you should Secondly, it's something you should Secondly, it's something you should receive again and again. It speaks of a receive again and again. It speaks of a receive again and again. It speaks of a continuous continuous continuous flow of the Spirit into your life. So, flow of the Spirit into your life. So, flow of the Spirit into your life. So, we need to be praying for this each and we need to be praying for this each and we need to be praying for this each and every day. So, we're in Acts 2. And every day. So, we're in Acts 2. And every day. So, we're in Acts 2. And we're reading about the day of Pentecost we're reading about the day of Pentecost we're reading about the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on when the Holy Spirit was poured out on when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the church. They spoke in new languages the church. They spoke in new languages the church. They spoke in new languages or tongues and there were divided flames or tongues and there were divided flames or tongues and there were divided flames of fire on their head. Now, let me say of fire on their head. Now, let me say of fire on their head. Now, let me say this. This was a one-off event. It never this. This was a one-off event. It never this. This was a one-off event. It never happened like this again. People were

happened like this again. People were happened like this again. People were filled with the Spirit again, but not in filled with the Spirit again, but not in filled with the Spirit again, but not in this particular way. So, this was sort this particular way. So, this was sort this particular way. So, this was sort of the explosion of the explosion of the explosion of the engine, if you will, like when of the engine, if you will, like when of the engine, if you will, like when you start your car, that set the early you start your car, that set the early you start your car, that set the early church into motion. We don't need church into motion. We don't need church into motion. We don't need another Pentecost another Pentecost another Pentecost any more than we need another Calvary. any more than we need another Calvary. any more than we need another Calvary. Jesus doesn't have to die again and Jesus doesn't have to die again and Jesus doesn't have to die again and again. He's done that. It's finished. again. He's done that. It's finished. again. He's done that. It's finished. And we don't need another Pentecost. And we don't need another Pentecost. And we don't need another Pentecost. What we need is to appropriate what was What we need is to appropriate what was What we need is to appropriate what was unleashed on the day of Pentecost, for unleashed on the day of Pentecost, for unleashed on the day of Pentecost, for the power of the Spirit is still here the power of the Spirit is still here the power of the Spirit is still here for us today. for us today. for us today. >> [applause] >> First Peter said to the believers there, >> First Peter said to the believers there, "This promise," speaking of the Holy "This promise," speaking of the Holy "This promise," speaking of the Holy Spirit, "is to you, it's to your Spirit, "is to you, it's to your Spirit, "is to you, it's to your children, it's to all that are afar off, children, it's to all that are afar off, children, it's to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall even as many as the Lord our God shall even as many as the Lord our God shall call." [music] >> 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 people appreciate Pastor Greg's people appreciate Pastor Greg's people appreciate Pastor Greg's messages.

messages. messages. >> I just wanted to let Greg know that he >> I just wanted to let Greg know that he >> I just wanted to let Greg know that he has inspired my life. I feel like has inspired my life. I feel like has inspired my life. I feel like [music] he is a older brother and he's [music] he is a older brother and he's [music] he is a older brother and he's given me so much hope and love through given me so much hope and love through given me so much hope and love through the word of [music] Christ. the word of [music] Christ. the word of [music] Christ. I'm just retired as a law enforcement I'm just retired as a law enforcement I'm just retired as a law enforcement after 41 years and after 41 years and after 41 years and thank you for everything you do in thank you for everything you do in thank you for everything you do in bringing the word of Christ [music] to bringing the word of Christ [music] to bringing the word of Christ [music] to the lost and to the needy. the lost and to the needy. the lost and to the needy. Take care. Take care. Take care. >> It's a [music] blessing to know that >> It's a [music] blessing to know that >> It's a [music] blessing to know that listeners are hearing these messages and listeners are hearing these messages and listeners are hearing these messages and God is using his word to touch hearts. God is using his word to touch hearts. God is using his word to touch hearts. How have Pastor Greg's studies impacted How have Pastor Greg's studies impacted How have Pastor Greg's studies impacted your life? Would you [music] let him your life? Would you [music] let him your life? Would you [music] let him know? know? know? Send an email to [email protected]. >> Well, Pastor Greg is about to lead us >> Well, Pastor Greg is about to lead us into an exciting part of our text today into an exciting part of our text today into an exciting part of our text today in Acts chapter 2. He continues. in Acts chapter 2. He continues. in Acts chapter 2. He continues. >> So, let's find out what happened because >> So, let's find out what happened because >> So, let's find out what happened because after this outpouring of the Spirit took after this outpouring of the Spirit took after this outpouring of the Spirit took place, Simon Peter got up and preached place, Simon Peter got up and preached place, Simon Peter got up and preached his sermon and 3,000 people believed.

his sermon and 3,000 people believed. his sermon and 3,000 people believed. That's a lot of people. That's a lot of people. That's a lot of people. Why? Why did so many respond? I think Why? Why did so many respond? I think Why? Why did so many respond? I think there's some principles in his message there's some principles in his message there's some principles in his message that we can employ in our own lives as that we can employ in our own lives as that we can employ in our own lives as we share the gospel. Let's read Acts we share the gospel. Let's read Acts we share the gospel. Let's read Acts 2:2-7. 2:2-7. 2:2-7. I'm reading, by the way, from the New I'm reading, by the way, from the New I'm reading, by the way, from the New Living Translation. On the day of Living Translation. On the day of Living Translation. On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were Pentecost, all the believers were Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, meeting together in one place. Suddenly, meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the there was a sound from heaven like the there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm and it roaring of a mighty windstorm and it roaring of a mighty windstorm and it filled the house where they were sitting filled the house where they were sitting filled the house where they were sitting and then what looked like flames or and then what looked like flames or and then what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on tongues of fire appeared and settled on tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. each of them. each of them. And everyone present was filled with the And everyone present was filled with the And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and they began speaking in Holy Spirit and they began speaking in Holy Spirit and they began speaking in other languages as the Spirit gave them other languages as the Spirit gave them other languages as the Spirit gave them this ability. At that time, there were this ability. At that time, there were this ability. At that time, there were devout Jews from every nation living in devout Jews from every nation living in devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem and when they heard the loud Jerusalem and when they heard the loud Jerusalem and when they heard the loud voice, everyone came running and they voice, everyone came running and they voice, everyone came running and they were bewildered to hear their own were bewildered to hear their own were bewildered to hear their own language being spoken by the believers language being spoken by the believers language being spoken by the believers and they were completely amazed and and they were completely amazed and and they were completely amazed and said, "How can this be?"

said, "How can this be?" said, "How can this be?" We'll stop there. So, people from around We'll stop there. So, people from around We'll stop there. So, people from around the world are gathered in Jerusalem the world are gathered in Jerusalem the world are gathered in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost. The Holy for the day of Pentecost. The Holy for the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is poured out and everyone hears Spirit is poured out and everyone hears Spirit is poured out and everyone hears their language represented as people who their language represented as people who their language represented as people who don't know those languages are speaking don't know those languages are speaking don't know those languages are speaking in those languages and giving glory to in those languages and giving glory to in those languages and giving glory to God. This reminds us the gospel is for God. This reminds us the gospel is for God. This reminds us the gospel is for everyone everyone everyone on every continent. The gospel is not on every continent. The gospel is not on every continent. The gospel is not just for the white man. It's not just just for the white man. It's not just just for the white man. It's not just for the black man. It's not just for the for the black man. It's not just for the for the black man. It's not just for the Hispanic person or the Asian person. Hispanic person or the Asian person. Hispanic person or the Asian person. It's for every person and every It's for every person and every It's for every person and every continent and every language. It's for continent and every language. It's for continent and every language. It's for everybody, everybody. everybody, everybody. everybody, everybody. >> [applause] >> We read in the book of Revelation >> We read in the book of Revelation chapter 7 verse 9 that there's going to chapter 7 verse 9 that there's going to chapter 7 verse 9 that there's going to be a great multitude in heaven that no be a great multitude in heaven that no be a great multitude in heaven that no one could number from all tribes, one could number from all tribes, one could number from all tribes, peoples, and languages. peoples, and languages. peoples, and languages. So, the question is sometimes asked, So, the question is sometimes asked, So, the question is sometimes asked, "What about the person in the middle of "What about the person in the middle of "What about the person in the middle of the desert who has never heard the the desert who has never heard the the desert who has never heard the gospel?" Apparently, these people are gospel?" Apparently, these people are gospel?" Apparently, these people are going to hear the gospel because every going to hear the gospel because every going to hear the gospel because every language, every tribe, every culture, language, every tribe, every culture, language, every tribe, every culture, every race is represented in heaven. So, every race is represented in heaven. So, every race is represented in heaven. So, what's the explanation? Some people say, what's the explanation? Some people say, what's the explanation? Some people say, "They're just drunk. You know, yeah, "They're just drunk. You know, yeah, "They're just drunk. You know, yeah, this is what drunk people do all the this is what drunk people do all the this is what drunk people do all the time. Speaking languages they've never time. Speaking languages they've never time. Speaking languages they've never heard before and giving glory to God."

heard before and giving glory to God." heard before and giving glory to God." Most of the time you can't even Most of the time you can't even Most of the time you can't even understand what a drunk is saying. understand what a drunk is saying. understand what a drunk is saying. What a ridiculous What a ridiculous What a ridiculous explanation. But, it reminds us of 1 explanation. But, it reminds us of 1 explanation. But, it reminds us of 1 Corinthians 2:14. Corinthians 2:14. Corinthians 2:14. People who aren't spiritual can't People who aren't spiritual can't People who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's spirit. receive these truths from God's spirit. receive these truths from God's spirit. It sounds foolish to them and they can't It sounds foolish to them and they can't It sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it. But, for those who are understand it. But, for those who are understand it. But, for those who are spiritual, they understand what the spiritual, they understand what the spiritual, they understand what the spirit means. So, God is getting ready spirit means. So, God is getting ready spirit means. So, God is getting ready now to change the world with 120 people. now to change the world with 120 people. now to change the world with 120 people. What can we learn from them? Here's What can we learn from them? Here's What can we learn from them? Here's point number one if you're taking notes. point number one if you're taking notes. point number one if you're taking notes. They were unified. They were unified. They were unified. They were unified. They were together. They were unified. They were together. They were unified. They were together. Verse two, on the day of Pentecost, all Verse two, on the day of Pentecost, all Verse two, on the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in the believers were meeting together in the believers were meeting together in one place. one place. one place. These believers had no earthly power. These believers had no earthly power. These believers had no earthly power. They had no armies. They had no money. They had no armies. They had no money. They had no armies. They had no money. They had no status. They had no They had no status. They had no They had no status. They had no political power, but they had Jesus, and political power, but they had Jesus, and political power, but they had Jesus, and Jesus had them, and they were together.

Jesus had them, and they were together. Jesus had them, and they were together. I don't know if I can remember a time in I don't know if I can remember a time in I don't know if I can remember a time in our nation when we've been more divided. our nation when we've been more divided. our nation when we've been more divided. And I would even say in the church, so And I would even say in the church, so And I would even say in the church, so many unnecessary many unnecessary many unnecessary divisions. And I think sometimes we're divisions. And I think sometimes we're divisions. And I think sometimes we're allowing our political views to allowing our political views to allowing our political views to overshadow our theological views. And overshadow our theological views. And overshadow our theological views. And some people are even picking churches some people are even picking churches some people are even picking churches according to if they represent them in according to if they represent them in according to if they represent them in every way politically, and we find every way politically, and we find every way politically, and we find ourselves divided. We need to remember ourselves divided. We need to remember ourselves divided. We need to remember that our primary message is about God's that our primary message is about God's that our primary message is about God's kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. Calling people to Christ. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> It is the devil that wants to divide us. >> It is the devil that wants to divide us. >> It is the devil that wants to divide us. Because the devil knows that he can Because the devil knows that he can Because the devil knows that he can divide and conquer. And my response is, divide and conquer. And my response is, divide and conquer. And my response is, let's get together. let's get together. let's get together. Let's work together. Let's work together. Let's work together. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Let's pray together. >> Let's pray together. >> Let's pray together. And that's what we do in the Harvest And that's what we do in the Harvest And that's what we do in the Harvest Crusade. We come together, and we pray, Crusade. We come together, and we pray, Crusade. We come together, and we pray, and we bring folks out to hear the and we bring folks out to hear the and we bring folks out to hear the gospel. And we can disagree on secondary gospel. And we can disagree on secondary gospel. And we can disagree on secondary issues and still focus on what matters, issues and still focus on what matters, issues and still focus on what matters, which is the gospel. So, the Holy which is the gospel. So, the Holy which is the gospel. So, the Holy Spirit's poured out. I wonder, Spirit's poured out. I wonder, Spirit's poured out. I wonder, what if God was waiting for us to get what if God was waiting for us to get what if God was waiting for us to get together before he poured his spirit out together before he poured his spirit out together before he poured his spirit out on us? What if he was waiting for that?

on us? What if he was waiting for that? on us? What if he was waiting for that? Saying, I'm going to do it, but you need Saying, I'm going to do it, but you need Saying, I'm going to do it, but you need to come together. You need to stop to come together. You need to stop to come together. You need to stop letting things divide you. letting things divide you. letting things divide you. Uh Uh Uh 2 Chronicles 7:14, we often quote it. 2 Chronicles 7:14, we often quote it. 2 Chronicles 7:14, we often quote it. God says, "If my people, which are God says, "If my people, which are God says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble called by my name, shall humble called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and themselves and pray and seek my face and themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways." Notice turn from their wicked ways." Notice turn from their wicked ways." Notice that's not addressed to an individual, that's not addressed to an individual, that's not addressed to an individual, it's addressed to a group. it's addressed to a group. it's addressed to a group. He's talking to us, not just to you or He's talking to us, not just to you or He's talking to us, not just to you or to me. It applies to us, of course, but to me. It applies to us, of course, but to me. It applies to us, of course, but saying, "Hey, all of you, all y'all," as saying, "Hey, all of you, all y'all," as saying, "Hey, all of you, all y'all," as they say in the South. they say in the South. they say in the South. "All y'all, if you'll turn from your "All y'all, if you'll turn from your "All y'all, if you'll turn from your sins and get together and pray together, sins and get together and pray together, sins and get together and pray together, I'll hear from heaven I'll hear from heaven I'll hear from heaven and forgive your sin and heal your and forgive your sin and heal your and forgive your sin and heal your land." So, here is this violent rushing land." So, here is this violent rushing land." So, here is this violent rushing wind. The word suddenly implies it was wind. The word suddenly implies it was wind. The word suddenly implies it was supernatural. And of course, it was this supernatural. And of course, it was this supernatural. And of course, it was this incredible move of the Holy Spirit. And incredible move of the Holy Spirit. And incredible move of the Holy Spirit. And they're filled with the Spirit, and as they're filled with the Spirit, and as they're filled with the Spirit, and as I've already said, God wants to refill I've already said, God wants to refill I've already said, God wants to refill you again and again and again. As a you again and again and again. As a you again and again and again. As a matter of fact, um, after the day of matter of fact, um, after the day of matter of fact, um, after the day of Pentecost, Pentecost, Pentecost, uh, some of the apostles were told to uh, some of the apostles were told to uh, some of the apostles were told to stop preaching in the gospel. So, what stop preaching in the gospel. So, what stop preaching in the gospel. So, what did they do? They said, "Let's pray for did they do? They said, "Let's pray for did they do? They said, "Let's pray for even more boldness to preach the even more boldness to preach the even more boldness to preach the gospel." I love that attitude. And in gospel." I love that attitude. And in gospel." I love that attitude. And in Acts 4:31, we read, "After they prayed Acts 4:31, we read, "After they prayed Acts 4:31, we read, "After they prayed this prayer, the building where they this prayer, the building where they this prayer, the building where they were meeting shook, and they were all were meeting shook, and they were all were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they filled with the Holy Spirit, and they filled with the Holy Spirit, and they preached God's message with boldness."

preached God's message with boldness." preached God's message with boldness." So, God refilled them again, didn't he? So, God refilled them again, didn't he? So, God refilled them again, didn't he? Now, there's no better example Now, there's no better example Now, there's no better example of the difference that the Holy Spirit of the difference that the Holy Spirit of the difference that the Holy Spirit can make in a person's life than Simon can make in a person's life than Simon can make in a person's life than Simon Peter. Peter. Peter. Simon Peter, Simon Peter, Simon Peter, who openly denied his Lord. Simon Peter, who openly denied his Lord. Simon Peter, who openly denied his Lord. Simon Peter, who was more concerned about the who was more concerned about the who was more concerned about the opinions of some random stranger than opinions of some random stranger than opinions of some random stranger than what Christ himself thought. Who gets up what Christ himself thought. Who gets up what Christ himself thought. Who gets up to deliver the sermon? Simon Peter. to deliver the sermon? Simon Peter. to deliver the sermon? Simon Peter. Where did he get this chutzpah? Where did he get this chutzpah? Where did he get this chutzpah? Where did he get this courage? Where did Where did he get this courage? Where did Where did he get this courage? Where did he get this boldness? He got it from he get this boldness? He got it from he get this boldness? He got it from being filled with the Holy Spirit. being filled with the Holy Spirit. being filled with the Holy Spirit. Remember, Acts 1:8, "You shall receive Remember, Acts 1:8, "You shall receive Remember, Acts 1:8, "You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come power after the Holy Spirit has come power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you to be witnesses unto me." This upon you to be witnesses unto me." This upon you to be witnesses unto me." This is practical power. is practical power. is practical power. This is power with a purpose. This is power with a purpose. This is power with a purpose. Because it's not how high you can jump, Because it's not how high you can jump, Because it's not how high you can jump, it's how straight you walk when you hit it's how straight you walk when you hit it's how straight you walk when you hit the ground again. the ground again. the ground again. And I think sometimes people want to go And I think sometimes people want to go And I think sometimes people want to go to church, they want to have an to church, they want to have an to church, they want to have an emotional encounter.

emotional encounter. emotional encounter. That's okay in a way, That's okay in a way, That's okay in a way, but what I'm more interested in is how but what I'm more interested in is how but what I'm more interested in is how it impacts you. The holiest moment of it impacts you. The holiest moment of it impacts you. The holiest moment of the church service is when God's people the church service is when God's people the church service is when God's people walk out the doors walk out the doors walk out the doors and the impact we make in the world. and the impact we make in the world. and the impact we make in the world. That's how we'll see. That's how we'll see. That's how we'll see. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> That's how we'll see if if this is >> That's how we'll see if if this is >> That's how we'll see if if this is making any difference in our lives. making any difference in our lives. making any difference in our lives. So, let's look now at what Peter says. So, let's look now at what Peter says. So, let's look now at what Peter says. Acts chapter 2, verse 36. He gets up and Acts chapter 2, verse 36. He gets up and Acts chapter 2, verse 36. He gets up and says these words to the people gathered. says these words to the people gathered. says these words to the people gathered. "Everyone in Israel know for certain the "Everyone in Israel know for certain the "Everyone in Israel know for certain the Lord God has made this Jesus, Lord God has made this Jesus, Lord God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, whom you crucified, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah." Peter's to be both Lord and Messiah." Peter's to be both Lord and Messiah." Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they words pierced their hearts, and they words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and the other apostles, said to him and the other apostles, said to him and the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter replied, "Everyone of you should repent replied, "Everyone of you should repent replied, "Everyone of you should repent of your sins and turn to God and be of your sins and turn to God and be of your sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you the forgiveness of your sins, and you the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy will receive the gift of the Holy will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your Spirit. This promise is to you, to your Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, those who are far away, and to children, those who are far away, and to children, those who are far away, and to all who have called on the Lord our all who have called on the Lord our all who have called on the Lord our God." Then Peter continued preaching for God." Then Peter continued preaching for God." Then Peter continued preaching for a long time. I underlined that verse in a long time. I underlined that verse in a long time. I underlined that verse in my Bible.

my Bible. my Bible. He continued preaching for a long time. He continued preaching for a long time. He continued preaching for a long time. See, long sermons are good sometimes, See, long sermons are good sometimes, See, long sermons are good sometimes, people. people. people. But anyway, But anyway, But anyway, he continued preaching for a long time, he continued preaching for a long time, he continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all the listeners, "Save strongly urging all the listeners, "Save strongly urging all the listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked yourselves from this crooked yourselves from this crooked generation." Those who believed what generation." Those who believed what generation." Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to Peter said were baptized and added to Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day, about 3,000 in all. the church that day, about 3,000 in all. the church that day, about 3,000 in all. Wow, stop there. 3,000 new believers. Wow, stop there. 3,000 new believers. Wow, stop there. 3,000 new believers. It's amazing. It's amazing. It's amazing. On one day after one sermon. On one day after one sermon. On one day after one sermon. Why did Peter have such an amazing Why did Peter have such an amazing Why did Peter have such an amazing response to his message? response to his message? response to his message? He knew his audience or his He knew his audience or his He knew his audience or his congregation. congregation. congregation. He knew that some of the people he was He knew that some of the people he was He knew that some of the people he was speaking to literally played a role in speaking to literally played a role in speaking to literally played a role in the crucifixion of Jesus. Can you the crucifixion of Jesus. Can you the crucifixion of Jesus. Can you imagine imagine imagine if maybe one of those Roman guards was if maybe one of those Roman guards was if maybe one of those Roman guards was there that pounded the spikes into the there that pounded the spikes into the there that pounded the spikes into the hands of Jesus. The religious leaders hands of Jesus. The religious leaders hands of Jesus. The religious leaders were there for sure listening in very were there for sure listening in very were there for sure listening in very critical. critical. critical. And he points maybe a finger, you And he points maybe a finger, you And he points maybe a finger, you crucified him. Not speaking crucified him. Not speaking crucified him. Not speaking figuratively, he's saying you, I know figuratively, he's saying you, I know figuratively, he's saying you, I know you, I remember you, I was there, I saw you, I remember you, I was there, I saw you, I remember you, I was there, I saw you. You crucified him.

you. You crucified him. you. You crucified him. So it's very specific. So it's very specific. So it's very specific. He also quotes a lot of scripture. He He also quotes a lot of scripture. He He also quotes a lot of scripture. He quotes huge portions of the Old quotes huge portions of the Old quotes huge portions of the Old Testament apparently from memory. So the Testament apparently from memory. So the Testament apparently from memory. So the fisherman had been busy. fisherman had been busy. fisherman had been busy. He had been reading and memorizing the He had been reading and memorizing the He had been reading and memorizing the Bible. It's not like he pulled out the Bible. It's not like he pulled out the Bible. It's not like he pulled out the scroll of Joel here. That's a big giant scroll of Joel here. That's a big giant scroll of Joel here. That's a big giant scroll. They didn't have Bibles like we scroll. They didn't have Bibles like we scroll. They didn't have Bibles like we have now. Well, I have to open this. have now. Well, I have to open this. have now. Well, I have to open this. Someone help me open Joel. No, he just Someone help me open Joel. No, he just Someone help me open Joel. No, he just from his heart quoted scripture. See, from his heart quoted scripture. See, from his heart quoted scripture. See, that was his audience. They were people that was his audience. They were people that was his audience. They were people that knew scripture. that knew scripture. that knew scripture. They were Jewish people in Jerusalem for They were Jewish people in Jerusalem for They were Jewish people in Jerusalem for Pentecost and he spoke to them in a way Pentecost and he spoke to them in a way Pentecost and he spoke to them in a way they would understand. Contrast that to they would understand. Contrast that to they would understand. Contrast that to Paul on Mars Hill speaking to the people Paul on Mars Hill speaking to the people Paul on Mars Hill speaking to the people of Athens. We would describe that as a of Athens. We would describe that as a of Athens. We would describe that as a pagan culture. pagan culture. pagan culture. Uh they didn't know the Lord. They Uh they didn't know the Lord. They Uh they didn't know the Lord. They didn't know scripture. They worship didn't know scripture. They worship didn't know scripture. They worship false gods. false gods. false gods. And so Paul spoke in a different way to And so Paul spoke in a different way to And so Paul spoke in a different way to them. And if we were to look at our them. And if we were to look at our them. And if we were to look at our country today, we're much more like country today, we're much more like country today, we're much more like Athens than we are like Jerusalem. Athens than we are like Jerusalem. Athens than we are like Jerusalem. Or we're in a post-Christian era.

Or we're in a post-Christian era. Or we're in a post-Christian era. When I began preaching back in the When I began preaching back in the When I began preaching back in the 1800s, people were more biblically literate people were more biblically literate then. then. then. When I would say Adam and Eve or Noah When I would say Adam and Eve or Noah When I would say Adam and Eve or Noah and his ark or reference some story, and his ark or reference some story, and his ark or reference some story, they at least had a general sense of they at least had a general sense of they at least had a general sense of what that meant. Nowadays, people they what that meant. Nowadays, people they what that meant. Nowadays, people they don't even know the most basic Bible don't even know the most basic Bible don't even know the most basic Bible stories. That's why we have to really stories. That's why we have to really stories. That's why we have to really speak in a clear way to people [music] speak in a clear way to people [music] speak in a clear way to people [music] today because they're so biblically today because they're so biblically today because they're so biblically illiterate. So, when you're sharing your illiterate. So, when you're sharing your illiterate. So, when you're sharing your faith, get to know the person faith, get to know the person faith, get to know the person >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you're speaking to. [music] [music] >> Pastor Greg Laurie with great insight >> Pastor Greg Laurie with great insight >> Pastor Greg Laurie with great insight today from our studies of Acts chapter 2 today from our studies of Acts chapter 2 today from our studies of Acts chapter 2 and our need to unify and deliver the and our need to unify and deliver the and our need to unify and deliver the good news to a culture that needs it so good news to a culture that needs it so good news to a culture that needs it so desperately. desperately. desperately. And there's more to come from this And there's more to come from this And there's more to come from this message here on A New Beginning.

message here on A New Beginning. message here on A New Beginning. Well, Pastor Greg, let's let's speak to Well, Pastor Greg, let's let's speak to Well, Pastor Greg, let's let's speak to someone listening today who who sort of someone listening today who who sort of someone listening today who who sort of feels like they're on the outside feels like they're on the outside feels like they're on the outside looking in. looking in. looking in. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> They believe in God. They hope to go to >> They believe in God. They hope to go to >> They believe in God. They hope to go to heaven, but they're not completely sure heaven, but they're not completely sure heaven, but they're not completely sure they will and they're not even sure how they will and they're not even sure how they will and they're not even sure how to be sure. to be sure. to be sure. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> They can be sure, can't they? >> They can be sure, can't they? >> They can be sure, can't they? >> That's right. The Bible says whoever >> That's right. The Bible says whoever >> That's right. The Bible says whoever will call upon in the name of the Lord will call upon in the name of the Lord will call upon in the name of the Lord will be saved. So, think of it this way. will be saved. So, think of it this way. will be saved. So, think of it this way. Maybe you're out in a rip tide in the Maybe you're out in a rip tide in the Maybe you're out in a rip tide in the ocean and you can't get your footing and ocean and you can't get your footing and ocean and you can't get your footing and you're in trouble and you see a you're in trouble and you see a you're in trouble and you see a lifeguard, call out for your help and lifeguard, call out for your help and lifeguard, call out for your help and the lifeguard will rescue you. The same the lifeguard will rescue you. The same the lifeguard will rescue you. The same is true spiritually. You're drowning in is true spiritually. You're drowning in is true spiritually. You're drowning in your sin. You need help. Jesus will save your sin. You need help. Jesus will save your sin. You need help. Jesus will save you. He will rescue you, but you must you. He will rescue you, but you must you. He will rescue you, but you must call out to him. And you know how you do call out to him. And you know how you do call out to him. And you know how you do that? You do it in prayer. that? You do it in prayer. that? You do it in prayer. So, let me just lead you in a simple So, let me just lead you in a simple So, let me just lead you in a simple prayer and you can pray this prayer prayer and you can pray this prayer prayer and you can pray this prayer after me. You can pray it out loud if after me. You can pray it out loud if after me. You can pray it out loud if you like and this is where you are you like and this is where you are you like and this is where you are calling out to Jesus to save you. Just calling out to Jesus to save you. Just calling out to Jesus to save you. Just pray this. Lord Jesus, I know I'm a pray this. Lord Jesus, I know I'm a pray this. Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner and I know you are the savior who sinner and I know you are the savior who sinner and I know you are the savior who died on the cross for my sin and rose died on the cross for my sin and rose died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead. Now Lord, I turn again from the dead. Now Lord, I turn again from the dead. Now Lord, I turn from my sin and I put my faith in you.

from my sin and I put my faith in you. from my sin and I put my faith in you. Be my savior, my Lord, be my God and my Be my savior, my Lord, be my God and my Be my savior, my Lord, be my God and my friend. I choose to follow you from this friend. I choose to follow you from this friend. I choose to follow you from this moment forward. In Jesus name I pray. moment forward. In Jesus name I pray. moment forward. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, I Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, I Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, I want you to know that Christ himself has want you to know that Christ himself has want you to know that Christ himself has come to live inside of you. come to live inside of you. come to live inside of you. And I have a resource I want to send And I have a resource I want to send And I have a resource I want to send you. It's called the New Believer's you. It's called the New Believer's you. It's called the New Believer's Bible. So, the New Believer's Bible is Bible. So, the New Believer's Bible is Bible. So, the New Believer's Bible is the New Testament in the New Living the New Testament in the New Living the New Testament in the New Living Translation with hundreds of notes that Translation with hundreds of notes that Translation with hundreds of notes that I wrote that will encourage you in this I wrote that will encourage you in this I wrote that will encourage you in this commitment you are making to follow commitment you are making to follow commitment you are making to follow Christ. There's some other materials Christ. There's some other materials Christ. There's some other materials included as well in what we call the New included as well in what we call the New included as well in what we call the New Believer's Growth Pack, but let me get Believer's Growth Pack, but let me get Believer's Growth Pack, but let me get this New Believer's Bible into your this New Believer's Bible into your this New Believer's Bible into your hands as quickly as possible. Here's hands as quickly as possible. Here's hands as quickly as possible. Here's Dave to tell you more. Dave to tell you more. Dave to tell you more. >> Yeah, we'll be glad to send it all your >> Yeah, we'll be glad to send it all your >> Yeah, we'll be glad to send it all your way free of any charge if you've prayed way free of any charge if you've prayed way free of any charge if you've prayed along with Pastor Greg today. Just ask along with Pastor Greg today. Just ask along with Pastor Greg today. Just ask for the New Believer's Bible when you for the New Believer's Bible when you for the New Believer's Bible when you call 1-800-821-3300. You can reach us anytime 24/7 at You can reach us anytime 24/7 at 1-800-821-3300 or write a New Beginning Box 4000, or write a New Beginning Box 4000, Riverside, California 92514 Riverside, California 92514 Riverside, California 92514 or go online to harvest.org or go online to harvest.org or go online to harvest.org and click know God.

and click know God. and click know God. And Pastor Greg, we're so thankful for And Pastor Greg, we're so thankful for And 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. We're touching lives for ministry. We're touching lives for ministry. We're touching lives for eternity and we're really thankful for eternity and we're really thankful for eternity and we're really thankful for our friends who see the fruit of this our friends who see the fruit of this our friends who see the fruit of this ministry and invest so this work can ministry and invest so this work can ministry and invest so this work can reach even further. Isn't that right? reach even further. Isn't that right? reach even further. Isn't that right? >> Absolutely. When you invest in the >> Absolutely. When you invest in the >> Absolutely. When you invest in the Harvest Ministries, you're investing in Harvest Ministries, you're investing in Harvest Ministries, you're investing in the souls of men and women, boys and the souls of men and women, boys and the souls of men and women, boys and girls. And what is the value of a soul? girls. And what is the value of a soul? girls. And what is the value of a soul? Well, let me personalize it. What's the Well, let me personalize it. What's the Well, let me personalize it. What's the value of your soul? value of your soul? value 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 best Or your mom or your dad? Or your best Or your mom or your dad? Or your best friend? Well, I would say you probably friend? Well, I would say you probably friend? Well, I would say you probably couldn't put a price tag on it. It's so couldn't put a price tag on it. It's so couldn't put a price tag on it. It's so valuable. valuable. 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, than in the work resources, of my money, than in the work resources, of my money, than in the work of the kingdom of God. So, we would ask of the kingdom of God. So, we would ask of the kingdom of God. So, we would ask you to prayerfully consider investing in you to prayerfully consider investing in you to prayerfully consider investing in Harvest Ministries as we continue on to Harvest Ministries as we continue on to Harvest Ministries as we continue on to fulfill the Great Commission.

fulfill the Great Commission. fulfill the Great 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 4000, or write us at A New Beginning Box 4000, or write us at A New Beginning Box 4000, Riverside, California 92514 Riverside, California 92514 Riverside, California 92514 or call 1-800-821-3300. That's a 24/7 phone number. That's a 24/7 phone number. 1-800-821-3300. 1-800-821-3300. 1-800-821-3300. [music] Well, next time we'll take [music] a Well, next time we'll take [music] a close look at the message Peter preached close look at the message Peter preached close look at the message Peter preached in Acts 2 and identify several in Acts 2 and identify several in Acts 2 and identify several principles [music] for effective principles [music] for effective principles [music] for effective evangelism. Join us here on A New evangelism. Join us here on A New evangelism. Join us here on A New Beginning with pastor and Bible teacher Beginning with pastor and Bible teacher Beginning with pastor and Bible teacher [music] [music] [music] Greg Laurie. Greg Laurie. Greg Laurie. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> where life >> where life >> where life begins.