Why Do Christians Have to Suffer? | When Life Hurts

Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in Feeling [music] a bit disconnected in your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg Lori has a [music] great new book called Lori has a [music] great new book called Lori has a [music] great new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to What Every Growing Christian Needs to What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know that'll help. Let's say you're Know that'll help. Let's say you're Know that'll help. Let's say you're feeling lethargic and tired. You know, feeling lethargic and tired. You know, feeling lethargic and tired. You know, if you have [music] a diet of social if you have [music] a diet of social if you have [music] a diet of social media and you don't take time for the media and you don't take time for the media and you don't take time for the word of God, [music] this is going to word of God, [music] this is going to word of God, [music] this is going to have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at harvest.org. or harvest.org. or harvest.org. or >> we must through many tribulations >> we must through many tribulations >> we must through many tribulations [music] [music] [music] enter the kingdom of God. enter the kingdom of God. enter the kingdom of God. >> And so many have had [music] a large >> And so many have had [music] a large >> And so many have had [music] a large order of those tribulations. But coming order of those tribulations. But coming order of those tribulations. But coming up today here on a new beginning, up today here on a new beginning, up today here on a new beginning, [music] Pastor Greg Lori brings us some [music] Pastor Greg Lori brings us some [music] Pastor Greg Lori brings us some biblical perspective. We cannot live a biblical perspective. We cannot live a biblical perspective. We cannot live a trouble-free [music] life. But God makes trouble-free [music] life. But God makes trouble-free [music] life. But God makes all the difference. Because then you all the difference. Because then you all the difference. Because then you realize when hardship comes, there is realize when hardship comes, there is realize when hardship comes, there is still a loving heavenly [music] father still a loving heavenly [music] father still a loving heavenly [music] father who will allow these things to be used who will allow these things to be used who will allow these things to be used for his glory. for his glory. for his glory. >> This is the day when the lost are found.

>> This is the day when the lost are found. >> This is the day when the lost are found. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> This is the day >> This is the day >> This is the day when life begin. when life begin. when life begin. >> Have you ever seen your [music] child >> Have you ever seen your [music] child >> Have you ever seen your [music] child face something pretty tough? Maybe it face something pretty tough? Maybe it face something pretty tough? Maybe it was an important medical procedure that was an important medical procedure that was an important medical procedure that was quite painful. You knew it [music] was quite painful. You knew it [music] was quite painful. You knew it [music] was necessary and helpful in the long was necessary and helpful in the long was necessary and helpful in the long term, but your child just focused on the term, but your child just focused on the term, but your child just focused on the suffering. Well, today on a new suffering. Well, today on a new suffering. Well, today on a new beginning, [music] Pastor Greg Lori beginning, [music] Pastor Greg Lori beginning, [music] Pastor Greg Lori helps us trust our heavenly father to helps us trust our heavenly father to helps us trust our heavenly father to know what's best. Even when there's pain know what's best. Even when there's pain know what's best. Even when there's pain in the present, we'll learn the [music] in the present, we'll learn the [music] in the present, we'll learn the [music] encouragement that comes when we focus encouragement that comes when we focus encouragement that comes when we focus on the future benefit and the present on the future benefit and the present on the future benefit and the present presence of God in our lives. presence of God in our lives. presence of God in our lives. >> This [music] is the day >> This [music] is the day >> This [music] is the day when life begins. [music] >> Acts chapter 14. The title of my message >> Acts chapter 14. The title of my message is why do Christians have to suffer and is why do Christians have to suffer and is why do Christians have to suffer and we come to the second section of the we come to the second section of the we come to the second section of the book of acts now and the focus of the book of acts now and the focus of the book of acts now and the focus of the book goes from Peter to Paul. Now of book goes from Peter to Paul. Now of book goes from Peter to Paul. Now of course we're introduced to Paul earlier course we're introduced to Paul earlier course we're introduced to Paul earlier in the book as Saul of Tarsus the in the book as Saul of Tarsus the in the book as Saul of Tarsus the Christian killer hunting down followers Christian killer hunting down followers Christian killer hunting down followers of Jesus and sending them to prison and of Jesus and sending them to prison and of Jesus and sending them to prison and even to death. It's Saul of Tarsus who even to death. It's Saul of Tarsus who even to death. It's Saul of Tarsus who presides over the death of the first presides over the death of the first presides over the death of the first martyr of the church, the courageous

martyr of the church, the courageous martyr of the church, the courageous young Steven. But now he's been young Steven. But now he's been young Steven. But now he's been converted on the Damascus road and Saul converted on the Damascus road and Saul converted on the Damascus road and Saul has become Paul. But the Lord sort of has become Paul. But the Lord sort of has become Paul. But the Lord sort of whipping him into shape and Paul is now whipping him into shape and Paul is now whipping him into shape and Paul is now ready for prime time. So we're going to ready for prime time. So we're going to ready for prime time. So we're going to look at uh exciting missionary journeys look at uh exciting missionary journeys look at uh exciting missionary journeys of Paul. Paul and Barnabas and later of Paul. Paul and Barnabas and later of Paul. Paul and Barnabas and later Paul and Silas. Now if you think things Paul and Silas. Now if you think things Paul and Silas. Now if you think things are bad in the world today, I want you are bad in the world today, I want you are bad in the world today, I want you to think about the world that Paul was to think about the world that Paul was to think about the world that Paul was called to. Rome was clearly in power. called to. Rome was clearly in power. called to. Rome was clearly in power. Immorality was rampant. Divorce was Immorality was rampant. Divorce was Immorality was rampant. Divorce was widespread. Slavery was the order of the widespread. Slavery was the order of the widespread. Slavery was the order of the day. Infanticide a regular practice. day. Infanticide a regular practice. day. Infanticide a regular practice. Prostitutes roame the streets, pulling Prostitutes roame the streets, pulling Prostitutes roame the streets, pulling people into pagan temples, and the people into pagan temples, and the people into pagan temples, and the religious establishment was largely religious establishment was largely religious establishment was largely corrupt. Add to this the fact that corrupt. Add to this the fact that corrupt. Add to this the fact that idolatry was rampant, as was spiritism idolatry was rampant, as was spiritism idolatry was rampant, as was spiritism and outright demon worship. Temples and outright demon worship. Temples and outright demon worship. Temples erected to false gods stood seemingly on erected to false gods stood seemingly on erected to false gods stood seemingly on every corner. And this is the world the every corner. And this is the world the every corner. And this is the world the apostles were called to. But because of apostles were called to. But because of apostles were called to. But because of the Roman road system was which was sort the Roman road system was which was sort the Roman road system was which was sort of like the first century version of the of like the first century version of the of like the first century version of the internet for the first time in history internet for the first time in history internet for the first time in history you were able to connect with people all you were able to connect with people all you were able to connect with people all around the planet because the Romans had around the planet because the Romans had around the planet because the Romans had built this incredible road system. Now built this incredible road system. Now built this incredible road system. Now the world was going to hear the gospel the world was going to hear the gospel the world was going to hear the gospel and there was a common language of the and there was a common language of the and there was a common language of the day also instituted by Rome the language

day also instituted by Rome the language day also instituted by Rome the language of Greek. And so this is the world Paul of Greek. And so this is the world Paul of Greek. And so this is the world Paul and the others were called to. And in and the others were called to. And in and the others were called to. And in short order, without technology, without short order, without technology, without short order, without technology, without any of the tools we have today, they any of the tools we have today, they any of the tools we have today, they effectively turn their world upside effectively turn their world upside effectively turn their world upside down. They were really bright lights in down. They were really bright lights in down. They were really bright lights in a dark place. But now we're going to see a dark place. But now we're going to see a dark place. But now we're going to see an interesting verse here in Acts 14 an interesting verse here in Acts 14 an interesting verse here in Acts 14 that talks about adversity that comes in that talks about adversity that comes in that talks about adversity that comes in the life of the Christian. It's great to the life of the Christian. It's great to the life of the Christian. It's great to talk about heaven. It's it's wonderful talk about heaven. It's it's wonderful talk about heaven. It's it's wonderful to think about glory and the rewards to think about glory and the rewards to think about glory and the rewards that await us, but there can be that await us, but there can be that await us, but there can be difficulties on the way because heaven difficulties on the way because heaven difficulties on the way because heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. is a prepared place for prepared people. is a prepared place for prepared people. So, whatever you're going through right So, whatever you're going through right So, whatever you're going through right now, maybe I'm talking to somebody going now, maybe I'm talking to somebody going now, maybe I'm talking to somebody going through an intense trial, severe through an intense trial, severe through an intense trial, severe adversity, personal suffering, a adversity, personal suffering, a adversity, personal suffering, a tragedy, something else. You're saying, tragedy, something else. You're saying, tragedy, something else. You're saying, "Why is this happening to me?" Wouldn't "Why is this happening to me?" Wouldn't "Why is this happening to me?" Wouldn't it be great if the moment we accepted it be great if the moment we accepted it be great if the moment we accepted Christ, we just went straight to heaven?

Christ, we just went straight to heaven? Christ, we just went straight to heaven? You'd say to someone, "Would you like You'd say to someone, "Would you like You'd say to someone, "Would you like Jesus to come into your life?" Yes. Pray Jesus to come into your life?" Yes. Pray Jesus to come into your life?" Yes. Pray this prayer with me. Lord Jesus, I know this prayer with me. Lord Jesus, I know this prayer with me. Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner. I believe you're the I'm a sinner. I believe you're the I'm a sinner. I believe you're the savior who died on the cross, and I ask savior who died on the cross, and I ask savior who died on the cross, and I ask you to come into my life. Amen. Boom. you to come into my life. Amen. Boom. you to come into my life. Amen. Boom. You're in heaven. That'd be cool, but You're in heaven. That'd be cool, but You're in heaven. That'd be cool, but that's not the way it works. There's that's not the way it works. There's that's not the way it works. There's things that are going to happen in your things that are going to happen in your things that are going to happen in your life to prepare you for this prepared life to prepare you for this prepared life to prepare you for this prepared place. And the Bible is clear in place. And the Bible is clear in place. And the Bible is clear in pointing out that storms will come in pointing out that storms will come in pointing out that storms will come in every life. But there's a purpose in every life. But there's a purpose in every life. But there's a purpose in these storms. Go to Acts 14 21. When these storms. Go to Acts 14 21. When these storms. Go to Acts 14 21. When they had preached the gospel to that they had preached the gospel to that they had preached the gospel to that city, it made many disciples. that led city, it made many disciples. that led city, it made many disciples. that led many people to the Lord and returned to many people to the Lord and returned to many people to the Lord and returned to Lististra, Iconium, and Antioch, Lististra, Iconium, and Antioch, Lististra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the strengthening the souls of the strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue uh disciples, exhorting them to continue uh disciples, exhorting them to continue uh in the faith and saying, "We must in the faith and saying, "We must in the faith and saying, "We must through many tribulations through many tribulations through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." We must enter the kingdom of God." We must enter the kingdom of God." We must through many tribulations through many tribulations through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. There's the enter the kingdom of God. There's the enter the kingdom of God. There's the gospel and the Christian life in a gospel and the Christian life in a gospel and the Christian life in a nutshell. It's not all blue skies. It's nutshell. It's not all blue skies. It's nutshell. It's not all blue skies. It's not all easy days. Those come, thank not all easy days. Those come, thank not all easy days. Those come, thank God. But there are storm clouds and God. But there are storm clouds and God. But there are storm clouds and there are challenges.

there are challenges. there are challenges. And it's through many tribulations, we And it's through many tribulations, we And it's through many tribulations, we enter the kingdom of God. Now, someone enter the kingdom of God. Now, someone enter the kingdom of God. Now, someone might say, "Well, I I don't I don't want might say, "Well, I I don't I don't want might say, "Well, I I don't I don't want that. I want to live carefree. I just that. I want to live carefree. I just that. I want to live carefree. I just want to have fun because girls just want want to have fun because girls just want want to have fun because girls just want to have fun. And all I want to do is to have fun. And all I want to do is to have fun. And all I want to do is have some fun. And I've got a feeling have some fun. And I've got a feeling have some fun. And I've got a feeling I'm not the only one. I want to fly like I'm not the only one. I want to fly like I'm not the only one. I want to fly like an eagle till I'm free. Fly, fly, fly. an eagle till I'm free. Fly, fly, fly. an eagle till I'm free. Fly, fly, fly. Listen, bird brain. Um, that's not the Listen, bird brain. Um, that's not the Listen, bird brain. Um, that's not the way life works. Because through many way life works. Because through many way life works. Because through many tribulations, you will enter the kingdom tribulations, you will enter the kingdom tribulations, you will enter the kingdom of God. Listen to these words of Job. of God. Listen to these words of Job. of God. Listen to these words of Job. When he says, "We're all a drift in the When he says, "We're all a drift in the When he says, "We're all a drift in the same boat. Too few days, too many same boat. Too few days, too many same boat. Too few days, too many troubles." Wow, that's relevant. Jesus troubles." Wow, that's relevant. Jesus troubles." Wow, that's relevant. Jesus summed it up to two men building their summed it up to two men building their summed it up to two men building their homes or their lives on different homes or their lives on different homes or their lives on different foundations. One man built his home on a foundations. One man built his home on a foundations. One man built his home on a rock. Another man built his home on the rock. Another man built his home on the rock. Another man built his home on the shifting sand. And the wind came and the shifting sand. And the wind came and the shifting sand. And the wind came and the storms came and the rain fell. And the storms came and the rain fell. And the storms came and the rain fell. And the one who was built on the rock stood and one who was built on the rock stood and one who was built on the rock stood and was strong. The one who built his house was strong. The one who built his house was strong. The one who built his house on sand, his house collapsed. So you on sand, his house collapsed. So you on sand, his house collapsed. So you have a choice as to what you're going to have a choice as to what you're going to have a choice as to what you're going to build your life on. But here's the build your life on. But here's the build your life on. But here's the bottom line. Storms will come into every bottom line. Storms will come into every bottom line. Storms will come into every life. Storms will come into the life of life. Storms will come into the life of life. Storms will come into the life of the ungodly person. Storms will come the ungodly person. Storms will come the ungodly person. Storms will come into the life of the godly person. The into the life of the godly person. The into the life of the godly person. The Bible says the rain falls on the just Bible says the rain falls on the just Bible says the rain falls on the just and the unjust. We cannot live a and the unjust. We cannot live a and the unjust. We cannot live a trouble-free life. Maybe this is why uh trouble-free life. Maybe this is why uh trouble-free life. Maybe this is why uh Benjamin Draeli, the former prime

Benjamin Draeli, the former prime Benjamin Draeli, the former prime minister of England, reviewing his life minister of England, reviewing his life minister of England, reviewing his life said, quote, "Yuth is a mistake, manhood said, quote, "Yuth is a mistake, manhood said, quote, "Yuth is a mistake, manhood is a struggle, and old age is a regret." is a struggle, and old age is a regret." is a struggle, and old age is a regret." end quote. Pretty pessimistic view. end quote. Pretty pessimistic view. end quote. Pretty pessimistic view. Well, that's the view of life without Well, that's the view of life without Well, that's the view of life without God. But God makes all the difference God. But God makes all the difference God. But God makes all the difference because then you realize when hardship because then you realize when hardship because then you realize when hardship comes, when adversity is knocking at the comes, when adversity is knocking at the comes, when adversity is knocking at the door of your life, when tragedy befalls door of your life, when tragedy befalls door of your life, when tragedy befalls you, there is still a loving heavenly you, there is still a loving heavenly you, there is still a loving heavenly father who will allow these things to be father who will allow these things to be father who will allow these things to be used for his glory. It's hard for us to used for his glory. It's hard for us to used for his glory. It's hard for us to wrap our minds around tragedy and the wrap our minds around tragedy and the wrap our minds around tragedy and the life of a Christian. It's hard for us to life of a Christian. It's hard for us to life of a Christian. It's hard for us to understand that a Christian can get understand that a Christian can get understand that a Christian can get cancer or that a Christian can die in an cancer or that a Christian can die in an cancer or that a Christian can die in an automobile accident or that a Christian automobile accident or that a Christian automobile accident or that a Christian can face some other horrible event in can face some other horrible event in can face some other horrible event in life. You know, our own son died in an life. You know, our own son died in an life. You know, our own son died in an automobile accident. And you know, automobile accident. And you know, automobile accident. And you know, people sometimes ask, well, are you over people sometimes ask, well, are you over people sometimes ask, well, are you over it yet? You know, never ask that it yet? You know, never ask that it yet? You know, never ask that question of anyone who's lost a child question of anyone who's lost a child question of anyone who's lost a child because you never get over it. You do because you never get over it. You do because you never get over it. You do get through it. It it is not as hard get through it. It it is not as hard get through it. It it is not as hard today as it was after it happened, but today as it was after it happened, but today as it was after it happened, but it's still hard and we still miss our it's still hard and we still miss our it's still hard and we still miss our son. And I did have people come to me son. And I did have people come to me son. And I did have people come to me and say, "How could this happen to you and say, "How could this happen to you and say, "How could this happen to you of all people?" Which I found an of all people?" Which I found an of all people?" Which I found an interesting question. Well, you're a interesting question. Well, you're a interesting question. Well, you're a preacher and you help people and point preacher and you help people and point preacher and you help people and point people to God. Why would God allow this people to God. Why would God allow this people to God. Why would God allow this to happen to you? And my response is,

to happen to you? And my response is, to happen to you? And my response is, why do you think I would get a free why do you think I would get a free why do you think I would get a free pass? Because I'm a preacher. We're all pass? Because I'm a preacher. We're all pass? Because I'm a preacher. We're all in the same boat as Job said. I live in in the same boat as Job said. I live in in the same boat as Job said. I live in the same fallen world as you do. But the same fallen world as you do. But the same fallen world as you do. But here's what the Bible says in Romans 5. here's what the Bible says in Romans 5. here's what the Bible says in Romans 5. We can rejoice when we run into problems We can rejoice when we run into problems We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials. For we know they help us and trials. For we know they help us and trials. For we know they help us develop endurance, and endurance develop endurance, and endurance develop endurance, and endurance develops strength of character. And this develops strength of character. And this develops strength of character. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. hope will not lead to disappointment. hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us. For we know how dearly God loves us. For we know how dearly God loves us. Wait, hold on, Paul. You said trials. A Wait, hold on, Paul. You said trials. A Wait, hold on, Paul. You said trials. A and you said hardship. And then you said and you said hardship. And then you said and you said hardship. And then you said God loves me. If God loves me, why does God loves me. If God loves me, why does God loves me. If God loves me, why does he let me go through hardship and he let me go through hardship and he let me go through hardship and trials? Answer. Because God loves me. trials? Answer. Because God loves me. trials? Answer. Because God loves me. And because through many tribulations, And because through many tribulations, And because through many tribulations, I will enter [music] the kingdom of God. Pastor Greg [music] Lorie will have the Pastor Greg [music] Lorie will have the second half of his message in just a second half of his message in just a second half of his message in just a moment. moment. moment. >> We're so grateful [music] to hear of the >> We're so grateful [music] to hear of the >> We're so grateful [music] to hear of the changed lives through Harvest Ministries changed lives through Harvest Ministries changed lives through Harvest Ministries like this one.

like this one. like this one. >> Hi, Pastor Greg. I want to thank [music] >> Hi, Pastor Greg. I want to thank [music] >> Hi, Pastor Greg. I want to thank [music] you for your many messages that have you for your many messages that have you for your many messages that have helped me learn more about Jesus. helped me learn more about Jesus. helped me learn more about Jesus. Listening to your sermons has allowed me Listening to your sermons has allowed me Listening to your sermons has allowed me to understand [music] God's word in a to understand [music] God's word in a to understand [music] God's word in a way that I never knew before. It really way that I never knew before. It really way that I never knew before. It really took me becoming a mom before my faith took me becoming a mom before my faith took me becoming a mom before my faith became serious to me. But your [music] became serious to me. But your [music] became serious to me. But your [music] podcasts and devotions have helped me as podcasts and devotions have helped me as podcasts and devotions have helped me as I was able to explain the Bible to my I was able to explain the Bible to my I was able to explain the Bible to my four-year-old son. About a week ago, four-year-old son. About a week ago, four-year-old son. About a week ago, [music] he told me he wanted to ask [music] he told me he wanted to ask [music] he told me he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart. And I thank Jesus Jesus into his heart. And I thank Jesus Jesus into his heart. And I thank Jesus for [music] giving me the right words to for [music] giving me the right words to for [music] giving me the right words to help him. Thank you so much for helping help him. Thank you so much for helping help him. Thank you so much for helping me and my family grow [music] closer to me and my family grow [music] closer to me and my family grow [music] closer to the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> It's a joy to hear that these studies >> It's a joy to hear that these studies >> It's a joy to hear that these studies have impacted this woman's life and that have impacted this woman's life and that have impacted this woman's life and that of her [music] family. If you have a of her [music] family. If you have a of her [music] family. If you have a story to share, why not call us and let story to share, why not call us and let story to share, why not call us and let us know? Here's the number 1866871144. us know? Here's the number 1866871144. us know? Here's the number 1866871144. [music] Well, we're glad you're along today for Well, we're glad you're along today for Pastor Greg's message in Acts 14 titled, Pastor Greg's message in Acts 14 titled, Pastor Greg's message in Acts 14 titled, Why do Christians have to suffer? Let's Why do Christians have to suffer? Let's Why do Christians have to suffer? Let's continue.

continue. continue. >> Mary and Martha and Lazarus, remember >> Mary and Martha and Lazarus, remember >> Mary and Martha and Lazarus, remember them? They lived in Bethany. Bethany is them? They lived in Bethany. Bethany is them? They lived in Bethany. Bethany is basically striking distance from basically striking distance from basically striking distance from Jerusalem. So when the Lord and his Jerusalem. So when the Lord and his Jerusalem. So when the Lord and his disciples would make their way into the disciples would make their way into the disciples would make their way into the city, they would often stop at the home city, they would often stop at the home city, they would often stop at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. And Martha of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. And Martha of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. And Martha was a killer cook and Jesus liked to was a killer cook and Jesus liked to was a killer cook and Jesus liked to hang out with them. They could hang out with them. They could hang out with them. They could legitimately say, "We are friends of legitimately say, "We are friends of legitimately say, "We are friends of Jesus." They could. And wouldn't that Jesus." They could. And wouldn't that Jesus." They could. And wouldn't that not be hard to not bring up in every not be hard to not bring up in every not be hard to not bring up in every conversation? You know, as my friend conversation? You know, as my friend conversation? You know, as my friend Jesus just said to me yesterday or he Jesus just said to me yesterday or he Jesus just said to me yesterday or he just texted me, want to see his text? just texted me, want to see his text? just texted me, want to see his text? See, we're tight. And they were they See, we're tight. And they were they See, we're tight. And they were they were actual friends of Jesus. And so were actual friends of Jesus. And so were actual friends of Jesus. And so when Lazarus got very sick, Mary and when Lazarus got very sick, Mary and when Lazarus got very sick, Mary and Martha sent word to the Lord who was out Martha sent word to the Lord who was out Martha sent word to the Lord who was out traveling, "The one that you love is traveling, "The one that you love is traveling, "The one that you love is sick." thinking for sure he would drop sick." thinking for sure he would drop sick." thinking for sure he would drop whatever he's doing, come back to whatever he's doing, come back to whatever he's doing, come back to Bethany, heal his buddy, and then return Bethany, heal his buddy, and then return Bethany, heal his buddy, and then return to whatever it was God had called him to to whatever it was God had called him to to whatever it was God had called him to do. But yet, we read these verses in do. But yet, we read these verses in do. But yet, we read these verses in John 11. When Jesus heard about this, he John 11. When Jesus heard about this, he John 11. When Jesus heard about this, he said, "The sickness of Lazarus will not said, "The sickness of Lazarus will not said, "The sickness of Lazarus will not end in death. It happened for the glory end in death. It happened for the glory end in death. It happened for the glory of God. So the Son of God will receive of God. So the Son of God will receive of God. So the Son of God will receive glory from this." Listen. Although Jesus glory from this." Listen. Although Jesus glory from this." Listen. Although Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, he loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, he loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two stayed where he was for the next two stayed where he was for the next two days. Wait. Because he loved them, he days. Wait. Because he loved them, he days. Wait. Because he loved them, he stayed where he was. Again, this doesn't stayed where he was. Again, this doesn't stayed where he was. Again, this doesn't make sense. Listen, God's ways are not

make sense. Listen, God's ways are not make sense. Listen, God's ways are not your ways. And God's timing is not your your ways. And God's timing is not your your ways. And God's timing is not your timing. And they wanted a healing. But timing. And they wanted a healing. But timing. And they wanted a healing. But Jesus was instead going to do a Jesus was instead going to do a Jesus was instead going to do a resurrection. resurrection. resurrection. Because when he showed up in town, not Because when he showed up in town, not Because when he showed up in town, not only had he not healed Lazarus, but he only had he not healed Lazarus, but he only had he not healed Lazarus, but he had missed the funeral. And Martha came had missed the funeral. And Martha came had missed the funeral. And Martha came to him and said, "Lord, if you would to him and said, "Lord, if you would to him and said, "Lord, if you would have been here, my brother would not have been here, my brother would not have been here, my brother would not have died." Let me update that. Jesus, have died." Let me update that. Jesus, have died." Let me update that. Jesus, you missed an opportunity. You blew it, you missed an opportunity. You blew it, you missed an opportunity. You blew it, Lord. We were bragging on you. We were Lord. We were bragging on you. We were Lord. We were bragging on you. We were telling everyone you would come through telling everyone you would come through telling everyone you would come through and you show up late. Jesus says, and you show up late. Jesus says, and you show up late. Jesus says, "Martha, your brother will rise again." "Martha, your brother will rise again." "Martha, your brother will rise again." Oh, I know. Martha says, "I know in the Oh, I know. Martha says, "I know in the Oh, I know. Martha says, "I know in the resurrection of the last day." Jesus resurrection of the last day." Jesus resurrection of the last day." Jesus says, "Martha, read my lips." No, he says, "Martha, read my lips." No, he says, "Martha, read my lips." No, he didn't say that, but he did say this. didn't say that, but he did say this. didn't say that, but he did say this. Martha, I am the resurrection and the Martha, I am the resurrection and the Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me, though he life. He that believes in me, though he life. He that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And were dead, yet shall he live. And were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever lives and believes in me shall whosoever lives and believes in me shall whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Then he followed up with this never die. Then he followed up with this never die. Then he followed up with this question. Do you believe this? Well, she question. Do you believe this? Well, she question. Do you believe this? Well, she didn't. Mary came and effectively said didn't. Mary came and effectively said didn't. Mary came and effectively said the same thing. And then Jesus walked up the same thing. And then Jesus walked up the same thing. And then Jesus walked up to the tomb of Lazarus and he said, to the tomb of Lazarus and he said, to the tomb of Lazarus and he said, "Lazarus, come forth."

"Lazarus, come forth." "Lazarus, come forth." It's a good thing he said, "Lazarus, It's a good thing he said, "Lazarus, It's a good thing he said, "Lazarus, come forth." If he had simply said, come forth." If he had simply said, come forth." If he had simply said, "Come forth." Everybody in every grave "Come forth." Everybody in every grave "Come forth." Everybody in every grave around the planet would have burst out. around the planet would have burst out. around the planet would have burst out. Lazarus, I'm talking to you. Come back. Lazarus, I'm talking to you. Come back. Lazarus, I'm talking to you. Come back. Come forth. And Lazarus did. The point Come forth. And Lazarus did. The point Come forth. And Lazarus did. The point of this is God allowed it for his of this is God allowed it for his of this is God allowed it for his purposes. So maybe it seems to you right purposes. So maybe it seems to you right purposes. So maybe it seems to you right now that Jesus is not hearing your now that Jesus is not hearing your now that Jesus is not hearing your prayer or that his delay is a denial. prayer or that his delay is a denial. prayer or that his delay is a denial. Understand God may have a purpose. Why Understand God may have a purpose. Why Understand God may have a purpose. Why does God allow adversity in the life of does God allow adversity in the life of does God allow adversity in the life of the Christian? If you're taking notes, the Christian? If you're taking notes, the Christian? If you're taking notes, here's point number one. Suffering and here's point number one. Suffering and here's point number one. Suffering and adversity keep us humble. Suffering and adversity keep us humble. Suffering and adversity keep us humble. Suffering and adversity keep us humble. Prosperity, adversity keep us humble. Prosperity, adversity keep us humble. Prosperity, success can have a tendency to make success can have a tendency to make success can have a tendency to make people proud and self-sufficient. people proud and self-sufficient. people proud and self-sufficient. We might say, we wouldn't verbalize it We might say, we wouldn't verbalize it We might say, we wouldn't verbalize it necessarily, but we think it. I don't necessarily, but we think it. I don't necessarily, but we think it. I don't need God. I have money in my account. I need God. I have money in my account. I need God. I have money in my account. I have my investments. I have my career. I have my investments. I have my career. I have my investments. I have my career. I have my family. I have this. I have have my family. I have this. I have have my family. I have this. I have that. And so, I'm not thinking about the that. And so, I'm not thinking about the that. And so, I'm not thinking about the Lord. Proverbs 30 says, "Give me enough Lord. Proverbs 30 says, "Give me enough Lord. Proverbs 30 says, "Give me enough food to live on, neither too much nor food to live on, neither too much nor food to live on, neither too much nor too little. If I'm too full, I might get too little. If I'm too full, I might get too little. If I'm too full, I might get independent, saying, "God, who needs independent, saying, "God, who needs independent, saying, "God, who needs him?" And that happens. When the him?" And that happens. When the him?" And that happens. When the children of Israel left Egypt and children of Israel left Egypt and children of Israel left Egypt and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, by the way, it does not take 40 years to by the way, it does not take 40 years to by the way, it does not take 40 years to get from Egypt to Israel, even on foot.

get from Egypt to Israel, even on foot. get from Egypt to Israel, even on foot. Takes a lot less than that. Maybe 40 Takes a lot less than that. Maybe 40 Takes a lot less than that. Maybe 40 days, 2 months at the most. So, days, 2 months at the most. So, days, 2 months at the most. So, obviously, they were going in circles, obviously, they were going in circles, obviously, they were going in circles, but they were provided for by the Lord. but they were provided for by the Lord. but they were provided for by the Lord. He led them with the coolest GPS system He led them with the coolest GPS system He led them with the coolest GPS system of all time, a fire by night, a cloud by of all time, a fire by night, a cloud by of all time, a fire by night, a cloud by day. He fed them mana every day. But day. He fed them mana every day. But day. He fed them mana every day. But then when they came to the land of then when they came to the land of then when they came to the land of Canaan, the promised land, God gave them Canaan, the promised land, God gave them Canaan, the promised land, God gave them this warning. He said, "When you get to this warning. He said, "When you get to this warning. He said, "When you get to that land and you have eaten and you are that land and you have eaten and you are that land and you have eaten and you are full, beware lest you forget the Lord." full, beware lest you forget the Lord." full, beware lest you forget the Lord." You see, when life gets hard, when You see, when life gets hard, when You see, when life gets hard, when adversity hits, we drop to our knees and adversity hits, we drop to our knees and adversity hits, we drop to our knees and we pray. Here's my question. Do you pray we pray. Here's my question. Do you pray we pray. Here's my question. Do you pray with the same intensity when all your with the same intensity when all your with the same intensity when all your needs are met? We should be as quick to needs are met? We should be as quick to needs are met? We should be as quick to give thanks as we are to come to God give thanks as we are to come to God give thanks as we are to come to God with our petitions and say, "Lord, thank with our petitions and say, "Lord, thank with our petitions and say, "Lord, thank you." Right now, just think about all you." Right now, just think about all you." Right now, just think about all that God has given you. You have your that God has given you. You have your that God has given you. You have your home. You have or your apartment or I home. You have or your apartment or I home. You have or your apartment or I don't know where you live, but you have don't know where you live, but you have don't know where you live, but you have some place where you live and lay your some place where you live and lay your some place where you live and lay your head. You have your health. Hopefully, head. You have your health. Hopefully, head. You have your health. Hopefully, you have your family. Perhaps you have you have your family. Perhaps you have you have your family. Perhaps you have salvation. of that, I'm sure. Let's just salvation. of that, I'm sure. Let's just salvation. of that, I'm sure. Let's just all say thank you, Lord, right now.

all say thank you, Lord, right now. all say thank you, Lord, right now. Thank you, Lord. He's so good to us, Thank you, Lord. He's so good to us, Thank you, Lord. He's so good to us, isn't he? [applause] So, we need to pray. So, we need to pray. Number two, adversity teaches us eternal Number two, adversity teaches us eternal Number two, adversity teaches us eternal truths we would otherwise not learn. truths we would otherwise not learn. truths we would otherwise not learn. Adversity teaches us eternal truths that Adversity teaches us eternal truths that Adversity teaches us eternal truths that we would otherwise not learn. We try to we would otherwise not learn. We try to we would otherwise not learn. We try to avoid pain at all costs. You know, this avoid pain at all costs. You know, this avoid pain at all costs. You know, this is why I'm amazed at people who get is why I'm amazed at people who get is why I'm amazed at people who get tattoos. By the way, I'm not against tattoos. By the way, I'm not against tattoos. By the way, I'm not against tattoos. I'm fine with them. I went to tattoos. I'm fine with them. I went to tattoos. I'm fine with them. I went to get a tattoo. They said, "You're too old get a tattoo. They said, "You're too old get a tattoo. They said, "You're too old and lame. Leave right now." and lame. Leave right now." and lame. Leave right now." But seriously, here's a reason I would But seriously, here's a reason I would But seriously, here's a reason I would never get a tattoo. It looks like it never get a tattoo. It looks like it never get a tattoo. It looks like it hurts. See, I don't like pain. Like when hurts. See, I don't like pain. Like when hurts. See, I don't like pain. Like when I go to the dentist, I I don't like I go to the dentist, I I don't like I go to the dentist, I I don't like pain. They said, "This won't hurt a pain. They said, "This won't hurt a pain. They said, "This won't hurt a bit." and they give you the shot of bit." and they give you the shot of bit." and they give you the shot of novocaane. It still hurts. And uh we're novocaane. It still hurts. And uh we're novocaane. It still hurts. And uh we're always looking for a way around pain. Uh always looking for a way around pain. Uh always looking for a way around pain. Uh you know, I want to work out. I want to you know, I want to work out. I want to you know, I want to work out. I want to lose weight, but I actually Well, let's lose weight, but I actually Well, let's lose weight, but I actually Well, let's take out the workout part. I just want take out the workout part. I just want take out the workout part. I just want to lose weight cuz I'm in bad shape or to lose weight cuz I'm in bad shape or to lose weight cuz I'm in bad shape or I'm not in a good shape. Well, I'm in a I'm not in a good shape. Well, I'm in a I'm not in a good shape. Well, I'm in a shape. It's kind of like the shape of a shape. It's kind of like the shape of a shape. It's kind of like the shape of a pair. And people even call me the Lord's pair. And people even call me the Lord's pair. And people even call me the Lord's pair and I don't appreciate that. So, I pair and I don't appreciate that. So, I pair and I don't appreciate that. So, I want to get in better shape. So you talk want to get in better shape. So you talk want to get in better shape. So you talk to a trainer or somebody who's in good to a trainer or somebody who's in good to a trainer or somebody who's in good shape. Got to hit the gym, man. Hit the shape. Got to hit the gym, man. Hit the shape. Got to hit the gym, man. Hit the gym. Break it down. Build it up. No gym. Break it down. Build it up. No gym. Break it down. Build it up. No pain, no gain. Uh is there a way around pain, no gain. Uh is there a way around pain, no gain. Uh is there a way around this? And we don't like to go through

this? And we don't like to go through this? And we don't like to go through those things. But in a way, trials are those things. But in a way, trials are those things. But in a way, trials are like God's gym to break us down, to like God's gym to break us down, to like God's gym to break us down, to build us up. Pain reminds us of a deeper build us up. Pain reminds us of a deeper build us up. Pain reminds us of a deeper need. For instance, when I get hunger need. For instance, when I get hunger need. For instance, when I get hunger pangs, it reminds me it's time to eat. pangs, it reminds me it's time to eat. pangs, it reminds me it's time to eat. And my stomach works like clockwork. I And my stomach works like clockwork. I And my stomach works like clockwork. I mean, my stomach knows what time it is mean, my stomach knows what time it is mean, my stomach knows what time it is before my brain does, and it's time to before my brain does, and it's time to before my brain does, and it's time to eat. And so, sometimes pain is allowed eat. And so, sometimes pain is allowed eat. And so, sometimes pain is allowed in our life to get our attention. Now, in our life to get our attention. Now, in our life to get our attention. Now, don't get me wrong, and I hope I I don't don't get me wrong, and I hope I I don't don't get me wrong, and I hope I I don't seem to be overemphasizing suffering seem to be overemphasizing suffering seem to be overemphasizing suffering today because there's going to be many today because there's going to be many today because there's going to be many great days, many pain-free days, many great days, many pain-free days, many great days, many pain-free days, many days when there is no adversity at all. days when there is no adversity at all. days when there is no adversity at all. And we're thankful for those days. And I And we're thankful for those days. And I And we're thankful for those days. And I would encourage you, enjoy them. God would encourage you, enjoy them. God would encourage you, enjoy them. God even says in scripture that he has given even says in scripture that he has given even says in scripture that he has given us richly all things to enjoy. So enjoy us richly all things to enjoy. So enjoy us richly all things to enjoy. So enjoy those things. But understand that those things. But understand that those things. But understand that adversity will come. Why do we go adversity will come. Why do we go adversity will come. Why do we go through these trials? Again, Acts 14:22, through these trials? Again, Acts 14:22, through these trials? Again, Acts 14:22, we must through many tribulations enter we must through many tribulations enter we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. Here's a third the kingdom of God. Here's a third the kingdom of God. Here's a third reason we go through these trials and reason we go through these trials and reason we go through these trials and temptations. We have a new compassion temptations. We have a new compassion temptations. We have a new compassion for others in pain. When you go through for others in pain. When you go through for others in pain. When you go through adversity, you will have a new adversity, you will have a new adversity, you will have a new compassion for others who are in pain.

compassion for others who are in pain. compassion for others who are in pain. We live in a world of pain and hurt. We live in a world of pain and hurt. We live in a world of pain and hurt. Everyone has it. It's been said, "If you Everyone has it. It's been said, "If you Everyone has it. It's been said, "If you preach to people who are hurting, you preach to people who are hurting, you preach to people who are hurting, you will never lack for an audience." It's will never lack for an audience." It's will never lack for an audience." It's also been said, "Success builds walls. also been said, "Success builds walls. also been said, "Success builds walls. Failure builds bridges." Does that make Failure builds bridges." Does that make Failure builds bridges." Does that make sense? Success builds walls. Failure sense? Success builds walls. Failure sense? Success builds walls. Failure builds bridges. So when I talk about how builds bridges. So when I talk about how builds bridges. So when I talk about how great my life is and I don't have any great my life is and I don't have any great my life is and I don't have any problems and look at me and follow me on problems and look at me and follow me on problems and look at me and follow me on Instagram and everything's perfect, who Instagram and everything's perfect, who Instagram and everything's perfect, who can connect to that? But failure, when I can connect to that? But failure, when I can connect to that? But failure, when I talk about difficulty and challenges, talk about difficulty and challenges, talk about difficulty and challenges, oh, now I'm speaking in the language of oh, now I'm speaking in the language of oh, now I'm speaking in the language of real people who live in the real world. real people who live in the real world. real people who live in the real world. And by the way, a lot of those people And by the way, a lot of those people And by the way, a lot of those people giving you their fake life, they're not giving you their fake life, they're not giving you their fake life, they're not living that life either. It's all a living that life either. It's all a living that life either. It's all a mirage. It's all an illusion. mirage. It's all an illusion. mirage. It's all an illusion. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4, "God Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4, "God Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4, "God comforts us in our troubles." Listen, so comforts us in our troubles." Listen, so comforts us in our troubles." Listen, so we can comfort others when they're we can comfort others when they're we can comfort others when they're troubled, and we'll be able to give them troubled, and we'll be able to give them troubled, and we'll be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. The the same comfort God has given us. The the same comfort God has given us. The more we suffer for Christ, the more God more we suffer for Christ, the more God more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with this comfort through will shower us with this comfort through will shower us with this comfort through Christ. So Christ. So Christ. So I I would not go through what I went I I would not go through what I went I I would not go through what I went through losing our son if I could change through losing our son if I could change through losing our son if I could change history. I would bring him back in a history. I would bring him back in a history. I would bring him back in a heartbeat. But I can say this, God has heartbeat. But I can say this, God has heartbeat. But I can say this, God has given to me and my wife and our son a given to me and my wife and our son a given to me and my wife and our son a ministry we did not ask for, but a ministry we did not ask for, but a ministry we did not ask for, but a ministry we embrace. And it's a ministry ministry we embrace. And it's a ministry ministry we embrace. And it's a ministry of helping others who've lost loved of helping others who've lost loved of helping others who've lost loved ones. Okay? You know,

because I don't want to waste my pain. because I don't want to waste my pain. And if I can offer a word of And if I can offer a word of And if I can offer a word of encouragement, a word of hope to anybody encouragement, a word of hope to anybody encouragement, a word of hope to anybody who has gone through the worst tragedy who has gone through the worst tragedy who has gone through the worst tragedy imaginable, I want to do that and tell imaginable, I want to do that and tell imaginable, I want to do that and tell them that God will be there with them them that God will be there with them them that God will be there with them and God will walk through what they're and God will walk through what they're and God will walk through what they're going through with them as well. And if going through with them as well. And if going through with them as well. And if their loved one was a believer, the their loved one was a believer, the their loved one was a believer, the greatest hope of all, they will [music] greatest hope of all, they will [music] greatest hope of all, they will [music] see their loved one again because see their loved one again because see their loved one again because they're not just a part of their past, they're not just a part of their past, they're not just a part of their past, they're also a part of their future. they're also a part of their future. they're also a part of their future. That's our hope in Christ. [music] >> Good [music] encouragement from Pastor >> Good [music] encouragement from Pastor Greg Lori. Such important insight today Greg Lori. Such important insight today Greg Lori. Such important insight today on a new beginning on a challenging on a new beginning on a challenging on a new beginning on a challenging subject. The title of today's study, why subject. The title of today's study, why subject. The title of today's study, why do Christians have to suffer? do Christians have to suffer? do Christians have to suffer? >> You know, Pastor Greg, somebody may be >> You know, Pastor Greg, somebody may be >> You know, Pastor Greg, somebody may be listening right now who's facing some listening right now who's facing some listening right now who's facing some difficult challenges. difficult challenges. difficult challenges. They don't particularly count themselves They don't particularly count themselves They don't particularly count themselves as religious, but boy, they could sure as religious, but boy, they could sure as religious, but boy, they could sure use some help about now.

use some help about now. use some help about now. >> Yes, sometimes God will let us go >> Yes, sometimes God will let us go >> Yes, sometimes God will let us go through hardship, so he'll get our through hardship, so he'll get our through hardship, so he'll get our attention. The Psalmist said, "Before I attention. The Psalmist said, "Before I attention. The Psalmist said, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I have kept your word." So maybe have kept your word." So maybe have kept your word." So maybe something's happening in your life something's happening in your life something's happening in your life that's caused you to look up. As in that's caused you to look up. As in that's caused you to look up. As in looking up to God, and you're saying, looking up to God, and you're saying, looking up to God, and you're saying, "Help." Listen, that's not a bad place "Help." Listen, that's not a bad place "Help." Listen, that's not a bad place to be. In fact, that's a really good to be. In fact, that's a really good to be. In fact, that's a really good place to be. It's been said when you get place to be. It's been said when you get place to be. It's been said when you get to the end of yourself, you get to the to the end of yourself, you get to the to the end of yourself, you get to the beginning of God. Do you feel like beginning of God. Do you feel like beginning of God. Do you feel like you're at the end of yourself right now? you're at the end of yourself right now? you're at the end of yourself right now? Then why don't you pray? In fact, I Then why don't you pray? In fact, I Then why don't you pray? In fact, I would like to lead you in a prayer. would like to lead you in a prayer. would like to lead you in a prayer. Maybe you've never prayed before. You Maybe you've never prayed before. You Maybe you've never prayed before. You don't even know how to start praying. don't even know how to start praying. don't even know how to start praying. That's okay. Prayer is just talking to That's okay. Prayer is just talking to That's okay. Prayer is just talking to God. Let me lead you in a simple prayer. God. Let me lead you in a simple prayer. God. Let me lead you in a simple prayer. You could pray it after me, in fact. And You could pray it after me, in fact. And You could pray it after me, in fact. And this is a prayer where you're asking God this is a prayer where you're asking God this is a prayer where you're asking God to enter into your situation, but more to enter into your situation, but more to enter into your situation, but more significantly, you're asking Christ to significantly, you're asking Christ to significantly, you're asking Christ to enter into your life. See, that's what enter into your life. See, that's what enter into your life. See, that's what being a Christian is. It's having Christ being a Christian is. It's having Christ being a Christian is. It's having Christ living inside of you. It's a living inside of you. It's a living inside of you. It's a relationship, not some religious thing.

relationship, not some religious thing. relationship, not some religious thing. So, if you would like a relationship So, if you would like a relationship So, if you would like a relationship with God, if you would like God to walk with God, if you would like God to walk with God, if you would like God to walk with you through your times of with you through your times of with you through your times of difficulty, difficulty, difficulty, you could pray this prayer after me you could pray this prayer after me you could pray this prayer after me right now. just pray these words if you right now. just pray these words if you right now. just pray these words if you would. Lord Jesus, I'm scared and I need would. Lord Jesus, I'm scared and I need would. Lord Jesus, I'm scared and I need your help and I'm asking you to enter my your help and I'm asking you to enter my your help and I'm asking you to enter my life. I'm asking you to forgive me of my life. I'm asking you to forgive me of my life. I'm asking you to forgive me of my sin. I know that you died on the cross sin. I know that you died on the cross sin. I know that you died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead, for my sin and rose again from the dead, for my sin and rose again from the dead, but I want to receive you now as my but I want to receive you now as my but I want to receive you now as my savior and my lord. So I invite you into savior and my lord. So I invite you into savior and my lord. So I invite you into my life and I choose to follow you from my life and I choose to follow you from my life and I choose to follow you from this moment forward. Thank you for this moment forward. Thank you for this moment forward. Thank you for hearing this prayer and thank you for hearing this prayer and thank you for hearing this prayer and thank you for answering this prayer. In Jesus name I answering this prayer. In Jesus name I answering this prayer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. pray. Amen. Amen. pray. Amen. Amen. And listen, if you have just prayed that And listen, if you have just prayed that And listen, if you have just prayed that prayer along with Pastor Greg and you've prayer along with Pastor Greg and you've prayer along with Pastor Greg and you've meant those words sincerely, the Lord meant those words sincerely, the Lord meant those words sincerely, the Lord has heard you and has forgiven you of has heard you and has forgiven you of has heard you and has forgiven you of your sin. And we want to welcome you your sin. And we want to welcome you your sin. And we want to welcome you into the family of God. Let us help you into the family of God. Let us help you into the family of God. Let us help you begin living for the Lord each day.

begin living for the Lord each day. begin living for the Lord each day. Pastor Greg would like to send you his Pastor Greg would like to send you his Pastor Greg would like to send you his New Believer's Bible. It's in an easy to New Believer's Bible. It's in an easy to New Believer's Bible. It's in an easy to understand translation and has scores of understand translation and has scores of understand translation and has scores of helps to get a new believer started. So helps to get a new believer started. So helps to get a new believer started. So get in touch and we'll send you the New get in touch and we'll send you the New get in touch and we'll send you the New Believer's Bible free of charge. Just Believer's Bible free of charge. Just Believer's Bible free of charge. Just call us at 1 8008213300. 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 the words know God. and click the words know God. and click the words 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. ministry. ministry. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We're touching lives for eternity >> We're touching lives for eternity >> We're touching lives for eternity >> and we're really thankful for our >> and we're really thankful for our >> and we're really thankful for our friends who see the fruit of this friends who see the fruit of this 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 Harvest >> Absolutely. When you invest in Harvest >> Absolutely. When you invest in Harvest Ministries, you're investing in the Ministries, you're investing in the Ministries, you're investing in the souls of men and women, boys and girls. souls of men and women, boys and girls. souls of men and women, boys and girls. And what is the value of a soul? Well, And what is the value of a soul? Well, And what is the value of a soul? Well, let me personalize it. What's the value let me personalize it. What's the value let me personalize it. What's the value of your soul? What's the value of the of your soul? What's the value of the of your soul? What's the value of the soul of your husband, your wife, your soul of your husband, your wife, your soul of your husband, your wife, your son, or your daughter, or your mom or son, or your daughter, or your mom or son, or your daughter, or your mom or your dad, or your best friend? Well, I your dad, or your best friend? Well, I your dad, or your best friend? Well, I would say you probably couldn't put a would say you probably couldn't put a would say you probably couldn't put a price tag on it. It's so valuable. Well, price tag on it. It's so valuable. Well, price tag on it. It's so valuable. Well, listen. God says all souls are mine. God listen. God says all souls are mine. God listen. God says all souls are mine. God loves us and sent his son to die on the loves us and sent his son to die on the loves us and sent his son to die on the cross to pay the price for all of our cross to pay the price for all of our cross to pay the price for all of our sins so we could be forgiven and come sins so we could be forgiven and come sins so we could be forgiven and come into a relationship with him. I can't

into a relationship with him. I can't into a relationship with him. I can't think of a better investment of my think of a better investment of my 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. Yeah, fulfill the great commission. Yeah, fulfill the great commission. Yeah, that's right. And you can make your that's right. And you can make your that's right. And you can make your donation right now at harvest.org donation right now at harvest.org donation right now at harvest.org or write us at a new beginning box4000 or write us at a new beginning box4000 or write us at a new beginning box4000 Riverside, California 92514 Riverside, California 92514 Riverside, California 92514 or call 18008213300. That's a 247 phone number [music] 1 That's a 247 phone number [music] 1 8008213300. Well, next time we'll learn how [music] Well, next time we'll learn how [music] to focus on the glory of eternity to to focus on the glory of eternity to to focus on the glory of eternity to keep a heavenly perspective on [music] keep a heavenly perspective on [music] keep a heavenly perspective on [music] the earthly trials we face. Join us here the earthly trials we face. Join us here the earthly trials we face. Join us here on a new beginning with pastor and Bible on a new beginning with pastor and Bible on a new beginning with pastor and Bible teacher Greg [music] Lorie.