Greg Laurie - Things Jesus Never Said

January 7, 2025 | S25:E6

Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - Things Jesus Never Said | January 7, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.333
  • Greg laurie: you wanna be a happy person?
  • 00:00:05.137 --> 00:00:06.338
  • Don't chase happiness; chase after god.
  • 00:00:06.472 --> 00:00:10.175
  • Live a holy life, and you'll be a happy person.
  • 00:00:10.275 --> 00:00:13.479
  • Happiness is based on what you do, keeping god's word.
  • 00:00:13.612 --> 00:00:16.849
  • It's also based on what you don't do.
  • 00:00:16.982 --> 00:00:19.018
  • ♪ this is the day ♪
  • 00:00:21.954 --> 00:00:24.123
  • ♪ the day when life begins ♪
  • 00:00:24.123 --> 00:00:28.227
  • ♪ this is the day ♪
  • 00:00:29.194 --> 00:00:31.864
  • ♪ the day when life begins ♪♪
  • 00:00:31.864 --> 00:00:36.001
  • Greg: you know, there are certain things we all
  • 00:00:39.838 --> 00:00:41.373
  • Believe to be true because we've heard them forever.
  • 00:00:41.373 --> 00:00:44.877
  • They're called old wives' fables or old wives' tales.
  • 00:00:44.877 --> 00:00:50.049
  • And i'm sorry if you're an old wife, no offense,
  • 00:00:50.049 --> 00:00:53.452
  • But that's what we call them.
  • 00:00:53.452 --> 00:00:55.120
  • And--like, here's one: if you drop food on the floor and pick
  • 00:00:55.120 --> 00:00:59.224
  • It up before five seconds, it's okay, right?
  • 00:00:59.224 --> 00:01:03.062
  • Often called the five-second rule.
  • 00:01:03.062 --> 00:01:05.764
  • Is that true?
  • 00:01:05.764 --> 00:01:07.366
  • No, because bacteria immediately transfers to food.
  • 00:01:07.366 --> 00:01:12.905
  • Here's another one: you can't go swimming after you've eaten
  • 00:01:12.905 --> 00:01:16.475
  • Or you'll get cramps and maybe even drown.
  • 00:01:16.475 --> 00:01:19.411
  • Again, that is simply not true.
  • 00:01:19.411 --> 00:01:22.448
  • Doctors at duke health say that science behind
  • 00:01:22.448 --> 00:01:25.884
  • This tall tale is all wet.
  • 00:01:25.884 --> 00:01:28.187
  • Okay, so, now there are things we hear about god or the bible;
  • 00:01:28.187 --> 00:01:32.624
  • We're told the bible says this, and they're not really
  • 00:01:32.624 --> 00:01:36.528
  • In the bible.
  • 00:01:36.528 --> 00:01:37.863
  • Here's one you've probably heard: god helps those
  • 00:01:37.863 --> 00:01:40.766
  • Who help themselves.
  • 00:01:40.766 --> 00:01:42.634
  • The good book tells us that.
  • 00:01:42.634 --> 00:01:44.069
  • Actually, the good book does not tell you that.
  • 00:01:44.069 --> 00:01:47.272
  • Now, i don't completely disagree with the sentiment of
  • 00:01:47.272 --> 00:01:50.676
  • The statement, god helps those who help themselves.
  • 00:01:50.676 --> 00:01:53.512
  • You might be saying that you're a teenager, you need to go get
  • 00:01:53.512 --> 00:01:56.148
  • A job now and be responsible and--because god helps those
  • 00:01:56.148 --> 00:02:00.752
  • Who help themselves.
  • 00:02:00.752 --> 00:02:02.121
  • Well, that's probably not the one, the thing to say;
  • 00:02:02.121 --> 00:02:04.223
  • You can say it, just don't say the bible says it.
  • 00:02:04.223 --> 00:02:06.825
  • A better verse would be, the bible says, if you don't work,
  • 00:02:06.825 --> 00:02:09.695
  • You won't eat, so get a job.
  • 00:02:09.695 --> 00:02:11.396
  • There you go.
  • 00:02:11.396 --> 00:02:12.898
  • Actually, if you were to take this concept, god helps those
  • 00:02:12.898 --> 00:02:16.168
  • Who help themselves, the truth would be god helps those
  • 00:02:16.168 --> 00:02:19.872
  • Who can't help themselves.
  • 00:02:19.872 --> 00:02:22.207
  • God helps those who need his help.
  • 00:02:22.207 --> 00:02:25.144
  • And so the opposite is actually true.
  • 00:02:25.144 --> 00:02:27.846
  • Here's another one: the bible says,
  • 00:02:27.846 --> 00:02:31.450
  • "cleanliness is next to godliness."
  • 00:02:31.450 --> 00:02:33.318
  • Nice idea; we quote that one when we want someone
  • 00:02:33.318 --> 00:02:37.322
  • To take a shower, but that's not in the bible, okay?
  • 00:02:37.322 --> 00:02:42.294
  • And there are other things that we think are in the bible,
  • 00:02:42.294 --> 00:02:45.164
  • Or they--we think this is what god feels.
  • 00:02:45.164 --> 00:02:46.965
  • Here's one: god is angry at me, and he's out to ruin my life.
  • 00:02:46.965 --> 00:02:51.970
  • Some people believe this, and the very opposite is true.
  • 00:02:51.970 --> 00:02:56.108
  • Nothing could be further from the truth.
  • 00:02:56.108 --> 00:02:59.111
  • God is not mad at you--listen, god is mad about you.
  • 00:02:59.111 --> 00:03:04.750
  • If there's one thing that's clear in the bible from genesis
  • 00:03:04.750 --> 00:03:07.653
  • To revelation, it is this: god loves you.
  • 00:03:07.653 --> 00:03:11.089
  • He loves you, the bible says, "with an everlasting love,
  • 00:03:11.089 --> 00:03:14.860
  • Therefore, with loving kindness, he has drawn you."
  • 00:03:14.860 --> 00:03:18.197
  • 1 john says, "god is love."
  • 00:03:18.197 --> 00:03:20.866
  • "for god so loved the world," jesus said, "he gave his
  • 00:03:20.866 --> 00:03:25.237
  • Only begotten son, and whoever believes in him will not perish
  • 00:03:25.237 --> 00:03:28.907
  • But have everlasting life."
  • 00:03:28.907 --> 00:03:30.275
  • 1 john 3:1 says, "behold, what manner of love the father is
  • 00:03:30.275 --> 00:03:34.446
  • Given unto us, that we should be called the children of god."
  • 00:03:34.446 --> 00:03:39.218
  • So god loves you.
  • 00:03:39.218 --> 00:03:41.119
  • Here's another one we hear people say:
  • 00:03:41.119 --> 00:03:44.156
  • Just follow your heart.
  • 00:03:44.156 --> 00:03:45.857
  • Other variations on this are: the heart wants what it wants.
  • 00:03:45.857 --> 00:03:51.296
  • What does that even mean?
  • 00:03:51.296 --> 00:03:53.098
  • The heart wants what it wants, so i'm gonna do this thing,
  • 00:03:53.098 --> 00:03:56.235
  • And i know you might think it's wrong, but the heart wants
  • 00:03:56.235 --> 00:03:59.805
  • What it wants.
  • 00:03:59.805 --> 00:04:01.139
  • Listen to your heart, and you will find the truth.
  • 00:04:01.139 --> 00:04:03.976
  • So, in our modern culture, we would think of heart
  • 00:04:03.976 --> 00:04:07.679
  • As our emotion.
  • 00:04:07.679 --> 00:04:09.414
  • You know, if someone is not emotional, we might say
  • 00:04:09.414 --> 00:04:12.117
  • They're heartless.
  • 00:04:12.117 --> 00:04:13.585
  • If someone is too emotional, we might say, "well, they wear
  • 00:04:13.585 --> 00:04:16.555
  • Their heart on their sleeve."
  • 00:04:16.555 --> 00:04:19.191
  • And then, if someone doesn't care, we say, "hey, man,
  • 00:04:19.191 --> 00:04:21.460
  • Where's your heart?"
  • 00:04:21.460 --> 00:04:23.028
  • Maybe it's on their sleeve still; i don't know.
  • 00:04:23.028 --> 00:04:25.764
  • But think of all of the songs written about the heart.
  • 00:04:25.764 --> 00:04:28.433
  • Bruce springsteen, he had a hungry heart.
  • 00:04:28.433 --> 00:04:32.004
  • Billy ray cyrus, he had an achy breaky heart, right?
  • 00:04:32.004 --> 00:04:36.908
  • And tony braxton sang un-break my heart.
  • 00:04:36.908 --> 00:04:41.280
  • Maybe that's because billy ray gave her an achy breaky heart,
  • 00:04:41.280 --> 00:04:44.950
  • So she's saying un-break my heart.
  • 00:04:44.950 --> 00:04:47.486
  • But celine dion sorted it all out, and she said
  • 00:04:47.486 --> 00:04:50.822
  • The heart goes on, right?
  • 00:04:50.822 --> 00:04:52.991
  • But what does it even mean when we say follow our heart?
  • 00:04:52.991 --> 00:04:55.627
  • It basically means, i'm gonna go with my emotion.
  • 00:04:55.627 --> 00:04:58.830
  • I'm gonna go with the way i'm feeling about this.
  • 00:04:58.830 --> 00:05:02.134
  • So, should we trust our heart?
  • 00:05:02.134 --> 00:05:05.003
  • Well, the answer is 'no.'
  • 00:05:05.003 --> 00:05:06.605
  • Jeremiah 17:9 says, "the heart is deceitful above all things,
  • 00:05:06.605 --> 00:05:10.942
  • And it's beyond cure: who can understand it?"
  • 00:05:10.942 --> 00:05:14.946
  • No, i'm not gonna follow my heart because my heart
  • 00:05:14.946 --> 00:05:18.650
  • Can misdirect me.
  • 00:05:18.650 --> 00:05:20.118
  • Don't follow your heart; follow god's heart.
  • 00:05:20.118 --> 00:05:23.555
  • In other words, his will.
  • 00:05:23.555 --> 00:05:25.991
  • And how do i discover god's will?
  • 00:05:25.991 --> 00:05:27.759
  • By studying his word.
  • 00:05:27.759 --> 00:05:30.228
  • And, really, what is prayer?
  • 00:05:30.228 --> 00:05:32.564
  • Prayer is aligning myself with god's will.
  • 00:05:32.564 --> 00:05:36.001
  • Jesus said, "if you maintain a living communion with me,
  • 00:05:36.001 --> 00:05:39.504
  • And my words are at home and you, you can ask it once
  • 00:05:39.504 --> 00:05:42.607
  • For yourself whatever your heart desires, and it will be yours."
  • 00:05:42.607 --> 00:05:46.411
  • See, that sounds good, but the idea is, i'm gonna find out
  • 00:05:46.411 --> 00:05:49.848
  • What god's will is and get in sync with it.
  • 00:05:49.848 --> 00:05:53.018
  • See, when i'm following the lord as i should,
  • 00:05:53.018 --> 00:05:55.354
  • My desires will change because my heart has changed.
  • 00:05:55.354 --> 00:05:59.991
  • And god promises, in ezekiel 36:26,
  • 00:05:59.991 --> 00:06:03.328
  • "i will give you a new heart,
  • 00:06:03.328 --> 00:06:06.064
  • And put a new spirit within you."
  • 00:06:06.064 --> 00:06:08.500
  • So then, as we're reminded in psalm 27:4, excuse me, 37:4,
  • 00:06:08.567 --> 00:06:12.971
  • "delight yourself in the lord, and he'll give you the desires
  • 00:06:12.971 --> 00:06:15.640
  • Of your heart."
  • 00:06:15.640 --> 00:06:17.109
  • So, you get in alignment with god, and now your heart changes,
  • 00:06:17.109 --> 00:06:20.011
  • And now your prayers change, and everything changes.
  • 00:06:20.011 --> 00:06:22.981
  • Here's another thing jesus never said: love yourself.
  • 00:06:22.981 --> 00:06:27.352
  • We need to love ourselves more.
  • 00:06:27.352 --> 00:06:30.088
  • The bible even says love yourself.
  • 00:06:30.088 --> 00:06:32.424
  • The bible does not say you need to love yourself.
  • 00:06:32.424 --> 00:06:35.827
  • No, the bible says, "love your neighbor as yourself."
  • 00:06:35.827 --> 00:06:39.564
  • Yeah, so what is the bible really saying?
  • 00:06:39.564 --> 00:06:41.466
  • It's saying, "you already love yourself, that's obvious.
  • 00:06:41.466 --> 00:06:44.536
  • Can you love your neighbor, too?"
  • 00:06:44.536 --> 00:06:46.838
  • See, the bible teaches, "i am to love the lord my god with all
  • 00:06:46.838 --> 00:06:50.375
  • Of my heart, soul, and mind."
  • 00:06:50.375 --> 00:06:52.444
  • I don't need to learn to love myself.
  • 00:06:52.444 --> 00:06:54.813
  • I already love myself, and you already love yourself too.
  • 00:06:54.813 --> 00:06:58.583
  • Sometimes people will say something related to this like,
  • 00:06:58.583 --> 00:07:01.620
  • "i'm trying to find myself."
  • 00:07:01.620 --> 00:07:03.989
  • Usually before they do something really stupid, they'll say,
  • 00:07:03.989 --> 00:07:06.825
  • "i'm just trying to find myself."
  • 00:07:06.825 --> 00:07:09.761
  • You know what?
  • 00:07:09.761 --> 00:07:11.129
  • You wanna find yourself?
  • 00:07:11.129 --> 00:07:12.464
  • Then lose yourself.
  • 00:07:12.464 --> 00:07:13.865
  • Here's what jesus says, "if any man come after me, let him deny
  • 00:07:13.865 --> 00:07:18.069
  • Himself and take up the cross and follow me;--" listen--
  • 00:07:18.069 --> 00:07:21.440
  • "for whoever will lose his life will find it."
  • 00:07:21.440 --> 00:07:24.376
  • If you wanna find yourself, lose yourself.
  • 00:07:24.376 --> 00:07:26.511
  • In other words, give your life to christ.
  • 00:07:26.511 --> 00:07:28.747
  • Here's another one: i deserve to be happy.
  • 00:07:28.747 --> 00:07:33.251
  • Do you?
  • 00:07:33.251 --> 00:07:34.586
  • Yes, the bible even says it.
  • 00:07:34.586 --> 00:07:36.488
  • No, it actually doesn't.
  • 00:07:36.488 --> 00:07:38.190
  • But i deserve to be happy.
  • 00:07:38.190 --> 00:07:40.325
  • There's nothing wrong with that.
  • 00:07:40.325 --> 00:07:42.561
  • Desiring happiness, i think, is prewired in all of us.
  • 00:07:42.561 --> 00:07:46.231
  • It's not unique to modern times.
  • 00:07:46.231 --> 00:07:48.533
  • Way back in ad 397 augustine said, "everyone, whatsoever
  • 00:07:48.533 --> 00:07:53.638
  • His condition, desires to be happy."
  • 00:07:53.638 --> 00:07:57.242
  • Yes, we want to be happy.
  • 00:07:57.242 --> 00:07:58.577
  • Here's the problem.
  • 00:07:58.577 --> 00:07:59.945
  • It's not wrong to be happy; it's not wrong to want to be happy.
  • 00:07:59.945 --> 00:08:03.515
  • It is wrong when you go about trying to find happiness
  • 00:08:03.515 --> 00:08:07.385
  • The wrong way.
  • 00:08:07.385 --> 00:08:09.454
  • Some people say, "well, if i, you know, had a lot of money,
  • 00:08:09.454 --> 00:08:12.757
  • I'd be happier."
  • 00:08:12.757 --> 00:08:14.125
  • "if i had fame, i'd be happy."
  • 00:08:14.125 --> 00:08:15.527
  • "or if i had more power, i'd be happy."
  • 00:08:15.527 --> 00:08:17.896
  • "or if i drove this, i'd be happy."
  • 00:08:17.896 --> 00:08:19.764
  • "or if i lived there, i would be happy."
  • 00:08:19.764 --> 00:08:22.167
  • Or if i use this drug, i'd be happy."
  • 00:08:22.167 --> 00:08:24.903
  • And it isn't the case.
  • 00:08:24.903 --> 00:08:26.771
  • When comedian dave chappelle was starting to make millions
  • 00:08:26.771 --> 00:08:29.608
  • Of dollars, he said he was not happy.
  • 00:08:29.608 --> 00:08:32.043
  • He said, quote, "the higher up i go, for some reason,
  • 00:08:32.043 --> 00:08:35.881
  • The less happy i am."
  • 00:08:35.881 --> 00:08:37.949
  • And that's what people find out.
  • 00:08:37.949 --> 00:08:39.851
  • Now, look, it's not wrong to want happiness, but don't say
  • 00:08:39.851 --> 00:08:42.654
  • You deserve it.
  • 00:08:42.654 --> 00:08:44.022
  • I deserve--no, you don't deserve it.
  • 00:08:44.022 --> 00:08:46.057
  • You want to be technical, you deserve judgment because
  • 00:08:46.057 --> 00:08:49.928
  • We've broken god's commandments.
  • 00:08:49.928 --> 00:08:52.297
  • So don't say to the lord, "give me what i deserve."
  • 00:08:52.297 --> 00:08:55.500
  • The lord would say, "seriously?
  • 00:08:55.500 --> 00:08:57.736
  • Maybe we should not go there."
  • 00:08:57.736 --> 00:09:00.205
  • No, so, you don't deserve to be happy, but there's nothing wrong
  • 00:09:00.205 --> 00:09:04.109
  • With wanting to be happy.
  • 00:09:04.109 --> 00:09:05.710
  • I mean, know this, god is happy.
  • 00:09:05.710 --> 00:09:08.113
  • Did you know that?
  • 00:09:08.113 --> 00:09:09.481
  • Jesus said, "i've told you this to make you completely happy
  • 00:09:09.481 --> 00:09:13.485
  • As i am."
  • 00:09:13.485 --> 00:09:14.853
  • I don't think jesus walked around with a frown on his face
  • 00:09:14.853 --> 00:09:19.057
  • In perpetual sorrow, though it does say in the bible,
  • 00:09:19.057 --> 00:09:21.993
  • He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
  • 00:09:21.993 --> 00:09:25.263
  • That is referring more to that point where he's bearing
  • 00:09:25.263 --> 00:09:28.099
  • The sin of the world.
  • 00:09:28.099 --> 00:09:29.801
  • But i think, in general, jesus was a happy guy.
  • 00:09:29.801 --> 00:09:32.771
  • I think he had a smile on his face, a spring in his step.
  • 00:09:32.771 --> 00:09:36.708
  • I think he was someone everyone wanted to be around,
  • 00:09:36.708 --> 00:09:40.345
  • For the most part.
  • 00:09:40.345 --> 00:09:42.047
  • So, happy is good; wanting happiness is fine.
  • 00:09:42.047 --> 00:09:45.150
  • Paul even writes about the good news from the happy god.
  • 00:09:45.150 --> 00:09:48.620
  • But here's the key: happiness is based on going about it
  • 00:09:48.620 --> 00:09:52.524
  • In the right way.
  • 00:09:52.524 --> 00:09:54.225
  • For instance, the bible says, in luke 11:28, "happy are those
  • 00:09:54.225 --> 00:09:58.063
  • That hear the word of god and keep it."
  • 00:09:58.063 --> 00:10:00.632
  • You wanna be a happy person?
  • 00:10:00.632 --> 00:10:02.000
  • Don't chase happiness; chase after god.
  • 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:05.804
  • Live a holy life, and you'll be a happy person.
  • 00:10:05.804 --> 00:10:09.074
  • Happiness is based on what you do, keeping god's word.
  • 00:10:09.074 --> 00:10:12.510
  • It's also based on what you don't do because psalm 1 says,
  • 00:10:12.510 --> 00:10:16.448
  • "happy is the man--" or woman-- "that does not walk
  • 00:10:16.448 --> 00:10:19.618
  • In the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners,
  • 00:10:19.618 --> 00:10:22.988
  • Or sit in the seat of the scornful.
  • 00:10:22.988 --> 00:10:24.656
  • But their delight is in the word of the lord."
  • 00:10:24.656 --> 00:10:29.094
  • So the bible says happy are the people who's god is the lord.
  • 00:10:29.094 --> 00:10:33.131
  • Greg: i have a boxing glove here signed by manny pacquiao.
  • 00:10:36.401 --> 00:10:40.338
  • Now, because i own this glove--by the way,
  • 00:10:40.338 --> 00:10:43.141
  • Manny's a christian--but because i own this glove,
  • 00:10:43.141 --> 00:10:45.877
  • This does not make me a boxer.
  • 00:10:45.877 --> 00:10:48.046
  • It makes me someone that owns a glove that belongs
  • 00:10:48.046 --> 00:10:50.882
  • To a famous boxer.
  • 00:10:50.882 --> 00:10:52.584
  • I have a football here.
  • 00:10:52.584 --> 00:10:54.052
  • Owning a football does not make me a quarterback, right?
  • 00:10:54.052 --> 00:10:58.123
  • And in the same way, owning a bible doesn't make you a
  • 00:10:58.123 --> 00:11:01.192
  • Christian, it's who you are.
  • 00:11:01.192 --> 00:11:03.595
  • The bible says, "by their fruit you shall know them."
  • 00:11:03.595 --> 00:11:06.698
  • My question for you is: if you were arrested for being a
  • 00:11:06.698 --> 00:11:10.201
  • Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
  • 00:11:10.201 --> 00:11:13.772
  • By evidence, i don't mean how many bibles you have.
  • 00:11:13.772 --> 00:11:16.508
  • I have quite a collection of bibles at home,
  • 00:11:16.508 --> 00:11:18.743
  • Pretty much one for every decade that i've known the lord,
  • 00:11:18.743 --> 00:11:22.447
  • And i don't throw them away, sometimes i give them away,
  • 00:11:22.447 --> 00:11:25.917
  • But the point is it's not how many bibles i have,
  • 00:11:25.917 --> 00:11:28.153
  • It's if the bible has made its way into my heart.
  • 00:11:28.153 --> 00:11:31.256
  • It's not how you mark your bible,
  • 00:11:31.256 --> 00:11:33.191
  • It's how your bible marks you.
  • 00:11:33.191 --> 00:11:35.694
  • It's not even enough to go through the word of god,
  • 00:11:35.694 --> 00:11:38.063
  • The word of god must go through you.
  • 00:11:38.063 --> 00:11:40.965
  • The bible says by their fruit you shall know them.
  • 00:11:40.965 --> 00:11:43.034
  • If people look at your life, your lifestyle,
  • 00:11:43.034 --> 00:11:45.970
  • Your choices, even your language,
  • 00:11:45.970 --> 00:11:48.173
  • Can they tell you're a follower of jesus?
  • 00:11:48.173 --> 00:11:51.576
  • Be someone who's known by their spiritual fruit.
  • 00:11:51.576 --> 00:11:54.446
  • And don't be someone that pretends to be something you are
  • 00:11:54.446 --> 00:11:57.115
  • Not, like me pretending i'm a boxer,
  • 00:11:57.115 --> 00:12:00.185
  • That's called being a poser.
  • 00:12:00.185 --> 00:12:01.619
  • Don't be a poser.
  • 00:12:01.619 --> 00:12:03.054
  • Be a follower of jesus christ.
  • 00:12:03.054 --> 00:12:05.423
  • Greg: we get these cues from culture that tell us
  • 00:12:07.726 --> 00:12:10.795
  • How to think.
  • 00:12:10.795 --> 00:12:12.297
  • But the bible is in direct contrast to what
  • 00:12:12.297 --> 00:12:15.166
  • This world says.
  • 00:12:15.166 --> 00:12:16.534
  • Let me define this world.
  • 00:12:16.534 --> 00:12:18.903
  • The bible says, "love not the world, neither the things
  • 00:12:18.903 --> 00:12:21.940
  • That are in this world; for all that is in the world, the lust
  • 00:12:21.940 --> 00:12:25.276
  • Of the eyes, the lust of the mind, and the pride of life,
  • 00:12:25.276 --> 00:12:29.547
  • Is not of the father, but of the world."
  • 00:12:29.547 --> 00:12:31.950
  • What does that mean?
  • 00:12:31.950 --> 00:12:33.384
  • You know, sometimes well-meaning but misdirected christians
  • 00:12:33.384 --> 00:12:36.821
  • Will misinterpret this.
  • 00:12:36.821 --> 00:12:38.623
  • So, you're enjoying a great burger--
  • 00:12:38.623 --> 00:12:40.358
  • This is an amazing burger.
  • 00:12:40.358 --> 00:12:42.060
  • And they say, "love not the world."
  • 00:12:42.060 --> 00:12:44.729
  • Well, look at that sunset.
  • 00:12:44.729 --> 00:12:46.231
  • Love not the world.
  • 00:12:46.231 --> 00:12:48.166
  • That's a misunderstanding.
  • 00:12:48.166 --> 00:12:50.702
  • The bible, when it speaks of the world, is not speaking
  • 00:12:50.702 --> 00:12:53.505
  • Of creation; it is speaking of a system, a mentality,
  • 00:12:53.505 --> 00:12:58.576
  • A way of thinking that permeates everything in culture today.
  • 00:12:58.576 --> 00:13:03.148
  • It transcends politics; it transcends everything.
  • 00:13:03.148 --> 00:13:07.919
  • It's in academia; it's in social media; it's in movies;
  • 00:13:07.919 --> 00:13:13.024
  • It's in television; it's everywhere.
  • 00:13:13.024 --> 00:13:15.994
  • It's basically the mentality of chasing after whatever makes me
  • 00:13:15.994 --> 00:13:20.231
  • Happy, the mentality of putting 'me' first, the mentality
  • 00:13:20.231 --> 00:13:25.236
  • Of living the way that i want to live, with no rules
  • 00:13:25.236 --> 00:13:28.039
  • Or no restrictions.
  • 00:13:28.039 --> 00:13:29.374
  • And the one in charge of this mentality is the devil.
  • 00:13:29.374 --> 00:13:32.911
  • He's called the god of this world, the prince of the power
  • 00:13:32.911 --> 00:13:36.815
  • Of the air.
  • 00:13:36.815 --> 00:13:38.149
  • So don't love this world or this culture.
  • 00:13:38.149 --> 00:13:41.519
  • The bible gives us an opposite way of thinking.
  • 00:13:41.519 --> 00:13:44.556
  • According to the bible, the way to greatness
  • 00:13:44.556 --> 00:13:47.592
  • Is through humility.
  • 00:13:47.592 --> 00:13:48.927
  • The way to life is through death,
  • 00:13:48.927 --> 00:13:50.929
  • Meaning dying to yourself.
  • 00:13:50.929 --> 00:13:52.630
  • The way to up is down.
  • 00:13:52.630 --> 00:13:54.365
  • The way to happiness is sadness, meaning that i'm sorry
  • 00:13:54.365 --> 00:13:58.736
  • For my sin and i repent of it.
  • 00:13:58.736 --> 00:14:00.071
  • Now find true happiness.
  • 00:14:00.071 --> 00:14:01.639
  • The paradox of the christian life is the more we give,
  • 00:14:01.639 --> 00:14:04.509
  • The more we receive; the more we sacrifice, the more god blesses;
  • 00:14:04.509 --> 00:14:09.080
  • The more we give, he gives.
  • 00:14:09.080 --> 00:14:11.149
  • So, if you wanna find your life, lose it by giving it
  • 00:14:11.149 --> 00:14:14.352
  • To jesus christ.
  • 00:14:14.352 --> 00:14:15.687
  • If you wanna be great, be humble.
  • 00:14:15.687 --> 00:14:18.089
  • If you want self, self-fulfillment,
  • 00:14:18.089 --> 00:14:21.192
  • Seek the fulfillment of others.
  • 00:14:21.192 --> 00:14:23.728
  • The way to up is down; we need god's wisdom,
  • 00:14:23.728 --> 00:14:27.031
  • Not this world's wisdom.
  • 00:14:27.031 --> 00:14:28.867
  • And that's what james talks about in james chapter 3;
  • 00:14:28.867 --> 00:14:32.136
  • Let's read some verses together, starting in verse 13,
  • 00:14:32.136 --> 00:14:35.106
  • Reading down to verse 16, "if you're wise
  • 00:14:35.106 --> 00:14:37.809
  • And you understand god's ways,
  • 00:14:37.809 --> 00:14:39.510
  • Prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works
  • 00:14:39.510 --> 00:14:42.614
  • With the humility that comes from wisdom.
  • 00:14:42.614 --> 00:14:45.583
  • But if you're bitterly jealous and there's selfish ambition in
  • 00:14:45.583 --> 00:14:48.987
  • Your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying.
  • 00:14:48.987 --> 00:14:53.091
  • For jealousy and selfishness are not god's kind of wisdom.
  • 00:14:53.091 --> 00:14:57.562
  • Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic."
  • 00:14:57.562 --> 00:15:01.766
  • Verse 16, "wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition,
  • 00:15:01.766 --> 00:15:05.637
  • There you will find disorder and evil of every kind."
  • 00:15:05.637 --> 00:15:09.674
  • Here's some takeaway truths from what we just read.
  • 00:15:09.674 --> 00:15:12.310
  • If you're taking notes, the first one: we need to live
  • 00:15:12.310 --> 00:15:15.747
  • Our lives god's way, not the way of this world.
  • 00:15:15.747 --> 00:15:19.083
  • We need biblical and godly wisdom.
  • 00:15:19.083 --> 00:15:23.021
  • So james is contrasting the wisdom of this culture and the
  • 00:15:23.021 --> 00:15:27.725
  • Wisdom that comes from god.
  • 00:15:27.725 --> 00:15:31.162
  • When young solomon ascended to the throne, after his father
  • 00:15:31.162 --> 00:15:35.333
  • David had died, the lord appeared to him in a dream.
  • 00:15:35.333 --> 00:15:39.537
  • And the lord said, "solomon, i'll give you whatever
  • 00:15:39.537 --> 00:15:42.373
  • You want."
  • 00:15:42.373 --> 00:15:43.708
  • And i love solomon's request; he said, "lord, give me
  • 00:15:43.708 --> 00:15:46.110
  • An understanding heart so i can govern your people well
  • 00:15:46.110 --> 00:15:49.881
  • And know the difference between right and wrong."
  • 00:15:49.881 --> 00:15:52.984
  • We, too, should pray that prayer.
  • 00:15:52.984 --> 00:15:55.219
  • Lord, i want to know right from wrong.
  • 00:15:55.219 --> 00:15:57.155
  • In fact, we're told earlier, in james 1:5,
  • 00:15:57.155 --> 00:15:59.357
  • "if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of god,
  • 00:15:59.357 --> 00:16:02.060
  • Who gives it generally, and does not hold it back."
  • 00:16:02.060 --> 00:16:05.596
  • Did you know that god wants to reveal his will to you?
  • 00:16:05.663 --> 00:16:09.400
  • But you need to pray about it, say lord, "i need wisdom here.
  • 00:16:09.400 --> 00:16:13.404
  • I need to make the right decision."
  • 00:16:13.404 --> 00:16:15.239
  • And god cares about all those things you deal with in life.
  • 00:16:15.239 --> 00:16:18.476
  • He will give you wisdom, but make sure that you ask
  • 00:16:18.476 --> 00:16:22.313
  • For this wisdom, you know, because you can be smart
  • 00:16:22.313 --> 00:16:26.184
  • And not necessarily wise.
  • 00:16:26.184 --> 00:16:28.753
  • There are smart people that do really stupid things.
  • 00:16:28.753 --> 00:16:33.124
  • I've met people, they have great accomplishments, they have
  • 00:16:33.124 --> 00:16:37.428
  • The degrees on their wall.
  • 00:16:37.428 --> 00:16:38.796
  • We would call them intelligent, but they do
  • 00:16:38.796 --> 00:16:41.532
  • The dumbest things ever.
  • 00:16:41.532 --> 00:16:43.368
  • Wisdom is different than intelligence.
  • 00:16:43.368 --> 00:16:45.903
  • Intelligence is acquiring and applying knowledge
  • 00:16:45.903 --> 00:16:50.208
  • With your skills and life.
  • 00:16:50.208 --> 00:16:51.909
  • But wisdom is learning from the lessons of life,
  • 00:16:51.909 --> 00:16:57.382
  • Hopefully acquiring some wisdom.
  • 00:16:57.382 --> 00:16:59.784
  • But the ultimate source of wisdom is from god and his word
  • 00:16:59.784 --> 00:17:03.988
  • Where we learn how to think biblically.
  • 00:17:03.988 --> 00:17:07.025
  • So a lot of times the way i make decisions is not because
  • 00:17:07.025 --> 00:17:10.261
  • I hear an audible voice from god.
  • 00:17:10.261 --> 00:17:12.764
  • But i think of a biblical principle, what should we do
  • 00:17:12.764 --> 00:17:15.133
  • In this situation?
  • 00:17:15.133 --> 00:17:16.501
  • And then you think of a verse that applies to that,
  • 00:17:16.501 --> 00:17:18.336
  • And you apply it, and then you make your decision.
  • 00:17:18.336 --> 00:17:21.072
  • But god wants to give you this wisdom, and jesus put it
  • 00:17:21.072 --> 00:17:24.042
  • This way; he said, "there are two men that build homes,
  • 00:17:24.042 --> 00:17:27.645
  • One built his house on the rock; the other built his house
  • 00:17:27.645 --> 00:17:30.715
  • On the sinking sand."
  • 00:17:30.715 --> 00:17:32.083
  • And then he says, "and the storms came and beat upon the
  • 00:17:32.083 --> 00:17:34.886
  • House, and the house that was built upon the sand crumbled.
  • 00:17:34.886 --> 00:17:39.290
  • And then the same storms came and beat upon the other house
  • 00:17:39.290 --> 00:17:42.093
  • That was built upon the rock, and it stood strong."
  • 00:17:42.093 --> 00:17:44.629
  • He says, "therefore, whoever hears these sayings of mine
  • 00:17:44.629 --> 00:17:47.899
  • And does not do them, he's the foolish man building
  • 00:17:47.899 --> 00:17:51.536
  • On the sand.
  • 00:17:51.536 --> 00:17:52.870
  • Whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, he's the
  • 00:17:52.870 --> 00:17:55.339
  • Wise man--" or woman--"building his house on the rock."
  • 00:17:55.339 --> 00:17:58.810
  • We choose what kind of wisdom we're gonna have.
  • 00:17:58.810 --> 00:18:02.280
  • Are we gonna be wise, or are we gonna be a fool?
  • 00:18:02.280 --> 00:18:05.349
  • Because wisdom is known by its actions.
  • 00:18:05.349 --> 00:18:08.619
  • Look at verse 13 of james 3, "if you're wise in understanding
  • 00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:11.856
  • God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, good works,
  • 00:18:11.856 --> 00:18:16.294
  • And the humility that comes from wisdom."
  • 00:18:16.294 --> 00:18:18.729
  • If you're really a godly person, if you're really a wise person,
  • 00:18:18.729 --> 00:18:22.967
  • You will live a godly life.
  • 00:18:22.967 --> 00:18:25.803
  • Otherwise, i'm gonna doubt your wisdom.
  • 00:18:25.803 --> 00:18:28.873
  • And, also, you use it with humility.
  • 00:18:28.873 --> 00:18:32.710
  • You know, one of the problems of getting older is you just think
  • 00:18:32.710 --> 00:18:35.346
  • You know everything, right?
  • 00:18:35.346 --> 00:18:37.982
  • And you become the know it all.
  • 00:18:37.982 --> 00:18:40.151
  • So you're sitting maybe at a table with some young people,
  • 00:18:40.151 --> 00:18:42.920
  • And they say something.
  • 00:18:42.920 --> 00:18:44.288
  • You cut them off, "that's wrong.
  • 00:18:44.288 --> 00:18:45.823
  • Let me set you straight."
  • 00:18:45.823 --> 00:18:47.325
  • No one wants to hang out with you.
  • 00:18:47.325 --> 00:18:50.128
  • I mean, you might even be technically correct,
  • 00:18:50.128 --> 00:18:52.997
  • But it's the way you do it.
  • 00:18:52.997 --> 00:18:54.999
  • You should have humility.
  • 00:18:54.999 --> 00:18:56.367
  • You might even learn something from some young people
  • 00:18:56.367 --> 00:18:58.503
  • If you pay attention.
  • 00:18:58.503 --> 00:19:00.204
  • Learn to be a good listener.
  • 00:19:00.204 --> 00:19:01.906
  • And then, when people want to hear your wisdom, you can
  • 00:19:01.906 --> 00:19:04.175
  • Dispense it from your little pedestal you carry around
  • 00:19:04.175 --> 00:19:07.812
  • With you.
  • 00:19:07.812 --> 00:19:10.615
  • But true wisdom is humble.
  • 00:19:10.615 --> 00:19:13.851
  • Here's another thing: true wisdom is known
  • 00:19:13.851 --> 00:19:16.220
  • By its good fruit.
  • 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:17.722
  • Look at verse 17, "the wisdom from above is pure, peace
  • 00:19:17.722 --> 00:19:22.126
  • Loving, gentle at all times, willing to yield to others.
  • 00:19:22.126 --> 00:19:25.663
  • It's full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds.
  • 00:19:25.663 --> 00:19:28.299
  • It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
  • 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:31.502
  • And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace
  • 00:19:31.502 --> 00:19:34.739
  • And reap a harvest of righteousness."
  • 00:19:34.739 --> 00:19:37.742
  • God's wisdom is pure.
  • 00:19:37.742 --> 00:19:40.344
  • This speaks of moral purity.
  • 00:19:40.344 --> 00:19:42.380
  • If you're a wise person, you'll be a pure person in every way.
  • 00:19:42.380 --> 00:19:48.452
  • But also, notice it says, verse 17,
  • 00:19:48.452 --> 00:19:52.423
  • "willing to yield to others."
  • 00:19:52.423 --> 00:19:54.492
  • You don't have to win every argument.
  • 00:19:54.492 --> 00:19:57.128
  • You don't have to dominate every conversation.
  • 00:19:57.128 --> 00:20:00.731
  • And this is true wisdom that's willing to yield to others.
  • 00:20:00.731 --> 00:20:04.835
  • You know, sometimes you just say, "i'll just concede
  • 00:20:04.835 --> 00:20:08.272
  • That to you right now.
  • 00:20:08.272 --> 00:20:09.607
  • We don't need to have a big conflict."
  • 00:20:09.607 --> 00:20:10.942
  • You know, sometimes people take knowledge, and even wisdom,
  • 00:20:10.942 --> 00:20:14.946
  • And they weaponize it.
  • 00:20:14.946 --> 00:20:16.414
  • And by that i mean, they take something that they know
  • 00:20:16.414 --> 00:20:19.350
  • That may or may not be right, and they use it to beat others,
  • 00:20:19.350 --> 00:20:23.721
  • To knock others down, to tear others down.
  • 00:20:23.721 --> 00:20:26.991
  • And then it comes to a point where i don't even care
  • 00:20:26.991 --> 00:20:29.126
  • If you're right; i just don't like the way you do it,
  • 00:20:29.126 --> 00:20:32.563
  • The way that you hurt other people with what you know.
  • 00:20:32.563 --> 00:20:36.100
  • A wise person is not so arrogant to think
  • 00:20:36.100 --> 00:20:39.070
  • They can't learn something.
  • 00:20:39.070 --> 00:20:40.838
  • So what does it say?
  • 00:20:40.838 --> 00:20:42.206
  • It says you should be a peacemaker.
  • 00:20:42.206 --> 00:20:44.475
  • Learn to be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker.
  • 00:20:44.475 --> 00:20:48.145
  • Learn how to be a bridge builder instead of a bridge burner.
  • 00:20:48.145 --> 00:20:52.550
  • Be a stumbling--a stepping stone instead of a stumbling block.
  • 00:20:52.550 --> 00:20:56.754
  • Don't be that person that walks in the room, and everyone goes,
  • 00:20:56.754 --> 00:20:59.090
  • "oh, boy, here we go," you know.
  • 00:20:59.090 --> 00:21:00.491
  • Don't be that person.
  • 00:21:00.491 --> 00:21:02.326
  • Be the one who's full of compassion, the one who will
  • 00:21:02.326 --> 00:21:05.496
  • Give their wisdom when the moment is right, the one
  • 00:21:05.496 --> 00:21:08.933
  • Who learns to listen, the one who builds the bridges.
  • 00:21:08.933 --> 00:21:12.169
  • Okay, one last thought, things jesus never said.
  • 00:21:12.169 --> 00:21:17.174
  • Jesus never said, if you live a good life,
  • 00:21:17.174 --> 00:21:19.543
  • You will go to heaven.
  • 00:21:19.543 --> 00:21:21.846
  • It's amazing to me how even some christians believe this.
  • 00:21:21.846 --> 00:21:24.882
  • They believe that, if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds,
  • 00:21:24.882 --> 00:21:28.452
  • God will let them into heaven.
  • 00:21:28.452 --> 00:21:30.388
  • That's wrong because the bible says, "it's not by works
  • 00:21:30.388 --> 00:21:33.824
  • Of righteousness, which we have done, but according
  • 00:21:33.824 --> 00:21:35.993
  • To his mercy, he saved us."
  • 00:21:35.993 --> 00:21:38.095
  • And ephesians said, "for by grace, you've been saved
  • 00:21:38.095 --> 00:21:40.431
  • Through faith, not of works lest any man should boast."
  • 00:21:40.431 --> 00:21:43.067
  • Let's just play that out.
  • 00:21:43.067 --> 00:21:44.402
  • Let's just, for the sake of a point, say, it's true;
  • 00:21:44.402 --> 00:21:48.806
  • If your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds, god will let you
  • 00:21:48.806 --> 00:21:52.143
  • Into heaven, okay?
  • 00:21:52.143 --> 00:21:53.978
  • Have your good deeds outweighed your bad deeds?
  • 00:21:53.978 --> 00:21:56.947
  • I don't think so.
  • 00:21:56.947 --> 00:21:58.683
  • So, even your own argument is failing, and that's not to even
  • 00:21:58.683 --> 00:22:02.053
  • Mention it's not true to begin with.
  • 00:22:02.053 --> 00:22:04.955
  • Because we've all fallen short of god's glory.
  • 00:22:04.955 --> 00:22:07.224
  • Let's, let me say something that may surprise you.
  • 00:22:07.224 --> 00:22:09.694
  • There's gonna be some, quote, bad people in heaven,
  • 00:22:09.694 --> 00:22:14.632
  • And there's gonna be some, quote, good people in hell.
  • 00:22:14.632 --> 00:22:19.136
  • Does that make sense?
  • 00:22:19.136 --> 00:22:20.705
  • There'll be bad people in heaven.
  • 00:22:20.705 --> 00:22:22.406
  • What do you mean?
  • 00:22:22.406 --> 00:22:23.741
  • I thought heaven was for good people.
  • 00:22:23.741 --> 00:22:25.109
  • No, heaven is for forgiven people.
  • 00:22:25.109 --> 00:22:27.878
  • How about that guy, right?
  • 00:22:27.878 --> 00:22:33.884
  • How about that guy who was crucified next to jesus?
  • 00:22:33.884 --> 00:22:36.620
  • We call him the thief on the cross.
  • 00:22:36.620 --> 00:22:38.889
  • I think he was guilty of a far worse crime than theft.
  • 00:22:38.889 --> 00:22:42.059
  • The romans didn't crucify thieves, but they did
  • 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:45.296
  • Crucify murderers.
  • 00:22:45.296 --> 00:22:47.365
  • He probably had murdered people.
  • 00:22:47.365 --> 00:22:49.934
  • But, whatever his sin or crime was, he was crucified
  • 00:22:49.934 --> 00:22:54.238
  • Next to jesus.
  • 00:22:54.238 --> 00:22:55.573
  • And he said, "lord, remember me when you come
  • 00:22:55.573 --> 00:22:57.875
  • Into your kingdom."
  • 00:22:57.875 --> 00:22:59.243
  • And jesus turned to him and said, "you're gonna have to do
  • 00:22:59.243 --> 00:23:01.579
  • A lot of good works really quickly," right?
  • 00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:05.349
  • No, don't read that in the bible.
  • 00:23:05.349 --> 00:23:08.319
  • Jesus said, "truly, truly, i say to you, today you will be
  • 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:12.723
  • With me in paradise."
  • 00:23:12.723 --> 00:23:14.358
  • I mean, how amazing is that?
  • 00:23:14.358 --> 00:23:15.826
  • And i tell you, that was what you call a deathbed conversion.
  • 00:23:15.826 --> 00:23:19.497
  • And i have prayed with people on their death beds and seen them
  • 00:23:19.497 --> 00:23:23.434
  • Come to christ, people that had their heart hardened against god
  • 00:23:23.434 --> 00:23:28.239
  • For all of their life, but, literally, on their deathbed,
  • 00:23:28.239 --> 00:23:32.343
  • They realize their need for jesus.
  • 00:23:32.343 --> 00:23:34.111
  • And what a joy it is to pray with someone and lead them
  • 00:23:34.111 --> 00:23:37.581
  • To christ and then say, in the authority of scripture,
  • 00:23:37.581 --> 00:23:40.618
  • "you're going to heaven."
  • 00:23:40.618 --> 00:23:42.253
  • How gracious god is.
  • 00:23:42.253 --> 00:23:44.355
  • Yeah, so there'll be bad people in heaven, so to speak, and
  • 00:23:44.355 --> 00:23:47.892
  • There'll be good people in hell.
  • 00:23:47.892 --> 00:23:49.727
  • Now, what does that even mean?
  • 00:23:49.727 --> 00:23:51.662
  • Well, look, if you are good in the sense that you think,
  • 00:23:51.662 --> 00:23:55.132
  • Because of your good works, you're gonna get to heaven,
  • 00:23:55.132 --> 00:23:57.835
  • You're really missing the point because "all have sinned and
  • 00:23:57.835 --> 00:24:01.272
  • Fallen short of god's glory," and one sin is enough
  • 00:24:01.272 --> 00:24:04.341
  • To keep you out of heaven.
  • 00:24:04.341 --> 00:24:06.043
  • The bible says, "if we offend in one point of the law,
  • 00:24:06.043 --> 00:24:08.846
  • We're guilty of all of it."
  • 00:24:08.846 --> 00:24:10.781
  • And the fact is we've sinned a lot more than one time.
  • 00:24:10.781 --> 00:24:14.752
  • Jesus said, "in that final day, many will come to me, saying,
  • 00:24:14.752 --> 00:24:18.489
  • 'lord, lord, did we not prophesy in your name?
  • 00:24:18.489 --> 00:24:21.926
  • Did we not cast out demons in your name?
  • 00:24:21.926 --> 00:24:24.495
  • Did we not do wonderful works in your name?'"
  • 00:24:24.495 --> 00:24:26.864
  • I would update and say, "'did we not receive communion
  • 00:24:26.864 --> 00:24:30.534
  • In your name?
  • 00:24:30.534 --> 00:24:31.869
  • Did we not get baptized in your name?
  • 00:24:31.869 --> 00:24:33.637
  • Did we not attend church in your name?'"
  • 00:24:33.637 --> 00:24:36.173
  • And jesus will say to them, "depart from me; i never knew
  • 00:24:36.173 --> 00:24:39.910
  • You, you workers of iniquity."
  • 00:24:39.910 --> 00:24:42.713
  • See, they knew about him, but they didn't know him.
  • 00:24:42.713 --> 00:24:47.151
  • So, good works will not get you to heaven.
  • 00:24:47.151 --> 00:24:51.021
  • Now, let me close with something jesus did say.
  • 00:24:51.021 --> 00:24:54.358
  • Jesus said, "come unto to me, all of you who are exhausted
  • 00:24:54.358 --> 00:24:57.595
  • With life and are bending beneath its weight.
  • 00:24:57.595 --> 00:25:00.464
  • Come to me, and i will refresh you with rest."
  • 00:25:00.464 --> 00:25:04.535
  • Let's pull some of these elements together.
  • 00:25:04.535 --> 00:25:07.972
  • God does love you.
  • 00:25:07.972 --> 00:25:09.773
  • God will accept you as you are, but he doesn't want to leave you
  • 00:25:09.773 --> 00:25:12.843
  • That way.
  • 00:25:12.843 --> 00:25:14.211
  • God does have a plan for you that's better than your dreams
  • 00:25:14.211 --> 00:25:17.882
  • For yourself.
  • 00:25:17.882 --> 00:25:19.617
  • No, don't follow your heart; follow the lord.
  • 00:25:19.617 --> 00:25:22.786
  • Discover what he has in store for you--in this life
  • 00:25:22.786 --> 00:25:26.457
  • And in the life to come.
  • 00:25:26.457 --> 00:25:27.791
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:25:27.791 --> 00:25:32.596
  • Greg: have you watched the news lately?
  • 00:25:32.596 --> 00:25:34.131
  • It seems like the world is coming apart.
  • 00:25:34.131 --> 00:25:37.034
  • War in the middle east, instability all around us.
  • 00:25:37.034 --> 00:25:41.071
  • And, i'm telling you right now, the bible predicted these things
  • 00:25:41.071 --> 00:25:44.441
  • Would happen in the last days.
  • 00:25:44.441 --> 00:25:46.343
  • But here's what you need to remember.
  • 00:25:46.343 --> 00:25:48.112
  • Jesus said, "when you see these things begin to happen, look up,
  • 00:25:48.112 --> 00:25:52.516
  • For your redemption is drawing near."
  • 00:25:52.516 --> 00:25:54.518
  • He didn't say, "freak out."
  • 00:25:54.518 --> 00:25:55.953
  • He said, "look up."
  • 00:25:55.953 --> 00:25:58.355
  • I want you to know that i've read the last page of the bible,
  • 00:25:58.355 --> 00:26:01.358
  • And we win in the end.
  • 00:26:01.358 --> 00:26:03.093
  • We need hope in this crazy, hopeless world, in this world
  • 00:26:03.093 --> 00:26:07.031
  • Of chaos and confusion.
  • 00:26:07.031 --> 00:26:08.799
  • Jesus christ has everything you're looking for
  • 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:12.536
  • In a relationship with him.
  • 00:26:12.536 --> 00:26:14.939
  • I encourage you to call out to the lord and ask him
  • 00:26:14.939 --> 00:26:19.009
  • To come into your life.
  • 00:26:19.009 --> 00:26:20.678
  • Let me send you, at no charge, a bible to help you get started
  • 00:26:20.678 --> 00:26:25.749
  • In your new relationship with christ.
  • 00:26:25.749 --> 00:26:27.351
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:26:27.351 --> 00:26:30.988
  • Greg: you know, the bible says: "a good person
  • 00:26:30.988 --> 00:26:33.991
  • Leaves an inheritance for their children's children."
  • 00:26:33.991 --> 00:26:37.928
  • God encourages all of us as christians to manage
  • 00:26:37.928 --> 00:26:41.599
  • Our money well so we can be a blessing to our families
  • 00:26:41.599 --> 00:26:45.402
  • And to others.
  • 00:26:45.402 --> 00:26:46.737
  • Harvest has a special gift for you today, an opportunity
  • 00:26:46.737 --> 00:26:50.474
  • To set up a will or a living trust completely free of charge.
  • 00:26:50.474 --> 00:26:55.879
  • Here's how you can learn more.
  • 00:26:55.879 --> 00:26:57.948
  • Greg: i'm excited to announce that here at harvest
  • 00:26:58.015 --> 00:27:00.351
  • We partnered with our friends at freewill.
  • 00:27:00.351 --> 00:27:03.854
  • Freewill is an easy to use estate planning tool
  • 00:27:03.854 --> 00:27:06.657
  • That allows you to make planned gifts to organizations
  • 00:27:06.657 --> 00:27:09.860
  • Of your choice.
  • 00:27:09.860 --> 00:27:11.328
  • It's a creative opportunity to support the work we're doing
  • 00:27:11.328 --> 00:27:14.565
  • Here at harvest ministries.
  • 00:27:14.565 --> 00:27:16.266
  • So as you make your plans, i hope you'll consider
  • 00:27:16.266 --> 00:27:19.136
  • Investing in this ministry so we can continue
  • 00:27:19.136 --> 00:27:22.172
  • To preach the gospel and teach the word of god
  • 00:27:22.172 --> 00:27:24.808
  • For years to come.
  • 00:27:24.808 --> 00:27:26.143
  • You can learn more at freewill.com/harvest.
  • 00:27:26.143 --> 00:27:29.999