Greg Laurie - Your Password For Unlocking Revelation

May 7, 2025 | S25:E109

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

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - Your Password For Unlocking Revelation | May 7, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.343
  • Greg laurie: hi, i'm greg laurie,
  • 00:00:00.777 --> 00:00:02.612
  • And i'm so glad you've joined us,
  • 00:00:02.746 --> 00:00:04.614
  • Because god's word is full of promises.
  • 00:00:04.748 --> 00:00:07.150
  • It's alive, it's powerful, and it can change your life.
  • 00:00:07.283 --> 00:00:08.251
  • So let's get started.
  • 00:00:11.054 --> 00:00:12.389
  • ♪ this is the day, ♪
  • 00:00:12.389 --> 00:00:14.958
  • ♪ the day when life begins ♪
  • 00:00:14.958 --> 00:00:19.996
  • ♪ this is the day, ♪
  • 00:00:19.996 --> 00:00:22.732
  • ♪ the day when life begins ♪♪
  • 00:00:22.732 --> 00:00:27.037
  • Greg: do you ever forget your password?
  • 00:00:28.605 --> 00:00:31.641
  • I'm forgetting my passwords all the time,
  • 00:00:31.641 --> 00:00:35.378
  • And i have to reset them and reset them,
  • 00:00:35.378 --> 00:00:38.448
  • And i was on an ipad recently and i got the wrong code
  • 00:00:38.448 --> 00:00:41.551
  • And i was locked out for a period of time.
  • 00:00:41.551 --> 00:00:44.354
  • Have you ever been locked out of anything?
  • 00:00:44.354 --> 00:00:46.222
  • Listen to this.
  • 00:00:46.222 --> 00:00:47.557
  • I know the password to unlocking
  • 00:00:47.557 --> 00:00:49.959
  • The book of revelation.
  • 00:00:49.959 --> 00:00:51.795
  • We might call it the golden key, or the encryption key,
  • 00:00:51.795 --> 00:00:56.232
  • And actually, it's hanging on the front door
  • 00:00:56.232 --> 00:00:58.535
  • Of the first chapter.
  • 00:00:58.535 --> 00:01:00.136
  • And we're gonna make sense of this book
  • 00:01:00.136 --> 00:01:03.239
  • And try to get a handle on all of these things
  • 00:01:03.239 --> 00:01:05.775
  • We hear about, like armageddon.
  • 00:01:05.775 --> 00:01:08.845
  • What is that? the rapture, the second coming.
  • 00:01:08.845 --> 00:01:11.581
  • Same event? or are they two events?
  • 00:01:11.581 --> 00:01:14.050
  • The millennium. what does that even mean?
  • 00:01:14.050 --> 00:01:16.486
  • The 144,000, who are they?
  • 00:01:16.486 --> 00:01:19.422
  • The antichrist, the mark of the beast.
  • 00:01:19.422 --> 00:01:21.524
  • All of these things we hear about,
  • 00:01:21.524 --> 00:01:23.793
  • They're all found here in the book of revelation.
  • 00:01:23.793 --> 00:01:26.596
  • And we're gonna find that golden key together,
  • 00:01:26.596 --> 00:01:29.332
  • That encryption key that i'll share with you
  • 00:01:29.332 --> 00:01:31.701
  • In just a few moments.
  • 00:01:31.701 --> 00:01:33.503
  • And i think we're all very aware of the fact that our world
  • 00:01:33.503 --> 00:01:36.673
  • Is in turmoil right now.
  • 00:01:36.673 --> 00:01:38.675
  • There's a sense of fear in the air.
  • 00:01:38.675 --> 00:01:41.811
  • This is due, in part, to this global pandemic
  • 00:01:41.811 --> 00:01:45.281
  • That was supposed to have come and gone, but it just seems
  • 00:01:45.281 --> 00:01:48.418
  • To go on and on with new strains of the virus,
  • 00:01:48.418 --> 00:01:51.855
  • With no real end in sight at the moment.
  • 00:01:51.855 --> 00:01:55.692
  • It's caused a global economic shutdown.
  • 00:01:55.692 --> 00:01:58.495
  • It's affected people all around the world,
  • 00:01:58.495 --> 00:02:01.698
  • And as we see these things happening,
  • 00:02:01.698 --> 00:02:03.833
  • We understand that they're almost like dominoes,
  • 00:02:03.833 --> 00:02:06.436
  • You know, if you take a lot of dominoes and stack them
  • 00:02:06.436 --> 00:02:09.672
  • Closely together, when the first domino goes,
  • 00:02:09.672 --> 00:02:13.076
  • All the others follow in rapid succession.
  • 00:02:13.076 --> 00:02:16.079
  • That's what the last days' events are like.
  • 00:02:16.079 --> 00:02:18.948
  • The first domino falls, and the others come after.
  • 00:02:18.948 --> 00:02:22.218
  • Let me give you a big picture
  • 00:02:22.218 --> 00:02:24.187
  • Of how i see the end times events.
  • 00:02:24.187 --> 00:02:26.990
  • I believe the next event on the prophetic calendar
  • 00:02:26.990 --> 00:02:30.193
  • Will be the rapture of the church.
  • 00:02:30.193 --> 00:02:32.729
  • The rapture of the church is that event when christ comes
  • 00:02:32.729 --> 00:02:36.099
  • For his church, and we're caught up to meet him in a moment
  • 00:02:36.099 --> 00:02:40.069
  • In the twinkling of an eye.
  • 00:02:40.069 --> 00:02:42.272
  • That could happen at any time.
  • 00:02:42.272 --> 00:02:45.074
  • Following that will probably be the invasion
  • 00:02:45.074 --> 00:02:48.912
  • Of magog against israel.
  • 00:02:48.912 --> 00:02:51.548
  • It could be right after that or a little bit after that,
  • 00:02:51.548 --> 00:02:54.851
  • But it seems like it will be in close proximity
  • 00:02:54.851 --> 00:02:57.720
  • To that event called the rapture.
  • 00:02:57.720 --> 00:03:00.423
  • Also after the rapture, that coming world leader emerges
  • 00:03:00.423 --> 00:03:04.394
  • On the scene called the antichrist,
  • 00:03:04.394 --> 00:03:06.963
  • Also known as the beast.
  • 00:03:06.963 --> 00:03:08.831
  • He effectively inaugurates a seven-year period
  • 00:03:08.831 --> 00:03:12.202
  • Called the great tribulation period.
  • 00:03:12.202 --> 00:03:15.405
  • When antichrist first comes on the scene,
  • 00:03:15.405 --> 00:03:17.640
  • He seems like a good guy.
  • 00:03:17.640 --> 00:03:19.409
  • He seems like a man of peace, a man with economic solutions,
  • 00:03:19.409 --> 00:03:23.913
  • A man who fixes things, but at the halfway point
  • 00:03:23.913 --> 00:03:27.383
  • Of the seven-year tribulation, antichrist shows his true colors
  • 00:03:27.383 --> 00:03:32.255
  • And commits what is called by jesus in matthew 24,
  • 00:03:32.255 --> 00:03:36.125
  • The "abomination of desolation."
  • 00:03:36.125 --> 00:03:39.028
  • He has the jewish temple rebuilt and he erects
  • 00:03:39.028 --> 00:03:42.131
  • An image of himself in it and commands people
  • 00:03:42.131 --> 00:03:45.268
  • To worship him.
  • 00:03:45.268 --> 00:03:47.136
  • Now there's this series of cataclysmic judgments
  • 00:03:47.136 --> 00:03:50.206
  • That fall on the earth for the remainder
  • 00:03:50.206 --> 00:03:52.775
  • Of the tribulation period and everything culminates
  • 00:03:52.775 --> 00:03:55.945
  • In a massive series of battles called armageddon.
  • 00:03:55.945 --> 00:03:59.983
  • Armageddon is from the root word megiddo,
  • 00:03:59.983 --> 00:04:04.520
  • Har mageddon, so it's basically talking about
  • 00:04:04.520 --> 00:04:06.856
  • Where the final wars of mankind will be fought,
  • 00:04:06.856 --> 00:04:10.460
  • And they'll be fought in israel.
  • 00:04:10.460 --> 00:04:12.795
  • Then christ comes back and the second coming,
  • 00:04:12.795 --> 00:04:16.065
  • It's a separate event from the rapture.
  • 00:04:16.065 --> 00:04:18.401
  • In the rapture, he comes for his church.
  • 00:04:18.401 --> 00:04:20.770
  • In the second coming, he returns with his church.
  • 00:04:20.770 --> 00:04:24.707
  • After this we have what is called the millennium.
  • 00:04:24.707 --> 00:04:27.777
  • The millennium means a thousand.
  • 00:04:27.777 --> 00:04:29.579
  • The word "millennium" means a thousand.
  • 00:04:29.579 --> 00:04:31.314
  • And it's the 1000-year reign of christ,
  • 00:04:31.314 --> 00:04:34.984
  • And then heaven and earth become one
  • 00:04:34.984 --> 00:04:38.021
  • As the new jerusalem comes down from heaven
  • 00:04:38.021 --> 00:04:40.657
  • As a bride adorned for her husband.
  • 00:04:40.657 --> 00:04:43.693
  • Amazing things are going to happen,
  • 00:04:43.693 --> 00:04:46.496
  • But the first domino has not yet fallen.
  • 00:04:46.496 --> 00:04:49.399
  • The rapture has not yet taken place.
  • 00:04:49.399 --> 00:04:52.702
  • Yes, we need to understand the times we're living in,
  • 00:04:52.702 --> 00:04:56.072
  • And there's no better book to explain all of that to us
  • 00:04:56.072 --> 00:04:59.609
  • Than the book of revelation,
  • 00:04:59.609 --> 00:05:01.444
  • The last book of the new testament.
  • 00:05:01.444 --> 00:05:04.380
  • The word "revelation" means the unveiling.
  • 00:05:04.380 --> 00:05:08.685
  • Because it is god's desire to unveil, or to reveal.
  • 00:05:08.685 --> 00:05:13.022
  • God does not want to conceal these things from you.
  • 00:05:13.022 --> 00:05:16.225
  • He wants to reveal these things to us.
  • 00:05:16.225 --> 00:05:19.262
  • And bible prophecy is not given to scare us.
  • 00:05:19.262 --> 00:05:22.732
  • It's given to prepare us.
  • 00:05:22.732 --> 00:05:25.301
  • So what does it reveal?
  • 00:05:25.301 --> 00:05:26.669
  • Well, when we come to the book of revelation,
  • 00:05:26.669 --> 00:05:28.571
  • It's like the veil is taken away and i see the spirit world.
  • 00:05:28.571 --> 00:05:32.942
  • The spirit world of angels and demons and god and satan.
  • 00:05:32.942 --> 00:05:37.280
  • The world of heaven and of hell, and the world that shows us
  • 00:05:37.280 --> 00:05:41.617
  • What is coming as well.
  • 00:05:41.617 --> 00:05:43.586
  • Yes, i will learn about the antichrist and his henchmen
  • 00:05:43.586 --> 00:05:48.391
  • In the book of revelation,
  • 00:05:48.391 --> 00:05:50.326
  • But the primary focus of revelation is not antichrist.
  • 00:05:50.326 --> 00:05:55.198
  • It's jesus christ.
  • 00:05:55.198 --> 00:05:57.233
  • Don't waste your time trying to figure out who antichrist is.
  • 00:05:57.233 --> 00:06:01.971
  • Give your attention to who jesus christ is,
  • 00:06:01.971 --> 00:06:04.874
  • Because he is the very center of the book of revelation,
  • 00:06:04.874 --> 00:06:09.145
  • And he's the very center of bible prophecy in general.
  • 00:06:09.145 --> 00:06:12.815
  • Revelation 19:10 says: "the essence of prophecy
  • 00:06:12.815 --> 00:06:16.819
  • Is to give a clear witness for jesus."
  • 00:06:16.819 --> 00:06:20.556
  • Jesus is the centerpiece
  • 00:06:20.556 --> 00:06:22.692
  • And the star and focus of the book of revelation.
  • 00:06:22.692 --> 00:06:28.030
  • And should he not be the centerpiece and star
  • 00:06:28.030 --> 00:06:30.900
  • Of your life and my life as well?
  • 00:06:30.900 --> 00:06:34.070
  • You know, sometimes we can get so caught up
  • 00:06:34.070 --> 00:06:36.439
  • In the study of eschatology, which is a word
  • 00:06:36.439 --> 00:06:39.742
  • That refers to last days' events and so forth,
  • 00:06:39.742 --> 00:06:43.880
  • That we can't see the forest for the trees.
  • 00:06:43.880 --> 00:06:46.382
  • Listen to this.
  • 00:06:46.382 --> 00:06:47.717
  • Bible prophecy is not given to inflate our brains.
  • 00:06:47.717 --> 00:06:51.387
  • It's given to enlarge our hearts.
  • 00:06:51.387 --> 00:06:54.390
  • Understand the book of revelation was written
  • 00:06:54.390 --> 00:06:56.826
  • To believers who were suffering.
  • 00:06:56.826 --> 00:06:59.429
  • In fact, it was written by a believer who was suffering,
  • 00:06:59.429 --> 00:07:03.366
  • Banished to the island of patmos.
  • 00:07:03.366 --> 00:07:05.802
  • I'm talking about the apostle john.
  • 00:07:05.802 --> 00:07:08.571
  • Church tradition tells us
  • 00:07:08.571 --> 00:07:10.239
  • That they tried to boil him in a pot of oil
  • 00:07:10.239 --> 00:07:13.309
  • And were-- and they were unsuccessful
  • 00:07:13.309 --> 00:07:15.545
  • So he was banished to this island
  • 00:07:15.545 --> 00:07:18.181
  • Where the lord gave him this unveiling,
  • 00:07:18.181 --> 00:07:20.383
  • This revelation of things to come.
  • 00:07:20.383 --> 00:07:22.685
  • It's sort of like john was put in a spiritual time machine
  • 00:07:22.685 --> 00:07:26.255
  • And catapulted into the future.
  • 00:07:26.255 --> 00:07:28.591
  • And so, as we look at this book, we need to understand that it
  • 00:07:28.591 --> 00:07:31.527
  • Was meant to be read aloud and give encouragement
  • 00:07:31.527 --> 00:07:35.998
  • To the believers.
  • 00:07:35.998 --> 00:07:37.333
  • See, in the first century, they didn't walk around
  • 00:07:37.333 --> 00:07:38.801
  • With their own bibles like we have today.
  • 00:07:38.801 --> 00:07:41.137
  • So they would read aloud the truths of god
  • 00:07:41.137 --> 00:07:44.340
  • And also this is something
  • 00:07:44.340 --> 00:07:46.275
  • That will be an encouragement to you and i.
  • 00:07:46.275 --> 00:07:49.312
  • Here's something you need to know
  • 00:07:49.312 --> 00:07:50.746
  • About the book of revelation.
  • 00:07:50.746 --> 00:07:52.748
  • It is the only book of the bible
  • 00:07:52.748 --> 00:07:55.351
  • With a built-in blessing attached.
  • 00:07:55.351 --> 00:07:57.987
  • By the way, there is no other book
  • 00:07:57.987 --> 00:07:59.789
  • In the bible with an introduction
  • 00:07:59.789 --> 00:08:02.291
  • And a conclusion quite like this one.
  • 00:08:02.291 --> 00:08:05.394
  • And that blessing is found in revelation chapter 1,
  • 00:08:05.394 --> 00:08:07.797
  • Verse 3, when it says: "blessed," and by the way,
  • 00:08:07.797 --> 00:08:11.000
  • The word "blessed" can also be translated "happy."
  • 00:08:11.000 --> 00:08:13.836
  • So happy or blessed,
  • 00:08:13.836 --> 00:08:16.806
  • "is he who reads and hears the words of this prophecy
  • 00:08:16.806 --> 00:08:21.344
  • And keeps the things that are written in it
  • 00:08:21.344 --> 00:08:24.747
  • For the time is near."
  • 00:08:24.747 --> 00:08:27.016
  • Now, there are three prerequisites necessary
  • 00:08:27.016 --> 00:08:30.253
  • To receive this blessing.
  • 00:08:30.253 --> 00:08:32.321
  • Number one: "blessed is the person who reads it."
  • 00:08:32.321 --> 00:08:35.992
  • I already mentioned that the implication
  • 00:08:35.992 --> 00:08:38.227
  • Of the original language is to read it out loud.
  • 00:08:38.227 --> 00:08:41.230
  • You know, there's something wonderful about reading
  • 00:08:41.230 --> 00:08:43.533
  • Scripture out loud, isn't there?
  • 00:08:43.533 --> 00:08:45.501
  • And we'll do that in just a moment.
  • 00:08:45.501 --> 00:08:47.303
  • So you are to read it.
  • 00:08:47.303 --> 00:08:49.005
  • But you can't just stop there.
  • 00:08:49.005 --> 00:08:51.040
  • Then it says: "and to the person
  • 00:08:51.040 --> 00:08:52.542
  • Who hears the words of this prophecy."
  • 00:08:52.542 --> 00:08:55.177
  • You see, i can read it, but i have to hear it.
  • 00:08:55.177 --> 00:08:58.781
  • And when the bible says "hear something"
  • 00:08:58.781 --> 00:09:01.350
  • It means to have an understanding of it.
  • 00:09:01.350 --> 00:09:06.088
  • It's giving your attention with intention.
  • 00:09:06.088 --> 00:09:10.760
  • Jesus would often say,
  • 00:09:10.760 --> 00:09:12.261
  • "he that has ears to hear, let him hear."
  • 00:09:12.261 --> 00:09:15.531
  • A modern translation of that might be,
  • 00:09:15.531 --> 00:09:17.867
  • "listen up. pay attention.
  • 00:09:17.867 --> 00:09:20.636
  • Hear what is actually being said."
  • 00:09:20.636 --> 00:09:22.405
  • There's nothing magical about simply reading this book.
  • 00:09:22.405 --> 00:09:25.975
  • You need to pray that the holy spirit
  • 00:09:25.975 --> 00:09:28.244
  • Will open up your mind and your heart
  • 00:09:28.244 --> 00:09:30.513
  • To what it is actually saying.
  • 00:09:30.513 --> 00:09:32.815
  • Again, when your focus
  • 00:09:32.815 --> 00:09:34.417
  • Is on jesus and on heavenly things,
  • 00:09:34.417 --> 00:09:36.986
  • It changes you and the way that you live.
  • 00:09:36.986 --> 00:09:39.922
  • The fact is those that think more about heaven
  • 00:09:39.922 --> 00:09:42.658
  • Make the greatest difference here on earth.
  • 00:09:42.658 --> 00:09:46.262
  • This blessing is promised also to the person
  • 00:09:46.262 --> 00:09:48.731
  • Who keeps the things that are written in it.
  • 00:09:48.731 --> 00:09:51.000
  • So first, you have to read it, then you have to hear it,
  • 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:54.070
  • Or perceive it, or understand it,
  • 00:09:54.070 --> 00:09:55.638
  • And thirdly, you must keep these words.
  • 00:09:55.638 --> 00:09:58.240
  • You know, it's interesting to note
  • 00:09:58.240 --> 00:09:59.642
  • That whenever you read passages about the return of christ,
  • 00:09:59.642 --> 00:10:03.512
  • There's always an exhortation attached for us
  • 00:10:03.512 --> 00:10:07.350
  • To live a godly life as a result.
  • 00:10:07.350 --> 00:10:10.553
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:10:10.553 --> 00:10:13.889
  • Greg: you know, the bible says: "all that live godly
  • 00:10:13.889 --> 00:10:16.225
  • In christ jesus will suffer persecution."
  • 00:10:16.225 --> 00:10:19.895
  • If you're living a godly life,
  • 00:10:19.895 --> 00:10:21.364
  • If you're walking closely with jesus,
  • 00:10:21.364 --> 00:10:23.599
  • It's only a matter of time until you will be persecuted
  • 00:10:23.599 --> 00:10:26.969
  • In some way, shape, or form.
  • 00:10:26.969 --> 00:10:28.304
  • So what should you do when it happens?
  • 00:10:28.304 --> 00:10:30.473
  • Jesus says: "rejoice when men revile you and say all kinds
  • 00:10:30.473 --> 00:10:34.577
  • Of evil against you falsely for my sake.
  • 00:10:34.577 --> 00:10:37.346
  • Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for so persecuted the prophets
  • 00:10:37.346 --> 00:10:42.251
  • That were before you."
  • 00:10:42.251 --> 00:10:43.686
  • Make sure you're being persecuted
  • 00:10:43.686 --> 00:10:45.388
  • For the right reason.
  • 00:10:45.388 --> 00:10:46.956
  • Notice he said, "it's for righteousness' sake."
  • 00:10:46.956 --> 00:10:49.258
  • Don't be persecuted for being obnoxious
  • 00:10:49.258 --> 00:10:52.094
  • Or being rude or being mean,
  • 00:10:52.094 --> 00:10:53.562
  • But because you're a righteous follower
  • 00:10:53.562 --> 00:10:56.065
  • Of jesus christ.
  • 00:10:56.065 --> 00:10:57.400
  • But listen to this. god can use persecution.
  • 00:10:57.400 --> 00:11:00.736
  • I read about a company that was shipping codfish
  • 00:11:00.736 --> 00:11:04.206
  • From the east coast to the west coast,
  • 00:11:04.206 --> 00:11:06.342
  • To restaurants there.
  • 00:11:06.342 --> 00:11:07.677
  • And the problem was that the fish was mushy
  • 00:11:07.677 --> 00:11:10.146
  • And not very appetizing.
  • 00:11:10.146 --> 00:11:12.114
  • So they tried freezing it and that didn't help.
  • 00:11:12.114 --> 00:11:14.750
  • Then they shipped it live and it arrived dead.
  • 00:11:14.750 --> 00:11:17.319
  • So someone had the bright idea
  • 00:11:17.319 --> 00:11:19.288
  • To put in the tank that the codfish were shipped
  • 00:11:19.288 --> 00:11:22.358
  • In a catfish, which is the mortal enemy
  • 00:11:22.358 --> 00:11:24.193
  • Of the codfish.
  • 00:11:24.193 --> 00:11:25.528
  • As it turns out, when the codfish arrived,
  • 00:11:25.528 --> 00:11:27.863
  • They were alive and well
  • 00:11:27.863 --> 00:11:29.198
  • 'cause they spent the entire journey
  • 00:11:29.198 --> 00:11:30.700
  • Running from the catfish.
  • 00:11:30.700 --> 00:11:32.668
  • People said it was the most delicious codfish
  • 00:11:32.668 --> 00:11:35.071
  • They had ever eaten.
  • 00:11:35.071 --> 00:11:36.539
  • Maybe god has put a catfish in your tank.
  • 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:39.341
  • And by that i mean someone that gives you a hard time
  • 00:11:39.341 --> 00:11:41.877
  • For your faith.
  • 00:11:41.877 --> 00:11:43.212
  • It could be husband, could be your wife.
  • 00:11:43.212 --> 00:11:45.481
  • It could be your parents.
  • 00:11:45.481 --> 00:11:47.149
  • It could be a co-worker, a neighbor, a family member.
  • 00:11:47.149 --> 00:11:51.821
  • And they're always giving you challenges and ridicule
  • 00:11:51.821 --> 00:11:56.258
  • For your faith in jesus christ.
  • 00:11:56.258 --> 00:11:58.461
  • Rejoice because it's a confirmation
  • 00:11:58.461 --> 00:12:01.964
  • That you are a child of god.
  • 00:12:01.964 --> 00:12:04.400
  • Greg: number two: studying the book of revelation
  • 00:12:06.936 --> 00:12:10.139
  • Unlocks the mystery of history.
  • 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:13.409
  • It unlocks the mystery of history.
  • 00:12:13.409 --> 00:12:16.112
  • We see that god is in control and things are moving
  • 00:12:16.112 --> 00:12:19.548
  • According to a master plan.
  • 00:12:19.548 --> 00:12:22.084
  • This has not been decided by people in government
  • 00:12:22.084 --> 00:12:25.254
  • Or people in power or people in tech
  • 00:12:25.254 --> 00:12:28.023
  • Or people wherever they are.
  • 00:12:28.023 --> 00:12:29.759
  • God is ultimately in control, and he sees the future
  • 00:12:29.759 --> 00:12:34.230
  • As accurately as we see the past.
  • 00:12:34.230 --> 00:12:37.133
  • Now, i mentioned earlier in my introduction
  • 00:12:37.133 --> 00:12:40.302
  • That i have the password, or the encryption key,
  • 00:12:40.302 --> 00:12:44.140
  • Or the golden key, if you will,
  • 00:12:44.140 --> 00:12:45.875
  • For unlocking the book of revelation.
  • 00:12:45.875 --> 00:12:48.577
  • It's in revelation chapter 1, verse 19, when john writes:
  • 00:12:48.577 --> 00:12:53.816
  • "write the things that you have seen,
  • 00:12:53.816 --> 00:12:56.552
  • The things which are, and the things
  • 00:12:56.552 --> 00:12:58.888
  • That will take place after this."
  • 00:12:58.888 --> 00:13:01.791
  • There's three sections to the book of revelation.
  • 00:13:01.791 --> 00:13:05.060
  • Number one, "the things that you have seen."
  • 00:13:05.060 --> 00:13:08.063
  • This is what is being written about here in chapter 1:
  • 00:13:08.063 --> 00:13:11.767
  • The resurrected and glorified christ
  • 00:13:11.767 --> 00:13:14.370
  • With all power in heaven and earth,
  • 00:13:14.370 --> 00:13:16.705
  • The revealed jesus who is in complete control
  • 00:13:16.705 --> 00:13:19.708
  • Of all that is about to happen.
  • 00:13:19.708 --> 00:13:22.077
  • Then there are "the things which are."
  • 00:13:22.077 --> 00:13:24.180
  • This is a reference to the seven churches in chapters 2 to 3
  • 00:13:24.180 --> 00:13:28.951
  • That we'll look at, where we'll get sort of a flyover,
  • 00:13:28.951 --> 00:13:32.288
  • Or a chronological look, at the church
  • 00:13:32.288 --> 00:13:34.690
  • From the early church to the present day.
  • 00:13:34.690 --> 00:13:37.793
  • And finally, number three, "the things that will happen
  • 00:13:37.793 --> 00:13:41.096
  • After these things."
  • 00:13:41.096 --> 00:13:43.432
  • After what things?
  • 00:13:43.432 --> 00:13:44.767
  • After the church is caught up to meet the lord
  • 00:13:44.767 --> 00:13:47.503
  • In what is called the rapture.
  • 00:13:47.503 --> 00:13:49.605
  • We're now living in "the things which are" category.
  • 00:13:49.605 --> 00:13:53.008
  • Let's read now revelation chapter 1.
  • 00:13:53.008 --> 00:13:55.878
  • I'm gonna read verses 1 to 8 out loud,
  • 00:13:55.878 --> 00:13:58.380
  • 'cause there's a blessing attached to doing that,
  • 00:13:58.380 --> 00:14:00.783
  • Isn't there?
  • 00:14:00.783 --> 00:14:02.384
  • Don't you wanna be blessed? read along with me.
  • 00:14:02.384 --> 00:14:04.753
  • "the revelation of jesus christ, which god gave him to show
  • 00:14:04.753 --> 00:14:08.157
  • His servants--things which must shortly take place.
  • 00:14:08.157 --> 00:14:11.927
  • And he sent and signified it by his angel
  • 00:14:11.927 --> 00:14:14.263
  • To his servant john,
  • 00:14:14.263 --> 00:14:15.698
  • Who bore witness to the word of god,
  • 00:14:15.698 --> 00:14:17.600
  • And to the testimony of jesus christ,
  • 00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:20.369
  • Of all the things he saw.
  • 00:14:20.369 --> 00:14:22.171
  • Blessed is he who reads and those who hear
  • 00:14:22.171 --> 00:14:24.673
  • The words of this prophecy,
  • 00:14:24.673 --> 00:14:26.175
  • And keep the things that are written in it;
  • 00:14:26.175 --> 00:14:28.177
  • For the time is near.
  • 00:14:28.177 --> 00:14:29.845
  • John, to the seven churches who are in asia: grace to you
  • 00:14:29.845 --> 00:14:33.582
  • And peace from him who was, who is, and who is to come,
  • 00:14:33.582 --> 00:14:37.319
  • And from the seven spirits who are before his throne,
  • 00:14:37.319 --> 00:14:40.189
  • And from jesus christ, the faithful witness,
  • 00:14:40.189 --> 00:14:43.058
  • The firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings
  • 00:14:43.058 --> 00:14:46.328
  • Of the earth.
  • 00:14:46.328 --> 00:14:47.663
  • And has made us kings and priests to god our father,
  • 00:14:47.663 --> 00:14:51.934
  • To him be glory and dominion forever and ever, amen?
  • 00:14:51.934 --> 00:14:55.871
  • Behold, he is coming with clouds,
  • 00:14:55.871 --> 00:14:58.674
  • And every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.
  • 00:14:58.674 --> 00:15:03.045
  • And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of him.
  • 00:15:03.045 --> 00:15:06.315
  • Even so, amen."
  • 00:15:06.315 --> 00:15:07.983
  • Finally, verse 8, jesus speaking:
  • 00:15:07.983 --> 00:15:10.286
  • "'i am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end,'
  • 00:15:10.286 --> 00:15:13.656
  • Says the lord, 'who is, who was, and who is to come,
  • 00:15:13.656 --> 00:15:18.060
  • The almighty.'"
  • 00:15:18.060 --> 00:15:19.495
  • So here's what we learn from what we have just read.
  • 00:15:19.495 --> 00:15:21.964
  • Number one, revelation reveals that the events
  • 00:15:21.964 --> 00:15:25.200
  • Of the end times are closely linked together.
  • 00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:29.405
  • Verse 1 says these events will shortly take place
  • 00:15:29.405 --> 00:15:33.876
  • Or another translation: what must speedily happen.
  • 00:15:33.876 --> 00:15:37.379
  • We might say, "well, wait,
  • 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:38.714
  • This was written 2,000 years ago."
  • 00:15:38.714 --> 00:15:40.582
  • But this is not referring to soonness,
  • 00:15:40.582 --> 00:15:42.718
  • But to quickness of execution once there is a beginning.
  • 00:15:42.718 --> 00:15:46.322
  • Remember, i said it's like dominoes
  • 00:15:46.322 --> 00:15:48.157
  • Closely linked together.
  • 00:15:48.157 --> 00:15:49.825
  • The idea is when the first one falls,
  • 00:15:49.825 --> 00:15:52.227
  • The others follow in rapid succession.
  • 00:15:52.227 --> 00:15:55.431
  • This is something that once it begins will not stop.
  • 00:15:55.431 --> 00:15:59.168
  • It will go quickly.
  • 00:15:59.168 --> 00:16:00.736
  • The whole machinery of human history will be slipped
  • 00:16:00.736 --> 00:16:04.473
  • Into high gear to run its fatal course into judgment.
  • 00:16:04.473 --> 00:16:09.945
  • Number two: revelation is from jesus christ,
  • 00:16:09.945 --> 00:16:13.282
  • Revealing himself to us.
  • 00:16:13.282 --> 00:16:16.185
  • After all, who's a better source on jesus than jesus?
  • 00:16:16.185 --> 00:16:21.123
  • This is the lord himself revealing himself to each of us.
  • 00:16:21.123 --> 00:16:25.127
  • If the book of revelation is nothing else,
  • 00:16:25.127 --> 00:16:27.496
  • It's a portrait of jesus, a selfie of god, if you will.
  • 00:16:27.496 --> 00:16:32.901
  • And he's presented as the faithful witness.
  • 00:16:32.901 --> 00:16:36.338
  • He's a faithful witness, and man,
  • 00:16:36.338 --> 00:16:38.207
  • We need a faithful witness right now.
  • 00:16:38.207 --> 00:16:40.509
  • We need a trustworthy source.
  • 00:16:40.509 --> 00:16:42.878
  • People are coming unhinged
  • 00:16:42.878 --> 00:16:45.347
  • With all the crazy conspiracy theories
  • 00:16:45.347 --> 00:16:48.884
  • That are out there online
  • 00:16:48.884 --> 00:16:50.652
  • And all these fanciful, weird ideas
  • 00:16:50.652 --> 00:16:53.555
  • About what's going on
  • 00:16:53.555 --> 00:16:54.890
  • And sometimes they take bible truths and hijack them
  • 00:16:54.890 --> 00:16:58.160
  • And attach other things to them.
  • 00:16:58.160 --> 00:17:00.229
  • And we need to distance ourself from all of this
  • 00:17:00.229 --> 00:17:03.198
  • And with a clear-headed way of approaching this
  • 00:17:03.198 --> 00:17:05.934
  • See what the bible says about our future,
  • 00:17:05.934 --> 00:17:09.805
  • And we have no better source to help us with that
  • 00:17:09.805 --> 00:17:12.808
  • Than the true and faithful witness:
  • 00:17:12.808 --> 00:17:14.610
  • Jesus christ.
  • 00:17:14.610 --> 00:17:16.378
  • He always speaks the truth to us
  • 00:17:16.378 --> 00:17:18.947
  • But he always does it in love.
  • 00:17:18.947 --> 00:17:20.949
  • What a contrast to the fickle love
  • 00:17:20.949 --> 00:17:22.918
  • Of our culture today.
  • 00:17:22.918 --> 00:17:24.953
  • Our world loves you when you're young and beautiful.
  • 00:17:24.953 --> 00:17:28.123
  • In contrast, god loves the plain and aging.
  • 00:17:28.123 --> 00:17:31.560
  • Our world loves the famous celebrity
  • 00:17:31.560 --> 00:17:34.029
  • And breathlessly follows their every move
  • 00:17:34.029 --> 00:17:37.166
  • On social media.
  • 00:17:37.166 --> 00:17:39.268
  • In contrast, god loves the unknown nobody.
  • 00:17:39.268 --> 00:17:42.805
  • Our world loves the rich and powerful.
  • 00:17:42.805 --> 00:17:45.607
  • God loves the poor and the weak.
  • 00:17:45.607 --> 00:17:48.477
  • God loves all people.
  • 00:17:48.477 --> 00:17:50.279
  • He loves ordinary people like you and me,
  • 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:53.682
  • And you are loved and because you're loved,
  • 00:17:53.682 --> 00:17:55.984
  • He cleanses you of your sins.
  • 00:17:55.984 --> 00:17:59.121
  • Look at verse 5:
  • 00:17:59.121 --> 00:18:00.456
  • "he washed us from our sins in his own blood."
  • 00:18:00.456 --> 00:18:04.126
  • I want you to notice the past tense of that verse.
  • 00:18:04.126 --> 00:18:07.329
  • In other words, this has already been done.
  • 00:18:07.329 --> 00:18:09.231
  • If you're a christian, god has forgiven you
  • 00:18:09.231 --> 00:18:11.767
  • For all the wrongs that you have done.
  • 00:18:11.767 --> 00:18:14.636
  • Because he loved you, he cleansed you.
  • 00:18:14.636 --> 00:18:17.439
  • John 3:16 says: "for god so loved the world,
  • 00:18:17.439 --> 00:18:20.809
  • He gave his only begotten son, and whoever believes in him
  • 00:18:20.809 --> 00:18:24.213
  • Should not perish but have everlasting life."
  • 00:18:24.213 --> 00:18:27.883
  • We also learned from what we just read
  • 00:18:27.883 --> 00:18:29.685
  • That when christ returns, all the world will know.
  • 00:18:29.685 --> 00:18:33.355
  • Everyone will know when jesus comes back again
  • 00:18:33.355 --> 00:18:36.391
  • In what we call the second coming.
  • 00:18:36.391 --> 00:18:39.094
  • Jesus said, "as the lightning shines
  • 00:18:39.094 --> 00:18:41.029
  • From the east to the west,
  • 00:18:41.029 --> 00:18:42.598
  • So will the coming of the son of man be."
  • 00:18:42.598 --> 00:18:45.033
  • Have you ever seen a lightning storm?
  • 00:18:45.033 --> 00:18:46.535
  • Kind of hard to miss, right?
  • 00:18:46.535 --> 00:18:48.070
  • Lights up the sky.
  • 00:18:48.070 --> 00:18:49.638
  • That's what the second coming will be like.
  • 00:18:49.638 --> 00:18:51.840
  • And verse 7 of revelation 1 says:
  • 00:18:51.840 --> 00:18:54.676
  • "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him."
  • 00:18:54.676 --> 00:19:00.149
  • So christ is gonna return again in an open way.
  • 00:19:00.149 --> 00:19:04.586
  • Also we discover here that revelation gives us
  • 00:19:04.586 --> 00:19:07.789
  • The only description of jesus christ,
  • 00:19:07.789 --> 00:19:12.261
  • And it's largely symbolic.
  • 00:19:12.261 --> 00:19:14.730
  • You know, it's amazing to me that in all the things written
  • 00:19:14.730 --> 00:19:17.299
  • About jesus, four gospels, all the epistles,
  • 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:20.903
  • Could not someone have described what he looked like?
  • 00:19:20.903 --> 00:19:24.406
  • I mean, we do know certain things
  • 00:19:24.406 --> 00:19:26.241
  • About certain bible characters,
  • 00:19:26.241 --> 00:19:28.477
  • But we know nothing about the physical appearance
  • 00:19:28.477 --> 00:19:30.712
  • Of jesus.
  • 00:19:30.712 --> 00:19:32.047
  • Was he tall, was he short? was his hair dark?
  • 00:19:32.047 --> 00:19:35.050
  • Was his hair light-colored? i can tell you this much.
  • 00:19:35.050 --> 00:19:37.786
  • He most likely does not look like the more familiar portrayal
  • 00:19:37.786 --> 00:19:42.758
  • Of him in a lot of the older religious art,
  • 00:19:42.758 --> 00:19:46.595
  • With brownish-blond hair.
  • 00:19:46.595 --> 00:19:49.198
  • No, not at all. i'm sure his skin was dark.
  • 00:19:49.198 --> 00:19:51.366
  • I think his hair was dark.
  • 00:19:51.366 --> 00:19:52.868
  • He was semitic but that's not important.
  • 00:19:52.868 --> 00:19:56.071
  • If it was important, god would have given us
  • 00:19:56.071 --> 00:19:58.507
  • A physical description of him.
  • 00:19:58.507 --> 00:20:00.375
  • But here's the only description of jesus found in the bible.
  • 00:20:00.375 --> 00:20:03.712
  • Again, it is largely symbolic.
  • 00:20:03.712 --> 00:20:05.981
  • Revelation 1, verse 14:
  • 00:20:05.981 --> 00:20:08.083
  • "his head and his hair were white like wool,
  • 00:20:08.083 --> 00:20:10.719
  • And white like snow, his eyes are like a flame of fire;
  • 00:20:10.719 --> 00:20:16.491
  • His feet like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace,
  • 00:20:16.491 --> 00:20:19.962
  • And his voice is as the sound of many waters."
  • 00:20:19.962 --> 00:20:24.166
  • It mentions his eyes being a flame of fire.
  • 00:20:24.166 --> 00:20:26.868
  • That could be literally translated,
  • 00:20:26.868 --> 00:20:28.737
  • "his eyes shot fire."
  • 00:20:28.737 --> 00:20:31.106
  • So it appears that jesus is indignant about something.
  • 00:20:31.106 --> 00:20:35.010
  • There's something he's seen that he's not pleased with.
  • 00:20:35.010 --> 00:20:38.313
  • He sees and knows everything, the bible says.
  • 00:20:38.313 --> 00:20:41.516
  • Everything is open before the one with whom we have to do.
  • 00:20:41.516 --> 00:20:46.555
  • You probably used to think your mother had eyes
  • 00:20:46.555 --> 00:20:48.257
  • In the back of her head, right?
  • 00:20:48.257 --> 00:20:49.591
  • She saw everything. jesus sees everything.
  • 00:20:49.591 --> 00:20:52.894
  • He's aware of everything.
  • 00:20:52.894 --> 00:20:55.697
  • You know, when you meet someone, you look into their eyes
  • 00:20:55.697 --> 00:20:58.667
  • And when a person doesn't wanna make eye contact,
  • 00:20:58.667 --> 00:21:01.103
  • That's usually maybe an indication of something
  • 00:21:01.103 --> 00:21:03.839
  • Not being quite right, but jesus is looking at us.
  • 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:07.576
  • We read in the bible that jesus looked at matthew
  • 00:21:07.576 --> 00:21:10.545
  • And said, "follow me."
  • 00:21:10.545 --> 00:21:12.080
  • We also read that jesus looked at peter after his denial.
  • 00:21:12.080 --> 00:21:15.584
  • He's looking at us; he's looking at you.
  • 00:21:15.584 --> 00:21:18.420
  • And his eyes are filled with fire.
  • 00:21:18.420 --> 00:21:21.890
  • Also, as he looks at us,
  • 00:21:21.890 --> 00:21:24.493
  • He's telling us something that's very important.
  • 00:21:24.493 --> 00:21:26.995
  • And this is my final point.
  • 00:21:26.995 --> 00:21:28.797
  • The book of revelation tells me to not be afraid.
  • 00:21:28.797 --> 00:21:32.200
  • The book of revelation tells me not to be afraid.
  • 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:34.369
  • I know i've said some things that might alarm someone.
  • 00:21:34.369 --> 00:21:37.406
  • "oh, wow.
  • 00:21:37.406 --> 00:21:38.740
  • What is the mark of the beast?
  • 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:40.075
  • And when is the antichrist gonna show up?
  • 00:21:40.075 --> 00:21:41.943
  • And will i have to go through this great tribulation period?"
  • 00:21:41.943 --> 00:21:45.047
  • Here we have this important word in the first chapter
  • 00:21:45.047 --> 00:21:48.884
  • Of this great book: "don't be afraid."
  • 00:21:48.884 --> 00:21:51.053
  • Verse 17: "don't be afraid," says jesus.
  • 00:21:51.053 --> 00:21:54.256
  • "i'm the first and the last.
  • 00:21:54.256 --> 00:21:55.757
  • I am he who lives, and was dead, and behold,
  • 00:21:55.757 --> 00:21:57.993
  • I'm alive forevermore.
  • 00:21:57.993 --> 00:21:59.494
  • And i have the keys of hades and death."
  • 00:21:59.494 --> 00:22:02.531
  • Don't be afraid.
  • 00:22:02.531 --> 00:22:04.299
  • Jesus said, "when you see these things begin to happen,
  • 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:07.336
  • Freak out because you're dead."
  • 00:22:07.336 --> 00:22:09.137
  • No, he didn't say that, did he?
  • 00:22:09.137 --> 00:22:11.340
  • He says, "when you see these things begin to happen,
  • 00:22:11.340 --> 00:22:14.076
  • Look up for your redemption draws near."
  • 00:22:14.076 --> 00:22:17.079
  • Don't be afraid.
  • 00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:18.413
  • See, the problem is we're afraid of the wrong things,
  • 00:22:18.413 --> 00:22:22.084
  • And we're not showing the proper fear of god.
  • 00:22:22.084 --> 00:22:25.921
  • We're afraid of, oh, going to the dentist or being audited
  • 00:22:25.921 --> 00:22:29.491
  • Or someone giving us a hard time.
  • 00:22:29.491 --> 00:22:32.327
  • But we don't reverence and fear god.
  • 00:22:32.327 --> 00:22:34.796
  • The bible says: "the fear of god is the beginning of wisdom."
  • 00:22:34.796 --> 00:22:39.101
  • Now, when the bible tells us to fear god,
  • 00:22:39.101 --> 00:22:41.069
  • It doesn't mean be afraid of god.
  • 00:22:41.069 --> 00:22:43.538
  • It means to have reverence for god.
  • 00:22:43.538 --> 00:22:46.675
  • Have a sense of awe about god. have respect for god.
  • 00:22:46.675 --> 00:22:52.714
  • In fact, the remarkable thing about fearing god
  • 00:22:52.714 --> 00:22:54.850
  • Is that when you fear god, you fear nothing else.
  • 00:22:54.850 --> 00:22:58.053
  • But on the other hand, if you do not fear god,
  • 00:22:58.053 --> 00:23:00.155
  • You fear everything else.
  • 00:23:00.155 --> 00:23:02.557
  • Are you paralyzed with fear right now about things
  • 00:23:02.557 --> 00:23:04.760
  • That can happen if your life is cut short,
  • 00:23:04.760 --> 00:23:07.396
  • If you get the coronavirus or if some other thing happens?
  • 00:23:07.396 --> 00:23:11.233
  • Listen, don't be afraid.
  • 00:23:11.233 --> 00:23:13.268
  • Fear god and when you fear god, you'll have a confidence in him
  • 00:23:13.268 --> 00:23:16.805
  • Because you're trusting in him.
  • 00:23:16.805 --> 00:23:19.007
  • David said: "the lord is the strength of my life.
  • 00:23:19.007 --> 00:23:22.811
  • Of whom then, shall i be afraid?"
  • 00:23:22.811 --> 00:23:25.914
  • When we say, "the lord is the strength of my life,"
  • 00:23:25.914 --> 00:23:28.283
  • We can then say, "of whom then, shall i be afraid?"
  • 00:23:28.283 --> 00:23:31.453
  • Is the lord the strength of your life right now?
  • 00:23:31.453 --> 00:23:34.456
  • If so, don't be afraid.
  • 00:23:34.456 --> 00:23:38.994
  • Greg: maybe god has spoken to your heart and you have seen
  • 00:23:43.131 --> 00:23:47.569
  • Your need for jesus christ.
  • 00:23:47.569 --> 00:23:49.704
  • Jesus christ is the son of god who came from heaven
  • 00:23:49.704 --> 00:23:53.642
  • To this earth.
  • 00:23:53.642 --> 00:23:54.976
  • He was born in a manger, he died in a cross.
  • 00:23:54.976 --> 00:23:58.647
  • He rose again from the dead, why?
  • 00:23:58.647 --> 00:24:00.682
  • Because he loves you,
  • 00:24:00.682 --> 00:24:02.184
  • And he wants a relationship with you.
  • 00:24:02.184 --> 00:24:04.252
  • Listen, i'm not talking about religion.
  • 00:24:04.252 --> 00:24:06.555
  • I don't wanna be a religious person.
  • 00:24:06.555 --> 00:24:08.323
  • I don't think you wanna be one either.
  • 00:24:08.323 --> 00:24:10.392
  • I'm talking about relationship with god.
  • 00:24:10.392 --> 00:24:13.995
  • Jesus who died and rose again stands at the door of your life
  • 00:24:13.995 --> 00:24:18.366
  • And he knocks and he says if you'll hear his voice
  • 00:24:18.366 --> 00:24:21.269
  • And open the door, he will come in.
  • 00:24:21.269 --> 00:24:23.271
  • Question: have you asked jesus christ
  • 00:24:23.271 --> 00:24:25.640
  • To come and live inside of you?
  • 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:27.342
  • You might say, "well, i think so.
  • 00:24:27.342 --> 00:24:28.677
  • I'm not sure."
  • 00:24:28.677 --> 00:24:30.011
  • Hey, if someone moved into your house in the middle
  • 00:24:30.011 --> 00:24:32.047
  • Of the night, do you think you would be aware of it?
  • 00:24:32.047 --> 00:24:34.816
  • I'm sure you would.
  • 00:24:34.816 --> 00:24:36.384
  • And in the same way, if christ has come to live inside of you,
  • 00:24:36.384 --> 00:24:39.287
  • You will know.
  • 00:24:39.287 --> 00:24:40.622
  • And if you don't know, maybe he has not come in yet.
  • 00:24:40.622 --> 00:24:44.392
  • He's just a prayer away.
  • 00:24:44.392 --> 00:24:46.194
  • All you need to do is say, "jesus,
  • 00:24:46.194 --> 00:24:48.096
  • I want this relationship with you.
  • 00:24:48.096 --> 00:24:50.031
  • I want you to forgive me of my sin.
  • 00:24:50.031 --> 00:24:52.434
  • I wanna go to heaven when i die."
  • 00:24:52.434 --> 00:24:54.536
  • Would you like to do that?
  • 00:24:54.536 --> 00:24:55.971
  • Would you like christ to come into your life?
  • 00:24:55.971 --> 00:24:58.607
  • If so, why don't you just pray this simple prayer with me?
  • 00:24:58.607 --> 00:25:01.409
  • You can pray it out loud, or you can pray it
  • 00:25:01.409 --> 00:25:03.678
  • In the quietness of your heart.
  • 00:25:03.678 --> 00:25:06.314
  • But this is a prayer where you're asking jesus christ
  • 00:25:06.314 --> 00:25:08.917
  • To be your savior and lord.
  • 00:25:08.917 --> 00:25:10.919
  • Pray this with me now: lord jesus,
  • 00:25:10.919 --> 00:25:13.788
  • I know that i'm a sinner,
  • 00:25:13.788 --> 00:25:15.657
  • But i know that you're the savior who died
  • 00:25:15.657 --> 00:25:18.793
  • On the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead.
  • 00:25:18.793 --> 00:25:21.930
  • Now come into my life.
  • 00:25:21.930 --> 00:25:24.799
  • I choose to follow you from this moment forward.
  • 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:29.237
  • Thank you for hearing this prayer
  • 00:25:29.237 --> 00:25:31.139
  • And answering this prayer, in jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:25:31.139 --> 00:25:35.944
  • Did you just pray that prayer with me?
  • 00:25:35.944 --> 00:25:38.213
  • If so, i want you to know on the authority of scripture
  • 00:25:38.213 --> 00:25:40.882
  • That christ himself has come to live inside of you.
  • 00:25:40.882 --> 00:25:44.185
  • And i would love to send to you at no charge something
  • 00:25:44.185 --> 00:25:47.556
  • Called the new believer's bible.
  • 00:25:47.556 --> 00:25:49.858
  • It's a very friendly translation of the new testament
  • 00:25:49.858 --> 00:25:52.594
  • You'll find very understandable, and it's filled with hundreds
  • 00:25:52.594 --> 00:25:56.298
  • Of notes that i wrote that will encourage you in this commitment
  • 00:25:56.298 --> 00:26:00.201
  • You've just made to follow jesus.
  • 00:26:00.201 --> 00:26:02.537
  • Let me send that to you at no charge.
  • 00:26:02.537 --> 00:26:04.806
  • And let me be the first to say to you,
  • 00:26:04.806 --> 00:26:06.975
  • Congratulations and welcome
  • 00:26:06.975 --> 00:26:09.444
  • To the family of god.
  • 00:26:09.444 --> 00:26:10.979
  • Greg: greg laurie here.
  • 00:26:12.414 --> 00:26:13.782
  • You know, at harvest ministries we're committing to reaching
  • 00:26:13.782 --> 00:26:16.184
  • Unexpected people in unexpected places with an
  • 00:26:16.184 --> 00:26:19.588
  • Unexpected message.
  • 00:26:19.588 --> 00:26:21.222
  • And thanks to your financial support, we've been able to
  • 00:26:21.222 --> 00:26:25.627
  • Touch people all over the world with the hope of jesus christ.
  • 00:26:25.627 --> 00:26:30.098
  • Your gifts today not only help us reach millions across the
  • 00:26:30.098 --> 00:26:33.868
  • Country through this television program, they also help us to
  • 00:26:33.868 --> 00:26:38.073
  • Bring hope to people in their biggest need, whether through
  • 00:26:38.073 --> 00:26:41.643
  • Our evangelistic events or our relief efforts, together we've
  • 00:26:41.643 --> 00:26:45.580
  • Been able to minister to so many people devastated by the fires
  • 00:26:45.580 --> 00:26:49.718
  • In lahaina on the island of maui.
  • 00:26:49.718 --> 00:26:51.753
  • And also, your support has helped us partner to bring
  • 00:26:51.753 --> 00:26:55.223
  • Medical help in the ongoing conflict in israel.
  • 00:26:55.223 --> 00:26:58.493
  • So i'm asking you today to continue to support this
  • 00:26:58.493 --> 00:27:01.630
  • Ministry so we can do everything possible to fulfill the
  • 00:27:01.630 --> 00:27:05.900
  • Great commission.
  • 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:07.268
  • Let's do this together, and let me say in advance,
  • 00:27:07.268 --> 00:27:10.271
  • Thank you and god bless you.
  • 00:27:10.271 --> 00:27:12.073
  • Female announcer: jesus says that where two or three are
  • 00:27:13.508 --> 00:27:15.910
  • Gathered in my name, there i am in the midst of them,
  • 00:27:15.910 --> 00:27:20.482
  • And you are welcome here.
  • 00:27:20.482 --> 00:27:24.619
  • This is harvest.
  • 00:27:24.619 --> 00:27:24.619