Greg Laurie: A New Beginning

There are several groups of people who used to say they’d never become religious, never darken the door of a church building, never be caught carrying a Bible. Today, we call one of those groups “believers” . . . another of those groups “pastors” . . . and another group “evangelists.” Pastor Greg Laurie is a member of all three groups! And today on A NEW BEGINNING, he brings us good encouragement about sharing the Good News with people who need to hear some good news. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re on an inspiring journey through the book of Acts here on A NEW BEGINNING. Pastor Greg Laurie is helping us learn from our spiritual forefathers and see how “The Acts of the Apostles” show us how to live more rewarding lives here and now, 20 centuries later. Today, in a message called A Life Well-Lived, Pastor Greg helps us consider the story of a young man in Acts chapter 7 that set a strong example for other believers to follow. It was an inspiring life, right up to the very end. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember back to your school years. You’re in class, paying attention to the teacher, but the cut-up in the front row, the class clown, starts to...perform. He’s miming what the teacher is saying. You try not to look, but you can’t help yourself. Distractions are powerful, aren’t they? And they’re everywhere. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. It’s the pathway of a life well-lived. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the movie industry, they talk about the “suspension of disbelief.” It’s all make- believe, right? But they try to make the costumes, the special effects, and the acting so convincing that it suspends our disbelief. They hope we forget it’s fake, or fiction, if you prefer. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that some people sort of act their way through life. They try to suspend our disbelief about how they’re really living. We’ll see that’s a fruitless pursuit. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is God like? The answer may depend on who you ask. Instead of allowing others to form our view of Him, we need to find the answer ourselves—and we can only do that by diving into the Word. Don’t miss your chance to know Him better through this powerful message from Pastor Greg Laurie. Notes The Bible refers to the Almighty as “Father.” The New Testament picture of God is as a loving heavenly Father. God the Father longs for fellowship with us. The Old Testament is a beautiful picture of a loving God. After David was selected by God, his troubles began. The same can be true for us. David was willing to forgive his enemies. David reached out to a potential rival, even an enemy, and loved him. God specializes in picking up people who have been dropped in life. The word kindness means, “grace.” Grace is not based on merit; it’s based on love. Just as David reached out to Mephibosheth, God reaches out to us! This is a picture of what God is like: David, like Jesus, showed forgiveness and love instead of judgment. Mephibosheth was afraid when he heard David wanted to see him. “Nothing twists or deforms the soul more than a low or unworthy conception of God.” —A. W. Tozer 1. Don’t let other people form your view of God. Jesus said, “Follow Me.” 2. Forgive your enemies, whether they deserve it or not. 3. Leave the past in the past. David, out of sheer love for Jonathan, demonstrated grace to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth had nothing, deserved nothing, and could repay nothing. Mephibosheth was adopted as a son and invited to eat at the king’s table. Other Scripture Referenced Psalm 27:4 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this short episode, Pastor Greg Laurie addresses the question about whether we need to shelter our children. He gives us important insight on preparing our children for the real world. Listen in to good family insight! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we hide behind a facade–a false-front–trying to pretend we’re someone we’re not, we’re not fooling God. He knows who we really are. In fact, He knows us better than we know ourselves. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the peril of living an imitation life. It’s a disappointment to the Lord, and our act may not be believable to those around us either. It’s a good opportunity for a reset, and to live a life of transparent honesty going forward. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus warned us that we may face persecution for our faith. It doesn’t mean we’re doing something wrong, it may be an indication that we’re right with the Lord. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points to that characteristic and several others that show us how we’re doing. If we’re walking closely with the Lord, these traits will be obvious. It’s good insight, and a good opportunity to take some notes. Pastor Greg is in the book of Acts today, reading from the New Living Translation. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we spend some serious time out in the sun, it’s pretty obvious. People can see it all over our face. “You got some sun, didn’t you?” Well today, we’ll see when we spend some time with the Son, it may be just as obvious. People will wonder what’s different about us. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie continues our studies of the Church of the First Century in the book of Acts. Let’s see how to show we’ve been with Jesus. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great things rarely happen when we’re deep inside our comfort zones. No one’s ever heard of the great LazyBoy Revival, or the evangelistic Hammock Crusades! No, somebody’s got to get up and do somethin’! And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us some good news: God empowers and equips those He calls into service. You may already have a special God-given talent you’re not even aware of. Today, we’ll learn how to identify and use those abilities. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you’re a woodworker, a steel worker, or in another form of construction, you know that the tougher the job, the more the need for power tools. Hard to build a skyscraper with just a tape measure and a good idea. Well, spiritually speaking, with some of our assignments, the Lord gives us power tools. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the importance of putting them to work. It’s part of his series in the book of Acts called The Upside Down Life. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We don’t leap toward spiritual decline, but crawl toward it, little by little; and we experience it when we give the Devil a foothold. As Pastor Greg says, “Show me a Christian who’s starting to compromise, and I’ll show you a Christian who’s headed toward spiritual ruin.” Hear what else he has to say on the matter in this Sunday episode! Notes Do not make deals with the devil, you will lose. The devil is evil, the devil is wicked, and the devil is cunning. A Christian who begins to comprise is headed toward spiritual ruin. You are loved, you are needed, and your life matters! Distressed in debt and discontented. 1. Distressed. Under the pressure of stress. 2. In Debt. To have a number of creditors. 3. Discontented. To be bitter of soul, having been wronged or mistreated. God specializes in taking the outcasts of this culture and making them people of God. We see ourselves for what we are; God sees us for what we will be! “Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver David into his hand.” —1 Samuel 23:14 Satan is described as, “A roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” Satan believes the Bible and knows that his days are numbered. 1. We need to do God’s Will the right way at the right time. 2. We should not take vengeance on people, even if they deserve it. Forgiveness is not a suggestion in Scripture; God commands it! Forgiven people should be forgiving people! “Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely thing until they have someone to forgive.” —C. S. Lewis To forgive means, surrendering the right to get even. Godly sorrow produces repentance. 3. You cannot make deals with the devil. Any person can be saved, regardless of what they have done! The price has been paid for our redemption. The debt has been canceled. Scripture Referenced Ephesians 4:27 Psalm 57:4 Ecclesiastes 3:11 Romans 12:14, 17-19 Ephesians 4:31-32 Colossians 2:14 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this short snippet, Pastor Greg Laurie addresses the exodus of many residents from the state of California and offers an optimistic point of view for the golden state. Listen in for some encouraging thoughts. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lord has many options for reaching us in a time of need. Certainly one of the most obvious and most important is the local church. In a crisis, help may be as close as the church down the street. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us learn from the early Church. As we study the book of Acts today, we’ll see they set the example for reaching out with the care and concern of Jesus Christ and they provide us an opportunity to serve—to give as we have received. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christianity is a worldwide faith. Some say over 31% are Christians the world over. Yet, if you rewind history, Christianity began in a small geographic area on the other side of the globe, with just a handful of followers. How in the world did they reach the world!? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us some good insight from the book of Acts that’ll help us encourage one another in the faith, and reach our world in our time with the love of Christ. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When God wanted to share His message of love, surprisingly He chose to use people to reach people. Flawed, fallible, foible-filled people. Ahh, but the power of the message is not in us messengers, it’s built in to the message. And the boldness and direction we need is built in to us by the Spirit who lives within us. Pastor Greg Laurie discusses that today on A NEW BEGINNING as he continues a message from his brand new series in Acts—a series called The Upside Down Life. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether it’s a small folk group or a large orchestra, beautiful music comes when everyone plays together in rhythm and harmony. If each is playing a different tune, they have a word for that: yuck! Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the importance of unity in our efforts to bring the Gospel to our generation. In a time of division and disunity in the culture, it’s more important than ever that we all come together “in one accord,” as the Bible puts it. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The home renovation business is a 340 billion dollar industry. Reviving an old home takes some skill and a lot of hard work. Well, God has a blueprint for reviving our culture and He’s looking for our involvement in the project. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie continues his opening message in a new series called The Upside Down Life. It’s a look at the part we’re called to play in bringing a spiritual renovation to the world in which we live. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the midst of feeling down, we need to look up. Caving to hardship can lead to weakened faith, like David experienced. Listen in as Pastor Greg Laurie reminds us to keep our eyes on God, no matter what. Notes King David is described as “the man after God’s own heart.” But King Saul could be described as “the man after man’s own heart.” “Indeed, I have played the fool and erred exceedingly.” —1 Samuel 26:21 Fear replaced courage in the heart of David. E. A. R.=False Evidence Appearing Real The very people who are out to get us are often the ones who are afraid of us, because we are a threat to them and their power. Though people abandon us, God never will! “If God is for us, who can be against us?” —Romans 8:31 David went to the wrong place for solace. Sin makes you stupid! I cry out to the LORD; I plead for the LORD's mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. We need to look up and put our focus on God, not our problems. It is okay to complain in your prayers. Do not cry out against God; cry out to God. When the Israelites criticized and turned against Moses, he cried unto the Lord. When John the Baptist was beheaded, the disciples went and told Jesus. When the bottom drops out, cast your cares on God! God is mindful of you and your interests. If it is a concern for you, it is also a concern for Him. Casting our cares is something we need to do daily, and sometimes even hourly. When your burdens and worries pile up, cast them on God! Come to Jesus with your burdens today! Scripture Referenced Psalm 142:1-4 Exodus 15:25 Matthew 14:12 1 Peter 5:6 — Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we revisit a classic Veteran’s Day interview between Pastor Greg Laurie and Captain Scotty Smiley. They discuss Scotty’s service as an Army Ranger and his experience as the Army’s first active-duty, blind officer. On April 6, 2005, Scotty lost his eyesight when a suicide car bomber blew himself up thirty meters in front of Scotty’s IAV Stryker vehicle. Shrapnel blew through Scotty’s eyes, leaving him blinded and temporarily paralyzed. He woke up in Walter Reed Army Medical Center a week later. Through questioning his faith, Scotty made a decision to forgive and rebuild his life and continue to serve in the Army, becoming the first blind active-duty officer in military history. Listen in for an amazing testimony. Learn more about his story at hopeunseen.com. It’s important that we take the time to remember and honor our military veterans. It’s because of their selfless service and sacrifice that we live in a free country today. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before COVID, few of us had ever been subjected to a quarantine. But that experience effectively isolated us in a bubble. In a spiritual sense, sometimes believers are constantly isolated from the world in a self-imposed quarantine. We don’t want to be OF the world so we try not to be IN the world. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how that neglects one of our most important responsibilities. It’s the kick off of a new series in Acts called The Upside-Down Life. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you’re an electrician or a chef, an auto mechanic or a roofer, chances are you served some sort of apprenticeship. You learned the trade from someone with a few years under his or her tool belt. Well, the Lord has a similar plan for how believers can pass knowledge from older to younger. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shares the kinds of precepts that we should be passing on. If you missed the first 14 precepts in this thoughtful message, get a replay by checking out the three previous episodes! Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a certain wisdom that comes from growing older, from learning some of the lessons of life. There’s even more wisdom that comes when we embrace God’s Word as our pattern of living. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie looks to the Bible for practical principles we can put to use. If you missed some of the principles he’s already covered, we invite you to catch up by listening to the previous two programs! Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one ever teaches us how to worry. Our parents don’t sit us down and say, “Okay, kids, I want you to put your head in your hands, look really discouraged, and stress out on something you can’t change.” No, we pretty much picked it up on our own. Well, today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us lay down that which we’ve picked up. He’ll offer up some practical precepts in a message called What I Would Tell My Younger Self. Insight for everyone, particularly young people. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you noticed how our perspective changes in life? Some of us hated certain vegetables when we were kids. And now? Well, we may still hate those vegetables, but that’s not the point! The point is our perspective changes. Right? We eat vegetables because they’re good for us. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us realize that a changing perspective is good evidence that we’re maturing. And today we’ll see how we can embrace and enhance that maturing process. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s easy for us to fall into discontentment, especially when comparing ourselves to others. King Saul was this way, forgetting his blessings and giving a home to envy and unhappiness. Thankfully, there’s a cure, and Pastor Jonathan’s sharing it in this special Sunday message! Notes We want to live the way we want to live, but we want to also secure our place in Heaven, meaning people will live like a devil, and then hope to die like a saint. People who live their lives for God and are obedient and submissive to His Word, and are grounded in the community of the church, are among the happiest, balanced, most content, and vigorous in this life. When we sin, we are choosing our will and desire for our life, not God’s. Discontentment is not something that only plagued people in Saul’s day; it plagues people today as well! “The roots of them are in all of us, the only way to keep them from growing up rank is to think less of our reputation and more of our duty, to count it a very small matter what men think of us, and the all-important matter what God thinks.” —Alexander McClaren “If you will take care of your depth, God will take care of your breadth. If you will take care of your character, God will take care of your reputation.” —Greg Laurie Practice Contentment. Celebrate the Success of Others. Rejoice, Always! Scripture Referenced 1 Timothy 6:6–10 (ESV) 1 Samuel 18:3–4 (ESV) 1 Thessalonians 5:15–18 (ESV) --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen in to today’s daily devotion from Pastor Greg Laurie. To get Pastor Greg’s devotions delivered to your inbox, just go to harvest.org/devo. --- “The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” —Psalm 19:7 Not long ago I read about a personal trainer who was in perfect shape. He ate the right foods and loved to exercise. But most of his clients were overweight, and he couldn’t really relate to what they were going through. To better understand their struggles, he decided to intentionally gain 70 pounds. He started by changing his diet. Instead of his usual healthy food, he ate fattening foods. It was exhilarating to him because at first there was no difference in his body. He still looked good. But then he started to notice some changes. First to go were his abs. Then he started getting flabby. He found that his blood pressure was going up, and he was tired all the time. He felt lethargic and depressed. To me this is a picture of what it’s like in the Christian life when we start going in the wrong direction spiritually. Instead of nourishing ourselves with the message of God's Word, we fill our lives with spiritual junk food. We all have those moments when we stumble, when we trip up, when we make the wrong decision, when we think that wrong thought and need to repent. When this happens, we need a spiritual reboot. We need to be revived and refreshed. The Bible tells us, “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7 NLT). If you want to be a growing Christian, if you want to produce spiritual fruit, then you need to be a Bible studying Christian. As believers, we are either progressing or regressing. We are either going forward or going backward. And the moment we stop our forward momentum is the moment we begin our backward regression. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People sometimes ask, can Christians do this or that? It’s often a sneaky way of asking, “How much can I get away with and still be a Christian?” Pastor Greg Laurie would say that’s the wrong question to ask. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, he points out that we should be asking: how much can I do for God, given all He's done for me? How can I make myself most useful as I wait for that great day when Jesus returns to take us home? That's our focus in our final study in Daniel. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do while you’re on-hold? Do you hum along with that on-hold music? Do you tap your pencil, or daydream a little? Few of us enjoy waiting. But we’re all in a waiting mode right now as we anticipate the return of Christ. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the Lord doesn’t want us to kill time, He wants us to bring light and life to those around us. Maybe we’re not waiting on God. Maybe He’s waiting for us to invite more into the Kingdom. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famous actors can scarcely go out in public without being mobbed. What are they famous for? Pretending. They wear make-believe clothes, step on to a make-believe set, and deliver make-believe lines. And then, in the commercial break, they hope to make you believe they actually use the hair care product they’re holding. Why do we let them influence us so? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points to a man—a famous name—whose influence can truly compel us toward godliness. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a part of our culture that dismisses a biblical worldview as fantasy. They reject the Bible and ridicule those who believe it. Even the government seems to propagate secularism and excoriate matters of faith. The prophet Daniel would be familiar with this trend, and he’d have some encouraging counsel to share on how to cope. In fact, that’s our focus today on A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg Laurie brings a message from the book of Daniel called The Influence of a Godly Life. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pilots know that air traffic controllers are their lifeline. They report the wind speed and direction, they give pilots the correct heading. It keeps them safe and aimed in the right direction. The silliest thing a pilot could do is turn off the radio and say, “I got this.” Some believers seem to do that with the privilege of prayer; “Don’t need to talk to God—I got this.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us the importance of prayer, and how to pray most successfully. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone knows David for defeating Goliath—but there’s more to the story. In this episode, Pastor Greg Laurie shares the secret behind David’s triumph, so we can use it when confronted by giants of our own! Listen in for another inspiring message on the life of David! Notes We can face different giants: The Giant of Fear. The Giant of Personal Sin. The Giant of Addiction. The Giant of Threat that taunts you. A giant is anyone or anything that seeks to control, hurt, destroy, or torment you in life. Do not believe the promises or the threats of giants! 1. We all have giants. While it is true, we all have giants; it is also true that every giant is defeatable. Goliath was not always a giant. 2. The battle belongs to the Lord. Only through God’s strength can we win spiritual battles and defeat our giants. 3. Attack your giants! If you tolerate a Goliath, it will take over your territory. 4. Finish the giant off! Jesus’ victory is our victory because we are in Christ. Do not fight for your victory; fight from it and face your giants! Do not look at God in the light of your giant; look at your giant in the light of God! Scripture Referenced 1 Corinthians 10:13 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we revisit a classic interview with Greg Laurie and radio talk show host, Frank Sontag. Having spent years as a popular radio host and proponent of New Age philosophy, Frank describes his incredible conversion to Christ. Frank’s powerful testimony demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old AM/FM radios had to be tuned by hand. You twisted a dial until you found a station, then you had fine tune it, going back and forth to get the best sound. But it was easy to land on the wrong station. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us fine tune our prayer lives. We’ll see that sin de-tunes our life—it gets us listening to the wrong voices. And when we’re tuned to those voices, God may not hear ours. It’s a message from the series called End of Days. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you know someone’s about to go on a cruise, you know this for sure: they’re about to taste a lot of very tempting food. If you know a young couple with a new baby, you know this for sure: they’re about to take a lot of pictures. If you’re a true believer in Jesus Christ, you know this for sure: you will spend eternity in God’s presence in Heaven. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points that out and so much more from our continuing study of prophecy called End of Days. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

None of us is very good at predicting the future and some of us have a hard time recalling the past. We might remember an event from 20 years ago but we’ve forgotten what we had for lunch yesterday. Well, God sees the future with perfect clarity. He’s already there. And we can tap His wisdom for what to expect from the pages of Bible prophecy. Pastor Greg Laurie is helping us do that right now, on A NEW BEGINNING, as we study what the Lord tells us by way of the prophet Daniel in the Old Testament. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some are in the fault-finding business. . . and business is booming. If we spend all our time finding faults—like a sight-seeing expedition—we have little time to consider our own failings. And if we overlook them, maybe we can convince ourselves they’re not really there. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points us to a man who not only accepted his own sins and shortcomings, but those of his people as well. It’s an encouraging study about humility and self-sacrifice. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many people would you say are believers in this country? Wild guess. Let’s be extra generous and say half. . . 50%. If that’s true, then the other 50% are in danger of facing judgment. They’re in danger of dying in their sins! Now, God forbid, if the CDC announced ANOTHER virus was coming that could kill half the population, that would be all we’d talk about! But this ETERNAL danger is rarely discussed. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, it’s Pastor Greg Laurie’s focus. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A king. A warrior. A believer . . . . A man. David was still only human; despite his highs, he had lows. His story is one of a second chance, God’s love, and God’s greatness. It’s a relatable story Pastor Greg Laurie tells us in his brand-new series, The House of David. Notes Looking at David’s story, the real message is not the greatness of David but the greatness and love of God who gave David a second chance. David is the only man to be called “a man after God’s own heart.” God’s selection of David was so unexpected (pay careful attention), but the Lord is showing us the kind of person He is looking for. God is actively looking for people to use. God found that man in David. Will He find it in you? God’s way becomes plain when we start walking in it. Obedience to revealed truth guarantees guidance in matters unrevealed. Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem? Because Jesus was from the family tree of David. “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” —1 Samuel 16:11 Those who are rejected by men often become beloved of God. 1. God uses ordinary people. Saul was attractive on the outside, but inside he was vain, shallow, and devoid of true integrity. Man looks at the outward; God looks on the inward. A man once said to D. L. Moody, “Moody, the world has yet to see what God can do with and in and through the man who is wholly dedicated to Him.” 2. God is looking for truly spiritual people. David was not only practical; he was also deeply committed to God. “My heart is fixed, O God; my heart is fixed.” —Psalm 57:7 “Our greatest danger in life is in permitting the urgent things to crowd out the important.” “Is it an alarm or a calling that gets you out of bed in the morning?” 3. David was a faithful man. Just because God has called you to be a leader does not mean you are ready. Just as David both provided for and defended those sheep, God did the same for him. David longed for closeness to God. David was not perfect; he was very flawed. God wants to give you a second chance. Scripture Referenced Ezekiel 22:30 Psalm 27:4 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode, we revisit the second part of Pastor Greg’s special interview with Louis Zamperini, from a program originally aired on A New Beginning. Pastor Greg speaks with Louie about surviving a World War II plane crash, 47 days adrift at sea, and two years in a concentration camp. It’s a story of resilience, rescue, and redemption. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many, the Antichrist is a man shrouded in mystery. How could he be adored by so many, and then soon bring death and destruction upon the planet? He’ll bring a divided world together, and then tear it apart. How can that be? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie gives us a detailed view of this man of sin, this son of perdition, from the clear vantage point of Scripture. Pastor Greg clears up the mystery, and solidifies our hope in the soon return of Christ. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tension between good and evil is at the heart of nearly every fictional story we’ve ever seen or read. The bad guy causes some mischief, the good guy settles the score, all is right with the world. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out: when the Antichrist comes onto the scene, it won’t be fiction. It’ll be a war between good and evil like the world has never seen. It’ll reach every single city, town, village and hamlet. . . and, at that point, nothing will be right with the world. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Worship is often underappreciated and misunderstood within the Church. We know it’s more than the songs we sing. It’s more than the words of praise in the prayers we pray. But what is it really? Well, today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie gives us a good appreciation for worship as God defines it. It’s one of the few things we can do on both this side of eternity and the other side as well. And today, we’ll actually get a fascinating glimpse of the other side as seen through the eyes of Daniel. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reading the news can make us anxious. Reading social media can get us agitated. Reading God’s Word can bring us hope. That’s why the Word of God is our textbook for each study here on A NEW BEGINNING. Today, Pastor Greg Laurie continues his series called End of Days with a look at what’s to come in God’s Last Days plan. We’ll look back to writings thousands of years old to give us a clearer picture of future events. Only God’s Word offers an accurate picture of the future. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wonder about angels—God’s secret agents? Are they suave and debonaire like James Bond? Are some of them a little awkward like Inspector Clouseau? Or are they intense and focused like Jack Bauer? They’re probably exactly as God needs them to be. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out an angel was involved in protecting Daniel in the lion’s den. It was a difficult season for the godly, and Daniel proved his mettle in the midst of political upheaval. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Sunday episode, guest speaker Dr. Jack Graham discusses the “unseen” world of angels and demons. Did you know that all around us, there is a spiritual dimension that is invisible to the naked eye but impacts our lives in remarkable ways? Pastor Jack explains the importance of this world and explores our place in it! Listen in for deep spiritual insight! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we revisit a classic conversation between Pastor Greg Laurie and World War II hero, Louis Zamperini. Originally aired on A New Beginning in 2011, this conversation relates the powerful story of Zamperini’s youth and survival in the Pacific. It’s a riveting story of heroism and perseverance from a man who became a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movies and cartoons have romanticized the king of the jungle. The cowardly lion, Tigger, Simba, Mufasa. . . But, in real life, lions can grow up to ten feet long, weigh 400 pounds, and sprint up to 50 miles per hour. They kill 250 humans each year. When Daniel was in the lion’s den, the danger was very real. But Pastor Greg Laurie points out today on A NEW BEGINNING that Daniel’s protection was very real . . . and quite surprising. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember the Sunday School song, “Dare to be a Daniel”? Daniel was a prophet of God, and a man who lived a godly life in the midst of an ungodly culture. Did he cloister himself away in monastic secrecy? No. He lived boldly, even risking his very life to do so. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says dare to be a Daniel. Our culture doesn’t revere those who are committed to their faith. But we’re not living to please culture, we’re living to serve our Savior. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org. A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.