The Refreshing Power of Sharing Your Faith, Part 1 | Everyone Can Share Christ

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. >> I used to be [music] a paper boy, and I >> I used to be [music] a paper boy, and I had a paper route, cruising around on my had a paper route, cruising around on my had a paper route, cruising around on my Schwinn Sting-Ray. And my objective was Schwinn Sting-Ray. And my objective was Schwinn Sting-Ray. And my objective was to deliver the paper. My [music] job was to deliver the paper. My [music] job was to deliver the paper. My [music] job was not to write the news. My job was not to not to write the news. My job was not to not to write the news. My job was not to be in the news. My job was to deliver be in the news. My job was to deliver be in the news. My job was to deliver >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the news. >> the news. >> the news. >> It's our job to deliver the good news. >> It's our job to deliver the good news. >> It's our job to deliver the good news. And Pastor Greg Laurie [music] says it's And Pastor Greg Laurie [music] says it's And Pastor Greg Laurie [music] says it's imperative to make sure that life-saving imperative to make sure that life-saving imperative to make sure that life-saving news gets through. news gets through. news gets through. >> God has given you a simple [music] >> God has given you a simple [music] >> God has given you a simple [music] message to give. You Your job is to message to give. You Your job is to message to give. You Your job is to deliver the message.

>> Some [music] seem to believe the realm >> Some [music] seem to believe the realm of evangelism is for men of the cloth, of evangelism is for men of the cloth, of evangelism is for men of the cloth, for pastors, ministers, [music] for pastors, ministers, [music] for pastors, ministers, [music] evangelists. Well, today on A New evangelists. Well, today on A New evangelists. Well, today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie says it's Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie says it's Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie says it's a privilege [music] a privilege [music] a privilege [music] and responsibility shared by all and responsibility shared by all and responsibility shared by all believers. believers. believers. In recent days, he's been pointing In recent days, he's been pointing In recent days, he's been pointing [music] out the tremendous lessons we [music] out the tremendous lessons we [music] out the tremendous lessons we can learn from Jonah's success in can learn from Jonah's success in can learn from Jonah's success in Nineveh. It was the most [music] Nineveh. It was the most [music] Nineveh. It was the most [music] successful evangelistic gathering in successful evangelistic gathering in successful evangelistic gathering in history. And there are six practical history. And there are six practical history. And there are six practical [music] lessons we can learn from that [music] lessons we can learn from that [music] lessons we can learn from that account. Let's take some notes. account. Let's take some notes. account. Let's take some notes. >> [music] >> Back to the story of Jonah. The book of >> Back to the story of Jonah. The book of Jonah is a story of a massive revival Jonah is a story of a massive revival Jonah is a story of a massive revival that came about through the efforts of that came about through the efforts of that came about through the efforts of one man, and that man was Jonah. He was one man, and that man was Jonah. He was one man, and that man was Jonah. He was called to preach to Nineveh, which was a called to preach to Nineveh, which was a called to preach to Nineveh, which was a great city, we read in Jonah 1:2. But great city, we read in Jonah 1:2. But great city, we read in Jonah 1:2. But Jonah said, "I don't want to go preach Jonah said, "I don't want to go preach Jonah said, "I don't want to go preach to that great city." So then we read in to that great city." So then we read in to that great city." So then we read in Jonah 1:4, God sent a great wind. And Jonah 1:4, God sent a great wind. And Jonah 1:4, God sent a great wind. And then that wind brought a storm, and then that wind brought a storm, 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, Jonah 1:17.

great fish, Jonah 1:17. great fish, 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. God turned lost city like Nineveh. God turned lost city like Nineveh. 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? It started How was he able to do this? It started How was he able to do this? It started with Jonah himself. Of course, he was with Jonah himself. Of course, he was with Jonah himself. Of course, he was swallowed by maybe the whale or whatever swallowed by maybe the whale or whatever swallowed by maybe the whale or whatever that creature was, and it was in the that creature was, and it was in the that creature was, and it was in the belly of that whale that Jonah had a belly of that whale that Jonah had a belly of that whale that Jonah had a personal revival. personal revival. personal 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. Number two, Jonah went called him to do. Number two, Jonah went called him to do. Number two, Jonah went to where the people were. to where the people were. to where the people were. Jonah went to where the people were. Jonah went to where the people were. Jonah went to where the people were. Jonah 3:3 says, "Jonah obeyed the word Jonah 3:3 says, "Jonah obeyed the word Jonah 3:3 says, "Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh." Now of the Lord and went to Nineveh." Now of the Lord and went to Nineveh." Now Nineveh was a very large city. It took 3 Nineveh was a very large city. It took 3 Nineveh was a very large city. It took 3 days to go through it. Jonah began by days to go through it. Jonah began by days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day's journey into the city going a day's journey into the city going a day's journey into the city crying, "40 more days and Nineveh will crying, "40 more days and Nineveh will crying, "40 more days and Nineveh will be overthrown." Then we read these be overthrown." Then we read these be overthrown." Then we read these words, "The Ninevites believed God."

words, "The Ninevites believed God." words, "The Ninevites believed God." Listen, we need to go to unexpected Listen, we need to go to unexpected Listen, we need to go to unexpected people in unexpected places to share people in unexpected places to share people in unexpected places to share with them what will be an unexpected with them what will be an unexpected with them what will be an unexpected message. And this is the thing as message. And this is the thing as message. And this is the thing as Christians were not called to isolate, Christians were not called to isolate, Christians were not called to isolate, we're called to infiltrate, and we're we're called to infiltrate, and we're we're called to infiltrate, and we're called to permeate. Number three. called to permeate. Number three. called to permeate. Number three. Our message, the message of the gospel, Our message, the message of the gospel, Our message, the message of the gospel, must be delivered with urgency. It must must be delivered with urgency. It must must be delivered with urgency. It must be delivered with urgency. Notice it be delivered with urgency. Notice it be delivered with urgency. Notice it says in Jonah 3:4, as he entered the says in Jonah 3:4, as he entered the says in Jonah 3:4, as he entered the city, he cried out, "40 days and Nineveh city, he cried out, "40 days and Nineveh city, he cried out, "40 days and Nineveh will be overthrown." He cried out. will be overthrown." He cried out. will be overthrown." He cried out. This is, by the way, not the first time This is, by the way, not the first time This is, by the way, not the first time that Jonah cried. that Jonah cried. that Jonah cried. He also cried out in the belly of the He also cried out in the belly of the He also cried out in the belly of the fish. In Jonah 2, we read, "Jonah prayed fish. In Jonah 2, we read, "Jonah prayed fish. In Jonah 2, we read, "Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish's to the Lord his God from the fish's to the Lord his God from the fish's belly, and he said, 'I cried out to the belly, and he said, 'I cried out to the belly, and he said, 'I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and he Lord because of my affliction, and he Lord because of my affliction, and he answered me out of the belly of Sheol I answered me out of the belly of Sheol I answered me out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.'" Are you cried, and you heard my voice.'" Are you cried, and you heard my voice.'" Are you in a time of affliction? Are you in a in a time of affliction? Are you in a in a time of affliction? Are you in a time of difficulty? Are you in a time of time of difficulty? Are you in a time of time of difficulty? Are you in a time of trial? Cry out to the Lord.

trial? Cry out to the Lord. trial? Cry out to the Lord. Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call out to me, and Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call out to me, and Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call out to me, and I will answer you," says the Lord. "I'll I will answer you," says the Lord. "I'll I will answer you," says the Lord. "I'll show you great and mighty things that show you great and mighty things that show you great and mighty things that you do not know." you do not know." you do not know." Jonah took the desperation he felt in Jonah took the desperation he felt in Jonah took the desperation he felt in the belly of the sea creature the belly of the sea creature the belly of the sea creature and channeled it in what God had called and channeled it in what God had called and channeled it in what God had called him to do in bringing the message to the him to do in bringing the message to the him to do in bringing the message to the people of Nineveh. Jonah had been people of Nineveh. Jonah had been people of Nineveh. Jonah had been transformed in the fish's belly. Jonah transformed in the fish's belly. Jonah transformed in the fish's belly. Jonah should have died in the fish's belly. He should have died in the fish's belly. He should have died in the fish's belly. He had been saved and preserved by God. had been saved and preserved by God. had been saved and preserved by God. Jonah was a resurrection man. Jonah was a resurrection man. Jonah was a resurrection man. And people cannot argue with a And people cannot argue with a And people cannot argue with a transformed life. Jonah should have been transformed life. Jonah should have been transformed life. Jonah should have been dead, but he was alive and well. Because dead, but he was alive and well. Because dead, but he was alive and well. Because of this, there was an urgency and there of this, there was an urgency and there of this, there was an urgency and there was a passion in what he was saying. Do was a passion in what he was saying. Do was a passion in what he was saying. Do you have an urgency and a passion in you have an urgency and a passion in you have an urgency and a passion in reaching other people? Jonah certainly reaching other people? Jonah certainly reaching other people? Jonah certainly had it. There was an authenticity in his had it. There was an authenticity in his had it. There was an authenticity in his voice. He was a changed man, as I voice. He was a changed man, as I voice. He was a changed man, as I pointed out. He probably was also a pointed out. He probably was also a pointed out. He probably was also a bleached man who smelled of vomit bleached man who smelled of vomit bleached man who smelled of vomit perhaps and fish, but he had a mission perhaps and fish, but he had a mission perhaps and fish, but he had a mission and he was going to fulfill that mission and he was going to fulfill that mission and he was going to fulfill that mission and the people of Nineveh could see this and the people of Nineveh could see this and the people of Nineveh could see this was a resurrection man. This was a man was a resurrection man. This was a man was a resurrection man. This was a man brought back from the dead. There's a brought back from the dead. There's a brought back from the dead. There's a lot of power in your personal story and lot of power in your personal story and lot of power in your personal story and I want to talk about that a little bit I want to talk about that a little bit I want to talk about that a little bit in our next message from the series that in our next message from the series that in our next message from the series that we call refresh and how to tell your we call refresh and how to tell your we call refresh and how to tell your personal story when you share your faith

personal story when you share your faith personal story when you share your faith with others. Point number four. We are with others. Point number four. We are with others. Point number four. We are to preach the message he has given us, to preach the message he has given us, to preach the message he has given us, not our own message, our own version of not our own message, our own version of not our own message, our own version of the gospel. The message he has given us the gospel. The message he has given us the gospel. The message he has given us verse two verse two verse two here in Jonah 3 says, "Go to Nineveh here in Jonah 3 says, "Go to Nineveh here in Jonah 3 says, "Go to Nineveh that great city and preach to it the that great city and preach to it the that great city and preach to it the message that I give to you." God has message that I give to you." God has message that I give to you." God has given you a simple message to give. You given you a simple message to give. You given you a simple message to give. You Your job is to deliver the message. Your job is to deliver the message. Your job is to deliver the message. I used to be a paper boy I used to be a paper boy I used to be a paper boy and I had a paper route and I had a and I had a paper route and I had a and I had a paper route and I had a really cool bicycle. It was a Schwinn really cool bicycle. It was a Schwinn really cool bicycle. It was a Schwinn Sting-Ray with handlebars, sometimes Sting-Ray with handlebars, sometimes Sting-Ray with handlebars, sometimes they're called ape hangers, had a roll they're called ape hangers, had a roll they're called ape hangers, had a roll bar, a banana seat, and best of all a bar, a banana seat, and best of all a bar, a banana seat, and best of all a stick shift. A stick shift on a bicycle. stick shift. A stick shift on a bicycle. stick shift. A stick shift on a bicycle. I don't even think they would allow that I don't even think they would allow that I don't even think they would allow that today. But I had my bags holding my today. But I had my bags holding my today. But I had my bags holding my newspapers, cruising around in my newspapers, cruising around in my newspapers, cruising around in my Schwinn Sting-Ray, and my objective was Schwinn Sting-Ray, and my objective was Schwinn Sting-Ray, and my objective was to deliver the paper. I got pretty good to deliver the paper. I got pretty good to deliver the paper. I got pretty good at clearing the hedges and sideways at clearing the hedges and sideways at clearing the hedges and sideways throw, the over the top throw, the throw, the over the top throw, the throw, the over the top throw, the underhanded throw, you know, and underhanded throw, you know, and underhanded throw, you know, and I got pretty good at it. And so my job I got pretty good at it. And so my job I got pretty good at it. And so my job was not to write the news, my job was was not to write the news, my job was was not to write the news, my job was not to be in the news, my job was to not to be in the news, my job was to not to be in the news, my job was to deliver the news.

deliver the news. deliver the news. That's still my job. That's still my job. That's still my job. My job is to deliver the good news of My job is to deliver the good news of My job is to deliver the good news of the gospel. I don't need to add to it. I the gospel. I don't need to add to it. I the gospel. I don't need to add to it. I don't need to take away from it. And don't need to take away from it. And don't need to take away from it. And that brings me to my next point. We must that brings me to my next point. We must that brings me to my next point. We must declare the gospel. Now, listen. declare the gospel. Now, listen. declare the gospel. Now, listen. If I have the luxury of time, I'll take If I have the luxury of time, I'll take If I have the luxury of time, I'll take the time to hang out with a person, talk the time to hang out with a person, talk the time to hang out with a person, talk with them, get to know them, enter their with them, get to know them, enter their with them, get to know them, enter their world. I won't hit them immediately with world. I won't hit them immediately with world. I won't hit them immediately with both gospel barrels. both gospel barrels. both gospel barrels. It might be a time of just sowing a It might be a time of just sowing a It might be a time of just sowing a seed. Might be a time of watering the seed. Might be a time of watering the seed. Might be a time of watering the seed that someone else sowed of the seed that someone else sowed of the seed that someone else sowed of the gospel in their heart. And it might be a gospel in their heart. And it might be a gospel in their heart. And it might be a time to reap. time to reap. time to reap. There have been times when the Lord has There have been times when the Lord has There have been times when the Lord has directed me to ask a person point-blank, directed me to ask a person point-blank, directed me to ask a person point-blank, "Would you like to accept Jesus Christ "Would you like to accept Jesus Christ "Would you like to accept Jesus Christ right now?" It doesn't happen all that right now?" It doesn't happen all that right now?" It doesn't happen all that often, but I think of one time when I often, but I think of one time when I often, but I think of one time when I was out to lunch with some of the was out to lunch with some of the was out to lunch with some of the pastors from our church and a server was pastors from our church and a server was pastors from our church and a server was helping us and she took our order. She helping us and she took our order. She helping us and she took our order. She said, "You guys are from the church here said, "You guys are from the church here said, "You guys are from the church here in town, Harvest, right?" "Yes, we are." in town, Harvest, right?" "Yes, we are." in town, Harvest, right?" "Yes, we are." "Yeah," she said, "I've been thinking of "Yeah," she said, "I've been thinking of "Yeah," she said, "I've been thinking of coming out to your church one of your coming out to your church one of your coming out to your church one of your service times cuz I need to get right service times cuz I need to get right service times cuz I need to get right with God." And I felt prompted by the with God." And I felt prompted by the with God." And I felt prompted by the Lord right then and there to ask her a Lord right then and there to ask her a Lord right then and there to ask her a question. I said, "Would you like to get question. I said, "Would you like to get question. I said, "Would you like to get right with God right here, right now?"

right with God right here, right now?" right with God right here, right now?" She looked a little surprised. She's got She looked a little surprised. She's got She looked a little surprised. She's got her tray, you know, with the her tray, you know, with the her tray, you know, with the "Here?" I said, "Yeah, you can pray "Here?" I said, "Yeah, you can pray "Here?" I said, "Yeah, you can pray right here and right now and commit your right here and right now and commit your right here and right now and commit your life to Jesus Christ." She set her tray life to Jesus Christ." She set her tray life to Jesus Christ." She set her tray down and said, "Yes, I would like to do down and said, "Yes, I would like to do down and said, "Yes, I would like to do that." And I was able to lead that that." And I was able to lead that that." And I was able to lead that server to the Lord. Now, that's not server to the Lord. Now, that's not server to the Lord. Now, that's not normally what happens to me, but there normally what happens to me, but there normally what happens to me, but there are those moments when the Lord says, are those moments when the Lord says, are those moments when the Lord says, "Do it now." Other times we're just "Do it now." Other times we're just "Do it now." Other times we're just sowing the seed. We're watering the sowing the seed. We're watering the sowing the seed. We're watering the seed. So, if you have the luxury of seed. So, if you have the luxury of seed. So, if you have the luxury of time, do that. But let's contrast that time, do that. But let's contrast that time, do that. But let's contrast that to a different scenario. to a different scenario. to a different scenario. Let's say you're in a plane Let's say you're in a plane Let's say you're in a plane and all four of the engines were out and and all four of the engines were out and and all four of the engines were out and the plane was on fire and it was headed the plane was on fire and it was headed the plane was on fire and it was headed to the earth. So, you know your time is to the earth. So, you know your time is to the earth. So, you know your time is limited. I hope you would have the limited. I hope you would have the limited. I hope you would have the presence of mind to proclaim the gospel. presence of mind to proclaim the gospel. presence of mind to proclaim the gospel. You don't have time to turn to your You don't have time to turn to your You don't have time to turn to your seatmate and say, "Well, tell me a seatmate and say, "Well, tell me a seatmate and say, "Well, tell me a little bit about yourself. Where do you little bit about yourself. Where do you little bit about yourself. Where do you live?" No, no. Tell them the gospel. live?" No, no. Tell them the gospel. live?" No, no. Tell them the gospel. There's an urgency. That was the case There's an urgency. That was the case There's an urgency. That was the case with Jonah. He had basically 40 days to with Jonah. He had basically 40 days to with Jonah. He had basically 40 days to reach 300,000 people. So, with this reach 300,000 people. So, with this reach 300,000 people. So, with this urgency, he went and preached this urgency, he went and preached this urgency, he went and preached this message. Let me say something about message. Let me say something about message. Let me say something about preaching because the Bible says that we preaching because the Bible says that we preaching because the Bible says that we should preach the word and be persistent should preach the word and be persistent should preach the word and be persistent whether the time is favorable or not. We whether the time is favorable or not. We whether the time is favorable or not. We are to preach the word. Preaching are to preach the word. Preaching are to preach the word. Preaching doesn't mean yelling.

doesn't mean yelling. doesn't mean yelling. Preaching is proclamation. Preaching is proclamation. Preaching is proclamation. Maybe you elevate your voice to be heard Maybe you elevate your voice to be heard Maybe you elevate your voice to be heard by a large crowd. Maybe you're talking by a large crowd. Maybe you're talking by a large crowd. Maybe you're talking to people one-on-one. I've actually seen to people one-on-one. I've actually seen to people one-on-one. I've actually seen Christians like preaching, yelling at Christians like preaching, yelling at Christians like preaching, yelling at people. That's crazy. Don't do that. people. That's crazy. Don't do that. people. That's crazy. Don't do that. Calm down, lower your volume, listen Calm down, lower your volume, listen Calm down, lower your volume, listen more, and lovingly share in an more, and lovingly share in an more, and lovingly share in an understandable way the things that they understandable way the things that they understandable way the things that they need to hear. The primary way that God need to hear. The primary way that God need to hear. The primary way that God has chosen to reach non-believers is has chosen to reach non-believers is has chosen to reach non-believers is through the verbal articulation of the through the verbal articulation of the through the verbal articulation of the gospel. You may preach it. You may text gospel. You may preach it. You may text gospel. You may preach it. You may text it. You may tweet it. You may share it it. You may tweet it. You may share it it. You may tweet it. You may share it conversationally, but the idea is I tell conversationally, but the idea is I tell conversationally, but the idea is I tell people that there is a God in heaven who people that there is a God in heaven who people that there is a God in heaven who loves them and sent his son Jesus Christ loves them and sent his son Jesus Christ loves them and sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for their sin, and to die on the cross for their sin, and to die on the cross for their sin, and Christ rose again from the dead 3 days Christ rose again from the dead 3 days Christ rose again from the dead 3 days later. Listen to this. later. Listen to this. later. Listen to this. There's only two things the Bible tells There's only two things the Bible tells There's only two things the Bible tells us have power. It's God himself and the us have power. It's God himself and the us have power. It's God himself and the gospel. The gospel in particular because gospel. The gospel in particular because gospel. The gospel in particular because we read over in Romans 1:16, Paul says, we read over in Romans 1:16, Paul says, we read over in Romans 1:16, Paul says, "I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ "I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ "I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto for it is the power of God unto for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes." So, salvation to everyone who believes." So, salvation to everyone who believes." So, the word for power that Paul uses is the the word for power that Paul uses is the the word for power that Paul uses is the Greek word dunamis. The story is told of Greek word dunamis. The story is told of Greek word dunamis. The story is told of a man named Alfred Nobel. He had a man named Alfred Nobel. He had a man named Alfred Nobel. He had invented this material that exploded.

invented this material that exploded. invented this material that exploded. There had never been anything like it There had never been anything like it There had never been anything like it before. What would he call this before. What would he call this before. What would he call this explosive device? He talked to a friend explosive device? He talked to a friend explosive device? He talked to a friend who knew Greek and uh Nobel asked him, who knew Greek and uh Nobel asked him, who knew Greek and uh Nobel asked him, "What is the Greek word for explosive "What is the Greek word for explosive "What is the Greek word for explosive power?" And the man said, "Oh, it's power?" And the man said, "Oh, it's power?" And the man said, "Oh, it's dunamis." dunamis." dunamis." And so he called it dynamite. So there's And so he called it dynamite. So there's And so he called it dynamite. So there's dynamic, dynamic, dynamic, dunamis, dunamis, dunamis, explosive power in the simple message of explosive power in the simple message of explosive power in the simple message of the [music] gospel. >> 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. >> Whenever [music] you send us an email, >> Whenever [music] you send us an email, >> Whenever [music] you send us an email, letter, or post a comment on social letter, or post a comment on social letter, or post a comment on social media, media, media, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> we read every word. >> we read every word. >> we read every word. >> Hi Pastor Greg. I'm a retired United >> Hi Pastor Greg. I'm a retired United >> Hi Pastor Greg. I'm a retired United States Marine [music] who thanks God for States Marine [music] who thanks God for States Marine [music] who thanks God for your preaching. I love listening to your your preaching. I love listening to your your preaching. I love listening to your podcast. I'm still trusting God that he podcast. I'm still trusting God that he podcast. I'm still trusting God that he will save my wife and two daughters. I will save my wife and two daughters. I will save my wife and two daughters. I wish I would have shown Jesus to them wish I would have shown Jesus to them wish I would have shown Jesus to them earlier, but I'm praying now for their earlier, but I'm praying now for their earlier, but I'm praying now for their salvation every day. May God bless you salvation every day. May God bless you salvation every day. May God bless you and your [music] family, Greg.

and your [music] family, Greg. and your [music] family, Greg. >> Has Pastor Greg heard from you? >> Has Pastor Greg heard from you? >> Has Pastor Greg heard from you? Why not drop him an email and let him Why not drop him an email and let him Why not drop him an email and let him know. [music] Send it to know. [music] Send it to know. [music] Send it to [email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected]. Again, that's [email protected]. >> Well, we're concentrating on the gospel >> Well, we're concentrating on the gospel today, the good news of God's love. today, the good news of God's love. today, the good news of God's love. Pastor Greg is basing our studies in Pastor Greg is basing our studies in Pastor Greg is basing our studies in Jonah chapter 3. Jonah chapter 3. Jonah chapter 3. >> The gospel. >> The gospel. >> The gospel. What is the gospel? We talk about the What is the gospel? We talk about the What is the gospel? We talk about the gospel. Oh, I love the gospel. I live by gospel. Oh, I love the gospel. I live by gospel. Oh, I love the gospel. I live by the gospel. We should preach the gospel. the gospel. We should preach the gospel. the gospel. We should preach the gospel. Do we know what the gospel is? Why do we Do we know what the gospel is? Why do we Do we know what the gospel is? Why do we make the gospel so complex? It isn't. make the gospel so complex? It isn't. make the gospel so complex? It isn't. What does the word gospel mean? What does the word gospel mean? What does the word gospel mean? Literal translation, good news. It's Literal translation, good news. It's Literal translation, good news. It's good news. Why do we make the good news good news. Why do we make the good news good news. Why do we make the good news bad news in the way we deliver it? Or bad news in the way we deliver it? Or bad news in the way we deliver it? Or the way we distort it, or the way we the way we distort it, or the way we the way we distort it, or the way we leave parts out of it. No, deliver the leave parts out of it. No, deliver the leave parts out of it. No, deliver the explosive dynamic explosive dynamic explosive dynamic dynamite gospel of good news to people.

dynamite gospel of good news to people. dynamite gospel of good news to people. You know, sometimes before we can You know, sometimes before we can You know, sometimes before we can appreciate the good news, we have to appreciate the good news, we have to appreciate the good news, we have to first know the bad news. Heard about two first know the bad news. Heard about two first know the bad news. Heard about two old guys that love to play baseball. old guys that love to play baseball. old guys that love to play baseball. And they wondered, will there be And they wondered, will there be And they wondered, will there be baseball in heaven? So, they made a deal baseball in heaven? So, they made a deal baseball in heaven? So, they made a deal if one of them went to heaven first, he if one of them went to heaven first, he if one of them went to heaven first, he would somehow communicate with the other would somehow communicate with the other would somehow communicate with the other and tell him whether or not there was and tell him whether or not there was and tell him whether or not there was baseball in heaven. Well, baseball in heaven. Well, baseball in heaven. Well, uh one of the friends passed and a week uh one of the friends passed and a week uh one of the friends passed and a week later, uh he spoke to his buddy still on later, uh he spoke to his buddy still on later, uh he spoke to his buddy still on the earth through the clouds. He said, the earth through the clouds. He said, the earth through the clouds. He said, "Buddy, I've got good news for you. "Buddy, I've got good news for you. "Buddy, I've got good news for you. There's baseball in heaven." And his There's baseball in heaven." And his There's baseball in heaven." And his friend was so overjoyed and he says, friend was so overjoyed and he says, friend was so overjoyed and he says, "But I've got some bad news, too. You're "But I've got some bad news, too. You're "But I've got some bad news, too. You're pitching on Friday." pitching on Friday." pitching on Friday." That's a joke that never happened. That's a joke that never happened. That's a joke that never happened. But, good news and bad news. So, here's But, good news and bad news. So, here's But, good news and bad news. So, here's the bad news. You're a sinner. the bad news. You're a sinner. the bad news. You're a sinner. I'm a sinner. We're all sinners. The I'm a sinner. We're all sinners. The I'm a sinner. We're all sinners. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, "We've all Bible says in Romans 3:23, "We've all Bible says in Romans 3:23, "We've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of sinned and fallen short of the glory of sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." We also read in 1 John 1:8, "If we God." We also read in 1 John 1:8, "If we God." We also read in 1 John 1:8, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." Don't and the truth is not in us." Don't and the truth is not in us." Don't assume that your listener will assume that your listener will assume that your listener will necessarily know what sin is. So, you necessarily know what sin is. So, you necessarily know what sin is. So, you may have to help them with this.

may have to help them with this. may have to help them with this. In the Bible, a sin can be translated In the Bible, a sin can be translated In the Bible, a sin can be translated different ways. One word that the Bible different ways. One word that the Bible different ways. One word that the Bible uses for sin is translated trespass. And uses for sin is translated trespass. And uses for sin is translated trespass. And that means to cross a line. So, you've that means to cross a line. So, you've that means to cross a line. So, you've seen the little signs in the park, "No seen the little signs in the park, "No seen the little signs in the park, "No trespassing." Right? So, you You to trespassing." Right? So, you You to trespassing." Right? So, you You to immediately step over it and step on the immediately step over it and step on the immediately step over it and step on the grass or if it says, "Don't touch wet grass or if it says, "Don't touch wet grass or if it says, "Don't touch wet paint." You want to touch it, don't you? paint." You want to touch it, don't you? paint." You want to touch it, don't you? So, trespass is to deliberately cross a So, trespass is to deliberately cross a So, trespass is to deliberately cross a line. But, another translation of the line. But, another translation of the line. But, another translation of the word sin word sin word sin from the Greek word hamartia means to from the Greek word hamartia means to from the Greek word hamartia means to miss the mark. miss the mark. miss the mark. Let's imagine we're having a game of Let's imagine we're having a game of Let's imagine we're having a game of archery together. archery together. archery together. And and you go first. And you fire all And and you go first. And you fire all And and you go first. And you fire all 10 arrows into that target, but none hit 10 arrows into that target, but none hit 10 arrows into that target, but none hit the bull's-eye. So, you missed the mark. the bull's-eye. So, you missed the mark. the bull's-eye. So, you missed the mark. Now, let's say that I step up with my 10 Now, let's say that I step up with my 10 Now, let's say that I step up with my 10 arrows and I miss the target altogether. arrows and I miss the target altogether. arrows and I miss the target altogether. I hit a cow over in the field. I hit a I hit a cow over in the field. I hit a I hit a cow over in the field. I hit a building. I hit a bird flying over. So, building. I hit a bird flying over. So, building. I hit a bird flying over. So, I missed the mark. Now, did I miss the I missed the mark. Now, did I miss the I missed the mark. Now, did I miss the mark more than you missed the mark? Yes. mark more than you missed the mark? Yes. mark more than you missed the mark? Yes. But, the goal is you got to get the But, the goal is you got to get the But, the goal is you got to get the bull's-eye.

bull's-eye. bull's-eye. And the bull's-eye is perfection. So, And the bull's-eye is perfection. So, And the bull's-eye is perfection. So, when the Bible says they've sinned or when the Bible says they've sinned or when the Bible says they've sinned or missed the mark, it means I've fallen missed the mark, it means I've fallen missed the mark, it means I've fallen short of God's standard for humanity. short of God's standard for humanity. short of God's standard for humanity. What is that? Perfection. What is that? Perfection. What is that? Perfection. So, a person might say to you, "Well, So, a person might say to you, "Well, So, a person might say to you, "Well, are you perfect?" Your answer must be, are you perfect?" Your answer must be, are you perfect?" Your answer must be, "No." "No." "No." That's where Jesus comes in. That's where Jesus comes in. That's where Jesus comes in. Because God knew I could not hit this Because God knew I could not hit this Because God knew I could not hit this mark. God knew I could not be a perfect mark. God knew I could not be a perfect mark. God knew I could not be a perfect person. And by the way, someone might person. And by the way, someone might person. And by the way, someone might say, "Well, I'm a good person." And you say, "Well, I'm a good person." And you say, "Well, I'm a good person." And you might be surprised to hear me say, "I might be surprised to hear me say, "I might be surprised to hear me say, "I won't necessarily dispute that." won't necessarily dispute that." won't necessarily dispute that." I would not say, "No, you're not a good I would not say, "No, you're not a good I would not say, "No, you're not a good person. You're a bad person." No, I'd person. You're a bad person." No, I'd person. You're a bad person." No, I'd say, "I'm sure you're say, "I'm sure you're say, "I'm sure you're a good person." But, you know what? a good person." But, you know what? a good person." But, you know what? You're not good enough to get to heaven You're not good enough to get to heaven You're not good enough to get to heaven cuz [snorts] you've missed the mark. cuz [snorts] you've missed the mark. cuz [snorts] you've missed the mark. But, here's the good news. Jesus died on But, here's the good news. Jesus died on But, here's the good news. Jesus died on the cross for your sin. Romans 5:6 says, the cross for your sin. Romans 5:6 says, the cross for your sin. Romans 5:6 says, "God showed his great love for us by "God showed his great love for us by "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we sending Christ to die for us while we sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Here's the verse were still sinners." Here's the verse were still sinners." Here's the verse every Christian should memorize. Get every Christian should memorize. Get every Christian should memorize. Get this in your brain. this in your brain. this in your brain. John 3:16.

John 3:16. John 3:16. "For God so loved the world he gave his "For God so loved the world he gave his "For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son that whosoever only begotten son that whosoever only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but believes in him should not perish, but believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." That's the have everlasting life." That's the have everlasting life." That's the gospel in a nutshell. Share that message gospel in a nutshell. Share that message gospel in a nutshell. Share that message with someone. If you know John 3:16, you with someone. If you know John 3:16, you with someone. If you know John 3:16, you are effectively armed and dangerous. One are effectively armed and dangerous. One are effectively armed and dangerous. One last point. last point. last point. Jonah's message was an unapologetic Jonah's message was an unapologetic Jonah's message was an unapologetic biblical directive from God Almighty, biblical directive from God Almighty, biblical directive from God Almighty, and so is the gospel. And so as we and so is the gospel. And so as we and so is the gospel. And so as we proclaim this message of Jesus, proclaim this message of Jesus, proclaim this message of Jesus, he's not one of many options. He's the he's not one of many options. He's the he's not one of many options. He's the only choice. only choice. only choice. Another verse you ought to memorize, Another verse you ought to memorize, Another verse you ought to memorize, John 14:6. Jesus said, "I am the way, John 14:6. Jesus said, "I am the way, John 14:6. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man the truth, and the life, and no man the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father but through me." comes to the Father but through me." comes to the Father but through me." There's only one way to come into this There's only one way to come into this There's only one way to come into this relationship with God because the Bible relationship with God because the Bible relationship with God because the Bible says there is no other name given under says there is no other name given under says there is no other name given under heaven whereby a man can be saved. The heaven whereby a man can be saved. The heaven whereby a man can be saved. The greatest revival in the history of the greatest revival in the history of the greatest revival in the history of the world came to Nineveh because Jonah world came to Nineveh because Jonah world came to Nineveh because Jonah proclaimed God's message and not what proclaimed God's message and not what proclaimed God's message and not what they necessarily wanted to hear.

they necessarily wanted to hear. they necessarily wanted to hear. Let me close by saying I challenge you Let me close by saying I challenge you Let me close by saying I challenge you to leave your comfort zone. to leave your comfort zone. to leave your comfort zone. I encourage you to go to your Nineveh, I encourage you to go to your Nineveh, I encourage you to go to your Nineveh, so to speak, so to speak, so to speak, and engage people in conversations about and engage people in conversations about and engage people in conversations about Jesus. I'll talk about this more next Jesus. I'll talk about this more next Jesus. I'll talk about this more next time, but let me just close with this. time, but let me just close with this. time, but let me just close with this. Maybe as you're watching this, Maybe as you're watching this, Maybe as you're watching this, you have not believed the gospel. What you have not believed the gospel. What you have not believed the gospel. What is the gospel again? It's good news. is the gospel again? It's good news. is the gospel again? It's good news. The gospel says God loves you. The gospel says God loves you. The gospel says God loves you. And God has a plan for you. And God has a plan for you. And God has a plan for you. And it says God will forgive you of all And it says God will forgive you of all And it says God will forgive you of all of your sin, but you must admit you're a of your sin, but you must admit you're a of your sin, but you must admit you're a sinner, sinner, sinner, and you must ask Jesus Christ to come and you must ask Jesus Christ to come and you must ask Jesus Christ to come into your life to be your savior and into your life to be your savior and into your life to be your savior and Lord. And you can do that right here, Lord. And you can do that right here, Lord. And you can do that right here, right now. Jesus who died on that cross right now. Jesus who died on that cross right now. Jesus who died 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 stands at the door of your life, later stands at the door of your life, later stands at the door of your life, and he knocks. and he knocks. and he knocks. And And says, "If you hear his voice, And And says, "If you hear his voice, And And says, "If you hear his voice, and open the door, he'll come in." and open the door, he'll come in." and open the door, he'll come in." One day the people came to Jesus and One day the people came to Jesus and One day the people came to Jesus and said, "We want to see a miracle. We want said, "We want to see a miracle. We want said, "We want to see a miracle. We want to see a sign." Here's what Christ said, to see a sign." Here's what Christ said, to see a sign." Here's what Christ said, "No sign will be given you, but that of "No sign will be given you, but that of "No sign will be given you, but that of the prophet Jonah. That as Jonah was 3 the prophet Jonah. That as Jonah was 3 the prophet Jonah. That as Jonah was 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of the days and 3 nights in the belly of the days and 3 nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be 3 great fish, so will the Son of Man be 3 great fish, so will the Son of Man be 3 days and 3 nights in the heart of the days and 3 nights in the heart of the days and 3 nights in the heart of the earth." In other words, Jesus says, "You earth." In other words, Jesus says, "You earth." In other words, Jesus says, "You want a sign? Here it is. I died on the want a sign? Here it is. I died on the want a sign? Here it is. I died on the cross for your sin, and I rose again cross for your sin, and I rose again cross for your sin, and I rose again from the dead."

from the dead." from the dead." You might say, "Oh, come on, Greg, if You might say, "Oh, come on, Greg, if You might say, "Oh, come on, Greg, if you could just do a miracle. you could just do a miracle. you could just do a miracle. Something to impress me, then I would Something to impress me, then I would Something to impress me, then I would believe. Show me, and I'll believe." believe. Show me, and I'll believe." believe. Show me, and I'll believe." Jesus in effect says, "Believe, Jesus in effect says, "Believe, Jesus in effect says, "Believe, and I'll show you." and I'll show you." and I'll show you." This is the message you've been looking This is the message you've been looking This is the message you've been looking for. This is the answer you've wanted in for. This is the answer you've wanted in for. This is the answer you've wanted in life. It's a relationship with God life. It's a relationship with God life. It's a relationship with God through Jesus, who can come and live in through Jesus, who can come and live in through Jesus, who can come and live in your life, and listen, forgive you of your life, and listen, forgive you of your life, and listen, forgive you of all of your sins. all of your sins. all of your sins. You can put your past behind you, You can put your past behind you, You can put your past behind you, and have a new beginning. and have a new beginning. and have a new beginning. A fresh start. A fresh start. A fresh start. But you need Jesus to do that. So, in a But you need Jesus to do that. So, in a But you need Jesus to do that. So, in a moment I'm going to pray, moment I'm going to pray, moment I'm going to pray, and I'm going to lead a prayer, and I and I'm going to lead a prayer, and I and I'm going to lead a prayer, and I would ask any of you that are watching would ask any of you that are watching would ask any of you that are watching right now who have never asked Jesus to right now who have never asked Jesus to right now who have never asked Jesus to come into your life. come into your life. come into your life. You don't have the confidence that You don't have the confidence that You don't have the confidence that you'll go to heaven when you die. you'll go to heaven when you die. you'll go to heaven when you die. You have guilt that you carry around You have guilt that you carry around You have guilt that you carry around with you. I'm going to ask you to pray with you. I'm going to ask you to pray with you. I'm going to ask you to pray this prayer with me. You could pray it this prayer with me. You could pray it this prayer with me. You could pray it out loud if you like. out loud if you like. out loud if you like. You could pray it quietly, but say this You could pray it quietly, but say this You could pray it quietly, but say this to the Lord if you want Jesus to come to the Lord if you want Jesus to come to the Lord if you want Jesus to come into your life right now. Let's pray into your life right now. Let's pray into your life right now. Let's pray together. Pray these words, "Lord Jesus, together. Pray these words, "Lord Jesus, together. Pray these words, "Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know you are the savior, but I know you are the savior, but I know you are the savior, who died on the cross for my sin, and who died on the cross for my sin, and who died on the cross for my sin, and rose again from the dead.

rose again from the dead. rose again from the dead. I turn from my sin now. I turn from my sin now. I turn from my sin now. I choose to follow you from this moment I choose to follow you from this moment I choose to follow you from this moment forward as my savior, and my Lord, and forward as my savior, and my Lord, and forward as my savior, and my Lord, and my God, and my friend. my God, and my friend. my God, and my friend. Thank you for hearing [music] this Thank you for hearing [music] this Thank you for hearing [music] this prayer prayer prayer and answering this prayer. and answering this prayer. and answering this prayer. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. >> Pastor Greg Laurie with an important >> Pastor Greg Laurie with an important prayer with those making a decision for prayer with those making a decision for prayer with those making a decision for the Lord here on today's edition of A the Lord here on today's edition of A the Lord here on today's edition of A New Beginning. New Beginning. New Beginning. And if you've just prayed that prayer And if you've just prayed that prayer And if you've just prayed that prayer and you've meant those words sincerely, and you've meant those words sincerely, and you've meant those words sincerely, the Lord has heard you and forgiven you the Lord has heard you and forgiven you the Lord has heard you and forgiven you of your sin. of your sin. of your sin. And we want to help you get started in And we want to help you get started in And we want to help you get started in this new found faith of yours. We want this new found faith of yours. We want this new found faith of yours. We want to send you Pastor Greg's New Believer's to send you Pastor Greg's New Believer's to send you Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's a unique edition of God's Bible. It's a unique edition of God's Bible. It's a unique edition of God's word with scores of helps that'll answer word with scores of helps that'll answer word with scores of helps that'll answer the questions you might have and help the questions you might have and help the questions you might have and help you build a solid foundation for your you build a solid foundation for your you build a solid foundation for your faith. We'll send it without charge.

faith. We'll send it without charge. faith. We'll send it without charge. Just ask for the New Believer's Bible Just ask for the New Believer's Bible Just ask for the New Believer's Bible when you call 1-800-821-3300. 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 just go online to harvest.org Or just go online to harvest.org Or just go online to harvest.org and click the words know God. and click the words know God. and click the words know God. And then let us take a moment to thank And then let us take a moment to thank And then let us take a moment to thank you for praying for this ministry and you for praying for this ministry and you for praying for this ministry and for supporting it through your generous for supporting it through your generous for supporting it through your generous donation. It's an investment in kingdom donation. It's an investment in kingdom donation. It's an investment in kingdom business. Isn't that right, Pastor Greg? business. Isn't that right, Pastor Greg? business. Isn't that right, Pastor Greg? >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. And I >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. And I >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. And I believe it's so important because you believe it's so important because you believe it's so important because you know, the gospel saves lives. It saves know, the gospel saves lives. It saves know, the gospel saves lives. It saves eternal lives eternal lives eternal lives because when a person believes in Jesus because when a person believes in Jesus because when a person believes in Jesus according to scripture, they pass from according to scripture, they pass from according to scripture, they pass from darkness to light, from the power of darkness to light, from the power of darkness to light, from the power of Satan to the power of God. And then of Satan to the power of God. And then of Satan to the power of God. And then of course, that changes the course of their course, that changes the course of their course, that changes the course of their future. That impacts their children and future. That impacts their children and future. That impacts their children and their children's children. The gospel their children's children. The gospel their children's children. The gospel changes everything. And thousands and changes everything. And thousands and changes everything. And thousands and thousands of people respond every single thousands of people respond every single thousands of people respond every single year.

year. year. Thanks to the Lord. Thanks to the Lord. Thanks to the Lord. Also thanks to you for your investment Also thanks to you for your investment Also thanks to you for your investment in this ministry, enabling us to reach in this ministry, enabling us to reach in this ministry, enabling us to reach people wherever they are. So, if this is people wherever they are. So, if this is people wherever they are. So, if this is something you care about, I encourage something you care about, I encourage something you care about, I encourage you to make a financial investment in A you to make a financial investment in A you to make a financial investment in A New Beginning and Harvest Ministries. New Beginning and Harvest Ministries. New Beginning and Harvest Ministries. >> Yeah, that's right. And we really do >> Yeah, that's right. And we really do >> Yeah, that's right. And we really do appreciate your support. Thanks for appreciate your support. Thanks for appreciate your support. Thanks for partnering with us today. It can make a partnering with us today. It can make a partnering with us today. It can make a real difference, not just for today or real difference, not just for today or real difference, not just for today or this week, but for eternity. this week, but for eternity. this week, but for eternity. So, get in touch with your support today So, get in touch with your support today So, get in touch with your support today by calling 1-800-821-3300. That's a 24/7 phone number, That's a 24/7 phone number, 1-800-821-3300. Or write A New Beginning Box 4000, Or write A New Beginning Box 4000, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> 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. Well, next time, [music] more insights Well, next time, [music] more insights Well, next time, [music] more insights on doing our part in sharing the gospel on doing our part in sharing the gospel on doing our part in sharing the gospel as the series called [music] Refresh as the series called [music] Refresh as the series called [music] Refresh continues. Join us here on A New continues. Join us here on A New continues. Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible teacher Beginning with Pastor and Bible teacher Beginning with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie.

Greg Laurie. Greg Laurie. >> This is the day >> [music] >> [music] >> when life begins.