1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. harvest pastor greg laurie
  4. Episodes
  5. Greg Laurie - Talk This Way
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie - Talk This Way

June 23, 2026 | 27:29

Greg Laurie - Talk This Way
Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.
#WordofGod #BloodofJesus #Control #Judgement #Hell #SpeakinginTongues #Devil #Evil #Death #SpiritualFoundation #GregLaurie

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - Talk This Way | June 23, 2026
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.343
  • Greg laurie: you know, during worship you've got your hands
  • 00:00:04.147 --> 00:00:05.815
  • In your pockets or your arms are folded.
  • 00:00:05.949 --> 00:00:09.085
  • You're not singing even though we put lyrics on screens
  • 00:00:09.219 --> 00:00:12.922
  • And we encourage you to worship.
  • 00:00:13.023 --> 00:00:14.457
  • You look at someone with their hands lifted up,
  • 00:00:14.557 --> 00:00:15.792
  • You say, "fanatic."
  • 00:00:15.925 --> 00:00:16.259
  • And then you go to the football game and you paint your face in
  • 00:00:18.261 --> 00:00:22.198
  • The colors of your team, and when your team
  • 00:00:22.198 --> 00:00:25.268
  • Scores a touchdown you flip out, screaming,
  • 00:00:25.268 --> 00:00:29.205
  • Yelling, setting yourself on fire.
  • 00:00:29.205 --> 00:00:31.274
  • Everything.
  • 00:00:31.274 --> 00:00:32.909
  • And then you look at someone who lifts one hand to the lord
  • 00:00:32.909 --> 00:00:35.111
  • And you call him a fanatic?
  • 00:00:35.111 --> 00:00:37.414
  • Come on now.
  • 00:00:37.414 --> 00:00:38.815
  • You have passion for other things, right?
  • 00:00:38.815 --> 00:00:41.184
  • ♪ this is the day, ♪
  • 00:00:44.554 --> 00:00:46.723
  • ♪ the day when life begins. ♪
  • 00:00:46.723 --> 00:00:51.928
  • ♪ this is the day, ♪
  • 00:00:51.928 --> 00:00:54.397
  • ♪ the day when life begins. ♪♪
  • 00:00:54.397 --> 00:01:01.638
  • Greg: our words really matter. what we say impacts people.
  • 00:01:05.842 --> 00:01:10.246
  • What others say to us affects us in a great way.
  • 00:01:10.246 --> 00:01:14.851
  • It's been said sticks and stones may break my bones
  • 00:01:14.851 --> 00:01:18.488
  • But words will never hurt me.
  • 00:01:18.488 --> 00:01:20.924
  • Actually, that's not true.
  • 00:01:20.924 --> 00:01:22.725
  • Words really can hurt you.
  • 00:01:22.725 --> 00:01:24.861
  • You can be deeply wounded by words, can't you?
  • 00:01:24.861 --> 00:01:28.665
  • Some of us remember maybe in our childhood that something
  • 00:01:28.665 --> 00:01:31.801
  • Was said to us.
  • 00:01:31.801 --> 00:01:33.136
  • It could have been by a parent, could have been a teacher
  • 00:01:33.136 --> 00:01:36.139
  • Or somebody else.
  • 00:01:36.139 --> 00:01:37.607
  • They told you you're unattractive, you're overweight,
  • 00:01:37.607 --> 00:01:40.310
  • You're a failure, you'll never amount to anything;
  • 00:01:40.310 --> 00:01:43.213
  • And we sort of carried that with us even into our adult years.
  • 00:01:43.213 --> 00:01:47.283
  • Then, again, someone might have said to us,
  • 00:01:47.283 --> 00:01:49.586
  • "i see potential in you.
  • 00:01:49.586 --> 00:01:51.588
  • I think you're special.
  • 00:01:51.588 --> 00:01:53.323
  • I believe in you."
  • 00:01:53.323 --> 00:01:54.791
  • And those words of encouragement carried us on.
  • 00:01:54.791 --> 00:01:57.193
  • Maybe they were words from a parent, a grandparent, a
  • 00:01:57.193 --> 00:02:00.663
  • Teacher, a coach, a pastor.
  • 00:02:00.663 --> 00:02:03.066
  • Words matter.
  • 00:02:03.066 --> 00:02:05.168
  • Proverbs 18:21 says, "death and life are in the power of the
  • 00:02:05.168 --> 00:02:08.638
  • Tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
  • 00:02:08.638 --> 00:02:12.742
  • Even the president of the united states needs encouragement.
  • 00:02:12.742 --> 00:02:17.881
  • I read a story about abraham lincoln, who many regard as
  • 00:02:17.881 --> 00:02:21.417
  • Our greatest president, but he was in the ford theater
  • 00:02:21.417 --> 00:02:25.421
  • And tragically was assassinated.
  • 00:02:25.421 --> 00:02:27.991
  • But when they were recovering items from his clothing
  • 00:02:27.991 --> 00:02:32.028
  • They found some spectacles, his wallet,
  • 00:02:32.028 --> 00:02:35.632
  • And a little newspaper clipping that was old and folded over
  • 00:02:35.632 --> 00:02:41.804
  • And on it it said,
  • 00:02:41.804 --> 00:02:44.107
  • "abraham lincoln is one of the greatest statesman of our time."
  • 00:02:44.107 --> 00:02:47.977
  • So even president lincoln would pull that
  • 00:02:47.977 --> 00:02:49.946
  • Out of his pocket every now and then
  • 00:02:49.946 --> 00:02:51.915
  • And read it because he needed a word of encouragement.
  • 00:02:51.915 --> 00:02:55.485
  • Proverbs 25, verse 11 says, "the right word at the right time is
  • 00:02:55.485 --> 00:02:59.656
  • Like precious gold set in silver."
  • 00:02:59.656 --> 00:03:03.092
  • And i would add to that fact the wrong word at the wrong time can
  • 00:03:03.092 --> 00:03:06.196
  • Be devastating.
  • 00:03:06.196 --> 00:03:07.931
  • We've all heard stories of young people who've literally taken
  • 00:03:07.931 --> 00:03:11.701
  • Their own lives because they were bullied online, where
  • 00:03:11.701 --> 00:03:14.904
  • People said horrible and cruel things to them after they posted
  • 00:03:14.904 --> 00:03:18.841
  • A picture or something else.
  • 00:03:18.841 --> 00:03:20.343
  • Let me just say, young people, if you post something and people
  • 00:03:20.343 --> 00:03:23.646
  • Hate on you, these people don't matter.
  • 00:03:23.646 --> 00:03:26.950
  • Who cares?
  • 00:03:26.950 --> 00:03:28.751
  • They live in their mother's basement.
  • 00:03:28.751 --> 00:03:30.587
  • Okay?
  • 00:03:30.587 --> 00:03:31.955
  • They don't even use their real names.
  • 00:03:31.955 --> 00:03:33.690
  • Who cares what some random person says about you?
  • 00:03:33.690 --> 00:03:36.893
  • But anyway--but it shows the power of words.
  • 00:03:36.893 --> 00:03:41.064
  • Don't listen to their words.
  • 00:03:41.064 --> 00:03:42.465
  • Listen to the words of god who loves you and not the words of
  • 00:03:42.465 --> 00:03:45.768
  • People who don't.
  • 00:03:45.768 --> 00:03:48.938
  • By the way, one of my greatest pleasures in life, i've told you
  • 00:03:48.938 --> 00:03:51.474
  • This before, is to block people.
  • 00:03:51.474 --> 00:03:54.677
  • Not just delete comments, block people.
  • 00:03:54.677 --> 00:03:57.847
  • I love it.
  • 00:03:57.847 --> 00:04:00.149
  • You know, they come in--with this hateful vitriol
  • 00:04:00.149 --> 00:04:04.087
  • In their posts.
  • 00:04:04.087 --> 00:04:05.421
  • I say goodbye.
  • 00:04:05.421 --> 00:04:06.756
  • I wish i could do it in real life.
  • 00:04:06.756 --> 00:04:08.324
  • Wouldn't that be cool?
  • 00:04:08.324 --> 00:04:09.892
  • Just block and they disappear.
  • 00:04:09.892 --> 00:04:11.361
  • I don't know.
  • 00:04:11.361 --> 00:04:12.695
  • Okay.
  • 00:04:12.695 --> 00:04:14.264
  • More people have died by words than any weapon
  • 00:04:14.264 --> 00:04:18.134
  • Ever devised by men.
  • 00:04:18.134 --> 00:04:20.036
  • I mean, think about this.
  • 00:04:20.036 --> 00:04:21.571
  • Dedicated to god, our words can be a powerful force for good.
  • 00:04:21.571 --> 00:04:27.443
  • Left unchecked and especially when yielded to the enemy
  • 00:04:27.443 --> 00:04:30.546
  • The devil, our words can do great harm.
  • 00:04:30.546 --> 00:04:33.549
  • So let's see what the bible says about our words and our tongue.
  • 00:04:33.549 --> 00:04:37.720
  • James chapter 3, verse 1.
  • 00:04:37.720 --> 00:04:39.522
  • I'm reading down to verse 7.
  • 00:04:39.522 --> 00:04:41.624
  • This is the new living translation.
  • 00:04:41.624 --> 00:04:43.760
  • "dear brothers and sisters--" i would underline that.
  • 00:04:43.760 --> 00:04:46.496
  • I'll come back to it.
  • 00:04:46.496 --> 00:04:48.031
  • "dear brothers and sisters--" or another way to translate it,
  • 00:04:48.031 --> 00:04:51.067
  • Dear fellow christians.
  • 00:04:51.067 --> 00:04:52.835
  • So these words are addressed to believers.
  • 00:04:52.835 --> 00:04:55.905
  • He goes on, "not many of you should become teachers in the
  • 00:04:55.905 --> 00:04:58.408
  • Church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.
  • 00:04:58.408 --> 00:05:01.744
  • Indeed, we all make mistakes.
  • 00:05:01.744 --> 00:05:03.646
  • For if we can control our tongues, we would be perfect and
  • 00:05:03.646 --> 00:05:06.749
  • We could also control ourselves in every other way.
  • 00:05:06.749 --> 00:05:10.053
  • We can make large horses go wherever they want by means of a
  • 00:05:10.053 --> 00:05:13.189
  • Small bit in their mouth, and a small rudder makes a huge ship
  • 00:05:13.189 --> 00:05:17.193
  • Turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds
  • 00:05:17.193 --> 00:05:20.697
  • Are strong.
  • 00:05:20.697 --> 00:05:22.031
  • In the same way," writes james, "the tongue is a small thing and
  • 00:05:22.031 --> 00:05:25.401
  • It makes grand speeches, but a tiny spark can set a great
  • 00:05:25.401 --> 00:05:29.205
  • Forest on fire.
  • 00:05:29.205 --> 00:05:31.240
  • And among all the parts of the body,
  • 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:33.042
  • The tongue is a flame of fire.
  • 00:05:33.042 --> 00:05:34.944
  • It's a whole world of wickedness corrupting your entire body.
  • 00:05:34.944 --> 00:05:39.248
  • It can be set on fire--or set your whole life on fire,
  • 00:05:39.248 --> 00:05:43.319
  • And it is set on fire by hell itself.
  • 00:05:43.319 --> 00:05:46.022
  • People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles,
  • 00:05:46.022 --> 00:05:48.391
  • And fish, but no one can tame the tongue.
  • 00:05:48.391 --> 00:05:51.194
  • It's restless and evil, full of deadly poison."
  • 00:05:51.194 --> 00:05:55.298
  • We'll stop there.
  • 00:05:55.298 --> 00:05:56.632
  • So what do we learn about the tongue?
  • 00:05:56.632 --> 00:05:58.000
  • Point number one, if you're taking notes, what you say
  • 00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:01.104
  • Reveals who you are, what you say reveals who you are.
  • 00:06:01.104 --> 00:06:05.274
  • Verse 2, "if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect
  • 00:06:05.274 --> 00:06:10.279
  • And control ourselves in every other way."
  • 00:06:10.279 --> 00:06:12.849
  • In many ways, the tongue--or your words is a barometer
  • 00:06:12.849 --> 00:06:17.186
  • Of your spiritual maturity.
  • 00:06:17.186 --> 00:06:20.289
  • Socrates once said to a young student, quote,
  • 00:06:20.289 --> 00:06:23.393
  • "speak, friend, so i might see you."
  • 00:06:23.393 --> 00:06:26.195
  • End quote.
  • 00:06:26.195 --> 00:06:27.997
  • Effectively, socrates is saying, "speak and i'll be able to
  • 00:06:27.997 --> 00:06:31.801
  • Evaluate you."
  • 00:06:31.801 --> 00:06:33.836
  • If your life is transformed as a follower of jesus, then your
  • 00:06:33.836 --> 00:06:37.140
  • Words will be transformed as well.
  • 00:06:37.140 --> 00:06:40.410
  • The reality of your faith is demonstrated in what you say and
  • 00:06:40.410 --> 00:06:44.814
  • Also what you don't say.
  • 00:06:44.814 --> 00:06:47.417
  • Jesus says a good person produces good things from the
  • 00:06:47.417 --> 00:06:50.486
  • Treasury of a good heart and an evil person produces evil things
  • 00:06:50.486 --> 00:06:55.057
  • From the treasury of an evil heart.
  • 00:06:55.057 --> 00:06:57.193
  • What you say flows from what is in your heart.
  • 00:06:57.193 --> 00:07:02.331
  • So whatever's in your heart will ultimately come out in your
  • 00:07:02.331 --> 00:07:04.634
  • Words; and the fact of the matter is is one day we will be
  • 00:07:04.634 --> 00:07:08.905
  • Judged by what we said, according to the scripture.
  • 00:07:08.905 --> 00:07:13.609
  • Matthew 15:19 jesus says every careless word that people speak,
  • 00:07:13.609 --> 00:07:19.415
  • They'll give an accounting of it--for it on the day of
  • 00:07:19.415 --> 00:07:22.251
  • Judgment, for by your words you will be justified
  • 00:07:22.251 --> 00:07:26.355
  • And by your words you will be condemned.
  • 00:07:26.355 --> 00:07:28.658
  • In fact, the first sin committed after the fall was a sin
  • 00:07:28.658 --> 00:07:33.629
  • Of the tongue.
  • 00:07:33.629 --> 00:07:35.932
  • When questioned about eating the forbidden fruit, adam quickly
  • 00:07:35.932 --> 00:07:39.535
  • Blames god and says, "well, it's the woman you gave me,"
  • 00:07:39.535 --> 00:07:43.339
  • Effectively slandering god.
  • 00:07:43.339 --> 00:07:45.308
  • Now, i asked you to underline this verse.
  • 00:07:45.308 --> 00:07:47.276
  • Let me return to it.
  • 00:07:47.276 --> 00:07:48.744
  • Notice that james is directing these words to christians,
  • 00:07:48.744 --> 00:07:53.416
  • Dear brothers and sisters.
  • 00:07:53.416 --> 00:07:56.252
  • You know, christians may pride themselves in the fact
  • 00:07:56.252 --> 00:07:58.821
  • That they don't do certain things anymore.
  • 00:07:58.821 --> 00:08:02.191
  • "well, i don't do those sins any longer.
  • 00:08:02.191 --> 00:08:04.327
  • I'm a christian now."
  • 00:08:04.327 --> 00:08:05.695
  • Fantastic.
  • 00:08:05.695 --> 00:08:07.430
  • You would never think of assassinating somebody now that
  • 00:08:07.430 --> 00:08:11.234
  • You're a christian, but would you assassinate their character
  • 00:08:11.234 --> 00:08:14.704
  • Over sunday brunch?
  • 00:08:14.704 --> 00:08:17.306
  • You would never think of putting a knife in someone, but would
  • 00:08:17.306 --> 00:08:22.078
  • You put a knife into someone through the blade of slander
  • 00:08:22.078 --> 00:08:26.616
  • As you stab them in the back?
  • 00:08:26.616 --> 00:08:28.851
  • See, this is a problem with christians.
  • 00:08:28.851 --> 00:08:32.288
  • We like to talk and we like to make it sound spiritual
  • 00:08:32.288 --> 00:08:36.759
  • When it isn't spiritual at all.
  • 00:08:36.759 --> 00:08:38.961
  • Bring me to point number two.
  • 00:08:38.961 --> 00:08:40.530
  • We need to control what we say.
  • 00:08:40.530 --> 00:08:43.599
  • The bible says that every man be quick to listen, slow to speak,
  • 00:08:43.599 --> 00:08:47.169
  • And slow to anger; but the reality is we're often quick to
  • 00:08:47.169 --> 00:08:50.540
  • Speak and slow to listen and quick to anger as well.
  • 00:08:50.540 --> 00:08:55.411
  • But we need to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
  • 00:08:55.411 --> 00:08:58.781
  • By the way, there are inside and outside thoughts.
  • 00:08:58.781 --> 00:09:01.951
  • Did you know that?
  • 00:09:01.951 --> 00:09:04.287
  • Some things are best left unsaid.
  • 00:09:04.287 --> 00:09:07.256
  • You think them.
  • 00:09:07.256 --> 00:09:08.591
  • That doesn't mean you should say them.
  • 00:09:08.591 --> 00:09:10.526
  • And other things need to be said as well.
  • 00:09:10.526 --> 00:09:13.563
  • Verse 6, "a tongue is set on fire by hell."
  • 00:09:13.563 --> 00:09:17.166
  • James is telling us the uncontrolled tongue
  • 00:09:17.166 --> 00:09:19.535
  • Has a direct pipeline to hell.
  • 00:09:19.535 --> 00:09:23.406
  • One word foolishly spoken can se--be set fire by the devil.
  • 00:09:23.406 --> 00:09:28.811
  • One rumor, one lie.
  • 00:09:28.811 --> 00:09:31.514
  • Mountain climbers say that the vibration of one whisper can
  • 00:09:31.514 --> 00:09:34.984
  • Bring down an avalanche.
  • 00:09:34.984 --> 00:09:37.353
  • Number three, our words used right can do so much good.
  • 00:09:37.353 --> 00:09:41.490
  • Just one word said can alter the course of your life.
  • 00:09:41.490 --> 00:09:46.028
  • A judge with one word or one statement can decide your guilt
  • 00:09:46.028 --> 00:09:51.267
  • Or your innocence.
  • 00:09:51.267 --> 00:09:53.002
  • Point number four, our words used wrongly
  • 00:09:53.002 --> 00:09:55.538
  • Can do so much damage.
  • 00:09:55.538 --> 00:09:58.074
  • They can do so much damage. look at verse 5.
  • 00:09:58.074 --> 00:10:00.710
  • The tongue is a small thing.
  • 00:10:00.710 --> 00:10:02.144
  • Think about this.
  • 00:10:02.144 --> 00:10:03.479
  • This mere 2-ounce slab of mucous membrane can do so much evil
  • 00:10:03.479 --> 00:10:08.417
  • Or good depending on who it's controlled by.
  • 00:10:08.417 --> 00:10:12.288
  • As an example for evil, think of adolf hitler.
  • 00:10:12.288 --> 00:10:15.758
  • This man through his demonic rhetoric sent a nation to ruin.
  • 00:10:15.758 --> 00:10:20.296
  • His words were responsible for the death of 6 million
  • 00:10:20.296 --> 00:10:24.400
  • Jewish people in the holocaust.
  • 00:10:24.400 --> 00:10:26.802
  • Many christians were sent to those concentration camps
  • 00:10:26.802 --> 00:10:29.939
  • As well.
  • 00:10:29.939 --> 00:10:31.440
  • Truly, as james says in verse 6, hitler's tongue
  • 00:10:31.440 --> 00:10:34.076
  • Was set on fire by hell itself.
  • 00:10:34.076 --> 00:10:37.747
  • But now contrast him with another person who used his
  • 00:10:37.747 --> 00:10:40.583
  • Words well.
  • 00:10:40.583 --> 00:10:41.917
  • Billy graham, a farm boy born in charlotte, north carolina, he
  • 00:10:41.917 --> 00:10:46.656
  • Aspired to be a baseball player one day and god put his hand on
  • 00:10:46.656 --> 00:10:50.059
  • Billy and through his preaching around the world millions of
  • 00:10:50.059 --> 00:10:54.296
  • People changed their eternal destiny.
  • 00:10:54.296 --> 00:10:57.299
  • Indeed, death and life are in the power of the tongue.
  • 00:10:57.299 --> 00:11:01.237
  • And i ask you, who is your tongue dedicated to?
  • 00:11:01.237 --> 00:11:05.107
  • There are many ways we can use our words to hurt others.
  • 00:11:05.107 --> 00:11:08.577
  • One is through gossip and backbiting.
  • 00:11:08.577 --> 00:11:11.681
  • Gossip.
  • 00:11:11.681 --> 00:11:13.015
  • The very word hisses, gossip,
  • 00:11:13.015 --> 00:11:18.120
  • Like a snake, right?
  • 00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:19.588
  • So sneaky.
  • 00:11:19.588 --> 00:11:21.490
  • We can make it sound like it is important,
  • 00:11:21.490 --> 00:11:24.260
  • But it's so destructive.
  • 00:11:24.260 --> 00:11:26.629
  • Proverbs 20, verse 19 says, "a gossip betrays a confidence.
  • 00:11:26.629 --> 00:11:30.800
  • Avoid a man who talks too much."
  • 00:11:30.800 --> 00:11:33.569
  • How practical is that?
  • 00:11:33.569 --> 00:11:35.438
  • Gossip is like junk food.
  • 00:11:35.438 --> 00:11:37.640
  • You know it's bad but you eat it anyway.
  • 00:11:37.640 --> 00:11:40.042
  • In fact, a translation of proverbs 26:22 that's modern
  • 00:11:40.042 --> 00:11:45.014
  • Puts it this way.
  • 00:11:45.014 --> 00:11:46.449
  • "listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy.
  • 00:11:46.449 --> 00:11:49.151
  • Do you want junk like that in your belly?"
  • 00:11:49.151 --> 00:11:52.154
  • What a great translation.
  • 00:11:52.154 --> 00:11:54.323
  • So when i go to the movie, i like to get milk duds
  • 00:11:54.323 --> 00:11:57.393
  • And popcorn.
  • 00:11:57.393 --> 00:11:58.728
  • And i don't know what's going on and i don't know if you've
  • 00:11:58.728 --> 00:12:00.863
  • Noticed this, but a lot of movie theaters, if not most, are not
  • 00:12:00.863 --> 00:12:04.734
  • Carrying milk duds anymore.
  • 00:12:04.734 --> 00:12:06.969
  • What is going on?
  • 00:12:06.969 --> 00:12:09.205
  • I love milk duds.
  • 00:12:09.205 --> 00:12:10.606
  • It's the only time i eat candy.
  • 00:12:10.606 --> 00:12:12.575
  • I don't really eat candy at all, but when i got that popcorn i
  • 00:12:12.575 --> 00:12:15.211
  • Want some milk duds.
  • 00:12:15.211 --> 00:12:16.579
  • I think maybe 'cause they stick to everything.
  • 00:12:16.579 --> 00:12:18.214
  • I'm not really sure.
  • 00:12:18.214 --> 00:12:19.982
  • But the other day i was at the drugstore and i saw they had
  • 00:12:19.982 --> 00:12:23.552
  • Milk duds.
  • 00:12:23.552 --> 00:12:24.887
  • I haven't seen milk duds anywhere and i bought like
  • 00:12:24.887 --> 00:12:26.222
  • Four boxes of them, and they're really big boxes too.
  • 00:12:26.222 --> 00:12:29.492
  • I came home.
  • 00:12:29.492 --> 00:12:30.926
  • Cathe said, "why did you buy all those milk duds?"
  • 00:12:30.926 --> 00:12:33.162
  • I said, "'cause i can't find them anywhere."
  • 00:12:33.162 --> 00:12:35.064
  • She said, "you shouldn't have bought them.
  • 00:12:35.064 --> 00:12:37.032
  • You're going to eat them."
  • 00:12:37.032 --> 00:12:38.367
  • "no, i won't. i won't eat that many."
  • 00:12:38.367 --> 00:12:40.903
  • And then that night, who's making popcorn and milk duds?
  • 00:12:40.903 --> 00:12:43.472
  • Cathe.
  • 00:12:43.472 --> 00:12:44.974
  • She's the one eating them, but i had some too.
  • 00:12:44.974 --> 00:12:47.910
  • But you don't feel good after you eat candy, do you?
  • 00:12:47.910 --> 00:12:50.913
  • It's good going down, and that's what gossip is like.
  • 00:12:50.913 --> 00:12:54.784
  • Gossip will often vial itself in acceptable ways with phrases
  • 00:12:54.784 --> 00:12:59.789
  • Like have you heard or did you know.
  • 00:12:59.789 --> 00:13:02.892
  • Or how about this?
  • 00:13:02.892 --> 00:13:04.226
  • I don't know if this is true, but--okay, hold on.
  • 00:13:04.226 --> 00:13:07.930
  • If any statement you make begins with the words i don't know if
  • 00:13:07.930 --> 00:13:11.233
  • This is true, stop and don't make that statement because you
  • 00:13:11.233 --> 00:13:15.237
  • Don't know how devastating that could be.
  • 00:13:15.237 --> 00:13:18.073
  • But we rationalize it and say spiritual things like this.
  • 00:13:18.073 --> 00:13:23.779
  • "i'm only telling you this so you can pray."
  • 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:27.650
  • Oh, shut up. you're gossiping.
  • 00:13:27.650 --> 00:13:30.853
  • Don't give me the so-you-can-pray business.
  • 00:13:30.853 --> 00:13:34.123
  • "no, i just--that's the only reason i'm sharing it."
  • 00:13:34.123 --> 00:13:37.393
  • No.
  • 00:13:37.393 --> 00:13:38.727
  • Here's another way we can gossip.
  • 00:13:38.727 --> 00:13:40.830
  • Through innuendo, innuendo.
  • 00:13:40.830 --> 00:13:44.233
  • A cousin of gossip is innuendo.
  • 00:13:44.233 --> 00:13:47.269
  • That's where you don't say it exactly but you imply it.
  • 00:13:47.269 --> 00:13:51.740
  • Then there is a subtle misuse of our words in flattery, flattery.
  • 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:56.812
  • Flattery is really lying.
  • 00:13:56.812 --> 00:13:58.848
  • Why?
  • 00:13:58.848 --> 00:14:00.182
  • Because when i flatter somebody, i'm basically
  • 00:14:00.182 --> 00:14:02.051
  • Telling them a lie.
  • 00:14:02.051 --> 00:14:03.419
  • Gossip is saying behind a person's back what they would
  • 00:14:03.419 --> 00:14:05.654
  • Never say to their face.
  • 00:14:05.654 --> 00:14:07.389
  • Flattery is saying to a person's face what they would
  • 00:14:07.389 --> 00:14:09.825
  • Never say behind their back.
  • 00:14:09.825 --> 00:14:12.328
  • Does that make sense?
  • 00:14:12.328 --> 00:14:13.662
  • So gossip, i say it behind your back.
  • 00:14:13.662 --> 00:14:16.065
  • I would never say it to your face or ask you
  • 00:14:16.065 --> 00:14:18.000
  • If it's even true.
  • 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:19.568
  • Flattering, oh, i'll say it to your face, but if someone ask me
  • 00:14:19.568 --> 00:14:23.472
  • About you i would never say that behind your back.
  • 00:14:23.472 --> 00:14:26.742
  • Number five, if you can control your tongues,
  • 00:14:26.742 --> 00:14:30.312
  • It's a sign of spiritual maturity.
  • 00:14:30.312 --> 00:14:33.182
  • Look at verse 2.
  • 00:14:33.182 --> 00:14:34.683
  • "if we control our tongues, we would be perfect and control
  • 00:14:34.683 --> 00:14:36.852
  • Ourselves in every other way."
  • 00:14:36.852 --> 00:14:39.755
  • The word perfect here means full-grown.
  • 00:14:39.755 --> 00:14:42.625
  • So it's not meaning flawlessly perfect, but what
  • 00:14:42.625 --> 00:14:45.461
  • It means is you're mature.
  • 00:14:45.461 --> 00:14:47.096
  • If you can control your words, it's a sign of maturity.
  • 00:14:47.096 --> 00:14:51.667
  • I heard about a little boy that went to a pastor's house who
  • 00:14:51.667 --> 00:14:54.136
  • Was doing some carpentry.
  • 00:14:54.136 --> 00:14:55.871
  • Little guy is just standing there staring at the pastor
  • 00:14:55.871 --> 00:14:58.474
  • As he was working away.
  • 00:14:58.474 --> 00:14:59.975
  • Finally, the minister turned and said, "son, are you trying to
  • 00:14:59.975 --> 00:15:02.678
  • Pick up some tips on carpentry?"
  • 00:15:02.678 --> 00:15:05.281
  • The little guy said, "no, i just want to see what a preacher
  • 00:15:05.281 --> 00:15:07.750
  • Says when he hits his thumb with a hammer."
  • 00:15:07.750 --> 00:15:12.521
  • And i think there are people who are not believers who are
  • 00:15:12.521 --> 00:15:15.791
  • Watching us, maybe in some ways hoping that
  • 00:15:15.791 --> 00:15:18.961
  • We will do something wrong.
  • 00:15:18.961 --> 00:15:21.597
  • So we want to be very careful.
  • 00:15:21.597 --> 00:15:22.965
  • And by the way, some of the greatest saints in the bible
  • 00:15:22.965 --> 00:15:25.868
  • Had trouble with what they said.
  • 00:15:25.868 --> 00:15:28.637
  • Job is a good example.
  • 00:15:28.637 --> 00:15:30.673
  • God himself said of job he's a perfect and upright man when
  • 00:15:30.673 --> 00:15:33.409
  • That fear is gone and shuns evil but yet at the end of job's book
  • 00:15:33.409 --> 00:15:37.313
  • He writes in chapter 40, verse 4, to the lord he says,
  • 00:15:37.313 --> 00:15:41.150
  • "i'm unworthy. how can i reply to you?
  • 00:15:41.150 --> 00:15:43.852
  • I put my hand over my mouth."
  • 00:15:43.852 --> 00:15:46.221
  • I wish more people would put their hand over their mouth.
  • 00:15:46.221 --> 00:15:48.924
  • One of the greatest uses of our words is to proclaim
  • 00:15:48.924 --> 00:15:53.062
  • The word of god, but with that comes great responsibility.
  • 00:15:53.062 --> 00:15:57.266
  • Look at verse 3.
  • 00:15:57.266 --> 00:15:58.734
  • "dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should
  • 00:15:58.734 --> 00:16:00.970
  • Become teachers in the church for we who teach
  • 00:16:00.970 --> 00:16:03.672
  • Will be judged more strictly."
  • 00:16:03.672 --> 00:16:06.375
  • Now, james is not wanting to discourage us from sharing
  • 00:16:06.375 --> 00:16:09.845
  • Our biblical insights.
  • 00:16:09.845 --> 00:16:12.014
  • The fact of the matter is you should share the things
  • 00:16:12.014 --> 00:16:14.283
  • You discover in the word with others.
  • 00:16:14.283 --> 00:16:18.020
  • 1 corinthians 14:26 says, "hey, brothers and sisters,
  • 00:16:18.020 --> 00:16:21.323
  • When you come together, each one of you has a song
  • 00:16:21.323 --> 00:16:23.859
  • Or a word of instruction."
  • 00:16:23.859 --> 00:16:25.194
  • So it's awesome to say, "i just read this in the word today,
  • 00:16:25.194 --> 00:16:27.963
  • And this verse really spoke to me."
  • 00:16:27.963 --> 00:16:29.598
  • Great. do that.
  • 00:16:29.598 --> 00:16:31.066
  • James is not discouraging that; but what he is saying is when
  • 00:16:31.066 --> 00:16:35.738
  • You share, when you speak for god, you know, be prepared.
  • 00:16:35.738 --> 00:16:39.141
  • There's responsibility that comes with that.
  • 00:16:39.141 --> 00:16:42.077
  • I remember the first time i shared in a public setting.
  • 00:16:42.077 --> 00:16:46.682
  • There was a small group of believers.
  • 00:16:46.682 --> 00:16:49.084
  • I was still in high school.
  • 00:16:49.084 --> 00:16:50.486
  • They were in high school.
  • 00:16:50.486 --> 00:16:52.154
  • And different people were sharing things they read in the
  • 00:16:52.154 --> 00:16:54.857
  • Bible, and i had read something that morning and i was thinking,
  • 00:16:54.857 --> 00:16:58.093
  • "should i share this?"
  • 00:16:58.093 --> 00:16:59.428
  • My heart's beating. you know that feeling.
  • 00:16:59.428 --> 00:17:02.297
  • Finally i said, "i read something in the bible today."
  • 00:17:02.297 --> 00:17:05.701
  • My voice was all shaky.
  • 00:17:05.701 --> 00:17:07.770
  • After i said that, people went, "oh, that's great."
  • 00:17:07.770 --> 00:17:10.806
  • And then the lord started opening doors for me to speak.
  • 00:17:10.806 --> 00:17:14.943
  • I never aspired to be a speaker or a preacher
  • 00:17:14.943 --> 00:17:17.746
  • Or a communicator like that.
  • 00:17:17.746 --> 00:17:20.082
  • I was a more behind-the-scenes kind of a person.
  • 00:17:20.082 --> 00:17:24.787
  • But as i began to do that more, i realized there's a
  • 00:17:24.787 --> 00:17:27.322
  • Responsibility that comes with this.
  • 00:17:27.322 --> 00:17:30.726
  • 1 timothy 3:1 says, "it's a trustworthy statement of a man
  • 00:17:30.726 --> 00:17:34.063
  • Aspires to the role of overseer,"
  • 00:17:34.063 --> 00:17:36.098
  • Or a preacher, teacher.
  • 00:17:36.098 --> 00:17:37.733
  • "it's a fine work he desires to do."
  • 00:17:37.733 --> 00:17:40.502
  • So it's a good thing.
  • 00:17:40.502 --> 00:17:41.837
  • If god has called you to do this sort of thing, that's great.
  • 00:17:41.837 --> 00:17:44.440
  • Make sure you're prepared.
  • 00:17:44.440 --> 00:17:46.809
  • And when i stand up, i want to be prepared and be able to back
  • 00:17:46.809 --> 00:17:50.279
  • Up what i say by the scripture.
  • 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:53.549
  • That's why the bible says, "study to show yourself approved
  • 00:17:53.549 --> 00:17:56.819
  • Unto god, a workman that does not need to be ashamed rightly
  • 00:17:56.819 --> 00:17:59.922
  • Dividing the word of truth."
  • 00:17:59.922 --> 00:18:02.191
  • You know, people have asked me, "what is it like to stand up in
  • 00:18:02.191 --> 00:18:04.259
  • A stadium and speak to a huge group of people?
  • 00:18:04.259 --> 00:18:08.464
  • Is it fun?"
  • 00:18:08.464 --> 00:18:10.065
  • I wouldn't use the word fun, i would use the word pressure and
  • 00:18:10.065 --> 00:18:15.704
  • Responsibility 'cause i feel when i get up there i'm speaking
  • 00:18:15.704 --> 00:18:20.175
  • For god.
  • 00:18:20.175 --> 00:18:21.510
  • I take that very seriously.
  • 00:18:21.510 --> 00:18:23.178
  • I don't want to say the wrong thing, i want to say the right
  • 00:18:23.178 --> 00:18:25.214
  • Thing because god has not called me to be some kind of a
  • 00:18:25.214 --> 00:18:28.917
  • Political pundit.
  • 00:18:28.917 --> 00:18:31.186
  • He's not called me to be a social commentator.
  • 00:18:31.186 --> 00:18:34.089
  • He's not called me to be a life coach or a stand-up comic,
  • 00:18:34.089 --> 00:18:37.926
  • Though i'm incredibly funny at times.
  • 00:18:37.926 --> 00:18:41.230
  • Not today so much, and i'm joking.
  • 00:18:41.230 --> 00:18:44.633
  • But the fact is i'm called to declare the word of god, and the
  • 00:18:44.633 --> 00:18:50.305
  • Scripture says when we stand to speak in 1 peter 4:11 we should
  • 00:18:50.305 --> 00:18:54.343
  • Do so as one who speaks the very words of god.
  • 00:18:54.343 --> 00:18:56.845
  • It's a sacred responsibility and i take it very seriously,
  • 00:18:56.845 --> 00:19:01.750
  • And we all should.
  • 00:19:01.750 --> 00:19:03.152
  • Bringing me to my next point.
  • 00:19:03.152 --> 00:19:04.520
  • Number seven, we should use our words to build up,
  • 00:19:04.520 --> 00:19:07.956
  • Not to tear down.
  • 00:19:07.956 --> 00:19:09.424
  • Use your words to build up, not to tear down.
  • 00:19:09.424 --> 00:19:12.427
  • Verse 8 of james 3, "the tongue is restless and evil,
  • 00:19:12.427 --> 00:19:17.199
  • Full of deadly poison.
  • 00:19:17.199 --> 00:19:18.634
  • Sometimes it praises our lord and father, sometimes it curses
  • 00:19:18.634 --> 00:19:22.471
  • Those who've been made in the image of god."
  • 00:19:22.471 --> 00:19:26.375
  • How important encouragement is?
  • 00:19:26.375 --> 00:19:28.844
  • Have you ever had a word of encouragement
  • 00:19:28.844 --> 00:19:30.179
  • Just change things for you?
  • 00:19:30.179 --> 00:19:32.614
  • Maybe you're feeling down.
  • 00:19:32.614 --> 00:19:34.483
  • "oh, no one appreciates what i do, no one notices,
  • 00:19:34.483 --> 00:19:37.686
  • No one cares."
  • 00:19:37.686 --> 00:19:39.321
  • And then maybe a letter arrives that was written,
  • 00:19:39.321 --> 00:19:41.623
  • You know, 3 days ago.
  • 00:19:41.623 --> 00:19:43.225
  • You open it up.
  • 00:19:43.225 --> 00:19:44.593
  • Someone encourages you.
  • 00:19:44.593 --> 00:19:45.928
  • Or they shoot you a text, or someone says something to you,
  • 00:19:45.928 --> 00:19:48.597
  • Say, "thank you.
  • 00:19:48.597 --> 00:19:50.232
  • I really needed that."
  • 00:19:50.232 --> 00:19:53.101
  • Proverbs 25:25 says, "good news from far away is like cold water
  • 00:19:53.101 --> 00:19:57.172
  • To the thirsty."
  • 00:19:57.172 --> 00:19:59.041
  • I think one of the greatest needs in the church today and in
  • 00:19:59.041 --> 00:20:03.512
  • The world today is for us to encourage one another,
  • 00:20:03.512 --> 00:20:07.516
  • Not discourage one another,
  • 00:20:07.516 --> 00:20:10.586
  • Not biting and devouring one another.
  • 00:20:10.586 --> 00:20:15.324
  • In fact, hebrews tells us that we should not forsake
  • 00:20:15.324 --> 00:20:18.860
  • The assembling of our selves together as a manner of some is,
  • 00:20:18.860 --> 00:20:22.264
  • But instead exhorting or encouraging one another so much
  • 00:20:22.264 --> 00:20:27.035
  • More as we see the day of the lord approaching.
  • 00:20:27.035 --> 00:20:30.539
  • The problem is some people don't know how to pay a compliment.
  • 00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:34.142
  • They insult you while they complement you.
  • 00:20:34.142 --> 00:20:37.312
  • Do you know what i'm talking about?
  • 00:20:37.312 --> 00:20:38.880
  • It's called a complisult.
  • 00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:41.817
  • It's meant to encourage but actually it discourages you.
  • 00:20:41.817 --> 00:20:48.290
  • Example, you know, you show up at their house and they say,
  • 00:20:48.290 --> 00:20:50.826
  • "whoa, you're on time."
  • 00:20:50.826 --> 00:20:52.961
  • Okay.
  • 00:20:52.961 --> 00:20:55.030
  • So you're basically saying i'm late the rest of the time.
  • 00:20:55.030 --> 00:20:58.300
  • Or how about this one?
  • 00:20:58.300 --> 00:20:59.635
  • "you're a great driver for a woman."
  • 00:20:59.635 --> 00:21:02.537
  • What?
  • 00:21:02.537 --> 00:21:04.539
  • How about this one?
  • 00:21:04.539 --> 00:21:06.041
  • "you look so good when you wear makeup."
  • 00:21:06.041 --> 00:21:08.210
  • What?
  • 00:21:08.210 --> 00:21:09.745
  • What are you saying?
  • 00:21:09.745 --> 00:21:11.680
  • You basically look bad most of the time, but yeah.
  • 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:14.383
  • Or, "you sure clean up good."
  • 00:21:14.383 --> 00:21:15.984
  • That's a variation of it.
  • 00:21:15.984 --> 00:21:18.453
  • "you're so pretty. why are you still single?"
  • 00:21:18.453 --> 00:21:21.156
  • What? is that really helpful?
  • 00:21:21.156 --> 00:21:23.358
  • Or how about this one?
  • 00:21:23.358 --> 00:21:24.693
  • "you look good for your age."
  • 00:21:24.693 --> 00:21:27.863
  • I've heard that a few times.
  • 00:21:27.863 --> 00:21:29.398
  • Recently i went to the tailor.
  • 00:21:29.398 --> 00:21:32.034
  • I was wearing a suit and i needed to
  • 00:21:32.034 --> 00:21:34.736
  • Have some alterations done.
  • 00:21:34.736 --> 00:21:36.405
  • I would like to say to take it in.
  • 00:21:36.405 --> 00:21:38.173
  • It was the opposite.
  • 00:21:38.173 --> 00:21:39.841
  • And so we're chit-chatting.
  • 00:21:39.841 --> 00:21:42.377
  • I've known this guy for a while, and he says, "what's new?"
  • 00:21:42.377 --> 00:21:45.714
  • "well, i turned 70."
  • 00:21:45.714 --> 00:21:47.049
  • He said, "what? you turned 70?"
  • 00:21:47.049 --> 00:21:50.185
  • And it like--i didn't say i died.
  • 00:21:50.185 --> 00:21:52.454
  • I mean--then he said, "well, you look good for your age.
  • 00:21:52.454 --> 00:21:55.991
  • I mean, i'd call you at like 68 or something.
  • 00:21:55.991 --> 00:21:58.827
  • I don't--" all right, whatever.
  • 00:21:58.827 --> 00:22:02.264
  • Complisults, we don't mean them.
  • 00:22:02.264 --> 00:22:05.634
  • I think some people think they have the gift of criticism.
  • 00:22:05.634 --> 00:22:08.503
  • It's not a gift.
  • 00:22:08.503 --> 00:22:11.540
  • Number eight, we should use our words to praise god.
  • 00:22:11.540 --> 00:22:15.043
  • Why did god give us this tongue?
  • 00:22:15.043 --> 00:22:17.279
  • Why did get--why did god give us the ability
  • 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:19.881
  • To verbally communicate?
  • 00:22:19.881 --> 00:22:21.550
  • One of the reasons is so we could use it to bring glory
  • 00:22:21.550 --> 00:22:25.620
  • To the lord.
  • 00:22:25.620 --> 00:22:27.756
  • I love the words of david when he says,
  • 00:22:27.756 --> 00:22:29.491
  • "my lips shall praise thee.
  • 00:22:29.491 --> 00:22:31.727
  • Thus will i bless thee.
  • 00:22:31.727 --> 00:22:33.695
  • I'll lift up my hands unto your name."
  • 00:22:33.695 --> 00:22:36.164
  • You need to express your praise to god verbally just as you need
  • 00:22:36.164 --> 00:22:40.936
  • To express your affirmation of people.
  • 00:22:40.936 --> 00:22:44.706
  • Guys, it's not enough to look at your wife and think, "i sure
  • 00:22:44.706 --> 00:22:48.276
  • Love her, and she looks beautiful today."
  • 00:22:48.276 --> 00:22:50.712
  • She's not a mind reader.
  • 00:22:50.712 --> 00:22:52.881
  • Tell her. same for you girls, too.
  • 00:22:52.881 --> 00:22:55.317
  • Tell your husband you appreciate them.
  • 00:22:55.317 --> 00:22:56.918
  • Tell your parents you appreciate them.
  • 00:22:56.918 --> 00:22:59.254
  • Tell your children how much you love them.
  • 00:22:59.254 --> 00:23:01.823
  • Encourage them.
  • 00:23:01.823 --> 00:23:03.158
  • Verbalize these things, and we need to verbalize
  • 00:23:03.158 --> 00:23:06.094
  • Our praise to god.
  • 00:23:06.094 --> 00:23:08.330
  • Hebrews 13:15 says, "let us offer continually the sacrifice
  • 00:23:08.330 --> 00:23:12.801
  • Of praise to god."
  • 00:23:12.801 --> 00:23:15.137
  • Some people say, "i can't do that."
  • 00:23:15.137 --> 00:23:17.372
  • You know, during worship you've got your hands in your pockets
  • 00:23:17.372 --> 00:23:20.609
  • Or your arms are folded.
  • 00:23:20.609 --> 00:23:22.611
  • You're not singing even though we put lyrics on screens and we
  • 00:23:22.611 --> 00:23:26.248
  • Encourage you to worship.
  • 00:23:26.248 --> 00:23:27.649
  • You look at someone with their hands lifted up, you say,
  • 00:23:27.649 --> 00:23:29.351
  • "fanatic."
  • 00:23:29.351 --> 00:23:31.520
  • And then you go to the football game and you paint your face in
  • 00:23:31.520 --> 00:23:35.590
  • The colors of your team, and when your team scores
  • 00:23:35.590 --> 00:23:38.827
  • A touchdown you flip out, screaming, yelling,
  • 00:23:38.827 --> 00:23:43.064
  • Setting yourself on fire.
  • 00:23:43.064 --> 00:23:44.666
  • Everything.
  • 00:23:44.666 --> 00:23:46.301
  • And then you look at someone who lifts one hand to the lord
  • 00:23:46.301 --> 00:23:48.303
  • And you call him a fanatic?
  • 00:23:48.303 --> 00:23:50.772
  • Come on now.
  • 00:23:50.772 --> 00:23:52.340
  • You have passion for other things, right?
  • 00:23:52.340 --> 00:23:59.281
  • You should not have equal passion for christ, you should
  • 00:23:59.281 --> 00:24:01.817
  • Have greater passion for christ than your team.
  • 00:24:01.817 --> 00:24:05.320
  • Right?
  • 00:24:05.320 --> 00:24:06.688
  • So use your words to praise god.
  • 00:24:06.688 --> 00:24:09.724
  • Number nine, use your tongue--use your words
  • 00:24:09.724 --> 00:24:12.761
  • To preach the gospel.
  • 00:24:12.761 --> 00:24:15.397
  • The primary way god has chosen to bring non-believers to faith
  • 00:24:15.397 --> 00:24:19.367
  • Is through the verbal articulation of the gospel.
  • 00:24:19.367 --> 00:24:24.406
  • We all know the great commission.
  • 00:24:24.406 --> 00:24:25.774
  • It's go into all the world and be a good example.
  • 00:24:25.774 --> 00:24:29.177
  • Right?
  • 00:24:29.177 --> 00:24:30.545
  • That's not what it is. you know what it is.
  • 00:24:30.545 --> 00:24:32.481
  • Go into all the world and do what?
  • 00:24:32.481 --> 00:24:35.050
  • Thank you.
  • 00:24:35.050 --> 00:24:36.418
  • And by the way, to preach doesn't mean you have to yell.
  • 00:24:36.418 --> 00:24:39.354
  • It can be soft as--you can speak softly.
  • 00:24:39.354 --> 00:24:41.890
  • You can tweet it. you can type it.
  • 00:24:41.890 --> 00:24:43.525
  • You can post it. you can text it.
  • 00:24:43.525 --> 00:24:45.894
  • You can share it conversationally, but it's
  • 00:24:45.894 --> 00:24:47.796
  • Verbal articulation of the gospel.
  • 00:24:47.796 --> 00:24:51.433
  • Now, i'm not saying we should not go be a good example because
  • 00:24:51.433 --> 00:24:54.669
  • The fact of the matter is, is when i'm a good example it in
  • 00:24:54.669 --> 00:24:58.006
  • Effect earns me the right to verbally articulate what i
  • 00:24:58.006 --> 00:25:02.210
  • Believe and help a person to believe as well.
  • 00:25:02.210 --> 00:25:05.680
  • But in romans 10:14 paul writes, "how can they call in him unless
  • 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:08.917
  • They believe in him, how can they believe in him if they've
  • 00:25:08.917 --> 00:25:11.653
  • Never heard about him, and how could they hear about him
  • 00:25:11.653 --> 00:25:16.258
  • Unless someone tells them?"
  • 00:25:16.258 --> 00:25:20.128
  • You want to use your words and your tongue for the ultimate
  • 00:25:20.128 --> 00:25:22.998
  • Good, use them to praise--use it to praise god and use it to tell
  • 00:25:22.998 --> 00:25:26.535
  • Others about jesus.
  • 00:25:26.535 --> 00:25:28.803
  • Number ten and lastly, use your words to confess your sin,
  • 00:25:28.803 --> 00:25:34.276
  • Use your words to confess your sin.
  • 00:25:34.276 --> 00:25:36.044
  • The bible says, "if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves
  • 00:25:36.044 --> 00:25:39.714
  • And the truth is not in us, but if we will confess our sin
  • 00:25:39.714 --> 00:25:44.553
  • He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin
  • 00:25:44.553 --> 00:25:47.856
  • And cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
  • 00:25:47.856 --> 00:25:52.460
  • Greg: hi, i'm greg laurie. i've got some good news for you.
  • 00:25:56.598 --> 00:25:59.301
  • God loves you, and god has a plan for your life.
  • 00:25:59.301 --> 00:26:03.171
  • Here's the problem.
  • 00:26:03.171 --> 00:26:04.539
  • We're separated from god by our sin because we've all broken
  • 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:08.209
  • His commandments.
  • 00:26:08.209 --> 00:26:09.945
  • But the good news is, is 2,000 years ago god sent his son
  • 00:26:09.945 --> 00:26:13.982
  • Jesus christ to die on the cross for your sin and then
  • 00:26:13.982 --> 00:26:17.485
  • To rise again from the dead.
  • 00:26:17.485 --> 00:26:19.854
  • The same jesus who died and rose is alive
  • 00:26:19.854 --> 00:26:22.557
  • And ready to come into your life right now.
  • 00:26:22.557 --> 00:26:25.594
  • Would you like your sin forgiven?
  • 00:26:25.594 --> 00:26:27.696
  • Would you like to know that when you die you will go to heaven?
  • 00:26:27.696 --> 00:26:30.632
  • If so, pray this simple prayer with me right now.
  • 00:26:30.632 --> 00:26:33.935
  • Just say, "lord jesus, i know i'm a sinner, but i believe
  • 00:26:33.935 --> 00:26:37.238
  • You're the savior who died on the cross for my sin.
  • 00:26:37.238 --> 00:26:40.909
  • I turn from my sin now and i choose to follow you
  • 00:26:40.909 --> 00:26:44.479
  • From this moment forward."
  • 00:26:44.479 --> 00:26:46.881
  • Did you just pray that prayer with me?
  • 00:26:46.881 --> 00:26:48.850
  • If you did god in heaven
  • 00:26:48.850 --> 00:26:50.485
  • Has heard you and i want to send
  • 00:26:50.485 --> 00:26:52.787
  • You a new testament to start reading.
  • 00:26:52.787 --> 00:26:55.657
  • Greg: you know, i've heard people describe a trip to israel
  • 00:26:59.794 --> 00:27:01.796
  • As seeing the bible actually come to life, and having been to
  • 00:27:01.796 --> 00:27:05.433
  • Israel many times i can say that's absolutely true.
  • 00:27:05.433 --> 00:27:09.270
  • Listen, when you're walking on the same stones that jesus
  • 00:27:09.270 --> 00:27:12.574
  • Walked on, there's something that's enriching to your faith.
  • 00:27:12.574 --> 00:27:16.611
  • It's not just a travel experience, it actually
  • 00:27:16.611 --> 00:27:18.947
  • Energizes your study of the bible.
  • 00:27:18.947 --> 00:27:21.850
  • Think of it this way.
  • 00:27:21.850 --> 00:27:23.184
  • It's a vacation with a purpose, and you can find out
  • 00:27:23.184 --> 00:27:25.620
  • More at israel.harvest.org.
  • 00:27:25.620 --> 00:27:27.789