Discipleship: The Next Step in Following Jesus | Learning to Follow Jesus

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. >> The key to the Christian life is >> The key to the Christian life is commitment [music] to Christ and a commitment [music] to Christ and a commitment [music] to Christ and a lifetime of growth. It's consistency. lifetime of growth. It's consistency. lifetime of growth. It's consistency. >> Some people are wired [music] more for >> Some people are wired [music] more for >> Some people are wired [music] more for resistancy resistancy resistancy and distractancy. and distractancy. and distractancy. But today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out But today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out But today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out discipleship requires some focused discipleship requires some focused discipleship requires some focused effort. [music] effort. [music] effort. [music] >> One person defined the Christian life as >> One person defined the Christian life as >> One person defined the Christian life as long obedience in the same direction. long obedience in the same direction. long obedience in the same direction. Cuz it's not enough to walk [music] Cuz it's not enough to walk [music] Cuz it's not enough to walk [music] forward, you have to go forward forward, you have to go forward forward, you have to go forward spiritually.

>> When was the last time [music] you were >> When was the last time [music] you were the newbie on the job? The new guy or the newbie on the job? The new guy or the newbie on the job? The new guy or gal just hired? gal just hired? gal just hired? If you were fortunate, [music] If you were fortunate, [music] If you were fortunate, [music] you had someone come alongside you to you had someone come alongside you to you had someone come alongside you to show you the ropes. Because if you don't show you the ropes. Because if you don't show you the ropes. Because if you don't know anything, it's hard to do anything. know anything, it's hard to do anything. know anything, it's hard to do anything. [music] [music] [music] Well, today on A New Beginning, Pastor Well, today on A New Beginning, Pastor Well, today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how we tutor new Greg Laurie points out how we tutor new Greg Laurie points out how we tutor new believers through a process called believers through a process called believers through a process called discipleship. It's a process [music] of discipleship. It's a process [music] of discipleship. It's a process [music] of spiritual duplication, where older spiritual duplication, where older spiritual duplication, where older believers give the younger an example to believers give the younger an example to believers give the younger an example to follow, a paradigm for success. [music] >> Okay, we're in our timeless series and I >> Okay, we're in our timeless series and I want you to turn to Matthew chapter 28 want you to turn to Matthew chapter 28 want you to turn to Matthew chapter 28 and the title of my message is and the title of my message is and the title of my message is discipleship. The next step in following discipleship. The next step in following discipleship. The next step in following Jesus. Because it's not enough to walk Jesus. Because it's not enough to walk Jesus. Because it's not enough to walk forward, you have to go forward forward, you have to go forward forward, you have to go forward spiritually. The key to the Christian spiritually. The key to the Christian spiritually. The key to the Christian life life life is commitment to Christ and a lifetime is commitment to Christ and a lifetime is commitment to Christ and a lifetime of growth. It's consistency.

of growth. It's consistency. of growth. It's consistency. One person defined the Christian life as One person defined the Christian life as One person defined the Christian life as long obedience in the same direction. long obedience in the same direction. long obedience in the same direction. So I've tried stand up paddling. How So I've tried stand up paddling. How So I've tried stand up paddling. How many of you have ever have ever done many of you have ever have ever done many of you have ever have ever done stand up paddling? Few of you. And so stand up paddling? Few of you. And so stand up paddling? Few of you. And so I've tried but I'm not very good at it. I've tried but I'm not very good at it. I've tried but I'm not very good at it. My wife immediately was great at it. She My wife immediately was great at it. She My wife immediately was great at it. She got on the board, she's paddling, got on the board, she's paddling, got on the board, she's paddling, catching waves, cutting across the wave. catching waves, cutting across the wave. catching waves, cutting across the wave. I'm still trying to just stand on it I'm still trying to just stand on it I'm still trying to just stand on it without falling. And I've noticed that without falling. And I've noticed that without falling. And I've noticed that if I have a little momentum, it helps me if I have a little momentum, it helps me if I have a little momentum, it helps me a little bit. So it comes down to this, a little bit. So it comes down to this, a little bit. So it comes down to this, stall and you fall. So if you stop, stall and you fall. So if you stop, stall and you fall. So if you stop, you're just going to fall over. So you you're just going to fall over. So you you're just going to fall over. So you have to keep moving, right? The same have to keep moving, right? The same have to keep moving, right? The same could be said of the Christian life. could be said of the Christian life. could be said of the Christian life. Stall and you fall. Keep growing as a Stall and you fall. Keep growing as a Stall and you fall. Keep growing as a believer. Being a Christian is more than believer. Being a Christian is more than believer. Being a Christian is more than just getting fire insurance. So that's just getting fire insurance. So that's just getting fire insurance. So that's pretty awesome. pretty awesome. pretty awesome. If all salvation was was a promise that If all salvation was was a promise that If all salvation was was a promise that you will not go to hell, it would be you will not go to hell, it would be you will not go to hell, it would be worth getting saved for that alone. Is worth getting saved for that alone. Is worth getting saved for that alone. Is that right? But it's far more than that. that right? But it's far more than that. that right? But it's far more than that. It's a relationship with God that lasts It's a relationship with God that lasts It's a relationship with God that lasts a lifetime. And it's growing in this a lifetime. And it's growing in this a lifetime. And it's growing in this relationship with God as well. Not just relationship with God as well. Not just relationship with God as well. Not just following him as your friend or even following him as your friend or even following him as your friend or even just your savior, but as your Lord and just your savior, but as your Lord and just your savior, but as your Lord and your God. But some people don't seem to your God. But some people don't seem to your God. But some people don't seem to get this. They're still in what you get this. They're still in what you get this. They're still in what you might describe as a baby-like state.

might describe as a baby-like state. might describe as a baby-like state. I love babies. They're so cute. I don't I love babies. They're so cute. I don't I love babies. They're so cute. I don't like to change their diapers, but like to change their diapers, but like to change their diapers, but everything else I like. And it's everything else I like. And it's everything else I like. And it's wonderful to watch them grow, their wonderful to watch them grow, their wonderful to watch them grow, their first words, their first steps. first words, their first steps. first words, their first steps. Everything they do is just adorable, Everything they do is just adorable, Everything they do is just adorable, isn't it? And then I can think of my own isn't it? And then I can think of my own isn't it? And then I can think of my own children and think of my grandchildren children and think of my grandchildren children and think of my grandchildren now and and all of those great moments now and and all of those great moments now and and all of those great moments in their life. The first time a a baby in their life. The first time a a baby in their life. The first time a a baby or really a little toddler now is or really a little toddler now is or really a little toddler now is beginning to eat. They feed themselves. beginning to eat. They feed themselves. beginning to eat. They feed themselves. You know, you feed them at first. Now You know, you feed them at first. Now You know, you feed them at first. Now they're beginning to feed themselves. I they're beginning to feed themselves. I they're beginning to feed themselves. I remember the first time I gave my son remember the first time I gave my son remember the first time I gave my son Jonathan ice cream. He was still a baby. Jonathan ice cream. He was still a baby. Jonathan ice cream. He was still a baby. Um it wasn't the right thing to do, but Um it wasn't the right thing to do, but Um it wasn't the right thing to do, but I did it. I didn't tell Kathy about it I did it. I didn't tell Kathy about it I did it. I didn't tell Kathy about it till later. But I can tell you this till later. But I can tell you this till later. But I can tell you this much. I took a little spoon, dipped it much. I took a little spoon, dipped it much. I took a little spoon, dipped it in some vanilla ice cream. I put it in in some vanilla ice cream. I put it in in some vanilla ice cream. I put it in his little baby mouth and I'm telling his little baby mouth and I'm telling his little baby mouth and I'm telling you he smiled. He loved it. Not a good you he smiled. He loved it. Not a good you he smiled. He loved it. Not a good idea to give a baby sugar and vanilla at idea to give a baby sugar and vanilla at idea to give a baby sugar and vanilla at that early age, but you know, this is that early age, but you know, this is that early age, but you know, this is the great moments when we watch our kids the great moments when we watch our kids the great moments when we watch our kids discover these things for the first discover these things for the first discover these things for the first time. But some times people never grow time. But some times people never grow time. But some times people never grow up. You can't stay a baby for your whole up. You can't stay a baby for your whole up. You can't stay a baby for your whole life.

life. life. When I was in school, on more than one When I was in school, on more than one When I was in school, on more than one occasion, I would have a teacher say to occasion, I would have a teacher say to occasion, I would have a teacher say to me, "Greg Laurie, will you just grow me, "Greg Laurie, will you just grow me, "Greg Laurie, will you just grow up?" up?" up?" And it's because I was always And it's because I was always And it's because I was always causing distractions and getting in causing distractions and getting in causing distractions and getting in trouble and making fun of people, etc. trouble and making fun of people, etc. trouble and making fun of people, etc. So, I would say the same to all of us. So, I would say the same to all of us. So, I would say the same to all of us. It's time to grow up because some It's time to grow up because some It's time to grow up because some believers have never done that. When I believers have never done that. When I believers have never done that. When I was a kid, there was a cartoon that was was a kid, there was a cartoon that was was a kid, there was a cartoon that was very popular. It was a character named very popular. It was a character named very popular. It was a character named Baby Huey. Do you remember Baby Huey? Baby Huey. Do you remember Baby Huey? Baby Huey. Do you remember Baby Huey? It's a big giant duck in a diaper that It's a big giant duck in a diaper that It's a big giant duck in a diaper that never grew up. Sadly, some Christians never grew up. Sadly, some Christians never grew up. Sadly, some Christians are like Baby Huey. are like Baby Huey. are like Baby Huey. They've known the Lord for years, but They've known the Lord for years, but They've known the Lord for years, but they've never had any spiritual they've never had any spiritual they've never had any spiritual maturity. In Hebrews 6, we read, "Let's maturity. In Hebrews 6, we read, "Let's maturity. In Hebrews 6, we read, "Let's stop going over the basics of stop going over the basics of stop going over the basics of Christianity again and again. Let's go Christianity again and again. Let's go Christianity again and again. Let's go on instead and become mature in our on instead and become mature in our on instead and become mature in our understanding. It's time to grow up. And understanding. It's time to grow up. And understanding. It's time to grow up. And this is the role of a pastor. We want to this is the role of a pastor. We want to this is the role of a pastor. We want to help you grow up. We want to help you help you grow up. We want to help you help you grow up. We want to help you mature.

mature. mature. It's a role of a parent. By the way, It's a role of a parent. By the way, It's a role of a parent. By the way, parents, you need to be parents. Your parents, you need to be parents. Your parents, you need to be parents. Your child doesn't need you to be their best child doesn't need you to be their best child doesn't need you to be their best friend. They need you to be their mother friend. They need you to be their mother friend. They need you to be their mother and their father, right? That's very and their father, right? That's very and their father, right? That's very important. important. important. >> [applause] >> You have to tell them what's right. You >> You have to tell them what's right. You have to tell them what's wrong. You have have to tell them what's wrong. You have have to tell them what's wrong. You have to warn them. You have to correct them. to warn them. You have to correct them. to warn them. You have to correct them. And they don't like it. They'll fight And they don't like it. They'll fight And they don't like it. They'll fight you. They'll resist you. They'll resent you. They'll resist you. They'll resent you. They'll resist you. They'll resent you. And one day, they'll thank you. you. And one day, they'll thank you. you. And one day, they'll thank you. And then they'll have their kids and you And then they'll have their kids and you And then they'll have their kids and you will see your revenge. will see your revenge. will see your revenge. Cuz it'll happen to them, right? But Cuz it'll happen to them, right? But Cuz it'll happen to them, right? But that's my job as a parent. And that's that's my job as a parent. And that's that's my job as a parent. And that's our job as older believers is to find our job as older believers is to find our job as older believers is to find younger believers and help them to grow younger believers and help them to grow younger believers and help them to grow and mature. You know, I've noticed that and mature. You know, I've noticed that and mature. You know, I've noticed that a lot of couples today aren't having a lot of couples today aren't having a lot of couples today aren't having children. Instead, they're having dogs. children. Instead, they're having dogs. children. Instead, they're having dogs. And they think of dogs as their And they think of dogs as their And they think of dogs as their children. children. children. I It's just getting weird, okay? I It's just getting weird, okay? I It's just getting weird, okay? Listen, let me just say this at the Listen, let me just say this at the Listen, let me just say this at the outset. I'm a dog lover. I like dogs.

outset. I'm a dog lover. I like dogs. outset. I'm a dog lover. I like dogs. I've had many dogs over the years. I've had many dogs over the years. I've had many dogs over the years. Uh I don't have one at this moment, but Uh I don't have one at this moment, but Uh I don't have one at this moment, but I love dogs, but I don't worship dogs. I love dogs, but I don't worship dogs. I love dogs, but I don't worship dogs. And I think for some people, it's almost And I think for some people, it's almost And I think for some people, it's almost become a little strange. They take their become a little strange. They take their become a little strange. They take their dogs to the restaurant. They have their dogs to the restaurant. They have their dogs to the restaurant. They have their dogs at the table. They feed their dogs dogs at the table. They feed their dogs dogs at the table. They feed their dogs from the table. They take their dogs on from the table. They take their dogs on from the table. They take their dogs on the airplane. They push their dogs in the airplane. They push their dogs in the airplane. They push their dogs in strollers. strollers. strollers. I saw someone pushing a cat in a I saw someone pushing a cat in a I saw someone pushing a cat in a stroller the other day. And I'm not stroller the other day. And I'm not stroller the other day. And I'm not making any of this up. It's just getting making any of this up. It's just getting making any of this up. It's just getting out of control. They build their life out of control. They build their life out of control. They build their life around the dog. around the dog. around the dog. I was inviting someone to church the I was inviting someone to church the I was inviting someone to church the other day. "Why don't you come out to other day. "Why don't you come out to other day. "Why don't you come out to church sometime?" "We'd like to, but we church sometime?" "We'd like to, but we church sometime?" "We'd like to, but we can't leave the dog alone. Oh, really? can't leave the dog alone. Oh, really? can't leave the dog alone. Oh, really? Is it your dog or is it your God? I Is it your dog or is it your God? I Is it your dog or is it your God? I don't know. But maybe you need to get don't know. But maybe you need to get don't know. But maybe you need to get your priorities in order. You know, I your priorities in order. You know, I your priorities in order. You know, I saw a mom in the park and her dog was saw a mom in the park and her dog was saw a mom in the park and her dog was loose and she had her child on a leash. And I asked the child, "What do you And I asked the child, "What do you think about this?" And the child bit me.

think about this?" And the child bit me. think about this?" And the child bit me. Okay, so No, but we were walking in a park the No, but we were walking in a park the other day, my wife and I was actually other day, my wife and I was actually other day, my wife and I was actually quite a long time ago, but we're walking quite a long time ago, but we're walking quite a long time ago, but we're walking along and and some lady's approaching us along and and some lady's approaching us along and and some lady's approaching us walking her dog on the leash, right? So, walking her dog on the leash, right? So, walking her dog on the leash, right? So, I always go around. I don't care. I I I always go around. I don't care. I I I always go around. I don't care. I I always even if it's on a leash, I'll always even if it's on a leash, I'll always even if it's on a leash, I'll give them space. My wife just stays on give them space. My wife just stays on give them space. My wife just stays on the little path, walks by. Guess what? the little path, walks by. Guess what? the little path, walks by. Guess what? That little dog bit her. Right on the That little dog bit her. Right on the That little dog bit her. Right on the calf. calf. calf. And uh not badly, but enough to break And uh not badly, but enough to break And uh not badly, but enough to break the skin. And uh so, from that moment the skin. And uh so, from that moment the skin. And uh so, from that moment on, we called it dog bite park. on, we called it dog bite park. on, we called it dog bite park. So, now we'll even say, "You want to go So, now we'll even say, "You want to go So, now we'll even say, "You want to go over to dog bite park?" So, that you over to dog bite park?" So, that you over to dog bite park?" So, that you know, it's something Here's something I know, it's something Here's something I know, it's something Here's something I want to say to dog owners. Maybe no want to say to dog owners. Maybe no want to say to dog owners. Maybe no one's ever going to say this to you, so one's ever going to say this to you, so one's ever going to say this to you, so I'm going to say it. Number one, we I'm going to say it. Number one, we I'm going to say it. Number one, we don't like your dogs that much, okay? don't like your dogs that much, okay? don't like your dogs that much, okay? Keep them on a leash. Don't let the dog Keep them on a leash. Don't let the dog Keep them on a leash. Don't let the dog run loose because it's kind of scary run loose because it's kind of scary run loose because it's kind of scary when a dog comes running at you. You when a dog comes running at you. You when a dog comes running at you. You don't know what its intentions are. don't know what its intentions are. don't know what its intentions are. Number two, when your dog relieves Number two, when your dog relieves Number two, when your dog relieves itself, pick it up. We're watching you. itself, pick it up. We're watching you. itself, pick it up. We're watching you. Don't leave it.

Don't leave it. Don't leave it. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Because I've stepped [laughter] in it >> Because I've stepped [laughter] in it >> Because I've stepped [laughter] in it more than once. more than once. more than once. Right? And then cats, don't get me Right? And then cats, don't get me Right? And then cats, don't get me started on cats, you know, started on cats, you know, started on cats, you know, you know, I'm not a cat lover. I had a you know, I'm not a cat lover. I had a you know, I'm not a cat lover. I had a friend say to me, "You know, cats always friend say to me, "You know, cats always friend say to me, "You know, cats always land on their feet." I said, "Not the land on their feet." I said, "Not the land on their feet." I said, "Not the way I throw them. They don't." Okay, enough on that. Okay, enough on that. One last word about cats, I'm done. One last word about cats, I'm done. One last word about cats, I'm done. Ever heard of the famous designer Karl Ever heard of the famous designer Karl Ever heard of the famous designer Karl Lagerfeld? Uh he died recently. He left Lagerfeld? Uh he died recently. He left Lagerfeld? Uh he died recently. He left millions of dollars of his fortune to millions of dollars of his fortune to millions of dollars of his fortune to his cat Choupette. I think I'm his cat Choupette. I think I'm his cat Choupette. I think I'm pronouncing it properly. That this, you pronouncing it properly. That this, you pronouncing it properly. That this, you know, get a grip. know, get a grip. know, get a grip. We need to put as much energy into We need to put as much energy into We need to put as much energy into helping a new believer grow that we put helping a new believer grow that we put helping a new believer grow that we put into [music] our dogs or our cat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. >> You know, [music] I've heard people >> You know, [music] I've heard people >> You know, [music] I've heard people describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the Bible actually come to life.

Bible actually come to life. Bible actually come to life. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hey everybody, Greg Laurie. And I've >> Hey everybody, Greg Laurie. And I've >> Hey everybody, Greg Laurie. And I've been to Israel many times and I've led a been to Israel many times and I've led a been to Israel many times and I've led a lot of tours and I [music] have to say lot of tours and I [music] have to say lot of tours and I [music] have to say that's absolutely true. Listen, when that's absolutely true. Listen, when that's absolutely true. Listen, when you're walking on the same [music] you're walking on the same [music] you're walking on the same [music] stones that Jesus himself walked on, stones that Jesus himself walked on, stones that Jesus himself walked on, well, that's something that's enriching well, that's something that's enriching well, that's something that's enriching [music] [music] [music] to your faith. It's not just a travel to your faith. It's not just a travel to your faith. It's not just a travel experience, it actually energizes and experience, it actually energizes and experience, it actually energizes and enhances your study of the [music] enhances your study of the [music] enhances your study of the [music] Bible. Think of it this way. It's a Bible. Think of it this way. It's a Bible. Think of it this way. It's a vacation with a purpose. And we're going vacation with a purpose. And we're going vacation with a purpose. And we're going to be taking a tour [music] of Israel to be taking a tour [music] of Israel to be taking a tour [music] of Israel April 6th to 15th, 2027. April 6th to 15th, 2027. April 6th to 15th, 2027. You can find out more at You can find out more at You can find out more at israel.harvest.org. israel.harvest.org. israel.harvest.org. [music] [music] [music] >> Step right into biblical history. Join >> Step right into biblical history. Join >> Step right into biblical history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land April [music] 6th through 15th, 2027. April [music] 6th through 15th, 2027. April [music] 6th through 15th, 2027. Get details at israel.harvest.org. Get details at israel.harvest.org. Get details at israel.harvest.org. [music] Well, Pastor Greg is helping us Well, Pastor Greg is helping us understand what discipleship is all understand what discipleship is all understand what discipleship is all about today in a message from his series about today in a message from his series about today in a message from his series called Timeless.

called Timeless. called Timeless. >> So, let me tell you some things now that >> So, let me tell you some things now that >> So, let me tell you some things now that new believers need. And I'm addressing new believers need. And I'm addressing new believers need. And I'm addressing these remarks to two groups of people. these remarks to two groups of people. these remarks to two groups of people. Number one, to new believers. But I'm Number one, to new believers. But I'm Number one, to new believers. But I'm also addressing my remarks to older also addressing my remarks to older also addressing my remarks to older believers because this is what you need believers because this is what you need believers because this is what you need to do for younger believers. And I found to do for younger believers. And I found to do for younger believers. And I found a great little outline in a book called a great little outline in a book called a great little outline in a book called The Lost Art of Disciple Making by Leroy The Lost Art of Disciple Making by Leroy The Lost Art of Disciple Making by Leroy Eims. I I recommend that book to you by Eims. I I recommend that book to you by Eims. I I recommend that book to you by the way, but he had some great points. the way, but he had some great points. the way, but he had some great points. So, I'm using some of his points. He So, I'm using some of his points. He So, I'm using some of his points. He pointed out number one, the new believer pointed out number one, the new believer pointed out number one, the new believer needs acceptance. needs acceptance. needs acceptance. They need acceptance. When someone comes They need acceptance. When someone comes They need acceptance. When someone comes to Christ, to Christ, to Christ, they need to know that they're accepted they need to know that they're accepted they need to know that they're accepted by God. So, let me say this to you. If by God. So, let me say this to you. If by God. So, let me say this to you. If you're a new believer, you're a new believer, you're a new believer, you are accepted by God. He loves you. you are accepted by God. He loves you. you are accepted by God. He loves you. He accepts you. In fact, the Bible even He accepts you. In fact, the Bible even He accepts you. In fact, the Bible even says you've been made acceptable in the says you've been made acceptable in the says you've been made acceptable in the beloved. There's nothing you need to do beloved. There's nothing you need to do beloved. There's nothing you need to do to earn God's favor. to earn God's favor. to earn God's favor. You have it already. You have it already. You have it already. And there's nothing you need to do to And there's nothing you need to do to And there's nothing you need to do to earn his love. You have that as well.

earn his love. You have that as well. earn his love. You have that as well. But, we need to say to new believers, we But, we need to say to new believers, we But, we need to say to new believers, we we accept you. We welcome you. Because, we accept you. We welcome you. Because, we accept you. We welcome you. Because, you know what? New Christians have a lot you know what? New Christians have a lot you know what? New Christians have a lot of rough edges. of rough edges. of rough edges. They haven't learned the new Christian They haven't learned the new Christian They haven't learned the new Christian vocabulary yet. vocabulary yet. vocabulary yet. In fact, they might have a few words In fact, they might have a few words In fact, they might have a few words left over from their old vocabulary that left over from their old vocabulary that left over from their old vocabulary that will pop up now and then. Be patient will pop up now and then. Be patient will pop up now and then. Be patient with them. Be loving toward them. I with them. Be loving toward them. I with them. Be loving toward them. I think of how little I understood when I think of how little I understood when I think of how little I understood when I came to Christ. And thankfully, there came to Christ. And thankfully, there came to Christ. And thankfully, there were people that were accepting. were people that were accepting. were people that were accepting. Uh Paul writes to the believers in Uh Paul writes to the believers in Uh Paul writes to the believers in Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 2:8. He Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 2:8. He Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 2:8. He said, "We loved you so much. We were said, "We loved you so much. We were said, "We loved you so much. We were delighted to share with you not only the delighted to share with you not only the delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well gospel of God, but our lives as well gospel of God, but our lives as well because you'd become so dear to us." because you'd become so dear to us." because you'd become so dear to us." Number two, a new believer needs Number two, a new believer needs Number two, a new believer needs assurance. assurance. assurance. They need assurance. They need to know They need assurance. They need to know They need assurance. They need to know that they're saved. Remember, the devil that they're saved. Remember, the devil that they're saved. Remember, the devil came to Adam and Eve in the garden. And came to Adam and Eve in the garden. And came to Adam and Eve in the garden. And what was his first temptation? what was his first temptation? what was his first temptation? Challenging the word of God. Challenging the word of God. Challenging the word of God. He says, "Did God really say what you He says, "Did God really say what you He says, "Did God really say what you thought God said?"

thought God said?" thought God said?" And that's what the devil will do with And that's what the devil will do with And that's what the devil will do with the new believer. They've accepted the new believer. They've accepted the new believer. They've accepted Christ, and Satan will whisper in their Christ, and Satan will whisper in their Christ, and Satan will whisper in their ear, "Do you really think Christ has ear, "Do you really think Christ has ear, "Do you really think Christ has come into your life? Do you really think come into your life? Do you really think come into your life? Do you really think after all you've done that your sin is after all you've done that your sin is after all you've done that your sin is forgiven? So, we need to assure them. forgiven? So, we need to assure them. forgiven? So, we need to assure them. And 1 John 5 says, "These things we And 1 John 5 says, "These things we And 1 John 5 says, "These things we write to you that believe on the name of write to you that believe on the name of write to you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that the Son of God, that you may know that the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life." They can know, you have eternal life." They can know, you have eternal life." They can know, and we need to assure them. And if and we need to assure them. And if and we need to assure them. And if you're a new believer, we want to assure you're a new believer, we want to assure you're a new believer, we want to assure you as well. Number three, the new you as well. Number three, the new you as well. Number three, the new believer needs protection. They need believer needs protection. They need believer needs protection. They need protection. Paul writes to the believers protection. Paul writes to the believers protection. Paul writes to the believers in Galatia in Galatians 4:19, "Dear in Galatia in Galatians 4:19, "Dear in Galatia in Galatians 4:19, "Dear children, I feel as though I'm going children, I feel as though I'm going children, I feel as though I'm going through labor pains for you, and they'll through labor pains for you, and they'll through labor pains for you, and they'll continue until Christ is fully developed continue until Christ is fully developed continue until Christ is fully developed in your life." You know, they're like in your life." You know, they're like in your life." You know, they're like babies again. And when you go to a babies again. And when you go to a babies again. And when you go to a hospital, they'll sterilize everything, hospital, they'll sterilize everything, hospital, they'll sterilize everything, especially around the little babies, especially around the little babies, especially around the little babies, because life is so fragile and must be because life is so fragile and must be because life is so fragile and must be protected. New believers are vulnerable protected. New believers are vulnerable protected. New believers are vulnerable to their own emotions. They don't to their own emotions. They don't to their own emotions. They don't understand it when they had a sense of understand it when they had a sense of understand it when they had a sense of euphoria euphoria euphoria when they accepted Christ, and 2 days when they accepted Christ, and 2 days when they accepted Christ, and 2 days later, it's gone.

later, it's gone. later, it's gone. Maybe they thought, "Oh, it will always Maybe they thought, "Oh, it will always Maybe they thought, "Oh, it will always be this way." But it won't. You'll have be this way." But it won't. You'll have be this way." But it won't. You'll have days where you don't feel anything, days where you don't feel anything, days where you don't feel anything, right? So, we need to say, "That's okay. right? So, we need to say, "That's okay. right? So, we need to say, "That's okay. That's normal. Nothing bad has That's normal. Nothing bad has That's normal. Nothing bad has happened." Uh you need to learn how to happened." Uh you need to learn how to happened." Uh you need to learn how to walk by faith, not by feeling, because walk by faith, not by feeling, because walk by faith, not by feeling, because the Bible says the just shall live by the Bible says the just shall live by the Bible says the just shall live by faith. New believers are also vulnerable faith. New believers are also vulnerable faith. New believers are also vulnerable to false teachings. We have to ground to false teachings. We have to ground to false teachings. We have to ground them in scripture. And old friends are them in scripture. And old friends are them in scripture. And old friends are going to show up that will try to drag going to show up that will try to drag going to show up that will try to drag them down. And old girlfriends and old them down. And old girlfriends and old them down. And old girlfriends and old boyfriends will suddenly materialize, boyfriends will suddenly materialize, boyfriends will suddenly materialize, and temptations they never had will and temptations they never had will and temptations they never had will suddenly appear. I remember when the suddenly appear. I remember when the suddenly appear. I remember when the Christians told me, "Greg, you're going Christians told me, "Greg, you're going Christians told me, "Greg, you're going to be tempted by the devil." to be tempted by the devil." to be tempted by the devil." And first of all, I didn't even know And first of all, I didn't even know And first of all, I didn't even know there was a devil. I never heard of such there was a devil. I never heard of such there was a devil. I never heard of such a thing. Wait, there's a devil? I just a thing. Wait, there's a devil? I just a thing. Wait, there's a devil? I just heard there was Jesus. No, there's a heard there was Jesus. No, there's a heard there was Jesus. No, there's a devil. He's going to tempt you. I said, devil. He's going to tempt you. I said, devil. He's going to tempt you. I said, "How will I know when I'm being "How will I know when I'm being "How will I know when I'm being tempted?" They said, "You'll know." tempted?" They said, "You'll know." tempted?" They said, "You'll know." Okay. Okay. Okay. So, I was brand new in the faith. I So, I was brand new in the faith. I So, I was brand new in the faith. I mean, literally days old. I had a little mean, literally days old. I had a little mean, literally days old. I had a little button on my shirt. It was a little button on my shirt. It was a little button on my shirt. It was a little picture of Jesus on it. I'm wearing my picture of Jesus on it. I'm wearing my picture of Jesus on it. I'm wearing my little Jesus button.

little Jesus button. little Jesus button. I'm sitting in class, and there was a I'm sitting in class, and there was a I'm sitting in class, and there was a very attractive young lady sitting very attractive young lady sitting very attractive young lady sitting toward the front of the class. I'd toward the front of the class. I'd toward the front of the class. I'd noticed her before, but I'd never talked noticed her before, but I'd never talked noticed her before, but I'd never talked to her because clearly this girl would to her because clearly this girl would to her because clearly this girl would not talk with someone like me. not talk with someone like me. not talk with someone like me. And at the end of the class, she walks And at the end of the class, she walks And at the end of the class, she walks up to me and says, "Hi. What's your up to me and says, "Hi. What's your up to me and says, "Hi. What's your name?" name?" name?" And I momentarily forgot my name. I And I momentarily forgot my name. I And I momentarily forgot my name. I said, said, said, "What is it? Like, oh, it's Greg. Yes, "What is it? Like, oh, it's Greg. Yes, "What is it? Like, oh, it's Greg. Yes, I'm Greg." She said, "You're really I'm Greg." She said, "You're really I'm Greg." She said, "You're really cute." I thought, "What?" "You're really cute." I thought, "What?" "You're really cute." I thought, "What?" "You're really cute." I'm like, "W- who are you talking cute." I'm like, "W- who are you talking cute." I'm like, "W- who are you talking to me?" to me?" to me?" And she said, "You know, my parents have And she said, "You know, my parents have And she said, "You know, my parents have a house up in the mountains. Would you a house up in the mountains. Would you a house up in the mountains. Would you like to spend the weekend with me?" I like to spend the weekend with me?" I like to spend the weekend with me?" I thought, "This is temptation." thought, "This is temptation." thought, "This is temptation." And as I recall, she she was wearing a And as I recall, she she was wearing a And as I recall, she she was wearing a red dress. Devil with a red dress. No, red dress. Devil with a red dress. No, red dress. Devil with a red dress. No, blue dress. It's blue dress. Yeah. blue dress. It's blue dress. Yeah. blue dress. It's blue dress. Yeah. No, but you know what? It was No, but you know what? It was No, but you know what? It was temptation. And I'll tell you why. That temptation. And I'll tell you why. That temptation. And I'll tell you why. That never happened to me before. It's not never happened to me before. It's not never happened to me before. It's not like I had cute girls hitting on me, like I had cute girls hitting on me, like I had cute girls hitting on me, hard to believe as it is. hard to believe as it is. hard to believe as it is. I knew this literally was Satan trying I knew this literally was Satan trying I knew this literally was Satan trying to pull me down to pull me down to pull me down through a very attractive young lady.

through a very attractive young lady. through a very attractive young lady. Thankfully, I said no to that. But Thankfully, I said no to that. But Thankfully, I said no to that. But that's going to happen to a new that's going to happen to a new that's going to happen to a new believer. We need to warn them. You're believer. We need to warn them. You're believer. We need to warn them. You're going to get tempted. You're going to going to get tempted. You're going to going to get tempted. You're going to have people try to drag you down. And have people try to drag you down. And have people try to drag you down. And the new believer, number four, needs the new believer, number four, needs the new believer, number four, needs fellowship. fellowship. fellowship. That's why we want to involve them in That's why we want to involve them in That's why we want to involve them in our lives. That's why small groups are our lives. That's why small groups are our lives. That's why small groups are so good. Because some things are learned so good. Because some things are learned so good. Because some things are learned in rows, and other things are learned in in rows, and other things are learned in in rows, and other things are learned in circles. Where you're together, and you circles. Where you're together, and you circles. Where you're together, and you can talk about it, and you can ask can talk about it, and you can ask can talk about it, and you can ask questions. And so, we need to bring a questions. And so, we need to bring a questions. And so, we need to bring a new believer into the church. No one new believer into the church. No one new believer into the church. No one gave me any materials to read after I gave me any materials to read after I gave me any materials to read after I accepted Christ. No one gave to me a accepted Christ. No one gave to me a accepted Christ. No one gave to me a copy of the New Believer's Bible and copy of the New Believer's Bible and copy of the New Believer's Bible and said, "Hey, Greg, read this." In In the said, "Hey, Greg, read this." In In the said, "Hey, Greg, read this." In In the reason I wrote the notes for this Bible reason I wrote the notes for this Bible reason I wrote the notes for this Bible was because nothing like this was was because nothing like this was was because nothing like this was available when I first came to Christ available when I first came to Christ available when I first came to Christ and I wanted to have something I could and I wanted to have something I could and I wanted to have something I could offer to someone that could help them offer to someone that could help them offer to someone that could help them grow as a brand new believer. But grow as a brand new believer. But grow as a brand new believer. But there's a guy that showed up in my life there's a guy that showed up in my life there's a guy that showed up in my life and I didn't know him from Adam's house and I didn't know him from Adam's house and I didn't know him from Adam's house cat. And I don't know if Adam had a cat. And I don't know if Adam had a cat. And I don't know if Adam had a house cat.

house cat. house cat. But this guy, his name is Mark. He walks But this guy, his name is Mark. He walks But this guy, his name is Mark. He walks up to me, "Hi, my name is Mark." I'm up to me, "Hi, my name is Mark." I'm up to me, "Hi, my name is Mark." I'm like, "Okay, hi." like, "Okay, hi." like, "Okay, hi." He says, "I noticed you accepted Christ He says, "I noticed you accepted Christ He says, "I noticed you accepted Christ at the Bible study the other day." I at the Bible study the other day." I at the Bible study the other day." I said, "Yeah, I did." said, "Yeah, I did." said, "Yeah, I did." And he said, "I want to take you to And he said, "I want to take you to And he said, "I want to take you to church." I said, "Ah, it's okay. I don't church." I said, "Ah, it's okay. I don't church." I said, "Ah, it's okay. I don't want to I don't want to go to church." want to I don't want to go to church." want to I don't want to go to church." He goes, "No, I want you to come to He goes, "No, I want you to come to He goes, "No, I want you to come to church with me." No, no thank you. church with me." No, no thank you. church with me." No, no thank you. Thanks for asking, but no. Yeah, where Thanks for asking, but no. Yeah, where Thanks for asking, but no. Yeah, where do you live? No, I don't want to go to do you live? No, I don't want to go to do you live? No, I don't want to go to church with you. What's your address? church with you. What's your address? church with you. What's your address? Next thing I know, I'm in this car on my Next thing I know, I'm in this car on my Next thing I know, I'm in this car on my way to church. way to church. way to church. And I love this guy cuz he wouldn't take And I love this guy cuz he wouldn't take And I love this guy cuz he wouldn't take no for an answer. He was persistent in no for an answer. He was persistent in no for an answer. He was persistent in the best way possible. He takes me to the best way possible. He takes me to the best way possible. He takes me to Calvary Chapel and I walk smack-dab into Calvary Chapel and I walk smack-dab into Calvary Chapel and I walk smack-dab into the middle of a spiritual awakening. the middle of a spiritual awakening. the middle of a spiritual awakening. And my life started changing. See, the And my life started changing. See, the And my life started changing. See, the only Christians I knew were the ones in only Christians I knew were the ones in only Christians I knew were the ones in my high school campus. I I knew nothing my high school campus. I I knew nothing my high school campus. I I knew nothing about the church. I knew nothing about about the church. I knew nothing about about the church. I knew nothing about the Bible. I knew nothing about God. I the Bible. I knew nothing about God. I the Bible. I knew nothing about God. I was like just a blank piece of paper. was like just a blank piece of paper. was like just a blank piece of paper. But uh Mark took me under his wing. But uh Mark took me under his wing. But uh Mark took me under his wing. Effectively, he was discipling me.

Effectively, he was discipling me. Effectively, he was discipling me. There was no question that was too There was no question that was too There was no question that was too ridiculous to ask him. He modeled for me ridiculous to ask him. He modeled for me ridiculous to ask him. He modeled for me what a Christian should be. I could what a Christian should be. I could what a Christian should be. I could observe him. I remember going over to observe him. I remember going over to observe him. I remember going over to his home. He was living with his his home. He was living with his his home. He was living with his parents. We're still kids. And and I parents. We're still kids. And and I parents. We're still kids. And and I would have dinner with his parents and would have dinner with his parents and would have dinner with his parents and they were all Christians and and we they were all Christians and and we they were all Christians and and we would open the Bible and they would tell would open the Bible and they would tell would open the Bible and they would tell me things from scripture I'd never heard me things from scripture I'd never heard me things from scripture I'd never heard before. I remember the first time they before. I remember the first time they before. I remember the first time they told me about the rapture. Jesus is told me about the rapture. Jesus is told me about the rapture. Jesus is going to come for his church. It was so going to come for his church. It was so going to come for his church. It was so exciting to learn these things. And you exciting to learn these things. And you exciting to learn these things. And you can be that person for someone else if can be that person for someone else if can be that person for someone else if you're an older believer because there you're an older believer because there you're an older believer because there are some things that are taught and are some things that are taught and are some things that are taught and there are other things that are caught. there are other things that are caught. there are other things that are caught. There's only so much I can do behind There's only so much I can do behind There's only so much I can do behind some pulpit. They need to see what a some pulpit. They need to see what a some pulpit. They need to see what a real living breathing Christian looks real living breathing Christian looks real living breathing Christian looks like. like. like. They need to know, how does a Christian They need to know, how does a Christian They need to know, how does a Christian drive? drive? drive? And that's exactly why I don't want a And that's exactly why I don't want a And that's exactly why I don't want a new believer around me. new believer around me. new believer around me. Do they drive the speed limit or Do they drive the speed limit or Do they drive the speed limit or something close to it? You know, what something close to it? You know, what something close to it? You know, what does a Christian do with their free does a Christian do with their free does a Christian do with their free time?

time? time? How does a Christian husband treat his How does a Christian husband treat his How does a Christian husband treat his wife? How does a Christian wife treat wife? How does a Christian wife treat wife? How does a Christian wife treat her husband? How do Christian kids react her husband? How do Christian kids react her husband? How do Christian kids react to their parents? Do Christians drink? to their parents? Do Christians drink? to their parents? Do Christians drink? Do Christians go to movies? The answer Do Christians go to movies? The answer Do Christians go to movies? The answer is yes, we go see Jesus Revolution and is yes, we go see Jesus Revolution and is yes, we go see Jesus Revolution and some other films as well. some other films as well. some other films as well. But Paul says to Timothy in 2 Timothy But Paul says to Timothy in 2 Timothy But Paul says to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10, 3:10, 3:10, "You've observed my teaching and my "You've observed my teaching and my "You've observed my teaching and my conduct and my aim in life, which is my conduct and my aim in life, which is my conduct and my aim in life, which is my faith." faith." faith." So, yeah, teaching is good, but they So, yeah, teaching is good, but they So, yeah, teaching is good, but they need to see you in the way that's you need to see you in the way that's you need to see you in the way that's you live. New believers need old believers. live. New believers need old believers. live. New believers need old believers. Old believers need new believers. Having Old believers need new believers. Having Old believers need new believers. Having a new believer in your life can have a a new believer in your life can have a a new believer in your life can have a reviving effect on you reviving effect on you reviving effect on you as they discover truths for the first as they discover truths for the first as they discover truths for the first time, you can rediscover them. You time, you can rediscover them. You time, you can rediscover them. You stabilize them, they energize you. So, stabilize them, they energize you. So, stabilize them, they energize you. So, get a new believer, not a dog, not a get a new believer, not a dog, not a get a new believer, not a dog, not a cat. They're fine. No, a human being cat. They're fine. No, a human being cat. They're fine. No, a human being that you can help grow spiritually.

>> A strong exhortation from Pastor Greg >> A strong exhortation from Pastor Greg Laurie today on A New Beginning. Laurie today on A New Beginning. Laurie today on A New Beginning. Discipleship is a privilege we can take Discipleship is a privilege we can take Discipleship is a privilege we can take part in. It's a joy to see a new part in. It's a joy to see a new part in. It's a joy to see a new believer begin to grow. believer begin to grow. believer begin to grow. Now, Pastor Greg, it occurs to me that Now, Pastor Greg, it occurs to me that Now, Pastor Greg, it occurs to me that someone listening isn't a long-time someone listening isn't a long-time someone listening isn't a long-time believer. In fact, they're not a new believer. In fact, they're not a new believer. In fact, they're not a new believer. They're not a believer at all, believer. They're not a believer at all, believer. They're not a believer at all, or they don't know if they are or not. or they don't know if they are or not. or they don't know if they are or not. What would you say to them? What would you say to them? What would you say to them? >> I'd say that's the most important >> I'd say that's the most important >> I'd say that's the most important decision you're ever going to make in decision you're ever going to make in decision you're ever going to make in your life. So, I want you to stay tuned your life. So, I want you to stay tuned your life. So, I want you to stay tuned because I'm going to tell you how to because I'm going to tell you how to because I'm going to tell you how to make that decision in just a few make that decision in just a few make that decision in just a few moments. moments. moments. >> All right. And listen, if you missed any >> All right. And listen, if you missed any >> All right. And listen, if you missed any part of today's message, a presentation part of today's message, a presentation part of today's message, a presentation called Discipleship, The Next Step in called Discipleship, The Next Step in called Discipleship, The Next Step in Following Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus, you can get a replay by going to you can get a replay by going to you can get a replay by going to harvest.org, harvest.org, harvest.org, or just subscribe to our free podcast by or just subscribe to our free podcast by or just subscribe to our free podcast by going to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any going to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any going to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any of the other podcast apps. of the other podcast apps. of the other podcast apps. And then, uh Pastor Greg, if you would, And then, uh Pastor Greg, if you would, And then, uh Pastor Greg, if you would, speak directly to the person who wants speak directly to the person who wants speak directly to the person who wants to make a change today in their to make a change today in their to make a change today in their relationship with God.

relationship with God. relationship with God. >> Maybe as you've been listening to this >> Maybe as you've been listening to this >> Maybe as you've been listening to this message, you've thought, I wish I could message, you've thought, I wish I could message, you've thought, I wish I could come into this relationship with God. I come into this relationship with God. I come into this relationship with God. I just don't know how. just don't know how. just don't know how. Let me tell you how you can come into a Let me tell you how you can come into a Let me tell you how you can come into a relationship with God right here, right relationship with God right here, right relationship with God right here, right now. now. now. First of all, you need to recognize you First of all, you need to recognize you First of all, you need to recognize you need God. You need to admit you're a need God. You need to admit you're a need God. You need to admit you're a sinner. I know some people choke on that sinner. I know some people choke on that sinner. I know some people choke on that word, but the Bible says all have sinned word, but the Bible says all have sinned word, but the Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. and fallen short of the glory of God. and fallen short of the glory of God. But then, you need to recognize that But then, you need to recognize that But then, you need to recognize that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross for your sin. The Bible says, the cross for your sin. The Bible says, the cross for your sin. The Bible says, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died "While we were yet sinners, Christ died "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." for us." for us." And then, you need to believe in Jesus. And then, you need to believe in Jesus. And then, you need to believe in Jesus. Jesus put it this way, "For God so loved Jesus put it this way, "For God so loved Jesus put it this way, "For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten the world, he gave his only begotten the world, he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him son, that whosoever believes in him son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting should not perish, but have everlasting should not perish, but have everlasting life." You might ask, "How does one life." You might ask, "How does one life." You might ask, "How does one believe in Jesus?" believe in Jesus?" believe in Jesus?" To believe means to put your faith and To believe means to put your faith and To believe means to put your faith and trust in Christ and Christ alone, and to trust in Christ and Christ alone, and to trust in Christ and Christ alone, and to receive him into your life as your own receive him into your life as your own receive him into your life as your own friend, savior, and Lord. The Bible friend, savior, and Lord. The Bible friend, savior, and Lord. The Bible says, "For as many as received him, he says, "For as many as received him, he says, "For as many as received him, he gave them the power to become sons of gave them the power to become sons of gave them the power to become sons of God."

God." God." Would you like to receive Christ? And by Would you like to receive Christ? And by Would you like to receive Christ? And by that I mean, would you like to ask Jesus that I mean, would you like to ask Jesus that I mean, would you like to ask Jesus to enter into your life and be your to enter into your life and be your to enter into your life and be your savior, your friend, your Lord? If so, savior, your friend, your Lord? If so, savior, your friend, your Lord? If so, you can just pray this prayer after me. you can just pray this prayer after me. you can just pray this prayer after me. It's a simple prayer. You can pray it It's a simple prayer. You can pray it It's a simple prayer. You can pray it out loud if you would like, or you could out loud if you would like, or you could out loud if you would like, or you could pray it in the quietness of your heart. pray it in the quietness of your heart. pray it in the quietness of your heart. But if you want Jesus Christ to forgive But if you want Jesus Christ to forgive But if you want Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sin, if you want to go to you of your sin, if you want to go to you of your sin, if you want to go to heaven when you die, or maybe you want heaven when you die, or maybe you want heaven when you die, or maybe you want to make a recommitment to the Lord, just to make a recommitment to the Lord, just to make a recommitment to the Lord, just pray this prayer after me now. Pray pray this prayer after me now. Pray pray this prayer after me now. Pray these words if you would. these words if you would. these words if you would. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the savior but I know that you're the savior but I know that you're the savior who died on the cross for my sin. who died on the cross for my sin. who died on the cross for my sin. I turn now from my sin, I turn now from my sin, I turn now from my sin, and I ask you to come into my life and I ask you to come into my life and I ask you to come into my life and forgive me of all of my sin. and forgive me of all of my sin. and forgive me of all of my sin. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for hearing this prayer, Thank you for hearing this prayer, Thank you for hearing this prayer, and thank you for answering this prayer. and thank you for answering this prayer. and thank you for answering this prayer. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, Hey, if you just prayed that prayer, I want to congratulate you and say, I want to congratulate you and say, I want to congratulate you and say, "Welcome to the family of God." "Welcome to the family of God." "Welcome to the family of God." >> Yeah, that's right. And we want to >> Yeah, that's right. And we want to >> Yeah, that's right. And we want to follow up with you and get you started follow up with you and get you started follow up with you and get you started in your new journey of faith. Pastor in your new journey of faith. Pastor in your new journey of faith. Pastor Greg would like to send you his New Greg would like to send you his New Greg would like to send you his New Believers Bible. It has many specialized Believers Bible. It has many specialized Believers Bible. It has many specialized study helps, and it'll answer many of study helps, and it'll answer many of study helps, and it'll answer many of the questions you might have. the questions you might have. the questions you might have. So, if you prayed along with Pastor Greg So, if you prayed along with Pastor Greg So, if you prayed along with Pastor Greg today, let us send you the New Believers today, let us send you the New Believers today, let us send you the New Believers Bible free of charge. You can call us at Bible free of charge. You can call us at Bible free of charge. You can call us at 1-800-821-3300. We're here around the clock, and again, We're here around the clock, and again, the number 1-800-821-3300. Or write A New Beginning Box 4000, Or write A New Beginning Box 4000, Riverside, California 92514. Riverside, California 92514. Riverside, California 92514. Or go online to harvest.org Or go online to harvest.org Or go online to harvest.org and click the words "know God." and click the words "know God." and click the words "know God." And then, thank you for partnering with And then, thank you for partnering with And then, thank you for partnering with us to help these daily studies continue. us to help these daily studies continue. us to help these daily studies continue. Your investments have eternal benefits. Your investments have eternal benefits. Your investments have eternal benefits. Why not make this a part of your Why not make this a part of your Why not make this a part of your personal ministry to partner in an personal ministry to partner in an personal ministry to partner in an effort that's making a real difference effort that's making a real difference effort that's making a real difference with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Thank with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Thank with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Thank you for your prayers and for prayerfully you for your prayers and for prayerfully you for your prayers and for prayerfully considering how God might lead you to considering how God might lead you to considering how God might lead you to help tangibly.

help tangibly. help tangibly. Online, you'll find us at harvest.org Online, you'll find us at harvest.org Online, you'll find us at harvest.org and there you'll see the way we'd like and there you'll see the way we'd like and there you'll see the way we'd like to thank you for your donation right to thank you for your donation right to thank you for your donation right now. That's harvest.org now. That's harvest.org now. That's harvest.org or write us at A New Beginning, box or write us at A New Beginning, box or write us at A New Beginning, box 4000, Riverside, California 92514. 4000, Riverside, California 92514. 4000, Riverside, California 92514. Or call us at 1-800-821-3300. We're here around the clock to take your We're here around the clock to take your call again at 1-800-821-3300. [music] Well, next time Pastor Greg offers more Well, next time Pastor Greg offers more insights [music] on the thrilling insights [music] on the thrilling insights [music] on the thrilling privilege of discipleship. privilege of discipleship. privilege of discipleship. Join us here on A New Beginning with Join us here on A New Beginning with Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible [music] teacher Greg Pastor and Bible [music] teacher Greg Pastor and Bible [music] teacher Greg Laurie. Laurie. Laurie. >> This is the day when life when life begins. begins. begins. >> [music]