1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. harvest pastor greg laurie
  4. Episodes
  5. Greg Laurie - Jesus and The Lonely Man
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie - Jesus and The Lonely Man

January 22, 2026 | 27:29

Greg Laurie - Jesus and The Lonely Man
Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.
#Jesus #Loneliness #Intimacy #HandofGod #Provision #SeekGod #Prayer #Hopelessness #Healing #Help #Need #WalkwithGod #GregLaurie

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - Jesus and The Lonely Man | January 22, 2026
  • Greg laurie: you know, deep down inside, i think we have
  • 00:00:05.137 --> 00:00:07.439
  • A loneliness for god.
  • 00:00:07.573 --> 00:00:09.808
  • And the bible speaks of a friend that sticks closer than a
  • 00:00:09.908 --> 00:00:13.212
  • Brother, and that friend is jesus christ, and jesus walks in
  • 00:00:13.312 --> 00:00:18.484
  • When others walk out.
  • 00:00:18.617 --> 00:00:20.819
  • ♪ this is the day. ♪
  • 00:00:24.356 --> 00:00:26.725
  • ♪ the day when life begins. ♪
  • 00:00:26.725 --> 00:00:31.997
  • ♪ this is the day. ♪
  • 00:00:31.997 --> 00:00:34.366
  • ♪ the day when life begins. ♪♪
  • 00:00:34.366 --> 00:00:41.573
  • Greg: so there was this lady.
  • 00:00:45.244 --> 00:00:47.312
  • She was very lonely and she needed some companionship and
  • 00:00:47.312 --> 00:00:51.083
  • Someone told her that there was a talking parrot down at the pet
  • 00:00:51.083 --> 00:00:55.120
  • Store and so she went down and said, "i heard you have a
  • 00:00:55.120 --> 00:00:58.857
  • Talking parrot and i need someone to talk to, and someone
  • 00:00:58.857 --> 00:01:02.428
  • To talk to me.
  • 00:01:02.428 --> 00:01:03.762
  • Does this parrot really talk?"
  • 00:01:03.762 --> 00:01:05.130
  • "oh yes, ma'am, this parrot talks."
  • 00:01:05.130 --> 00:01:06.465
  • And so she bought the parrot and she took it home and it didn't
  • 00:01:06.465 --> 00:01:09.635
  • Say anything to her for a week and a half.
  • 00:01:09.635 --> 00:01:12.204
  • So she went back to the pet store and said, "sir, this
  • 00:01:12.204 --> 00:01:14.940
  • Parrot does not talk."
  • 00:01:14.940 --> 00:01:16.742
  • The pet store owner said, "ma'am, did you buy him a swing?
  • 00:01:16.742 --> 00:01:20.045
  • Every parrot needs a swing.
  • 00:01:20.045 --> 00:01:21.814
  • If you get him a swing, he'll talk all day long."
  • 00:01:21.814 --> 00:01:23.782
  • She bought a swing, took it home.
  • 00:01:23.782 --> 00:01:25.551
  • She came back another week and a half later.
  • 00:01:25.551 --> 00:01:27.986
  • "i got the parrot a swing.
  • 00:01:27.986 --> 00:01:29.354
  • He still isn't talking."
  • 00:01:29.354 --> 00:01:30.689
  • "ma'am, did you get the parrot a ladder?
  • 00:01:30.689 --> 00:01:32.624
  • Every parrot needs a ladder.
  • 00:01:32.624 --> 00:01:34.593
  • He has a ladder to go up and down, he'll talk constantly."
  • 00:01:34.593 --> 00:01:37.563
  • She bought a ladder, took it home.
  • 00:01:37.563 --> 00:01:39.231
  • A week and a half later, she returns.
  • 00:01:39.231 --> 00:01:41.433
  • She says, "the parrot still isn't talking."
  • 00:01:41.433 --> 00:01:43.902
  • "oh, did you get him a mirror?
  • 00:01:43.902 --> 00:01:45.504
  • If he has a mirror to look at himself in, then he'll talk
  • 00:01:45.504 --> 00:01:48.574
  • For sure."
  • 00:01:48.574 --> 00:01:49.908
  • She bought the mirror.
  • 00:01:49.908 --> 00:01:51.276
  • And came back a week later and said, "that parrot you sold me,
  • 00:01:51.276 --> 00:01:56.148
  • He died."
  • 00:01:56.148 --> 00:01:57.683
  • The pet store owner said, "did he ever talk?"
  • 00:01:57.683 --> 00:02:00.452
  • "as a matter of fact, he did."
  • 00:02:00.452 --> 00:02:02.354
  • The pet store owner said, "what did the parrot say?"
  • 00:02:02.354 --> 00:02:05.023
  • She said, "the parrot said to me, 'don't they have any food
  • 00:02:05.023 --> 00:02:08.360
  • Down at that pet store?'"
  • 00:02:08.360 --> 00:02:12.197
  • Just a bad joke, people, okay.
  • 00:02:12.197 --> 00:02:15.534
  • So i don't know, if you feel lonely i don't think a talking
  • 00:02:15.534 --> 00:02:18.003
  • Parrot's gonna help you.
  • 00:02:18.003 --> 00:02:19.938
  • There's a lot of people feel lonely in our world today.
  • 00:02:19.938 --> 00:02:23.642
  • One in three americans feel lonely, at least once a week.
  • 00:02:23.642 --> 00:02:27.346
  • There's acute loneliness among young adults with 30% of people
  • 00:02:27.346 --> 00:02:31.650
  • Ages 18 to 34 experiencing loneliness several times a week
  • 00:02:31.650 --> 00:02:36.121
  • Or more.
  • 00:02:36.121 --> 00:02:37.489
  • Loneliness has become a public health epidemic according to the
  • 00:02:37.489 --> 00:02:41.059
  • Surgeon general, and loneliness and isolation create health
  • 00:02:41.059 --> 00:02:45.731
  • Risks, including anxiety, depression, and illnesses like
  • 00:02:45.731 --> 00:02:50.636
  • Heart disease and dementia.
  • 00:02:50.636 --> 00:02:53.238
  • But wait, we have social media, we can communicate with
  • 00:02:53.238 --> 00:02:56.575
  • Each other.
  • 00:02:56.575 --> 00:02:57.910
  • That's only thrown more fuel in the fire and we find ourselves
  • 00:02:57.910 --> 00:03:01.947
  • More isolated.
  • 00:03:01.947 --> 00:03:03.715
  • Bottom line, people need people.
  • 00:03:03.715 --> 00:03:07.119
  • We were not meant to do life alone.
  • 00:03:07.119 --> 00:03:09.454
  • We need living, breathing friends, not talking parrots,
  • 00:03:09.454 --> 00:03:13.926
  • Not bots, not just communicating with people online while we're
  • 00:03:13.926 --> 00:03:18.430
  • Playing a video game.
  • 00:03:18.430 --> 00:03:19.998
  • We need to be with people, and that's why being active in
  • 00:03:19.998 --> 00:03:23.802
  • Church matters so much.
  • 00:03:23.802 --> 00:03:26.238
  • I bring this up because before us in john 5 is a story of a
  • 00:03:26.238 --> 00:03:29.908
  • Lonely man.
  • 00:03:29.908 --> 00:03:31.276
  • In fact, the title of my message is "jesus and the lonely man."
  • 00:03:31.276 --> 00:03:35.314
  • Let's read about him.
  • 00:03:35.314 --> 00:03:36.882
  • I'm reading john chapter 5, verses 1 to 16, and i'm reading,
  • 00:03:36.882 --> 00:03:41.720
  • By the way, from the new living translation, 1 to 18 rather.
  • 00:03:41.720 --> 00:03:45.991
  • Read along with me.
  • 00:03:45.991 --> 00:03:47.359
  • "afterward jesus returned to jerusalem by one of the--on one
  • 00:03:47.359 --> 00:03:51.396
  • Of the jewish holy days, and inside the city, near the sheep
  • 00:03:51.396 --> 00:03:54.600
  • Gate, was the pool of bethesda, with five covered porches.
  • 00:03:54.600 --> 00:03:59.238
  • Crowds of sick people--blind, lame, or paralyzed--lay on
  • 00:03:59.238 --> 00:04:02.975
  • The porches.
  • 00:04:02.975 --> 00:04:04.309
  • One of the men laying there had been sick for
  • 00:04:04.309 --> 00:04:06.745
  • Thirty-eight years.
  • 00:04:06.745 --> 00:04:08.580
  • When jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he
  • 00:04:08.580 --> 00:04:11.783
  • Asked him, 'would you like to get well?'
  • 00:04:11.783 --> 00:04:14.286
  • 'i can't, sir,' the sick man said, 'for i have no one to put
  • 00:04:14.286 --> 00:04:17.456
  • Me in the pool when the water bubbles up.
  • 00:04:17.456 --> 00:04:20.425
  • Someone else always gets there ahead of me.'
  • 00:04:20.425 --> 00:04:23.428
  • Jesus said, 'stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!'
  • 00:04:23.428 --> 00:04:28.200
  • Instantly, the man was healed!
  • 00:04:28.200 --> 00:04:30.068
  • He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!
  • 00:04:30.068 --> 00:04:32.704
  • But this miracle happened on the sabbath, so the jewish
  • 00:04:32.704 --> 00:04:36.074
  • Leaders objected.
  • 00:04:36.074 --> 00:04:37.542
  • They said to the man who was cured, 'you can't work on
  • 00:04:37.542 --> 00:04:40.145
  • The sabbath!
  • 00:04:40.145 --> 00:04:41.513
  • The law doesn't allow you to carry that sleeping mat!'
  • 00:04:41.513 --> 00:04:45.117
  • But the man replied, 'the man who healed me told me, "pick up
  • 00:04:45.117 --> 00:04:48.387
  • Your mat and walk."'
  • 00:04:48.387 --> 00:04:49.955
  • 'who said such a thing as that?'
  • 00:04:49.955 --> 00:04:51.690
  • They demanded.
  • 00:04:51.690 --> 00:04:53.058
  • The man didn't know, for jesus had disappeared into the crowd.
  • 00:04:53.058 --> 00:04:57.262
  • But afterward jesus found him sitting in the temple and told
  • 00:04:57.262 --> 00:05:00.899
  • Him, 'now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse
  • 00:05:00.899 --> 00:05:05.537
  • May happen to you.'
  • 00:05:05.537 --> 00:05:06.905
  • Then the man went and told the jewish leaders it was jesus who
  • 00:05:06.905 --> 00:05:10.409
  • Had healed him.
  • 00:05:10.409 --> 00:05:11.777
  • So the jewish leaders began harassing jesus for breaking the
  • 00:05:11.777 --> 00:05:15.380
  • Sabbath rules.
  • 00:05:15.380 --> 00:05:16.715
  • But jesus replied, 'my father is always working, and so am i.'"
  • 00:05:16.715 --> 00:05:21.453
  • We'll stop there.
  • 00:05:21.453 --> 00:05:22.821
  • Isn't that a great story?
  • 00:05:22.821 --> 00:05:24.323
  • Here's my first point.
  • 00:05:24.323 --> 00:05:25.957
  • This was a turning point in the life and ministry of jesus.
  • 00:05:25.957 --> 00:05:30.829
  • Up to this point, the religious leaders have tolerated christ.
  • 00:05:30.829 --> 00:05:36.234
  • Now they're going to outright turn against him because of this
  • 00:05:36.234 --> 00:05:40.472
  • Statement that jesus makes.
  • 00:05:40.472 --> 00:05:43.408
  • This statement would ultimately cost him his life.
  • 00:05:43.408 --> 00:05:47.279
  • What was that statement?
  • 00:05:47.279 --> 00:05:48.647
  • That statement was simply that he was equal with god.
  • 00:05:48.647 --> 00:05:53.485
  • Speaking of the almighty as his father, he said, "my father and
  • 00:05:53.485 --> 00:05:57.856
  • I," there in verse 17.
  • 00:05:57.856 --> 00:06:01.159
  • Don't let anyone ever tell you that jesus never claimed to be
  • 00:06:01.159 --> 00:06:04.529
  • God, for indeed he did, and this is just one of the occasions.
  • 00:06:04.529 --> 00:06:09.167
  • On another occasion, he healed a man, and then he said, "your
  • 00:06:09.167 --> 00:06:12.637
  • Sins are forgiven you," and they said, "only god can
  • 00:06:12.637 --> 00:06:16.308
  • Forgive sins."
  • 00:06:16.308 --> 00:06:17.676
  • Jesus said, "exactly."
  • 00:06:17.676 --> 00:06:19.010
  • He was claiming to be god.
  • 00:06:19.010 --> 00:06:20.645
  • He was god walking among them.
  • 00:06:20.645 --> 00:06:23.081
  • And he had an agenda, he had a schedule, and god is never late
  • 00:06:23.081 --> 00:06:28.387
  • For his appointments.
  • 00:06:28.387 --> 00:06:29.921
  • He had people to meet, he had lives to change.
  • 00:06:29.921 --> 00:06:33.024
  • He had miracles to perform, so he was moving along.
  • 00:06:33.024 --> 00:06:36.828
  • It's interesting because we begin with the word "afterward,"
  • 00:06:36.828 --> 00:06:41.133
  • And then in matthew, we read the word "then" often.
  • 00:06:41.133 --> 00:06:44.536
  • Mark's gospel, "immediately."
  • 00:06:44.536 --> 00:06:46.271
  • Luke's gospel uses the phrase, "it came to pass."
  • 00:06:46.271 --> 00:06:49.541
  • So the idea is jesus was moving along at a pretty fast clip with
  • 00:06:49.541 --> 00:06:54.045
  • A purpose.
  • 00:06:54.045 --> 00:06:55.414
  • He knew exactly what he was saying when he claimed to be
  • 00:06:55.414 --> 00:06:58.950
  • Equal with the father.
  • 00:06:58.950 --> 00:07:00.652
  • He meant what he said, he said what he meant, bringing me to
  • 00:07:00.652 --> 00:07:04.156
  • Point number 2: as christians, we don't believe in coincidence.
  • 00:07:04.156 --> 00:07:08.560
  • We believe in providence, right?
  • 00:07:08.560 --> 00:07:11.730
  • Nor do we believe in luck.
  • 00:07:11.730 --> 00:07:13.799
  • Sometimes people will say, "boy, i'm lucky.
  • 00:07:13.799 --> 00:07:15.500
  • I'm--that's my lucky number."
  • 00:07:15.500 --> 00:07:17.502
  • I don't believe in luck.
  • 00:07:17.502 --> 00:07:19.371
  • I believe in providence.
  • 00:07:19.371 --> 00:07:20.705
  • What is providence?
  • 00:07:20.705 --> 00:07:22.073
  • It means ultimately that god is in control.
  • 00:07:22.073 --> 00:07:25.310
  • Even sometimes when events don't make sense, god is still
  • 00:07:25.310 --> 00:07:29.748
  • Working, and that's exactly what jesus was doing and he had an
  • 00:07:29.748 --> 00:07:33.552
  • Appointment with this particular man.
  • 00:07:33.552 --> 00:07:37.589
  • And so he sees this lonely individual, bringing me to point
  • 00:07:37.589 --> 00:07:41.793
  • Number 3: jesus seemed to be drawn to lonely people, drawn to
  • 00:07:41.793 --> 00:07:47.666
  • The people who had the greatest need.
  • 00:07:47.666 --> 00:07:50.402
  • This man had effectively been abandoned, and he had this
  • 00:07:50.402 --> 00:07:55.373
  • Loneliness inside and no matter who you are, no matter how much
  • 00:07:55.373 --> 00:07:58.477
  • Money you make or how many followers you have on social
  • 00:07:58.477 --> 00:08:01.713
  • Media or how famous you are or how infamous you are or if
  • 00:08:01.713 --> 00:08:06.084
  • You're unknown, you're still a lonely person deep down inside.
  • 00:08:06.084 --> 00:08:10.755
  • Bringing me to point number 4, the man in our story was just
  • 00:08:10.755 --> 00:08:15.160
  • Hoping for a miracle.
  • 00:08:15.160 --> 00:08:16.928
  • Now we read that he was waiting for the waters to be stirred.
  • 00:08:16.928 --> 00:08:20.499
  • There was a legend that an angel would sometimes appear, move the
  • 00:08:20.499 --> 00:08:26.471
  • Waters around, and if you were close to the water when this
  • 00:08:26.471 --> 00:08:29.040
  • Happened, you would get healed.
  • 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.375
  • There's no indication this is a true story.
  • 00:08:30.375 --> 00:08:32.911
  • It could have been true.
  • 00:08:32.911 --> 00:08:34.379
  • Maybe it happened once, but that's what this man was hoping
  • 00:08:34.379 --> 00:08:38.984
  • For, and he had been waiting a long time, 38 years, so he's an
  • 00:08:38.984 --> 00:08:43.488
  • Older guy, but he's hoping for a miracle in his own life, hoping
  • 00:08:43.488 --> 00:08:49.828
  • For something to happen to him.
  • 00:08:49.828 --> 00:08:53.064
  • You know, and it's interesting how we read that jesus saw
  • 00:08:53.064 --> 00:08:55.800
  • This man.
  • 00:08:55.800 --> 00:08:57.135
  • There were a lot of people there, a lot of hurting people
  • 00:08:57.135 --> 00:09:00.071
  • There, but jesus zeroed in on this one man, in particular,
  • 00:09:00.071 --> 00:09:05.110
  • This man that had this great need.
  • 00:09:05.110 --> 00:09:08.113
  • And it's worth noting that jesus didn't preach to everyone.
  • 00:09:08.113 --> 00:09:12.217
  • He preached to certain individuals.
  • 00:09:12.217 --> 00:09:14.753
  • He didn't heal everyone, he healed certain people.
  • 00:09:14.753 --> 00:09:19.558
  • And now he goes to this man and makes what i would say is
  • 00:09:19.558 --> 00:09:22.727
  • A provocative statement in verse 14.
  • 00:09:22.727 --> 00:09:25.196
  • "now you're well," after he heals him.
  • 00:09:25.196 --> 00:09:26.898
  • "now you're well, stop sinning or something even worse may
  • 00:09:26.898 --> 00:09:30.835
  • Happen to you."
  • 00:09:30.835 --> 00:09:32.604
  • This would indicate that this man's particular condition may
  • 00:09:32.604 --> 00:09:37.175
  • Have been a result of some kind of sin.
  • 00:09:37.175 --> 00:09:40.579
  • Now when i say that i'm not implying nor does the bible
  • 00:09:40.579 --> 00:09:43.214
  • Teach that if you're sick or you have a disability it's because
  • 00:09:43.214 --> 00:09:48.520
  • You committed a sin.
  • 00:09:48.520 --> 00:09:50.589
  • The reality is all sickness, aging, and all the other
  • 00:09:50.589 --> 00:09:55.594
  • Challenges we face in life are the result of sin in general,
  • 00:09:55.594 --> 00:10:00.131
  • You know, when our first parent sinned, adam and eve, a sin
  • 00:10:00.131 --> 00:10:04.202
  • Spread to all of the world.
  • 00:10:04.202 --> 00:10:07.238
  • As i've said before, if adam and eve had not sinned, we would
  • 00:10:07.238 --> 00:10:10.909
  • Never die.
  • 00:10:10.909 --> 00:10:12.277
  • If adam and eve had never sinned, we wouldn't get sick.
  • 00:10:12.277 --> 00:10:15.313
  • If adam and eve had never sinned, i would have a full head
  • 00:10:15.313 --> 00:10:18.049
  • Of hair.
  • 00:10:18.049 --> 00:10:19.384
  • See this.
  • 00:10:19.384 --> 00:10:20.919
  • So in a broad sense, all sickness and all things that
  • 00:10:20.919 --> 00:10:24.723
  • Happen to us of that nature are a result of sin in general but
  • 00:10:24.723 --> 00:10:28.393
  • It would appear that maybe there was something in particular with
  • 00:10:28.393 --> 00:10:32.263
  • This man.
  • 00:10:32.263 --> 00:10:33.598
  • You know, paul wrote to the members of the church in corinth
  • 00:10:33.598 --> 00:10:36.267
  • And said, "some of you have become sick and even died
  • 00:10:36.267 --> 00:10:39.704
  • Because of their sin."
  • 00:10:39.704 --> 00:10:41.673
  • The psalmist wrote, "before i was afflicted i went astray, but
  • 00:10:41.673 --> 00:10:44.976
  • Now i have kept your word."
  • 00:10:44.976 --> 00:10:46.544
  • So sometimes, god may allow sickness in your life to get
  • 00:10:46.544 --> 00:10:50.715
  • Your attention, bringing me to my next point, sometime god
  • 00:10:50.715 --> 00:10:55.787
  • Wants to heal us.
  • 00:10:55.787 --> 00:10:58.056
  • And he's just waiting for us to ask.
  • 00:10:58.056 --> 00:11:00.759
  • I'm not implying that god heals everyone because he doesn't.
  • 00:11:00.759 --> 00:11:03.962
  • Even the great apostle paul had some kind of a physical problem
  • 00:11:03.962 --> 00:11:07.799
  • He called his thorn in the flesh.
  • 00:11:07.799 --> 00:11:10.101
  • Three times he asked the lord to take it away.
  • 00:11:10.101 --> 00:11:12.337
  • God did not remove that problem.
  • 00:11:12.337 --> 00:11:15.373
  • But rather, said to him, "my grace is sufficient for you."
  • 00:11:15.373 --> 00:11:18.610
  • But on the other hand, there are many accounts in scripture where
  • 00:11:18.610 --> 00:11:21.846
  • People were healed instantaneously.
  • 00:11:21.846 --> 00:11:24.582
  • Sometimes it happens over a period of time.
  • 00:11:24.582 --> 00:11:27.085
  • There was one blind man that was healed and he could
  • 00:11:27.085 --> 00:11:30.021
  • Partially see.
  • 00:11:30.021 --> 00:11:31.356
  • He said, "i see mens like trees walking."
  • 00:11:31.356 --> 00:11:33.491
  • In other words, i'm getting my vision back, but it's not
  • 00:11:33.491 --> 00:11:36.261
  • Completely back.
  • 00:11:36.261 --> 00:11:37.595
  • So look, you may pray and say, "lord, would you heal me?"
  • 00:11:37.595 --> 00:11:39.998
  • And he may heal you just like that.
  • 00:11:39.998 --> 00:11:42.567
  • And then that healing may take place over a period of time, and
  • 00:11:42.567 --> 00:11:46.471
  • Then god can even work through a doctor or through a surgery or
  • 00:11:46.471 --> 00:11:50.075
  • Through medicine to bring about that healing.
  • 00:11:50.075 --> 00:11:52.343
  • Ultimately, i give him the glory for all of it, but i guarantee
  • 00:11:52.343 --> 00:11:56.881
  • I'm gonna ask for it.
  • 00:11:56.881 --> 00:11:59.150
  • The bible says: "you have not because you ask not."
  • 00:11:59.150 --> 00:12:02.253
  • And then jesus said, "ask and it shall be given, seek and ye
  • 00:12:02.253 --> 00:12:05.957
  • Shall find, knock and the door shall be opened."
  • 00:12:05.957 --> 00:12:09.227
  • And there's an ascending intensity in the verbs that
  • 00:12:09.227 --> 00:12:12.597
  • Christ used, implying that we should step up our game.
  • 00:12:12.597 --> 00:12:16.735
  • So first we're asking, then we're seeking, then we're
  • 00:12:16.735 --> 00:12:20.205
  • Knocking, so keep asking the lord.
  • 00:12:20.205 --> 00:12:23.808
  • Maybe it was the utter helplessness of this man that
  • 00:12:23.808 --> 00:12:26.711
  • Drew jesus to him.
  • 00:12:26.711 --> 00:12:29.514
  • Maybe he prayed a little prayer, "god, please send an angel for
  • 00:12:29.514 --> 00:12:34.886
  • Me to get me healed," and little did he know that god was gonna
  • 00:12:34.886 --> 00:12:38.456
  • Do something better than that.
  • 00:12:38.456 --> 00:12:40.658
  • He was gonna send his only begotten son to personally touch
  • 00:12:40.658 --> 00:12:44.195
  • This guy.
  • 00:12:44.195 --> 00:12:45.563
  • Did you know that god is able to do exceedingly above and beyond
  • 00:12:45.563 --> 00:12:49.267
  • That which you could ask or think?
  • 00:12:49.267 --> 00:12:51.569
  • Don't limit god with your prayers.
  • 00:12:51.569 --> 00:12:54.172
  • "lord, i have this financial need.
  • 00:12:54.172 --> 00:12:55.907
  • I ask you to meet it.
  • 00:12:55.907 --> 00:12:57.542
  • I need this amount of money."
  • 00:12:57.542 --> 00:12:59.744
  • I'll say, "lord, i have this financial need.
  • 00:12:59.744 --> 00:13:01.846
  • I ask you to meet it.
  • 00:13:01.846 --> 00:13:03.214
  • Please take care of it and you want to do even more, we--i
  • 00:13:03.214 --> 00:13:05.950
  • Welcome that too," whatever god wants to do.
  • 00:13:05.950 --> 00:13:08.887
  • We think god wants to withhold his blessing.
  • 00:13:08.887 --> 00:13:11.689
  • We think that god is stingy.
  • 00:13:11.689 --> 00:13:13.591
  • The very opposite is taught in scripture.
  • 00:13:13.591 --> 00:13:16.427
  • This guy wanted an angel to stir the water.
  • 00:13:16.427 --> 00:13:20.098
  • God wanted to send his only son to transform this man and stir
  • 00:13:20.098 --> 00:13:25.236
  • Up his life, in fact.
  • 00:13:25.236 --> 00:13:28.406
  • And maybe you identify with this guy, maybe you feel like you're
  • 00:13:28.406 --> 00:13:31.276
  • All alone, maybe your parents or maybe you've been divorced or
  • 00:13:31.276 --> 00:13:36.748
  • Maybe you're single and you're saying, "am i ever gonna find
  • 00:13:36.748 --> 00:13:40.819
  • Someone," but you know, deep down inside i think we have a
  • 00:13:40.819 --> 00:13:44.289
  • Loneliness for god.
  • 00:13:44.289 --> 00:13:46.558
  • And the bible speaks of a friend that sticks closer than a
  • 00:13:46.558 --> 00:13:50.028
  • Brother, and that friend is jesus christ, and jesus walks in
  • 00:13:50.028 --> 00:13:55.200
  • When others walk out.
  • 00:13:55.200 --> 00:13:57.936
  • Sometimes, friends disappoint us, sometimes family disappoints
  • 00:13:57.936 --> 00:14:02.207
  • Us, but jesus will not disappoint you.
  • 00:14:02.207 --> 00:14:05.810
  • And this man was in such great need.
  • 00:14:05.810 --> 00:14:07.912
  • He was helpless and hopeless.
  • 00:14:07.912 --> 00:14:11.416
  • We read that "crowds of sick people," verse 3, "were there,
  • 00:14:11.416 --> 00:14:14.953
  • Blind, lame, and paralyzed."
  • 00:14:14.953 --> 00:14:17.589
  • This word "paralyzed" could be translated without strength or
  • 00:14:17.589 --> 00:14:21.125
  • Another translation puts it, helpless and powerless.
  • 00:14:21.125 --> 00:14:25.363
  • That's how we all are before we come to christ.
  • 00:14:25.363 --> 00:14:27.599
  • We're just weak.
  • 00:14:27.599 --> 00:14:28.967
  • The bible says in romans 5: "those who are without
  • 00:14:28.967 --> 00:14:32.270
  • Strength," those are the ones that christ died for.
  • 00:14:32.270 --> 00:14:35.473
  • And sometimes people will say of christians, "you know, you
  • 00:14:35.473 --> 00:14:37.642
  • Christians, you turned to christ because you needed a crutch.
  • 00:14:37.642 --> 00:14:41.779
  • Christianity is a crutch."
  • 00:14:41.779 --> 00:14:44.048
  • My response is no, it's not a crutch, it's a whole hospital.
  • 00:14:44.048 --> 00:14:48.987
  • I need more than a crutch.
  • 00:14:48.987 --> 00:14:51.289
  • I'm not embarrassed to say that.
  • 00:14:51.289 --> 00:14:53.391
  • I need god's help.
  • 00:14:53.391 --> 00:14:54.726
  • By the way, you do too.
  • 00:14:54.726 --> 00:14:56.594
  • This man understood his great need for god.
  • 00:14:56.594 --> 00:14:59.497
  • You know, sometimes it's said: "well, 'god helps those who help
  • 00:14:59.497 --> 00:15:02.700
  • Themselves,' the good book says."
  • 00:15:02.700 --> 00:15:05.103
  • Well, i don't know what good book you're reading, but the
  • 00:15:05.103 --> 00:15:08.172
  • Bible doesn't say that.
  • 00:15:08.172 --> 00:15:10.308
  • Effectively, the bible says god helps those who can't help
  • 00:15:10.308 --> 00:15:14.779
  • Themselves, or even god helps the helpless.
  • 00:15:14.779 --> 00:15:18.616
  • So jesus saw this man and now asks him a poignant question:
  • 00:15:18.616 --> 00:15:25.556
  • "would you like to get well?"
  • 00:15:25.556 --> 00:15:29.294
  • What kind of thing is that to ask a man who's been sick for 38
  • 00:15:29.294 --> 00:15:32.664
  • Years and is in this sad situation?
  • 00:15:32.664 --> 00:15:35.366
  • "would you like to get well," but it's a valid question
  • 00:15:35.366 --> 00:15:39.203
  • Because not everyone wants to get well.
  • 00:15:39.203 --> 00:15:43.608
  • You know, some people like the lifestyle they've chosen.
  • 00:15:43.608 --> 00:15:47.078
  • Not every alcoholic wants to stop drinking.
  • 00:15:47.078 --> 00:15:50.381
  • Not every drug addict wants to stop using drugs.
  • 00:15:50.381 --> 00:15:53.952
  • Not every person living on the street wants to get off
  • 00:15:53.952 --> 00:15:56.421
  • The street.
  • 00:15:56.421 --> 00:15:57.755
  • You see, you can't help someone if they don't want your help.
  • 00:15:57.755 --> 00:16:01.259
  • And if they're not gonna make some effort on their part,
  • 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:04.796
  • Whatever you do to rehabilitate them or help them get on their
  • 00:16:04.796 --> 00:16:08.633
  • Feet again, may end with failure.
  • 00:16:08.633 --> 00:16:11.302
  • There has to be a willingness on their part as well.
  • 00:16:11.302 --> 00:16:13.938
  • Do you want to be healed?
  • 00:16:13.938 --> 00:16:16.808
  • Do you want to change your life?
  • 00:16:16.808 --> 00:16:19.510
  • Some people are comfortable in sin.
  • 00:16:19.510 --> 00:16:23.014
  • You know how sometimes when you're in bed, maybe you get out
  • 00:16:23.014 --> 00:16:25.516
  • Of bed and then you go back to your bed, you try to find that
  • 00:16:25.516 --> 00:16:28.219
  • Little warm spot you were in, right?
  • 00:16:28.219 --> 00:16:29.988
  • You know what i'm talking about, is it just me?
  • 00:16:29.988 --> 00:16:31.622
  • Oh, i found it, little warm spot.
  • 00:16:31.622 --> 00:16:34.258
  • That's how some people are in sin.
  • 00:16:34.258 --> 00:16:35.827
  • This is our little warm spot.
  • 00:16:35.827 --> 00:16:37.862
  • They're comfortable, they've grown used to the darkness.
  • 00:16:37.862 --> 00:16:41.799
  • The story is told from history of a prison that had a dungeon.
  • 00:16:41.799 --> 00:16:47.805
  • It was called the bastille, and they decided to destroy it
  • 00:16:47.805 --> 00:16:51.309
  • Because it had outlived its usefulness.
  • 00:16:51.309 --> 00:16:54.145
  • And there's this one prisoner who's been confined there for
  • 00:16:54.145 --> 00:16:57.348
  • Years, decades, and they said, "you're free.
  • 00:16:57.348 --> 00:17:00.785
  • You can leave the prison."
  • 00:17:00.785 --> 00:17:02.286
  • And this man came out of his dark cell into the blinding
  • 00:17:02.286 --> 00:17:05.790
  • Sunlight, he put his hand over his eyes and said, "please take
  • 00:17:05.790 --> 00:17:09.794
  • Me back to my prison cell.
  • 00:17:09.794 --> 00:17:11.896
  • That's how some people are.
  • 00:17:11.896 --> 00:17:13.231
  • They don't wanna leave their prison cell of sin or addiction
  • 00:17:13.231 --> 00:17:17.168
  • Or whatever it is.
  • 00:17:17.168 --> 00:17:18.503
  • Do you want to change?
  • 00:17:18.503 --> 00:17:21.239
  • Do you want to get well?
  • 00:17:21.239 --> 00:17:22.673
  • Do you really want your marriage healed?
  • 00:17:22.673 --> 00:17:25.076
  • Do you really want to be freed from dependency on drugs
  • 00:17:25.076 --> 00:17:27.745
  • Or alcohol?
  • 00:17:27.745 --> 00:17:29.113
  • Do you really wanna be free from your sexual sin?
  • 00:17:29.113 --> 00:17:31.682
  • Do you really want to be made well?
  • 00:17:31.682 --> 00:17:33.384
  • Do you really wanna change?
  • 00:17:33.384 --> 00:17:35.586
  • There's god's part and there's your part.
  • 00:17:35.586 --> 00:17:37.555
  • He says, "i can't, sir.
  • 00:17:37.555 --> 00:17:38.923
  • I have no one to help me get to the pool."
  • 00:17:38.923 --> 00:17:42.326
  • Jesus is like, "forget the pool.
  • 00:17:42.326 --> 00:17:46.464
  • You don't understand what's happening here, buddy," and i
  • 00:17:46.464 --> 00:17:49.534
  • Love what jesus says.
  • 00:17:49.534 --> 00:17:51.035
  • First of all, he asks the impossible.
  • 00:17:51.035 --> 00:17:53.237
  • Secondly, he removes all possibility for a relapse.
  • 00:17:53.237 --> 00:17:56.674
  • Thirdly, he expects continued success.
  • 00:17:56.674 --> 00:17:59.610
  • First, he asks the impossible, "pick up your sleeping mat
  • 00:17:59.610 --> 00:18:04.215
  • And walk."
  • 00:18:04.215 --> 00:18:06.217
  • And in this guy's defense, he goes for it.
  • 00:18:06.217 --> 00:18:08.586
  • He could have said, "i can't."
  • 00:18:08.586 --> 00:18:10.721
  • He says, "all right."
  • 00:18:10.721 --> 00:18:12.523
  • And all of a sudden, strength is restored to his feet and his
  • 00:18:12.523 --> 00:18:16.694
  • Legs and he stands up.
  • 00:18:16.694 --> 00:18:18.663
  • What an amazing thing.
  • 00:18:18.663 --> 00:18:20.598
  • So he did the impossible, but then jesus removes any
  • 00:18:20.598 --> 00:18:24.268
  • Possibility for a relapse: "don't--take it with you.
  • 00:18:24.268 --> 00:18:29.173
  • You're not coming back here again.
  • 00:18:29.173 --> 00:18:30.875
  • We're done with the pool.
  • 00:18:30.875 --> 00:18:33.311
  • We're done with this whole life.
  • 00:18:33.311 --> 00:18:35.346
  • It's a new life.
  • 00:18:35.346 --> 00:18:36.714
  • Put your old life behind you."
  • 00:18:36.714 --> 00:18:38.649
  • Here's a problem that some people have when they say
  • 00:18:38.649 --> 00:18:41.786
  • They're gonna become christians is they don't make a break with
  • 00:18:41.786 --> 00:18:44.856
  • The old life, and they don't make a break with the
  • 00:18:44.856 --> 00:18:47.925
  • Old friends.
  • 00:18:47.925 --> 00:18:49.927
  • I can tell you when i became a christian, i had some pretty
  • 00:18:49.927 --> 00:18:53.631
  • Low-life friends.
  • 00:18:53.631 --> 00:18:55.833
  • I had friends in low places.
  • 00:18:55.833 --> 00:18:59.337
  • And i had to completely break off my relationship with them
  • 00:18:59.337 --> 00:19:03.708
  • Because they would have drug me down so fast.
  • 00:19:03.708 --> 00:19:06.477
  • In fact, they even tried to immediately after they heard i'd
  • 00:19:06.477 --> 00:19:10.114
  • Become a christian.
  • 00:19:10.114 --> 00:19:11.449
  • And i had to make new friends and every christian needs to
  • 00:19:11.449 --> 00:19:15.386
  • Do this.
  • 00:19:15.386 --> 00:19:16.754
  • Your friends matter.
  • 00:19:16.754 --> 00:19:18.089
  • You show me your friends and i'll show you your future.
  • 00:19:18.089 --> 00:19:20.825
  • Someone says: "the happy man doesn't walk in the counsel of
  • 00:19:20.825 --> 00:19:24.562
  • The ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of
  • 00:19:24.562 --> 00:19:28.766
  • The scornful."
  • 00:19:28.766 --> 00:19:30.101
  • So, jesus is saying to this guy, "pick that thing up and walk.
  • 00:19:30.101 --> 00:19:34.305
  • You're out of here.
  • 00:19:34.305 --> 00:19:35.673
  • This is over with."
  • 00:19:35.673 --> 00:19:37.008
  • And i love that radical change that he made.
  • 00:19:37.008 --> 00:19:40.144
  • Here's an interesting story in the old testament.
  • 00:19:40.144 --> 00:19:42.914
  • It's the prophet elijah.
  • 00:19:42.914 --> 00:19:44.282
  • He's coming toward the end of his ministry, and he chooses
  • 00:19:44.282 --> 00:19:47.351
  • His successor.
  • 00:19:47.351 --> 00:19:49.020
  • His name is elisha, very similar names, sometimes they're
  • 00:19:49.020 --> 00:19:51.989
  • Confused, two guys, elijah, elisha.
  • 00:19:51.989 --> 00:19:55.026
  • So elijah sees elisha plowing, out in the field, and he throws
  • 00:19:55.026 --> 00:20:00.865
  • His garment on him, symbolically saying, "you're carrying on
  • 00:20:00.865 --> 00:20:05.236
  • For me."
  • 00:20:05.236 --> 00:20:06.571
  • And then elisha says, "hey, let me go back and say goodbye to
  • 00:20:06.571 --> 00:20:10.341
  • My family."
  • 00:20:10.341 --> 00:20:11.676
  • Elijah said, "hey, what is that to me?"
  • 00:20:11.676 --> 00:20:13.244
  • In other words, "dude, this is a privilege.
  • 00:20:13.244 --> 00:20:15.813
  • What are you doing?
  • 00:20:15.813 --> 00:20:17.181
  • You're gonna do this?
  • 00:20:17.181 --> 00:20:18.516
  • Come on, let's go, or don't."
  • 00:20:18.516 --> 00:20:20.384
  • And you know, he knew if that guy went back and said goodbye
  • 00:20:20.384 --> 00:20:23.020
  • To his family, he'd never return.
  • 00:20:23.020 --> 00:20:25.289
  • You ever try to leave a family reunion?
  • 00:20:25.289 --> 00:20:28.025
  • Takes really a long time.
  • 00:20:28.025 --> 00:20:30.161
  • Especially, if you haven't seen 'em for a while.
  • 00:20:30.161 --> 00:20:31.862
  • It's a big reunion, once every 5 years, so you're saying,
  • 00:20:31.862 --> 00:20:35.900
  • "well, i gotta go."
  • 00:20:35.900 --> 00:20:37.268
  • "oh, have one more piece of pie."
  • 00:20:37.268 --> 00:20:39.070
  • "let me tell you one more story," hugs and hugs and on
  • 00:20:39.070 --> 00:20:43.307
  • It goes.
  • 00:20:43.307 --> 00:20:44.675
  • I'm really good at leaving places.
  • 00:20:44.675 --> 00:20:47.545
  • I don't know if this is a skill or a bad trait, but when i'm
  • 00:20:47.545 --> 00:20:51.816
  • Ready to go, i'll say to my wife, "i'm leaving."
  • 00:20:51.816 --> 00:20:56.721
  • And i'll go to the host or hostess, "thank you so much for
  • 00:20:56.721 --> 00:21:00.057
  • Inviting me.
  • 00:21:00.057 --> 00:21:01.425
  • I'm sorry i have to go."
  • 00:21:01.425 --> 00:21:02.793
  • "okay, no problem."
  • 00:21:02.793 --> 00:21:04.161
  • I'm gone!
  • 00:21:04.161 --> 00:21:05.496
  • I'm driving home to get in my bed to find that
  • 00:21:05.496 --> 00:21:07.031
  • Little warm spot, right?
  • 00:21:07.031 --> 00:21:08.833
  • I wonder, "where's my wife?"
  • 00:21:08.833 --> 00:21:10.167
  • She's still there.
  • 00:21:10.167 --> 00:21:11.535
  • A week later, she's there still.
  • 00:21:11.535 --> 00:21:13.738
  • You need the jaws of life to extract cathe out of the
  • 00:21:13.738 --> 00:21:17.275
  • Social gathering.
  • 00:21:17.275 --> 00:21:19.143
  • She just goes and goes and talks and talks, and i've moved
  • 00:21:19.143 --> 00:21:23.047
  • On, okay?
  • 00:21:23.047 --> 00:21:25.349
  • And this is the idea.
  • 00:21:25.349 --> 00:21:26.717
  • There's a new testament counterpart to the story where
  • 00:21:26.717 --> 00:21:29.954
  • Jesus said to a man, "follow me."
  • 00:21:29.954 --> 00:21:32.556
  • He said, "let me go and bury my mother and father."
  • 00:21:32.556 --> 00:21:35.926
  • Jesus said, "let the dead bury the dead.
  • 00:21:35.926 --> 00:21:39.864
  • Follow me."
  • 00:21:39.864 --> 00:21:41.232
  • Now that sounds kinda heartless on the part of christ.
  • 00:21:41.232 --> 00:21:43.534
  • "let me bury my mother and father.
  • 00:21:43.534 --> 00:21:45.069
  • They just died and they're lying in the street dead."
  • 00:21:45.069 --> 00:21:47.438
  • "yeah, let them bury themselves.
  • 00:21:47.438 --> 00:21:48.806
  • Let's get out of here."
  • 00:21:48.806 --> 00:21:50.541
  • That's not what was going on.
  • 00:21:50.541 --> 00:21:52.276
  • That phrase, "let me bury my mother and father," was another
  • 00:21:52.276 --> 00:21:55.413
  • Way of saying, "let me wait till my mom and dad get old and
  • 00:21:55.413 --> 00:21:59.317
  • Eventually die, and when they're gone, then i'll follow you."
  • 00:21:59.317 --> 00:22:04.221
  • And jesus said, "you do that, you'll never follow me.
  • 00:22:04.221 --> 00:22:07.525
  • You know, it's time to make a break with the past."
  • 00:22:07.525 --> 00:22:09.393
  • Jesus said, "no man, having put his hand to the plow and looking
  • 00:22:09.393 --> 00:22:13.264
  • Back, is fit for the kingdom of god."
  • 00:22:13.264 --> 00:22:15.666
  • So he says to this man, "pick up your mat and walk, put this old
  • 00:22:15.666 --> 00:22:20.504
  • Life behind you and follow me."
  • 00:22:20.504 --> 00:22:24.308
  • But then jesus says to him, "get up and walk."
  • 00:22:24.308 --> 00:22:28.679
  • So now you're up, you gotta walk.
  • 00:22:28.679 --> 00:22:31.215
  • See, the christian life on more than one occasion is compared to
  • 00:22:31.215 --> 00:22:34.485
  • A walk.
  • 00:22:34.485 --> 00:22:35.886
  • Walk in the spirit, and you will not--will not fulfill the lust
  • 00:22:35.886 --> 00:22:40.591
  • Of the flesh.
  • 00:22:40.591 --> 00:22:41.926
  • "as you've received jesus christ as lord," the bible says, "so
  • 00:22:41.926 --> 00:22:45.396
  • Walk in him."
  • 00:22:45.396 --> 00:22:46.931
  • So there's god's part.
  • 00:22:46.931 --> 00:22:48.265
  • He'll save you, he'll heal you.
  • 00:22:48.265 --> 00:22:50.101
  • Now you've got to walk.
  • 00:22:50.101 --> 00:22:51.469
  • Every day, you've gotta walk spiritually, and sometimes
  • 00:22:51.469 --> 00:22:55.106
  • People say, "well, i tried christianity and it didn't work
  • 00:22:55.106 --> 00:22:58.409
  • For me."
  • 00:22:58.409 --> 00:22:59.744
  • Listen, i suggest you didn't do your part.
  • 00:22:59.744 --> 00:23:02.880
  • He does his part.
  • 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:04.482
  • Did you take it seriously?
  • 00:23:04.482 --> 00:23:06.617
  • Did you start reading your bible?
  • 00:23:06.617 --> 00:23:08.853
  • Did you develop a prayer life?
  • 00:23:08.853 --> 00:23:10.855
  • Did you become a part of church?
  • 00:23:10.855 --> 00:23:13.791
  • See, a lot of people don't do anything.
  • 00:23:13.791 --> 00:23:15.226
  • It reminds of people that go to gyms and they never lose
  • 00:23:15.226 --> 00:23:19.063
  • Weight and never get in shape.
  • 00:23:19.063 --> 00:23:20.398
  • Well, they get in a shape, but it's like the shape of a pear,
  • 00:23:20.398 --> 00:23:24.969
  • And people call them "the lord's pear," which no one wants--you
  • 00:23:24.969 --> 00:23:28.839
  • Don't want someone to call you the lord's pear.
  • 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:33.377
  • But when you look at them, they never work out, they just sit
  • 00:23:33.377 --> 00:23:35.813
  • Around and talk all day or eat donuts.
  • 00:23:35.813 --> 00:23:38.983
  • "i go to the gym three days a week, why don't i--
  • 00:23:38.983 --> 00:23:42.119
  • You know, why am i not in better shape?"
  • 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:43.454
  • Because you go to the gym and don't do anything.
  • 00:23:43.454 --> 00:23:45.589
  • You see, there's your part, and a lot of people
  • 00:23:45.589 --> 00:23:48.526
  • Don't do their part.
  • 00:23:48.526 --> 00:23:50.261
  • Closing thought.
  • 00:23:50.261 --> 00:23:51.896
  • All around us are people who are lonely, who are hurting, that
  • 00:23:51.896 --> 00:23:56.400
  • Need someone to reach out to them.
  • 00:23:56.400 --> 00:23:58.669
  • See, jesus saw this guy, and we need to see these people,
  • 00:23:58.669 --> 00:24:01.605
  • They're everywhere.
  • 00:24:01.605 --> 00:24:03.207
  • Sometimes you see them in church, maybe they're
  • 00:24:03.207 --> 00:24:05.476
  • Sitting alone.
  • 00:24:05.476 --> 00:24:06.811
  • "hey, i noticed you're alone, is this your first time here?"
  • 00:24:06.811 --> 00:24:09.480
  • Maybe it is.
  • 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.815
  • "do you know anybody?
  • 00:24:10.815 --> 00:24:12.316
  • Would you like to go out with us?
  • 00:24:12.316 --> 00:24:13.684
  • We're gonna get a bite to eat after church.
  • 00:24:13.684 --> 00:24:15.453
  • Why don't you join us?
  • 00:24:15.453 --> 00:24:16.787
  • Hey, are you in a small group?
  • 00:24:16.787 --> 00:24:18.556
  • Good to meet you."
  • 00:24:18.556 --> 00:24:19.924
  • And next time you see them, you remember their name, you reach
  • 00:24:19.924 --> 00:24:22.426
  • Out to them.
  • 00:24:22.426 --> 00:24:23.794
  • See, that's so important to do and when you're just out and
  • 00:24:23.794 --> 00:24:26.263
  • About in life, you see someone, they're upset, they're hurting,
  • 00:24:26.263 --> 00:24:29.467
  • Maybe they're crying, "is everything okay?"
  • 00:24:29.467 --> 00:24:32.269
  • "well, i'm--i just found this news out."
  • 00:24:32.269 --> 00:24:34.438
  • "oh really?
  • 00:24:34.438 --> 00:24:35.806
  • Well, listen, i'm a christian and i believe in the power
  • 00:24:35.806 --> 00:24:37.975
  • Of prayer.
  • 00:24:37.975 --> 00:24:39.310
  • Can i pray for you?"
  • 00:24:39.310 --> 00:24:40.644
  • You wanna know something?
  • 00:24:40.644 --> 00:24:42.012
  • Most people will not say no to your offer of prayer.
  • 00:24:42.012 --> 00:24:45.649
  • Even non-believers, "can i pray for you?"
  • 00:24:45.649 --> 00:24:48.652
  • "okay."
  • 00:24:48.652 --> 00:24:50.354
  • Now, it might be a little awkward for them, but that's
  • 00:24:50.354 --> 00:24:52.456
  • Okay, pray for them.
  • 00:24:52.456 --> 00:24:54.058
  • See, show them you care.
  • 00:24:54.058 --> 00:24:56.460
  • People don't care how much you know until they know how much
  • 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:59.163
  • You care.
  • 00:24:59.163 --> 00:25:00.664
  • And i think sometimes we're thinking about how we're gonna
  • 00:25:00.664 --> 00:25:02.633
  • Argue people into the kingdom of god.
  • 00:25:02.633 --> 00:25:04.902
  • You might be surprised to find how far a gesture of kindness
  • 00:25:04.902 --> 00:25:09.073
  • Will go.
  • 00:25:09.073 --> 00:25:10.474
  • "hey, can i help you?
  • 00:25:10.474 --> 00:25:11.976
  • Can i reach out to you?"
  • 00:25:11.976 --> 00:25:13.344
  • That's what jesus did for this man.
  • 00:25:13.344 --> 00:25:15.379
  • He saw him.
  • 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:16.780
  • We need to see people as god sees them, as sheep without
  • 00:25:16.780 --> 00:25:21.685
  • A shepherd, as people that need a savior.
  • 00:25:21.685 --> 00:25:25.489
  • They're all around us.
  • 00:25:25.489 --> 00:25:28.526
  • Greg: have you watched the news lately?
  • 00:25:32.396 --> 00:25:33.931
  • It seems like the world is coming apart.
  • 00:25:33.931 --> 00:25:36.800
  • War in the middle east, instability all around us.
  • 00:25:36.800 --> 00:25:40.871
  • And i'm telling you right now, the bible predicted these things
  • 00:25:40.871 --> 00:25:44.241
  • Would happen in the last days.
  • 00:25:44.241 --> 00:25:46.176
  • But here's what you need to remember.
  • 00:25:46.176 --> 00:25:47.945
  • Jesus said, "when you see these things begin to happen, look up
  • 00:25:47.945 --> 00:25:52.182
  • For your redemption is drawing near."
  • 00:25:52.182 --> 00:25:54.351
  • He didn't say, "freak out."
  • 00:25:54.351 --> 00:25:55.753
  • He said, "look up."
  • 00:25:55.753 --> 00:25:58.088
  • I want you to know that i've read the last page of the bible
  • 00:25:58.155 --> 00:26:01.158
  • And we win in the end.
  • 00:26:01.158 --> 00:26:02.893
  • We need hope in this crazy, hopeless world, in this world of
  • 00:26:02.893 --> 00:26:06.830
  • Chaos and confusion.
  • 00:26:06.830 --> 00:26:08.632
  • Jesus christ has everything you're looking for in a
  • 00:26:08.632 --> 00:26:12.336
  • Relationship with him.
  • 00:26:12.336 --> 00:26:14.738
  • I encourage you to call out to the lord and ask him to come
  • 00:26:14.738 --> 00:26:18.475
  • Into your life.
  • 00:26:18.475 --> 00:26:20.144
  • Let me send you at no charge, a bible to help you get started in
  • 00:26:20.144 --> 00:26:24.882
  • Your new relationship with christ.
  • 00:26:24.882 --> 00:26:27.318
  • Greg: you know, when you say to a new believer, "start reading
  • 00:26:31.055 --> 00:26:34.291
  • The bible," but they don't know where to start, do they?
  • 00:26:34.291 --> 00:26:37.628
  • So, we have a special edition of the bible
  • 00:26:37.628 --> 00:26:41.265
  • Called the new believer's bible.
  • 00:26:41.265 --> 00:26:43.434
  • I wrote thousands of notes for it, and i sort of see it as what
  • 00:26:43.434 --> 00:26:48.138
  • I would do if i was sitting down with a person over a cup of
  • 00:26:48.138 --> 00:26:51.108
  • Coffee and explaining the basics of the christian life to them.
  • 00:26:51.108 --> 00:26:56.146
  • There's over 10 million copies of this bible in print, but
  • 00:26:56.146 --> 00:26:59.883
  • Here's the exciting news.
  • 00:26:59.883 --> 00:27:01.819
  • We have personally given out 700,000 of these at no charge to
  • 00:27:01.819 --> 00:27:06.924
  • People to help them in their spiritual journey.
  • 00:27:06.924 --> 00:27:10.961
  • So, we need your help to keep doing this, so let's invest in
  • 00:27:10.961 --> 00:27:15.566
  • The spiritual future of people that are going to come to christ
  • 00:27:15.566 --> 00:27:19.336
  • Who will get a copy of the new believer's bible for themself.
  • 00:27:19.336 --> 00:27:23.273
  • Thank you for your financial support.
  • 00:27:23.273 --> 00:27:25.309
  • Together, we can change lives.
  • 00:27:25.309 --> 00:27:25.309