The Gifts that Keep Giving | Faith in Action

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 Laurie has a great [music] new book Laurie has a great [music] new book Laurie has a great [music] new book called What Every Growing Christian called What Every Growing Christian called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know that will help. Needs to Know that will help. Needs to Know that will help. >> Let's say you're feeling lethargic and >> Let's say you're feeling lethargic and >> Let's say you're feeling lethargic and tired. You know, if you have a [music] tired. You know, if you have a [music] tired. You know, if you have a [music] diet of social media and you don't take diet of social media and you don't take diet of social media and you don't take time for the word of God, this [music] time for the word of God, this [music] time for the word of God, this [music] is going to have a damaging effect. So, is going to have a damaging effect. So, is going to have a damaging effect. So, this is just one of the things we talk this is just one of the things we talk this is just one of the things we talk about in this new book called What Every about in this new book called What Every about in this new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know. Growing Christian Needs to Know. Growing Christian Needs to Know. >> Available at harvest.org. >> You'll never [music] know what your >> You'll never [music] know what your spiritual gift is until you take some spiritual gift is until you take some spiritual gift is until you take some steps of faith. steps of faith. steps of faith. Be a risk-taker [music] Be a risk-taker [music] Be a risk-taker [music] and watch what the Lord will do. and watch what the Lord will do. and watch what the Lord will do. >> Do you want to be used of God? God >> Do you want to be used of God? God >> Do you want to be used of God? God [music] wants to use you. And coming up [music] wants to use you. And coming up [music] wants to use you. And coming up today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie says the Lord may equip you in Laurie says the Lord may equip you in Laurie says the Lord may equip you in some special ways. some special ways. some special ways. >> Maybe you're a great visionary, but >> Maybe you're a great visionary, but >> Maybe you're a great visionary, but [music] you're not great at nuts and [music] you're not great at nuts and [music] you're not great at nuts and bolts. Then again, you might be more of bolts. Then again, you might be more of bolts. Then again, you might be more of a detail person. Everyone has a role to a detail person. Everyone has a role to a detail person. Everyone has a role to play, a gift given to them by God.

[music] [music] >> Great things really happen when we're >> Great things really happen when we're >> Great things really happen when we're deep inside our comfort zones. deep inside our comfort zones. >> [music] >> No one's ever heard of the great Lazy >> No one's ever heard of the great Lazy >> No one's ever heard of the great Lazy Boy Revival or the evangelistic hammock Boy Revival or the evangelistic hammock Boy Revival or the evangelistic hammock crusades. crusades. crusades. No, somebody's got to get up and [music] No, somebody's got to get up and [music] No, somebody's got to get up and [music] do something. And today on A New do something. And today on A New do something. And today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us some good news. God empowers [music] and some good news. God empowers [music] and some good news. God empowers [music] and equips those he calls into service. equips those he calls into service. equips those he calls into service. You may already have a special God-given You may already have a special God-given You may already have a special God-given talent you're not even aware of. talent you're not even aware of. talent you're not even aware of. Today, we'll learn how to identify and Today, we'll learn how to identify and Today, we'll learn how to identify and use [music] those abilities. >> Let's think now a little bit about the >> Let's think now a little bit about the gifts of the Spirit let's go over to gifts of the Spirit let's go over to gifts of the Spirit let's go over to Romans 12 and see what Paul says. Romans 12 and see what Paul says. Romans 12 and see what Paul says. Romans 12:6 Romans 12:6 Romans 12:6 In his grace God has given us different In his grace God has given us different In his grace God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. gifts for doing certain things well. gifts for doing certain things well. If God has given you the ability to If God has given you the ability to If God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith prophesy, speak out with as much faith prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is as God has given you. If your gift is as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If serving others, serve them well. If serving others, serve them well. If you're a teacher, teach well. If your you're a teacher, teach well. If your you're a teacher, teach well. If your gift is encouraging others, that's a gift is encouraging others, that's a gift is encouraging others, that's a gift of exhortation, be encouraging. If gift of exhortation, be encouraging. If gift of exhortation, be encouraging. If your gift is giving, then give your gift is giving, then give your gift is giving, then give generously. If God has given you generously. If God has given you generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take that leadership ability, take that leadership ability, take that responsibility seriously. And if you responsibility seriously. And if you responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to have a gift for showing kindness to have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

others, do it gladly. others, do it gladly. I'll stop there. Certain terms bubble up I'll stop there. Certain terms bubble up I'll stop there. Certain terms bubble up here, do it well, generously, here, do it well, generously, here, do it well, generously, gladly, gladly, gladly, take this responsibility seriously. take this responsibility seriously. take this responsibility seriously. The gift of teaching is mentioned here. The gift of teaching is mentioned here. The gift of teaching is mentioned here. And if you're called to teach, he says And if you're called to teach, he says And if you're called to teach, he says teach well. teach well. teach well. It's an awesome responsibility to be It's an awesome responsibility to be It's an awesome responsibility to be called to teach. called to teach. called to teach. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15, we The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15, we The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15, we should know how to handle the word of should know how to handle the word of should know how to handle the word of God correctly. God correctly. God correctly. And then James 3:1 says, "Brothers and And then James 3:1 says, "Brothers and And then James 3:1 says, "Brothers and sisters, not many of you should become sisters, not many of you should become sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church for we who teach teachers in the church for we who teach teachers in the church for we who teach will be judged more strictly." will be judged more strictly." will be judged more strictly." You know, people have asked me, "What's You know, people have asked me, "What's You know, people have asked me, "What's it like to stand up there on that stage it like to stand up there on that stage it like to stand up there on that stage at the crusade? That must be a real ego at the crusade? That must be a real ego at the crusade? That must be a real ego trip for you, right?" Uh no, not at all trip for you, right?" Uh no, not at all trip for you, right?" Uh no, not at all actually. It's kind of scary. actually. It's kind of scary. actually. It's kind of scary. And it's kind of an awesome And it's kind of an awesome And it's kind of an awesome responsibility. responsibility. responsibility. Because I recognize I'm speaking for Because I recognize I'm speaking for Because I recognize I'm speaking for God. God. God. I know that there are certain people I know that there are certain people I know that there are certain people that will be there that may never come that will be there that may never come that will be there that may never come to an event like that again. They may to an event like that again. They may to an event like that again. They may never go to a church again. So, I don't never go to a church again. So, I don't never go to a church again. So, I don't want to misrepresent God.

want to misrepresent God. want to misrepresent God. It's a lot of weight. It's a lot of weight. It's a lot of weight. And there's a lot of spiritual warfare And there's a lot of spiritual warfare And there's a lot of spiritual warfare involved in it as well. I'm not asking involved in it as well. I'm not asking involved in it as well. I'm not asking for your sympathy. I'm just telling you for your sympathy. I'm just telling you for your sympathy. I'm just telling you there's responsibility that comes with there's responsibility that comes with there's responsibility that comes with teaching. teaching. teaching. And I spend a lot of time in preparation And I spend a lot of time in preparation And I spend a lot of time in preparation before I speak. You probably can't tell, before I speak. You probably can't tell, before I speak. You probably can't tell, but I do. but I do. but I do. Because the Bible says study to show Because the Bible says study to show Because the Bible says study to show yourself approved unto God, one that yourself approved unto God, one that yourself approved unto God, one that doesn't need to be ashamed because he doesn't need to be ashamed because he doesn't need to be ashamed because he rightly divides the word of God. You rightly divides the word of God. You rightly divides the word of God. You need to learn how to exegete a need to learn how to exegete a need to learn how to exegete a scripture, which is a theological term scripture, which is a theological term scripture, which is a theological term that simply means to see what the text that simply means to see what the text that simply means to see what the text is actually saying. is actually saying. is actually saying. You need to interpret in its proper You need to interpret in its proper You need to interpret in its proper context, and then you bring the context, and then you bring the context, and then you bring the application and so forth. But here's application and so forth. But here's application and so forth. But here's what I don't get. Some people think what I don't get. Some people think what I don't get. Some people think they're called to be teachers or maybe they're called to be teachers or maybe they're called to be teachers or maybe pastors pastors pastors and they're boring. and they're boring. and they're boring. How can you take the action-packed, How can you take the action-packed, How can you take the action-packed, powerful, living word of God and make it powerful, living word of God and make it powerful, living word of God and make it dull? dull? dull? That's on you.

That's on you. That's on you. Not on the Bible, and it's not on God. Not on the Bible, and it's not on God. Not on the Bible, and it's not on God. It's on you. Some preachers are so dull, It's on you. Some preachers are so dull, It's on you. Some preachers are so dull, watching paint dry is more entertaining. watching paint dry is more entertaining. watching paint dry is more entertaining. Right? Right? Right? Maybe you have a gifting in another Maybe you have a gifting in another Maybe you have a gifting in another area. You need to find that area. area. You need to find that area. area. You need to find that area. The funny thing is me being called to The funny thing is me being called to The funny thing is me being called to teach is laughable because I was the teach is laughable because I was the teach is laughable because I was the worst student. worst student. worst student. I was always getting in trouble in I was always getting in trouble in I was always getting in trouble in school. My grades were very low. I'll school. My grades were very low. I'll school. My grades were very low. I'll tell you that up front. tell you that up front. tell you that up front. Uh my grades literally were like D D C. Uh my grades literally were like D D C. Uh my grades literally were like D D C. C was a was a victory. C. C was a was a victory. C. C was a was a victory. C. D D F. Yes, F. F. F. By the way, I D D F. Yes, F. F. F. By the way, I D D F. Yes, F. F. F. By the way, I learned a little trick. If you put one learned a little trick. If you put one learned a little trick. If you put one line in an F, it becomes an A. Just make sure you use the same colored Just make sure you use the same colored ink. ink. ink. Or they'll know you did it. Or they'll know you did it. Or they'll know you did it. And then I'd have one A. And then I'd have one A. And then I'd have one A. Art. Art. Art. That's it. Everything D C D F D C A. That's it. Everything D C D F D C A. That's it. Everything D C D F D C A. Back to D's and C's. Back to D's and C's. Back to D's and C's. And I was always getting in trouble in And I was always getting in trouble in And I was always getting in trouble in class. I was always being disrespectful class. I was always being disrespectful class. I was always being disrespectful to the teachers. And there was this one to the teachers. And there was this one to the teachers. And there was this one teacher I had in my class.

teacher I had in my class. teacher I had in my class. And then there was a class right next And then there was a class right next And then there was a class right next door and this teacher heard about what I door and this teacher heard about what I door and this teacher heard about what I used to do in the class to disrupt it. used to do in the class to disrupt it. used to do in the class to disrupt it. She announced to her class one day, "I She announced to her class one day, "I She announced to her class one day, "I would like to take Greg Laurie, bury him would like to take Greg Laurie, bury him would like to take Greg Laurie, bury him up to his neck in the sand in the up to his neck in the sand in the up to his neck in the sand in the blazing sun and watch ants eat him blazing sun and watch ants eat him blazing sun and watch ants eat him alive." alive." alive." She literally said this. She literally said this. She literally said this. And some of the kids came up to me and And some of the kids came up to me and And some of the kids came up to me and told me what she said and I thought, told me what she said and I thought, told me what she said and I thought, "That's kind of cool." "That's kind of cool." "That's kind of cool." See, that's so twisted. I like that. See, that's so twisted. I like that. See, that's so twisted. I like that. And they wanted to expel me and my And they wanted to expel me and my And they wanted to expel me and my mother would meet with the principal and mother would meet with the principal and mother would meet with the principal and say, "You expel him, I'll sue you." say, "You expel him, I'll sue you." say, "You expel him, I'll sue you." So, I stayed in school. So, I stayed in school. So, I stayed in school. No one would have ever thought I'd No one would have ever thought I'd No one would have ever thought I'd become a teacher. But who knows, you become a teacher. But who knows, you become a teacher. But who knows, you know, know, know, God has a sense of humor, doesn't he? God has a sense of humor, doesn't he? God has a sense of humor, doesn't he? I wasn't the teacher's pet. I was the I wasn't the teacher's pet. I was the I wasn't the teacher's pet. I was the teacher's monster. teacher's monster. teacher's monster. But the Lord called me to do this and But the Lord called me to do this and But the Lord called me to do this and maybe he's called you to do something maybe he's called you to do something maybe he's called you to do something you never thought you would do. Then you never thought you would do. Then you never thought you would do. Then there is the gift of encouraging others. there is the gift of encouraging others. there is the gift of encouraging others. Look at verse 8. If your gift is to Look at verse 8. If your gift is to Look at verse 8. If your gift is to encourage others, encourage others, encourage others, I love this. Be encouraging.

I love this. Be encouraging. I love this. Be encouraging. Yeah, this is actually your gift then be Yeah, this is actually your gift then be Yeah, this is actually your gift then be an encouraging person. Some people are an encouraging person. Some people are an encouraging person. Some people are not encouraging, they're discouraging. I not encouraging, they're discouraging. I not encouraging, they're discouraging. I jokingly call them Debbie Downer jokingly call them Debbie Downer jokingly call them Debbie Downer and her boyfriend Bobby Buzzkill. and her boyfriend Bobby Buzzkill. and her boyfriend Bobby Buzzkill. Right? They always bring you down, Right? They always bring you down, Right? They always bring you down, always negative, always critical, always negative, always critical, always negative, always critical, critical, critical, critical. critical, critical, critical. critical, critical, critical. Never a compliment from these people. Never a compliment from these people. Never a compliment from these people. Well, the gift of exhortation Well, the gift of exhortation Well, the gift of exhortation or the gift of encouraging doesn't or the gift of encouraging doesn't or the gift of encouraging doesn't include correction at times, but it also include correction at times, but it also include correction at times, but it also includes encouraging. includes encouraging. includes encouraging. And I think when you have to speak to And I think when you have to speak to And I think when you have to speak to someone critically, the Bible says in someone critically, the Bible says in someone critically, the Bible says in Ephesians 4:15, "Speak the truth in Ephesians 4:15, "Speak the truth in Ephesians 4:15, "Speak the truth in love." love." love." We should keep each other accountable. We should keep each other accountable. We should keep each other accountable. If we see a Christian friend going the If we see a Christian friend going the If we see a Christian friend going the wrong direction or making the wrong wrong direction or making the wrong wrong direction or making the wrong decisions, we might say, "Hey, you decisions, we might say, "Hey, you decisions, we might say, "Hey, you shouldn't do that. The Bible says thus shouldn't do that. The Bible says thus shouldn't do that. The Bible says thus and so." and so." and so." But, uh, you know, but before you But, uh, you know, but before you But, uh, you know, but before you correct, try to compliment. Jesus correct, try to compliment. Jesus correct, try to compliment. Jesus modeled this for us. When he spoke to modeled this for us. When he spoke to modeled this for us. When he spoke to the church of Ephesus in the book of the church of Ephesus in the book of the church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation, Revelation, Revelation, let me just paraphrase, he says, "I know let me just paraphrase, he says, "I know let me just paraphrase, he says, "I know you guys are discerning. I know you're you guys are discerning. I know you're you guys are discerning. I know you're hard working. I appreciate all these hard working. I appreciate all these hard working. I appreciate all these things about you, but I have this things about you, but I have this things about you, but I have this against you. You have left your first against you. You have left your first against you. You have left your first love. So, remember therefore from where love. So, remember therefore from where love. So, remember therefore from where you have fallen and repent and do the you have fallen and repent and do the you have fallen and repent and do the first works quickly." I love that.

first works quickly." I love that. first works quickly." I love that. Compliment, doing this well, doing that Compliment, doing this well, doing that Compliment, doing this well, doing that well, doing a good job over here, but well, doing a good job over here, but well, doing a good job over here, but there's this one area. there's this one area. there's this one area. So, let's talk about that. That's the So, let's talk about that. That's the So, let's talk about that. That's the right way to do it. Deposit a compliment right way to do it. Deposit a compliment right way to do it. Deposit a compliment before you make the withdrawal of a before you make the withdrawal of a before you make the withdrawal of a criticism. criticism. criticism. Married couples, listen to what I'm Married couples, listen to what I'm Married couples, listen to what I'm saying. saying. saying. Cuz sometimes it's always critical, Cuz sometimes it's always critical, Cuz sometimes it's always critical, critical. He doesn't do this right. She critical. He doesn't do this right. She critical. He doesn't do this right. She doesn't do that right. Always sniping at doesn't do that right. Always sniping at doesn't do that right. Always sniping at each other. When's the last time you each other. When's the last time you each other. When's the last time you complimented your husband? When's the complimented your husband? When's the complimented your husband? When's the last time you complimented your wife? last time you complimented your wife? last time you complimented your wife? Remember again, Remember again, Remember again, deposit a compliment before you make the deposit a compliment before you make the deposit a compliment before you make the withdrawal withdrawal withdrawal of a criticism. Otherwise, it's of a criticism. Otherwise, it's of a criticism. Otherwise, it's destructive criticism destructive criticism destructive criticism when it should be productive criticism. when it should be productive criticism. when it should be productive criticism. We need people to teach us and we need We need people to teach us and we need We need people to teach us and we need people to exhort us. See, teaching tells people to exhort us. See, teaching tells people to exhort us. See, teaching tells me what the text says, me what the text says, me what the text says, but the gift of exhortation makes me but the gift of exhortation makes me but the gift of exhortation makes me want to do what the text says. Sometimes want to do what the text says. Sometimes want to do what the text says. Sometimes people are gifted with both of those people are gifted with both of those people are gifted with both of those skills. But, you can think of some skills. But, you can think of some skills. But, you can think of some teachers, you heard a message, "Wow, teachers, you heard a message, "Wow, teachers, you heard a message, "Wow, that was really helpful. I learned a lot that was really helpful. I learned a lot that was really helpful. I learned a lot theologically. I never understood that.

theologically. I never understood that. theologically. I never understood that. That was great." But, then you hear That was great." But, then you hear That was great." But, then you hear someone else, you're just all fired up. someone else, you're just all fired up. someone else, you're just all fired up. Oh, man, I want to I want to pray more. Oh, man, I want to I want to pray more. Oh, man, I want to I want to pray more. I want to serve more. I want to share I want to serve more. I want to share I want to serve more. I want to share the gospel more. Whatever it is. the gospel more. Whatever it is. the gospel more. Whatever it is. Uh, these gifts are all important, but Uh, these gifts are all important, but Uh, these gifts are all important, but exhorting exhorting exhorting is something we should all do. Hebrews is something we should all do. Hebrews is something we should all do. Hebrews 10:24 says, "Consider one another to 10:24 says, "Consider one another to 10:24 says, "Consider one another to provoke each other to love and to good provoke each other to love and to good provoke each other to love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of works, not forsaking the assembling of works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of ourselves together, as the manner of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another some is, but exhorting one another some is, but exhorting one another daily, and so much more as we see the daily, and so much more as we see the daily, and so much more as we see the day of the Lord approaching." Then day of the Lord approaching." Then day of the Lord approaching." Then there's the gift of giving. there's the gift of giving. there's the gift of giving. Romans 12:8, "If your gift is giving, Romans 12:8, "If your gift is giving, Romans 12:8, "If your gift is giving, then give generously." then give generously." then give generously." Why is it then when we talk about money Why is it then when we talk about money Why is it then when we talk about money in the church, people recoil? in the church, people recoil? in the church, people recoil? Probably because there's abuse. Probably because there's abuse. Probably because there's abuse. There are times where it's used wrongly There are times where it's used wrongly There are times where it's used wrongly and people are guilted into giving and and people are guilted into giving and and people are guilted into giving and and there's too much pressure put on and there's too much pressure put on and there's too much pressure put on people, but if we throw the baby out people, but if we throw the baby out people, but if we throw the baby out with the bathwater, with the bathwater, with the bathwater, we're missing the blessing of giving.

we're missing the blessing of giving. we're missing the blessing of giving. Every Christian should give of their Every Christian should give of their Every Christian should give of their finances to the Lord. Every Christian, finances to the Lord. Every Christian, finances to the Lord. Every Christian, in my opinion, should tithe. in my opinion, should tithe. in my opinion, should tithe. It's a joy. It's a privilege. It's an It's a joy. It's a privilege. It's an It's a joy. It's a privilege. It's an opportunity. It's an investment in the opportunity. It's an investment in the opportunity. It's an investment in the kingdom of God. kingdom of God. kingdom of God. Because you should be doing your giving Because you should be doing your giving Because you should be doing your giving while you're living, then you're knowing while you're living, then you're knowing while you're living, then you're knowing where it's going, right? where it's going, right? where it's going, right? And God makes a promise in the book of And God makes a promise in the book of And God makes a promise in the book of Malachi Malachi Malachi where he says, "Put me to the test on where he says, "Put me to the test on where he says, "Put me to the test on this one. this one. this one. Bring your tithe into the storehouse and Bring your tithe into the storehouse and Bring your tithe into the storehouse and watch if I will not open up the windows watch if I will not open up the windows watch if I will not open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing of heaven and pour you out a blessing of heaven and pour you out a blessing that you won't even have room enough to that you won't even have room enough to that you won't even have room enough to receive it." It's a happy thing to give. receive it." It's a happy thing to give. receive it." It's a happy thing to give. Because Jesus said, "Blessed are those Because Jesus said, "Blessed are those Because Jesus said, "Blessed are those who give." Or it's more blessed to give who give." Or it's more blessed to give who give." Or it's more blessed to give than it is to receive. And the word than it is to receive. And the word than it is to receive. And the word blessed means happy or happy making. But blessed means happy or happy making. But blessed means happy or happy making. But that's not what this verse is talking that's not what this verse is talking that's not what this verse is talking about. Every Christian should give, but about. Every Christian should give, but about. Every Christian should give, but there's a supernatural gift of giving. there's a supernatural gift of giving. there's a supernatural gift of giving. So he says, "If you have this gift, do So he says, "If you have this gift, do So he says, "If you have this gift, do it with simplicity and generosity." The it with simplicity and generosity." The it with simplicity and generosity." The person with the true gift of giving person with the true gift of giving person with the true gift of giving probably would never tell you they have probably would never tell you they have probably would never tell you they have the gift.

the gift. the gift. And you wouldn't even know all they're And you wouldn't even know all they're And you wouldn't even know all they're doing because they would do it kind of doing because they would do it kind of doing because they would do it kind of quietly. quietly. quietly. They wouldn't blow a little trumpet or They wouldn't blow a little trumpet or They wouldn't blow a little trumpet or drop hints or just gave this much to No, drop hints or just gave this much to No, drop hints or just gave this much to No, no, they just do it. no, they just do it. no, they just do it. But everyone would have a story about But everyone would have a story about But everyone would have a story about that person. Oh, yeah, they helped me that person. Oh, yeah, they helped me that person. Oh, yeah, they helped me here and they helped me there and I've here and they helped me there and I've here and they helped me there and I've never told this story before, but when I never told this story before, but when I never told this story before, but when I was in need they did this for me. That's was in need they did this for me. That's was in need they did this for me. That's a person with the gift of giving. And a person with the gift of giving. And a person with the gift of giving. And guess what? You don't have to be wealthy guess what? You don't have to be wealthy guess what? You don't have to be wealthy to have the gift of giving. to have the gift of giving. to have the gift of giving. I know some people who are not wealthy I know some people who are not wealthy I know some people who are not wealthy at all who are very generous people. And at all who are very generous people. And at all who are very generous people. And it's not just generosity with your it's not just generosity with your it's not just generosity with your money, it's generosity with your time. money, it's generosity with your time. money, it's generosity with your time. It's generosity with everything. You're It's generosity with everything. You're It's generosity with everything. You're just one of those giving people and just one of those giving people and just one of those giving people and that's a gift that God [music] perhaps that's a gift that God [music] perhaps that's a gift that God [music] perhaps has given you. >> Pastor [music] Greg Laurie will have the >> Pastor [music] Greg Laurie 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. >> 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 [music] to life. Hey Bible actually come [music] to life. Hey Bible actually come [music] to life. Hey everybody, Greg Laurie. And I've been to everybody, Greg Laurie. And I've been to everybody, Greg Laurie. And I've been to Israel many times and I've led a lot of Israel many times and I've led a lot of Israel many times and I've led a lot of tours and I have to say that's tours and I have to say that's tours and I have to say that's absolutely [music] absolutely [music] absolutely [music] true. Listen, when you're walking on the true. Listen, when you're walking on the true. Listen, when you're walking on the same stones that Jesus himself [music] same stones that Jesus himself [music] same stones that Jesus himself [music] walked on, well, that's something that's walked on, well, that's something that's walked on, well, that's something that's enriching to your faith. It's not just enriching to your faith. It's not just enriching to your faith. It's not just [music] a travel experience, it actually [music] a travel experience, it actually [music] a travel experience, it actually energizes and enhances your study of the energizes and enhances your study of the energizes and enhances your study of the Bible. [music] Think of it this way.

Bible. [music] Think of it this way. Bible. [music] Think of it this way. It's a vacation with a purpose and we're It's a vacation with a purpose and we're It's a vacation with a purpose and we're going to be taking a tour of Israel going to be taking a tour of Israel going to be taking a tour of Israel [music] [music] [music] 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. >> Step right into biblical [music] >> Step right into biblical [music] history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land April 6th through 15th, the Holy Land April 6th through 15th, the Holy Land April 6th through 15th, 2027. 2027. 2027. Get details at [music] Get details at [music] Get details at [music] israel.harvest.org. Well, we're considering the way God Well, we're considering the way God makes gifts available to his children makes gifts available to his children makes gifts available to his children for the works he calls us to do. for the works he calls us to do. for the works he calls us to do. Pastor Greg continues now. Pastor Greg continues now. Pastor Greg continues now. >> One last gift to look at, the gift of >> One last gift to look at, the gift of >> One last gift to look at, the gift of showing kindness and mercy. That's an showing kindness and mercy. That's an showing kindness and mercy. That's an actual gift. actual gift. actual gift. Should every Christian show kindness and Should every Christian show kindness and Should every Christian show kindness and mercy? Yes. mercy? Yes. mercy? Yes. But do some people have a supernatural But do some people have a supernatural But do some people have a supernatural ability to do this on the next level? ability to do this on the next level? ability to do this on the next level? Again, yes. Again, yes. Again, yes. Romans 12:8. If you have a gift of Romans 12:8. If you have a gift of Romans 12:8. If you have a gift of showing kindness to others, showing kindness to others, showing kindness to others, do it gladly. do it gladly. do it gladly. Do it gladly. Do it gladly. Do it gladly. There are people who have an There are people who have an There are people who have an extraordinary supernatural ability from extraordinary supernatural ability from extraordinary supernatural ability from God to show mercy and compassion and God to show mercy and compassion and God to show mercy and compassion and kindness to those who are in need.

kindness to those who are in need. kindness to those who are in need. I'm amazed at people that work in I'm amazed at people that work in I'm amazed at people that work in care facilities. care facilities. care facilities. Uh Uh Uh people that are involved in hospice people that are involved in hospice people that are involved in hospice care. care. care. Uh people that will hold the hand of Uh people that will hold the hand of Uh people that will hold the hand of someone that is sick or uh someone that is sick or uh someone that is sick or uh old and can't help themselves and and I old and can't help themselves and and I old and can't help themselves and and I I just marvel at the patience and and I just marvel at the patience and and I just marvel at the patience and and the love and the compassion of a person the love and the compassion of a person the love and the compassion of a person like this. It It's a gift of mercy. My like this. It It's a gift of mercy. My like this. It It's a gift of mercy. My wife Kathy has this gift. You want wife Kathy has this gift. You want wife Kathy has this gift. You want someone to show you compassion and someone to show you compassion and someone to show you compassion and mercy, talk to Kathy. You want a sermon mercy, talk to Kathy. You want a sermon mercy, talk to Kathy. You want a sermon or a lame joke, come to me. or a lame joke, come to me. or a lame joke, come to me. It's different gifting. It's different gifting. It's different gifting. So, if you're in a hospital bed, do you So, if you're in a hospital bed, do you So, if you're in a hospital bed, do you need someone with a gift of teaching or need someone with a gift of teaching or need someone with a gift of teaching or evangelism? Maybe, but what you probably evangelism? Maybe, but what you probably evangelism? Maybe, but what you probably really need is someone with a gift of really need is someone with a gift of really need is someone with a gift of mercy. That would come and just take you mercy. That would come and just take you mercy. That would come and just take you by the hand and sit there with you and by the hand and sit there with you and by the hand and sit there with you and not try to explain everything to you and not try to explain everything to you and not try to explain everything to you and just be a loving Christian and walk with just be a loving Christian and walk with just be a loving Christian and walk with you through it. You may have that gift. you through it. You may have that gift. you through it. You may have that gift. And you didn't even know you had that And you didn't even know you had that And you didn't even know you had that gift. Here's the bottom line.

gift. Here's the bottom line. gift. Here's the bottom line. Just start taking bold steps of faith Just start taking bold steps of faith Just start taking bold steps of faith and see what the Lord will do. and see what the Lord will do. and see what the Lord will do. Uh Uh Uh I found out I wasn't called to be a I found out I wasn't called to be a I found out I wasn't called to be a musician some years ago at Calvary musician some years ago at Calvary musician some years ago at Calvary Chapel in the days of the Jesus Chapel in the days of the Jesus Chapel in the days of the Jesus movement. All these bands were forming movement. All these bands were forming movement. All these bands were forming all the time. all the time. all the time. Love Song, Blessed Faith, Country Faith, Love Song, Blessed Faith, Country Faith, Love Song, Blessed Faith, Country Faith, Mustard Seed Faith, lots of with the Mustard Seed Faith, lots of with the Mustard Seed Faith, lots of with the name faith in them. name faith in them. name faith in them. So, I was at this little home Bible So, I was at this little home Bible So, I was at this little home Bible study and there was a man there who was study and there was a man there who was study and there was a man there who was a good guitar player and singer and he a good guitar player and singer and he a good guitar player and singer and he wrote a song. He goes, "I wrote this wrote a song. He goes, "I wrote this wrote a song. He goes, "I wrote this song." And he sang the song and we're song." And he sang the song and we're song." And he sang the song and we're all singing along in the home Bible all singing along in the home Bible all singing along in the home Bible study with this new song and then there study with this new song and then there study with this new song and then there was very this very talented flautist, was very this very talented flautist, was very this very talented flautist, someone who could play a flute someone who could play a flute someone who could play a flute beautifully and they're playing it. So, beautifully and they're playing it. So, beautifully and they're playing it. So, I'm sort of keeping percussion on the on I'm sort of keeping percussion on the on I'm sort of keeping percussion on the on the little coffee table. So, someone the little coffee table. So, someone the little coffee table. So, someone said, "Let's form a band." Next thing I said, "Let's form a band." Next thing I said, "Let's form a band." Next thing I know, we're booked at Calvary Chapel to know, we're booked at Calvary Chapel to know, we're booked at Calvary Chapel to perform. perform. perform. So, here's this packed out church. I So, here's this packed out church. I So, here's this packed out church. I remember it vividly in my mind. Here's remember it vividly in my mind. Here's remember it vividly in my mind. Here's the guy who can play guitar. Here's the the guy who can play guitar. Here's the the guy who can play guitar. Here's the guy who can play the flute and I'm up guy who can play the flute and I'm up guy who can play the flute and I'm up there with a conga drum. there with a conga drum. there with a conga drum. And they start playing. I realize I And they start playing. I realize I And they start playing. I realize I really don't have that great of a sense really don't have that great of a sense really don't have that great of a sense of rhythm.

of rhythm. of rhythm. And why am I here and I don't want to be And why am I here and I don't want to be And why am I here and I don't want to be here? Okay, good. Process of here? Okay, good. Process of here? Okay, good. Process of elimination. elimination. elimination. I'm not called to conga drums. I'm not called to conga drums. I'm not called to conga drums. It was later I discovered what I was It was later I discovered what I was It was later I discovered what I was called to do, but sometimes again it's called to do, but sometimes again it's called to do, but sometimes again it's process of elimination. But here's what process of elimination. But here's what process of elimination. But here's what I'm saying, you'll never know what your I'm saying, you'll never know what your I'm saying, you'll never know what your spiritual gift is until you take some spiritual gift is until you take some spiritual gift is until you take some steps of faith. steps of faith. steps of faith. Some have musical and artistic talent. Some have musical and artistic talent. Some have musical and artistic talent. Some have more of a technical talent Some have more of a technical talent Some have more of a technical talent like crunching numbers. Well, that's not like crunching numbers. Well, that's not like crunching numbers. Well, that's not spiritual. spiritual. spiritual. We don't need anybody to, you know, We don't need anybody to, you know, We don't need anybody to, you know, balance the budget. No, you do. balance the budget. No, you do. balance the budget. No, you do. You need all these people to do their You need all these people to do their You need all these people to do their job. Maybe you're a great visionary, but job. Maybe you're a great visionary, but job. Maybe you're a great visionary, but you're not great at nuts and bolts. Then you're not great at nuts and bolts. Then you're not great at nuts and bolts. Then again, you might be more of a detail again, you might be more of a detail again, you might be more of a detail person. Everyone has a role to play, a person. Everyone has a role to play, a person. Everyone has a role to play, a gift given to them by God. gift given to them by God. gift given to them by God. Be a risk-taker and watch what the Lord Be a risk-taker and watch what the Lord Be a risk-taker and watch what the Lord will do. will do. will do. Again, the Bible says, "Don't neglect Again, the Bible says, "Don't neglect Again, the Bible says, "Don't neglect the gift that is in you." Or as another the gift that is in you." Or as another the gift that is in you." Or as another translation puts it again, "Keep your translation puts it again, "Keep your translation puts it again, "Keep your gift dusted off." Here's something to gift dusted off." Here's something to gift dusted off." Here's something to think about in closing. You're never think about in closing. You're never think about in closing. You're never too small for God to use, only too big.

too small for God to use, only too big. too small for God to use, only too big. Does that make sense? Does that make sense? Does that make sense? You're never too small for God to use, You're never too small for God to use, You're never too small for God to use, only too big. only too big. only too big. So, you think oh, God could never use So, you think oh, God could never use So, you think oh, God could never use me. me. me. Oh, actually, you might be more Oh, actually, you might be more Oh, actually, you might be more qualified than you think. qualified than you think. qualified than you think. Because God goes out of his way to find Because God goes out of his way to find Because God goes out of his way to find unexpected people to do unexpected unexpected people to do unexpected unexpected people to do unexpected things. God chooses the foolish things things. God chooses the foolish things things. God chooses the foolish things of the world, the Bible says, to what? of the world, the Bible says, to what? of the world, the Bible says, to what? Confound the wise. Confound the wise. Confound the wise. So, then someone will say, there's no So, then someone will say, there's no So, then someone will say, there's no way way way that person is called to do it. Now, that person is called to do it. Now, that person is called to do it. Now, they are called to do that, you see. So, they are called to do that, you see. So, they are called to do that, you see. So, just be available to the Lord. just be available to the Lord. just be available to the Lord. The church is a family. The church is a family. The church is a family. And you have a seat at the table. We are And you have a seat at the table. We are And you have a seat at the table. We are not a perfect family, not a perfect family, not a perfect family, but there is no such thing as a perfect but there is no such thing as a perfect but there is no such thing as a perfect family. The church is a dysfunctional family. The church is a dysfunctional family. The church is a dysfunctional family. family. family. Right? [applause] Right? [applause] Right? [applause] It's true. It's true. It's true. I came from a dysfunctional family and I came from a dysfunctional family and I came from a dysfunctional family and now I'm the head of a dysfunctional now I'm the head of a dysfunctional now I'm the head of a dysfunctional family, family, family, but I try to put the fun in dysfunction. but I try to put the fun in dysfunction. but I try to put the fun in dysfunction. Look, that we're flawed. What are you Look, that we're flawed. What are you Look, that we're flawed. What are you looking for?

looking for? looking for? What do you expect? We're flawed people What do you expect? We're flawed people What do you expect? We're flawed people working together. working together. working together. But you have a place at this table. You But you have a place at this table. You But you have a place at this table. You see, before I was a Christian, I wanted see, before I was a Christian, I wanted see, before I was a Christian, I wanted a family cuz I didn't really have one. a family cuz I didn't really have one. a family cuz I didn't really have one. My mom was gone every night out working. My mom was gone every night out working. My mom was gone every night out working. I was just home alone. I was just home alone. I was just home alone. She gave me enough money to go over to a She gave me enough money to go over to a She gave me enough money to go over to a place called the Snack Shop. place called the Snack Shop. place called the Snack Shop. Later to become Coco's. Later to become Later to become Coco's. Later to become Later to become Coco's. Later to become Ruby's on Pacific Coast Highway. Same Ruby's on Pacific Coast Highway. Same Ruby's on Pacific Coast Highway. Same location. location. location. And I would go there every night and I And I would go there every night and I And I would go there every night and I would buy a hamburger, french fries, and would buy a hamburger, french fries, and would buy a hamburger, french fries, and a vanilla shake. a vanilla shake. a vanilla shake. Every night, hamburger, french fries, Every night, hamburger, french fries, Every night, hamburger, french fries, and a vanilla shake. I have to admit, I and a vanilla shake. I have to admit, I and a vanilla shake. I have to admit, I was pretty happy with that as a kid. was pretty happy with that as a kid. was pretty happy with that as a kid. Uh but after a while, I got kind of Uh but after a while, I got kind of Uh but after a while, I got kind of tired of eating by myself, even though tired of eating by myself, even though tired of eating by myself, even though it was it was it was a hamburger, french fries, and a vanilla a hamburger, french fries, and a vanilla a hamburger, french fries, and a vanilla shake. shake. shake. So, I would tell my friends, yeah, this So, I would tell my friends, yeah, this So, I would tell my friends, yeah, this is what I eat every night. They'd say, is what I eat every night. They'd say, is what I eat every night. They'd say, you're so lucky. you're so lucky. you're so lucky. We have to go home and sit with our We have to go home and sit with our We have to go home and sit with our family. I said, "Yeah." family. I said, "Yeah." family. I said, "Yeah." But then one of these kids invited me But then one of these kids invited me But then one of these kids invited me over to his home one night for a family over to his home one night for a family over to his home one night for a family meal and I kept going back.

meal and I kept going back. meal and I kept going back. And the food wasn't even good. And the food wasn't even good. And the food wasn't even good. I actually kind of missed the hamburger, I actually kind of missed the hamburger, I actually kind of missed the hamburger, french fries, and vanilla shake. french fries, and vanilla shake. french fries, and vanilla shake. But I liked this idea of a family. But I liked this idea of a family. But I liked this idea of a family. There's a mom, there's a dad. Wow. There's a mom, there's a dad. Wow. There's a mom, there's a dad. Wow. Brothers and sisters talking together, Brothers and sisters talking together, Brothers and sisters talking together, but they ate things I don't like. I but they ate things I don't like. I but they ate things I don't like. I don't like peas. They had peas. Ugh. don't like peas. They had peas. Ugh. don't like peas. They had peas. Ugh. But I liked family. But I liked family. But I liked family. And I think deep down inside we all long And I think deep down inside we all long And I think deep down inside we all long for family. for family. for family. And maybe some of you came from a broken And maybe some of you came from a broken And maybe some of you came from a broken family or a messed up family and you've family or a messed up family and you've family or a messed up family and you've never had family. You have a family now. never had family. You have a family now. never had family. You have a family now. You're with your family. This is a You're with your family. This is a You're with your family. This is a family. We're the church. family. We're the church. family. We're the church. >> [applause] >> There's a place at the table for you. >> There's a place at the table for you. There's room at the cross for you. There's room at the cross for you. There's room at the cross for you. As the old song says, "Though many have As the old song says, "Though many have As the old song says, "Though many have come, there's still room for one. come, there's still room for one. come, there's still room for one. There's room at the cross for you." There's room at the cross for you." There's room at the cross for you." If you're not in our family, if you're If you're not in our family, if you're If you're not in our family, if you're not in God's family, you can join right not in God's family, you can join right not in God's family, you can join right now.

now. now. Maybe I'm talking to somebody right now Maybe I'm talking to somebody right now Maybe I'm talking to somebody right now that feels unloved, that feels unloved, that feels unloved, unappreciated, unnoticed. unappreciated, unnoticed. unappreciated, unnoticed. I want you to know that God loves you. I want you to know that God loves you. I want you to know that God loves you. God appreciates you. God appreciates you. God appreciates you. God notices you. God notices you. God notices you. Some people think God is mad at them. Some people think God is mad at them. Some people think God is mad at them. No. God is mad about you. No. God is mad about you. No. God is mad about you. I love that blessing that the priest I love that blessing that the priest I love that blessing that the priest would pronounce over the people recorded would pronounce over the people recorded would pronounce over the people recorded in Numbers 6. They would say this over in Numbers 6. They would say this over in Numbers 6. They would say this over and over again to the people of Israel and over again to the people of Israel and over again to the people of Israel like as a reminder. And they would say, like as a reminder. And they would say, like as a reminder. And they would say, you know it, "The Lord bless you. you know it, "The Lord bless you. you know it, "The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord keep you. The Lord keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you. The Lord make his face shine upon you. The Lord make his face shine upon you. The Lord lift his countenance upon you The Lord lift his countenance upon you The Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace." That tells me a lot and give you peace." That tells me a lot and give you peace." That tells me a lot about God. about God. about God. How does it start? The Lord mess your How does it start? The Lord mess your How does it start? The Lord mess your life up. Is that what it says? life up. Is that what it says? life up. Is that what it says? It says the Lord bless you. It says the Lord bless you. It says the Lord bless you. God loves to bless you. God wants to God loves to bless you. God wants to God loves to bless you. God wants to bless you even more than you want to be bless you even more than you want to be bless you even more than you want to be blessed. blessed. blessed. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you.

The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. We worry about our future. What if this We worry about our future. What if this We worry about our future. What if this happens to me? What if that happens to happens to me? What if that happens to happens to me? What if that happens to me? What if I walk away from my faith? me? What if I walk away from my faith? me? What if I walk away from my faith? Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. He'll keep you. He'll keep you. He'll keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you. The Lord make his face shine upon you. The Lord make his face shine upon you. What does that mean? That means when you What does that mean? That means when you What does that mean? That means when you walk in the room, God's face lights up. walk in the room, God's face lights up. walk in the room, God's face lights up. He loves to see you. And to have his He loves to see you. And to have his He loves to see you. And to have his countenance shine upon you means you countenance shine upon you means you countenance shine upon you means you have God's full attention. have God's full attention. have God's full attention. Sometimes little kids are trying to get Sometimes little kids are trying to get Sometimes little kids are trying to get the attention of their mom or dad. the attention of their mom or dad. the attention of their mom or dad. They'll say, "Mom, Mom, Dad, Dad." They'll say, "Mom, Mom, Dad, Dad." They'll say, "Mom, Mom, Dad, Dad." And Mom and Dad looking at the phone or And Mom and Dad looking at the phone or And Mom and Dad looking at the phone or doing something else. And I've seen doing something else. And I've seen doing something else. And I've seen little kids like take the face of the little kids like take the face of the little kids like take the face of the parent in their little hands. "Mom, you parent in their little hands. "Mom, you parent in their little hands. "Mom, you know." know." know." And sometimes we may feel that way with And sometimes we may feel that way with And sometimes we may feel that way with God. Lord, Lord, are you listening? God. Lord, Lord, are you listening? God. Lord, Lord, are you listening? Yeah, he's watching. He he you have his Yeah, he's watching. He he you have his Yeah, he's watching. He he you have his full attention. He's interested in you full attention. He's interested in you full attention. He's interested in you and he loves you and he cares about you. and he loves you and he cares about you. and he loves you and he cares about you. That's God. That's God. That's God. Some people have an opposite view of Some people have an opposite view of Some people have an opposite view of God. God. God. But God loves you and he loves you so But God loves you and he loves you so But God loves you and he loves you so much he sent his only son Jesus to die much he sent his only son Jesus to die much he sent his only son Jesus to die on the cross for your sin. Why did that on the cross for your sin. Why did that on the cross for your sin. Why did that even have to happen? Because you and I even have to happen? Because you and I even have to happen? Because you and I have broken God's commandments. You and have broken God's commandments. You and have broken God's commandments. You and I have sinned against God. But the Bible I have sinned against God. But the Bible I have sinned against God. But the Bible says while we were yet sinners, Christ says while we were yet sinners, Christ says while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

died for us. died for us. For God so loved the world, he gave his For God so loved the world, he gave his For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever only begotten son, that whosoever only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but believes in him should not perish, but believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. have everlasting life. have everlasting life. Christ died for you so you could have a Christ died for you so you could have a Christ died for you so you could have a relationship with him. And I want to relationship with him. And I want to relationship with him. And I want to close with a prayer. close with a prayer. close with a prayer. If you're not sure if Jesus is living in If you're not sure if Jesus is living in If you're not sure if Jesus is living in your heart. your heart. your heart. If you've not yet joined the family of If you've not yet joined the family of If you've not yet joined the family of God. God. God. If you want your sin forgiven, this is If you want your sin forgiven, this is If you want your sin forgiven, this is your opportunity to do it right here, your opportunity to do it right here, your opportunity to do it right here, right now. Let's all pray. Father, right now. Let's all pray. Father, right now. Let's all pray. Father, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> speak to those that do not know you. >> speak to those that do not know you. >> speak to those that do not know you. Draw them to yourself. Draw them to yourself. Draw them to yourself. Help them to see their [music] need for Help them to see their [music] need for Help them to see their [music] need for you. you. you. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. >> And if you feel you need to make a >> And if you feel you need to make a change today in your relationship with change today in your relationship with change today in your relationship with the Lord, Pastor Greg Laurie wants to the Lord, Pastor Greg Laurie wants to the Lord, Pastor Greg Laurie wants to help you do that before today's edition help you do that before today's edition help you do that before today's edition of A New Beginning wraps up. So, please of A New Beginning wraps up. So, please of A New Beginning wraps up. So, please stay with us. That's just a moment away.

stay with us. That's just a moment away. stay with us. That's just a moment away. Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily devotions each day via email? devotions each day via email? devotions each day via email? If not, let's take care of that right If not, let's take care of that right If not, let's take care of that right now. You can sign up today free of now. You can sign up today free of now. You can sign up today free of charge at harvest.org charge at harvest.org charge at harvest.org and you'll receive a daily inspirational and you'll receive a daily inspirational and you'll receive a daily inspirational thought from God's word each day in your thought from God's word each day in your thought from God's word each day in your inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. And then, here's Pastor Greg once again. And then, here's Pastor Greg once again. And then, here's Pastor Greg once again. >> Let me close with this thought. Would >> Let me close with this thought. Would >> Let me close with this thought. Would you like to know that you will go to you like to know that you will go to you like to know that you will go to heaven when you die? heaven when you die? heaven when you die? Would you like to fill that big hole Would you like to fill that big hole Would you like to fill that big hole deep inside of you? deep inside of you? deep inside of you? Listen, it's about a relationship with Listen, it's about a relationship with Listen, it's about a relationship with God. And here's the good news. God loved God. And here's the good news. God loved God. And here's the good news. God loved you so much that 2,000 years ago he sent you so much that 2,000 years ago he sent you so much that 2,000 years ago he sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for your sins and then to rise again for your sins and then to rise again for your sins and then to rise again from the dead. And now Jesus who died from the dead. And now Jesus who died from the dead. And now Jesus who died and rose is standing at the door of your and rose is standing at the door of your and rose is standing at the door of your life and he is knocking. And he says, life and he is knocking. And he says, life and he is knocking. And he says, "If you hear my voice and open the door, "If you hear my voice and open the door, "If you hear my voice and open the door, I'll come in." I'll come in." I'll come in." Would you like Jesus Christ to come into Would you like Jesus Christ to come into Would you like Jesus Christ to come into your life? Would you like your sin your life? Would you like your sin your life? Would you like your sin forgiven? Would you like to fill the forgiven? Would you like to fill the forgiven? Would you like to fill the hole in your soul?

hole in your soul? hole in your soul? Would you like to go to heaven when you Would you like to go to heaven when you Would you like to go to heaven when you die? If so, just stop what you're doing die? If so, just stop what you're doing die? If so, just stop what you're doing and pray this prayer with me. You can and pray this prayer with me. You can and pray this prayer with me. You can pray it out loud if you like. You can pray it out loud if you like. You can pray it out loud if you like. You can pray it in the quietness of your heart pray it in the quietness of your heart pray it in the quietness of your heart if you choose, but pray this prayer. if you choose, but pray this prayer. if you choose, but pray this prayer. This is a prayer of asking Jesus Christ This is a prayer of asking Jesus Christ This is a prayer of asking Jesus Christ to come into your life. Pray these to come into your life. Pray these to come into your life. Pray these words. words. words. Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know 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 and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. I turn from that sin now, I turn from that sin now, I turn from that sin now, and I choose to follow you from this and I choose to follow you from this and I choose to follow you from this moment forward. moment forward. moment forward. Thank you for hearing this prayer Thank you for hearing this prayer Thank you for hearing this prayer and answering this prayer. and answering this prayer. and answering this prayer. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey, did you just pray that prayer? Hey, did you just pray that prayer? Hey, did you just pray that prayer? If so, I want to congratulate you and be If so, I want to congratulate you and be If so, I want to congratulate you and be the first to say, "Welcome to the family the first to say, "Welcome to the family the first to say, "Welcome to the family of God." of God." of God." >> Yeah, that's right. And listen, we want >> Yeah, that's right. And listen, we want >> Yeah, that's right. And listen, we want to help you get started in this new walk to help you get started in this new walk to help you get started in this new walk with the Lord. We want to send you with the Lord. We want to send you with the Lord. We want to send you Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's in an easy-to-understand translation, in an easy-to-understand translation, in an easy-to-understand translation, and it features hundreds of helps, and it features hundreds of helps, and it features hundreds of helps, especially for new believers. It'll especially for new believers. It'll especially for new believers. It'll answer many of your questions and help answer many of your questions and help answer many of your questions and help you build a strong foundation for your you build a strong foundation for your you build a strong foundation for your faith. We'll send it free of charge, so faith. We'll send it free of charge, so faith. We'll send it free of charge, so get in touch and ask for the New get in touch and ask for the New get in touch and ask for the New Believer's Bible.

Believer's Bible. Believer's Bible. You can call us at 1-800-821-3300. Or go online to harvest.org Or go online to harvest.org and click "Know God." and click "Know God." and click "Know God." And Pastor Greg, we're so thankful for And Pastor Greg, we're so thankful for And Pastor Greg, we're so thankful for the work God is doing through this the work God is doing through this the work God is doing through this ministry. ministry. ministry. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You're touching lives for eternity. >> You're touching lives for eternity. >> You're touching lives for eternity. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> 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 a Harvest >> Absolutely. When you invest in a Harvest >> Absolutely. When you invest in a 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. let me personalize it. let me personalize it. What's the value of your soul? What's the value of your soul? What's the value of your soul? What's the value of the of your husband, What's the value of the of your husband, What's the value of the of your husband, your wife, your wife, your wife, your son or your daughter? your son or your daughter? your son or your daughter? Or your mom or your dad? Or your mom or your dad? Or your mom or your dad? Or your best friend? Well, I would say Or your best friend? Well, I would say Or your best friend? Well, I would say you probably couldn't put a price tag on you probably couldn't put a price tag on you probably couldn't put a price tag on it. It's so valuable. it. It's so valuable. it. It's so valuable. Well, listen, God says all souls are Well, listen, God says all souls are Well, listen, God says all souls are mine. God loves us and sent his son to mine. God loves us and sent his son to mine. God loves us and sent his son to die on the cross to pay the price for die on the cross to pay the price for die on the cross to pay the price for all of our sins so we could be forgiven all of our sins so we could be forgiven all of our sins so we could be forgiven and come into a relationship with him. I and come into a relationship with him. I and come into a relationship with him. I can't think of a better investment of my can't think of a better investment of my can't think of a better investment of my resources, of my money, resources, of my money, resources, of my money, than in the work of the kingdom of God.

than in the work of the kingdom of God. than in the work of the kingdom of God. So, we would ask you to prayerfully So, we would ask you to prayerfully So, we would ask you to prayerfully consider investing in Harvest Ministries consider investing in Harvest Ministries consider investing in Harvest Ministries as we continue on to fulfill the Great as we continue on to fulfill the Great as we continue on to fulfill the Great Commission. Commission. Commission. >> Yeah, that's right. And you can make >> Yeah, that's right. And you can make >> Yeah, that's right. And you can make your donation right now at harvest.org your donation right now at harvest.org your donation right now at harvest.org or call 1-800-821-3300. >> [music] >> [music] >> That's a 24/7 phone number. >> That's a 24/7 phone number. >> That's a 24/7 phone number. 1-800-821-3300. Well, next time Pastor Greg [music] Well, next time Pastor Greg [music] highlights those characteristics that highlights those characteristics that highlights those characteristics that reveal if we've been spending time with reveal if we've been spending time with reveal if we've been spending time with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. It's good insight. Join us here on A New It's good insight. Join us here on A New It's good insight. Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible [music] Beginning with Pastor and Bible [music] Beginning with Pastor and Bible [music] teacher Greg Laurie. teacher Greg Laurie. teacher Greg Laurie. >> This is the day >> [music] >> [music] >> when life begins.