Greg Laurie: A New Beginning

We know we put on our socks before our shoes, and our shirt before our jacket. We all know that the order of things is important. Pastor Greg Laurie says a spiritual awakening will come to our culture after a spiritual revival comes upon the Church. God described that dynamic in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, we’re learning about the components that lead to revival among God’s people. It’s a part of Pastor Greg’s enlightening series called Jesus Revolution. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever been behind the wheel on a long road trip? The endless miles of highway can be fatiguing. We can actually feel sleepy . . . at 65 miles an hour! Sometimes we go through life at 65 miles an hour . . . but spiritually speaking, we’ve practically fallen asleep. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to wake ourselves up spiritually, and how that’ll have an effect on our culture, as well. He’s explaining the biblical prescription for a societal spiritual awakening. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever try to accomplish the simplest tasks in a power failure? Everywhere you go inside your home, you instinctively reach for the light switch, and it doesn’t work. If you can’t see, you can’t do much. Alright, just watch TV. Oh. Yeah. Can’t. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out power is just as necessary in accomplishing the work God wants us to do. And, we’ll find out today, that work has never been more necessary. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” You can find those reassuring words in Second Peter chapter 3. And when a culture seems intent on its own destruction, sometimes God’s hand moves in miraculous ways. It’s happened before in the history of our country, and today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says it can happen again. But we play a part in bringing it to pass. Glad you’re along for a fascinating series that launches today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Resurrection is a pivot point for the entire Christian faith. Paul told the Corinthian church, “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Thankfully, he then said, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.” And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how the Resurrection provides the power we need to break through the barriers and live the Christian life. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do some succeed and others fail spiritually? Because life is a string of choices. When someone's opening social media, another's opening Scripture; when someone's skipping church, another's walking in... Pastor Greg encourages us to choose right. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie interviews historical Jesus scholar, Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, who shares his transformation from skeptic to believer in the Shroud of Turin's authenticity as Jesus' burial cloth. Explore how the Shroud serves as an "itemized receipt" of Jesus' purchase of redemption. And learn about other archaeological finds like the James Ossuary, Pilate Stone, Jesus Cup, and more that affirm the reliability of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Go to harvest.org/donate to receive Jeremiah's book, The Jesus Discoveries. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us are wired to look for a good deal. We like to exchange something of lesser value for something of greater value. Well, on a spiritual level, Jesus offers us an arrangement that’s too good to refuse. We owed a debt we couldn’t pay, but Jesus stepped in and paid a debt He didn’t owe. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us appreciate the price paid at Calvary. But even more remarkably: after Jesus died for our sins, He rose again. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past month, we’ve been studying the rich writings of the Gospel of Mark. Mark weaves together a vivid narrative of the life of Jesus . . . and certainly the most vivid is his description of the end of Jesus’ life and ministry. These events were choreographed by the Father from the beginning of time, but the events were surprising to a First Century citizen seeing it in real time. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie presents his message, What the Death of Jesus Means to You. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are very few events of the past that we could rightfully say changed the course of human history. The invention of sliced bread? People often say it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. No. Some might say air travel . . . or telecommunications . . . or penicillin. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the very moment when our sins were paid in full. It’s the singular event that had ETERNAL consequences. And we’ll consider what that event means for us. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golfers know the meaning of the world “mulligan.” Bad golfers know it very well. A mulligan is a do-over. “Take that swing over again, you’re good.” Well thankfully the Lord allows mulligans in the spiritual life. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins...” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us follow the biblical account of a certain spiritual failure. We’ll see what it was that led to the sin, and how that sin was forgiven and fellowship restored. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever looked at the social media posts of a friend and think, “Wow, they live a pretty good life.” Someone has pointed out we should never compare someone else’s highlight reel, to our blooper reel. We live out our blooper reel everyday, don’t we? We see the flubs, the fumbles, the gaffes, and the goofs up close. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that God sees beyond the blooper, to the future. Today, a good example of how God can rewrite our story. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even the greatest prophet had a moment of uncertainty. But rather than condemn John, Jesus gave a response that may surprise some of us. Notes: Luke 7 John, in a moment of doubt, sent a message to Jesus, “Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Doubt is a sign that someone is thinking. A French proverb says, “He who knows nothing doubts nothing.” “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” #1 Moses was ready to quit. Numbers 11:14–15 "I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me now." #2 Elijah was ready to quit. (1 Kings 19:4) #3 Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. #4 Paul the Apostle was deeply discouraged. (2 Corinthians 1:8) #5 David wrote half the Psalms while angry, confused, or feeling abandoned by God. #6 John the Baptist was discouraged and entertained doubts. Read Luke 7:18–28 John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. John was in prison because of his bold preaching to King Herod. In John’s mind, Jesus the Messiah would organize a revolt. John was expecting political deliverance. Jesus was bringing spiritual deliverance. Sometimes we misunderstand God and His word. Jesus understood John’s questions and his doubt. Jesus answered John’s doubt with evidence and clarification, not condemnation. Galatians 5:15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. It is easier to critique than create. It is easier to tear down instead of build up. Jesus loves you and understands your questions, too. Psalm 10:1 Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:16 (a) The LORD is king forever and ever. Jesus defended John publicly, when John criticized Jesus privately. (Luke 7:24) You have immeasurable value because you are God’s creation. (1 Peter 2:9) Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross so you could have a relationship with Him. Doubt is a matter of the mind. Unbelief is a matter of the will. John was doubting, but he still believed. Jesus refocused John’s priorities. John’s doubts were answered by Scripture. (Luke 7:22) Stay the course when you don’t see the plan. (Luke 7:23) Luke 7:28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is! John was a part of the Old Testament economy. You are a New Testament believer. John was a friend of the Bridegroom. You are the bride of the Bridegroom. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever been that one person at your table in a restaurant that takes a pass on dessert? Everybody’s ordering salted caramel this and double chocolate that, and they look at you like you have a second nose growing out of the side of your head! “What’s wrong with you!?” But sometimes we have to pass up the attractive things for the best things. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us chart a course for a richer, more fulfilling walk with the Lord, in spite of other things that want our attention. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the gift someone gives you is modest, your expression of thanks can likewise be modest. When the gift is extraordinary, a modern etiquette expert says, “Keep the level of the thank you near the level of kindness you received.” Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to a memorable moment in Jesus’ ministry when gratitude was extended Him at such a generous level, it drew attention and even criticism from the disciples. But Pastor Greg explains that Jesus commended Mary. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s nothing like driving a wide vehicle on a narrow road to make you sweat. Things get tight ... tight ... tighter still ... and you suck in your breath...! C’mon, like that’s going to make your vehicle thinner. Ever done that? But narrow roads have to be taken seriously. And the Bible describes the narrow road that leads to heaven. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that there are few who find it . . . it’s only found through a relationship with Christ. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all seen things we’ll never forget. Maybe we saw Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Or we stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Or maybe it was watching our child take their first steps. But nothing on earth could have prepared these certain onlookers for the spectacle they were about to see. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the Transfiguration of Jesus, we’ll see it left them speechless. Well, should have left them speechless – but one of them spoke anyway. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So much of life is determined by our focus. Do we focus on career more than family, or family more than career? Do we focus more on pursuing goals, or enjoying the journey? Some focus on happiness . . . it’s their most important pursuit in life. And yet happiness isn’t found through direct pursuit. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that happiness comes when we put God before ourselves . . . when His will becomes our will. That’s our cross to bear. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What kind of faith gets Heaven’s attention? In Luke 7, Jesus was amazed by a Roman centurion’s faith—not a religious leader, but a soldier who understood authority and believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word... Notes The Roman soldier’s amazing faith got Heaven’s attention. Weak or strong, everyone has a form of faith. Read Luke 7:1–10 Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following Him, He said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!" Everything about Jesus was amazing. Matthew 8:27 They were amazed and said, "What kind of Man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!" Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Roman centurions were significant people. This centurion somehow knew Jesus could heal his beloved servant. Sometimes non-believers have more faith than believers. The two disciples on the Emmaus Road summed it up, “We had hoped He was the One.” The non-believers remembered what Jesus said would happen after He died. Matthew 27:63 We remember that while He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' Where does sickness come from? Sickness and death were not part of God’s original plan for us. Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. Satan brought the afflictions in Job's life. God will, on occasion, allow sickness in our lives to keep us humble, to teach us lessons, and to prepare us for the future. #1 Natural healing is what God built into the human body. #2 There is supernatural healing too. There is a promise of healing in the book of Isaiah. (Isaiah 53:4–5) 1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins" in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by His wounds you have been healed." Lay hold of this promise when you need His healing touch. Why are some of us still sick? One reason is simply a lack of asking. (James. 4:2) Mark 6:5–6 And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. The people who knew Jesus best couldn’t see Him for who He really was. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The safest place to put your faith is in God. Faith is belief plus action. Faith does things. Amazing faith is to be used, applied, and put through its paces. The Christian life is lived by and through faith. Faith can make the difference between something happening and not happening. God is the One who works. But He chooses to work through humans living by faith. Even death is not the end. Jesus said, “I am the living One. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! I hold the keys of death and the grave.” The powerful centurion had rank, influence, and resources. The widow had nothing. The centurion reached out to Jesus. But Jesus reached out to the woman. Read Luke 7:11–17 Luke 7:13 When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" He said. Jesus was deeply moved by the widow’s plight. Jonah knew the nature of God was to forgive. Jesus feels sorrow and compassion for those who have lost loved ones. We will see our loved ones who died in faith again. Paul uses the word “harpazō”, translated as “caught up.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) The centurion demonstrated amazing faith. For the people of Nazareth, their familiarity bred contempt. The church is a dangerous place. Every time you hear the gospel and do not respond, your heart gets harder. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from...

Pastor Greg Laurie calls his series in the book of Mark The Gospel for Busy People. It’s God’s full plan of salvation, explained and applied to our lives today. And on this edition of A NEW BEGINNING, we hear Jesus explain that full plan of salvation to disciples who were hearing it unfold for the first time. It’s a fascinating discussion where Jesus polls the disciples on perhaps the most significant question of the ages . . . a question that carries eternal consequences. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.