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Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie - Happiness - Where To Find It?

January 24, 2025 | S25:E21

Greg Laurie - Happiness - Where To Find It?
Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.
#GregLaurie #EmotionalHealth #IdentityinChrist #Religion #Overcoming #Trials-HardTimes #Perseverance #Joy #Endurance #inActive #Tribulation #Emotion #Rejoice #HarvestwithPastorGregLaurie

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Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - Happiness - Where To Find It? | January 24, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.377
  • Greg laurie: god never promised you a pain-free life.
  • 00:00:02.712 --> 00:00:06.216
  • God never promised you a trauma-free life.
  • 00:00:06.316 --> 00:00:08.818
  • In fact, he promised you this: "in this world
  • 00:00:08.952 --> 00:00:11.087
  • You will have tribulation."
  • 00:00:11.221 --> 00:00:11.688
  • But then he went on to say, "but be of good cheer.
  • 00:00:14.190 --> 00:00:16.026
  • I've overcome the world."
  • 00:00:16.026 --> 00:00:18.128
  • ♪ this is the day, the day when life begins. ♪
  • 00:00:21.364 --> 00:00:28.438
  • ♪ this is the day, the day when life begins. ♪♪
  • 00:00:28.438 --> 00:00:35.645
  • Greg: let me ask you a question.
  • 00:00:39.416 --> 00:00:40.884
  • Have you ever met someone who has said, "i really don't
  • 00:00:40.884 --> 00:00:43.453
  • Want to be happy.
  • 00:00:43.453 --> 00:00:45.021
  • You know, happiness may be good--" oh, thank you.
  • 00:00:45.021 --> 00:00:47.323
  • "happiness may be good for some people, but it's not really good
  • 00:00:47.323 --> 00:00:51.127
  • For me."
  • 00:00:51.127 --> 00:00:52.462
  • Now, you won't find many people like that.
  • 00:00:52.462 --> 00:00:54.464
  • Most people deep down inside want to be happy.
  • 00:00:54.464 --> 00:00:59.402
  • My goodness, it's even in our declaration of independence that
  • 00:00:59.402 --> 00:01:03.106
  • We want to be happy in the united states of america, and to
  • 00:01:03.106 --> 00:01:08.111
  • The point even those who say they don't want to be happy but
  • 00:01:08.111 --> 00:01:11.714
  • Rather they want to be unhappy find a certain happiness in
  • 00:01:11.714 --> 00:01:15.785
  • Their unhappiness.
  • 00:01:15.785 --> 00:01:17.854
  • A case in point, have you ever seen a woody allen movie?
  • 00:01:17.854 --> 00:01:21.357
  • It's sort of like celebrating misery and making it funny, too.
  • 00:01:21.357 --> 00:01:25.562
  • Well, that's because deep down inside we all want to be happy.
  • 00:01:25.562 --> 00:01:29.966
  • It's been said, quote, "there are two things that are true
  • 00:01:29.966 --> 00:01:32.335
  • Of every person.
  • 00:01:32.335 --> 00:01:34.104
  • We all want to be happy, and we're all going to die."
  • 00:01:34.104 --> 00:01:37.674
  • By the way, you may be surprised to know that god wired you that
  • 00:01:37.674 --> 00:01:42.178
  • Way, and this goes back for centuries.
  • 00:01:42.178 --> 00:01:45.582
  • Augustine in ad 397 said, quote, "everyone, whatever his
  • 00:01:45.582 --> 00:01:50.787
  • Condition, desires to be happy."
  • 00:01:50.787 --> 00:01:54.491
  • End quote.
  • 00:01:54.491 --> 00:01:56.126
  • Nearly 13 centuries later, french philosopher and
  • 00:01:56.126 --> 00:01:57.594
  • Mathematician blaise pascal wrote, "all men seek happiness.
  • 00:01:57.594 --> 00:02:02.999
  • This is without exception."
  • 00:02:02.999 --> 00:02:05.335
  • I read in the newspaper a while back the lead singer of one of
  • 00:02:05.335 --> 00:02:08.505
  • The most well-known rock bands in the world, and he was quoted
  • 00:02:08.505 --> 00:02:12.242
  • To say this: "you ask me if i'm happy.
  • 00:02:12.242 --> 00:02:15.078
  • Listen, i bought myself a rolls royce, i'm part of the biggest
  • 00:02:15.078 --> 00:02:18.681
  • Band in the world, and i'm about to move into a luxurious
  • 00:02:18.681 --> 00:02:21.351
  • Mansion.
  • 00:02:21.351 --> 00:02:22.986
  • Am i happy with that?
  • 00:02:22.986 --> 00:02:24.354
  • No, i'm not.
  • 00:02:24.354 --> 00:02:25.889
  • I want more."
  • 00:02:25.889 --> 00:02:27.257
  • See, some things never really change.
  • 00:02:27.257 --> 00:02:29.626
  • When comedian dave chappelle was making millions of dollars he
  • 00:02:29.626 --> 00:02:33.296
  • Found he was not happy, and he was quoted to say, "the higher
  • 00:02:33.296 --> 00:02:37.267
  • Up i go, the less happy i am."
  • 00:02:37.267 --> 00:02:40.904
  • But listen, despite what all these people tell us, according
  • 00:02:40.904 --> 00:02:44.874
  • To the bible you can be happy, according to the bible you
  • 00:02:44.874 --> 00:02:49.646
  • Should be happy; and you just need to look for it in the
  • 00:02:49.646 --> 00:02:53.183
  • Wrong--in the right place, and the problem is far too many
  • 00:02:53.183 --> 00:02:56.819
  • People look in the wrong place and then they conclude if they
  • 00:02:56.819 --> 00:03:00.390
  • Don't find it there that happiness cannot be found.
  • 00:03:00.390 --> 00:03:04.460
  • Before i tell you what happiness is and where to find it, let me
  • 00:03:04.460 --> 00:03:07.730
  • Tell you where you will not find happiness.
  • 00:03:07.730 --> 00:03:10.934
  • Number one, being beautiful or handsome will not
  • 00:03:10.934 --> 00:03:13.903
  • Bring personal happiness.
  • 00:03:13.903 --> 00:03:16.539
  • I know this from experience.
  • 00:03:16.539 --> 00:03:20.543
  • That wasn't a joke.
  • 00:03:20.543 --> 00:03:23.179
  • That kind of hurt a little bit, honestly.
  • 00:03:23.179 --> 00:03:25.582
  • I mean, to be laughed at in the face.
  • 00:03:25.582 --> 00:03:28.318
  • No, i meant it as a joke.
  • 00:03:28.318 --> 00:03:30.720
  • You know, because i think people think, you know, "if i was as
  • 00:03:30.720 --> 00:03:33.990
  • Beautiful as the girls i see in the magazines and the ads or if
  • 00:03:33.990 --> 00:03:38.995
  • I was as handsome as the movie stars etc., i'd be happy."
  • 00:03:38.995 --> 00:03:43.299
  • In fact, 94% of girls aged 18 and under wish
  • 00:03:43.299 --> 00:03:47.103
  • They were more beautiful.
  • 00:03:47.103 --> 00:03:49.005
  • Let me take a quick poll.
  • 00:03:49.005 --> 00:03:50.340
  • How many of you girls wish you were more beautiful?
  • 00:03:50.340 --> 00:03:51.941
  • Just be truthful.
  • 00:03:51.941 --> 00:03:53.476
  • You wish you were more beautiful, raise your hand.
  • 00:03:53.476 --> 00:03:56.546
  • Yeah, there you go. okay.
  • 00:03:56.546 --> 00:03:59.115
  • How--wow, that's interesting.
  • 00:03:59.115 --> 00:04:00.483
  • So--i mean say that.
  • 00:04:00.483 --> 00:04:01.918
  • How many of you think you're already beautiful?
  • 00:04:01.918 --> 00:04:03.486
  • Raise your hand.
  • 00:04:03.486 --> 00:04:04.821
  • Okay.
  • 00:04:04.821 --> 00:04:06.489
  • I don't disagree, i'm just interested.
  • 00:04:06.489 --> 00:04:11.761
  • But most people always will say, "well, you know, i'm okay;
  • 00:04:11.761 --> 00:04:15.031
  • But, well, look at her.
  • 00:04:15.031 --> 00:04:16.666
  • I'm all right, but look at him."
  • 00:04:16.666 --> 00:04:18.568
  • Eight-five percent of women over 40 say they're not as attractive
  • 00:04:18.568 --> 00:04:21.971
  • As the average women--woman, and that's why last year americans
  • 00:04:21.971 --> 00:04:26.009
  • Spent $11.4 billion on cosmetic surgeon fees, and that was
  • 00:04:26.009 --> 00:04:34.851
  • Newport beach alone.
  • 00:04:34.851 --> 00:04:39.622
  • I've seen some and i'm thinking, "really?"
  • 00:04:39.622 --> 00:04:45.395
  • You say, "well, i want to look like the model in the magazine."
  • 00:04:45.395 --> 00:04:48.631
  • Newsflash, the model doesn't even look like the model
  • 00:04:48.631 --> 00:04:51.768
  • In the magazine.
  • 00:04:51.768 --> 00:04:53.703
  • Haven't you ever heard of photoshop, little airbrushing?
  • 00:04:53.703 --> 00:04:58.341
  • The 2014 annual academy of facial plastic and
  • 00:04:58.341 --> 00:05:01.911
  • Reconstructive surgery survey blamed the rise of the selfie.
  • 00:05:01.911 --> 00:05:06.516
  • They said, "we're taking so many photos of our self
  • 00:05:06.516 --> 00:05:10.086
  • More than ever before.
  • 00:05:10.086 --> 00:05:11.521
  • We use photoshop, instagram filters, and other enhancements
  • 00:05:11.521 --> 00:05:14.924
  • To look our best."
  • 00:05:14.924 --> 00:05:16.492
  • And they say plastic surgery is the next logical step.
  • 00:05:16.492 --> 00:05:20.163
  • You're always going to find someone more beautiful than you.
  • 00:05:20.163 --> 00:05:23.333
  • Beauty and handsomeness, physical attractiveness
  • 00:05:23.333 --> 00:05:26.969
  • Will not make you happy.
  • 00:05:26.969 --> 00:05:29.305
  • Number two, personal possessions will not bring
  • 00:05:29.305 --> 00:05:32.208
  • Personal happiness.
  • 00:05:32.208 --> 00:05:33.743
  • They can improve your life, make your life more comfortable,
  • 00:05:33.743 --> 00:05:37.347
  • But they will not bring the real happiness you're searching for.
  • 00:05:37.347 --> 00:05:40.350
  • There was an article in time magazine that had the title
  • 00:05:40.350 --> 00:05:43.786
  • "the real truth about money," and it said, quote, "clinical
  • 00:05:43.786 --> 00:05:47.190
  • Depression is three to ten times as common today
  • 00:05:47.190 --> 00:05:50.727
  • Than two generations ago.
  • 00:05:50.727 --> 00:05:52.495
  • Money jangles in our wallets and purses as never before,
  • 00:05:52.495 --> 00:05:55.698
  • But we are no happier for it.
  • 00:05:55.698 --> 00:05:58.501
  • In fact, for many more money leads to more depression."
  • 00:05:58.501 --> 00:06:03.473
  • Maybe that's why proverbs 27:20 says, "hell and destruction are
  • 00:06:03.473 --> 00:06:07.643
  • Never full, and so is the heart of man never satisfied."
  • 00:06:07.643 --> 00:06:12.115
  • Having relationships will not make you happy.
  • 00:06:12.115 --> 00:06:14.617
  • Now look, you're wired for relationship.
  • 00:06:14.617 --> 00:06:16.953
  • You're wired to have someone that you will love
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  • And marry one day.
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  • That's not a bad thing.
  • 00:06:23.092 --> 00:06:24.494
  • But if you say marriage is going to make you happy, you're going
  • 00:06:24.494 --> 00:06:27.563
  • To be in for a big shock maybe even before the honeymoon is
  • 00:06:27.563 --> 00:06:32.235
  • Over and--you know, because we're asking a person to do
  • 00:06:32.235 --> 00:06:36.339
  • Something a person simply cannot do, and we as a person can't
  • 00:06:36.339 --> 00:06:40.910
  • Meet all the needs of another person because
  • 00:06:40.910 --> 00:06:44.013
  • People let us down.
  • 00:06:44.013 --> 00:06:45.882
  • Parents let down children.
  • 00:06:45.882 --> 00:06:47.550
  • Children let down parents.
  • 00:06:47.550 --> 00:06:49.619
  • Husbands let down wives.
  • 00:06:49.619 --> 00:06:51.788
  • Wives let down husbands.
  • 00:06:51.788 --> 00:06:53.256
  • Cat--all cats always let down their owners.
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  • Dogs do better.
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  • Number four, pursuing pleasure will never bring
  • 00:06:59.695 --> 00:07:02.832
  • Personal happiness.
  • 00:07:02.832 --> 00:07:04.834
  • Pursuing pleasure.
  • 00:07:04.834 --> 00:07:06.669
  • I didn't say you can't have happiness in pleasure.
  • 00:07:06.669 --> 00:07:10.573
  • There are many fine pleasures in life that are good.
  • 00:07:10.573 --> 00:07:14.410
  • You know, a nice meal, a beautiful sunset,
  • 00:07:14.410 --> 00:07:17.914
  • Time with people you love, those are good pleasures.
  • 00:07:17.914 --> 00:07:21.384
  • But then there are perverse pleasures,
  • 00:07:21.384 --> 00:07:23.352
  • Pleasures that are sinful.
  • 00:07:23.352 --> 00:07:26.355
  • And the bible even says there can be a little fun in the
  • 00:07:26.355 --> 00:07:28.925
  • Pleasure for a time but then comes the repercussions of it,
  • 00:07:28.925 --> 00:07:34.797
  • And, you know, you think, "well, if i just, you know, try this
  • 00:07:34.797 --> 00:07:37.066
  • Drug or if i drank a little bit more or i had this experience."
  • 00:07:37.066 --> 00:07:42.271
  • No, none of those things in and of themselves will make you
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  • Happy because after the rush and excitement wear off
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  • The deadness kicks in.
  • 00:07:49.779 --> 00:07:51.747
  • That's why the bible says in 1 timothy 5:6, "she
  • 00:07:51.747 --> 00:07:54.884
  • That lives for pleasure is dead while she's living."
  • 00:07:54.884 --> 00:07:58.955
  • You want to be a real zombie, not like you see on tv but a
  • 00:07:58.955 --> 00:08:03.659
  • Walking dead person, be a person that lives for pleasure.
  • 00:08:03.659 --> 00:08:07.330
  • It will never make you happy.
  • 00:08:07.330 --> 00:08:09.131
  • In fact, living for pleasure is one of the most unpleasurable
  • 00:08:09.131 --> 00:08:11.767
  • Things you can do.
  • 00:08:11.767 --> 00:08:13.836
  • It's been said the best cure for hedonism is an attempt
  • 00:08:13.836 --> 00:08:17.840
  • To practice it.
  • 00:08:17.840 --> 00:08:19.509
  • So--"all right, happiness doesn't come from those things.
  • 00:08:19.509 --> 00:08:23.246
  • Where does it come from?
  • 00:08:23.246 --> 00:08:24.680
  • Where do you find personal happiest?"
  • 00:08:24.680 --> 00:08:27.016
  • Simple answer, the only place to find real lasting happiness is
  • 00:08:27.016 --> 00:08:33.122
  • In a relationship with god.
  • 00:08:33.122 --> 00:08:36.425
  • C.s. lewis, the great thinker and writer, put it this way.
  • 00:08:36.425 --> 00:08:40.730
  • Quote, "god designed the human machine to run on himself.
  • 00:08:40.730 --> 00:08:45.201
  • He himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn or
  • 00:08:45.201 --> 00:08:49.205
  • The food our spirits were designed to feed on.
  • 00:08:49.205 --> 00:08:51.974
  • There is no other.
  • 00:08:51.974 --> 00:08:53.342
  • That is why it is just no good asking god to make us happy
  • 00:08:53.342 --> 00:08:57.179
  • In our own way.
  • 00:08:57.179 --> 00:08:58.948
  • God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from himself."
  • 00:08:58.948 --> 00:09:03.653
  • End quote.
  • 00:09:03.653 --> 00:09:04.987
  • That is so true.
  • 00:09:04.987 --> 00:09:06.589
  • The people that know god are the happiest people.
  • 00:09:06.589 --> 00:09:09.692
  • One of the world's foremost experts on the topic of
  • 00:09:09.692 --> 00:09:12.295
  • Happiness made this statement: "i don't have a religious or
  • 00:09:12.295 --> 00:09:16.499
  • Spiritual bone in my body, yet i have to admit that the studies
  • 00:09:16.499 --> 00:09:20.603
  • Show that people with faith in god are happier."
  • 00:09:20.603 --> 00:09:25.174
  • And why is that?
  • 00:09:25.174 --> 00:09:26.542
  • Well, when you have faith you have hope because you know life
  • 00:09:26.542 --> 00:09:30.246
  • Is not just a spin on this earth, you know there's an
  • 00:09:30.246 --> 00:09:33.716
  • Afterlife; and if you put your faith in christ,
  • 00:09:33.716 --> 00:09:36.519
  • You have the hope of heaven.
  • 00:09:36.519 --> 00:09:38.421
  • If you are a believer in jesus christ you will by nature be
  • 00:09:38.421 --> 00:09:43.626
  • A forgiving person, you see.
  • 00:09:43.626 --> 00:09:46.896
  • It's been said the first to apologize is the bravest,
  • 00:09:46.896 --> 00:09:50.833
  • The first to forgive is the strongest, the first to forget
  • 00:09:50.833 --> 00:09:54.637
  • Is the happiest.
  • 00:09:54.637 --> 00:09:57.239
  • Greg: have you ever heard the phrase, "the fear of the lord?"
  • 00:10:01.444 --> 00:10:03.679
  • You know, the bible tells us the fear of god
  • 00:10:03.679 --> 00:10:06.449
  • Is the beginning of wisdom.
  • 00:10:06.449 --> 00:10:07.783
  • But what does that mean?
  • 00:10:07.783 --> 00:10:09.118
  • Does that mean that we walk around cowering in fear
  • 00:10:09.118 --> 00:10:11.120
  • That the lord's gonna hit us or hurt us?
  • 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:12.955
  • No.
  • 00:10:12.955 --> 00:10:14.290
  • Take the word fear and replace it with another word, like
  • 00:10:14.290 --> 00:10:17.159
  • Respect, or honor, or reverence.
  • 00:10:17.159 --> 00:10:19.562
  • We are to reverence the lord, respect the lord,
  • 00:10:19.562 --> 00:10:22.298
  • Honor the lord.
  • 00:10:22.298 --> 00:10:23.633
  • One good definition i heard of the phrase "fear of the lord"
  • 00:10:23.633 --> 00:10:26.335
  • Is: a wholesome dread of displeasing him.
  • 00:10:26.335 --> 00:10:28.938
  • So it's not, i'm afraid of repercussions,
  • 00:10:28.938 --> 00:10:31.841
  • But i honor, respect, and reverence the lord.
  • 00:10:31.841 --> 00:10:34.810
  • So listen, walk in the fear of the lord,
  • 00:10:34.810 --> 00:10:37.213
  • In the reverence of the lord today,
  • 00:10:37.213 --> 00:10:38.914
  • And remember, he loves you.
  • 00:10:38.914 --> 00:10:44.520
  • Greg: the fact of the matter is
  • 00:10:48.190 --> 00:10:49.625
  • Circumstantially the apostle
  • 00:10:49.625 --> 00:10:51.027
  • Paul, the author of this book, had nothing to be happy about.
  • 00:10:51.027 --> 00:10:56.232
  • He had nothing outwardly to rejoice about.
  • 00:10:56.232 --> 00:11:00.102
  • He didn't write this from some ivory tower; he was writing this
  • 00:11:00.102 --> 00:11:04.140
  • From a prison cell in rome.
  • 00:11:04.140 --> 00:11:06.842
  • And you know what?
  • 00:11:06.842 --> 00:11:08.177
  • Paul knew a lot about personal hardship and discomfort.
  • 00:11:08.177 --> 00:11:12.314
  • He suffered more than most people ever will.
  • 00:11:12.314 --> 00:11:15.484
  • In 2 corinthians 11:24, here's what he says.
  • 00:11:15.484 --> 00:11:18.621
  • "i've worked harder.
  • 00:11:18.621 --> 00:11:20.656
  • I've been put in jail more often.
  • 00:11:20.656 --> 00:11:24.126
  • I've been weep times without number.
  • 00:11:24.126 --> 00:11:25.761
  • I've faced death again and again.
  • 00:11:25.761 --> 00:11:27.430
  • Five different times the jews gave me 39 lashes.
  • 00:11:27.430 --> 00:11:31.100
  • Three times i was beaten with rods.
  • 00:11:31.100 --> 00:11:33.669
  • Once i was stoned," and left for dead i might add.
  • 00:11:33.669 --> 00:11:36.172
  • "three times i was shipwrecked.
  • 00:11:36.172 --> 00:11:37.740
  • Once i spent a whole night and day adrift at sea.
  • 00:11:37.740 --> 00:11:40.176
  • I've traveled many weary miles.
  • 00:11:40.176 --> 00:11:42.778
  • I've faced danger from flooded rivers and waters.
  • 00:11:42.778 --> 00:11:45.181
  • I've faced danger from my own people, the jews as well as the
  • 00:11:45.181 --> 00:11:48.584
  • Gentiles.
  • 00:11:48.584 --> 00:11:50.386
  • I've faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the
  • 00:11:50.386 --> 00:11:53.556
  • Stormy seas.
  • 00:11:53.556 --> 00:11:55.257
  • I've faced danger from those who claim to be christians
  • 00:11:55.257 --> 00:11:57.893
  • But are not.
  • 00:11:57.893 --> 00:11:59.228
  • I've lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights.
  • 00:11:59.228 --> 00:12:02.565
  • Often i've been hungry and thirsty
  • 00:12:02.565 --> 00:12:04.600
  • And i've gone without food.
  • 00:12:04.600 --> 00:12:06.335
  • Often i've shivered with cold without enough clothing to keep
  • 00:12:06.335 --> 00:12:10.306
  • Me warm, and beside all of this i have the daily burden of how
  • 00:12:10.306 --> 00:12:13.676
  • The churches are getting along."
  • 00:12:13.676 --> 00:12:16.245
  • And if this isn't bad enough, many of the believers
  • 00:12:16.245 --> 00:12:20.015
  • Were against him.
  • 00:12:20.015 --> 00:12:21.784
  • They were spreading lies about the great apostle.
  • 00:12:21.784 --> 00:12:24.920
  • So he was under the most miserable circumstances
  • 00:12:24.920 --> 00:12:28.023
  • Imagineable, and yet here he is, rejoicing.
  • 00:12:28.023 --> 00:12:33.362
  • Now, having established this, a couple of questions
  • 00:12:33.362 --> 00:12:36.799
  • Come to mind.
  • 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:38.501
  • Number one, how could paul be so positive, so happy, so jubilant
  • 00:12:38.501 --> 00:12:44.807
  • In such adverse circumstances?
  • 00:12:44.807 --> 00:12:47.209
  • And number two, is this something i can experience
  • 00:12:47.209 --> 00:12:50.379
  • Today, and if so how?
  • 00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:52.882
  • Let me answer the second question first.
  • 00:12:52.882 --> 00:12:55.117
  • Yes, you can experience this joy, but you must meet the
  • 00:12:55.117 --> 00:12:58.654
  • Criteria that is laid out in this book.
  • 00:12:58.654 --> 00:13:02.825
  • And the secret to happiness is found in another word that is
  • 00:13:02.825 --> 00:13:06.829
  • Often repeated in the book of philippians,
  • 00:13:06.829 --> 00:13:10.599
  • And it is the word mind.
  • 00:13:10.599 --> 00:13:12.935
  • M-i-n-d, mind.
  • 00:13:12.935 --> 00:13:15.237
  • Paul uses the word mind ten times.
  • 00:13:15.237 --> 00:13:18.474
  • He uses the word think five times.
  • 00:13:18.474 --> 00:13:21.944
  • Add the times he uses the word remember and that's 16
  • 00:13:21.944 --> 00:13:26.048
  • References to the mind.
  • 00:13:26.048 --> 00:13:28.617
  • In other words, a secret of christian happiness is found in
  • 00:13:28.617 --> 00:13:32.454
  • The way a believer thinks.
  • 00:13:32.454 --> 00:13:35.724
  • Notice i did not say the secret of christian happiness is found
  • 00:13:35.724 --> 00:13:38.894
  • In the way a believer feels.
  • 00:13:38.894 --> 00:13:41.730
  • No, the way you think.
  • 00:13:41.730 --> 00:13:43.599
  • You learn to think right.
  • 00:13:43.599 --> 00:13:46.068
  • You learn to think biblically.
  • 00:13:46.068 --> 00:13:48.637
  • You fill your mind with the truth of god,
  • 00:13:48.637 --> 00:13:51.707
  • It changes your outlook.
  • 00:13:51.707 --> 00:13:54.009
  • Now, i'm not talking about, you know, positive thinking or
  • 00:13:54.009 --> 00:13:57.580
  • Possibility thinking, i'm talking about having a mind that
  • 00:13:57.580 --> 00:14:02.051
  • Is filled with god's truth.
  • 00:14:02.051 --> 00:14:03.986
  • I'm talking about having the mind of christ.
  • 00:14:03.986 --> 00:14:07.456
  • And paul writes, "let this mind be in you, which was also in
  • 00:14:07.456 --> 00:14:11.527
  • Christ jesus."
  • 00:14:11.527 --> 00:14:13.229
  • So it comes down to the way that you think.
  • 00:14:13.229 --> 00:14:16.465
  • And paul filled his mind with god's truth, and he shows us how
  • 00:14:16.465 --> 00:14:20.402
  • To live happily and in harmony with other people.
  • 00:14:20.402 --> 00:14:25.374
  • And, you know, we're a very divided people
  • 00:14:25.374 --> 00:14:27.243
  • In america right now.
  • 00:14:27.243 --> 00:14:28.978
  • You've probably noticed that.
  • 00:14:28.978 --> 00:14:30.446
  • I mean, we--i don't know that we've ever been more divided,
  • 00:14:30.446 --> 00:14:33.616
  • Or if we have been i don't know that it was much worse
  • 00:14:33.616 --> 00:14:35.751
  • Than it is today.
  • 00:14:35.751 --> 00:14:37.319
  • This is just incredible how many divisions there are, and paul's
  • 00:14:37.319 --> 00:14:41.690
  • Telling us how to come together.
  • 00:14:41.690 --> 00:14:44.760
  • Those barriers can be overcome in jesus christ as we love
  • 00:14:44.760 --> 00:14:49.265
  • And pray and serve the lord together.
  • 00:14:49.265 --> 00:14:52.635
  • And the book of philippians shows us how, but first we must
  • 00:14:52.635 --> 00:14:56.171
  • Learn how to think biblically because, listen, you're always
  • 00:14:56.171 --> 00:14:59.575
  • Going to find someone or something to blame for your sour
  • 00:14:59.575 --> 00:15:05.447
  • And bitter outlook on life.
  • 00:15:05.447 --> 00:15:08.517
  • "well, the reason i'm the way that i am is because this person
  • 00:15:08.517 --> 00:15:11.787
  • Did this to me, that person did that, this boss did that,
  • 00:15:11.787 --> 00:15:16.592
  • That pastor did that, this other person said that."
  • 00:15:16.592 --> 00:15:19.962
  • You know, there has to come a point where you realize you just
  • 00:15:19.962 --> 00:15:22.865
  • Have to stop blaming people.
  • 00:15:22.865 --> 00:15:25.634
  • It comes down to this.
  • 00:15:25.634 --> 00:15:27.036
  • The troubles between man and man or man and woman is really the
  • 00:15:27.036 --> 00:15:30.339
  • Trouble within man himself.
  • 00:15:30.339 --> 00:15:33.042
  • The person who is in conflict with themself generally is in
  • 00:15:33.042 --> 00:15:36.578
  • Conflict with everyone else.
  • 00:15:36.578 --> 00:15:39.448
  • So i just need to get right with god, i need to forgive those
  • 00:15:39.448 --> 00:15:44.420
  • That have wronged me, and i need to start thinking biblically and
  • 00:15:44.420 --> 00:15:48.424
  • Then i will discover true and lasting happiness.
  • 00:15:48.424 --> 00:15:52.394
  • So it starts with getting right with the lord,
  • 00:15:52.394 --> 00:15:56.732
  • And we have to begin there.
  • 00:15:56.732 --> 00:15:58.267
  • So let's dig in.
  • 00:15:58.267 --> 00:15:59.802
  • That was the introduction, by the way.
  • 00:15:59.802 --> 00:16:02.838
  • Now let's have a bible study.
  • 00:16:02.838 --> 00:16:05.507
  • Grab your bible, or your phone, or your tablet device, or if the
  • 00:16:05.507 --> 00:16:12.348
  • Person sitting in front of you has philippians 1 tattooed on
  • 00:16:12.348 --> 00:16:15.517
  • Their head you can read that.
  • 00:16:15.517 --> 00:16:18.020
  • Philippians 1, we're going to read verses 1 to 6.
  • 00:16:18.020 --> 00:16:20.889
  • "paul and timothy, bondservants of jesus christ, to all the
  • 00:16:20.889 --> 00:16:27.296
  • Saints in christ jesus who are in philippi, with the bishops
  • 00:16:27.296 --> 00:16:32.534
  • And deacons: grace to you, and peace, from god our father, and
  • 00:16:32.534 --> 00:16:37.106
  • From the lord jesus christ.
  • 00:16:37.106 --> 00:16:39.975
  • I thank my god upon every remembrance of you, always in
  • 00:16:39.975 --> 00:16:44.313
  • Every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,
  • 00:16:44.313 --> 00:16:49.051
  • For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until
  • 00:16:49.051 --> 00:16:52.454
  • Now; being confident of this very thing, that he was begun a
  • 00:16:52.454 --> 00:16:57.092
  • Good work in you will complete it unto the day
  • 00:16:57.092 --> 00:17:00.596
  • Of jesus christ."
  • 00:17:00.596 --> 00:17:02.231
  • We'll stop there.
  • 00:17:02.231 --> 00:17:03.565
  • Let's start with verse 1.
  • 00:17:03.565 --> 00:17:05.000
  • "to the saints in christ jesus who are in philippi."
  • 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:09.304
  • You know, it's very easy when we read epistles to sort of skip
  • 00:17:09.304 --> 00:17:13.175
  • Over the opening statements as though they have no relevance to
  • 00:17:13.175 --> 00:17:16.745
  • Us, but we don't want to do that because really paul gives us the
  • 00:17:16.745 --> 00:17:21.717
  • Door to the life of happiness.
  • 00:17:21.717 --> 00:17:24.253
  • You must be one of the saints.
  • 00:17:24.253 --> 00:17:26.922
  • So if you want to be happy, be a saint.
  • 00:17:26.922 --> 00:17:31.260
  • "well, that leaves me out.
  • 00:17:31.260 --> 00:17:33.295
  • I'm not mother teresa, you know.
  • 00:17:33.295 --> 00:17:35.831
  • I'm a sinner."
  • 00:17:35.831 --> 00:17:37.399
  • Yeah, i know that.
  • 00:17:37.399 --> 00:17:38.901
  • We're all sinners, but you have to understand what the word
  • 00:17:38.901 --> 00:17:40.436
  • Saint means.
  • 00:17:40.436 --> 00:17:42.037
  • It's an interchangeable word with the word believer.
  • 00:17:42.037 --> 00:17:45.541
  • How many of you are believers in jesus christ?
  • 00:17:45.541 --> 00:17:47.910
  • Raise your hand up.
  • 00:17:47.910 --> 00:17:49.445
  • I therefore saint all of you, see.
  • 00:17:49.445 --> 00:17:52.514
  • But i didn't even need to do that.
  • 00:17:52.514 --> 00:17:54.216
  • You're already saints.
  • 00:17:54.216 --> 00:17:55.584
  • If you're a believer, you're a saint.
  • 00:17:55.584 --> 00:17:57.486
  • If you're a saint, you're a believer.
  • 00:17:57.486 --> 00:18:00.422
  • In fact, we read when the lord told ananias to go pray for the
  • 00:18:00.422 --> 00:18:05.427
  • Newly-converted saul of tarsus later to become the apostle
  • 00:18:05.427 --> 00:18:09.198
  • Paul, ananias responded, "lord, i've heard how much harm this
  • 00:18:09.198 --> 00:18:12.968
  • Man did to your saints in jerusalem."
  • 00:18:12.968 --> 00:18:17.239
  • Remember paul would chase down christians and arrest them and
  • 00:18:17.239 --> 00:18:20.275
  • Sometimes even murder them.
  • 00:18:20.275 --> 00:18:21.710
  • He presided over the death of the first martyr of the church,
  • 00:18:21.710 --> 00:18:25.013
  • Stephen.
  • 00:18:25.013 --> 00:18:26.782
  • But the reference is to the saints.
  • 00:18:26.782 --> 00:18:29.218
  • So if you're in christ jesus you are a saint, but notice it's a
  • 00:18:29.218 --> 00:18:32.754
  • Saint in christ jesus, in christ jesus.
  • 00:18:32.754 --> 00:18:36.492
  • Believers are not saints because they're perfect; believers are
  • 00:18:36.492 --> 00:18:40.796
  • Saints because they're in christ, and jesus imputes his
  • 00:18:40.796 --> 00:18:44.967
  • Righteousness to them as a result.
  • 00:18:44.967 --> 00:18:48.904
  • Listen to me.
  • 00:18:48.904 --> 00:18:50.372
  • I am a righteous man.
  • 00:18:50.372 --> 00:18:52.040
  • "well, i don't know, greg.
  • 00:18:52.040 --> 00:18:53.375
  • I've seen you drive."
  • 00:18:53.375 --> 00:18:54.843
  • Yeah.
  • 00:18:54.843 --> 00:18:56.445
  • Listen, i'm not righteous because of what i do; i'm
  • 00:18:56.445 --> 00:18:59.748
  • Righteous because what--of what he has done for me, and he's put
  • 00:18:59.748 --> 00:19:03.418
  • His righteousness into my spiritual bank account,
  • 00:19:03.418 --> 00:19:06.855
  • So to speak.
  • 00:19:06.855 --> 00:19:08.423
  • That's called being justified.
  • 00:19:08.423 --> 00:19:10.025
  • I'm positionally righteous.
  • 00:19:10.025 --> 00:19:11.727
  • Now, living it out, that's another story.
  • 00:19:11.727 --> 00:19:13.529
  • That's where the word sanctification comes in.
  • 00:19:13.529 --> 00:19:15.931
  • You ever heard that word?
  • 00:19:15.931 --> 00:19:17.699
  • Sanctification is living out justification.
  • 00:19:17.699 --> 00:19:20.602
  • And those are sort of words that we may not understand,
  • 00:19:20.602 --> 00:19:22.838
  • But justified is being made right with god.
  • 00:19:22.838 --> 00:19:25.574
  • I'm in a right standing with god.
  • 00:19:25.574 --> 00:19:27.342
  • But sanctification is living that out day to day
  • 00:19:27.342 --> 00:19:30.546
  • In a practical way.
  • 00:19:30.546 --> 00:19:32.881
  • But i am righteous and i am a saint.
  • 00:19:32.881 --> 00:19:35.617
  • Now, you don't have to call me saint gregory if you don't want
  • 00:19:35.617 --> 00:19:37.586
  • To, but i might call you saint something.
  • 00:19:37.586 --> 00:19:41.757
  • And why am i a saint?
  • 00:19:41.757 --> 00:19:43.158
  • Because i'm in christ.
  • 00:19:43.158 --> 00:19:44.726
  • A buddhist does not speak of himself as being in buddha, nor
  • 00:19:44.726 --> 00:19:48.964
  • Does a muslim speak of himself as being in muhammad, nor does
  • 00:19:48.964 --> 00:19:53.068
  • A mormon speak of himself as being in joseph smith.
  • 00:19:53.068 --> 00:19:57.139
  • They may try to follow the teachings of these people,
  • 00:19:57.139 --> 00:19:59.942
  • But they're not in them.
  • 00:19:59.942 --> 00:20:02.311
  • But a christian is a saint because he's in christ,
  • 00:20:02.311 --> 00:20:07.282
  • In christ.
  • 00:20:07.282 --> 00:20:09.017
  • The bible says if any man be in christ he is an altogether
  • 00:20:09.017 --> 00:20:13.655
  • Different kind of person.
  • 00:20:13.655 --> 00:20:15.390
  • Old things have passed away.
  • 00:20:15.390 --> 00:20:17.392
  • Everything becomes fresh and new.
  • 00:20:17.392 --> 00:20:19.361
  • So i bring this up for this reason.
  • 00:20:19.361 --> 00:20:21.463
  • The book of philippians, and for the--to the point the rest of
  • 00:20:21.463 --> 00:20:25.968
  • The new testament, has nothing to say to the world that does
  • 00:20:25.968 --> 00:20:29.871
  • Not believe in jesus christ.
  • 00:20:29.871 --> 00:20:31.673
  • Here's what god says to the world.
  • 00:20:31.673 --> 00:20:34.509
  • Repent and believe in jesus.
  • 00:20:34.509 --> 00:20:37.145
  • That's our message to the world.
  • 00:20:37.145 --> 00:20:38.747
  • Come to jesus.
  • 00:20:38.747 --> 00:20:40.616
  • So when people say, "oh, i found the bible is just the greatest
  • 00:20:40.616 --> 00:20:43.685
  • Self-help book ever written, and it tells you how to have a
  • 00:20:43.685 --> 00:20:47.022
  • Better marriage and how to have a happier life."
  • 00:20:47.022 --> 00:20:50.058
  • No, that's actually not accurate 'cause the bible is not given to
  • 00:20:50.058 --> 00:20:53.395
  • Non-believers to take the principles
  • 00:20:53.395 --> 00:20:55.397
  • And try to live by them.
  • 00:20:55.397 --> 00:20:57.199
  • No.
  • 00:20:57.199 --> 00:20:58.533
  • The bible is given to god's people.
  • 00:20:58.533 --> 00:21:00.102
  • It's come to show us we need god.
  • 00:21:00.102 --> 00:21:02.204
  • The point of entry is your admission of your sin and
  • 00:21:02.204 --> 00:21:05.173
  • Your need for god, and then it results in you putting
  • 00:21:05.173 --> 00:21:09.511
  • Your faith in christ.
  • 00:21:09.511 --> 00:21:10.846
  • And 2 timothy 3:16 tells us what the bible's for.
  • 00:21:10.846 --> 00:21:15.317
  • It's here to teach us what is true to make us realize
  • 00:21:15.317 --> 00:21:18.320
  • What's wrong in our lives.
  • 00:21:18.320 --> 00:21:20.022
  • It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
  • 00:21:20.022 --> 00:21:25.227
  • God never promised you a pain-free life.
  • 00:21:25.227 --> 00:21:28.930
  • God never promised you a trauma-free life.
  • 00:21:28.930 --> 00:21:31.633
  • In fact, he promised you this: "in this world you will have
  • 00:21:31.633 --> 00:21:34.136
  • Tribulation."
  • 00:21:34.136 --> 00:21:36.838
  • But then he went on to say, "but be of good cheer.
  • 00:21:36.838 --> 00:21:38.640
  • I've overcome the world."
  • 00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:40.776
  • Here's what i'm saying. yeah.
  • 00:21:40.776 --> 00:21:44.746
  • Here's what i'm saying 'cause you're saying, "i'm getting
  • 00:21:44.746 --> 00:21:46.481
  • Really depressed right now.
  • 00:21:46.481 --> 00:21:47.816
  • I mean, like, you know, you're going to give a message
  • 00:21:47.816 --> 00:21:49.618
  • On happiness.
  • 00:21:49.618 --> 00:21:50.952
  • It says happiness on the screen behind you.
  • 00:21:50.952 --> 00:21:53.288
  • The pulpit says happiness with little faces.
  • 00:21:53.288 --> 00:21:56.925
  • It's yellow, which is a happy color.
  • 00:21:56.925 --> 00:22:00.028
  • And you're, like, such a downer."
  • 00:22:00.028 --> 00:22:04.232
  • I'm just trying to be truthful.
  • 00:22:04.232 --> 00:22:08.737
  • Yes, you can have this happiness, but let's see what it
  • 00:22:08.737 --> 00:22:11.606
  • Is and what it isn't.
  • 00:22:11.606 --> 00:22:14.242
  • It's not just the emotional high of some pleasure experience.
  • 00:22:14.242 --> 00:22:19.581
  • It's a deep-seated faith and trust in god, knowing that,
  • 00:22:19.581 --> 00:22:23.685
  • "yeah, it's all good because one day when i get to heaven and i
  • 00:22:23.685 --> 00:22:27.622
  • Look back on earth with an eternal perspective i'll realize
  • 00:22:27.622 --> 00:22:30.992
  • That god was in control of everything that happened to me.
  • 00:22:30.992 --> 00:22:34.663
  • Even the bad things that were allowed, he ultimately used for
  • 00:22:34.663 --> 00:22:38.233
  • His good."
  • 00:22:38.233 --> 00:22:39.935
  • Because after romans 8:28, the oft-quoted verse,
  • 00:22:39.935 --> 00:22:42.904
  • Comes romans 8:29.
  • 00:22:42.904 --> 00:22:44.873
  • You all know romans 8:28, right?
  • 00:22:44.873 --> 00:22:47.242
  • Let's say it together.
  • 00:22:47.242 --> 00:22:48.677
  • Ready?
  • 00:22:48.677 --> 00:22:50.078
  • "all things work together for good to those who love god and
  • 00:22:50.078 --> 00:22:53.048
  • Are the called according to his purpose."
  • 00:22:53.048 --> 00:22:56.051
  • Okay. and now verse 29 continues on.
  • 00:22:56.051 --> 00:22:58.253
  • And by the way, in the original verses when they were given,
  • 00:22:58.253 --> 00:23:01.456
  • There were no verse breaks.
  • 00:23:01.456 --> 00:23:04.192
  • It just went on.
  • 00:23:04.192 --> 00:23:05.527
  • "all things work together for good to those who love god and
  • 00:23:05.527 --> 00:23:07.863
  • Are the called according to his purpose, for whom god did
  • 00:23:07.863 --> 00:23:11.800
  • Foreknow he also predestined to be conformed into the image
  • 00:23:11.800 --> 00:23:16.338
  • Of his own dear son."
  • 00:23:16.338 --> 00:23:18.306
  • There is your big picture.
  • 00:23:18.306 --> 00:23:20.242
  • It's all good, man, because ultimately god is going to make
  • 00:23:20.242 --> 00:23:24.613
  • You more like jesus, and there are things in life that are not
  • 00:23:24.613 --> 00:23:28.350
  • Easy at the time but they'll make you more like jesus.
  • 00:23:28.350 --> 00:23:33.155
  • He's going to complete what he started.
  • 00:23:33.155 --> 00:23:36.425
  • So don't worry about it, just keep walking forward
  • 00:23:36.425 --> 00:23:40.495
  • And start experiencing this joy and happiness that god offers.
  • 00:23:40.495 --> 00:23:45.167
  • Greg: maybe god has spoken to your heart and you have seen
  • 00:23:49.304 --> 00:23:53.842
  • Your need for jesus christ.
  • 00:23:53.842 --> 00:23:56.111
  • Jesus christ is the son of god who came
  • 00:23:56.111 --> 00:23:59.381
  • From heaven to this earth.
  • 00:23:59.381 --> 00:24:01.149
  • He was born in a manger.
  • 00:24:01.149 --> 00:24:02.751
  • He died in a cross.
  • 00:24:02.751 --> 00:24:04.986
  • He rose again from the dead.
  • 00:24:04.986 --> 00:24:06.488
  • Why?
  • 00:24:06.488 --> 00:24:07.823
  • Because he loves you and he wants a relationship with you.
  • 00:24:07.823 --> 00:24:10.525
  • Listen, i'm not talking about religion.
  • 00:24:10.525 --> 00:24:12.727
  • I don't want to be a religious person.
  • 00:24:12.727 --> 00:24:14.629
  • I don't think you want to be one either.
  • 00:24:14.629 --> 00:24:16.631
  • I'm talking about relationship with god.
  • 00:24:16.631 --> 00:24:20.268
  • Jesus, who died and rose again, stands at the door of your life
  • 00:24:20.268 --> 00:24:24.473
  • And he knocks and he says if you'll hear his voice and open
  • 00:24:24.473 --> 00:24:27.776
  • The door he will come in.
  • 00:24:27.776 --> 00:24:29.644
  • Question, have you asked jesus christ to come
  • 00:24:29.644 --> 00:24:31.980
  • And live inside of you?
  • 00:24:31.980 --> 00:24:33.815
  • You might say, "well, i think so.
  • 00:24:33.815 --> 00:24:35.383
  • I'm not sure."
  • 00:24:35.383 --> 00:24:36.885
  • Hey, if someone moved into your house in the middle of
  • 00:24:36.885 --> 00:24:38.353
  • The night, do you think you would be aware of it?
  • 00:24:38.353 --> 00:24:40.722
  • I'm sure you would.
  • 00:24:40.722 --> 00:24:42.724
  • And in the same way if christ has come to live inside of you
  • 00:24:42.724 --> 00:24:45.660
  • You will know, and if you don't know maybe
  • 00:24:45.660 --> 00:24:48.897
  • He has not come in yet.
  • 00:24:48.897 --> 00:24:50.665
  • He's just a prayer away.
  • 00:24:50.665 --> 00:24:52.467
  • All you need to do is say, "jesus, i want this relationship
  • 00:24:52.467 --> 00:24:55.704
  • With you.
  • 00:24:55.704 --> 00:24:57.138
  • I want you to forgive me of my sin.
  • 00:24:57.138 --> 00:24:58.807
  • I want to go to heaven when i die."
  • 00:24:58.807 --> 00:25:00.876
  • Would you like to do that?
  • 00:25:00.876 --> 00:25:02.511
  • Would you like christ to come into your life?
  • 00:25:02.511 --> 00:25:04.880
  • If so, why don't you just pray this simple prayer with me?
  • 00:25:04.880 --> 00:25:07.949
  • You could pray it out loud or you can pray it in the quietness
  • 00:25:07.949 --> 00:25:11.119
  • Of your heart, but this is a prayer where you're asking
  • 00:25:11.119 --> 00:25:13.788
  • Jesus christ to be your savior and lord.
  • 00:25:13.788 --> 00:25:17.158
  • Pray this with me now: "lord jesus, i know that i'm a sinner,
  • 00:25:17.158 --> 00:25:21.830
  • But i know that you're the savior who died on the cross for
  • 00:25:21.830 --> 00:25:25.767
  • My sin and rose again from the dead.
  • 00:25:25.767 --> 00:25:28.303
  • Now come into my life.
  • 00:25:28.303 --> 00:25:30.939
  • I choose to follow you from this moment forward.
  • 00:25:30.939 --> 00:25:35.343
  • Thank you for hearing this prayer
  • 00:25:35.343 --> 00:25:37.345
  • And answering this prayer.
  • 00:25:37.345 --> 00:25:39.247
  • In jesus's name, amen."
  • 00:25:39.247 --> 00:25:42.150
  • Did you just pray that prayer with me?
  • 00:25:42.150 --> 00:25:44.486
  • If so i want you to know in the authority of scripture that
  • 00:25:44.486 --> 00:25:47.255
  • Christ himself has come to live inside of you, and i would love
  • 00:25:47.255 --> 00:25:50.992
  • To send to you at no charge something called the "new
  • 00:25:50.992 --> 00:25:54.262
  • Believer's bible."
  • 00:25:54.262 --> 00:25:56.231
  • It's a very friendly translation of the new testament you'll find
  • 00:25:56.231 --> 00:25:59.467
  • Very understandable, and it's filled with hundreds of notes
  • 00:25:59.467 --> 00:26:03.071
  • That i wrote that will encourage you in this commitment you've
  • 00:26:03.071 --> 00:26:06.474
  • Just made to follow jesus.
  • 00:26:06.474 --> 00:26:08.643
  • Let me send that to you at no charge, and let me be the first
  • 00:26:08.643 --> 00:26:11.913
  • To say to you congratulations and
  • 00:26:11.913 --> 00:26:15.150
  • Welcome to the family of god.
  • 00:26:15.150 --> 00:26:25.594
  • Greg: greg laurie here.
  • 00:26:29.130 --> 00:26:30.465
  • You know, at harvest ministries we're committing to reaching
  • 00:26:30.465 --> 00:26:33.134
  • Unexpected people in unexpected places with an
  • 00:26:33.134 --> 00:26:36.438
  • Unexpected message.
  • 00:26:36.438 --> 00:26:38.006
  • And thanks to your financial support, we've been able to
  • 00:26:38.006 --> 00:26:42.477
  • Touch people all over the world with the hope of jesus christ.
  • 00:26:42.477 --> 00:26:47.115
  • Your gifts today not only help us reach millions across the
  • 00:26:47.115 --> 00:26:50.752
  • Country through this television program, they also help us to
  • 00:26:50.752 --> 00:26:54.889
  • Bring hope to people in their biggest need, whether through
  • 00:26:54.889 --> 00:26:58.560
  • Our evangelistic events or our relief efforts, together we've
  • 00:26:58.560 --> 00:27:02.364
  • Been able to minister to so many people devastated by the fires
  • 00:27:02.364 --> 00:27:06.501
  • In lahaina on the island of maui.
  • 00:27:06.501 --> 00:27:08.503
  • And also, your support has helped us partner to bring
  • 00:27:08.503 --> 00:27:11.940
  • Medical help in the ongoing conflict in israel.
  • 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:15.243
  • So i'm asking you today to continue to support this
  • 00:27:15.243 --> 00:27:18.513
  • Ministry so we can do everything possible to fulfill the
  • 00:27:18.513 --> 00:27:23.118
  • Great commission.
  • 00:27:23.118 --> 00:27:24.452
  • Let's do this together, and let me say in advance,
  • 00:27:24.452 --> 00:27:27.188
  • Thank you and god bless you.
  • 00:27:27.188 --> 00:27:28.010