Greg Laurie

Feb 28, 2024 • 1h 5m

In this classic interview, Pastor Greg Laurie speaks with author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada about God’s sovereignty—and why He permits suffering in this world. What follows is a classic conversation that touches on Christmas, Heaven, and how we can glorify God in our broken bodies. You'll learn about the grace and amazing nature of God, and how He can and does work everything out for good to those who serve Him. This conversation is encouraging for those suffering through hard times or who have a loved one that is going through a difficult trial. Joni shares the words that changed her perspective on everything: “God permits what He hates to accomplish that which He loves.” Joni Eareckson Tada is an esteemed Christian stateswoman and respected global leader in disability advocacy. Although a 1967 diving accident left her a quadriplegic, she emerged from rehabilitation with a determination to help others with similar disabilities. Mrs. Tada serves as CEO of Joni and Friends (https://www.joniandfriends.org/) , a Christian organization which provides programs and services for thousands of special-needs families around the world. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 49 min

In this Sunday message, Pastor Greg Laurie gives us encouragement perfect for the New Year with a message titled, “Happiness: Where to Find It.” Most people deep down inside want to be happy. It’s even in our Declaration of Independence that in the United States of America we want to be happy. Even those who say they don’t want to be happy, and want to be unhappy, find a certain happiness in their unhappiness. You may be surprised to know that God wired you to want to be happy, and according to the Bible, you can be happy—you should be happy. But you just need to look for it in the right place. Here are a few places not to look for happiness. • Being beautiful or handsome will not bring personal happiness. Sometimes people think, “If I was as handsome or beautiful as the people that I see in magazines or as the movie stars, I’d be happy.” We’re always trying to look our best with surgery, airbrushing, Photoshop, Instagram filters, and other enhancements. But there will always be someone more attractive, and physical attractiveness will not make you happy. • Personal possessions will not bring personal happiness. Your life may improve or be more comfortable, but possessions will not bring the real happiness you’re searching for. For many, having more money leads to depression. Proverbs 27:20 says, “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied” (NKJV). • Having relationships will not make you happy. We are wired for a relationship. We are wired to have someone to love and marry one day. That’s not bad, but if you say marriage is going to make you happy, you are going to be in for a big shock. People let us down. Parents let down children. Children let down parents. Husbands let down wives. Wives let down husbands.  • Pursuing pleasure will never bring personal happiness. There are many fine pleasures in life that are good. A nice meal. A beautiful sunset. Time with people you love. Those are good pleasures, and then there are perverse pleasures that are sinful. The Bible even says these can be fun for a time, but there are repercussions. 1 Timothy 5:6 says that she “who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives” (NKJV). Here’s the bottom line of Paul’s happiness, found in Philippians 4:4. He says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (NASB). That is the key. It is rejoicing in the Lord. It is not rejoicing in your condition, rejoicing in your circumstances, rejoicing in your current emotional state, or something else. It’s rejoicing in the Lord and filling your mind with the truth of God. It changes your outlook. I’m not talking about positive thinking. I’m talking about having a mind that is filled with God’s truth—having the mind of Christ. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 53 min

Previously aired in an edited version on radio, this episode features Pastor Greg’s full messaging, giving his testimony of how he came to Christ. At the time he was only in his 20s. Listen in for a compelling story! Learn more about the upcoming film of the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and ’70s in the upcoming feature film, https://jesusrevolution.movie/ only in theaters February 2023! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 51 min

In this special Sunday message, Pastor Jonathan Laurie gives a practical message on humility from James 4. Get insight on how to find a life of joy and blessing through submitting to the will of God.  “He who thinks of making no claims shall have all that others claim and by claiming cannot obtain… Only an empty vessel can God fill with His gifts. And the emptier we are of anything that is due to ourselves, the more can God pour into these vessels His eternal riches, honors, and glories.” —R. C. H. Lenski Scripture Referenced Romans 7:15  James 4:1 Psalm 16:11  Luke 8:14 Titus 3:3 2 Peter 2:13 Matthew 18:4 Matthew 23:11–12 James 1:17 James 4:7 Jeremiah 17:9 James 4:4 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 47 min

Pastor Greg Laurie’s continuing in our Walk This Way series! He’s taking us into the book of James where we find instruction and direction for walking in the way of Jesus. Don't miss this! Notes 1. God is angry with me and wants to ruin my life. “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” —Jeremiah 31:3 2. God loves me and accepts me as I am (this is the opposite of the first one and is also wrong in a different way). God does love you and accepts you as you are, but He does not want to leave you that way! 3. Follow your heart. The modern use of the word heart is primarily thought of as emotion. Do not follow your heart; follow God’s heart (in other words, His Will). “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” —Ezekiel 36:26 4. Trust your gut. The problem with trusting your gut is when selfishness is the motivating factor. Instead of trusting our gut, we should trust in the Lord. 5. We need to learn to love ourselves. The real problem is, we love ourselves too much. 6. You deserve to be happy. “Every man, whatsoever his condition, desires to be happy.” —Augustine (A.D. 397) God is happy! Jesus said, “Happy are they that hear the Word of God and keep it.”  7. God wants us to follow our dreams. God loves you and His plan for you is better than your plan. God is omniscient (all-knowing).  What bothers you or brings tears to your eyes is a concern to God. God knows your tomorrow! The way to life is through death, the way to up is down, and the way to happiness is sadness.  8. We need to live our lives God’s way, not the way of the world. Wisdom is known by its actions. Wisdom is known by its good fruit. God’s wisdom is pure (moral purity). A wise person is not so arrogant to think they cannot learn anything; they will talk to a person, not about a person. We need to be bridge builders, not bridge burners. 9. If I live a good life, I will go to Heaven. There will be bad people in Heaven. There will be good people in Hell. It is not enough to know about God; we need to know God. Scripture Referenced Jeremiah 17:9 Proverbs 16:25 Proverbs 3:5–6 Luke 11:28 Psalm 147:4 Psalm 56:8 1 Kings 3:9 James 1:5 James 3:13 James 3:17–18 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 46 min

In this engaging message, Pastor Greg Laurie encourages you to use the life you have for the glory of God.  Notes Life passes quickly. James emphasizes the brevity of the life and the importance of living in God’s will.  Life is short. Live it well.  We should plan for the future but remember to put God’s will first.  A trend in our nation is laziness. “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” —Romans 12:11 James is not saying we need to always say, “If the Lord wills.” Rather, it is the idea to remember that God may change or alter our plans. True Christians are characterized as doing the will of God from their heart. Many Christians are afraid of God’s will for their life. Obedience to revealed truth guarantees guidance in matters unrevealed. God wants you to be filled with the Holy Spirit every day. God wants you to be holy and sexually pure. God calls each and every one of us to pray and give thanks. Be patient and wait for the will of God to be shown to you. Never be afraid to entrust an unknown future to a known God. To know God’s will, we need to present ourselves to God each and every day. Come to God and say, “Father, here is my life that You gave to me.” God is able to do above and beyond that which you ask or think. We need to include God in all our plans. The length of our life is up to God. We need to give God the glory for our life and health. We need to do what God calls us to do. The sin of commission is doing what we should not do. The sin of omission is not doing what we should do. We are all called to serve the Lord by serving others. God is nudging some of you to pray more. The Holy Spirit is urging you to share your faith more. God wants you to discover what your gifts are and to use them. “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” —Psalm 90:12 If you want to see revival, do revival-like things. Scripture Referenced Job 14:1 Job 9:25–26 Psalm 62:9 Psalm 39 Proverbs 6:6–8 Psalm 40:8 Ephesians 5:17 1 Thessalonians 4:3–4 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 Psalm 37:4 Romans 12:1 Matthew 6:27 Deuteronomy 8:18 James 4:17 1 Thessalonians 5:17—18 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 48 min

In this Sunday message, Pastor Greg Laurie continues our 7 Signs of Jesus series with a particularly powerful story—the “cleansing of the temple.” Discover what makes God angry in this message from John 2! Notes “The Christian life is like a greased pole; you are either climbing or slipping.” —Unknown Goliath was not always a giant. The little things that we nurture can become big things; in other words, little liberties can turn into big vices. “Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a destiny.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to ask for forgiveness regularly.  Jesus’ first miracle: Water into wine. Jesus answers our prayers, does what we ask, and comes through for us; but then there are times He comes and cleans house and overturns tables. 1. There are things that make God angry. 2. God cares about His house. If you come to Jesus, He will accept you as you are, but He will not leave you that way. Saul of Tarsus was a murderer, but he became a mighty apostle. “Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” —Psalm 97:10 Sometimes we get angry with sinners when we need to be angry with Satan. What angered Jesus? People being kept from God. 3. God gets angry when people are kept from coming to Him. The church exists to glorify God, edify the saints, and evangelize to the world. “The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.” —Abigail Van Buren 4. What does Jesus cleansing the Temple have to do with me? As part of the new covenant, God now lives in the hearts of His people. Paul prayed that “Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith” (Ephesians 3:17). Dwell means, “To settle down and be at home.” The dwelling place of God (the Temple of God) is you! Perhaps you have sins that have not been confessed, and vices that have not been confronted. Jesus wants access to every room of your house! Jesus wants access to every room to clean properly. Jesus may overturn a table or two, but when it is done, it will be clean! Revival is returning to original condition. 5. Jesus knows everything about you. 6. Jesus will always reveal Himself to the true seeker; but to the fickle, shallow, and insincere, nothing will happen. Jesus Christ is ready to come clean up your life! Scripture Referenced 2 Timothy 2:25–26 Revelation 21:3 John 14:23 1 Corinthians 6:19 --- JESUS REVOLUTION is now in theaters! Get tickets: https://jesusrevolution.movie/ This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 50 min

In this Sunday message, Pastor Greg Laurie points you to Jesus’ first miracle, what this shows about faith, and the Christian’s future is bright. Notes  Have you ever asked God for a sign? Jesus was asked for signs. Jesus gave the sign the Pharisees and Sadducees asked for; they just did not like it and asked for more. The Great “I Am” Statements of Christ: 1. I Am the Bread of Life – John 6. 2. I Am the Light of the World – John 8. 3. I Am the Door of the Sheep – John 10. 4. I Am the Good Shepherd – John 10. 5. I Am the Resurrection and the Life – John 11:25. 6. I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life – John 14:6.   7 Signs that Prove Jesus is the Messiah: 1. Turning water into wine. 2. Cleansing the temple – John 2:13–22. 3. Healing the centurion’s son – John 4:46–54. 4. Healing the lame man in Jerusalem – John 5:1–15. 5. Feeding the 5,000 – John 6:1–15. 6. Healing the man who was born blind – John 9. 7. Raising Lazarus from the dead – John 11.   Jesus was preparing them for the ultimate sign … His death and resurrection from the dead.  If you want to win some, you need to be winsome. Be a witness, and you will better be able to witness. Jesus’ first miracle simply brought joy to people. Not only did Jesus’ first miracle impress those assembled, but it impacted His own followers! As believers, we need to believe our beliefs and doubt our doubts. My hour has not yet come. But His mother told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). The way the miracle was done is important. Jesus did not tell them what would happen; He just told them to do it. Faith is not just intellectual ascent; it’s action! Faith is the means by which the infirmity of man takes hold of the infinity of God. The devil and this world always offer the best wine at first and the diluted later, while God saves His best wine for last. You determine the end of your life by the beginning of it. 1. The best is yet to come in this life. 2. The best is yet to come in the afterlife. We will come back with Jesus to a new earth. For the nonbeliever, the worst is yet to come, and this life is as good as it gets. For the believer, this life is as bad as it gets. The worst is yet to come because the Bible promises a future judgment. Scripture Referenced Colossians 4:5–6 1 Corinthians 9:20–22 John 7:30 2 Corinthians 12:2–4 --- JESUS REVOLUTION is now in theaters! Get tickets: https://jesusrevolution.movie/ This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 45 min

In this Sunday message from Pastor Greg Laurie’s son, Pastor Jonathan Laurie, explores the Gospel of John.  Notes  All miracles were designed by God to point to the greatest miracle.  “Rise, take up your bed and walk” (John 5:8). “Take your place at once among healthy men; recognize the responsibilities of life. Find an outlet for the new strength in you. Be no longer a burden, a charge to others, but begin yourself to bear the burdens of others, and be a source of strength to others.” —Marcus Dods Scripture Referenced John 20:31 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV) John 3:19–20 (NLT) --- JESUS REVOLUTION is now in theaters! Get tickets: https://jesusrevolution.movie/ This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 48 min

In this Sunday message, Greg Laurie’s son, Pastor Jonathan Laurie delivers a message on the will of God. Christians often ponder this subject, and now is your chance to get your big questions answered! Notes “Before we can discern and discover God’s specific will for our lives, we must first follow His revealed will for our lives, found in Scripture.” —Pastor Levi Lusko 1. Present Your Bodies. Seeking God’s Will should not be relegated only to the weighty matters of who we should marry, what cancer doctor we should move forward with, should we take a risk and move out of state for a new job; it’s not just for the monumental decisions in life, but in everything we do! Human beings are made up of thoughts, actions, and emotions—all of which areas we are to present to God. Presenting your body as a living sacrifice ultimately means, “to pursue God’s pleasure.” 2. Do Not Be Conformed. To “echo this world” means, you repeat the behavior, the speech, attitude, and overall objectives this world sets: Wealth, beauty, indulgence, ego, selfishness, and power. 3. Be Transformed. 4. God’s Will Is God’s Word. Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Seek first God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Suffer for doing good (1 Peter 4:19; 3:17). Be saved (Revelation 22:17). Walk worthy (Colossians 1:10). Doers and not hearers only (James 1:22). Be a student of God’s Word  (2 Timothy 2:15). “Sow a thought, and you reap an action; sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 47 min

Pastor Greg Laurie gives a message titled “Angels and Demons,” in which he dispels the myths and helps you understand the truth about the spiritual world. Listen in for a practical message! Notes People do not become angels; angels are angels! The Bible is full of stories of those who were miraculously spoken to, comforted, and delivered by angels; and sometimes angels speak to us, and we don’t even know it! 1. Angels sometimes deliver us from difficult situations. Angels played a major role in getting Peter out of prison again in Acts 12. 2. Sometimes angels stop us, and other times, they prompt us. Perhaps, we have headed for destruction and God changed our course. We may not always be aware of the presence of angels or predict how and when they will appear, but the Bible says they are there. It is entirely possible that you have even personally met an angel! If an angel were to appear to us right now, we would be tempted to worship it. As hard as it is to fathom, not all of the angels follow the Lord, due to a rebellion. 3. Before we talk about demons, let’s say a few words about their leader, the devil. The devil came from Heaven. This angelic rebellion was led by Satan himself. Lucifer was not satisfied with worshiping God. He himself wanted to be worshiped. Though the devil lost this once exalted position, he still has access to Heaven. The Bible describes Satan as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 4. The devil is not alone. He has a well-organized network of demon powers doing his bidding. We read numerous passages that refer to Satan and his minions. 5. The purpose of demons seems to be two-fold: They seek to hinder the purposes of God and to extend the power of Satan. 6. The devil knows his days are numbered. This is more than a political or ideological conflict; it’s a spiritual battle. Satan knows we are in the last days, and he is upping his game; we, as Christians, must do the same. Our offensive weapons are prayer and the proclamation of the gospel. The grammatical construction of this phrase, in the Greek, indicates Satan starts this. Why pick a fight with an angel more powerful than you? Answer: Sin makes you stupid! 7. The devil does not want you to know that he attacks with accusation. “A good general must penetrate the brain of his enemy.”—Victor Hugo There is no sin in a temptation, only in giving into it. It’s not the bait that constitutes sin; it’s the bite. Before we sin, while Satan is tempting us, he whispers: “You can get away with this.” After we sin, he shouts: “You will never get away with this!” 8. They overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb. My access to God is the result of what Jesus has done for me. At the Cross of Calvary, Jesus dealt the decisive blow against Satan and his forces. It is through the blood of the Lamb I can even approach God and find the help I need. You will never overcome the devil as long as there is unconfessed sin in your heart. 9. They overcame by the word of their testimony. 10 They did not love their lives to the death. Jesus said, “There is joy in Heaven in the presence of the angels when one sinner repents.” The devil says, “tomorrow,” while the Holy Spirit says, “Today is the day of salvation.” --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 54 min

If you’ve ever been nervous about sharing your faith, Pastor Greg Laurie has good news: it’s easier than you might think. In this Sunday message, he gives us a powerful example of leading others to Christ from John 4. Notes Jesus never dealt with any two people in exactly the same way, because there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to evangelism—everyone is different! 1. Telling your story (testimony) is a powerful bridge for the gospel message. People may argue with you about facts, but they cannot deny your personal story. Many people believed as a result of this woman’s testimony. While sharing your testimony, don’t glorify or exaggerate your past (accuracy is important). Don’t boast about what you gave up for Christ, but what He gave up for you! When you tell your story, it’s not about you but Him! 2. We must speak in a language that people understand! Every generation needs the gospel! “The gospel is the power of God to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Any gospel presentation that offers forgiveness without repentance is not the gospel. If it promises Heaven, but does not warn of Hell, it is not the gospel. If it tells you God loves you, but do not tell you God wants to change you, it is not the gospel. We all stand as sinners before a holy God. Trespass speaks of crossing a line. God gave us His Law, the 10 Commandments, not to make us righteous but to show that we all fall miserably short. God tells us the bad news so we can better appreciate the good news. Seeing our complete weakness, God did the unthinkable: He poured His wrath and anger on Jesus, who died in our place. “It is all in four words: Jesus died for me.” —C. H. Spurgeon Sometimes in our attempts to crossover, we don’t bring the cross over! There are hard questions that nonbelievers can fire at you, but you need to know that essence of this gospel message is the cross. Scripture Referenced 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 Galatians 1:6–8 Romans 3:23 Romans 5:6–8 Jude 1:23 1 Corinthians 2:1–2 1 Corinthians 1:18 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 48 min

In this Sunday episode, Pastor Greg Laurie initiates a timely series called End of the World: What Does the Bible Say? Get insights as he answers a question on a topic many people have wondered: “Is Jesus Coming Back Again?”  Today’s message will set the stage for the remainder of our series, studying the Bible’s prophecy on the end of the world and how we can prepare. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 50 min

Pastor Greg Laurie wraps up our end times series with a look at a modern day miracle and fulfillment of Bible prophecy: the nation Israel. He also focuses on how we should be living as believers waiting for the Lord’s return.  Notes Israel will be scattered. Israel will be regathered. Israel will regain Jerusalem. Israel will be isolated. Israel will be attacked.   Jerusalem will be the focal point of End Times events.   Jerusalem has been and always will be the Capital of Israel.   Israel will be an “intoxicating drink,” “a heavy stone,” “and a burden for the world.” Zechariah 12:2–3   Never has a nation been able to maintain its national identity, even 300–500 years after being removed from its homeland … until Israel!   Read: Ezekiel 37:1–6   Read: Ezekiel 37:11–14   Read: Ezekiel 38:1–11   America needs Israel more than Israel needs America!   God made a promise to Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 12:3: “I will bless them that bless you, and I will curse those that curse you.”   The Lord will send a national revival to Israel where they turn to Yeshua.   The fact that God will pour out His Spirit on Israel shows that she will have a revival.   Romans 11:25   God has been pouring out His Spirit on the church, but that time is coming to an end when the last person has come to faith. Then, the Rapture happens.   In light of the signs of the times, we will look at a Last Day’s believer, Noah.   In this dark time, we need to shine as lights.   Scripture says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.”   A world changer is someone who wants to change the culture.   A world changer is a follower of Jesus Christ, and they affect their surroundings more than their surroundings affect them.   A world changer, like Noah, are thermostats, not thermometers; they control the temperature and set the pace.   Noah was commanded to build a giant boat. Hebrews 11:7   Remember: The Ark was built by amateurs; The Titanic was built by professionals.   God revealed secrets to Noah.   Christians know things the world does not.   It seems to be that openhearted Christians know we are in the Last Days.   Noah had a great reverence for God. “Noah moved with Godly fear.” Hebrews 11:7   To fear God does not mean we cower in fear before Him; it means we revere Him.   God gave us the rainbow to remind us of His promise!   The last page in the Bible states that we win in the end!   One of the signs of the times is people will not think these are the Last Days. 2 Peter 3:3   Jesus told us our last days would be just like Noah’s time. Matthew 24:37–44   Noah walked with God when no one else did. Genesis 6:9   The prophet, Amos gives us a key as to what it means to walk with God. “Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?” Amos 3:3     Noah was a witness for God. 2 Peter 2:5   “By faith, Noah being divinely warned of things not yet seen.” Hebrews 11:7   A world changer will draw their family to Christ; but those changed by the world, drive their family from Christ.   Noah has great reverence for God. Noah walked with God when no one else did. Noah was a witness for God.   Jesus Christ is coming back again! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 47 min

Pastor Greg Laurie starts a new series called, “Joshua: Living in the Land of Promises” with an encouraging message on living a successful Christian life. New believers tend to be on fire: excited for church, Bible studying, having a healthy prayer life. . . But then a backslide happens: going back to the same sins, neglecting prayer and Bible reading. . . In this message we'll see how we can put a stop to that. Notes Joshua is the story of the end of the wilderness wanderings of the Jewish people. God promises spiritual rest to those who believe in Him. Matthew 11:28 Jesus promises eternal life to those who put their faith in Him. John 4:14 Jesus promises a rich and satisfying life to those who follow Him. John 10:10 The promises of God are like gift cards; they need to be claimed. God’s promises are exceedingly precious! For years, the Jewish people had cried out for someone to deliver them from Pharoah—God heard their cries and sent Moses to be that man. The Lord guided the Jewish people with the ultimate GPS: cloud by day, fire by night. Just as the Jewish people were slaves in Egypt, we were slaves to sin. Just as they took the Passover lamb and applied the blood to their homes, Jesus was the Passover Lamb slain for us, and we applied His blood in our lives. “Conversion has made our hearts a battlefield.” Ephesians 6:12 Satan does not want you to follow Jesus Christ because he knows we are in the End Times. Revelation 12:12 This is not really a choice of fighting or not fighting; it’s a choice of victory or defeat! In the Christian life, you are either an overcomer or you are overcome. Exodus 23:30 “I will drive them out a little at a time…” No addiction needs to control you; no sin needs to have a foothold in your life. “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.” They focused their attention on the obstacles instead of their objective. When you focus on the obstacles rather than the objective, fear will always eclipse your faith. Read: Joshua 1:1–5 To succeed in the spiritual life, you must overcome fear and admit you need help. Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and of good courage.” Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous.” Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid.” Joshua 1:5–6 “I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage…” 2 Timothy 1:6–9 To succeed in the spiritual life, you must be consistent. Our job is to be faithful in our generation. Acts 13:36 Joshua 1:5 To succeed in the spiritual life, you must know and keep God’s Word. Joshua 1:8 Meditate means, “to ponder, consider, contemplate.” Matthew 13:23 You decide what soil you will be! Matthew 13:23 “They hear and accept God’s Word.” Success or failure in our lives depends on how we hear God’s Word. Luke 12:48 The golden key to spiritual growth is hearing, receiving, and obeying the Word of God. Jesus’ blood was shed for you on the cross! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 52 min

From Joshua chapter 5–6, Pastor Greg Laurie reminds us to be steadfast in our faithfulness. Just as the Israelites trusted the Lord to deliver the promised land, we can trust Him with the challenges in our life. Notes: The Bible tells us that the final conflict of man would be centered on Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be the focal point of End Times events. Jerusalem plays a key role in the Last Days. Zechariah 12:2–3 We need to pray for Israel and their military, that they prevail in this war; but as Christians, we also need to pay attention to the potential prophetic significance. Ephesians 6:10–13 Satan often attacks us in our minds and imaginations. 2 Corinthians 11:3 We must learn how to guard our minds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 You are the air traffic controller of your mind! Read: Joshua 5:13–15 To enter the land of promises, you must encounter and follow Christ. The first step to winning the spiritual battle is to stand close to Jesus. Ephesians 6:10 Read: Joshua 6:1–5 God will work in different ways and in different situations, so we look to Him, whether it’s Joshua with trumpets, or Gideon with torches and pitchers. God uses weaknesses to show His strength! Jesus would touch a person, and they would be healed. People would touch Jesus, and they would be healed. Jesus would speak, even spit on the ground, and wipe it, and they would be healed. When we get to the end of ourselves, we get to the beginning of God. God will often do His work in ways that seem unusual or even counterintuitive. Isaiah 55:8 If you want success, don’t seek it; seek the Lord! Matthew 6:33 If you want to be happy, you must learn to be sad! If you want to be great, serve others! Mark 9:35 God had the Israelites walk around Jericho to show they needed Him. The greatest difficulty for many is to get to the place where we admit we need God and are prepared to admit that the whole thing is simply too big for us. The Canaanites could have believed and been spared, but they refused. They Israelites overcame their enemy by faith, not by feeling. Hebrews 11:30 Faith does not take “no” for an answer. It’s not just faith; it’s also patience. Hebrews 6:12 The moment you are ready to quit may be the moment right before the miracle happens! Galatians 6:9 Revelation 11:15 Guard your mind and your heart; do not retreat, attack! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 48 min

Pastor Greg Laurie gives us wisdom from Joshua 3–4, where we see the Israelites cross the Jordan River. Notes: The Christian life is not a playground but a battleground, and there’s not really a choice of fighting or not fighting; it’s a choice of victory or defeat. Deuteronomy 6:23 “He brought us out, that He might bring us in.” The people of Canaan were wicked. When people repent, God relents! Read: Joshua 3:4–8 If we want to enter the land of promises, we must be bold and strong! Joshua 3:4 Habakkuk 3:2 “Lord, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath, remember mercy.” The Three R’s of Revival: Remember, repent, and repeat. If you want to live in the land of promises, you must keep your eyes on God. Joshua 3:4 When we are looking to Jesus, it will change the way we see our circumstances! If you want to live in the land of promises, you must take risks! If you are called to lead, you must go first and set the pace. Joshua 3:7 If you want to be a good leader, first be a good follower. Joshua and the people of Israel moved in faith! Faith is like a muscle; it gets stronger through use, but if you don’t use it, it will atrophy! If you are called to be a leader, then lead! Romans 12:7–8 Sometimes a step of faith will not necessarily make much sense! Remember to give thanks with as much passion as you prayed for help! Read: Joshua 4:21–24 Judges 2:8–10 Children will remember the time you made for them. Children will remember the way you interacted with your spouse. Your kids will remember your words of affirmation and criticism. To train up means, “to create a thirst in.” It’s never too late for a new beginning! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 45 min

Pastor Jonathan Laurie delivers an insightful message on the peaks and valleys in the Christian life. Notes: “The Christian life is filled with peaks and valleys, successes and failures, and blessings and trials. Peaks of victory and valleys of discouragement.” Romans 5:3–5 Deuteronomy 11:11 “Peaks and Valleys” Joshua 6:27, 7:6 Vulnerable Victories. Psalm 20:7 Self-reliance and self-confidence will not advance you in the Christian life. “Yesterday’s homeruns don’t win today’s games.” —Babe Ruth The Price of Rebellion. Joshua 7:11–13 Joshua 7:19–21 Joshua 7:25 Joshua 6:18–19 “Our craving, our heart’s desire for things is so strong, it overcomes our conscience. It overcomes our understanding, our reason. Eventually, it will overcome your fear of consequences and even your own sense of self-preservation.” —Tim Keller God wants us to prosper, but more than that, He wants us to remain dependent on Him. The Gift of God. Joshua 8:1–2 Joshua 8:24–25 Matthew 18:9 God is with you! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 50 min

Pastor Greg Laurie delivers a message on spiritual growth from Joshua 14. He reminds us of Caleb, a man who started and ended his spiritual race well! Notes: “What has been the greatest surprise of your life? ‘The brevity of it,”’ said Billy Graham. Philippians 3:13–14 Keep moving forward spiritually—the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” Psalm 16:6 It doesn’t matter if we’ve held first for the first laps; we must finish! Acts 20:24 Caleb started and finished well, never losing his spiritual edge! We are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We are to pray that both Palestinians and Jews will come to Christ. Joshua 14:11–12 Where did Caleb get this strength, stamina, and longevity? Read: Joshua 14:7–8 We must wholeheartedly follow the Lord (six times in the Bible we learn that Caleb wholeheartedly followed). The majority group did not see God for who He is, only problems. The minority group (Joshua and Caleb) saw God for who He is, and also saw the obstacles and challenges, but they also saw opportunities and great victories if they would attack. To have spiritual longevity and finish well, you don’t follow the crowd. Caleb, who wholeheartedly followed the Lord, had principles … being more concerned with God’s approval than mans! To have spiritual longevity, you must take God at His Word! Remember that God’s delays are not necessarily His denials. To have spiritual longevity, you must fight to the very end, as the Christian life is one of constant growth and learning. It is taking on new challenges and looking for new opportunities. Spiritual battle rages to the end of your life. “I (Caleb) am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me.” Joshua 14:11 It was the first love Caleb maintained, causing him to not lose his first strength. “Give me this mountain!” Joshua 14:12 Jesus Christ is coming again, so let’s be busy doing the Lord’s work. We are to remember Jesus at the communion table. 1 Corinthians 11:26 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2024 • 48 min

We have to remember that God's perspective is different than our own. As Pastor Greg Laurie says, where we see weakness, God sees potential. Where we see the past, He sees the future. We see a lump of clay, He sees a beautiful sculpture... More on that in this episode! Notes: “In those days, Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Judges 17:6 Israel was living in despair, but they finally called out to God to deliver them, and He did. Jeremiah 33:3 Read: Judges 6:12–14 “Why has all of this happened to us? And where are all the miracles we heard about in days gone by?” So, he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel?” Judges 6:15 God uses people who are humble. We see weakness, but God sees potential. We see a lump of clay, but God sees a beautiful sculpture. We see a lump of coal, but God sees a sparkling diamond. If you want to be used by God, be faithful in the little things. Judges 6:27 The hardest people to reach will always be your own family. As Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own town.” Your family will never be reached by you compromising. This is what Lot did, trying to fit in with the culture around him. You can never reach a person by sinking to their level. Read: Judges 7:2–3 God wants the glory for the work He does. There is always God’s part, and there is our part. The Red Sea parted, but Israel had to still march through. Fear is contagious. Read: Judges 7:4–5 We, too, are in a spiritual battle, and God is looking for men and women today who will let their light shine in a dark place. Jesus made radical statements about commitment that caused thousands to leave because He knew these fickle multitudes were simply fair-weather followers. There are many in the church today that follow God in the sunshine, but when hardship or tragedy comes, they lose their faith. The faith that cannot be tested is the faith that cannot be trusted. The Lord is looking for some men and women who will blow the trumpet and are willing to take some chances and obey God, taking a stand first in their own homes. Nicodemus had a weak beginning but a strong finish. Better that than a strong beginning and a weak finish! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org (https://harvest.org/) . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. (https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/) Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.