Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.
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Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - How To Lead Others To Jesus | August 1, 2025
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- Greg laurie: any gospel presentation that offers
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- The hope of heaven without warning of the reality of hell
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- Is not the gospel.
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- Any gospel presentation that tells you that god loves you but
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- Does not tell you that you need to change is not really
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- The gospel, see.
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- See, we like the good news part but we don't like
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- The bad news part.
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- But for the gospel to be appreciated, you gotta give the
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- Whole message.
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- ♪ this is the day, ♪
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- ♪ the day when life begins ♪
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- ♪ this is the day, ♪
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- ♪ the day when life begins ♪♪
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- Greg: you know, the bible tells us to be on duty at all
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- Times, or as the king james puts it,
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- "be instant in season and out of season."
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- I mean, any time, anywhere, god may call on you
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- To share the gospel.
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- So, a number of years ago, i had to go to the bathroom.
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- I hope that doesn't shock you.
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- But yes i did.
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- I went to a department store and i walked in, trying not to
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- Visualize as i took my seat.
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- And i'm there in the stall and i hear someone clear their throat
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- In the stall next to me.
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- Okay, someone next to me.
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- And then i hear a voice say, "hi."
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- First of all, i don't talk to people in bathrooms, okay?
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- I don't know what the deal is with girls.
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- "do you wanna go with me to the restroom?
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- Let's go."
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- And five girls have gone to the restroom.
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- Guys will never do that.
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- If we see each other in the restroom, "hey, how's it goin'.
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- Let's get outta here," you know.
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- But girls, it's a whole different deal.
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- So i'm in this restroom in this stall.
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- This guy says hi.
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- Thinkin' that's weird.
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- And i said, "hi."
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- Like, it was, it was not a friendly hi.
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- It was like "don't talk to me" hi.
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- Moment passes and i hear that voice say,
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- "were you supposed to meet me here?"
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- I'm thinkin' what is goin' on here?
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- I said, "no."
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- And then it dawned on me, who knows what's happening here?
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- What is this guy looking for?
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- I said, "who is supposed to meet you here?"
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- He said, "a drug dealer."
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- Oh.
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- And then it occurred to me, would god use me to share the
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- Gospel in a bathroom stall?
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- Or does the holy spirit say, "i'm not goin' in there, okay?
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- You're on your own." i don't know.
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- I thought, why not?
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- Jesus said go into all the world and preach the gospel.
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- I think that includes bathrooms.
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- So, i said, "i have something better for you than drugs."
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- Guy said, "what?"
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- I said, "a personal relationship with god through jesus christ."
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- He says, "oh, i already tried that."
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- I'm thinkin', why am i talking to this guy?
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- It's weird.
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- "i already tried that," he said. i said, "oh, did you really?
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- Did you ever go to church?" "oh, i went to church," he said.
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- I said, "where did you go to church?"
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- He said, "harvest christian fellowship."
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- I said, "do you know who i am?" he said, "no."
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- I said, "i'm greg laurie, the pastor at harvest."
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- He said, "oh my god."
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- So--it's a true story, people.
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- So i said, "god must really love you to send your pastor to you
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- When you're trying to make a drug buy in a bathroom."
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- Right?
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- So i said to this guy, "you need to get right with god.
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- I'm gonna talk to you,
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- But i'm done with this bathroom evangelism.
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- I'll meet you outside."
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- So i went out and i'm just waiting.
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- I didn't know what the guy looked like.
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- He was easy to spot.
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- He was a guilty-looking guy.
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- So we stood there and we prayed and he recommitted
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- His life to the lord.
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- You never know when god will call on you, right?
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- You have to be ready.
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- So i wanna talk to you about how to lead others to jesus, and
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- Here's my first point if you're taking notes:
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- Number one, telling your story.
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- That is, you personal testimony is a powerful bridge for the
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- Gospel message.
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- Now listen, you have a story to tell.
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- Now, i know some testimonies are more dramatic
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- Than other testimonies.
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- I have a friend that attends church here.
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- His name is michael franzese, and michael used to be in the
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- Columbo crime family, the mafia, as we call it.
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- And he was being groomed to become the next don, the next
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- Godfather, if you will, of this family.
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- He lived a life of crime.
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- He lived a crazy life that you just see in the movies, and god
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- Got hold of him when he was in prison in solitary confinement,
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- And michael committed his life to the lord.
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- Well, that's a pretty radical testimony.
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- I've talked to guys not even that long ago who were gang
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- Bangers and served time in prison as well, and they talk
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- About how jesus has changed them.
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- And then you talk to someone who was a drug addict or an
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- Alcoholic or had some other issue and you say,
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- "wow, i don't have anything to compare to that.
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- I was addicted to ding dongs in the third grade, but i mean--"
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- You know.
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- But listen, your story's valid.
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- Everybody's story's valid.
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- Not everyone is a criminal.
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- Not everyone's a gang banger.
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- Not everyone's a drug user.
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- Some people live nice, moral lives.
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- One day they just discovered they were sinners
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- Who needed a savior.
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- Everybody has a testimony, including you.
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- Here's your testimony in a nutshell without
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- Even knowing you.
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- As that one man who was healed by jesus said,
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- "once i was blind, but now i see."
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- That's your story, your personal testimony.
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- Remember the courageous believers in the book of
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- Revelation who overcame the devil, and how did they do it?
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- Answer from scripture, "they overcame him by the word of
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- Their testimony and the blood of the lamb,
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- And they did not love their lives until the death."
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- Next point, when you share your testimony, don't glorify or
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- Exaggerate your past.
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- I bring this up because i've heard some people share a
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- Testimony, and then ten years later i hear it again
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- And i'm like, wait, it's a little different.
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- It's a little more dramatic, and i don't remember all that stuff.
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- Did you just remember that, or are you sort of exaggerating?
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- Be accurate in your testimony, and the key
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- Is don't glorify the past.
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- I've heard some people share their testimony and their past
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- Sounds more interesting than their present.
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- They'll be talkin' about, "oh, the old life, man.
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- We partied.
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- We had so much fun, and all the stuff we used to do,
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- And then i came to jesus."
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- And they even talk like that.
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- What?
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- "i came to jesus and i carry the old rugged cross.
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- We don't party anymore.
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- We go to bed at 7 o'clock, after reading our bible
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- For 4 hours straight."
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- Your old life sounds better than this life.
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- So you're missing it.
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- Lemme tell you what your old life was.
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- You were separated from god.
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- You were empty, you were lonely, you were afraid to die, and you
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- Were headed to a certain judgment.
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- Paul summed it up perfectly when he described his old life, when
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- He said in the book of philippians, "those things i
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- Used to think were so important are gone from my life.
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- Compared to the high privilege of knowing christ as my master,
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- Everything i once had going for me is insignificant dog dung.
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- I've dumped it in the trash so i can embrace christ and be
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- Embraced by him."
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- It's a modern translation, dog dung.
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- We all know what that is, right?
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- People were talking about poop.
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- Yes, i've used the word "poop" in church.
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- And that is the word that paul used.
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- Excrement.
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- My old life, compared to my new life, it's like excrement.
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- I've dumped it in the trash.
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- So don't make your past sound better than your present.
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- And when you tell your story, it's not about you,
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- It's about him.
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- You see, your story is just a bridge to get to the most
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- Important story.
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- And the most important story is the story of the life, death,
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- And resurrection of jesus christ.
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- Now, a big challenge we have in sharing our faith is overcoming
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- The language barrier, because sometimes, christians engage in
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- What i like to call christian-ese.
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- It's our own unique language that is not understood
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- By a nonbeliever.
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- Example: you walk up to someone who isn't a christian and say,
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- "hey you!
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- Uncircumcised philistine, come here.
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- You're a sinner and you need to repent, and you need to be
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- Sanctified and justified and washed in the blood and become a
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- Part of the body of christ."
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- You're gonna freak them out, because first of all they don't
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- Know what you mean when you say, "be part of a body" and they get
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- "washed in blood," wait, blood?
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- What are you talkin' about?
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- I'm not suggesting we not use biblical terms, but i am
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- Suggesting we understand that people today are largely
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- Biblically illiterate.
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- I thought they were biblically illiterate
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- When i started years ago.
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- Oh, man.
- 00:09:18.467 --> 00:09:19.969
- It's even worse today.
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- This is illustrated by a recent episode of jeopardy.
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- You know jeopardy, the game show?
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- And so, here are these very intelligent,
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- Well-read contestants that go on this show,
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- And they were asked this question.
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- All three contestants were stumped by this question.
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- Here it is: matthew 6:9 says,
- 00:09:37.186 --> 00:09:39.789
- "our father, who art in heaven, blank be your name."
- 00:09:39.789 --> 00:09:44.694
- So the answer's what does that say?
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- Our father who are in heaven, what?
- 00:09:46.729 --> 00:09:49.332
- There you go, you'd all do well on jeopardy.
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- [singing jeopardy theme]
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- But three contestants didn't know the answer.
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- Now, there was a time where people would know the answer to
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- That even if they weren't christians because they knew
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- The lord's prayer.
- 00:10:03.846 --> 00:10:06.015
- There was a time when they would teach bible
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- As literature in schools.
- 00:10:07.617 --> 00:10:10.252
- But today, we have a culture
- 00:10:10.252 --> 00:10:13.556
- That is largely biblically illiterate.
- 00:10:13.556 --> 00:10:15.958
- Here in america, only 6% of us hold a biblical world view.
- 00:10:15.958 --> 00:10:21.631
- And this is despite the fact that 87% of american households
- 00:10:21.631 --> 00:10:25.668
- Have one of these, a bible.
- 00:10:25.668 --> 00:10:28.671
- But very few read it, much less believe it.
- 00:10:28.671 --> 00:10:31.707
- A survey of graduating high school seniors revealed 12% of
- 00:10:31.707 --> 00:10:35.878
- Them believe that joan of arc was the wife of noah.
- 00:10:35.878 --> 00:10:40.049
- This is not a joke.
- 00:10:40.049 --> 00:10:43.019
- The question was asked, "was joan of arc the wife of noah?"
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- Answer: yes.
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- We don't know the name of noah's wife, but it wasn't joan,
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- That's for sure.
- 00:10:52.828 --> 00:10:54.563
- People also thought that sodom and gomorrah
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- Were husband and wife.
- 00:10:56.198 --> 00:10:58.668
- That'd be an interesting ceremony to do.
- 00:10:58.668 --> 00:11:00.603
- "sodom, will you take gomorrah--" they thought that.
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- And then also, this is the strangest of all, a good
- 00:11:03.572 --> 00:11:07.109
- Percentage of them believe that billy graham gave
- 00:11:07.109 --> 00:11:09.679
- The sermon on the mount.
- 00:11:09.679 --> 00:11:11.914
- Just, we're about 2,000 years off, people.
- 00:11:11.914 --> 00:11:16.352
- And billy graham was a great preacher, but no, that one goes
- 00:11:16.352 --> 00:11:18.387
- To jesus, the sermon on the mount.
- 00:11:18.387 --> 00:11:21.857
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- 00:11:47.116 --> 00:11:50.653
- To the new series on amazon prime,
- 00:11:50.653 --> 00:11:52.988
- Exploring timeless lessons from david's life.
- 00:11:52.988 --> 00:11:55.891
- It reveals how his story can inspire
- 00:11:55.891 --> 00:11:58.094
- And guide your walk with god
- 00:11:58.094 --> 00:12:00.563
- David's story reminds us that god uses imperfect people
- 00:12:00.563 --> 00:12:04.133
- To do extraordinary things.
- 00:12:04.133 --> 00:12:06.469
- Support the work of harvest ministries
- 00:12:06.469 --> 00:12:08.671
- And request your copy of "house of david" today
- 00:12:08.671 --> 00:12:12.308
- At harvest.org/give
- 00:12:12.308 --> 00:12:15.544
- Step into david's story and discover how his faith
- 00:12:15.544 --> 00:12:19.048
- Can strengthen yours.
- 00:12:19.048 --> 00:12:21.117
- Greg: what is the gospel?
- 00:12:22.718 --> 00:12:24.687
- We throw this word around a lot.
- 00:12:24.687 --> 00:12:26.322
- "preach the gospel!
- 00:12:26.322 --> 00:12:27.656
- I believe the gospel."
- 00:12:27.656 --> 00:12:29.225
- Do you actually know what the gospel is?
- 00:12:29.225 --> 00:12:33.229
- I would suggest to you that most americans have never heard an
- 00:12:33.229 --> 00:12:35.965
- Accurate presentation of the gospel.
- 00:12:35.965 --> 00:12:39.935
- Example: 7 out of 10 american adults have no clue
- 00:12:39.935 --> 00:12:42.471
- What john 3:16 means.
- 00:12:42.471 --> 00:12:45.508
- In case you don't know what it means, of course it's
- 00:12:45.508 --> 00:12:47.276
- "for god so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son.
- 00:12:47.276 --> 00:12:49.678
- Whoever believes in him will not perish
- 00:12:49.678 --> 00:12:52.581
- But have everlasting life."
- 00:12:52.581 --> 00:12:54.183
- Barely one-third of all adults even know the meaning of the
- 00:12:54.183 --> 00:12:57.253
- Expression of the word "gospel."
- 00:12:57.253 --> 00:13:01.257
- So, what is the gospel?
- 00:13:01.257 --> 00:13:04.393
- What elements must be in play for the gospel to be the gospel?
- 00:13:04.393 --> 00:13:09.632
- It's very important, because there are
- 00:13:09.632 --> 00:13:11.500
- False gospels out there.
- 00:13:11.500 --> 00:13:14.270
- So you can't go to the essential gospel message
- 00:13:14.270 --> 00:13:16.806
- And remove parts of it you might be uncomfortable with;
- 00:13:16.806 --> 00:13:20.242
- Then it's no longer the gospel.
- 00:13:20.242 --> 00:13:23.078
- Like, if i'm gonna make a chocolate cake and i get the
- 00:13:23.078 --> 00:13:24.814
- Recipe out, i can't say, "well, i don't wanna use chocolate.
- 00:13:24.814 --> 00:13:27.917
- I wanna use liver instead.
- 00:13:27.917 --> 00:13:30.352
- People will enjoy a liver cake."
- 00:13:30.352 --> 00:13:32.288
- No they won't.
- 00:13:32.288 --> 00:13:33.889
- Maybe someone would.
- 00:13:33.889 --> 00:13:35.558
- But, to make a chocolate cake, you have to follow the recipe.
- 00:13:35.558 --> 00:13:38.761
- For the gospel to be the gospel, you have to follow the biblical
- 00:13:38.761 --> 00:13:42.198
- Recipe which is given to us clearly in scripture.
- 00:13:42.198 --> 00:13:45.768
- Because there is a false gospel.
- 00:13:45.768 --> 00:13:47.937
- Paul writes about it in galatians 1:16.
- 00:13:47.937 --> 00:13:50.072
- He says, "i'm amazed that you guys are deserting the
- 00:13:50.072 --> 00:13:53.175
- One who called you by the grace of christ, and you're turning
- 00:13:53.175 --> 00:13:55.678
- To a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all.
- 00:13:55.678 --> 00:14:01.450
- If anyone comes and perverts this gospel, i don't care if
- 00:14:01.450 --> 00:14:04.420
- It's an angel from heaven, let them be eternally condemned."
- 00:14:04.420 --> 00:14:09.225
- Listen to this.
- 00:14:09.225 --> 00:14:10.559
- "any gospel presentation that promises forgiveness without
- 00:14:10.559 --> 00:14:15.097
- Asking for repentance is not the gospel.
- 00:14:15.097 --> 00:14:19.101
- Any gospel presentation that offers the hope of heaven
- 00:14:19.101 --> 00:14:23.806
- Without warning of the reality of hell, is not the gospel.
- 00:14:23.806 --> 00:14:28.611
- Any gospel presentation that tells you that god loves you,
- 00:14:28.611 --> 00:14:31.847
- But does not tell you that you need to change is not
- 00:14:31.847 --> 00:14:34.984
- Really the gospel."
- 00:14:34.984 --> 00:14:37.152
- See, we like the good news part but we don't like
- 00:14:37.152 --> 00:14:39.922
- The bad news part.
- 00:14:39.922 --> 00:14:41.457
- But for the gospel to be appreciated, you gotta give the
- 00:14:41.457 --> 00:14:43.926
- Whole message.
- 00:14:43.926 --> 00:14:45.694
- Sort of like when the jeweler takes the beautiful ring or
- 00:14:45.694 --> 00:14:48.297
- Whatever it is they're offering.
- 00:14:48.297 --> 00:14:50.132
- They put it on black velvet.
- 00:14:50.132 --> 00:14:52.167
- Why? to display its beauty.
- 00:14:52.167 --> 00:14:54.336
- For us to fully appreciate the beauty of the gospel, i have to
- 00:14:54.336 --> 00:14:57.907
- See the dark backdrop of my sin and realize what god
- 00:14:57.907 --> 00:15:01.877
- Has done for me.
- 00:15:01.877 --> 00:15:03.846
- Now, we all know that the word "gospel" means "good news."
- 00:15:03.846 --> 00:15:07.483
- It's good news.
- 00:15:07.483 --> 00:15:09.218
- Before i can fully appreciate the good news, i have to first
- 00:15:09.218 --> 00:15:12.254
- Know the bad news.
- 00:15:12.254 --> 00:15:14.590
- Heard about two old guys that loved baseball.
- 00:15:14.590 --> 00:15:17.026
- Loved to watch baseball games.
- 00:15:17.026 --> 00:15:18.894
- And one of 'em said to the other, "man, i hope there's
- 00:15:18.894 --> 00:15:20.529
- Baseball in heaven.
- 00:15:20.529 --> 00:15:22.097
- Do you think there is?"
- 00:15:22.097 --> 00:15:23.432
- "i don't know," he said, "but i sure hope there is.
- 00:15:23.432 --> 00:15:25.467
- I'll make you a deal.
- 00:15:25.467 --> 00:15:27.069
- If one of us dies before the other, when you get to heaven,
- 00:15:27.069 --> 00:15:29.338
- If there's baseball, let the other guy know."
- 00:15:29.338 --> 00:15:31.440
- Well, as it turns out, one of 'em died shortly after that.
- 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:34.443
- And his buddy was walking along missing him, and suddenly he
- 00:15:34.443 --> 00:15:37.346
- Heard a voice from the cloud saying, "hey, man, i'm here,
- 00:15:37.346 --> 00:15:40.649
- And guess what?
- 00:15:40.649 --> 00:15:41.984
- There's a baseball team in heaven!"
- 00:15:41.984 --> 00:15:44.186
- "that's so exciting! i'm so happy!"
- 00:15:44.186 --> 00:15:46.422
- "yeah, that's the good news. there's baseball in heaven."
- 00:15:46.422 --> 00:15:48.724
- And then he said, "but there's some bad news."
- 00:15:48.724 --> 00:15:50.125
- The guy said, "what?"
- 00:15:50.125 --> 00:15:51.527
- "you're pitching friday."
- 00:15:51.527 --> 00:15:52.895
- Oh, not so good.
- 00:15:52.895 --> 00:15:54.863
- Not so good.
- 00:15:54.863 --> 00:15:57.066
- The good news is god loves me.
- 00:15:57.066 --> 00:16:00.636
- The good news is i can go to heaven.
- 00:16:00.636 --> 00:16:03.872
- The good news is i can be forgiven of all of my sin, but
- 00:16:03.872 --> 00:16:06.842
- The bad news is i am a sinner who have broken the commandments
- 00:16:06.842 --> 00:16:11.680
- Of god and i desperately need the savior.
- 00:16:11.680 --> 00:16:15.851
- The bible says, "all have sinned and fallen short
- 00:16:15.851 --> 00:16:17.886
- Of the glory of god."
- 00:16:17.886 --> 00:16:19.621
- 1 john 1:8, it says: "if we say we have no sin, we deceive
- 00:16:19.621 --> 00:16:22.758
- Ourself and the truth is not in us."
- 00:16:22.758 --> 00:16:25.561
- Now, if you tell a nonbeliever they're a sinner, they're gonna
- 00:16:25.561 --> 00:16:28.797
- Say, "i'm not a sinner."
- 00:16:28.797 --> 00:16:30.332
- So you're probably gonna have to define it.
- 00:16:30.332 --> 00:16:32.201
- The bible uses multiple words to define sin, but over in
- 00:16:32.201 --> 00:16:36.638
- Ephesians 2:1, it says, "you were dead in
- 00:16:36.638 --> 00:16:38.907
- Your trespass and sin."
- 00:16:38.907 --> 00:16:41.310
- Two words, "trespass" and "sin."
- 00:16:41.310 --> 00:16:44.013
- The first word is pretty obvious, "trespass."
- 00:16:44.013 --> 00:16:46.782
- You see someone's property.
- 00:16:46.782 --> 00:16:48.117
- They have a fence up.
- 00:16:48.117 --> 00:16:49.451
- "no trespassing."
- 00:16:49.451 --> 00:16:50.953
- Yeah, go over that fence.
- 00:16:50.953 --> 00:16:52.388
- You're trespassing.
- 00:16:52.388 --> 00:16:53.856
- So, when i trespass it means i cross a line.
- 00:16:53.856 --> 00:16:56.658
- So, god has given me the 10 commandments.
- 00:16:56.658 --> 00:16:58.827
- I know what right and wrong are.
- 00:16:58.827 --> 00:17:00.496
- If i cross that line, if i break that commandment, i have
- 00:17:00.496 --> 00:17:04.533
- Committed a trespass.
- 00:17:04.533 --> 00:17:06.835
- But then there is the other word for sin;
- 00:17:06.835 --> 00:17:09.505
- "hamartia" is the word in the greek.
- 00:17:09.505 --> 00:17:11.940
- It means to miss the mark.
- 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:14.376
- To miss the mark.
- 00:17:14.376 --> 00:17:15.711
- So let's say you and i were having an archery contest and
- 00:17:15.711 --> 00:17:18.747
- The goal was to hit the target.
- 00:17:18.747 --> 00:17:20.949
- So, let's say that you went first and all of your arrows hit
- 00:17:20.949 --> 00:17:24.753
- The target but none hit the bullseye.
- 00:17:24.753 --> 00:17:27.556
- Okay, then it was my turn
- 00:17:27.556 --> 00:17:28.957
- And none of my arrows hit the target.
- 00:17:28.957 --> 00:17:30.559
- In fact, one went in a tree.
- 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:31.894
- One went into a cow nearby.
- 00:17:31.894 --> 00:17:33.762
- One went somewhere else.
- 00:17:33.762 --> 00:17:35.364
- Okay, now, did you do better than me, yes.
- 00:17:35.364 --> 00:17:38.734
- But did you hit the mark, no.
- 00:17:38.734 --> 00:17:41.003
- And even though you did better than i did, we all fell short.
- 00:17:41.003 --> 00:17:44.873
- So god has set a mark for all of humanity, and what is that mark?
- 00:17:44.873 --> 00:17:48.410
- Perfection.
- 00:17:48.410 --> 00:17:50.479
- Jesus said, "be perfect as my father in heaven is perfect."
- 00:17:50.479 --> 00:17:53.682
- You say, "well, how can i live that way?
- 00:17:53.682 --> 00:17:56.018
- No one's perfect."
- 00:17:56.018 --> 00:17:57.352
- No, that's where jesus comes in.
- 00:17:57.352 --> 00:17:59.788
- That's why i need jesus, because i fell short of god's glory.
- 00:17:59.788 --> 00:18:03.659
- Because i intentionally crossed that line and fell short of his
- 00:18:03.659 --> 00:18:07.996
- Standards, i need a savior.
- 00:18:07.996 --> 00:18:12.101
- And a person will say, "well, i don't think i've sinned."
- 00:18:12.101 --> 00:18:13.969
- And i might ask them, "well, have you ever broken any of the
- 00:18:13.969 --> 00:18:16.705
- 10 commandments?"
- 00:18:16.705 --> 00:18:18.774
- "uh, no."
- 00:18:18.774 --> 00:18:20.109
- "you're breakin' one right now, thou shall not lie, right?"
- 00:18:20.109 --> 00:18:24.179
- That person would say, "but i'm a good person."
- 00:18:24.179 --> 00:18:27.182
- And you know, there are good people.
- 00:18:27.182 --> 00:18:29.318
- I've met good people who are not christians.
- 00:18:29.318 --> 00:18:31.186
- Lemme say somethin' that might surprise you.
- 00:18:31.186 --> 00:18:32.988
- I've met non-christians that i think are better people than
- 00:18:32.988 --> 00:18:35.824
- Some christians i know.
- 00:18:35.824 --> 00:18:38.127
- And when i say better, i mean they're kinder, they're more
- 00:18:38.127 --> 00:18:41.530
- Considerate, and the kind of a person who if your tire was
- 00:18:41.530 --> 00:18:45.234
- Flat, they'd help you change your tire, while the christian
- 00:18:45.234 --> 00:18:48.937
- Would say, "i'll be prayin' about it.
- 00:18:48.937 --> 00:18:50.739
- Bye."
- 00:18:50.739 --> 00:18:52.875
- They'll actually help you.
- 00:18:52.875 --> 00:18:54.409
- I've met nonbelievers who are moral, they have integrity, they
- 00:18:54.409 --> 00:18:58.480
- Live an upright life, and i'm very impressed by that.
- 00:18:58.480 --> 00:19:00.916
- So they're good people in a broad sense.
- 00:19:00.916 --> 00:19:02.684
- So it's not a question of if you're a good person or not.
- 00:19:02.684 --> 00:19:07.322
- The issue is, are you good enough?
- 00:19:07.322 --> 00:19:09.858
- Are you good enough to get to heaven?
- 00:19:09.858 --> 00:19:11.793
- And the answer is absolutely not.
- 00:19:11.793 --> 00:19:14.463
- No one is.
- 00:19:14.463 --> 00:19:15.797
- Because heaven is not for good people; heaven is for forgiven
- 00:19:15.797 --> 00:19:19.334
- People, and one sin is enough to keep you out of heaven.
- 00:19:19.334 --> 00:19:24.873
- So we need to share this news with people, and then we also
- 00:19:24.873 --> 00:19:28.744
- Need to tell them the whole story.
- 00:19:28.744 --> 00:19:30.579
- There is the promise of heaven.
- 00:19:30.579 --> 00:19:32.514
- Here's the problem.
- 00:19:32.514 --> 00:19:33.982
- We'll say to someone, "listen, jesus can come into your life,
- 00:19:33.982 --> 00:19:37.719
- Forgive you of all of your sin, and fill that void deep inside
- 00:19:37.719 --> 00:19:40.622
- Of you, and give you purpose and meaning.
- 00:19:40.622 --> 00:19:43.458
- Is that true?" "yes."
- 00:19:43.458 --> 00:19:45.727
- Is that the whole gospel, no.
- 00:19:45.727 --> 00:19:48.263
- It's an important part, but it's not all of it.
- 00:19:48.263 --> 00:19:49.631
- It's the same thing jesus said to the woman at the well.
- 00:19:49.631 --> 00:19:51.233
- "drink of the water i give, you'll never thirst again."
- 00:19:51.233 --> 00:19:54.436
- He's appealing to her inner thirst.
- 00:19:54.436 --> 00:19:56.972
- But there's also an afterlife.
- 00:19:56.972 --> 00:19:59.041
- There's also a future judgment.
- 00:19:59.041 --> 00:20:01.310
- And just as surely as there is the promise of heaven,
- 00:20:01.310 --> 00:20:04.246
- The bible warns of hell.
- 00:20:04.246 --> 00:20:06.882
- In fact, jesus spoke more about hell than all the other
- 00:20:06.882 --> 00:20:09.251
- Preachers of the bible put together.
- 00:20:09.251 --> 00:20:11.853
- You say, "if i bring that up, man,
- 00:20:11.853 --> 00:20:13.922
- That'll kill the conversation."
- 00:20:13.922 --> 00:20:16.058
- Yeah, but that's still the gospel.
- 00:20:16.058 --> 00:20:19.661
- Because you might be sharing with someone, "well, jesus has
- 00:20:19.661 --> 00:20:22.164
- Changed my life and he's given me joy and purpose and peace,"
- 00:20:22.164 --> 00:20:25.167
- And the person says, "i'm good, man.
- 00:20:25.167 --> 00:20:27.936
- I don't need that.
- 00:20:27.936 --> 00:20:30.105
- I'm pretty happy with my life."
- 00:20:30.105 --> 00:20:31.607
- So the nonbeliever asks you, "so what happens to me when i die?"
- 00:20:31.607 --> 00:20:36.511
- "do you like warm climates?"
- 00:20:36.511 --> 00:20:38.380
- Wait, tell him.
- 00:20:38.380 --> 00:20:40.582
- "i'll tell you what happens.
- 00:20:40.582 --> 00:20:42.317
- You reject the promise of jesus christ, you'll face judgment and
- 00:20:42.317 --> 00:20:45.187
- A place called hell."
- 00:20:45.187 --> 00:20:46.989
- "oo, really?"
- 00:20:46.989 --> 00:20:49.458
- How could a god of love send someone to hell?
- 00:20:49.458 --> 00:20:51.893
- That's the question, isn't it?
- 00:20:51.893 --> 00:20:53.762
- But the simple answer is, "god doesn't send anyone to hell.
- 00:20:53.762 --> 00:20:58.867
- Hell was not created for people.
- 00:20:58.867 --> 00:21:01.470
- According to jesus, it was prepared for the devil
- 00:21:01.470 --> 00:21:03.939
- And his angels.
- 00:21:03.939 --> 00:21:05.274
- The last thing christ wants is for any man or woman made in his
- 00:21:05.274 --> 00:21:09.077
- Image to spend eternity separated from him in hell.
- 00:21:09.077 --> 00:21:13.215
- That is why jesus died on the cross for our sin, you see."
- 00:21:13.215 --> 00:21:17.886
- And so we have to tell 'em that.
- 00:21:17.886 --> 00:21:19.254
- Listen to this.
- 00:21:19.254 --> 00:21:20.989
- Jude 1:23 says, "rescue some by snatching them from
- 00:21:20.989 --> 00:21:24.726
- The flames of judgment."
- 00:21:24.726 --> 00:21:26.561
- Listen, some people need the hell scared out of 'em.
- 00:21:26.561 --> 00:21:30.165
- They really do.
- 00:21:30.165 --> 00:21:31.733
- Now, i know we've heard, "oh, i don't like all these
- 00:21:31.733 --> 00:21:33.669
- Hellfire and brimstone preachers out there."
- 00:21:33.669 --> 00:21:35.470
- Really?
- 00:21:35.470 --> 00:21:36.838
- I haven't heard one in a long time.
- 00:21:36.838 --> 00:21:38.974
- Have you?
- 00:21:38.974 --> 00:21:40.676
- Go watch television and the preachers.
- 00:21:40.676 --> 00:21:42.277
- When's the last time you heard a hellfire and brimstone message?
- 00:21:42.277 --> 00:21:47.049
- Probably not in a long time.
- 00:21:47.049 --> 00:21:48.884
- I'm not saying we should only talk about hell.
- 00:21:48.884 --> 00:21:52.120
- Like, "here at harvest it's all hell all the time."
- 00:21:52.120 --> 00:21:54.790
- No.
- 00:21:54.790 --> 00:21:56.458
- But i'm not gonna back away from it, because if i don't give 'em
- 00:21:56.458 --> 00:21:59.928
- The whole counsel of god, i'll be held accountable for that,
- 00:21:59.928 --> 00:22:03.031
- You see.
- 00:22:03.031 --> 00:22:04.399
- So, i have to tell 'em.
- 00:22:04.399 --> 00:22:06.535
- But i don't say it with a smile on my face.
- 00:22:10.372 --> 00:22:14.443
- I warn them of it.
- 00:22:14.443 --> 00:22:16.311
- That's the gospel message.
- 00:22:16.311 --> 00:22:17.879
- But here's the heartbeat of the gospel.
- 00:22:17.879 --> 00:22:20.749
- It's the cross of jesus christ.
- 00:22:20.749 --> 00:22:23.518
- That's where the power is.
- 00:22:23.518 --> 00:22:26.121
- Sometimes in our attempts to crossover,
- 00:22:26.121 --> 00:22:28.790
- We don't bring the cross over.
- 00:22:28.790 --> 00:22:31.893
- And a cross-less message is not the gospel.
- 00:22:31.893 --> 00:22:36.565
- Paul said in 1 corinthians 2:1, "when i came to you, brothers,
- 00:22:36.565 --> 00:22:39.968
- I didn't come with eloquence or superior wisdom.
- 00:22:39.968 --> 00:22:43.605
- For i am resolved and know nothing else among you except
- 00:22:43.605 --> 00:22:46.174
- Jesus christ and him crucified."
- 00:22:46.174 --> 00:22:49.778
- And then paul said in 1 corinthians 1:17,
- 00:22:49.778 --> 00:22:53.382
- "christ did not send me to baptize,
- 00:22:53.382 --> 00:22:55.183
- But to preach the gospel," listen,
- 00:22:55.183 --> 00:22:57.285
- "not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of christ
- 00:22:57.285 --> 00:23:00.522
- Be emptied of its power."
- 00:23:00.522 --> 00:23:03.325
- If i don't give this message as god gives it in scripture, you
- 00:23:03.325 --> 00:23:07.095
- Have a powerless message.
- 00:23:07.095 --> 00:23:09.798
- Paul said, "the message of the cross is to those who
- 00:23:09.798 --> 00:23:12.300
- Are perishing foolishness, but to us who believe,
- 00:23:12.300 --> 00:23:15.270
- It is the power of god."
- 00:23:15.270 --> 00:23:17.139
- Listen to what i'm saying to you right now.
- 00:23:17.139 --> 00:23:19.074
- What i've shared with you in this message, and i'm sure
- 00:23:19.074 --> 00:23:21.843
- You've heard these things before, but what i've shared
- 00:23:21.843 --> 00:23:24.880
- With you, if you will take these truths and implement them, you
- 00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:27.616
- Are already armed and dangerous in a good way.
- 00:23:27.616 --> 00:23:32.587
- To use these truths to share with others.
- 00:23:32.587 --> 00:23:35.757
- Someone once asked the great british preacher
- 00:23:35.757 --> 00:23:38.360
- C.h. spurgeon if he could sum up the gospel.
- 00:23:38.360 --> 00:23:41.463
- He says, "yes, i can sum it up in four words.
- 00:23:41.463 --> 00:23:44.099
- Christ died for me."
- 00:23:44.099 --> 00:23:46.635
- That's it.
- 00:23:46.635 --> 00:23:48.236
- Can you remember that? of course you can.
- 00:23:48.236 --> 00:23:50.372
- Christ died for me.
- 00:23:50.372 --> 00:23:51.706
- That's the essential gospel message.
- 00:23:51.706 --> 00:23:54.242
- Okay, so now let's wrap this message up.
- 00:23:54.242 --> 00:23:56.678
- How do you close the deal?
- 00:23:56.678 --> 00:23:59.948
- How do you get from a to b?
- 00:23:59.948 --> 00:24:02.150
- How do you land the plane?
- 00:24:02.150 --> 00:24:04.219
- How do you actually lead a person to jesus christ?
- 00:24:04.219 --> 00:24:07.222
- Listen, it's not as hard as you think.
- 00:24:07.222 --> 00:24:10.725
- You've gotta pop the question.
- 00:24:10.725 --> 00:24:12.961
- And what is that question?
- 00:24:12.961 --> 00:24:14.429
- "lemme ask you something: would you like to ask jesus christ to
- 00:24:14.429 --> 00:24:16.298
- Come into your life right now?"
- 00:24:16.298 --> 00:24:19.734
- We're very reluctant to do that. why?
- 00:24:19.734 --> 00:24:22.304
- Because we're afraid they'll say no.
- 00:24:22.304 --> 00:24:23.672
- And they may
- 00:24:23.672 --> 00:24:25.006
- "would you like to accept jesus christ right now?"
- 00:24:25.006 --> 00:24:26.975
- "no." "okay.
- 00:24:26.975 --> 00:24:29.778
- Well, i'll pray for you.
- 00:24:29.778 --> 00:24:31.379
- And just know that wherever you are, you can call on the
- 00:24:31.379 --> 00:24:33.348
- Name of the lord."
- 00:24:33.348 --> 00:24:34.716
- But what if they say yes?
- 00:24:34.716 --> 00:24:36.184
- Are we really afraid of failure, or are we afraid of success?
- 00:24:36.184 --> 00:24:40.522
- And of course if a person says yes,
- 00:24:40.522 --> 00:24:41.990
- I just lead them in a prayer.
- 00:24:41.990 --> 00:24:43.325
- There's no magical prayer, by the way.
- 00:24:43.325 --> 00:24:45.794
- I've had people come and say, "tell me the sinner's prayer.
- 00:24:45.794 --> 00:24:49.097
- What is it again?"
- 00:24:49.097 --> 00:24:50.432
- It's not really an exact prayer.
- 00:24:50.432 --> 00:24:53.668
- It's just based on principles of scripture, right?
- 00:24:53.668 --> 00:24:57.172
- So i'll pray something like, "pray this after me.
- 00:24:57.172 --> 00:24:59.341
- Lord jesus, i know i'm a sinner.
- 00:24:59.341 --> 00:25:01.676
- I know you're the savior that died on the cross for my sin.
- 00:25:01.676 --> 00:25:04.846
- I'm sorry for my sin.
- 00:25:04.846 --> 00:25:06.448
- I repent of my sin.
- 00:25:06.448 --> 00:25:08.316
- I ask you to come into my life right now and forgive me."
- 00:25:08.316 --> 00:25:11.586
- You know, you've heard this prayer before.
- 00:25:11.586 --> 00:25:13.755
- And it is such a joy to pray that with a person.
- 00:25:13.755 --> 00:25:17.025
- So, i've got a challenge for all you guys this week.
- 00:25:17.025 --> 00:25:20.529
- I want you to intentionally engage in gospel conversations
- 00:25:20.529 --> 00:25:24.232
- With people.
- 00:25:24.232 --> 00:25:25.567
- Every one of you.
- 00:25:25.567 --> 00:25:27.135
- And start with your testimony.
- 00:25:27.135 --> 00:25:28.904
- Just tell 'em what jesus has done for you.
- 00:25:28.904 --> 00:25:31.306
- Then you beat a quick path to the story of jesus, his death on
- 00:25:31.306 --> 00:25:35.043
- The cross, how he died for their sin.
- 00:25:35.043 --> 00:25:37.312
- Then you extend that invitation, and what a great joy it's gonna
- 00:25:37.312 --> 00:25:40.315
- Be for you.
- 00:25:40.315 --> 00:25:42.751
- As i pointed out earlier, it's life-giving to you to tell
- 00:25:42.751 --> 00:25:46.922
- Others about jesus, as well as life-giving to the person
- 00:25:46.922 --> 00:25:50.659
- Who is hearing it.
- 00:25:50.659 --> 00:25:52.861
- God wants to use us.
- 00:25:52.861 --> 00:25:55.964
- Greg: hi, i'm greg laurie.
- 00:25:59.568 --> 00:26:00.936
- I've got some good news for you!
- 00:26:00.936 --> 00:26:02.337
- God loves you, and god has a plan for your life.
- 00:26:02.337 --> 00:26:06.207
- Here's the problem: we're separated from god by our sin
- 00:26:06.207 --> 00:26:09.644
- Because we've all broken his commandments.
- 00:26:09.644 --> 00:26:12.714
- But the good news is, is two thousand years ago, god sent his
- 00:26:12.714 --> 00:26:16.117
- Son, jesus christ, to die on the cross for your sin, and then to
- 00:26:16.117 --> 00:26:20.789
- Rise again from the dead.
- 00:26:20.789 --> 00:26:22.924
- The same jesus who died and rose is alive and ready to come into
- 00:26:22.924 --> 00:26:26.695
- Your life right now.
- 00:26:26.695 --> 00:26:28.897
- Would you like your sin forgiven?
- 00:26:28.897 --> 00:26:30.865
- Would you like to know that when you die you will go to heaven?
- 00:26:30.865 --> 00:26:33.635
- If so, pray this simple prayer with me right now.
- 00:26:33.635 --> 00:26:37.172
- Just say, "lord jesus, i know i'm a sinner, but i believe
- 00:26:37.172 --> 00:26:40.375
- You're the savior who died on the cross for my sin.
- 00:26:40.375 --> 00:26:43.778
- I turn from my sin now, and i choose to follow you from this
- 00:26:43.778 --> 00:26:47.749
- Moment forward."
- 00:26:47.749 --> 00:26:50.118
- Did you just pray that prayer with me?
- 00:26:50.118 --> 00:26:52.020
- If you did, god in heaven has heard you, and i wanna send you
- 00:26:52.020 --> 00:26:55.390
- A new testament to start reading.
- 00:26:55.390 --> 00:26:59.694
- Male announcer: "revelation: a book of promises,"
- 00:26:59.761 --> 00:27:01.863
- By greg laurie is designed to help you see
- 00:27:01.863 --> 00:27:04.132
- Jesus as the centerpiece, the star,
- 00:27:04.132 --> 00:27:07.068
- And the focus of revelation.
- 00:27:07.068 --> 00:27:09.237
- With this eminently practical guide, you can experience the
- 00:27:09.237 --> 00:27:12.574
- Blessing promised to those who read, hear, and keep the words
- 00:27:12.574 --> 00:27:16.745
- Of this prophetic book.
- 00:27:16.745 --> 00:27:18.680
- After all, bible prophecy is not given to inflate our brains,
- 00:27:18.680 --> 00:27:22.350
- But to enlarge our hearts.
- 00:27:22.350 --> 00:27:24.419
- Request "revelation" by greg laurie
- 00:27:24.419 --> 00:27:26.888
- When you give today.
- 00:27:26.888 --> 00:27:26.888
