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Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie - Is Jesus Coming Back Again?

February 4, 2025 | 27:29

Greg Laurie - Is Jesus Coming Back Again?
Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.
#GregLaurie #God'sWill #Revelation #Religion #Jesus #Timing #Patience #WaitingonGod #Plan #Prophecy #EndTimes #ReturnofChrist #LastDays #SecondComing #HarvestwithPastorGregLaurie #Eschatology

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Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - Is Jesus Coming Back Again? | February 4, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.343
  • Greg laurie: now, sometimes we may feel
  • 00:00:03.947 --> 00:00:05.148
  • As though jesus is overdue.
  • 00:00:05.281 --> 00:00:07.717
  • "hey lord," we ask, "have you looked
  • 00:00:07.851 --> 00:00:09.886
  • Around at this crazy world?
  • 00:00:10.020 --> 00:00:10.487
  • Have you seen how wicked things have become?"
  • 00:00:11.921 --> 00:00:14.124
  • The lord is fully aware of that.
  • 00:00:14.124 --> 00:00:16.426
  • "lord, why have you not come back?"
  • 00:00:16.426 --> 00:00:17.961
  • The lord would say, "because i'm waiting.
  • 00:00:17.961 --> 00:00:20.296
  • I'm waiting for more people to believe.
  • 00:00:20.296 --> 00:00:22.899
  • I'm waiting for people to put their faith in me
  • 00:00:22.899 --> 00:00:25.502
  • Before i bring judgment upon this earth."
  • 00:00:25.502 --> 00:00:29.205
  • ♪ this is the day, ♪
  • 00:00:32.609 --> 00:00:35.011
  • ♪ the day when life begins. ♪
  • 00:00:35.011 --> 00:00:40.150
  • ♪ this is the day, ♪
  • 00:00:40.150 --> 00:00:42.752
  • ♪ the day when life begins. ♪♪
  • 00:00:42.752 --> 00:00:47.290
  • Greg: so i heard a story about an elderly couple that
  • 00:00:49.859 --> 00:00:53.463
  • Went to bed one night, and i'm not gonna say what an elderly
  • 00:00:53.463 --> 00:00:56.866
  • Couple is, right, but they're old, they're old.
  • 00:00:56.866 --> 00:01:00.303
  • And just as they were getting ready to turn out the lights,
  • 00:01:00.303 --> 00:01:03.940
  • The wife said, "honey, i wish i could have a hot fudge sundae
  • 00:01:03.940 --> 00:01:08.745
  • But we don't have any of the things we need.
  • 00:01:08.745 --> 00:01:10.847
  • Would you be a dear and go to the market and get it for me?"
  • 00:01:10.847 --> 00:01:13.516
  • He goes, "okay dear, i'll do it."
  • 00:01:13.516 --> 00:01:15.652
  • "vanilla ice cream, don't forget vanilla ice cream.
  • 00:01:15.652 --> 00:01:18.354
  • Write it down, you always forget."
  • 00:01:18.354 --> 00:01:20.256
  • He says, "i won't forget, vanilla ice cream."
  • 00:01:20.256 --> 00:01:22.225
  • "with chocolate sauce, actually hot fudge.
  • 00:01:22.225 --> 00:01:24.427
  • Don't forget it, write it down." "i got it.
  • 00:01:24.427 --> 00:01:26.396
  • Vanilla ice cream, hot fudge." "with whipped cream.
  • 00:01:26.396 --> 00:01:28.998
  • Don't forget the whipped cream." "okay, i got it.
  • 00:01:28.998 --> 00:01:31.134
  • Vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream."
  • 00:01:31.134 --> 00:01:33.236
  • "oh honey, with a cherry on top.
  • 00:01:33.236 --> 00:01:35.371
  • Don't forget, write it down, you always forget."
  • 00:01:35.371 --> 00:01:38.108
  • He says, "i won't forget.
  • 00:01:38.108 --> 00:01:39.742
  • Vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped
  • 00:01:39.742 --> 00:01:41.878
  • Cream, cherry on top, got it".
  • 00:01:41.878 --> 00:01:43.680
  • So he went to the market, came back about a half hour
  • 00:01:43.680 --> 00:01:45.915
  • Later and threw a ham sandwich on the bed.
  • 00:01:45.915 --> 00:01:49.219
  • She opened it up and said, "i told you to
  • 00:01:49.219 --> 00:01:51.187
  • Write it down, you forgot the mustard."
  • 00:01:51.187 --> 00:01:55.658
  • Get it? are you elderly?
  • 00:01:55.658 --> 00:01:58.328
  • What's happening here?
  • 00:01:58.328 --> 00:02:00.196
  • Okay, so it's fun to lose your mind
  • 00:02:00.196 --> 00:02:03.032
  • When you do it together, right?
  • 00:02:03.032 --> 00:02:05.435
  • I've often said that kathy and i--and we've been married now
  • 00:02:05.435 --> 00:02:08.571
  • 50 years, so that's a celebration for us.
  • 00:02:08.571 --> 00:02:13.977
  • And our church is celebrating 50 years of ministry,
  • 00:02:13.977 --> 00:02:16.813
  • So two milestones at the same time, but
  • 00:02:16.813 --> 00:02:19.582
  • I've often said between us, kathy and i,
  • 00:02:19.582 --> 00:02:22.352
  • We have one single functioning brain.
  • 00:02:22.352 --> 00:02:25.522
  • It's amazing how i'll remember half of
  • 00:02:25.522 --> 00:02:27.690
  • Something and she'll remember the other half.
  • 00:02:27.690 --> 00:02:30.927
  • Sometimes when i'm telling a story, she'll interrupt me and
  • 00:02:30.927 --> 00:02:34.030
  • Say, "that's not the way it happened."
  • 00:02:34.030 --> 00:02:36.032
  • I'll say, "kathy, you weren't even there.
  • 00:02:36.032 --> 00:02:38.501
  • I was there."
  • 00:02:38.501 --> 00:02:39.836
  • She says, "yeah, but the first time you told
  • 00:02:39.836 --> 00:02:41.171
  • Me the story, you told it differently."
  • 00:02:41.171 --> 00:02:43.873
  • And you know what? she's right about that.
  • 00:02:43.873 --> 00:02:45.875
  • So sometimes we forget things but god never forgets anything.
  • 00:02:45.875 --> 00:02:51.047
  • He knows the past, he remembers every detail of
  • 00:02:51.047 --> 00:02:54.184
  • The past, but he also knows the future.
  • 00:02:54.184 --> 00:02:57.387
  • Our life is a continuum to him.
  • 00:02:57.387 --> 00:02:59.689
  • Past to god is present, future is past.
  • 00:02:59.689 --> 00:03:03.293
  • Therefore, when god predicts the future, it's not as though he's
  • 00:03:03.293 --> 00:03:08.097
  • Going out on a limb, it would be like us speaking of the past but
  • 00:03:08.097 --> 00:03:12.168
  • More accurately because we do forget the past.
  • 00:03:12.168 --> 00:03:15.738
  • And so we look at bible prophecy.
  • 00:03:15.738 --> 00:03:18.508
  • What is bible prophecy?
  • 00:03:18.508 --> 00:03:20.443
  • It's basically god revealing history in advance.
  • 00:03:20.443 --> 00:03:24.781
  • Did you know that the scripture oozes with the return of christ?
  • 00:03:24.781 --> 00:03:29.686
  • Twenty seven to thirty three percent
  • 00:03:29.686 --> 00:03:31.854
  • Of the bible is prophecy.
  • 00:03:31.854 --> 00:03:34.157
  • And more than 10,000 of the 31,102 verses
  • 00:03:34.157 --> 00:03:38.628
  • In the bible contain prophecy, and half
  • 00:03:38.628 --> 00:03:41.397
  • Of those have already been fulfilled.
  • 00:03:41.397 --> 00:03:44.167
  • That's not a small down payment.
  • 00:03:44.167 --> 00:03:46.069
  • So what was once the future but is now the past because these
  • 00:03:46.069 --> 00:03:50.006
  • Prophecies have been fulfilled, that's happened so now when we
  • 00:03:50.006 --> 00:03:53.610
  • Look at the other ones that have not been fulfilled,
  • 00:03:53.610 --> 00:03:56.446
  • We know we can take it to the bank and it's
  • 00:03:56.446 --> 00:03:59.182
  • Going to happen exactly as god has said.
  • 00:03:59.182 --> 00:04:02.719
  • But as we learn these things there's a reason for it and it
  • 00:04:02.719 --> 00:04:06.723
  • Should have a purifying effect on our lives spiritually.
  • 00:04:06.723 --> 00:04:10.893
  • 1 john 3:2 says, "beloved, now we're the children of god;
  • 00:04:10.893 --> 00:04:14.564
  • It has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but when he's
  • 00:04:14.564 --> 00:04:17.200
  • Revealed, we shall be like him, for we will see him as he is."
  • 00:04:17.200 --> 00:04:21.671
  • Then it goes on to say, "and he that has this
  • 00:04:21.671 --> 00:04:23.906
  • Hope purifies himself, even as he is pure."
  • 00:04:23.906 --> 00:04:28.878
  • So if i really understand bible prophecy as i ought to, it
  • 00:04:28.878 --> 00:04:33.249
  • Should cause me to want to live a more godly life.
  • 00:04:33.249 --> 00:04:36.886
  • Heard a story of a old dude who was out fishing,
  • 00:04:36.886 --> 00:04:40.390
  • And he's waiting for a bite, and he suddenly
  • 00:04:40.390 --> 00:04:41.958
  • Hears a voice say to him, "hey, you."
  • 00:04:41.958 --> 00:04:44.160
  • He looks around, "who said that?"
  • 00:04:44.160 --> 00:04:45.495
  • Didn't see anyone. must have been hearing things.
  • 00:04:45.495 --> 00:04:48.231
  • Moment passes, he hears it again.
  • 00:04:48.231 --> 00:04:50.166
  • "hey, you, pick me up and kiss me and
  • 00:04:50.166 --> 00:04:52.802
  • I'll become a beautiful princess."
  • 00:04:52.802 --> 00:04:54.637
  • "who said that?" he didn't see anybody.
  • 00:04:54.637 --> 00:04:57.006
  • Then the third time he hears the voice say, "hey, you, pick me up
  • 00:04:57.006 --> 00:05:00.643
  • And kiss me and i'll become a beautiful princess."
  • 00:05:00.643 --> 00:05:03.212
  • And he realizes it's a frog who says for the fourth time, "pick
  • 00:05:03.212 --> 00:05:07.583
  • Me up and kiss me and i'll become a beautiful princess."
  • 00:05:07.583 --> 00:05:11.254
  • The old man picked up the frog and
  • 00:05:11.254 --> 00:05:12.722
  • Gently tucked it into his pocket.
  • 00:05:12.722 --> 00:05:15.024
  • The frog said, "did you hear what i said?
  • 00:05:15.024 --> 00:05:16.926
  • I said, kiss me and i become a beautiful princess."
  • 00:05:16.926 --> 00:05:20.463
  • The old man said, "at my age, i'd rather have a talking frog."
  • 00:05:20.463 --> 00:05:26.736
  • We can be like that, miss the point, right?
  • 00:05:26.736 --> 00:05:31.374
  • Let's not miss the point of the
  • 00:05:31.374 --> 00:05:33.176
  • Study of last things of eschatology.
  • 00:05:33.176 --> 00:05:37.213
  • It should cause us to want to live a godly life.
  • 00:05:37.213 --> 00:05:40.750
  • So, let's look at james chapter 5, because we're gonna discover
  • 00:05:40.750 --> 00:05:44.821
  • Five takeaway truths on how to live as a last days believer.
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  • James 5, i'm starting at verse 7.
  • 00:05:50.793 --> 00:05:52.929
  • "dear brothers and sisters, be patient
  • 00:05:52.929 --> 00:05:55.898
  • As you wait for the lord's return.
  • 00:05:55.898 --> 00:05:57.867
  • Consider the farmers who patiently look for
  • 00:05:57.867 --> 00:06:00.203
  • The rains in the fall and in the spring.
  • 00:06:00.203 --> 00:06:02.572
  • They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to reap.
  • 00:06:02.572 --> 00:06:05.908
  • You, too, must be patient.
  • 00:06:05.908 --> 00:06:07.677
  • Take courage, for the coming of the lord is near.
  • 00:06:07.677 --> 00:06:10.613
  • Don't grumble about each other, brothers
  • 00:06:10.613 --> 00:06:12.782
  • And sisters, or you will be judged.
  • 00:06:12.782 --> 00:06:14.984
  • For look--the judge is standing at the door!
  • 00:06:14.984 --> 00:06:18.588
  • For examples of patience in suffering,
  • 00:06:18.588 --> 00:06:20.690
  • Dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets
  • 00:06:20.690 --> 00:06:23.693
  • Who spoke in the name of the lord.
  • 00:06:23.693 --> 00:06:25.395
  • We give honor to those who endure under suffering.
  • 00:06:25.395 --> 00:06:28.831
  • For instance, you know about job, a man of great endurance.
  • 00:06:28.831 --> 00:06:32.001
  • You can see how the lord was kind to him at the end, for the
  • 00:06:32.001 --> 00:06:34.737
  • Lord is full of tenderness and mercy."
  • 00:06:34.737 --> 00:06:38.174
  • So if you're taking notes, here's point number one,
  • 00:06:38.174 --> 00:06:41.677
  • Something you need to be doing as a
  • 00:06:41.677 --> 00:06:44.046
  • Believer waiting for the return of christ.
  • 00:06:44.046 --> 00:06:46.849
  • Be patient.
  • 00:06:46.849 --> 00:06:48.551
  • Point number one, be patient.
  • 00:06:48.551 --> 00:06:50.853
  • Look at verse 7, "dear brothers and sisters, be
  • 00:06:50.853 --> 00:06:54.157
  • Patient as you wait for the lord's return."
  • 00:06:54.157 --> 00:06:57.960
  • The word used here for patience is not speaking of a passive
  • 00:06:57.960 --> 00:07:01.998
  • Resignation but rather a patient expectant waiting on the lord.
  • 00:07:01.998 --> 00:07:08.671
  • Sort of like the way you felt when you were a
  • 00:07:08.671 --> 00:07:11.107
  • Young person and christmas day was coming,
  • 00:07:11.107 --> 00:07:14.076
  • You could hardly wait to open up your presents.
  • 00:07:14.076 --> 00:07:17.113
  • That's how we should be watching and waiting.
  • 00:07:17.113 --> 00:07:20.716
  • The problem is some believers are spiritually asleep and paul
  • 00:07:20.716 --> 00:07:24.887
  • Deals with this attitude in romans 13.
  • 00:07:24.887 --> 00:07:27.657
  • And he says, "understand this present time.
  • 00:07:27.657 --> 00:07:30.493
  • The hour has come for you to wake up from your sleep because
  • 00:07:30.493 --> 00:07:35.164
  • Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
  • 00:07:35.164 --> 00:07:38.067
  • The night is nearly over, the day is almost here."
  • 00:07:38.067 --> 00:07:42.872
  • So he's saying, "wake up, man, pay attention.
  • 00:07:42.872 --> 00:07:46.943
  • Be looking forward to the return of the lord."
  • 00:07:46.943 --> 00:07:50.179
  • And by the way, this word used for
  • 00:07:50.179 --> 00:07:51.514
  • Wait means to look expectantly.
  • 00:07:51.514 --> 00:07:54.083
  • The farmer who patiently waits.
  • 00:07:54.083 --> 00:07:57.787
  • And we have to have that patience as well.
  • 00:07:57.787 --> 00:07:59.722
  • And that's not easy in our culture today.
  • 00:07:59.722 --> 00:08:01.991
  • We don't like to wait for anything.
  • 00:08:01.991 --> 00:08:03.826
  • We don't like to deprive ourselves.
  • 00:08:03.826 --> 00:08:06.362
  • And so when we look at things like the return of
  • 00:08:06.362 --> 00:08:08.464
  • The lord, we think, well, the lord seems late but
  • 00:08:08.464 --> 00:08:11.434
  • God is never late, god is always on time.
  • 00:08:11.434 --> 00:08:15.104
  • The bible says, "when the time was just right, god sent forth
  • 00:08:15.104 --> 00:08:19.041
  • His son, born of a woman, made under the
  • 00:08:19.041 --> 00:08:21.410
  • Law to redeem those that are under the law."
  • 00:08:21.410 --> 00:08:24.747
  • So really what it's saying is, when the time is just right, god
  • 00:08:24.747 --> 00:08:27.817
  • Sent his son jesus christ to be born in the manger of bethlehem.
  • 00:08:27.817 --> 00:08:33.523
  • And when the time is just right, jesus
  • 00:08:33.523 --> 00:08:36.259
  • Christ will come back again.
  • 00:08:36.259 --> 00:08:39.195
  • Now sometimes we may feel as though jesus is overdue.
  • 00:08:39.195 --> 00:08:42.899
  • "hey lord," we ask, "have you looked
  • 00:08:42.899 --> 00:08:44.934
  • Around at this crazy world?
  • 00:08:44.934 --> 00:08:47.136
  • Have you seen how wicked things have become?"
  • 00:08:47.136 --> 00:08:49.305
  • The lord is fully aware of that.
  • 00:08:49.305 --> 00:08:51.641
  • In fact, in the book of genesis, when there was so much evil on
  • 00:08:51.641 --> 00:08:55.111
  • The earth that wickedness stunk effectively to high heaven and
  • 00:08:55.111 --> 00:08:59.215
  • God intervened, god is aware, but god's waiting for something.
  • 00:08:59.215 --> 00:09:03.853
  • Or maybe i should say he's waiting for someone.
  • 00:09:03.853 --> 00:09:06.789
  • You say, "what are you talking about?"
  • 00:09:06.789 --> 00:09:08.157
  • 2 peter 3:9 says, "the lord is not late as some men count
  • 00:09:08.157 --> 00:09:12.895
  • Lateness, he is longsuffering toward us."
  • 00:09:12.895 --> 00:09:15.665
  • Listen, "not willing that any should perish,
  • 00:09:15.665 --> 00:09:18.401
  • But that all should come to repentance."
  • 00:09:18.401 --> 00:09:21.404
  • "lord, why have you not come back?"
  • 00:09:21.404 --> 00:09:23.039
  • The lord would say, "because i'm waiting.
  • 00:09:23.039 --> 00:09:25.274
  • I'm waiting for more people to believe, i'm
  • 00:09:25.274 --> 00:09:28.144
  • Waiting for people to put their faith in me
  • 00:09:28.144 --> 00:09:30.446
  • Before i bring judgment upon this earth."
  • 00:09:30.446 --> 00:09:34.550
  • So number one, be patient.
  • 00:09:34.550 --> 00:09:35.918
  • Number two, as much as possible, stand
  • 00:09:35.918 --> 00:09:39.322
  • In unity with fellow christians.
  • 00:09:39.322 --> 00:09:41.991
  • As much as possible, stand in
  • 00:09:41.991 --> 00:09:44.060
  • Unity with your fellow christians.
  • 00:09:44.060 --> 00:09:45.962
  • Look at verse 9, "don't grumble about each
  • 00:09:45.962 --> 00:09:48.397
  • Other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged.
  • 00:09:48.397 --> 00:09:51.467
  • For look, the judge is standing at the door."
  • 00:09:51.467 --> 00:09:54.604
  • Don't complain about other believers,
  • 00:09:54.604 --> 00:09:56.505
  • Go to them and try to help them.
  • 00:09:56.505 --> 00:09:58.908
  • This phrase here, to grumble about each other,
  • 00:09:58.908 --> 00:10:01.410
  • Means to groan from within oneself.
  • 00:10:01.410 --> 00:10:05.014
  • It describes someone who has a bitter attitude.
  • 00:10:05.014 --> 00:10:08.317
  • These are the people that are always
  • 00:10:08.317 --> 00:10:09.885
  • Complaining and always criticizing.
  • 00:10:09.885 --> 00:10:12.922
  • They think they have the spiritual gift of criticism.
  • 00:10:12.922 --> 00:10:17.293
  • That's not a spiritual gift, by the way.
  • 00:10:17.293 --> 00:10:20.496
  • But always tearing others down.
  • 00:10:20.496 --> 00:10:22.198
  • Don't be that person.
  • 00:10:22.198 --> 00:10:24.000
  • I find today that people are so quick to
  • 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:26.102
  • Talk about someone instead of talk to someone.
  • 00:10:26.102 --> 00:10:30.072
  • There's so much false information out there,
  • 00:10:30.072 --> 00:10:32.241
  • Especially on social media, especially on twitter,
  • 00:10:32.241 --> 00:10:35.611
  • Which i guess is now called x.
  • 00:10:35.611 --> 00:10:38.314
  • So, i don't know, do we no longer tweet?
  • 00:10:38.314 --> 00:10:40.282
  • Do we x? i'm not sure how that works out.
  • 00:10:40.282 --> 00:10:43.019
  • But people will just say anything on twitter,
  • 00:10:43.019 --> 00:10:46.288
  • And people will retweet it and they'll repeat it and believe it
  • 00:10:46.288 --> 00:10:49.692
  • As though it's gospel truth, and a lot
  • 00:10:49.692 --> 00:10:51.293
  • Of times these things are simply not true at all.
  • 00:10:51.293 --> 00:10:54.530
  • I'll even see christians attacking one another.
  • 00:10:54.530 --> 00:10:57.066
  • The bible actually forbids that.
  • 00:10:57.066 --> 00:10:59.268
  • Talk to each other.
  • 00:10:59.268 --> 00:11:01.203
  • Make sure that you even understand the other person's
  • 00:11:01.203 --> 00:11:03.606
  • Position before you publicly criticize them.
  • 00:11:03.606 --> 00:11:07.777
  • In matthew 18 jesus says, "if another believer sins against
  • 00:11:07.777 --> 00:11:11.080
  • You, go privately and point out the offense.
  • 00:11:11.080 --> 00:11:14.684
  • And if they listen and confess it, you won the person back."
  • 00:11:14.684 --> 00:11:18.888
  • Listen, don't be the person that tears others
  • 00:11:18.888 --> 00:11:22.091
  • Down, be the person that builds others up.
  • 00:11:22.091 --> 00:11:26.529
  • And this is what the bible is saying to us.
  • 00:11:26.529 --> 00:11:28.698
  • Now, number three, be aware of the afterlife.
  • 00:11:28.698 --> 00:11:33.135
  • So as you live in this life, be aware always of the afterlife.
  • 00:11:33.135 --> 00:11:37.606
  • Look at verse 9, "or you will be judged.
  • 00:11:37.606 --> 00:11:40.710
  • For look, the judge is standing at the door."
  • 00:11:40.710 --> 00:11:43.979
  • Judgment is coming to the world, judgment is coming to every
  • 00:11:43.979 --> 00:11:47.817
  • Nonbeliever because the bible says they'll all stand
  • 00:11:47.817 --> 00:11:51.787
  • Before the great white throne judgment.
  • 00:11:51.787 --> 00:11:54.457
  • But listen, you may not know this, judgment is also coming
  • 00:11:54.457 --> 00:11:57.426
  • To the believer, but it's a different kind of
  • 00:11:57.426 --> 00:12:00.763
  • Judgment than what the nonbeliever faces.
  • 00:12:00.763 --> 00:12:03.733
  • The nonbeliever, when they die, stand before the great white
  • 00:12:03.733 --> 00:12:06.969
  • Throne and if their name is not found written in the book of
  • 00:12:06.969 --> 00:12:09.405
  • Life, they're cast into the lake of fire.
  • 00:12:09.405 --> 00:12:12.475
  • But for the believer, our judgment
  • 00:12:12.475 --> 00:12:15.177
  • Is at the judgment seat of christ.
  • 00:12:15.177 --> 00:12:17.780
  • In 2 corinthians 5:10 says, "we must all appear
  • 00:12:17.780 --> 00:12:20.616
  • Before the judgment seat of christ and each one may
  • 00:12:20.616 --> 00:12:23.953
  • Receive the things done in the body according to what he
  • 00:12:23.953 --> 00:12:27.123
  • Has done, whether it be good or bad."
  • 00:12:27.123 --> 00:12:29.425
  • So this is not a judgment to determine whether or not you get
  • 00:12:29.425 --> 00:12:32.928
  • To heaven because in fact, this judgment takes place
  • 00:12:32.928 --> 00:12:36.232
  • In heaven, this is more like an awards
  • 00:12:36.232 --> 00:12:39.235
  • Ceremony where rewards are given out.
  • 00:12:39.235 --> 00:12:42.471
  • You see, when you faithfully serve the lord, god takes note.
  • 00:12:42.471 --> 00:12:46.275
  • And as the bible says, "your father who sees you
  • 00:12:46.275 --> 00:12:48.844
  • In secret will one day reward you openly."
  • 00:12:48.844 --> 00:12:52.248
  • So the key is just be faithful on what god has set before you.
  • 00:12:52.248 --> 00:12:56.051
  • God will not hold you accountable for
  • 00:12:56.051 --> 00:12:57.987
  • What he has called me to do.
  • 00:12:57.987 --> 00:12:59.755
  • He won't hold me accountable for what he has called you to do.
  • 00:12:59.755 --> 00:13:03.225
  • Each one of us will stand before god, but the good news
  • 00:13:03.225 --> 00:13:06.796
  • Is that rewards will be given out, and i think
  • 00:13:06.796 --> 00:13:09.298
  • There'll be some surprises in heaven.
  • 00:13:09.298 --> 00:13:11.433
  • There'll be people that will be rewarded,
  • 00:13:11.433 --> 00:13:13.469
  • And we'll say, "i never heard of them.
  • 00:13:13.469 --> 00:13:15.638
  • They never pastored a church, they never wrote
  • 00:13:15.638 --> 00:13:17.573
  • A book, they never ran a christian worship
  • 00:13:17.573 --> 00:13:20.242
  • Band, who is this maude ferkinbinder?"
  • 00:13:20.242 --> 00:13:23.512
  • I just made her name up, i don't think she exists, but just some
  • 00:13:23.512 --> 00:13:26.649
  • Little old lady you never heard of before who
  • 00:13:26.649 --> 00:13:29.985
  • Faithfully prayed for others and did what god had
  • 00:13:29.985 --> 00:13:32.488
  • Set before her, and she will be rewarded.
  • 00:13:32.488 --> 00:13:35.758
  • So we'll stand before this judgment,
  • 00:13:35.758 --> 00:13:37.459
  • But the key is be aware that life is short.
  • 00:13:37.459 --> 00:13:40.763
  • There's an afterlife, make every day count.
  • 00:13:40.763 --> 00:13:45.167
  • Live every day as though it were your
  • 00:13:45.167 --> 00:13:46.902
  • Last day, because one day it will be.
  • 00:13:46.902 --> 00:13:50.406
  • Greg: you know, i've heard people say,
  • 00:13:53.642 --> 00:13:54.977
  • "oh, it's so hard to be a christian.
  • 00:13:54.977 --> 00:13:56.512
  • I tried and i failed."
  • 00:13:56.512 --> 00:13:57.913
  • Let me say something that might surprise you.
  • 00:13:57.913 --> 00:14:00.783
  • It's not hard to be a christian.
  • 00:14:00.783 --> 00:14:02.751
  • It's impossible.
  • 00:14:02.751 --> 00:14:04.987
  • Without the help of the holy spirit.
  • 00:14:04.987 --> 00:14:08.090
  • See, with god, all things are possible.
  • 00:14:08.090 --> 00:14:10.693
  • He can give me the strength and the power to live the life
  • 00:14:10.693 --> 00:14:13.662
  • He has called us to live.
  • 00:14:13.662 --> 00:14:15.397
  • Apart from him, the bible says, i can do nothing.
  • 00:14:15.397 --> 00:14:18.667
  • Jesus said that.
  • 00:14:18.667 --> 00:14:20.069
  • But then scripture also tells me, paul speaking,
  • 00:14:20.069 --> 00:14:22.538
  • "i can do all things through christ who strengthens me."
  • 00:14:22.538 --> 00:14:26.408
  • So stop trying to live the christian life
  • 00:14:26.408 --> 00:14:28.911
  • In your own power.
  • 00:14:28.911 --> 00:14:30.546
  • Stop trying to do it in your own strength, and instead say,
  • 00:14:30.546 --> 00:14:34.383
  • "lord, i need your help each and every day."
  • 00:14:34.383 --> 00:14:37.553
  • Greg: point number four, be courageous.
  • 00:14:41.090 --> 00:14:44.827
  • Be courageous. look at verse 8.
  • 00:14:44.827 --> 00:14:47.029
  • "take courage for the coming of the lord is near."
  • 00:14:47.029 --> 00:14:51.367
  • So as i wait for the return of jesus, it should
  • 00:14:51.367 --> 00:14:53.702
  • Cause me to be bold and courageous.
  • 00:14:53.702 --> 00:14:57.673
  • The new english bible translates this verse
  • 00:14:57.673 --> 00:15:00.876
  • As "put iron into your soul."
  • 00:15:00.876 --> 00:15:04.914
  • It's also translated to be resolute.
  • 00:15:04.914 --> 00:15:08.284
  • And by the way, that's the same word that is used
  • 00:15:08.284 --> 00:15:10.319
  • To describe christ going to the cross.
  • 00:15:10.319 --> 00:15:13.222
  • He resolutely set himself to go to jerusalem to be crucified.
  • 00:15:13.222 --> 00:15:18.727
  • We need to be resolute, we need to
  • 00:15:18.727 --> 00:15:21.196
  • Be courageous, we need to be bold.
  • 00:15:21.196 --> 00:15:24.466
  • You say, "well, i'm not bold by nature.
  • 00:15:24.466 --> 00:15:27.469
  • I'm a bit timid and i'm a bit afraid."
  • 00:15:27.469 --> 00:15:29.471
  • Well, you need to get your eyes off of yourself
  • 00:15:29.471 --> 00:15:32.007
  • And put them on the lord and on the afterlife.
  • 00:15:32.007 --> 00:15:36.278
  • And one last point, be trusting.
  • 00:15:36.278 --> 00:15:39.815
  • Be trusting and think of the example of job.
  • 00:15:39.815 --> 00:15:43.585
  • Look at verse 11.
  • 00:15:43.585 --> 00:15:44.920
  • "friends did you know about job, a man of great endurance.
  • 00:15:44.920 --> 00:15:47.589
  • You can see how the lord was kind to him in the end, for the
  • 00:15:47.589 --> 00:15:50.726
  • Lord is full of tenderness and mercy."
  • 00:15:50.726 --> 00:15:53.896
  • Job, by the way, is the oldest book of the bible.
  • 00:15:53.896 --> 00:15:57.066
  • Did you know that?
  • 00:15:57.066 --> 00:15:58.434
  • It was written before the book of genesis.
  • 00:15:58.434 --> 00:16:00.803
  • And in the story of job, we have god's servant, a godly man, so
  • 00:16:00.803 --> 00:16:06.075
  • Godly in fact, that god bragged about him.
  • 00:16:06.075 --> 00:16:09.044
  • And one day the angels of the lord were present
  • 00:16:09.044 --> 00:16:11.380
  • Before the lord and satan was among them
  • 00:16:11.380 --> 00:16:13.749
  • Because satan or lucifer is a fallen angel.
  • 00:16:13.749 --> 00:16:16.919
  • God starts bragging about job, his perfect and upright
  • 00:16:16.919 --> 00:16:20.756
  • Servant who fears god and shuns evil.
  • 00:16:20.756 --> 00:16:23.892
  • And satan pushes back and says, "you've blessed him with
  • 00:16:23.892 --> 00:16:27.529
  • Everything and you put a wall around him."
  • 00:16:27.529 --> 00:16:29.732
  • Satan says, "if you stretch forth your hand
  • 00:16:29.732 --> 00:16:32.201
  • And strike him, he'll curse you."
  • 00:16:32.201 --> 00:16:34.737
  • And then a series of calamities fell upon job.
  • 00:16:34.737 --> 00:16:39.641
  • And the problem with job is he'd never read the book of job.
  • 00:16:39.641 --> 00:16:45.614
  • You know, sometimes people will say, well, look at all the
  • 00:16:45.614 --> 00:16:48.017
  • Calamity that's coming to the life of that christian, they
  • 00:16:48.017 --> 00:16:50.619
  • Must have done something horrible to deserve it.
  • 00:16:50.619 --> 00:16:52.955
  • It could be the very opposite.
  • 00:16:52.955 --> 00:16:56.125
  • It's because of the godliness, not the
  • 00:16:56.125 --> 00:16:58.160
  • Godlessness of job that the hardships came.
  • 00:16:58.160 --> 00:17:02.698
  • So when something happens to you that's inexplicable, that
  • 00:17:02.698 --> 00:17:05.667
  • Doesn't make sense, god has either done it or he's allowed
  • 00:17:05.667 --> 00:17:09.738
  • It and it's for your ultimate good and his glory.
  • 00:17:09.738 --> 00:17:14.343
  • Because he promises that "all things work
  • 00:17:14.343 --> 00:17:16.278
  • Together for good to those that love god and
  • 00:17:16.278 --> 00:17:18.547
  • Are the called according to his purpose."
  • 00:17:18.547 --> 00:17:20.516
  • But what is god's end game?
  • 00:17:20.516 --> 00:17:23.085
  • It's to make us more like jesus.
  • 00:17:23.085 --> 00:17:25.621
  • Here's something people don't often notice.
  • 00:17:25.621 --> 00:17:28.257
  • After romans 8:28, there is romans 8:29.
  • 00:17:28.257 --> 00:17:32.861
  • That's a good insight, isn't it? so let's put it together.
  • 00:17:32.861 --> 00:17:36.932
  • Romans 8:28. we already know this verse.
  • 00:17:36.932 --> 00:17:39.168
  • "all things work together for good of those that love god and
  • 00:17:39.168 --> 00:17:41.737
  • Are the called according to his spirit."
  • 00:17:41.737 --> 00:17:43.939
  • Verse 29, "for those whom he foreknew, he also did
  • 00:17:43.939 --> 00:17:48.010
  • Predestined to be conformed into the image of his own dear son."
  • 00:17:48.010 --> 00:17:52.047
  • Ah, that changes everything.
  • 00:17:52.047 --> 00:17:54.983
  • 'cause i interpret romans 8:28 in an isolated way.
  • 00:17:54.983 --> 00:17:58.487
  • I say well, whatever is happening,
  • 00:17:58.487 --> 00:18:00.189
  • God's gonna make it good.
  • 00:18:00.189 --> 00:18:01.623
  • Bible doesn't promise that, does it?
  • 00:18:01.623 --> 00:18:04.026
  • All things work together for good.
  • 00:18:04.026 --> 00:18:07.162
  • There are bad things that happen to us that are bad when they
  • 00:18:07.162 --> 00:18:10.632
  • Happen, and they'll always have been a bad thing,
  • 00:18:10.632 --> 00:18:14.169
  • But god can bring good despite the bad.
  • 00:18:14.169 --> 00:18:17.106
  • But what is his ultimate objective?
  • 00:18:17.106 --> 00:18:19.508
  • Answer, to make us more like jesus.
  • 00:18:19.508 --> 00:18:23.112
  • "for whom god foreknew, he also predestined to be
  • 00:18:23.112 --> 00:18:25.814
  • Conformed into the image of his own dear son."
  • 00:18:25.814 --> 00:18:29.518
  • So anyway, job just gets up one
  • 00:18:29.518 --> 00:18:31.954
  • Morning and all hell breaks loose.
  • 00:18:31.954 --> 00:18:34.356
  • Everything that could go wrong goes wrong,
  • 00:18:34.356 --> 00:18:36.658
  • And then some more things go wrong.
  • 00:18:36.658 --> 00:18:38.527
  • First of all, his servants are killed, his livestock is killed.
  • 00:18:38.527 --> 00:18:42.631
  • More bad news comes, and then the worst
  • 00:18:42.631 --> 00:18:44.600
  • Of all, his children were dead.
  • 00:18:44.600 --> 00:18:47.936
  • It was so bad.
  • 00:18:47.936 --> 00:18:49.738
  • How's he gonna survive this?
  • 00:18:49.738 --> 00:18:51.707
  • My wife asked me a while ago, "greg, what is the greatest
  • 00:18:51.707 --> 00:18:54.810
  • Miracle that has happened in your life?"
  • 00:18:54.810 --> 00:18:58.013
  • Hmm, i had to think about that.
  • 00:18:58.013 --> 00:19:00.182
  • Think about that for a moment for yourself personally.
  • 00:19:00.182 --> 00:19:02.384
  • What is the greatest miracle that god has done for you?
  • 00:19:02.384 --> 00:19:06.021
  • I said, "well, i would say two things.
  • 00:19:06.021 --> 00:19:08.257
  • Number one, the first miracle is when god literally
  • 00:19:08.257 --> 00:19:12.394
  • Pulled me out of darkness into the light."
  • 00:19:12.394 --> 00:19:15.197
  • No one took the time to share the gospel with me.
  • 00:19:15.197 --> 00:19:18.500
  • No one invited me to an evangelistic event or to church.
  • 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:22.604
  • No one said anything to me.
  • 00:19:22.604 --> 00:19:24.573
  • In fact, when i would hang around in newport beach down at
  • 00:19:24.573 --> 00:19:27.009
  • The fun zone when the christians were out
  • 00:19:27.009 --> 00:19:29.144
  • Giving booklets, they would walk around me.
  • 00:19:29.144 --> 00:19:33.248
  • But i'm walking across my high school campus and i come across
  • 00:19:33.248 --> 00:19:36.485
  • These christians singing songs about jesus,
  • 00:19:36.485 --> 00:19:39.388
  • And i'm intrigued, and i sit down.
  • 00:19:39.388 --> 00:19:41.123
  • I found out just recently that this particular group of
  • 00:19:41.123 --> 00:19:44.293
  • Christians did not normally meet on the front lawn of the school,
  • 00:19:44.293 --> 00:19:48.430
  • They normally met in the science room, but the
  • 00:19:48.430 --> 00:19:51.099
  • Air conditioning was broken that day so they moved
  • 00:19:51.099 --> 00:19:53.435
  • To the front lawn for that time only.
  • 00:19:53.435 --> 00:19:57.072
  • And that was the time i'm walking across the campus.
  • 00:19:57.072 --> 00:19:59.308
  • I would've never walked into a classroom with a bunch of crazy
  • 00:19:59.308 --> 00:20:02.945
  • Christians, but i could sit far enough away where
  • 00:20:02.945 --> 00:20:06.882
  • I could eavesdrop on their conversation.
  • 00:20:06.882 --> 00:20:09.284
  • And i heard the gospel when lonnie frisbee stood up and
  • 00:20:09.284 --> 00:20:12.187
  • Proclaimed it, and i believed in jesus.
  • 00:20:12.187 --> 00:20:15.023
  • I was literally, like, as the bible says
  • 00:20:15.023 --> 00:20:17.359
  • A brand--a bland--bleh--a brand plucked out of the fire.
  • 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:23.832
  • So that was miracle number one, miracle number two, it was when
  • 00:20:23.832 --> 00:20:28.203
  • Cathy and i were able to survive the death of our firstborn son.
  • 00:20:28.203 --> 00:20:32.774
  • "come on, greg, you're a preacher."
  • 00:20:32.774 --> 00:20:34.109
  • I know i'm a preacher, but i'm also a father and i'm also a
  • 00:20:34.109 --> 00:20:37.613
  • Human being, and i was devastated.
  • 00:20:37.613 --> 00:20:40.716
  • When i heard the news that my son had died in an automobile
  • 00:20:40.716 --> 00:20:43.652
  • Accident, i did not know how i could survive it.
  • 00:20:43.652 --> 00:20:47.656
  • If words could kill you, i felt as though those words could have
  • 00:20:47.656 --> 00:20:51.593
  • Killed me on that day, worst thing.
  • 00:20:51.593 --> 00:20:53.695
  • And i thought my life is over, it's ruined.
  • 00:20:53.695 --> 00:20:57.866
  • And even though i've stood behind a pulpit and conducted
  • 00:20:57.866 --> 00:21:00.902
  • Services for parents who've lost their children
  • 00:21:00.902 --> 00:21:04.239
  • And have always tried to say the right thing,
  • 00:21:04.239 --> 00:21:06.708
  • When it happened to me, it was different.
  • 00:21:06.708 --> 00:21:09.077
  • You know, it's one thing when you're up here and the family is
  • 00:21:09.077 --> 00:21:11.113
  • In the front row and you're trying to console them.
  • 00:21:11.113 --> 00:21:13.282
  • It's another thing when you are a member of that family sitting
  • 00:21:13.282 --> 00:21:16.551
  • In that front row thinking about life without your child.
  • 00:21:16.551 --> 00:21:20.756
  • But god was there with us and god has been there with us, and
  • 00:21:20.756 --> 00:21:23.892
  • We just marked 15 years since christopher went to heaven, but
  • 00:21:23.892 --> 00:21:28.597
  • We got through it, and our marriage didn't get weaker, our
  • 00:21:28.597 --> 00:21:32.034
  • Marriage got stronger and our faith grew stronger and deeper.
  • 00:21:32.034 --> 00:21:37.272
  • And i can see how despite this horrible thing coming back to a
  • 00:21:37.272 --> 00:21:41.310
  • Bad thing happening, i'll never look at that event as a good
  • 00:21:41.310 --> 00:21:44.579
  • Thing, i'll always look at it as a horrible tragedy, but i will
  • 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:48.550
  • Say without question that despite how horrible that
  • 00:21:48.550 --> 00:21:52.154
  • Tragedy was, i can see good that has come into my life, into the
  • 00:21:52.154 --> 00:21:56.224
  • Life of my wife, and the life of our son and the life of our
  • 00:21:56.224 --> 00:22:00.195
  • Family as a result of christopher being
  • 00:22:00.195 --> 00:22:02.364
  • Called home unexpectedly to heaven.
  • 00:22:02.364 --> 00:22:05.667
  • We all have our personal miracles, don't we?
  • 00:22:05.667 --> 00:22:07.836
  • Back to job.
  • 00:22:07.836 --> 00:22:09.171
  • He hears the news that his family is gone.
  • 00:22:09.171 --> 00:22:12.341
  • And what does he do?
  • 00:22:12.341 --> 00:22:13.675
  • The bible says that he fell to the ground
  • 00:22:13.675 --> 00:22:15.610
  • And he worshiped the lord.
  • 00:22:15.610 --> 00:22:17.112
  • And he said, "naked came i from my
  • 00:22:17.112 --> 00:22:19.114
  • Mother's womb, naked shall i return.
  • 00:22:19.114 --> 00:22:21.750
  • The lord gives and the lord takes away.
  • 00:22:21.750 --> 00:22:24.219
  • Blessed be the name of the lord."
  • 00:22:24.219 --> 00:22:26.922
  • And he gave god the glory, and then he lost
  • 00:22:26.922 --> 00:22:30.092
  • His health, and he broke out in boils.
  • 00:22:30.092 --> 00:22:33.061
  • Have you ever had a boil before?
  • 00:22:33.061 --> 00:22:35.364
  • Have you ever lanced a boil?
  • 00:22:35.364 --> 00:22:37.766
  • Ooh, he was covered head to toe in boils.
  • 00:22:37.766 --> 00:22:41.470
  • And if that wasn't bad enough, his wife said to him,
  • 00:22:41.470 --> 00:22:43.972
  • "why don't you just curse god and die?"
  • 00:22:43.972 --> 00:22:46.942
  • Thanks for those encouraging words,
  • 00:22:46.942 --> 00:22:48.577
  • Miss job, very, very helpful.
  • 00:22:48.577 --> 00:22:53.148
  • Well, as it's pointed out here in james,
  • 00:22:53.148 --> 00:22:56.017
  • God restored things to job.
  • 00:22:56.017 --> 00:22:58.353
  • He got his possessions back, he got his health back.
  • 00:22:58.353 --> 00:23:02.724
  • You probably wish the lord would've taken his wife, i don't
  • 00:23:02.724 --> 00:23:04.593
  • Know, but he didn't get his children back, did he?
  • 00:23:04.593 --> 00:23:10.766
  • But he knew he would see them again because his hope was in
  • 00:23:10.766 --> 00:23:14.102
  • The return of jesus and the resurrection of the body.
  • 00:23:14.102 --> 00:23:17.639
  • Job, looking ahead to life, said prophetically in job 19, "i know
  • 00:23:17.639 --> 00:23:23.445
  • That my redeemer lives, and after my body is
  • 00:23:23.445 --> 00:23:26.214
  • Decayed, yet in my body, i will see god."
  • 00:23:26.214 --> 00:23:29.785
  • So job has given us an example on how
  • 00:23:29.785 --> 00:23:32.687
  • To trust god in times of uncertainty.
  • 00:23:32.687 --> 00:23:36.057
  • So what are we to do as we await the lord's return?
  • 00:23:36.057 --> 00:23:38.627
  • To review, here are the five points.
  • 00:23:38.627 --> 00:23:40.829
  • Number one, be patient.
  • 00:23:40.829 --> 00:23:42.597
  • Number two, as much as possible, stand
  • 00:23:42.597 --> 00:23:45.167
  • In unity with fellow christians.
  • 00:23:45.167 --> 00:23:47.869
  • Number three, be aware of the afterlife.
  • 00:23:47.869 --> 00:23:50.572
  • Keep your eyes on heaven.
  • 00:23:50.572 --> 00:23:52.040
  • Number four, be courageous.
  • 00:23:52.040 --> 00:23:54.743
  • Number five, be trusting.
  • 00:23:54.743 --> 00:23:58.313
  • Let me loop back to a point i already made.
  • 00:23:58.313 --> 00:24:01.383
  • Why is the lord waiting?
  • 00:24:01.383 --> 00:24:03.118
  • Why is christ not returned yet?
  • 00:24:03.118 --> 00:24:05.454
  • We would all love him to return.
  • 00:24:05.454 --> 00:24:07.556
  • And we'll talk about that in our messages to come because i
  • 00:24:07.556 --> 00:24:11.026
  • Believe the next event on the prophetic
  • 00:24:11.026 --> 00:24:13.128
  • Calendar is the rapture of the church.
  • 00:24:13.128 --> 00:24:15.997
  • When the lord will come in a moment, in the twinkling of an
  • 00:24:15.997 --> 00:24:18.700
  • Eye, the dead in christ shall rise first, and
  • 00:24:18.700 --> 00:24:21.436
  • We which are alive and remaining shall be
  • 00:24:21.436 --> 00:24:23.572
  • Caught up to meet the lord in the air.
  • 00:24:23.572 --> 00:24:26.441
  • And by the way, that word caught up comes from the greek word
  • 00:24:26.441 --> 00:24:29.144
  • Harpazo, and we get our latin translation rapturos from it and
  • 00:24:29.144 --> 00:24:33.915
  • Our english word rapture from it.
  • 00:24:33.915 --> 00:24:36.685
  • So we're caught up to meet the lord in the air.
  • 00:24:36.685 --> 00:24:38.620
  • Call it what you like, the rapture, the
  • 00:24:38.620 --> 00:24:40.522
  • Rapturos, the harpazo, the great escape.
  • 00:24:40.522 --> 00:24:43.258
  • It's all good.
  • 00:24:43.258 --> 00:24:44.826
  • He's gonna come and call us to heaven.
  • 00:24:44.826 --> 00:24:47.629
  • That is the next thing i think will happen
  • 00:24:47.629 --> 00:24:50.298
  • On this calendar of end times events.
  • 00:24:50.298 --> 00:24:53.668
  • But it hasn't happened yet.
  • 00:24:53.668 --> 00:24:55.704
  • Why? the lord's waiting.
  • 00:24:55.704 --> 00:24:57.939
  • What if he was waiting for one person?
  • 00:24:57.939 --> 00:25:01.042
  • What if you actually knew who that person was?
  • 00:25:01.042 --> 00:25:04.412
  • Would you be tempted to put a little pressure on them?
  • 00:25:04.412 --> 00:25:07.883
  • Dude, could you believe so we could all go to heaven already?
  • 00:25:07.883 --> 00:25:10.952
  • Come on.
  • 00:25:10.952 --> 00:25:13.255
  • Imagine if you were that person.
  • 00:25:13.255 --> 00:25:15.323
  • Lord said, "i'm just waiting for you."
  • 00:25:15.323 --> 00:25:17.592
  • And you believe and we're called up to be with the lord.
  • 00:25:17.592 --> 00:25:21.129
  • That's why you need to be ready, because
  • 00:25:21.129 --> 00:25:23.298
  • The bible talks about two in a field.
  • 00:25:23.298 --> 00:25:25.300
  • Jesus actually said this.
  • 00:25:25.300 --> 00:25:26.835
  • "there'll be two in a field, one will be taken
  • 00:25:26.835 --> 00:25:28.770
  • And the other left.
  • 00:25:28.770 --> 00:25:30.105
  • Two will be grinding at a mill,
  • 00:25:30.105 --> 00:25:31.439
  • One will be taken and the other left.
  • 00:25:31.439 --> 00:25:33.775
  • Two will be lying in a bed, one
  • 00:25:33.775 --> 00:25:35.477
  • Will be taken and the other left."
  • 00:25:35.477 --> 00:25:36.978
  • And then he says, "watch therefore, for
  • 00:25:36.978 --> 00:25:38.947
  • You don't know when the lord is coming."
  • 00:25:38.947 --> 00:25:41.416
  • That shows it's a universal event.
  • 00:25:41.416 --> 00:25:43.184
  • Some are working in a field, some are laying in a bed.
  • 00:25:43.184 --> 00:25:46.922
  • So it's gonna happen globally.
  • 00:25:46.922 --> 00:25:49.157
  • But my question for you is, will you be taken to meet the lord?
  • 00:25:49.157 --> 00:25:52.894
  • You have a choice. get right or get left.
  • 00:25:52.894 --> 00:25:56.431
  • Greg: hi, i'm greg laurie, i've got some good news for you.
  • 00:25:57.966 --> 00:26:00.702
  • God loves you, and god has a plan for your life.
  • 00:26:00.702 --> 00:26:04.372
  • Here's the problem: we're separated from god by our sin
  • 00:26:04.372 --> 00:26:07.976
  • Because we've all broken his commandments.
  • 00:26:07.976 --> 00:26:10.845
  • But the good news is that 2,000 years ago, god sent
  • 00:26:10.845 --> 00:26:14.382
  • His son, jesus christ, to die on the cross for your sin,
  • 00:26:14.382 --> 00:26:18.320
  • And then to rise again from the dead.
  • 00:26:18.320 --> 00:26:21.089
  • The same jesus who died and rose is alive and ready
  • 00:26:21.089 --> 00:26:24.492
  • To come into your life right now.
  • 00:26:24.492 --> 00:26:26.728
  • Would you like your sin forgiven?
  • 00:26:26.728 --> 00:26:28.797
  • Would you like to know that when you die you will go to heaven?
  • 00:26:28.797 --> 00:26:31.933
  • If so, pray this simple prayer with me right now.
  • 00:26:31.933 --> 00:26:35.270
  • Just say, "lord jesus, i know i'm a sinner, but i believe
  • 00:26:35.270 --> 00:26:38.773
  • You're the savior who died on the cross for my sin.
  • 00:26:38.773 --> 00:26:42.277
  • I turn from my sin now, and i choose to follow you
  • 00:26:42.277 --> 00:26:45.480
  • From this moment forward."
  • 00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:47.882
  • Did you just pray that prayer with me?
  • 00:26:47.882 --> 00:26:49.985
  • If you did, god in heaven
  • 00:26:49.985 --> 00:26:51.820
  • Has heard you, and i wanna
  • 00:26:51.820 --> 00:26:53.588
  • Send you a new testament
  • 00:26:53.588 --> 00:26:55.223
  • To start reading.
  • 00:26:55.223 --> 00:26:57.459
  • Greg: i'm excited to announce that here at harvest
  • 00:26:57.525 --> 00:26:59.828
  • We partnered with our friends at freewill.
  • 00:26:59.828 --> 00:27:03.331
  • Freewill is an easy to use estate planning tool
  • 00:27:03.331 --> 00:27:06.134
  • That allows you to make planned gifts to organizations
  • 00:27:06.134 --> 00:27:09.337
  • Of your choice.
  • 00:27:09.337 --> 00:27:10.805
  • It's a creative opportunity to support the work we're doing
  • 00:27:10.805 --> 00:27:14.042
  • Here at harvest ministries.
  • 00:27:14.042 --> 00:27:15.744
  • So as you make your plans, i hope you'll consider
  • 00:27:15.744 --> 00:27:18.613
  • Investing in this ministry so we can continue
  • 00:27:18.613 --> 00:27:21.650
  • To preach the gospel and teach the word of god
  • 00:27:21.650 --> 00:27:24.285
  • For years to come.
  • 00:27:24.285 --> 00:27:25.620
  • You can learn more at freewill.com/harvest.
  • 00:27:25.620 --> 00:27:29.010