Greg Laurie: A New Beginning

Follow anyone on social media? People choose their favorites — travel bloggers, DIY geniuses, chefs who can cook practically anything with practically nothing. (And yes, Pastor Greg Laurie is on all the major platforms, too.) But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg points out a similar choice in the Christmas story. When Jesus was born, some people hit “follow” right away, and others just scrolled on by. And believe it or not, that same decision is still in front of us today. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it that God didn’t know how to stage a spectacular entrance for His Son? The God who created heaven and earth, hung the stars in the sky, and summons forth thunder and lightning. Was the heavenly event planner on vacation the day Jesus was born in a humble stable? No, today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how the birth of Christ happened quietly, with little fanfare, and revealed to the least likely. It was on purpose . . . and it speaks of our purpose. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The true Christmas story is far more powerful—and far more personal—than the version we often see wrapped in sentiment and tradition. Through Luke 2, Pastor Greg looks at how Christmas has been romanticized and even sidelined, yet the real story remains explosive: God stepped out of Heaven and into human history. Notes: Taking Christmas Back Luke 2   The real Christmas story is explosive. That’s because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.   Christmas has been hijacked.   Christmas has been emptied of its meaning.   Portland, Oregon just had its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.   Christmas has perhaps been far too romanticized even by well-meaning Christians.   The beauty of the true Christmas story has explosive power.   The night when God Himself came to this earth.   The first Christmas is when God stepped out of Heaven and entered history.   Mary was living in Nazareth, a town known for its wickedness.   Mary was a nobody in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere.   The angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah.   Luke 1:28–30 (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God!   Read Luke 2:1–7   Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story.   God’s selection of Joseph was just as significant as His selection of Mary. God, the Father in Heaven, chose Joseph to be a stepfather or father figure on earth for Jesus.   Jesus grew up in many ways like any other child.   We are in danger of becoming a fatherless society in America.   That’s why Joseph matters.   Hearing that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was willing to simply “put her away quietly,” to break the engagement.   But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, too.   Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."   Luke is very meticulous in his reporting.   Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus.   He carefully researched and had first-person interviews with the principal characters of the story. It was his desire to bring a historical and accurate record of the life of Jesus.   These are not fairy tales or legends Luke invented. Luke 1:3   Caesar Augustus was the first real Roman emperor. His real name was Caius Octavius.   The Roman Republic was now the Roman Empire.   One inscription that was found called Augustus Caesar “the savior of the whole world.”   Luke 2:11–12 (NKJV) "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."   The angel was saying, “Augustus is not the savior of Rome, Jesus is.”   In a time when man wanted to be God, God became a man.   God incarnate born on the dirt floor of a filthy cave.   God became a fetus. Deity in diapers.   Babies are so amazing and so helpless. You have to cradle their heads.   “It was clearly a leap down— as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised on the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy . . . where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower.” — R. Kent Hughes   This symbolized Jesus’s whole life on this earth, from the cradle to the cross.   2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.   Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.   That phrase became emblematic of Jesus’s life and ministry on earth.   Christ said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.”   We didn’t have any room for Him, but He has many rooms for us.   We effectively lose Jesus at Christmas.   We say things like, “I would like to go to church, but I’m just too busy.”   When Mary and Joseph got back home, they realized Jesus was gone.   This can happen to us, too. Not that we lose our salvation, but we can lose sight of Jesus.   It’s not

In a special episode, we revisit a conversation between Pastor Greg Laurie and Franklin Graham. The two discuss the legacy of Billy Graham, and Franklin reminisces about Christmas traditions in the Graham household.  Franklin also describes his start at the far-reaching ministry, Samaritan’s Purse, and shares stories of impact through their initiative, Operation Christmas Child.  Watch the video of this full interview here. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the key words here are Harvest Ministries and A NEW BEGINNING is just two letters: Go! In fulfilling the Great Commission, that may be the hardest step. Go. Get up and get started. Today, on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps kindle a fire within us . . . a fire that won’t let us remain silent. We’ll see sharing our faith is a joy and a privilege. We’re featuring a message Pastor Greg recently presented at The Bold For Jesus evangelism conference in Spokane, Washington. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever try to run up a downward escalator? Sounds silly, but kids try it all the time, just to see if they can. When we try to fight against the lures of temptation on our own strength, we’re running up a downward escalator. The momentum against us is just too much. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us change escalators and embrace the power and provision of God through prayer. When we’re moving in the same direction as the Spirit of God, the journey is much easier. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you facing a challenge right now? A trial, a tragedy, a crisis, a loss? God knows what you’re going through. He’s concerned about what you’re going through. And He has the power to get you through. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out He wants us to come to Him and ask for His help. Prayer is a vital part of surviving the toughest of challenges life throws our way. And today, Pastor Greg helps us pray effectively using the Lord’s model for effective prayer. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Because of the deluge of robocalls we all get, if an unfamiliar number pops up on the phone, many people just don’t answer. Who wants those calls? Do we feel like we’re an unfamiliar number popping up God’s phone when we call on Him in prayer? Do we wonder if He’ll pick up the phone? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that God not only answers the phone, He answers our requests. We’re not an unfamiliar number at all. No, we’re family. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s said that Abraham Lincoln had an open-door policy for citizens. They could literally come right into the While House and talk with him. My how things have changed. Today, VIPs are universally unreachable . . . with one notable exception. Our God not only allows us to come to Him, He invites us, in fact He urges us. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us take full advantage of the open door we call prayer. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If God can perfectly order the events of the Christmas story, we can entrust Him with stories of our own. We should mirror Mary's surrender and submission to God's plan.  Notes: Galatians 4:4 (NKJV)But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. READ Luke 1:26–33 #1 God Is Always On Time Luke 1:28 (NKJV)“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:29 (NKJV)But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. God is always on time. READ Luke 1:34–38 #2 God’s Timing Requires Our Surrender Luke 1:38 (NKJV)“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)Your kingdom come.Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. READ Mark 8:34–36 God’s plan is always better. Surrender doesn’t mean God makes everything comfortable.It means God makes everything count. Surrender always leads to Christ.  Psalm 84:10 (NKJV)For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my Godthan dwell in the tents of wickedness. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”—Jim Elliott READ Luke 1:39–45 #3 Our Obedience Has A Radius Luke 1:15 (NKJV)For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. What is God asking you to do? What areas in your life is God calling you to submit and surrender?  Too many Christians are satisfied with comfort when God is offering conquest. Obey God.Submit to scripture.Live a life of integrity committed to God. Let it be to me according to your word. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year" isn’t true for everyone. For some, it's a depressing, stressful season. But, as Pastor Greg Laurie takes us back to the first Christmas, he tells us how we can ALL experience a joyful holiday.  — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Someone has said worry is the advanced interest you pay on troubles that seldom come. An old Swedish proverb says worry gives a small thing a big shadow. What shadow is looming over you right now? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie continues a series called Faith 101: A Crash Course on the Christian Life. We’ll tackle the problem of worry and anxiety. Pastor Greg points out that the Lord has given us a very powerful tool to help us put our worries to rest. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 25 million real Christmas trees decorated homes last Christmas. And about 25 million Christmas trees became kindling not long after the holiday. There’s a spiritual parallel. Today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to keep our faith from drying out. We’ll learn to keep it re-kindled by sharing the hope we have with others. Glad you’re along for A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg brings us some practical pointers on effective evangelism. It’s a good opportunity to take notes. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie has the opportunity to share the Gospel with countless people each year. He does so through films, crusade events, through social media and right here on A NEW BEGINNING. We’ve seen more than a million professions of faith in the 50 years of Harvest Ministries. So there must be a secret formula for successful evangelism, right? Pastor Greg would be the first to say there is no secret formula. But there are some practical pointers, and he explains them 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If there’s a war raging, and someone mistakenly stumbles into the middle of it, the warriors don’t suddenly stop and say, ‘Hey, wait a minute, fellas, this guy isn’t part of it. Let’s wait ‘til he gets outta the way.’ No people who stumble into battle unaware often get caught in the crossfire. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie wants to make sure that doesn’t happen to us. He points out that we’re surrounded by spiritual warfare, and we need to be prepared to fight, and fight victoriously. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pilot said, “the basics of aviation are really quite simple. You push the control stick forward and the houses get real big; you pull it back and the houses get real small.” But imagine if a pilot did lose track of the basics – can’t remember what those switches do, or even why they’re important. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us with a refresher course on the basics of the Christian faith. It’s a good reminder of the fundamentals that’ll keep us all from crashing and burning. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s more to the Christmas story than you may realize. There’s a prequel... In this message, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us to the story of a godly, elderly couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist. Notes: Luke 1 Luke gives us the prequel, the story before the story. Luke opens by saying, “In the days of Herod.”That’s like saying, “In Germany, in the days of Hitler.” Heaven’s light was about to break.  Read Luke 1:5–17 Luke’s narrative finds Israel in the midst of a long night of spiritual darkness. Israel was now under the control of mighty and cruel Rome.But there was something in the air that things were about to change. A promise to Israel of better days to come – Malachi 4:2 NIVBut for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Malachi 3:1 NIV“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. John the Baptist was the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. God was now going to answer the prayer and heart cry of Israel. God sent the mighty angel Gabriel. The last appearance of an angel had been to the prophet Zechariah nearly five centuries earlier. Whenever angels appeared, they would say, “Do not be afraid!” Gabriel came to an elderly couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth. The name Zacharias means, “God remembers.”Elizabeth means, “My God is an oath.” God remembers His promises and always keeps His word. God was making up for lost time, and He gave them a baby like no other,John the Baptist. #1 Zacharias was a humble man. James 4:6 ESV“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The obsession with ourselves is at the root of our problems. The humble Zacharias was a country priest. There were many priests in Israel at this time.To be a priest meant you represented the people to God. The priest also represented God to the people.The priest would interpret scripture, counsel, and provide wise judgment for the people. I understand that I, too, am a representative of God to people. You, too, are a priest.And you, too, represent God to people. You are the only bible some people will ever read. #2 Zacharias was a faithful man. God called:Moses, when he was tending sheep.David, while he was watching sheep,Elijah, when he was plowingPeter and John, when they were mending nets.God calls busy people. It’s hard to steer a parked car. If you are faithful in small things, God will give you greater opportunities.  God has given to every believer spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6 NLTGod has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. Romans 12:7 NLTIf your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. Romans 12:8 NLTIf your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. Paul told Timothy to “not neglect the gift that is in you.”  Zacharias was faithful to do what God had set before him. #3 Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly and blameless people. Luke 1:6 NKJVAnd they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. To be blameless does not mean they were sinless. They lived lives of integrity, not perfection. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Not to have any children was thought to be a curse from God. Little did they know that God would answer their prayers and give them a prophet. Their son, John, would be the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. Perhaps you are going through a time of difficulty right now. God was preparing Zacharias and Elizabeth for this day, and now the reward for faithfulness has come. Luke 1:13 NKJVBut the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. God hears our prayers as well. God promises us that if we call out to Him, He will hear and answer.Psalm 34:15 Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Just because our prayers are not answered does not mean God does not hear them. There is an amazing story in Daniel 10 where a mighty angel appeared before the prophet.The angel told Daniel that the prophet’s prayer had bee

Imagine sitting in the driver’s seat of your parked car. And you start disassembling your steering wheel. You loosen the nut that holds your steering wheel in place. Now, the steering wheel is barely connected to your front wheels. Are you willing to hit the open highway without that control? Only if you like ditches. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, from the series Heroes of the Bible, Pastor Greg Laurie points out some people choose to do that with their very lives . . . and wind up in some kind of ditch. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Funambulism is the skill of walking the tightrope . . . the high wire. And performers face mortal danger . . . it’s a long way down. The last thing they want (literally) is to make it only half way across the high wire. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out it’s even more important to finish the race of life well. There’s mortal danger, there’s uncertainty and breathless moments. But thankfully, when we fall, the Lord is there to catch us and restore 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has been through a hailstorm of crisis and calamity . . . sickness, death, economic upheaval, uncertainty about the future. Hope may seem in short supply. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, we’ll see it’s only in short supply if we’re going to the wrong supplier. Pastor Greg Laurie introduces us to a man who faced an epic challenge but depended on God’s provision to see him through. We’ll learn to follow in his footsteps as Pastor Greg introduces this Last Days believer. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scripture warns us that wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction. Lots of folks going that way. It’s the way that “seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us an alternative. He helps us through the narrow gate. It won’t make us popular or politically correct. But better to live in a way that’s pleasing to God, even if it displeases people, rather than the other way around. This Giving Tuesday, help us meet the spiritual moment! Give now. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even in the Lord’s Prayer, we say the words “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Thomas Fuller once wrote, “He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven.” Today, on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the life of Joseph, an outstanding biblical example of forgiveness and what fruit can come of that selfless action. We’re studying the Bible’s great heroes. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isaiah 9:6 tells us what Jesus, the name above all names, means to us. Pastor Greg Laurie brings us insight in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Isaiah 9:6  Jesus Christ.That is the name above all names. Isaiah 9:6For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be calledWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  From Heaven’s perspective, Jesus was given.From earth’s perspective, Jesus was born.  Jesus lived our life and then He died our death.  The first Christmas gift was not a gift to a child but the gift of a child. Each of these descriptions of Jesus’ name deals with an important part of our life.  Jesus said, “Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of Me.(Hebrews 10:7 KJV) Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed and in the New Testament revealed. Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad.”(John 8:56 KJV) Jacob wrestled with Jesus.Before conquering Jericho, Joshua met Jesus and bowed before Him. Let’s look at these descriptions Isaiah gives us of Christ. #1 His name is Wonderful: this takes care of the dullness of life. Wonderful comes from the word wonder.  There is nothing this world has to offer that will fill the void in your life.That’s where Jesus comes in.  The word, wonder, means:amazement, surprise, astonishment, admiration, bewilderment, worship, and awe. The best way to sum it up is, “God is awesome!” Knowing this wonderful God personally takes care of the dullness of life. When the shepherds shared what happened,“All that heard it wondered at these things told to them by the shepherds.”(Luke 2:18) Everything about Jesus was wonderful:His birth, His life, His words, His death, and His resurrection. Wonder will lead to worship and a desire to know Jesus better. #2 His name is Counselor: this takes care of the decisions of life. Do you know that God wants to give personal counsel and direction to you? Psalm 73:24 (NKJV)You will guide me with Your counsel,And afterward receive me to glory. Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, Jesus Christ, is offering you His counsel. Jesus, our Counselor, has a plan for our lives. Jesus has given us His word so we might learn to think and act biblically.Everything you need to know about God and life is found in Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16–17All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is trueand to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.It is God's way of preparing us in every way,fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. But your Counselor, Jesus, is very involved and wants the best for you. Jesus, our Counselor, prays for us too. #3 His name is Mighty God: this takes care of the demands of life. Jesus Christ was not just a “good man,” but the “God-Man.” The Creator became a creation.He did not lose His deity, but He added humanity. Eternal, yet an infant, the Infinite became touchable. Jesus was fully God and became fully man. Jesus did not become identical to us, but He did become identified with us. Jesus could not have identified with us more closely than He did.It was total identification without any loss of identity. Jesus claimed to be God many times. On one occasion, Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee and He fell asleep.What could be more human than that? Jesus rebuked the storm and it stopped instantly.What could be more divine than that?He was fully God. Being fully human reminds you that He understands what you are facing.   Some say, “It’s very hard to be a Christian.” It’s impossible to be a Christian without the power of Jesus Christ. That’s like trying to run your electric car with no charge. We work out what God has already worked in. We don’t manufacture the power, we access it. You say, “I can’t break free from drugs or drinking or immorality.”The bible says, “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” #4 His name is Everlasting Father: this takes care of the future of life. We know life is not merely what we experience here and now on earth.As Christians, we will live forever. God is the Everlasting Father. He will always be there for you. With so many broken homes today and absentee fathers, this is a great comfort.  You have an Everlasting Father who chose you. After His resurrection, Jesus said to Mary, “I go to my Father and your Father.” #5 His name is Prince of Peace: this takes care of the distu

Jon Erwin’s credits include I Can Only Imagine, Jesus Revolution, and—most recently—the hit show, House of David. In this replay episode, he discusses the craft of filmmaking, the ever-changing methods of sharing the gospel, and why his art isn’t 100% biblical. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doesn’t it seem like some people on social media are just looking for a fight? If something displeases them, they attack. And then someone else attacks right back. Has it come to that? Is that the new norm for human interaction? Glad you’re along today on A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg Laurie shows us a better way . . . a higher way. We’ll see God shows us a fresh prescription for life, demonstrated in the lives of some remarkable people who rose above. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people complain about headaches than any other health condition. About 45 million people suffer from them each year. The major causes? Stress and lack of sleep, among others. There’s a lot on our minds. Many people feel overwhelmed much of the time. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us chart a new path. He’ll talk about the giants we face . . . those forces that seem bigger than we are. We’ll learn today how to stand against them in the power of God. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God has never encountered a problem or a crisis too big for Him to handle. He’s never said, “Uh-oh.” So when we encounter something we can’t handle, we need to look to our God who can handle anything. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie begins a series on the heroes of the Bible, we’ll see what happened when David faced a giant-sized problem. It’s a familiar story, but sometimes we miss the practical application. That’s Pastor Greg’s focus as we begin 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Worry can burn through our minds like a forest fire. It consumes our sense of peace and well-being . . . our emotional equilibrium and passion . . . our entire outlook on the day. What extinguishes that fire that tries to burn through our serenity? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie answers that question. We’ll see prayer can keep us from worry . . . but we have to have perseverance because worry can keep us from prayer. Glad you’re along today for a practical study. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bible says “be anxious for nothing” – in other words, don’t worry about anything. It also tells us to cast our cares on the Lord because He cares for us. What is it that’s heavy on your heart today? Pastor Greg Laurie brings some good encouragement toward a worry-free life in the final message of a three-part series called God’s Answer to Fear, Anxiety and Worry. Glad you’re along today for A NEW BEGINNING. Good encouragement is coming your way on today’s program. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded live November 16 from Utah Valley University, Pastor Greg Laurie delivers an urgent and heartfelt message titled "Home Before Dark" where he points thousands in attendance to Jesus Christ. Get full numbers, testimonies, and more from the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Thanksgiving, we must be thankful for the things that we have but also for the things that God has in store for us! In this Sunday message from the archives, Pastor Greg Laurie shares a powerful example of praising God in all circumstances. Listen in to a special message from Acts 16. Notes Thanksgiving is not about eating, but rather giving thanks! “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” It’s easy to want to give thanks when we feel like it, but according to Scripture, it is something the believer is to do regardless of circumstances. Having an attitude of gratitude will affect you emotionally and physically. Thankful people are happy people! The two most important moments in a person’s life is when they are born and when they realize what they are born for. Far too often, we fail to give God the glory that is due to His name! Only one of the nine lepers thanked Jesus for what He did.  1. To give thanks, I must first realize as a Christian, God is in control of my life. “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” —Proverbs 16:9 God is sovereign and able to do what He pleases with whomever He chooses whenever He wishes. “For everything serves Your plans.” —Psalm 119:91 2. I must realize God loves me and is always looking out for my eternal benefit. When God takes the events of our lives, the good things and the bad things and puts them in the oven of adversity, we will say “that is good.” 3. To give thanks, I must realize God is far wiser than I am. What is immediately good is not always eternally good. What is eternally good is not always immediately good but painful.  “Through each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs praying to God who gives me life.” —Psalm 42:8 Worship can be a powerful evangelistic tool. When we worship on Earth, we are in tune with what is happening in Heaven. Scripture commands us to rejoice! Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Our joy and contentment in life does not come from what we have, but from who we know!  If you feel like it or not, rejoice in the Lord! “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Jesus Christ is ready to save you! Scripture Referenced Psalm 106:1 Job 1:21 Hebrews 13:15 Psalm 29:2 Luke 17:15–16 Romans 8:28 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 Revelation 5:12 Psalm 73:16 Philippians 4:4 Romans 8:38–39 Hebrews 13:5 — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s so easy to get inside our own heads. It’s an echo chamber of thoughts – often negative thoughts – that feed each other. One anxious thought sits there and germinates the next anxious thought. Pretty soon it’s a garden of worry and depression. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us pull those anxious thoughts out by the roots, and let the truth of God plant itself deeply in our hearts and minds. Glad you’re along today for good insights from Scripture! — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the stillness of the night, we hear things . . . the faucet dripping, a dog barking in the distance, a car going down the road. We also think about things. It’s often when worry moves into our minds and sets up shop for the night. What if . . . how come . . . if only . . . why didn’t I...? How can we get worry to pack it up and be on its way? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us put our worries to bed, so we can get back to sleep. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Problems often bring worry and fear. And fear and worry make it difficult to solve problems. And that causes more fear and worry. Many of us have been caught in a downward spiral like that. But often, when we get to the end of ourselves, we get to the beginning of God. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that the Lord is ready to help, but He waits for our invitation. What is it that has you backed into a corner today? Help is on the way from the book of Romans. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every kid has known a bully. The bully is often bigger and meaner and is a force to bereckoned with. Well, when your new best friend happens to be the linebacker of the school football team, it’s amazing how the bully isn’t so threatening anymore. What problems are bullying you right now? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us how God stands ready to meet us at our point of need, and His problem-solving resources are limitless and reassuring. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If worry were an Olympic sport, some of us would qualify for the Gold Medal. But, in reality, life gives us so much to worry about, doesn’t it? The world is a mess, on so many levels. And we all have issues on a personal level, as well. But so many times, we’re so much more attached to our burdens than our burdens are attached to us. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie begins a message designed to set us free from the worry trap. Good encouragement worth taking some notes. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life is full of uncertainty. But when we don't know what the future holds, we should look at the one who holds the future. Pastor Jonathan Laurie points us to faith in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Daniel 7  WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR BEARINGS, YOU BEGIN TO DRIFT. READ DANIEL 7:1–10 (NLT) #1 DANIEL’S FEARDANIEL 7:1–10 PHILIPPIANS 4:6 (NKJV)BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYERAND SUPPLICATION, WITH THANKSGIVING, LET YOUR REQUESTSBE MADE KNOWN TO GOD; PHILIPPIANS 4:7 (NKJV)AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING,WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. ISAIAH 46:9–10 (NKJV)I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER; I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NONELIKE ME, DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING, ANDFROM ANCIENT TIMES THINGS THAT ARE NOT YET DONE. #2 DANIEL’S KINGDANIEL 7:13–14 BEING WITH JESUS TRANSFORMS YOUR FEAR INTO FAITHAND YOUR CONCERN INTO CONFIDENCE. #3 DANIEL’S HOPEDANIEL 7:18, 26-28 WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS,LOOK TO THE ONE WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE. READ PHILIPPIANS 3:17–21 (NLT) DANIEL REMEMBERED HIS TRUE IDENTITY.DANIEL PURPOSED IN HIS HEART NOT TO DEFILE HIMSELF.DANIEL SOUGHT THE WELFARE AND SALVATION OF BABYLON.DANIEL DID NOT RETREAT, HE INFILTRATED.DANIEL LIVED HOLY IN A GODLESS CULTURE. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast, we’re taking you back in time 30+ years to the very first Harvest Crusade with Pastor Greg Laurie. At the time called, “Summer Harvest,” and held at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California, this event features a powerful gospel presentation from Pastor Greg.  Many things have changed over the years, but one thing never changes: the life-changing gospel message. Listen in as Pastor Greg speaks on the excuses that keep us from following Jesus Christ.  Since 1990, millions of people have participated in Harvest Crusade events in person and online around the world.  Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America tomorrow, November 16! In person tickets are now SOLD OUT, but you can still watch LIVE—get more information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So many of us are procrastinators by nature. Others meant to be but they haven’t gotten around to it. Especially when thinking about the end of life and what lies beyond the grave, people tend to leave that discussion for another day. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says time may be running out. We’ll take a close look at the Lord’s plans for the End Times. How will it affect Israel . . . how will it affect us? Reliable answers today straight from God’s Word. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dependability of a promise is tied to the integrity and the resources of the one who makes the promise. Did he mean it, can he do it? Did God mean it, can He do it? The Bible says all the promises of God are “yea and amen.” And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us how God’s promises extend to God’s people, including His chosen people. We’ll focus on his promises to the nation Israel, and how those promises can be trusted. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most cars – those that take gasoline – have an engine and a starter motor. The starter motor (sfx) is what you hear when you first turn the key. The engine is what you hear (sfx) when the car roars to life. If a spiritual awakening is like an engine, revival is like the starter motor. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us all do our part to bring revival to our land. That’s where it starts: it starts with the people of God. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it seems like the world is coming apart, sometimes it means that things are actually coming together. It’s not a time for fear, but a time for faith. Coming up today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us examine the great spiritual movements of the past. And we’ll draw some perspective from the book of Nehemiah. We’ll see how we may be at the precipice of an amazing move of God, and how He wants our help to light the spiritual fire. Let’s learn how to get involved. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To borrow from Mark Twain, “bad news can travel halfway around the world, while good news is still putting on its shoes.” When an influential believer falls into sin, it seems like we hear about it at the speed of light. But how do we reach out to someone who’s helped us, when they’re the ones who need help? Pastor Greg Laurie answers that question today on A NEW BEGINNING. We’re considering a story about Noah in the book of Genesis. This godly man sinned. But we can learn from this biblical account. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can someone be sure they will go to Heaven when they die? Pastor Greg Laurie reveals that the answers to some of our most pressing questions are found right in the book of Isaiah. Notes: ACTS 8 AND ISAIAH 53  PEOPLE WILL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING TO AVOID PAIN.  WE WANT THE GAIN WITHOUT THE PAIN. WE WANT THE CROWN WITHOUT THE CROSS. THE TEXT BEFORE US REMINDS US THAT JESUS CHOSE THE WAY OF PAIN- ON PURPOSE. WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO READ ANSWERS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS OF LIFE-- HOW CAN A PERSON COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?- HOW CAN ONE BE FREE FROM THE GUILT AND REMORSE OVER THEIR SINS?- HOW CAN ONE BE CERTAIN THAT THEIR SINS ARE INDEED FORGIVEN AND THEY WILL GO TO HEAVEN? ISAIAH 53 IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHAPTERS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. THERE IS POWER IN THE MESSAGE OF THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS. WHY IS THE DEATH OF JESUS SO IMPORTANT?BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE SINNED AGAINST GOD AND A PRICE MUST BE PAID, A SUBUSTUTE MUST BE OFFERED. JESUS IS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT CONCEALED, BUT HE IS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT REVEALED. THE BOOK OF ISAIAH OFFERS THE CLEAREST ACCOUNT OF THE DEATH OF JESUS. ISAIAH WROTE HIS BOOK 700 YEARS BEFORE CHRIST DIED.HOWEVER, HE WROTE IT AS THOUGH HE WAS AN EYEWITNESS. IN OUR JESUS AND YOU 2 SERIES, WE HAVE SEEN JESUS IN THE FIRE WITH SHADRACH, IN A WRESTLING MATCH WITH JACOB, AND NOW ISAIAH SHOWS US JESUS AS THE SUFFERER. “THIS CHAPTER IS THE VERY HEART OF THE GOSPEL. IT IS THE BIBLE IN MINATURE.”—CHARLES SPURGEON LET’S START WITH THE TWO DOWNHEARTED DISCIPLES ON THE EMMAUS ROAD AFTER JESUS ROSE. LUKE 24:27 (ESV)BEGINNING AT MOSES AND THE PROPHETS, HE INTERPRETED TO THEM IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES THE THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF. THE BIBLE TELLS THE STORY OF A MAN WHO WENT TO JERUSALEM, SEARCHING FOR GOD. BUT AS A DIGNITARY, HE RECEIVED SOMETHING VALUABLE, THE SCROLL OF ISAIAH! PHILIP HEARD THIS FOREIGN DIGNITARY READLING ALOUD FROM ISAIAH 53. READ ACTS 8:31 30-35  IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, ISAIAH IS THE MOST QUOTED OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS. JESUS AND THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITERS QUOTE ISAIAH AT LEAST 65 TIMES AND HE IS MENTIONED BY NAME 22 TIMES. THE WHOLE GOSPEL IS IN THE BOOK OF ISAIAH:- THE BRUTALITY OF THE WOUNDS INFLICTED ON JESUS. (ISAIAH 52:14)- HIS ABSOLUTE SILENCE BEFORE HIS ACCUSERS (ISAIAH 53:7)- HIS DEATH (ISAIAH 53:8–9)- THE PLACE OF HIS BURIAL (ISAIAH 53:9)- HIS RESURRECTION (ISAIAH 53:10) READ ISAIAH 53:1-3 JESUS WAS ORDINARY IN APPEARANCE.  IF JESUS HAD AN INSTAGRAM, HE MIGHT NOT HAVE GONE VIRAL,BUT HE STILL WOULD HAVE GONE TO THE CROSS. IF JESUS WERE HERE TODAY, HE WOULDN’T BE TRENDING, HE’S BE TRANSFORMING. JESUS DID NOT COME FROM THE MARBLE PALACES OF ROME OR THE HALLS OF HEROD. WE OVERLOOK THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IN OUR CULTURE TODAY. WE LIVE IN A CULTURE THAT WORSHIPS THE OUTWARD. PEOPLE SCROLL PAST THE ORDINARY.MOST LIKELY, YOU COULD NOT PICK JESUS OUT OF A CROWD. AT HIS BIRTH, ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE RECOGNIZED WHO HE WAS,HUMBLE SHEPHERDS, WHO WERE THE LOWEST OF THE LOW AT THAT TIME. JESUS RETURNED TO HIS HOMETOWN OF NAZARETH WHERE HE HAD BEEN RAISED. THEY DECIDED TO KILL HIM AND TOOK HIM TO THE EDGE OF A CLIFF TO THROW HIM OFF.YET JESUS SHOWED HE WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL. LUKE 4:29 30 (ESV) BUT PASSING THROUGH THEIR MIDST, HE WENT AWAY. PEOPLE WANTED A MILITANT MESSIAH AND THEY GOT A SUFFERING SAVIOR. JESUS WAS EXTRODINARY IN WHAT HE CAME TO DO.ISAIAH 53:3 WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT “JESUS WAS A MAN OF SORROWS?” DOES IT MEAN JESUS NEVER SMILED, NEVER LAUGHED? JESUS SAID, “I TOLD YOU THIS TO MAKE YOU COMPLETELY HAPPY AS I AM.” JESUS WAS HAPPY, APPROACHABLE, AND EXUDED LOVE!  1 TIMOTHY 1:11( NLT)THE GLORIOUS GOOD NEWS ENTRUSTED TO ME BY OUR BLESSED GOD. THAT IS NOT THE VIEW MANY PEOPLE HAVE OF THE ALMIGHTY.THEY SEE HIM MORE AS THE ANGRY GOD OR THE DISINTERESTED GOD. WHEN GOD SEES YOU, HE SMILES. NUMBERS 6:24–26 (NLT)MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU.MAY THE LORD SMILE ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.MAY THE LORD SHOW YOU HIS FAVOR AND GIVE YOU HIS PEACE. WE FOLLOW THE LOVING GOD, THE HAPPY GOD, THE SMILING GOD. WHEN JESUS WAS IN GETHSHEMENE HE WAS IN THE DEEPEST SORROW AND PAIN. JESUS KNOWS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SUFFER. JESUS WAS “A MAN OF SORROWS AND AQUAINTED WITH GRIEF.”ISAIAH 53:3 JESUS DIDN’T JUST SEND US A SYMPATHY CARD FROM HEAVEN, HE SHOWED UP IN PERSON. JESUS UNDERSTANDS PAIN, NOT JUST IN THEORY, BUT PERSONALLY. WHEN YOU GRIEVE, YOU ARE WALKING A ROAD JESUS HAS WALKED. I HAVE LIVED WITH GRIEF, AND IT IS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE. SORROW PASSES THROUGH YOU, GRIEF MOVES IN AND TAKES RESIDENCE FOR A WHILE. GRIEF IS THE WAVE THAT THAT COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WHEN YOU HEAR A SONG OR SEE AN OLD PH

In this interview from the archives, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with Hugh Hewitt to open up about his upbringing, running into the gospel at 17 on a high school campus, and becoming a successful evangelist, despite being the last person many would have expected. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So many of us spend so little time thinking about the Lord during the day, and yet we want to live with Him forever. God’s Word has a bottomless supply of insights for life, but social media captures so much more of most people’s attention. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie continues our Genesis series, we’ll see how Noah remembered the Lord – it was his priority – after reaching dry land following the Flood. We’ll learn a number of principles from following the life of this great patriarch! Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you have to walk a ways in the snow, sometimes it’s easiest to use the same footprints on your way back. They’re easy enough to see. What footprints do we leave in our lives, that allow our adversary the easiest access to our thoughts and actions? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie continues his series in Genesis, we’ll see the enemy is always on the prowl, looking for his next target. But we’ll learn practical principles for locking the Devil out . . . leaving him out in the cold. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mankind has had some great ideas: air travel, space flight, the wheel, the smartphone. But everyday, each of us has some very bad ideas. God calls them sin. But, good or bad, it starts with an idea. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us keep our ideas in check. We’re launching a new series from “the book of beginnings,” the book of Genesis. We’ll see dangerous ideas can be traced all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does the Devil cause so much mayhem among believers? He has help! He and his minions set their sights on believers trying to make them fall . . . and they’re quite good at what they do. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out victory is assured for God’s children when we stand in the victory of Jesus. We’re in the Garden of Eden today watching Adam and Eve struggle against the temptation of our adversary, and we’ll see how that struggle affects us even today. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Lord’s Prayer, we read “Lead us not into temptation.” Yeah, we certainly don’t want to go down that path. But haven’t you found that sometimes temptation comes up the path and finds us! Temptation is pervasive. It’s ubiquitous. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us dissect temptation. We’ll trace its roots all the way back to the Garden of Eden. And Pastor Greg offers some biblical insights on how to stop Satan’s attacks right in their tracks. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — 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/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.